Drought Updates

Drought Updates

Hose nozzle watering plants

     Conservation Programs                            Water-saving tips

Water Conservation Measures:

Following a series of powerful atmospheric rivers that hit California over the first few months of 2023, the Otay Water District deactivated Level 1 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan in response to Governor Newsom’s executive order N-5-23, terminating the voluntary water conservation target called for in 2021.

Otay Water District encourages its customers to continue making water-use efficiency a way of life. In partnership with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the San Diego County Water Authority, the District provides conservation outreach and education programs. Customers can increase their water savings by taking full advantage of rebates, classes, and resources available. The water we save today could forestall strict mandatory measures in the future.

Prohibited Actions:

To continue our efforts in conserving water and reducing waste, please prohibit the following wasteful practices:

  • Outdoor watering that lets water run onto sidewalks and other areas (except incidental runoff).
  • Washing vehicles without an automatic shutoff nozzle.
  • Washing hard surfaces like driveways or sidewalks that do not absorb water.
  • Street cleaning or construction site preparation.
  • Filling decorative fountains, lakes, or ponds without a recirculation pump.
  • Outdoor watering within 48 hours after at least 1/4 inch of rainfall.
  • Watering decorative grass on public medians.
  • Watering decorative grass in commercial, industrial, and institutional areas, including common areas of homeowners’ associations (HOAs).

For more details, visit waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/conservation_portal/regs/emergency_regulation.html.

Prohibited graphic on top of photo of sprinkler watering grass and water running on sidewalk

Contact Conservation:

Tenille Otero, Communications Officer
totero@otaywater.gov

Eileen Salmeron, Communications Assistant
esalmeron@otaywater.gov