Emergency drought regulation update from the State of California

By Agencies
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Effective June 10, 2022, the State of California adopted emergency regulations for urban water conservation.

In response to California’s third consecutive year of drought conditions, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted the emergency regulation on May 24, 2022.

The emergency regulation places a ban on irrigation of non-functional or decorative grass for commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) sectors.

Ventura Water is also required to implement demand reduction actions.

“The City of Ventura remains one of the largest cities in Southern California that relies solely on its own local water supplies,” shared Ventura Water General Manager Gina Dorrington. “Through the years, our community has worked together to make conservation a Ventura way of life through simple action steps that add up to big water savings. We’re asking local residents to join the City in voluntarily helping us reduce water consumption.”

Each year, Ventura Water evaluates the City’s water supply and demand, while considering future needs, challenges, and uncertainties relating to Ventura’s water supply reliability. The annual Comprehensive Water Resources Report (CWRR), assesses the City’s water supply sources including Lake Casitas, Ventura River, and local groundwater basins.

While the results of the annual report indicated that the City is not in a current water shortage event, the City Council approved the expansion of public outreach and education to encourage residents to voluntarily reduce water use by 20 percent in support of statewide emergency regulations.

The City of Ventura is doing its part by turning off irrigation at all non-functional turf at its facilities and reducing watering times at various parks and recreational areas.

At this time, single-family residential properties in the City of Ventura are encouraged to reduce water use by 20 percent.

Stricter measures, including implementing water shortage rates and mandatory outdoor watering restrictions, could go into effect if demand reductions are not achieved through voluntary efforts.

For local drought updates, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/DroughtUpdate.

To learn more about Ventura Water’s incentives and rebate programs for water efficiency, visit www.CityofVentura.ca.gov/WaterRebates.