Laguna Beach has embraced a lifestyle of using water efficiently every day, maintaining a 15 percent overall reduction in water use since the last drought. This effort means that residents won’t be hit with mandatory reductions this summer despite the state confronting a second consecutive dry year. While there is no immediate need to restrict water use, it is still critical for residents and businesses to make every drop count, which is why residents are being asked to voluntarily reduce water use by 15 percent. Reducing water use is the least costly method available to extend our water supply reliability, drought or not.

With California’s semi-arid climate, dry conditions are not unusual, and drought is always on the horizon. In addition to proactive planning and investments by water providers in water recycling, water use efficiency, and groundwater storage, Orange County has benefited tremendously from the wide-spread adoption of water-smart behaviors by residents and businesses. Over the last several decades, Orange County water users have enthusiastically adopted lifestyle changes and taken advantage of water-smart technology to save over 17 billion gallons of water each year. In fact, Southern California is using nearly 40 percent less water today than we were using three decades ago, even as population has increased by 785,000 people. As a result, there is no need for water restrictions in Orange County at this time.

While dry conditions are a normal pattern in Southern California, we can't predict with accuracy when drought begins or ends. The reality is that we live in a semi-arid area. Dry conditions are not unusual and drought is always on the horizon.

Historically, a typical California climate pattern is seven years: four dry years, two average years, and one wet year. Looking at previous droughts, a recurring trend is that droughts are lasting longer and becoming more severe. Laguna Beach residents should be prepared to face another long dry period.

Currently, 95 percent of the State is experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions. Snowpack, which was measured from Northern California snow survey stations in April 2021 is 66 percent of normal. Southern California relies on this snowpack for a portion of its water supply. Southern California is in Severe to Extreme drought conditions.

To see the most up to date drought conditions, please visit, https://www.drought.gov/states/California. California's major reservoir conditions are updated daily.

Before you you can save water, you need to understand how you use water. Once you see where most of your water is used, you can see where the potential savings can be made. For the average home in Laguna Beach the easiest way to save water is to reduce the amount of irrigation you apply to your landscape. On average, over 60 percent of a households' water use is irrigation related. The good news is that as a District customer you don't have to guess how your water is used. All District customers have access to a free Smart Meter Dashboard through our Customer Connect Portal, that will show you how much water your property is using. If you need help with understanding the data or if you have general questions regarding potential ways to save water, contact the District's Water Use Efficiency department at 949-464-3116. 

View the video below to learn what the Smart Meter Dashboard can do for you.

The District has Permanent Mandatory Restrictions that are in effect at all times and if not adhered to represent waste and unreasonable use of water. These measures, listed below, are designed to optimize water-use efficiency even when there is no water supply shortage. All District customers are required to adhere to these restrictions throughout the year.

• Allowing excess irrigation water to flow onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots or structures.
• Washing vehicles without using a bucket or hose with a shutoff nozzle.
• Hosing down sidewalks, walkways, driveways, or parking areas.
• Using irrigation systems during and 48 hours after measurable rainfall.
• Operating decorative water fountains or water features that do not recirculate water.
• Permitting leaks from any pipe or fixture to go unrepaired.
• Serving water in restaurants unless specifically requested.
• Not providing Hotel guests with the option to not launder linens.
• Using water from fire hydrants without Authorization.
• Using potable water on turf in public street medians.
• Using potable water in newly constructed homes and buildings that do not use drip or microspray.
• Using water wastefully without purpose.

A few of the most prominent rules are highlighted in the short video below.