Drought & Water Efficiency Resource Center

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Empty heaWe're in a drought, please conserve.

California is experiencing drought following three critically dry years – locally and statewide. Together, we can help our community get through this drought emergency if we:

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Reduce water use by 15% compared to 2020
Focus reductions on outdoor water use
Report water waste

Temporary Drought Surcharge

A temporary drought surcharge took effect July 1, 2022 to recover the cost of drought. Customers who use less than 200 gallons a day won't see a change in their water bill. Learn about the temporary drought surcharge and the incentive in the 2022 Drought Management Program Ordinance (PDF).

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Contra Costa Water District Approves Temporary Drought Surcharge

Following a public hearing June 15, CCWD’s Board of Directors adopted a temporary drought surcharge as part of its Drought Management Program. The surcharge will apply to water use starting July 1, 2022. Read on...

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Stage 2 Drought Management Program FAQs

How does CCWD plan to achieve an overall 15% reduction?

CCWD is working with all customer types to use water wisely and reduce discretionary water use. We are asking for the following reductions in each customer class. Reductions are compared to 2020 water use.

15% from single family residential accounts
10% from multifamily residential accounts
5% from commercial and industrial accounts
25% from dedicated irrigation accounts
15% from public authority and all other account types

View our 2022 Drought Management Program Ordinance (PDF) for full details.

Why do we have to save water? I thought we had plenty.

California is in its third consecutive dry year and supplies are significantly lower than what is expected this time of year. CCWD purchases water from the federal Central Valley Project (CVP) and was allocated only enough water this year to meet basic public health and safety needs. In addition to water purchased from the CVP, CCWD will rely on other local supplies and water stored in its Los Vaqueros Reservoir to meet the efficient water needs of its customers. This sharp reduction in available water supplies means we need all customers to use water efficiently and curb wasteful practices.

Can I bank water savings from month to month?

No. However, CCWD reads your water meter every two months, so the reduction is averaged over an approximately 60-day period. Every gallon of water you save is a gallon that can remain stored in our Los Vaqueros Reservoir for use by you and other CCWD customers in the future.

Where can I find my 2020 baseline use?

There are several ways to find your 2020 water use.

Sign up for My Water Report
View past bill statements in our online Customer Portal
Call our customer service team at 925-688-8000

What happens if my household does not meet 15% conservation?

The CCWD Board of Directors held a public hearing on June 15 and then approved a temporary 15% drought surcharge to cover the costs associated with maintaining a reliable supply of water during this drought. Temporary surcharge will apply to water used on or after July 1, 2022. Customers who do not reduce their water use after July 1, 2022, may see their bill increase. Customers who reduced their use by 15% or who use less than 200 gallon per day would not see their bill increase.

What is a temporary drought surcharge?

To cover the costs associated with the drought and ensure your drinking water system is well maintained and operated, we are proposing a temporary, additional charge to the quantity cost of the water you use. The proposed temporary drought surcharge is 15%, or approximately $0.79 per 748 gallons. The temporary drought surcharge would remain in place until the drought no longer exists.

Can I receive an exemption?

We understand conditions change and the water uses you experienced in 2020 may not apply to 2022. If this is the case, we ask that you do your best to save water and reduce your overall use. While customers can reduce the effects of the proposed temporary drought surcharge by using less water, there is no penalty for not meeting the target of 15% compared to 2020. If you’d like to talk about your situation, please call us at 925-688-8000.

What is considered water waste by CCWD?

Following the previous drought in 2014–2016, the District permanently adopted several water use prohibitions. In April 2022, the declaration of a Stage 2 water shortage by CCWD resulted in additional prohibitions being instituted. View the list of prohibitions.

What is non-functional turf?

Non-functional turf is a ground cover surface of mowed grass that is ornamental and not otherwise used for human recreation purposes. Non-functional turf does not include school fields, sports fields, and areas regularly used for civic or community events.

Are there any exceptions to the non-functional turf irrigation ban?

The ban only applies to irrigation of non-functional turf in the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors, including Homeowner Association common areas, and only applies to irrigation with potable water. It does not apply to residential lawns or any turf that is regularly used for human recreational purposes. The regulation does not ban the irrigation of trees or other non-turf plantings.

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Drought & Water Efficiency Resource Center

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Temporary Drought Surcharge

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Drought News

Drought Tips for Indoor Water Use - WaterSaver Newsletter

Fall into savings this fall! - WaterSaver Newsletter

Contra Costa Water District Approves Temporary Drought Surcharge

Resources and Rebates to Save Water

Water Supply and Planning

Recycled Water Fill Stations

Conserve in Contra Costa | Water Saving Tips

Conserve in Contra Costa | Water Saving Tips

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