Water Supply Update

WH Sr. Lady Banner 5x3

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. Rancho Water is reliant on imported water from not only northern California, but also from the Colorado River, and, unfortunately, the water shortage conditions still continue within the Colorado River Basin.

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 WaterJourney 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 Reservoir Levels

About 30% of our water is locally sourced, and 65% is imported from Northern CA & the Colorado River. Even though our CA reservoirs are in great shape, others continue to struggle. It's important to work towards a culture of conservation to accommodate CA's climate.Reservoir Levels_May Opens in new windowClick on graphic above to see more California reservoir levels

Current Water Restrictions

  1. Water Use Restrictions
  2. Water Shortage Contingency Plan
  3. Drought Timeline
  4. Water Supply Levels

Water Supply Alert Gauge 2


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.

Additional Information & Resources