California's water crisis, from Chancellor Blumenthal

February 4, 2014

To: UCSC Community
From: Chancellor George Blumenthal
Re: California's water crisis

As I'm sure you know, California is in the throes of a serious drought.

Representatives from every local water agency gathered last week, collectively calling attention to a situation that becomes more worrisome with each passing sunny day (see Santa Cruz Sentinel story). In support of Gov. Brown's recent designation of a statewide drought, members of the Santa Cruz City Council have asked residents to voluntarily reduce water consumption by 20 percent.

As members of the Santa Cruz community, it's critical that we participate in the city's call for this reduction.
Many of you may have already taken steps in recent weeks or months to reduce your water intake. Whether you live on campus or off, there are a number of ways you can do so; tips are available online at this campus web site. Imagine the collective impact if we all step up to this challenge. It would make a real difference.
Institutionally, the campus has integrated water conservation into our campus planning efforts and sustainability goals, and we are committed to meeting UC's systemwide goals for water use.

Water is precious, and this drought serves to remind us of the necessity to use it wisely. With no relief in sight, please do your part to immediately reduce demand on the city's water system. Thank you.