Water Shortage Update

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Water Shortage Update

On May 22, 2023, the City of Ventura City Council received the Annual Comprehensive Water Resources Report and a Water Shortage Event Update.

Each year, Ventura Water assesses the City’s water supply sources – Lake Casitas, Ventura River, and local groundwater basins – in the Comprehensive Water Resources Report (CWRR). The report evaluates the City’s water supply and demand, while considering future needs, challenges and uncertainties relating to Ventura’s water supply reliability. The results of the CWRR are used in partnership with the Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan (WSECP) to determine whether the City is in a water shortage event. 

The 2023 CWRR was discussed and reviewed by the City’s Water Commission from February 2023 to April 2023 and by the City Council in May 2023. The results of the 2023 CWRR indicate that the City of Ventura’s projected water supply is 18,167 acre-feet (AF) and projected water demand is 14,226 AF, indicating that the City of Ventura is currently not experiencing a water shortage event. 

Ventura Water customers’ continued water conservation efforts have allowed the City to avoid a critical water shortage situation. Over the last five years, Ventura residents have consistently exceeded conservation goals, conserving an average of 23 percent compared to usage in 2013. 

While the City’s supply projections account for this year’s above average rainfall, customers are encouraged to maintain their current level of conservation.  

As a reminder, the City will continue to enforce water waste prohibitions, offer water efficiency programs/ incentives, and pursue multi-benefit water supply projects, such as the State Water Interconnection Project and the VenturaWaterPure Program. Ventura Water extends its sincere appreciation to Ventura residents for their continued commitment to improved water efficiency as the State of California shifts towards “making water conservation a California way of life”.  

Visit the Rebate and Incentives page to see conservation tools and resources available to Ventura Water customers.

The following water waste prohibitions remain in place: 

  • Do not allow water to run and be wasted during outdoor use 
  • Do not allow leaks to persist for more than 48 hours 
  • Do not use a handheld hose without an automatic shutoff nozzle
  • Do not operate fountains unless the water is recirculating 
  • Do not wash or hose down hardscape surfaces such as driveways and sidewalks 
  • Do not irrigate outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours of measurable rainfall

Last updated: June 14, 2023

  1. Historical Drought Info
  2. Report Water Waste
  3. Water Saving Metrics
  4. FAQs
Historical Drought Information

On May 31, 2022, the City Council received the Annual Comprehensive Water Resources Report (CWRR) and a Water Shortage Event Update and authorized the City Manager or designee to expand the public information campaign for water conservation to comply with the State Drought Related Emergency Regulation for Water Conservation as adopted by the SWCRB.

On May 24, 2022, the SWRCB adopted emergency regulations requiring urban water suppliers to implement demand reduction actions identified under Stage 2 of the supplier’s Water Shortage Contingency Plans and to ban irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) sites, effective June 10, 2022.

On March 29, 2022, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-7-22 directing the State Water Resources Control Board to consider adopting an emergency regulation for urban water conservation.

On October 19, 2021, Governor Newsom issued a Proclamation of a State of Emergency extending the drought emergency statewide to include Ventura County. 

On May 24, 2021, the City Council rescinded the Stage 2 Water Shortage Event in the City, effective July 1, 2021. Residents are encouraged to maintain similar levels of conservation and the City will continue to enforce water waste prohibitions and offer water efficiency programs and incentives. 

On May 4, 2020, the City Council voted to move to a less restrictive Stage 2 Water Shortage Event in the City effective July 1, 2020, shifting from the Stage 3 Water Shortage Event. 

On June 8, 2015, the City Council confirmed that a water shortage event still exists and therefore, the restrictions, regulations, and rates applicable to a Stage 3 Water Shortage Event shall be implemented. 

In March 2015, the City Council approved the updated Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan (PDF) to comply with the newly adopted SWRCB regulations. 

On September 22, 2014, the City Council declared a Water Shortage Emergency to correlate with the SWRCB's July 2014 action and adopted outdoor watering restrictions to achieve a 20% water use reduction goal. Find more information on outdoor watering limits.

In July 2014, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted emergency regulations implementing mandatory water conservation actions.

In February 2014, the City Council asked customers to voluntarily reduce water usage by 10%.

In January 2014, the Governor of the State of California proclaimed a state of emergency and called on all Californian's to reduce water usage.


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