Golden State Water announces mandatory water conservation as drought conditions return

The La Palma Council discussed water options at its June meeting. Courtesy photo.

Golden State Water Company (Golden State Water) today announced all of its water systems are now under Stage 2 of the company’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan (Schedule 14.1). The move to Stage 2 is in response to worsening drought conditions and recent action by the State Water Resources Control Board requiring urban water suppliers to implement reductions under Level 2 of their Water Shortage Contingency Plans.

“Severe drought conditions are propelling unprecedented water restrictions in an effort to reduce water use and preserve the limited supplies available,” said Toby Moore, Golden State Water’s Water Resource Manager and Chief Hydrogeologist. “As California continues in its third year of drought and we enter the warm summer months, it is critical customers take action to conserve.”

Golden State Water filed an Advice Letter with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on May 27, 2022, seeking approval to activate Stage 2 of its Schedule 14.1. The CPUC approved the Advice Letter, which became effective June 26, 2022.

Stage 2 Requirements
• Reduce water usage by 20 percent as compared to 2020 usage
• Limits outdoor watering to two-days-per-week
1. Even number addresses (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Sunday, Wednesday
2. Odd number addresses (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Tuesday, Saturday
• Prohibits watering between 9 A.M and 5 P.M.

Golden State Water may also implement a drought emergency surcharge of up to $2.50 per Ccf (748 gallons) for water usage in excess above the customer’s baseline drought allocation, should local and statewide supply conditions warrant further action. Residential customers will not be asked to use less than eight Ccf monthly.

Customers in Golden State Water’s Claremont, Simi Valley, Nipomo, Cypress Ridge and Edna Systems remain in Stage 2.

“We are in this together and grateful to our customers and community partners for continuing to make water conservation a way of life,” said Edwin DeLeon, Golden State Water’s Water Use Efficiency Manager.

Customers are encouraged to visit gswater.com and follow Golden State Water on Facebook and Twitter at @GoldenStateH2O for a complete list of state and local water-use restrictions, as well as conservation programs, rebates and tips.