Last Updated on July 20, 2024 by The HD Post Staff

CALIFORNIA – The Department of Water Resources’ (DWR) Making Conservation a California Way of Life framework is requiring, by 2040, water companies statewide to reduce water supply to their customers. 

They say the framework is an effort to help communities adapt to California’s ongoing water challenges. DWR says the state is experiencing large swings between dry and wet weather exacerbated by climate change.

Vernon may need to reduce by 92%

The new state rules, adopted July 8, require water suppliers serving 95% of Californians to meet water budgets for their area.

Although individual households are not required to reduce their consumption, the department is mandating that water suppliers follow these regulations.

In order for suppliers to get customers to use less water, they will offer rebates, and other incentives to ensure compliance with the new law.

DWR estimates that the $4.7 billion cost through 2050 to comply will be passed onto customers.

Interactive tool

Users can search DWR’s interactive tool for their water supplier to find out how much water reduction is required.

Some suppliers will not have to reduce their supplies while others may have cuts.

The city of Vernon with a population of around 300 people may have to reduce their water use by 92%. 

Suppliers including the San Bernardino County Service Area No. 70J and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power may not need to reduce their water supply.

To use the interactive tool, users can find their water supplier in the “Supplier” drop down menu. The tool will provide the percentage of how much water reduction the supplier may need to make.

To find your water supply reduction click here.

For more information about the Making Conservation a California Way of Life framework visit https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/conservation_portal/water-use-explorer/

RELATED: Water Board discuss a $1000 daily fine on water suppliers who don’t reduce water for residents by 9%