Southern Californians’ water use drops to lowest in three decades

The cover of Metropolitan's 25th annual report on Achievements In Conservation, Recycling & Groundwater Recharge.

Metropolitan’s six-county region used a record low 114 gallons per capita per day in 2023, down from 209 GPCD in 1990, according to new data released in Metropolitan's 25th annual report on Achievements In Conservation, Recycling & Groundwater Recharge. The reduction was driven by Metropolitan’s nearly $1 billion investment in conservation rebates and programs, along with Southern Californians' willingness to embrace conservation practices and the cool, wet winter that followed last year.

"More than three decades ago, Metropolitan and other Southern California water agencies made a commitment to increase water reliability in Southern California by helping residents and businesses become more water efficient and by investing in more local water supplies. The reduction in water use is the culmination of those efforts, and a measure of the success when programs, people, and purpose come together,” General Manager Deven Upadhyay said. “I want to thank Southern Californians for their efforts lowering their water use.”

The new data was highlighted in Metropolitan’s report on investments in conservation and local water supplies submitted to the California Legislature every February. Read the press release.

After recent storms, State Water Project allocation increases to 35%

"Metropolitan started this year with a record amount of water in storage – 3.8 million acre-feet," said General Manager Upadhyay. "Thanks to Southern California’s commitment to water efficiency, resulting in some of the lowest water demands the region has seen in decades, this increased allocation this year means Metropolitan will be able to meet demands with our imported supplies and may be able to add water to our record storage."

Read the full statement.

With Palo Verde Valley farmers fallowing nearly 30% of the area’s cultivated land to conserve Colorado River water, Metropolitan’s board voted this month to partner with the Palo Verde Irrigation District on an $8 million community improvement program to help ease the impact of reduced farming.

The new Palo Verde investment program will solicit funding proposals from the community. Potential recipients include city services, schools, hospitals and small businesses.

The fallowing is part of a 2023 agreement between PVID, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Metropolitan, in which landowners in the Palo Verde Valley agreed to stop irrigating nearly 26,000 acres of their land for three years to help stabilize the Colorado River.

Read the press release.

"When Lake Mead hit a record low three years ago, California cities and farmers came together to help avert a pending crisis by reducing their use of Colorado River water. The farmers in the Palo Verde Irrigation District stepped up and agreed to do their part. Now it’s time for us to build on past efforts by investing in their community and supporting its success.”

Metropolitan board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr.

From left, Board Vice Chair Michael Camacho and Chair Adán Ortega present Dr. Michael J. McGuire with a commendation during the Water Quality Lab dedication ceremony on Feb. 20.

Metropolitan’s renowned Water Quality Lab, where staff monitor the quality of drinking water and conduct research, was renamed this month in honor of former Director of Water Quality Dr. Michael J. McGuire.

Surrounded by family, former colleagues and district leaders during the Feb. 20 dedication at the lab in La Verne, Dr. McGuire recounted his drive to ensure Metropolitan maintained 100% compliance with drinking water regulations, a commitment that continues today. He worked for the district from 1979 to 1992.

“Naming this Water Quality Lab in Dr. McGuire’s honor is not only a recognition of his personal achievements, but also a testament to the deep and enduring impact he has had on Metropolitan’s mission and the communities we serve,” said board Chair Ortega. “It also underscores our commitment to communicating to the public why they should trust their tap water.”

Dr. McGuire led the effort to build the cutting edge Water Quality Laboratory in 1985 and oversaw the introduction of ozone disinfection to the district’s treatment plants, improving Southern California’s water supply. His leadership, along with his emphasis on research and collaboration, helped establish Metropolitan as a world leader in the pursuit of water quality and the protection of public health. Read the press release.

Facing natural disasters, climate change and weather extremes, Metropolitan's Board of Directors have committed to supporting policies and funding that ensure Southern California's water supply and delivery system is resilient and sustainable.

The priorities include continued support for projects that ensure water supply reliability, water-use efficiency and the development of local water supply projects such as Pure Water Southern California.

View the full list of legislative priorities.

Visitors can once again enjoy the 1.3-mile Wildflower Trail at Diamond Valley Lake, which will be open Wednesdays through Sundays at the lake in Hemet in southwestern Riverside County. While a wildflower super bloom is not expected due to the lack of early-season rains, Spring ushers in a variety of flowers. The trail is part of the Southwestern Riverside County Multi-Species Reserve, which Metropolitan helped create in 1992, covering 9,000 acres surrounding Diamond Valley Lake and connecting to Lake Skinner. Read the press release.

In honor of Black History Month, Metropolitan's Black Employees Association hosted events throughout February to celebrate excellence in activism, education, the fine and culinary arts and water. From left: General Manager Upadhyay provides opening remarks at the kickoff, local artist Charles Daily displays his art in the rotunda of Metropolitan's Los Angeles-based headquarters and Engineering Services Section Manager Eric Freeman gives the keynote at the closing ceremony.