From running sinks in classrooms to water bottles sitting on top of desks, evidence of an ongoing drought may be well concealed.

Despite San Ramon’s suburban setting, students, teachers and administrators are affected by the drought and fight to conserve water.

San Ramon Valley Unified School District administrators are making plans to save water throughout the entire district.

Craig Cesco, the district director of maintenance and grounds, said the district is currently looking to reduce water utilization by installing drip irrigation systems in the landscaped areas of all schools.

These systems save water by dripping water at the base of each plant, allowing the water to seep down to the plant’s roots instead of watering the whole plant.

“This work is scheduled over many years,” said Cesco.  “But every new installed drip system will save water and cost to the district.”

The first drip irrigation system was installed a few years ago at the Education Center in Danville.

Older installations that have been helping decrease water consumption for several years include the low-flow toilets and urinals at schools, said Cesco.

Meanwhile, Cal students attempt to conserve water when at home.

“I used to take 10 to 15 minute showers,” said junior Caitlyn Lowe.  “Now I take five minute showers.”

Sophomore Briana Vaesau saves water while taking showers by turning off the shower head whenever she lathers up with soap.

“You can catch cold shower water for watering plants,” suggested science teacher Andrew White.

While many are content with their own efforts at conservation, a few individuals plan to spread awareness of the drought to others.

Junior Jeff Chen, president of the Cal Youth Environmental Services Club (Y.E.S. Club), is among the many students looking into ways to promote water conservation.

“The purpose of our club is to improve the environment through community service, raise awareness of current environmental issues, and alleviate these issues as much as possible,” said Chen.  “We are not currently doing anything regarding the drought, but the drought is definitely something we can look into.”

Chen said the club would begin tackling the drought situation by asking Cal families to turn off their lawn sprinklers, which would save a fair amount of water while not drastically affecting the lives of family members.

“There are many great ways to save water,” said Chen.  “Wash the car less, don’t use the dishwater quite as often, and take shorter showers.  Only use the laundry machine when it is completely filled with clothes. Only use the dishwasher when it is completely filled with dishes.”

In order to get all students to fully participate in the effort to conserve water, White believes that it is essential for students to know the significance of water in regions beyond the San Ramon Valley, especially in agricultural areas.

“Water impacts the economy,” said White.  “We could spread drought awareness by somehow showing people what the outcome of repeated water waste could be.  Without enough water to irrigate crops, farmers would be unemployed and prices for food would shoot up.”

Junior Stephen Iota agrees with White.

“People are in need of water,” said Iota.  “It is important to think of those who need it even more than we do.”

After declaring a drought emergency in California on Jan. 17, Gov. Jerry Brown asked all citizens to voluntarily cut back their current water use by at least 20 percent.

Brown hopes it will rain soon, but until then, he urges all to do their parts.

According to www.drought.gov, the Bay Area is now classified as being in a state of “extreme drought.”

“We must conserve [water],” said Lowe.  “Water is important to our lives because we need water every day.  We can’t just run out of it.”