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Drought Resource Center - 2023

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1. Does ACWD have enough water?

Water Years 2020, 2021, and 2022 were critically dry years for the Tri-City area, but Water Year 2023 saw extreme local and statewide precipitation. As a result, ACWD’s water supplies have improved and the groundwater basin has returned to healthy levels. As we recover from drought, we are mindful of the role climate change has played in this unprecedented weather and our need to adapt to a new climate future, one in which California will experience more frequent and potentially more severe droughts. To do that, we need to make strategic water resources investments while also improving water use efficiency. Together we must be prepared and more drought-ready.

2. Is drought a result of climate change?

California is no stranger to drought, but 2013-2014 and 2020-2022 are two of California’s driest periods in 150 years. More significantly, these recent dry years exhibit characteristics of changed precipitation patterns that are anticipated to occur with climate change – notably a shorter rainy season and a longer dry season. ACWD is working with water resources managers throughout the state to study and prepare for climate change and develop adaption plans for the new weather patterns; the challenges of today’s drought form a learning opportunity for better management tomorrow – a silver lining!

3. How do I take care of my trees?

After several critically dry years, it is important to conserve now to save water for the future. However, it is important to care for trees so that they survive through the drought and beyond due to the multiple benefits they provide communities, such as improved air quality.

Customers are encouraged to prioritize water for trees. Watering trees gradually but deeply will ensure they survive. Trees are most efficiently watered by hand or using a bubbler or drip irrigation system, and should be on a separate valve than the surrounding vegetation, especially if planted in a lawn area. The frequency and amount of water needed will depend on whether the tree is young and needs to be established or if it is mature, and whether it is a low, medium, or high water use species. Please add a layer of mulch around the root zone of the tree carefully avoiding the base of the trunk to lower soil temperatures and reduce the amount of water that evaporates.

 Resources with specific tips on how to care for and water your tree efficiently:

• Canopy Tree Watering Guidelines for Your Specific Type of Tree
• Canopy Tips for Caring for Young Trees 
• Canopy Tree Library for Choosing the Right Tree to Install
• ACWD Water Conservation Tips for Your Landscape
• Save Our Trees Website
• Save Our Water – Helping Your Trees Survive the Drought 

4. I’m already saving water. What more can I do to conserve?

Thank you for your efforts to conserve! Although ACWD is no longer experiencing a water shortage emergency, with California’s climate and increasing effects of climate change, every bit of conservation helps, so please continue to reduce. There are simple changes that all Californians can do to save water and ACWD offers a comprehensive suite of water use efficiency measures, such as rebates, technical assistance, and education programs to help. Each one of us can make a difference – working together as one community to make conservation a way of life in California.  

 

5. How long will the water shortage emergency last and restrictions remain in place?

ACWD's water shortage emergency has been lifted and water use restrictions are no longer in effect.

6. What is best practice for irrigating my lawn?

ACWD prohibits irrigation runoff so we recommend using a cycle and soak method when irrigating to avoid runoff. A cycle and soak method uses shorter, more frequent cycles of irrigation in one day versus one long runtime.

To determine the time you should water for a cycle and soak method, run your irrigation system until you start to see signs of runoff (e.g. water overflowing from landscape onto sidewalk). Then, turn off your irrigation and let the landscape soak for 1 hour and repeat the process 2-3 times. Note the time it takes to begin seeing runoff – anything applied beyond this time during a single watering event is wasted. 

7. I have noticed water waste occurring in my neighborhood, at work, etc. How do I report it?

If you witness water waste, you can report it to ACWD by completing our Water Waste Reporting Form at acwd.org/reportwaste or by calling our Water Use Efficiency team at 510.668.4218. For water emergencies, such as a broken main or fire hydrant, please contact our 24-hour emergency hotline at 510.668.6500.

8. What is the ban on non-functional turf for commercial, industrial, and institutional customers passed by the State of California?

On June 10, 2022, the State of California’s emergency regulation for urban water conservation prohibiting irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties went into effect and was readopted for another year on June 5, 2023. This regulation also prohibits irrigation of non-functional turf in common areas of Homeowners Associations (HOAs). It does not apply to residential properties. Check out the non-functional turf fact sheet or visit the State Water Resources Control Board website for more information, including a list of frequently asked questions. Become future-ready and remove grass and non-functional turf now by taking advantage of ACWD’s Lawn Be Gone Rebate Program. Learn more.

9. What is "non-functional" turf?

The State of California defines non-functional turf as “ground cover surface of mowed grass that is ornamental and not otherwise used for human recreation purposes.” Non-functional turf does not include school fields, sports fields, and areas regularly used for civic or community events. In other words, if the turf serves no purpose other than to look nice, it is considered non-functional.

10. How do you determine if turf is considered functional or non-functional?

Non-functional turf refers to areas of turf that are solely ornamental and not used for human recreation purposes. In other words, if the turf serves no purpose other than to look nice, it is considered non-functional. Example of functional turf include sports fields, school fields, and areas regularly used for civic or community events. Examples of non-functional turf may include sidewalk strips or medians in parking lots that are solely for decoration. Properties should review the areas of turf they maintain and determine whether it is functional or not and provide ACWD information regarding which areas are functional at acwd.org/reportturf.

11. Are there exemptions to the non-functional turf ban for commercial, industrial, or institutional properties or HOA common areas?

Areas of turf are exempt if:

• The turf is used for human recreation, civic purposes, sports or play.
• The turf is irrigated with recycled water.
• The turf is irrigated with non-potable water (water that is not permitted for use as a drinking water supply).
• The turf is necessary to ensure the health of trees and other perennial non-turf plantings.
• The turf is at a residential location, not at a commercial, industrial, or institutional location. The exception to this is common areas in Homeowners Association sites. Unless one of the above exemptions applies, HOA common areas are included in this turf irrigation ban.
• There is also an exemption process available for certain low water using turf species and irrigation approaches. Visit the State Water Resources Control Board website for more information on what types of plant species apply. 

12. What are some recommended actions to reduce water use?

The following indoor and outdoor water conservation measures can help reduce water use.

Indoor:

• Find and repair leaks as soon as possible
• Replace older, inefficient, and high flow plumbing fixtures (e.g. toilets, showerheads, faucets, clothes washers) with newer, water-efficient models
• Adopt everyday water conservation practices, such as reducing shower times, running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only, and turning off the water when brushing teeth, shaving, and washing hands
• Restaurants should serve water to customers only when requested
• Hotels should provide guests with the option to not have towels and linens changed and laundered daily

Outdoor:

• Remove lawn and install low water use plants instead
• Irrigate landscape before 10 a.m. to minimize evaporation
• Prioritize water for trees and water trees gradually but deeply by hand or using a drip irrigation system
• Use non-potable water from rainwater capture or water collected from indoor uses (e.g. shower warm up water or water used to rinse vegetables) for landscape irrigation
• Evaluate irrigation systems to find and repair leaks
• Wash cars at a commercial car wash that recycles water

13. What recommendations does ACWD have for landscape irrigation during drought and beyond?

For an extensive list of water efficient tips and techniques for different types of landscape, check out ACWD’s Survival Tips for Your Landscape resource. See below for some key recommendations:

• Irrigate early in the morning (before 10:00 a.m.), to minimize evaporation 
• Existing irrigation systems should be evaluated and repaired to minimize leaks and evaporation and increase water use efficiency 
• Water used outdoors should be prioritized for trees 
• Use of drought tolerant plant species wherever possible when replacing or renovating existing landscapes, and at all new landscape installations 
• Use non-potable water from rainwater capture and/or graywater systems for landscape irrigation where possible (do not use in vegetable gardens or consumable plants) 
• Installation of new landscaping should utilize best known irrigation and horticultural practices for efficient water use 

14. Do I need to let my lawn dry out during every period of drought?

A well-maintained lawn can withstand a drought year with reduced watering so we ask customers to adjust irrigation schedules to reduce their water use, while helping their lawn establish a stronger root system. Lawns may look stressed with areas of browning, but should remain alive and return when we receive sufficient rainfall and/or restrictions are lifted.  

Conduct irrigation system checks and repair any leaks or breaks to ensure that your irrigation system is working efficiently. A functioning irrigation system can help your landscape survive during extended dry periods and drought. Better yet, to avoid having your landscape stress and dry out, convert lawns to drought-tolerant landscape. ACWD offers resources and a rebate to help you do so. For more information visit acwd.org/rebates.

15. Why is new development and construction allowed during droughts and even during water shortage emergencies?

ACWD is required by law to conduct a Water Supply Assessment for new developments to ensure sufficient supply. In addition, ACWD’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan includes the option to place a moratorium on new development, new water service connections, and expanded services in the case of an extremely critical shortage, unless they are required for health and safety. To date, ACWD has not determined a need to temporarily suspend new water service connections.

 

16. I am interested in water conservation. What rebates does ACWD offer residential and commercial customers?

For all program information, please visit ACWD’s rebates page. 

17. I want to put in a new lawn; if I do, will there be restrictions on how much I can water it?

As we recover from drought, we are mindful of the role climate change has played in these unprecedented periods of drought and our need to adapt to a new climate future, one in which California will experience more frequent and potentially more severe droughts. One of the first restrictions that are adopted during periods of drought are restrictions on outdoor irrigation (e.g. number of days per week  irrigation is allowed for functional lawns). You can prepare your landscape and be drought-ready by converting lawns to water-efficient landscape.

ACWD encourages customers to install water-efficient landscapes and provides a rebate to customers that replace existing lawns with this type of landscape. There are many benefits to installing water-efficient landscape rather than a new lawn:

1. Water-efficient landscapes are designed to survive dry year conditions and so you can have a thriving landscape year-round and as the climate fluctuates. 
2. Water-efficient landscape require significantly less water than a lawn and could reduce your water bill. 
3. You may be eligible to receive a rebate if you have a lawn and replace it with a water-efficient landscape. Please visit acwd.org/rebates to determine if your lawn qualifies for our water-efficient landscape rebate program or contact the Water Use Efficiency Team at 510-668-4218.

If you are an HOA or a commercial, industrial, or institutional customer please see the FAQ: “What is the ban on non-functional turf irrigation for commercial, industrial, and institutional customers adopted by the State of California?”

18. Why doesn't your lawn removal rebate program cover artificial turf or concrete if replacing my lawn with these saves water?

While artificial turf requires less water than a natural turf lawn, there are healthier and more ecologically sound alternatives. In addition to saving water, low water use plants and permeable landscape material meet additional sustainability goals that artificial turf and concrete do not:  

1) Artificial turf and concrete are not a living landscape and do not increase biodiversity of plant, animal, and insect populations. 

2) Artificial turf has potential environmental concerns. It is synthetic material that will have to be replaced in 10-20 years due to wear and tear, so it will eventually end up in a landfill. 

3) Artificial turf is not water free. It needs to be cleaned with water and potentially with chemicals. This raises the concern of chemical pollutants from the cleaning materials, and potentially from the artificial turf itself, polluting surface water and groundwater in the runoff.

4) Artificial turf and concrete can get significantly hotter than surrounding air temperatures and contribute to the heat island effect by increasing air temperatures in urban settings.  

19. What is ACWD doing to reduce its water use?

Please visit ACWD’s Water Use Efficiency Efforts webpage to learn more about how ACWD is leading the way in using water wisely.

20. Why are some fire hydrants open with water discharging?

ACWD cleans water mains to remove the buildup in pipes that may cause discolored water. This is accomplished by opening fire hydrants. As the water flows at high velocities through the mains, scale and fine sediment are dislodged. The resulting discolored water leaves the distribution system through the open fire hydrants. Since some of this water eventually flows into San Francisco Bay, ACWD utilizes disinfectant and sediment removal best management practices to minimize impacts to the environment.

To learn more about the main cleaning program, please visit: www.acwd.org/maincleaning.

21. Why doesn't ACWD recapture the water discharged from fire hydrants in the Main Cleaning Program?

Prior to resuming the main cleaning program this year, ACWD staff thoroughly examined possible recapture methods for main cleaning discharges and will continue to do so. As much as ACWD would like to be able to reuse water from the main cleaning program, unfortunately, in most cases, it’s just not technically feasible. In order to clean our mains and continue to ensure high quality water for our customers, we need to flush at very high flow rates that are not possible to recapture. The amount of trucks, transit time for the trucks, gas, etc. needed to recapture the water would be excessive. Directing the water to a truck would be very time-consuming and resource intensive, significantly increasing costs of these State-required processes.

To learn more about the main cleaning program, please visit: www.acwd.org/maincleaning.

22. Does the State of California offer a lawn removal rebate program I can participate in?

The State of California currently does not offer a lawn removal rebate program. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of the water-efficient landscape rebate program that ACWD offers so that they can save water and money by replacing their water thirsty lawn with a water-efficient landscape. Learn more about ACWD’s rebate program. 

23. Will you be raising your $2/square foot rebate amount for your lawn removal program?

ACWD's Board approved an increase in the rebate amount for the Lawn Be Gone (LBG) rebate from $1/square foot to $2/square foot on June 10, 2021. ACWD is always evaluating enhancements to its water conservation programs to better serve customers in their efforts to conserve water. This may include changes to rebate amounts; however, our Board must first approve this kind of change. Currently, the rebate amount is set at $2/square foot of lawn removed and will remain so for the time being. 

24. Does ACWD offer rebates for removal of other types of landscape, like trees to prevent fire risk?

ACWD currently offers a rebate for replacing lawns with water-efficient landscape. Lawns tend to be the highest water use landscape, so replacing your lawn with water-efficient landscape will ensure you maximize your water savings.

25. If my water supply is terminated, how can I restore it?

The customer must have stopped the wasteful use of water and have paid all charges owed to the District under the Ordinance before the District will restore full water service. When water service is returned, the customer will be charged applicable fees established in the District’s Rate and Fee Schedule. For more questions regarding the rate and fee schedule, contact customer service at (510) 668 – 4200. 

You can also review the document here.