Conservation Measures

Water conservation is an essential element of water resources management within the Metro Water District. With the adoption of the 2003 Water Supply and Water Conservation Management Plan, the Metro Water District and its member water providers immediately began implementing the water conservation measures in the Plan. In May 2009, after a review and update process, an updated Water Supply and Water Conservation Plan was adopted. The 2009 Plan expands the existing water conservation by strengthening existing measures and adding two additional measures. The Metro Water District is the only major metropolitan area in the country with more than 100 jurisdictions that are implementing such a comprehensive long-term water conservation program that is required and enforced.

Water Conservation Actions

The 12 conservation measures required by the Plan are listed below:

1. Establish conservation pricing by all District utilities.
2. Replace older, inefficient plumbing fixtures.
3. Require pre-rinse spray valve retrofit education program.
4. Enact legislation to require rain sensor shut-off switches
   on new irrigation systems.
5. Require sub-unit meters in new multi-family buildings.
6. Assess and reduce water system leakage.
7. Conduct residential water audits.
8. Distribute low-flow retrofit kits to residential users.
9. Conduct commercial water audits.
10. Implement education and public awareness plan.
11. Install high efficiency toilets and high efficiency urinals in government buildings.
12. Require new car washes to recycle water.