Manteca’s per capita water use is creeping back up.

The city overall in September used 524.939 million gallons of water.

Even with a population gain of 2,200 over the past year, the per capita use came in at 7 percent higher than in September 2023. It went from 177.1 to 189.9 gallons per capita.

The per capita use reflects all potable water used by residents, schools, businesses, and other uses.

That said, Manteca is using more than 21 percent less water per capita than in the peak September on record for water use, which was 2013.

The pe capita use in 2013 when the city used 531 million gallons with a population of 72,800 was 243 gallons

Much of the reduction compared to 2013 was due to the city’s decision over 14 years ago to shift as much park watering as it could to non-potable wells.

A change in front yard landscaping for new homes that limited the area that could be covered with lawn plus the city’s grass to drought resistant planting rebate program has also reduced per capita use as Manteca has grown..

The single biggest use of potable water in Manteca is landscaping with grass by far being the lion’s share.

The bottom line — as far as established state conservation targets are concerned — is Manteca is consuming a little more than 15 percent less water than in 2015.

The upward bump from last year in per capita water use is being attributed to a hotter than usual September that increased the demand for landscape irrigation.

In regards to landscape watering in Manteca:

*It is allowed on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at street addresses ending in an even number.

*It is allowed  on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at street addresses ending in an odd number.

*It is banned at any location between the hours of noon to 6 p.m. on any day.

*Is prohibited at all locations and all times on Monday.

*It is not allowed during and within 48  hours following measurable (at a minimum any amount of rainfall that generates runoff or puddles) rainfall.

The following areas — and/or situations — are not subject to watering limitations:

*All locations within 30 days of new landscape installation.

*Manteca public golf course, city parks, the City Hall complex, and Manteca Unified School District landscaping.

*Private parks or other landscaped areas larger than four acres.

*Landscape irrigation exclusively using drip irrigation and/or micro spray irrigation system.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletiin.com