Water Supply 

California's Water Supply Outlook is Serious Business

Over the years, it has become increasingly evident that water use efficiency is essential for sustaining adequate and reliable water supplies for southern California. With the Colorado River experiencing historic, extended drought since 2000, the uncertainty of a long-term fix for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta, and increased population growth, California is faced with long-term water supply reliability challenges.

In addition, the increasing costs of conveying and treating water supplies and replacing aging infrastructure are requiring water purveyors across the state to implement viable and cost-effective solutions to these issues. For a highly urbanized area such as Anaheim, water use efficiency continues to be the most cost-effective approach to ensuring reliable water supplies for its customers. Learn more about the comprehensive conservation plan to resolve the crisis in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and provide a reliable water supply for California.

The Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) is a collaborative approach to restore the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta’s ecosystem and protect California’s water supplies. Watch a 10-minute video by the California Department of Water Resources.

In 2018 Governor Brown signed into law the water conservation bills SB 606 and AB 1668. These bills were a result of an Executive Order from the Governor during the recent drought which required the State agencies to develop and recommend a long-term water conservation framework—Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life-- to provide a road map to ensure adequate water supplies for now and in the future for the State.

As of July 18th, 2023, Anaheim has entered a Water Reduction Plan 1 which requires voluntary water saving measures. However the State of California still requires the following restrictions as of May 24, 2023:

  • Avoid watering lawns in a manner that causes runoff or watering within 48 hours after measurable precipitation.
  • Avoid using a hose to wash a motor vehicle, except where the hose is fitted with a shutoff nozzle.
  • Do not wash down driveways and sidewalks with potable water, except to address an immediate health and safety need.
  • Avoid use of potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is re-circulated.
  • Promptly repair all water leaks from indoor and outdoor plumbing fixtures.

Making water conservation a California way of life ensures that our water demands are met in the future- regardless of the conditions of any one year. Let’s do our part to protect our vital water resources.