Water Shortage and Drought Response Plan

To prudently manage water supplies during shortages, in 2006 the Water Authority and its member agencies developed and approved the Drought Management Plan, now called the Water Shortage and Drought Response Plan. To help cope with our most recent drought, this plan was put into effect in 2007 and was deactivated in April 2011.

The plan outlines the stages of water supply conditions and what steps may be necessary to manage available water supplies during these stages.

The Water Shortage and Drought Response Plan stages are as follows:

Normal: Water supplies match demand, with some water stored in local reservoirs for future use. Water agencies encourage wise water use and operate under standard procedures.

Voluntary Supply Management (Stage 1): Metropolitan Water District of Southern California withdraws water to meet current-year demands. The Water Authority encourages increased voluntary conservation, monitors supply and storage conditions, and adjusts operations to maximize storage.

Supply Enhancement (Stage 2): MWD reduces water deliveries. In addition to previous stage activities, the Water Authority looks to buy temporary water transfers. Increased conservation may be required.

Mandatory Cutbacks (Stage 3): MWD and Water Authority have no more supply options, and cut deliveries to member agencies. The Water Authority allocates deliveries. Extraordinary conservation measures may become mandatory.

Water Shortage and Drought Response Plan

Section 5 - Updated April 2012
 

Correlation between Water Shortage and Drought Response Plan Stages and Model Ordinance Level