CONTRA COSTA COUNTY (KRON) — California is in the midst of a major drought, leaving water at a premium.
With the state issuing mandatory and voluntary water cuts for residents, refineries are trying to do their part when it comes to conserving water.
There are three refineries within the Contra Costa Water District’s service area; Shell’s Martinez plant, Tesoro’s Golden Eagle Facility, and USS Posco Industries.
The water district is asking that the refineries reduced their processed water use by five percent.
Water district spokesperson Jennifer Allen says that water is what’s used to make their products and cool their machinery. Those are necessities for the plant to run efficiently, so Allen understands it could be a challenge. “We want them to conserve, but we understand that may be a little more difficult in order to achieve the higher percentage of conservation,” explained Allen.
The spokesperson said that processed water at the refineries makes up about 20 percent of the district’s water use. She went on to say that the refineries have been cooperating with the district on finding ways to lower consumption.
Allen said that for water not used for processing, the plant is being held to the same standards as all residents. “At the same time, those same businesses are required to meet the same 25-percent indoor water-use or 45-percent reduction in their landscaping water use that doesn’t have anything to do with the process water at the plant,” said Allen.