Conservation

Conservation is a way of life in the San Diego region, and for good reason. Because of our arid climate, potential for drought, and limited local water sources, the San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies are committed to managing our precious water resources wisely and efficiently.

Conservation will be increasingly important in coming years. Newly adopted State legislation SBX7-7 will require retail water utilities to reduce per capita water use up to 20 percent by the year 2020. On the other hand, regional population forecasts predict more than 350,000 new residents in San Diego County by 2020. As a readily available and relatively inexpensive local source of water, conservation is a key component of the region’s supply diversification strategy.

WATER SUPPLY PORTFOLIO 2020

Performance and Leadership

In response to serious water shortages in the early 1990s water utilities throughout the state, including the Water Authority rallied to develop a set of Best Management Practices to reduce urban water use. Since then, the Water Authority, its member agencies, and stakeholders throughout the San Diego region have become aggressive and innovative leaders in water conservation developing sound conservation policies, implementing effective and award-winning programs, and sponsoring several important water conservation bills. The initiatives to date have made a big difference since urban per capita water use in San Diego is lower now than it was in 1990.

A New Ethic

Despite our strong gains in water conservation, current and foreseeable circumstances (population growth, drought, competition for imported water supply, etc.) dictate that California redouble its water conservation efforts. Fortunately, using less water in our day-to-day activities does not mean we have to compromise our region’s economic output, nor our personal quality of life. WaterSmart choices, such as sustainable landscaping and water-efficient appliances, are upgrades that are good for both the environment and over time, the pocket book.

Blueprint for Water Conservation

Today, the Water Authority’s conservation efforts and programs are based on the Blueprint for Water Conservation. Adopted by the Water Authority’s Board in 2007, the Blueprint provides a comprehensive plan for implementing regional water conservation programs designed to help our region transition to a WaterSmart lifestyle.

The Blueprint puts emphasis on the need for more sustainable landscapes while also directing the Water Authority to spearhead efforts to develop a regional water conservation brand (WaterSmart) so that all public education, advertising, and events reinforce a common message and increase awareness. Overtime, WaterSmart will provide the public with a trusted source for information, resources, and assistance. For information on currently available resources and assistance, please visit 20GallonChallenge.com

To view recently completed independent evaluations of the Water Authority’s conservation programs please click on the links below:

Mini Audit Program