Water Conservation

Even though water use by customers in the Running Springs Water District is moderate, and the current water supply is sufficient to satisfy customer demands the District needs to be prepared for the possibility of a water shortage emergency.

The District obtains water from three sources:

  • District groundwater production

  • Surplus ground water purchased from the Arrowbear Park County Water District

  • California Water Project (CWP) imported water, purchased from the Crestline Lake Arrowhead Water Agency (CLAWA)

The water available from these three sources currently satisfies District customer demand.  Therefore, there is no imminent threat of a water shortage emergency.  However, the continuing dry weather trend indicates that a water shortage emergency is quite possible in the future, and such a shortage will require that the District implement appropriate water shortage emergency measures.

The District adopted an Ordinance in April 1991 declaring a water shortage emergency and establishing a water conservation program.  While the action taken by the District in 1991 was appropriate for the circumstances at that time, it would be prudent for the District to review and update the 1991 Ordinance prior to a potential future water shortage emergency.

The updated Water Shortage Contingency Plan is included as Appendix D in the Final 2020 Urban Water Management Plan.

Final 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP)

2022 Final Water Shortage Contingency Plan

  • Second Water Conservation Emergency Regulation of 2022 - May/June 2022

    On March 28, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom ordered the State Water Board to consider adopting and emergency regulation for urban water conservation. On May 24, 2022, the State Water Board adopted an emergency regulation. On June 10, 2022, the emergency regulation went into effect. It will remain in effect for one year from the effective date, unless the State Water Board acts to end, modify, or readopt it. See more information on the emergency regulation here.

    Emergency Regulation Requirements (more in documents below):

    -Commercial, industrial, and institutional decorative grass should not be watered*

    -Give all trees just what they need: avoid overwatering

    -Follow the local requirements of your water supplier

    -Urban water suppliers should implement all Level 2 demand reduction actions by June 10, 2022*

    *Unless otherwise allowed in the regulation

    Emergency Regulation Documents:

    -Frequently Asked Questions (updated 6/10/2022)

    -Office of Administrative Law Notice with Approved Regulation Text (6/10/2022)

    -SWRCB Resolution (adopted 5/24/2022)

    -Informative Digest and Fiscal Impacts Analysis (5/27/2022)

    -Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (5/27/2022)

    -Executive Order N-7-22 (3/28/2022)

    Timeline:

    -April 21, 2022: Public webinar held for input based on a working staff draft of regulation text

    -May 13, 2022: Agenda item with proposed emergency regulation text posted on the State Water Board website

    -May 24, 2022: State Water Board will consider adoption of the emergency regulation during the Board meeting

    -June 10, 2022: Emergency regulation took effect, upon completion of Office of Administrative Law process

    First Water Conservation Emergency Regulation of 2022 - January 2022

    The State Water Board finds that an emergency exists due to severe drought conditions and that adoption of emergency regulations is necessary. During 2021, Governor Newsom proclaimed a drought state of emergency for all counties in California, culminating, to date, with his October 19, 2021 proclamation, urging Californians to step up their water conservation efforts. Immediate action is needed to ensure all Californians are taking sufficient actions to conserve water and preserve the State’s water supply. On January 4, 2022, the State Water Board adopted an emergency regulation by resolution. On January 18, 2022, the emergency regulation became effective. It will remain in effect for one year from the effective date, unless the State Water Board acts to end, modify, or readopt it.

    Emergency Regulation Requirements (more in the documents below):

    -Turn off decorative water fountains

    -Turn off/pause your irrigation system when it’s raining and for two days after rain

    -Use an automatic shutoff nozzle on your water hose

    -Use a broom, not water, to clean sidewalks and driveways

    -Give trees just what they need: avoid overwatering

    Emergency Regulation Documents:

    Frequently Asked Questions (2/28/2022)

    Preguntas Frecuentes (28/2/2022)

    Press Release: State Water Board adopts emergency water use regulations to boost drought resilience (1/4/2022)

    Resolution with Adopted Text of Emergency Regulation (adopted 1/4/2022)

    Proclamation of a State of Emergency (10/19/2021)