Urban Water Use Efficiency

Water that is not used for agriculture or to support the environment is referred to as “urban water.” Urban water includes water that is used for:

• Drinking
• Toilets and showers
• Landscaping
• Car washing
• Businesses
• Industrial processes

Climate change, population growth, land development, and increasing regulations on water use impact our water supply, which means that we must be more diligent in conserving the water we have now, so that we have sufficient supply for the future.  

Water waste costs everyone. Waste leads to higher water prices, and developing new water supply solutions such as building more reservoirs, water recycling, and desalination, are all expensive options.  

To help ensure that we use our urban water supplies wisely, the Urban Water Use Efficiency program provides information and assistance to water suppliers, agencies, and the public in several areas:

• Urban water management planning and other water supplier management and reporting requirements
• Leak detection information and resources to reduce water waste
• Understanding and implementing the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)
• Commercial, Institutional, and industrial water efficient practices
• Tips on what individuals can to do save water

As of December 3, 2018, the following UWMPs have been submitted to DWR:

425 Urban Water Suppliers
11 Suppliers voluntary (not required)

6 Regional Alliances

Submitted documents and data may be viewed on the WUE Data Portal.

• WUE Data Portal – for the public
• WUE Data Portal – for water suppliers