Thanks to improving drought conditions in parts of the state, on May 9, 2016, Governor Brown issued an Executive Order ending California's "one-size-fits-all" emergency conservation regulations. In response, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted new regulations that take into account local water supply conditions.

What does this mean for MMWD and our customers? In short, the state is no longer requiring MMWD to reduce water use by 20%. However, we continue to focus on conservation to make the most of our limited water supply.

Under the state's new "self-certification" standard, all water agencies in California must analyze their supply and demand based on local conditions to determine a site-specific state conservation standard. MMWD has submitted its self-certification calculations and will continue to report monthly water production numbers to the state.

Though the Governor's order recognizes the differing water supply conditions throughout California, it also makes some conservation measures permanent statewide, recognizing the need for California to prepare for more frequent and persistent droughts in the future. Similarly, MMWD will keep in place new water waste prohibitions adopted in 2014 and 2015. (Find a list on our Drought Information page.)

From June 1, 2015 through May 31, 2016, MMWD customers voluntarily conserved 21.1% compared to the same months in 2013, exceeding the 20% state standard set for MMWD. We thank our customers for making conservation part of their everyday lives! Visit MMWD's Water Conservation pages to learn about our rebates, water-use consultations, and other free programs.