Conservation / Conservation Requirements

Conservation Requirements

The Need for Conservation Continues…

VCMWD Has Moved to Level 1 Drought Response

California is no stranger to drought; it is a recurrent feature of our climate. On July 8th, 2021 the Governor of California signed Executive Order N-10-21 declaring a regional state of emergency caused by current drought conditions that called on Californians to voluntarily reduce water use by 15% to protect the State’s available water resources.

In response to the drought conditions impacting California, the Valley Center Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors declared a Level 1 Drought Response on October 18, 2021, calling for consumers and businesses to voluntarily reduce their water use and help preserve the region’s storage reserves.

The Board’s action urges residents and businesses in VCMWD’s service area to lower the region’s water demand to prevent more severe actions in the future, which could include restricting water supplies to the region.

The District’s Water Use Efficiency and Drought Response Program, Administrative Code Article 230, identifies practical conservation measures that are in place at all times (even under Normal Conditions), and contains six levels to aid the District’s response to water shortage conditions.


VCMWD is here to help our customers with water conservation and water-saving habits; encouraging voluntary conservation measures, such as:

  • Irrigate residential and commercial landscape before 10:00 a.m. and/or after 4:00 p.m. only;
  • Use a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle or bucket to water landscaped areas;
  • Repair all water leaks within five (5) days.


These Level I provisions are in addition to the Water Waste Prohibition Provisions which are always in place irrespective of water supply conditions, which include:

  • Not hosing off sidewalks, driveways, and other hardscapes;
  • Not watering lawns in a manner that causes runoff, or watering within 48 hours after measurable rainfall;
  • Using only non-recirculated water to operate ornamental fountains or other decorative water feature;
  • Not washing vehicles with hoses not equipped with a shut-off nozzle.


Water Efficient Landscaping: If you are considering new landscape designs and plant materials which are drought-tolerant to reduce water use and prepare you for the future should mandatory water restrictions ever return. Please visit: www.watersmartsdlandscaping.org for design and plant selection ideas.


Visit our Conservation/Rebate Page on our website for additional information, or you can also contact us at 760-735-4500.

Learn How to Track Your Water Usage

You can view helpful information and diagrams on how to read your water meter or by contacting our office. You can also find the read date for your meter on your monthly bill.  This information can help you track your usage during each month from the point that the meter is read by District personnel.  If you need additional assistance, please call us at (760) 735-4502.

Reporting Water Waste

If you see water waste, please contact us at 760-735-4502 and leave a message, or email us anytime at waterwaste@vcmwd.org at any time with the address, time and nature of the water waste. This information will help us raise awareness of the problem and determine the right course of action.

District Contacts 

For questions, or if you require additional information, please feel free to contact our Finance Department at 760-735-4502.

Once Again, Thank You for Your Commitment to Use Water Efficiently!

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors and Staff

Valley Center Municipal Water District

Conservation Resources