Drought Updates 

Governor lifts 15% conservation directiveCalifornia Drought Map April 2023

On March 24, 2023, Governor Newsom lifted the 15% conservation directive. CVWD returned to Level 1 of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP). The State's ban on watering ornamental grass on commercial properties remains in place.

Drought penalties are no longer active

CVWD stopped drought penalties on April 1, 2023. 

Level 1 Conservation Actions are always in effect

  • 1.1 Applying any water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures is prohibited. 
  • 1.2 Using any water in a fountain or other decorative water feature is prohibited, unless the water recirculates.
  • No 1.3 Applying water to driveways, sidewalks, concrete or asphalt is prohibited unless to address immediate health and safety needs. Reasonable pressure washer or water broom use is permitted.
  • No 1.4 Spray irrigation of outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after rainfall of 0.10 inches is prohibited.
  • 1.5 Using a hose to wash a vehicle, windows, or solar panels is prohibited unless an automatic shut-off nozzle or pressure washer is used.
  • 1.6 Broken sprinklers shall be repaired within five business days of notification by agency, and leaks shall be repaired as soon as practical.
  • 1.7 Draining and refilling of private swimming pools is discouraged, unless necessary for health and safety or leak repair.
  • 1.8 Hotels will provide guests the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily.
  • 1.9 Agency shall discourage overseeding.
  • 1.10 Agency shall provide rebates for landscape efficiency.
  • 1.11 Agency shall offer water use surveys/audits.
  • 1.12 Agency shall provide rebates on plumbing fixtures and devices

State ban on watering ornamental grass remains in effect:

  1. Irrigation of non-functional turf is prohibited at commercial, industrial and institutional sites including HOAs.
  2. Non-functional/ornamental means turf that is solely decorative. It does not include areas that are used for recreation or civic community events or turf directly under trees.
  3. Fines up to $500 per day may be imposed.  

Frequently Asked Questions on non-functional turf. 

How to increase water efficiency at home: Woman adjusting irrigation Opens in new window

  1. Reduce outdoor water use by eliminating water waste. The most common causes of water waste are over watering and leaks. Watch a video on How to Reduce Outdoor Water Waste
  2. Apply for a conservation rebate. 
  3. Be a role model and convert your yard into a water-efficient landscape. Turf conversion rebates are $2 per square-foot as of May 23, 2023. 
  4. Avoid watering during daylight hours. See recommended watering schedule.
  5. Consider not overseeding your lawn or learn how to Overseed Without Wasting Water. 
  6. Use CVWD’s watering guide. Or install a weather-based irrigation controller.
  7. Run your irrigation system while you are home and watch each cycle to find any problems such as leaks or broken sprinkler heads.

Long-term water management plans outline the supplies we have and how we manage them. Some of the top issues addressed in these plans include:

  • Water demand projections including city and county masterplans for development. 
  • 5-year drought risk assessments
  • Seismic risk assessment
  • Water shortage contingency plans
  • Climate change assessments

Water Supply Assessments for new developments 
Here is some information on how new developments are approved and who is responsible for approving them. For more information, visit our Water Supply Assessments & Verifications webpage. Or read these Frequently Asked Questions regarding CVWD’s role in land use planning within its service area.

Additional Resources
Here are some key resources to help you save water:

If you’ve taken advantage of all these resources and still need help, give us a call at (760) 398-2651. We’re here to help you conserve.

Watch a video on Drought Penalties

Watch a video on How to read your water bill

Watch a video to Learn How to Check for Indoor Leaks

Watch a video on How to Read Your Water Meter 

Colorado River 

On May 22, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) announced the withdrawal the SEIS Draft Plan. More information coming soon. 

Hoover Dam with Lake Mead elevation at 1088_14 feet above sea level_03_2018U.S. Bureau of Reclamation photo of water intakes at Lake Mead in 2018

Ensuring sustainable supplies
CVWD has taken a leadership role in contingency planning with other western states in the case of ongoing severe drought.
Local water efficiency practices are always a priority for us regardless of state or nationwide water levels. CVWD also actively participates in several long-term water management planning efforts.