Stage 3 Water Shortage Emergency

Stage 3 Water Supply Shortage Extended Through 2023 & 2024

The Board of Directors voted to continue our Stage 3 Water Supply Shortage at their regularly scheduled meeting on May 2, 2023. No Emergency Rates were adopted. Stage 3 restrictions will remain in place until rescinded by the Board.

Soquel Creek Water District has been in Stage 3 since 2014 due to our community's long-term groundwater supply shortage and the threat of seawater intrusion to our water supply.

Our conservation goal in 2023 and early 2024 is to collectively use 25% less water than our expected highest usage of 3,900 acre-feet per year. To achieve this goal, we are encouraging an efficient residential water use of 50 gallons per person per day or less.

More information about the water shortage declaration can be found in the 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan. 

Statewide Emergency Drought Restrictions

On May 24, 2022 the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted an Emergency Regulation (Reso. No. 2022-0018) to Reduce Water Demand and Improve Water Conservation. Adoption of this regulation was in response to an Executive Order signed by Governor Newsom on March 28, 2022 which directed the SWRCB to consider adoption of water restrictions due to the severe statewide drought. 

The District already meets most of the requirements of the new emergency regulation through our existing Stage 3 Water Shortage Emergency which has been in effect since 2014 primarily due to overdraft and seawater intrusion into the groundwater basin. Currently, we are asking customers to keep doing what they’ve been doing for multiple years: follow the rules about water waste (which are always in effect), and our temporary Stage 3 guidelines, including using water efficiently. 

In addition to District requirements, customers must observe the following recently adopted State emergency regulations:

• Non-functional Turf (Grass) Ban: Commercial, institutional, and homeowners’ associations are required to stop all irrigation of non-functional turf (i.e., turf that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events). Some exceptions may apply. 

Stage 3 Water Shortage Emergency Guidelines

• Efficient Water Use Guideline: During the Stage 3 Water Shortage in 2023 and early 2024, efficient water use is defined as an annual average of 50 gallons per person, per day. This is a general guideline only as each household is unique.
• Car Washing Restriction: Use of a recycled water car wash is preferred. However, vehicles may be washed at home if done efficiently. Water should not run off of the property, where possible. Efficient car washing includes any of the three methods: a waterless spray, a bucket and hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, and/or a pressure washer. All methods should minimize water running off of the property.
• Exterior Structure Washing Restriction: No exterior washing of structures unless for sanitation and health purposes, or if preparing to paint or stain and a pressure washer is used.
• Save Water Signage Requirement: Commercial and institutional customer must display Water Shortage Emergency/Use Water Wisely signage. Click here for the latest Water Shortage signage for your use. 

Rules of Water Waste

Our Water Waste rules are always in effect.