The State Water Resource Board reported that this year California reduced another 31% of water usage in solely the month of July. Cities throughout California have experienced varying degrees of success in terms of compliance to the statewide mandate to conserve water during the drought. In the region of Southern California, Claremont has skyrocketed past its 13.3% mandate to the number one water-saving city, with a whopping 45% of water reduction citywide.

However, Claremont is struggling to retain that title of number one in Southern California. Many yards and green fields have been left to waterless dirt and dried plants, leaving many unsure as to where the remainder of Claremont’s water is going. The city is pouring its remaining resources into saving its trees despite the severe statewide water restrictions. According to the Claremont Courier, city arborists are maintaining careful observation over its 24,000 public trees to prevent them from rotting out and falling over due to lack of water. For the few trees that do die, the arborists identify

them and work on plans to uproot them.

The drought has taken a dramatic toll on the city, but the people of Claremont remain confident in their ability to maintain the title of the number one water-saving city in Southern California. People all over Claremont have been doing their part to help save water during the drought.

“My family made the tough decision to redesign our yard in order to conserve water. It was difficult at first to lose our green grass and garden, but this was for the greater good of the city,” sophomore David Hines said.

CHS students have made it their responsibility to make changes, big and small, in order to conserve water.

“I only water my grass twice a week, and I’ve reduced my shower time from 10 minutes to 6 minutes once a day,” junior Tyler Allen said.

The Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Claremont, Sam Pedroza, specializes in providing direction to the city staff and to communicate with Claremont residents over the issue. He works closely with all council members to develop plans of action on how to implement the water saving program that is developed by staff.

“Our goal is to help residents understand what needs to be done and why we need to be progressive on water conservation,” Pedroza said. “I am happy to report that each of our council members, including myself, have all provided good examples of water cutting in our own homes. The feeling is that we are all in this together and we will get through the drought together.”

Clearly, all of Claremont has been working hard to reduce mass water usage with minor differences. Together as a city, Claremont retains its position as the number one water-saving city in Southern California