San Andreas, CA…The 55-gallon-per-day standard is one part of a larger, state-mandated water use target that is being implemented over the next few years and fully enforced by 2025. Neither the State Board or CCWD are currently enforcing the 55-GPCD standard at an individual customer level. At this time, customers should not be concerned about any action being taken against them due to their indoor water use. However, in the years to come, CCWD will be given a target water budget by the State Board that is the aggregate of indoor water use, outdoor water use and leaks. Only if the District is unable or unwilling to meet that budget would the State Board consider taking action against CCWD. Even then, the State Board has committed to working with water agencies across the state to bring them into compliance before issuing fines.

For more information on water use efficiency legislation, view the State Water Board’s Fact Sheet.

As always, CCWD encourages our customers to enjoy the rich water resources this County enjoys, while always using water efficiently and avoiding waste.

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News media reports have provided inaccurate information regarding water use targets set by Senate Bill 606 (Hertzberg) and Assembly Bill 1668 (Friedman). Neither bill sets fines on water customers for taking a shower and doing laundry on the same day.

CCWD customers should know that CCWD currently has no water conservation mandates in place, other than the ongoing rule that water should not be unreasonably wasted. Customers can use water normally without fear of fines or fees being imposed by CCWD or the State.

Below are facts on the long-term water efficiency legislation that was signed into effect May 2018.

Water agencies are required to calculate a water efficiency standard for their entire service area annually based on indoor residential water use; outdoor water use; and commercial, industrial and institutional irrigation.

The standard of 55 gallons per person per day for indoor residential water use is not intended as an enforceable standard for individuals. It is one of several elements used to calculate the overall efficiency standard for a service area.

Individuals will not be responsible for State Water Resources Control Board fines. Instead, the State Water Board can fine water agencies/districts up to $10,000 per day if the agency does not meet its cumulative standard.

There is no law against showering and doing laundry on the same day. There are no specific statewide laws that require individual households to meet any specific targets. The targets will be set for an entire service area and are scheduled to go into effect in 2023.

The State Water Board is working and collaborating with urban suppliers to implement the new efficiency standards. In addition to the 55-gallon standard, targets for outdoor water use and water loss due to leaks will also be determined. These three standards will be used to represent the overall water efficiency standards for each urban water provider.