A combination of things factored into California’s recent decision to regulate water consumption. The new law that goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, does not affect individuals. Rather, it affects companies that provide water access. The original plan was more ecologically sound and had much more in the way of benefits than the plan that was eventually adopted. The second plan is far less ambitious and even gives companies a decade or more to comply. The original plan would have cost $13.7 billion, but the new plan costs $9 billion less. Still, the original plan seems like it would have been better for the environment overall.
The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA)
This organization declared that the weakened legislation will require an unprecedented level of cooperation to achieve. The Pacific Institute, which backed the original version of the law, calls the second law “preparing to fail.” ACWA, however, lauded the measured approach, saying that it’s much easier to follow, and its benefits will be tangible because the focus is on conservation. It added that urban areas will be most affected.
What’s Actually in the New Law
Although California’s new law will be in effect as 2025 begins, there won’t be any real enforcement until 2027. The chief benefit of the law is that it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” proposition. The regulation will be tailored to the particular area the water supplier serves. A water supplier in the desert in Southern California will have different regulations than one in the forests around Crescent City, for example.
Further, there will be adjustments based on changing weather patterns and median household income. The buzzword of the day is WUO, which stands for “water use objective.” Based on the models set in place by the new law, the WUO is how much water the supplier will have to use to meet its customers’ needs while remaining in compliance with the law. Credits will be issued for green initiatives, such as rain gardens or constructed swales. The aim is to lower California’s water use to 70% of the level it uses in 2026 by 2040. Not meeting the new requirements will result in fining the water supplier in question up to $10,000 a day.
How to Conserve
Consumers can do their part, too, and will wind up having to do so as the suppliers reduce the amount of water they provide to customers. The easiest way to curb consumption is to raise rates, which will probably happen. To combat the inevitable price hikes, consumers can install low-flow appliances and take shorter showers and fewer baths.
Removing lawns, creating rock gardens and/or relying on native plants won’t just save water either. Doing so will create much needed biodiversity while saving 125 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet of lawn per week. For the sake of argument, assuming 10 million homes with 1,000 square-foot lawns, implementing the new law will save nearly 40,000 acre-feet of water a week if every one of those households gets rid of its lawn. Of course, that’s not going to happen, but if only a few people decide to do it, then the water savings will still be substantial.
How We Can Help
At Drain Doctor Plumbing & Rooter, we can install plumbing fixtures with low-flow, water-saving features so you can do your part to conserve water as the new use guidelines take effect. Tankless water heaters and plumbing fixtures are two examples that come to mind. As a well-respected contractor in Covina, CA, we say that if you can envision it, then we will realize it for you. Based on our three decades in the plumbing business, you can trust and rely on both our experience and our knowledge to be able to help you with nearly anything.
For any residential plumbing-related service, be it repair, installation, or both, give us a call at Drain Doctor Plumbing & Rooter today to get a free estimate and set up an appointment.
