RIVERSIDE, CA – After a series of early storms this winter, California has experienced the driest first three months of a year in the state's recorded history. With 93% of the state now falling under Severe Drought conditions, the Governor has issued an Executive Order for water agencies to move to "Level 2" of their Water Storage Contingency Plans (WSCP).

In January 2022, Western Municipal Water District's (Western) Board of Directors adopted an updated retail ordinance and Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) and reaffirmed the agency's Stage 2 – Water Supply Alert status. Western's retail customers will remain in Stage 2 – Water Supply Alert until the State Water Resources Control Board meeting in May, at which time Western will assess any necessary stage escalation.

At this stage, Western retail customers are being asked to continue stepping up their water conservation efforts by voluntarily reducing their water use by 20%. Even with the new executive order, Western's response continues to align with the state's current request.

"We know that Western customers have made efficiency a way of life, and we celebrate those efforts. However, we cannot ignore that this drought is an ongoing, slow-moving crisis," said Western's General Manager, Craig Miller. "We must all work together to step up our water-saving efforts even more so that our current water supplies last as long as possible."

Western customers can save more water by taking a few easy steps:

• Install a weather-based irrigation controller. 
• Tune-up irrigation systems by checking for and repairing leaks and damaged sprinklers.
• Wash only full loads of laundry or dishes.
• Install low-flow certified showerheads and shorten shower times. 
• Consider replacing older inefficient appliances with certified low-flow appliances.

"At a time when we are asking our customers to continuously step up their efforts to use less water – and in some cases cut it back – Western is here to help customers sustain the momentum," continued Miller.

Western is continuously reinvesting in its customers by innovating new tools and enhancing existing rebates that help customers take control of their water usage. Western customers are encouraged to take advantage of the many customer support programs provided and listed below.

• Western's H20 Depot – A new no-cost online store where customers can select from various water-saving devices such as showerheads, hose nozzles, and moisture meters and have them shipped directly to their homes. Visit https://westernh2odepot.com/.
• Enhanced Rebates – Residential and commercial customers have access to various indoor and outdoor rebates for clothes washers, toilets, weather-based irrigation controllers, and more. Visit wmwd.com/Rebates.
• Turf Replacement Program – Removing turf grass is one of the most water-conscious adjustments a homeowner can make to reduce water usage and associated costs. For a limited time, homeowners can receive up to $5 per square foot for the first 1,000 square feet of turf removed. Visit wmwd.com/Rebates. 
• Landscapes with Style – Get inspired to create a stylish water-wise landscape through our Landscapes with Style guide. We offer eight different styles, from peaceful to lively, with each featuring proven plants thoughtfully placed to suit every taste. Start by taking our style quiz to see which option best suits you, then use our "plant by numbers guide" to help you easily create your perfect landscape. Visit wmwd.com/LandscapeStyleGuide.

Western offers a variety of customer support programs that provide even more money savings above standard rebates for replacing water-thirsty lawns and inefficient home appliances. Our programs also include free landscape efficiency surveys, easy-to-follow DIY landscape sample designs, and more.

To learn more about Western, visit wmwd.com. Stay updated on Western's latest projects and happenings by following Western on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Western Municipal Water District is one of the largest public agencies in Riverside County, providing water and wastewater (sewer) services to nearly a million people, both retail and wholesale customers who live, work and play within 527 square miles in one of California's most populous regions. Learn more: wmwd.com.