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After this winter’s record-breaking rain and snow, and news about statewide water use restrictions being eased, you might be wondering about the latest water rules here in Carlsbad.
Last week, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Board of Directors voted to lift some of the water restrictions that have been in effect since June 2022. The decision moves the Carlsbad district from a Level 2 drought alert back to a Level 1, which calls for voluntary cutbacks in water use.
What does this mean for CMWD customers?
The limit on outdoor watering on certain days of the week has been removed. We still encourage you to run your sprinklers before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Leaks must be repaired within 5 days of notification from CMWD (compared to repairing leaks within 72 hours under Level 2).
Why now?
This action aligns with similar moves across the state, thanks to the record-breaking rain and snow California experienced this winter. In March, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order easing some of the mandatory Level 2 restrictions he ordered in 2022 when much of the state was in severe drought.
Should we keep conserving?
Yes, this action doesn’t mean it’s time to stop conserving. Saving water will always be important in our dry climate.
The San Diego region has invested heavily in creating new water supplies, so we are not depending on any single source, like we were in the 1990s. Creating water supplies we can control locally is a big part of the strategy and Carlsbad has long been a leader in water conservation, desalination and recycled water.
We are still asking residents to take steps to save water and help make sure we’re ready to meet the needs of our community in the decades ahead. By voluntarily conserving water, Carlsbad residents have helped reduce our water use per person by almost 48% since 2008.
Here are some easy ways to conserve:
- Only wash down paved surfaces when it’s necessary for safety or health reasons
- Make sure your sprinklers are watering landscaping, not pavement
- Wash full loads of laundry + dishes
- Take short showers
- Turn off irrigation for 48 hours after rain
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