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1. What does a Stage 2 Water Shortage mean for customers?

Under a Stage 2 Water Shortage event, customers are required to meet a 10% water conservation goal. Additionally, customers must adhere to the City’s Water Waste Ordinance per the following guidelines:

• 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

For information on water rate adjustments under Stage 2, please see question 3 below.

2. Is water conservation still required under Stage 2?

Yes, Stage 2 Water Shortage Event requires a 10% reduction in water usage when compared to pre-drought years (2013). For many years, Ventura residents have done an outstanding job meeting conservation goals!  Ventura Water customers have consistently exceeded Stage 3- mandatory 20% savings, conserving an average of 23% over the last five years.

It is important to note that in the City of Ventura, our 100% local water supplies (Ventura River, Lake Casitas, and Groundwater Basins) continue to be challenged by environmental, regulatory, operational, and legal constraints. To ensure reliable water sources for future generations, it is crucial that our community continues to conserve water!

In addition, two long-term water use efficiency conservation bills were passed into law by Governor Jerry Brown in 2018 to permanently make water conservation a California way of life. Ventura Water will continue to offer rebates and services to support our customers in their water conservation efforts.

3. How does the City determine whether a water shortage condition exists?

The City uses two documents to evaluate whether a water shortage condition exists. The Comprehensive Water Resources Report (CWRR) is prepared annually to provide updates on the City’s projected water supply and demand. The City’s 2015 Water Shortage Event Contingency Plan (WSECP) is a six-stage contingency plan to reduce demand up to 50% during a severe or extended water shortage event involving both voluntary and mandatory stages. The WSECP specifies that the water shortage stage trigger is calculated by comparing the Annual Supply Projection to the Normal Year Supply Projection in the CWRRs.  The WSECP also states that the Normal Year Supply Projection will not change for the duration of the shortage event. Ventura Water will be evaluating and updating its WSECP over the next year in coordination with the development of its 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, which is due July 1, 2021. 

4. Why did the City move from a Stage 3 to Stage 2 Water Shortage Event?

Although local water supplies are still recovering after several years of drought and water shortage, the City is able to move to a Stage 2 because of recent regulatory changes that restored the amount of water the City can use from one of the local groundwater basins, and the City’s other sources remain relatively stable. 

5. Will my water rates change in Stage 2?

Yes, the Stage 2 rate adjustment will become effective July 1, 2020. Please visit www.venturawater.net, navigate to the Rates page, and select the Rate Calculator to determine your rate adjustment. All bills after July 1, 2020 will reflect the adjusted Stage 2 rates; there will be no proration between Stage 3 and Stage 2 rates.

6. Will my sewer rates be adjusted as well?

Water shortage rate adjustments do not impact sewer charges, only your water bill. There will be no change to the sewer rates as a result of the transition from Stage 3 to a Stage 2 Water Shortage Event.

7. Will my rates change again next year?

Ventura Water is currently conducting a rate study to ensure we have revenues sufficient to maintain our water and wastewater operations. Based on the results of this study, there may be a change to your rates. Members of the community may participate in a series of public meetings to learn more about future rates.   Visit our website at www.venturawater.net for more information.