Following several months of storms bringing much-needed snow and rain to California, conditions have dramatically changed for many parts of the State. In response, Governor Newsom rolled back some drought emergency provisions that are no longer needed while maintaining other measures that support regions and communities still facing water supply challenges.

With the exception of several coastal communities (Cypress Ridge, Edna Road, Los Osos, Nipomo and Edna), Golden State Water modified outdoor watering restrictions to allow for watering up to three days per week.

While Cypress Ridge, Edna Road, Los Osos, Nipomo and Edna Road areas experienced historical precipitation in 2023, the rainfall did not sufficiently recharge local groundwater basins, the area’s primary water source. Until conditions improve, communities dependent on groundwater remain in Stage Two, and mandatory restrictions with surcharges for water use above allocations remain in effect. Surcharges remain to be the most effective tool to protect local groundwater supplies, especially during the warmest months of the year.

Given that water conditions will continue to evolve, customers are encouraged to use water wisely and only use what is needed.

For drought conditions in your service area, visit www.gswater.com/your-service-area

Governor Newsom Eases Drought Restrictions

Effective March 24, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom rolled back some drought emergency provisions that are no longer needed due to current water conditions, while maintaining other measures that support regions and communities still facing water supply challenges and continue building up long-term water resilience. Amid climate-driven weather, the state has taken action to boost water supplies through groundwater recharge, storm water capture, reservoir storage, and more. 

This action comes as the state announced increased water deliveries to 29 public water agencies that serve 27 million Californians, now expecting to deliver 75% of requested water supplies – up from 35% announced in February, and the highest since 2017. 

View details on US Drought Monitor

The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the United States Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Map courtesy of NDMC.

State Restrictions

While storms in 2023 helped ease drought impacts, regions and communities across the state continue to experience water supply shortages, especially communities that rely on groundwater supplies that have been severely depleted in recent years. The Governor’s order is responsive to current conditions while preserving smart water measures:

• Ends the voluntary 15% water conservation target, while continuing to encourage that Californians make conservation a way of life;
• Ends the requirement that local water agencies implement level 2 of their drought contingency plans;
• Maintains the ban on wasteful water uses, such as watering ornamental grass on commercial properties;
• Preserves all current emergency orders focused on groundwater supply, where the effects of the multi-year drought continue to be devastating;
• Maintains orders focused on specific watersheds that have not benefited as much from recent rains, including the Klamath River and Colorado River basins, which both remain in drought;
• Retains a state of emergency for all 58 counties to allow for drought response and recovery efforts to continue.
• A copy of the Governor’s executive order can be found here.

How You Can Help

Golden State Water customers did a tremendous job reducing water use during the last drought, and most have continued those water-efficient practices and made conservation a way of life. We must all work together to help protect valuable local and state water supplies.  

Visit our Conservation webpage to learn more about rebates, resources and tips to help customers save water and improve their water-use efficiency. Additional water-saving tips and resources are available through the Save Our Water Program.

Golden State Water will provide additional drought-related updates with customers as developments and conditions warrant. Customers are encouraged to follow @GoldenStateH2O on Twitter and Facebook for real-time information about the drought and local water service.