What are the stages of drought?

To ensure that we maintain safe, clean, and reliable water service to our residential and business customers in all climates and seasons, Cal Water follows a set of drought severity stages to determine the level of water conservation and assess potential water-use restrictions.

The 6 stages of drought are detailed below.

Stage 1

When Stage 1 drought conditions are declared:

• We implement policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by 10 percent.
• Residential and business customers are subject to water-use restrictions
• Outdoor irrigation is subject to limited times
• Leak repairs must be made in a timely manner
• Shut-off nozzles are required when using a hose to wash a car
• Outdoor watering is prohibited within 48 hours of rain

Stage 1 violators are subject to:

• Installation of water measurement devices
• Fines of up to $50 for subsequent violations
• Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators

Stage 2

When Stage 2 drought conditions are declared:

• We implement policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by 20 percent
• Residential and business customers are subject to additional water-use restrictions
• Outdoor irrigation by residential and business customers is limited further to 1-3 days per week, depending on local ordinance
• Use of non-recirculating systems in all new conveyer car wash and commercial laundry systems are prohibited
• Use of single pass cooling systems in new connections is prohibited

Stage 2 violators are subject to:

• Installation of water measurement devices
• Fines of up to $100 for subsequent violations
• Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators

Stage 3

When Stage 3 drought conditions are declared:

• We implement policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by 30 percent
• Residential and business customers are subject to additional water-use restrictions
• Water usage for construction and dust control is prohibited
• Irrigation of ornamental turf on public street medians is prohibited
• Filling ornamental lakes or ponds is prohibited

Stage 3 violators are subject to:

• Installation of water measurement devices
• Fines of up to $200 for subsequent violations
• Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators

Stage 4

When Stage 4 drought conditions are declared:

• We implement policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by 40 percent
• Residential and business customers are subject to additional water-use restrictions
• Vehicle washing is prohibited, except with recirculated water or low-volume systems
• Use of water for recreational purposes, such as water parks, is prohibited
• Filling swimming pools is prohibited

Stage 4 violators are subject to:

• Installation of water measurement devices
• Fines of up to $400 for subsequent violations
• Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators

Stage 5

When Stage 5 drought conditions are declared:

• We implement policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by 50 percent
• Residential and business customers are subject to additional water-use restrictions
• Net zero demand increase is required on new water service connections
• Single-pass cooling systems are prohibited
• Swimming pool covers are required

Stage 5 violators are subject to:

• Installation of water measurement devices
• Fines of up to $800 for subsequent violations
• Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators

Stage 6

When Stage 6 drought conditions are declared:

• We implement policies and guidelines for reducing water usage by more than 50 percent
• Residential and business customers are subject to additional water-use restrictions
• All landscape irrigation is prohibited
• New water service connections are prohibited

Stage 6 violators are subject to:

• Installation of water measurement devices
• Fines of up to $1,600 for subsequent violations
• Possible installation of a flow-restricting device for egregious violators