Water Conservation and Efficiency
OMWD’s potable water is imported from two major sources: the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta via California’s State Water Project, and the Colorado River.
Colorado River water levels are very low after years of over-allocation and hot, dry weather, combined with the lowest winter snowpack on record. The San Diego region has spent decades diversifying its water supplies, which will spare us from major impacts for now.
In August, the federal government ordered cuts to the amount of Colorado River water delivered to California, Nevada and Arizona. The cuts will reduce deliveries by 1.25 million acre-feet each year for the next two years. California’s share will decrease by about 12 percent or 440,000 acre-feet per year.
Although the long-term outlook for the Colorado River is uncertain, the predicted Super El Niño may provide some relief. NOAA forecasts above-average rainfall in California and the Colorado River basin through spring.
OMWD’s other key water source, California’s State Water Project, faces no shortage. Statewide drinking water reservoirs have stayed full because of three consecutive years with roughly average precipitation. Since October 2025, the Northern Sierra has received 97 percent of its average rainfall.
OMWD continues to diversify our water supply sources to reduce our reliance on imported drinking water. Several projects are underway in our service area to become more drought-resilient. These include expanding our distribution system of recycled water used for irrigation, and exploring the possibility of building a brackish groundwater desalination facility for a potable water supply. OMWD also indirectly benefits from water produced at the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant.
While there currently is no water shortage, OMWD remains in Level 1 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan and asks customers to follow several voluntary measures to reduce water waste.
Water Use Efficiency Regulations
California’s State Water Resources Control Board has adopted water use efficiency regulations that will affect how much water OMWD can provide customers. The regulations do not consider available water supplies and limits will be in effect whether it’s a wet or dry year. The water use limitations become more restrictive over time and OMWD does not anticipate an immediate impact to our customers. In the future, additional efficiency measures may be necessary to maintain compliance.
- Learn more about the regulations, and how they impact you.
- View the Legislative Analyst’s Office’s report about the cost and impacts on lower-income ratepayers and the feasibility of the regulations.
My Water Use
OMWD’s My Water Use is designed to give you easy access to timely information about your water usage.
Rebates
Save money on improvements at your home or business by applying for rebates on water-saving devices and landscape transformations.
FREE Water Use Evaluation
Take advantage of our water use evaluation service to help you save both water and money. OMWD offers this service free of charge to promote water use efficiency.
California-Friendly Demonstration Garden
Located at OMWD headquarters, our garden provides tangible examples of water‐efficient landscaping techniques that can save water and money.
Workshops and Tours
Learn more about efficient water use and the value of water at one of our free workshops or tours.
WaterSmart Landscape Contest
Inspire others to conserve by showing off your water-efficient yard in our annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest.
San Diego Sustainable Landscapes Program
The program is a resource to assist San Diego County residents in adopting sustainable landscaping best practices through education and training, technical assistance, and landscaping materials.
School Programs
OMWD believes in educating the next generation about the value of water.
Report Water Waste
Article 10, section 2 of the California Constitution declares that waters of the state are to be put to beneficial use, that waste, unreasonable use, or unreasonable method of use of water be prevented, and that water be conserved for the public welfare. Let us know if you see water being wasted in the community by submitting a water waste report form or calling 760-632-4641. Please note that leak emergencies should be reported to our main line by calling 760-753-6466.
High Consumption & Leaks
Have you received an unusually high bill, or do you suspect you may have a leak? Learn how to check for leaks, troubleshoot high water use, and other helpful tips.
Stormwater Pollution
Help protect our waterways by reporting stormwater pollution to the appropriate jurisdiction.
Landscaping Tips
70 percent or more of residential water use in our area goes to landscape irrigation. One of the biggest ways to make an impact on your water use is to improve irrigation efficiency. OMWD has some great tips to get you started.
Graywater Reuse
Learn how the average household can save up to 12,000 gallons of water a year by using the same water that washed your clothes to water your landscape.
Conservation Resources
We have created a list of conservation topics meant to inform and inspire those looking to reduce their water use.
Water Conservation Practices
OMWD is currently in Level 1 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan, meaning that customers are encouraged to follow several voluntary measures to use water efficiently.