State Parks Shut Off Beach Showers in Attempt to Conserve Water

California is shutting off the showers at state-run beaches to save water, meaning surfers and sunbathers will have to be creative this summer when it comes time to shake off the sand.

Being crusted in sand and salt after a fun day at the beach might be price we have to pay for having fun at the beach and being stuck together in this devastating drought, but there are still ways to clean yourself off without the rinse stations.

Although the department has already met Gov. Jerry Brown’s 25 percent reduction of water use mandate, some parks and beaches will have to take additional measures such as turning off sinks and replacing them with hand sanitizers, or by installing low-flow toilets and faucets. The most populous USA state is in the fourth year of a catastrophic drought that has cost billions to its agricultural sector and prompted its first-ever mandatory cutbacks in urban water use. The department is hoping to conserve about 18 million gallons of water annually with the shutoffs, based on the estimated use of over 1.2 gallons per shower or rinse. The state also suggests bringing water from home.

The state parks will begin shutting off rinse stations as early as July 15. “That is not a good idea”, Sara Israelsson told the newspaper as she finished rinsing at a public shower at Santa Monica State Beach. “It is important for all Californians to conserve water at home, at work and even when recreating outdoors”.

Thousands of beachgoers will soon feel the drought’s impact in the dry shower heads of dozens of state beaches.