Recent Drought History

On May 9, 2016 Governor Brown issued a new Executive Order (PDF) aimed at using water wisely, reducing water waste, and improving water use efficiency. The Executive Order, in part, directs the State Water Board to extend the emergency regulations for urban water conservation through the end of January 2017. The Executive Order called for the development of long-term conservation standards throughout the State.

May 2016

On May 18, 2016 the State Water Board approved significant changes to the Emergency Regulations replacing State developed conservation targets with a local self-certification process for water suppliers. Each agency is required to self-certify the level of available water supplies they have assuming three additional dry years, and the level of conservation necessary to assure adequate supply over that time.

June 2016

The San Diego region worked together through the San Diego County Water Authority to certify sufficient water supplies for the region. This process proved the San Diego region has enough water for a three year dry period and therefore the region's conservation target was self-certified at zero percent. Self-certification for Padre Dam was submitted to the State on June 21, 2016. However, new conservation targets are back dated to June 1, 2016.

Padre Dam moved out of a Level 2: Drought Alert and back to Level 1: Drought Watch in June 2016. Customers have continued to use water efficiently and continued to save more than 20% compared to 2013.

November 2016

On November 30, 2016, state agencies released a draft report (PDF) addressing elements of Governor Brown's Executive Order B-37-16 (PDF). The order requires five state agencies to develop a framework for water use in California. The public agencies consist of California Department of Water Resources, State Water Resources Control Board, California Energy Commission, California Public Utilities Commission, and California Department of Food and Agriculture. The draft plan proposes long-term regulations to reduce water use in California that include adopting permanent water use restrictions, setting water budgets for agencies regardless of local water supply, and reducing the use of recycled water. The plan is currently with the Governor's office and is expected to be out for public comment in February 2017.