FAQs

Will it be illegal to take a shower and wash clothes in the same day, as some media have reported?: No. There is nothing in the laws that specify when or how often a person may shower, do laundry, or use water for any other purpose. The new laws outline an overall framework for setting and meeting water use targets at the water provider level. While the framework outlined in the laws does include a goal for individual water use of 55 gallons per person per day beginning in 2022, this applies on an overall system-wide basis (and not an individual basis).

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Facts About California’s New Water Conservation Laws

1. How will the new laws impact customers?: There are no immediate impacts to Carmichael Water District (CWD) customers from these new laws. Many details for implementing the new water use requirements will be determined over the next several years by the CA Department of Water Resources and CWD will be active in that discussion to minimize any impact on CWD customers.

2. Will it be illegal to take a shower and wash clothes in the same day, as some media have reported?: No. There is nothing in the laws that specify when or how often a person may shower, do laundry, or use water for any other purpose. The new laws outline an overall framework for setting and meeting water use targets at the water provider level. While the framework outlined in the laws does include a goal for individual water use of 55 gallons per person per day beginning in 2022, this applies on an overall system-wide basis (and not an individual basis).

3. Will water providers be monitoring and evaluating individual water use part of the new laws?: No. There is no requirement in the new laws that individual households must meet a specific target. The new laws provide a framework for setting targets, but those will be applied on a system-wide basis, and progress toward achieving targets will be reviewed on a system-wide basis.

4. When will the new water use targets take effect?: Water providers must set new water use targets by 2022 and will be expected to begin implementing them by 2023 and every year after that.

5. Does CWD have programs to help me increase my water efficiency?: Yes! In addition to water efficiency resources and tips located on the Districts website, CWD offers a free Water Efficiency Survey for District customers. The entire home evaluation takes about 60 to 90 minutes for most homes and businesses and offers benefits including evaluation of your water usage, free leak check using your water meter, free evaluation of landscape irrigation efficiency, adjustment of irrigation timers, and free installation of select water-saving devices. Learn more about water efficiency surveys and water-saving devices.