Western Water Rolls Back Drought Restrictions by Western Water May 31, 2023 Member Submitted News RIVERSIDE – After a record-breaking wet winter, Western Municipal Water District (Western Water) rolled back drought restrictions due to significantly improved water supply conditions across the state during their Board meeting on May 17, 2023, concluding that the stricter stage 2 drought restrictions were no longer needed. Under Stage 1, Western Water maintains its permanent water use efficiency regulations, urging customers to continue reducing water use by up to 10 percent. This includes watering landscapes between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. and regularly inspecting irrigation systems for leaks and damaged sprinklers. Customers are encouraged to adopt additional water-saving practices like installing self-adjusting, weather-based irrigation controllers and replacing old appliances with certified low-flow alternatives. “We applaud the efforts of our water-conscious customers who have played a vital role in meeting our goals, safeguarding our water supply for present and future generations, and successfully doing their part during drought,” said Board President Mike Gardner. “Water efficiency has become a fundamental part of Southern California’s culture, regardless of the weather or season.” To make water-efficient lifestyles easier, Western Water offers a variety of customer support programs that provide even more money-saving rebates for replacing water-thirsty lawns and inefficient home appliances. The program includes free landscape efficiency surveys and easy-to-follow DIY landscape sample designs. Despite the challenges posed by the historic drought, Western Water continued to meet the needs of its customers thanks to proactive investments. Western Water continually works to advance large-scale stormwater, recycling, and water quality programs to further our water supply goals. For example, the agency is advancing water supply reliability through several efforts, including preparing to purchase excess water available this year and storing it in its local groundwater basins for future dry years. Western Water also invests in innovative infrastructure projects, including groundwater wells, treatment, and conveyance facilities. “While our agency is doing our part to invest in local supply, it is only one piece of the puzzle,” said General Manager Craig Miller. “To move the needle on a statewide level, Western Water is spearheading an effort to join water interests across California to establish statewide water supply targets while requiring the State, water community, and stakeholders to follow through on comprehensive, long-term water supply solutions that will transform water management in California. Western Water supports Senate Bill 366, the California Water for All initiative, which would transform California water management so that instead of managing for scarcity, the State will work toward water supply targets to ensure we have enough water for communities, agriculture, and the environment. To learn more about Western’s water supply conditions, visit WesternWaterCA.gov/WaterSupply. To learn what is needed to resolve California’s long-term water supply crisis, visit CAWaterForAll.com. Stay updated on the latest projects, programs, and news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ### Western Municipal Water District (Western Water) is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County, providing water and wastewater (sewer) services to nearly a million people, both retail and wholesale customers who live, work, and play within 527-square miles in one of California’s most populous regions. Learn more: WesternWaterCA.gov
