Ventura River

Water Conservation

Water Conservation

Stage 1 Drought Condition: Voluntary Demand Reduction

VRWD Board of Directors approved Resolution 2023-352  lowering the Drought Condition from Stage 3 to Stage 1 effective April 19, 2023. While Stage 1 includes a 20% voluntary reduction in water use, certain water use restrictions remain in effect such as:

  • Irrigation run-off from the property or onto hard surfaces is prohibited.
  • Vehicles must be washed using a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
  • Decorative water features must use recirculated water.
  • Outdoor irrigation is prohibited during and within 48 hours following measurable rainfall.
  • All residential landscape irrigation is restricted to watering hours before 10:00AM and after 6:00PM.

State regulation banning use of potable water for irrigation of non-functional turf for commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors remains in effect.

Current Rainfall & Lake Casitas Information

Interested to know how much rainfall we received from our most recent storm or the percentage of Lake Casitas's current capacity ?

Click here to view Ventura County rainfall.

Click here to view Ventura County reservoir information.

U.S. Drought Monitor Map of California

View drought intensity levels for the state by clicking here.

How VRWD Customers Can Help

Sign up for EyeOnWater

If you have a Smart Meter on your property click here for instructions on how to sign up to view your usage and set up automatic leak alert notifications.

Adjust Your Irrigation Controller

As the weather changes, make sure your irrigation controller is set correctly. Irrigation is allowed 2x per week any time from 6pm to 10am.

Fix Leaks Immediately

Leaks that occur inside and outside the home can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day depending on the size and duration.

Create Water-Wise Landscape

Swap out your thirsty grass for local drought tolerant landscape that uses little to no water once established. https://venturacountygardening.com/

Lake Casitas

Utilize Rebates

We partner with Casitas Municipal Water District for efficient appliance and fixture rebates such as low flow toilets, high-efficiency washers, and smart irrigation controllers. Call 805-649-2251 to speak to a Water Conservation Specialist or visit their website for available rebates. https://www.casitaswater.org/for-customers/water-conservation/available-rebates

Water Surveys

VRWD partners with Casitas Municipal Water District (CMWD) and is now offering, on-site surveys for indoor and landscape water use of single-family and multi-family residential water customers in the Ojai Valley. The indoor survey includes a test of showerhead and faucet flow rates, an estimate of toilet flush volumes, a review of all water-using appliances and a test for leaks. The landscape survey includes a review of the irrigation system, irrigation design and watering schedules. The survey also includes reading the meter to reveal possible system leaks in the customers system. Casitas’ Water survey program is a free service offered to customers to help them save water inside and outside, and lower their water bill.

To schedule an appointment for your free survey, please email: jmortensen@casitaswater.com.

Ventura River Watershed Adjudication

In 2014, the City of Ventura and California faced legal action from Santa Barbara Channelkeeper regarding water usage in the Ventura River Watershed. In response, in 2015, the City of Ventura took a strategic step by cross-complaining and bringing in large water users, such was Ventura River Water District (consumptive users group) to the lawsuit. This move aimed to foster collaboration among stakeholders and pave the way for a locally crafted solution to managing the watershed and river. By involving key parties, the City of Ventura sought to ensure that decisions about water usage were made at the local level rather than being dictated solely by the State. This approach empowers the City of Ventura and consumptive users to retain control over our invaluable local resources.

Ventura River Water District is actively defending and protecting the District’s water rights in the case of Santa Barbara Channelkeeper v. State Water Resources Control Board; City of San Buenaventura; City of San Buenaventura v. Duncan Abbott, et al., Cross-Complaint, Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, Case No. 19STCP01176.

Ventura River Water District strongly supports a Physical Solution to help develop a locally-driven solution that protects that Watershed and preserves its water supply.

The check the current status on the adjudication please visit: https://www.venturariverwatershedadjudication.com/

FAQ’s about the Adjudication

Why support the physical solution?