Water Conservation Overview

Water Conservation for the Long Run

Since June 2023, the MPWD has been in Level 1 of the MPWD Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP), when Governor Newsom announced a relaxation of the need for many drought restrictions and ended the voluntary 15% conservation targets set forth during the 2021-2023 drought. Since then, MPWD customers have reduced their water usage through their continued conscientious use of water and active participation in MPWD’s conservation programs. The San Francisco Bay Area has experienced average or above average precipitation for the last three winters, including healthy spring snowpack in the Sierra Nevada Mountains that help feed our reservoirs during summer months.

Given this, in March 2025, MPWD’s Board of Directors approved a resolution to move from Level 1 of the WSCP to Level 0. This includes the lifting of certain voluntary demand reduction actions, including expanding outdoor irrigation times to 10am – 6pm. Other reduction actions remain in place, which are listed below. The move to WSCP Level 0 signals that MPWD does not anticipate any near-term water supply shortages, while it continues to maintain water efficiency best management practices for its customers and operations.

MPWD would like to thank the community for their continued water stewardship and for taking advantage of available resources, such as MPWD’s conservation rebate programs and the Water Watch usage monitoring tool, to help optimize water usage.

Normal Supply Year - Stage 0 Water Alert in Effect March 2025

MPWD is currently in Water Shortage Level 0 as outlined in the Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) of 2020, which was passed and adopted on September 23, 2021 by Resolution 2021-23.

Level 0 Actions Now Apply

Watering or irrigation with a device that is not continuously attended to is limited to fifteen (15) minutes per day per valve. Low flow drip type systems, water efficient stream rotor systems, and sensor/weather-controlled systems are exempt
Any new planting should be performed with drought tolerant plants.
Fix leaks or faulty sprinklers promptly/within ten (10) days.
No single pass cooling systems may be installed in new or remodeled buildings.
All new commercial car wash and laundry facilities must re-circulate the wash water or obtain a waiver from the MPWD.
Food preparation establishments must use water efficient kitchen spray valves.
Watering or irrigation of vegetated areas is prohibited between 10am and 6pm except by use of a handheld device, hose equipped with an automatic shutoff device, or for adjusting or repairing an irrigation system for short periods of time.
Use of a shutoff nozzle on hoses.
Unauthorized use of hydrants is prohibited. Authorization for use must be obtained from the MPWD.

The MPWD continues to prioritize water conservation and water use efficiency throughout its service territory. MPWD customers have responded to the challenge by meeting and exceeding voluntary goals by taking advantage of the many programs, rebates, tools, and other measures offered by the MPWD under the California Way of Life water efficiency campaign.

MPWD is committed to bringing updated information to rate payers on drought conditions, water shortage levels, water conservation efforts and resources, and how it affects our District. Please visit this page for the latest updates on water supply conditions and conservation actions.

The MPWD has provided its customers with safe, quality water with friendly, professional service for more than 95 years. We look forward to working together with our customers to ensure continued delivery of our most valuable resource for the next 95 years and beyond.

Please email us with any questions or requests you may have at info@midpeninsulawater.org.

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