State Implements New Urban Water Conservation Regulations Starting January 1, 2025

In a significant move to address the growing water challenges posed by climate change, the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has approved a groundbreaking regulation aimed at promoting efficient water use by large urban water suppliers across California. As a result of this regulation, the state’s comprehensive Water Supply Strategy is expected to save 500,000 acre-feet of water annually by 2040, which is enough to supply over 1.4 million households for a year.

Addressing Climate Change with Water Conservation

As California faces a projected 10% water supply shortfall by 2040 due to increasingly hotter and drier weather conditions, water conservation has become a crucial component of the state’s strategy to enhance water resilience. The new regulation specifically targets the state’s largest water utilities, which serve 95% of California’s population, requiring them to implement measures to ensure more efficient water use.

One of the key initiatives includes creating storage capacity for up to four million acre-feet of groundwater and water in new and expanded reservoirs. To support this, some “less than satisfactory” dams that currently hold water at reduced levels will be repaired, enabling them to hold back increased volumes.

Additionally, by 2030, the state aims to recycle and re-use at least 800,000 acre-feet of water annually. The SWRCB has already invested $1.8 billion over the past five years on recycling projects that are expected to provide 124,000 acre-feet of new water supply.

Meanwhile, additional conservation measures are projected to free up 500,000 acre-feet of water through the enactment of new laws and education efforts. Urban stormwater capture and treatment are expected to add more than 250,000 acre-feet by 2030, while desalination of brackish groundwater will contribute another 28,000 acre-feet annually by the same year.

These combined efforts form a comprehensive approach to bolstering California’s water resilience in the face of growing climate challenges.

Key Components of the Regulation

The regulation mandates that urban retail water suppliers develop water budgets based on various parameters, including residential indoor and outdoor water use, commercial and industrial landscapes with dedicated irrigation meters, and the maximum allowable volume of water loss from leakage. These standards are set to reach their most efficient levels by 2040, forming what is known as the “water use objective.” Suppliers must comply with this objective starting in 2027.

To meet their water use objectives, suppliers can employ a range of conservation strategies tailored to their local conditions. These include education and outreach, leak detection, rebates, and direct installation of water-efficient appliances or landscapes.

Flexibility and Local Adaptation

The regulation provides flexibility for water suppliers to adapt their conservation actions to unique local circumstances. This flexibility is critical in ensuring that conservation measures are both effective and practical across diverse communities. Suppliers can also request variances for special water uses, such as those associated with livestock, wildlife ponds, evaporative coolers, and irrigation of existing trees.

Historical Context and Future Impact

This regulation builds on lessons learned from past droughts, during which Californians demonstrated significant water-saving behaviors. By formalizing water conservation as a way of life, the regulation aims to reduce the need for emergency water use reduction targets in future droughts. It also gives water suppliers time to develop and expand conservation programs, ensuring long-term sustainability.

Implementation and Future Goals

Set to take effect on January 1, 2025, this regulation marks a historic step in California’s ongoing efforts to manage its water resources sustainably. For more information on the state’s water conservation initiatives and long-term goals, visit the SWRCB’s Water Conservation Portal at www.waterboards.ca.gov/conservation/.

Conclusion

The SWRCB’s new water conservation regulations mark a significant step towards sustainable water management in California. For manufacturing facilities, these regulations present both challenges and opportunities. While compliance may require substantial investments and operational changes, the long-term benefits of water conservation, cost savings, and enhanced environmental stewardship can outweigh the initial efforts. As industries adapt to these new standards, they will play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainable use of California’s precious water resources, setting a precedent for other states and sectors to follow.

ALL4 is well-equipped to help manufacturers navigate the complexities of California’s new urban water conservation regulations. With extensive expertise in environmental compliance and sustainability, ALL4 can assist in ensuring regulatory compliance. By staying ahead of these changes, manufacturers can achieve long-term water resilience while contributing to the state’s broader conservation goals. For any inquiries, please contact Bruce Armbruster at barmbruster@all4inc.com or 909.477.7103, or reach out to Victor Chen at vchen@all4inc.com or 909.477.7128.