The State of California once again finds itself in the midst of a severe drought, with historically dry conditions expected to continue indefinitely. While this news should come as no surprise to millions of Southern Californians who have become increasingly familiar with the state’s periodic dry spells, it does serve as an important reminder that we should never take for granted our limited and precious drinking water resources.
Fortunately, due to decades of investments in conservation programs and local water reliability projects, such as recycled water, desalination, and groundwater augmentation, West Basin and its retail agencies continue to be well prepared to manage multi-year droughts that have all but become the norm. Because of these investments, and those made by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, water in the West Basin service area is secure.
Despite the improvements in regional water reliability, maintaining water efficient lifestyles and a conservation-minded ethic during drought and non-drought periods is vital to ensuring that our communities and local businesses continue to thrive with access to high-quality water supplies.
2022 Drought Updates
On March 28, 2022, Governor Newsom ordered the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to evaluate the adoption of regulations banning irrigation of “non-functional” turf (or grass), such as decorative grass adjacent to large industrial and commercial buildings. The ban would not include residential lawns or grass used for recreation, such as school fields, sports fields and parks. Learn more.
On January 4, 2022, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted an emergency regulation that prohibits certain wasteful water use practices statewide and encourages Californians to monitor their water use more closely while supporting habits to use water wisely. That regulation is effective January 2022. Frequently asked questions linked below. ACWA one-page overview also available.
2021 Drought Updates
On November 22, 2021 the West Basin Board of Directors declared a Shortage Level Three.
On Nov. 9, 2021, Metropolitan declared a regional drought emergency, called for increased conservation, and expands water efficiency programs.
Metropolitan Drought Emergency
On October 19, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation extending the drought emergency statewide, including Los Angeles County. He urged Californians to increase their water conservation efforts as the western U.S. faces a potential third dry year, and California’s second driest year on record.
On July 26, 2021 the West Basin Board of Directors activated the district’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP), entering into Shortage Level 1.
Drought-Resilient Solutions
West Basin is committed to providing reliable, drought-resilient water supplies to the service area by focusing on efforts to expand local water supply resources that are more resilient to ongoing climate change and various other factors that may make imported water a less reliable supply.
West Basin’s Water for Tomorrow Program characterizes the district’s approach to addressing the service area’s water future. The Program brings new emphasis to West Basin’s commitment to protecting, securing and diversifying its water supply while continuing its history of innovation and industry leadership.
Long-Term Reliability Planning
West Basin regularly reviews and analyzes its water supply portfolio to ensure that strategic investments are being made to develop reliable long-term water supplies in the service area. From supply and demand forecasting to water use efficiency data analysis, West Basin develops numerous reports and strategic plans that help inform the District’s investments in a diverse set of capital and water resources programs.
In June 2021, West Basin published its 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, 2021 Water Shortage Contingency Plan, and an additional analysis related to Delta Reliance. Together, these strategic plans demonstrate the reliability of West Basin’s supplies for the next 25 years as the district continues to shift from heavier dependence on imported water supplies to a more diverse portfolio of recycled water, conservation, desalination, and groundwater augmentation.
Other Drought Resources
The U.S. Drought Monitor is a map that shows which areas of the country are currently in drought. The map uses five classifications: abnormally dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought: moderate (D1), severe (D2), extreme (D3) and exceptional (D4).
Los Angeles County is currently at level D1, moderate drought.
