Following an improved water supply in the state, Coachella Valley Water District has taken significant steps to ease emergency water conservation measures adopted in spring 2022.
CVWD has returned to Level 1 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan in response to Gov. Newsom’s announcement on March 24 to lift the state’s 15 percent voluntary conservation directive.
Here are impacts of those decisions:
- Drought penalties were discontinued on April 1.
- CVWD’s conservation rebate program was increased by $1 million, making the total investment $14.35 million for this fiscal year. The District will continue to offer turf conversion rebates at $3 per square foot.
- A state ban on watering ornamental grass on commercial, industrial and institutional sites, including HOAs, remains in place. It does not include areas used for recreation or civic community events or turf areas with grass.
CVWD enforces the mandatory water restrictions in Level 1 of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan. They include:
- A ban on watering landscape during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
- Repair broken sprinklers within 24 hours of notification.
- Fix or adjust irrigation systems that cause water runoff.
- Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle when washing vehicles, windows or solar panels.
- Do not hose down hard surfaces, including driveways, sidewalks and asphalt.
- Do not use drinking water in a fountain or other decorative water feature unless the water is part of a recirculating system.
While the wet winter has eased the state’s drought, water efficiency remains critical for all Californians.
Water-saving tips, drought updates, and rebate information are available at cvwd.org/conservation.