Drought
What are the stages of drought?
To ensure that we maintain safe, clean, and reliable water service to our residential and business customers in all climates and seasons, Cal Water follows a set of drought severity stages to determine the level of water conservation and assess potential water-use restrictions.
The 6 stages of Drought:
Stage 1
When Stage 1 drought conditions are declared:
- We implement policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by 10 percent.
- Residential and business customers are subject to water-use restrictions
- Outdoor irrigation is subject to limited times
- Leak repairs must be made in a timely manner
- Shut-off nozzles are required when using a hose to wash a car
- Outdoor watering is prohibited within 48 hours of rain
Stage 1 violators are subject to:
- Installation of water measurement devices
- Fines of up to $50 for subsequent violations
- Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators
Stage 2
When Stage 2 drought conditions are declared:
- We implement policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by 20 percent
- Residential and business customers are subject to additional water-use restrictions
- Outdoor irrigation by residential and business customers is limited further to 1-3 days per week, depending on local ordinance
- Use of non-recirculating systems in all new conveyer car wash and commercial laundry systems are prohibited
- Use of single pass cooling systems in new connections is prohibited
Stage 2 violators are subject to:
- Installation of water measurement devices
- Fines of up to $100 for subsequent violations
- Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators
Stage 3
When Stage 3 drought conditions are declared:
- We implement policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by 30 percent
- Residential and business customers are subject to additional water-use restrictions
- Water usage for construction and dust control is prohibited
- Irrigation of ornamental turf on public street medians is prohibited
- Filling ornamental lakes or ponds is prohibited
Stage 3 violators are subject to:
- Installation of water measurement devices
- Fines of up to $200 for subsequent violations
- Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators
Stage 4
When Stage 4 drought conditions are declared:
- We implement policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by 40 percent
- Residential and business customers are subject to additional water-use restrictions
- Vehicle washing is prohibited, except with recirculated water or low-volume systems
- Use of water for recreational purposes, such as water parks, is prohibited
- Filling swimming pools is prohibited
Stage 4 violators are subject to:
- Installation of water measurement devices
- Fines of up to $400 for subsequent violations
- Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators
Stage 5
When Stage 5 drought conditions are declared:
- We implement policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by 50 percent
- Residential and business customers are subject to additional water-use restrictions
- Net zero demand increase is required on new water service connections
- Single-pass cooling systems are prohibited
- Swimming pool covers are required
Stage 5 violators are subject to:
- Installation of water measurement devices
- Fines of up to $800 for subsequent violations
- Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators
Stage 6
When Stage 6 drought conditions are declared:
- We implement policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by more than 50 percent
- Residential and business customers are subject to additional water-use restrictions
- All landscape irrigation is prohibited
- New water service connections are prohibited
Stage 6 violators are subject to:
- Installation of water measurement devices
- Fines of up to $1,600 for subsequent violations
- Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators
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Explore FAQs
Find answers to common questions about billing, water quality, conservation programs, and more in our comprehensive FAQ section.
Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the current drought stage?
Currently, all districts within Cal Water’s service areas are in drought Stage 1. Please be sure to continue observing any local ordinances in effect.
Why are there water restrictions?
While California has received significant rainfall in 2023 so far, the state has frequently endured drought conditions over the years. It’s important that all customers use water wisely to ensure there is enough water for everyday and emergency needs, especially as drought periods get more frequent, longer, and more severe.
Who imposes these restrictions?
Currently, local and/or regional water providers determine how these reductions are achieved. If we are not able to reduce usage enough, the state could implement mandatory water-use reduction requirements. Additionally, in some cases, regional suppliers, such as the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California can enforce reduction requirements on local providers that receive water from them.
Why restrictions rather than water budgets?
Cal Water prefers to achieve greater water-use reductions by engaging and educating customers about voluntarily conserving water and avoiding water waste. Our customers have done a great job stepping up and saving water in the past, and we hope they will respond to the call to reduce water use again.
When will restrictions go into effect?
Watering restrictions are in effect now. We will inform all affected customers by mail if there are any modifications to the current restrictions.
Does Cal Water anticipate stricter restrictions?
Cal Water prefers to avoid moving to stricter levels by engaging with and informing customers about conserving water voluntarily. Our customers have done a great job stepping up and saving water when needed, and we are hopeful that our customers will respond to the need to reduce water use again.
Our Water Resource Sustainability Team continues to monitor supply and demand on an ongoing basis. Any future decisions will be based on our assessment of local supply and demand conditions. That said, we hope to achieve the needed reductions voluntarily so that we don’t have to implement additional restrictions for customers.
