Regulations will require cities to use water more efficiently, whether or not a drought is occurring
Dozens of California cities could be required to impose permanent water conservation measures starting in about a year — and keep them in place even when the state is not in a drought — under proposed new rules from state water regulators.that former Gov. Jerry Brown signed in 2018 after a severe 5-year drought. Environmentalists and some water districts support them, saying they are critical as the state grapples with climate change and more severe droughts.
The targets will vary by community. They are based on a formula made up of three main factors: a standard of 47 gallons per person per day for indoor water use — dropping to 42 gallons by 2030; and an amount for outdoor residential use that varies by community depending on regional climates; and a standard for water loss due to rates of leaks in water system pipes.
Another 51 water agencies representing 8% of California’s urban population would need to reduce their water use by 10% to 20% starting in 2025, the state board estimated. Those include places like Tracy, Martinez, Fresno, Modesto and Beverly Hills. State water board officials say that the initial targets are their best estimate. The targets could still change because cities and water agencies will be allowed to get credit under the law if they use recycled water, have significant population changes, or other factors.
Environmental groups say the rules are common sense. Water that cities save can be used to reduce the severity of mandatory rationing during droughts, said Tracy Quinn, CEO of Heal the Bay, a Los Angeles environmental group. “This regulation could have a really significant cost impact on water suppliers and their customers,” said Chelsea Haines, regulatory relations manager for the Association of California Water Agencies. “We want to make sure the standards are feasible and are going to be attainable. We want to set California up for a successful water-efficiency future.”
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