Heat wave affects water use, people's health in region

City and county departments are offering up a variety of advice for residents concerning the heat wave currently taking place.

The City of Porterville Water Utilities Division announced that it is important to consider water conservation as the temperature climbs.

“With the heat the way it is, we would ask people to help conserve water so there will be plenty for everyone to use,” Water Utilities Superintendent Richard Mulvihill said.

Mulvihill cited sprinklers as the biggest possible water wasters.

“Ways to conserve [water] include running full loads in washing machines and fixing leaky faucets or toilets,” he said.

The Tulare County Office of Emergency Services is asking people to ensure personal safety by staying cool by following some “extreme heat” tips:

-- Drink lots of fluids to maintain hydration.

-- Dress in loose, light-weight clothing.

OES officials, through a news release issued Monday, said those with chronic health conditions, especially, are vulnerable to the rising temperatures because certain medications are known to inhibit the body’s ability to control temperature.

The heat also worsens the quality of the air, which can aggravate any respiratory symptoms that are already present, OES officials report.

Ramona Contreras, Sierra View District Hospital’s marketing director, said people should try to avoid the hottest time of day.

“When venturing out into the heat, try and stay in the shade as much as possible,” she said.

Contreras said the hospital had no heat-related emergencies as of Monday afternoon.

The City of Porterville has established a series of cooling centers, which are available Monday through Friday during regular business hours for the rest of the summer: City Hall, the Public Transit Center, the Porterville Public Li­brary, and the Porterville Heritage Community Center.

-- Contact Sarah de Crescenzo at 784-5000, Ext. 1045, or sdecrescenzo@portervillerecorder.com.