Update on California water efficiency legislation

Some sources have incorrectly reported that California state water conservation legislation (SB 606 and AB 1668) will limit individual households to 55 gallons per day, per person, of indoor water use.

BCVWD is not monitoring your water use, setting limits or fining customers. The new statewide efficiency legislation sets average usage targets across water district service areas, but the laws do not restrict individual households or businesses.

Here are some quick facts on the legislation:

• The bills require average indoor water use across the district to be reduced to an average of 55 gallons per person per day by 2023, decreasing to 50 gallons by 2030.
• The legislation sets indoor water use targets of 55 gallons a day, per person, but the goal is spread across a water district’s entire service area – not individual households.
• The state will not issue fines to individual customers. Water districts could face penalties for violations.
• The bills establish long-term indoor and outdoor conservation goals for water agencies.
• Households can still shower and wash dishes on the same day. The water conservation legislation will not be enforced on individual households or businesses.

As always, water users should continue keeping conservation in mind for all water use. Learn more from the California Department of Water Resources at water.ca.gov/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Making-Conservation-a-California-Way-of-Life