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Water Supply Update
How Can I Be a Water Hero?
We want to start by saying Thank You! The past few years have been the driest on record for California. In Fall 2022, more than 97% of the state was experiencing drought conditions of Severe or worse, and it appeared that 2023 was going to be more of the same. Our Rancho Water customers cut back their water use, applied for turf replacement rebates, and efficiently fixed leaks at their homes and businesses.
Over the past months, our area has recorded more than 22 inches of precipitation, bringing relief to drought conditions and helping to replenish our state and local reservoirs. However, we need to be proactive to sustain the efficiencies that were gained.
As we shift now to a culture of conservation, Rancho Water is continuing to address these water supply swings. We encourage you to be everyday water heroes as well. Try some of these easy ways to #EarnYourCape:
- Check your water budget
- Check for leaks around your house & yard
- Check your sprinkler timers
- Only run full loads of dishes & laundry
- Plant California-native gardens
- Use rebates to install water-efficient appliances
The Journey of Water
To understand how the statewide drought affects Rancho Water, it's important to first understand where our imported water comes from. About 60% of our water is imported from more than 500 miles away from the Sierra Nevada through the State Water Project (SWP) and the Colorado River from the Rockies. The SWP serves 27 million people and about 750,000 acres of farmland. The Colorado River supplies water to more than 35 million people in seven states, and about 4 trillion gallons of water for agriculture. Water from these sources travels through hundreds of miles of pipeline, treatment plants, and reservoirs before eventually reaching Rancho Water customers.
Learn More About Where Your Water Comes From
Join water droplets Wade, Brook, Rain, and Pristine as they make their way to Rancho Water's service area. They all come from different origins but with one goal in mind - to serve Rancho Water customers.
Wade takes a tubular trip from the Sierra Nevada Mountains through the State Water Project. Brook travels from the Rocky Mountains through hundreds of miles of pipeline and pump stations. Rain falls from the sky to Vail Lake and a natural filtration system. And recycled droplet Pristine takes a ride on the purple pipeline after a thorough cleaning at the wastewater plant.
Learn where your water comes from in the "Journey of Water" video!
Current Water Restrictions
Rancho Water is currently in Stage 2 of the
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Effective now, there are no water budget reductions. However, a number of water conservation requirements are in effect at all times in all water shortage stages including:
- Irrigate lawns and landscape only between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. Customers with weather-based irrigation controllers are exempt from this restriction.
- No watering of outdoor landscapes during a rainfall event and up to 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
- Irrigation water may not leave the landscaped area.
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways, sidewalks, and other hardscape surfaces.
- Tune up irrigation systems by checking for and repairing leaks and damaged sprinklers.
- Do not allow hoses to run while washing motor vehicles (including autos, trucks, trailers, motor homes, boats, or others).
- No variances or adjustments for: filling swimming pools, establishing or expanding landscape area, leaks not repaired within 48 hours, or existing outdoor water budgets.
Current Water Shortage Contingency Plan
For a complete list of water restrictions for all customer classes, click here
Drought Timeline
April 2023 | Department of Water Resources (DWR) increases allocations to 100% of requested water from State Water Project |
March 2023 | Governor Newsom rolls back some drought emergency provisions; Department of Water Resources (DWR) increases allocations to 75% of requested water from State Water Project |
February 2023 | Due to winter storms, Department of Water Resources (DWR) increases allocations to 35% (from original 5%) of requested water from State Water Project |
December 2022 | MWD declares regional drought emergency for all of Southern California |
May 2022 | State Water Resources Control Board (SWB) adopts emergency regulations for water use in response to Executive Order N-7-22 including a ban on watering non-functional turf |
April 2022 | Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) has implemented water restrictions for parts of Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties (does not apply to Rancho Water). |
March 2022 | Governor Newsom requires water agencies to reduce water use in coming months |
January 2022 | Rancho Water moves to Stage 3b of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan; State Water Resources Control Board (SWB) approves resolution for drought-related Emergency Regulations pertaining to urban water conservation |
November 2021 | Metropolitan Water District declares Drought Emergency |
October 2021 | Riverside County added to the emergency drought proclamation |
September 2021 | Reports show Californians have only reduced water use by 1.8% (July 2021 vs. July 2020) |
August 2021 | Metropolitan Water District declares Condition 2 – Water Supply Alert; Lake Mead declares first ever water shortage; Lake Oroville shuts down major hydroelectric power plant due to water shortage |
July 2021 | Governor Newsom calls for 15% voluntary water usage from 2020 levels |
May 2021 | Drought declaration expanded to 50 California counties (all except Southern CA) |
April 2021 | Emergency drought declaration in Sonoma & Mendocino Counties |