Securing a Resilient Water Future for All Californians

What Is “Conservation as a California Way of Life”?

In 2023, California passed new legislation aimed at building long-term water resilience across the state. Known as Conservation as a California Way of Life, this initiative marks a shift from temporary drought responses to permanent water-use efficiency standards. Rather than focusing on emergency cutbacks during dry years, this legislation emphasizes smart, sustainable water use every day.

At the core of this effort is the recognition that water conservation must be a long-term habit—essential to supporting California’s growing population, agriculture, ecosystems, and climate-resilient future.

What Does the Law Require?

Under the new legislation, urban water suppliers like LVMWD must:

• Develop customized water-use budgets that reflect local climate, population, and land use.
• Meet annual efficiency targets for both indoor and outdoor water use.
• Report on progress and implement strategies to reduce unnecessary water waste.
• Work with customers and local agencies to promote sustainable practices.

The law does not impose mandatory household water limits, but instead holds water suppliers accountable for helping communities meet collective conservation goals.

LVMWD: Ahead of the Curve

Customized Water Budgets

Long before the legislation passed, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District recognized the need for tailored, community-focused conservation. That’s why we implemented a water budget-based rate structure—a personalized approach that allocates a reasonable amount of water based on each household’s unique characteristics, including:

• Number of residents
• Landscape size
• Local climate and seasonal needs

This innovative system rewards efficiency and provides the flexibility customers need to maintain healthy landscapes and manage daily water use responsibly.

Our Customers Are Already Meeting the Mark

Thanks to proactive conservation efforts and community buy-in:

• The majority of LVMWD customers are already meeting or exceeding the water use standards outlined in the new state legislation.
• Year after year, our service area has consistently maintained reduced water usage from 2020.
• Ongoing education, rebates, and smart technology have helped residents and businesses alike conserve without compromising comfort or quality of life.

What’s Next?

LVMWD is committed to:

• Continuing to refine our water budgets as conditions evolve.
• Investing in new tools and technology to make conservation even easier.
• Engaging with customers to promote smart water habits through outreach and education.

Water conservation is not a temporary fix—it’s a permanent, smart way of life. And together, we’re already making it happen.