Green Oceanside: Every Drop Counts Now More Than Ever

OCEANSIDE, CA — Unlike many cities in Southern California that are facing severe water restrictions, Oceanside has a targeted reduction of 10% currently in place but warns of increases needed during the hot summer months.

Green Oceanside released an update to the community in response to recent restrictions implemented at the state level.

Making Every Drop Count Matters Now More Than Ever

Oceanside residents recognize that conservation is a way of life in California. We greatly appreciate everything you are doing to increase water efficiency. As the statewide drought continues and we face the warmer months of our third dry year, now is the time to re-examine how we can work together to save even more water during these unprecedented times. Fortunately, the City of Oceanside has been proactive to ensure resilient water infrastructure and to diversify water supplies for our community.

Gov. Newsom’s approach to limiting summertime water use requires all Californians to do their part to use water wisely, while also giving local communities discretion based on local supply conditions. We are doing our part in Oceanside with a targeted reduction of 10% currently in place. But as conditions continue into the hot summer, Oceanside is expected to increase needed conservation levels. These actions underscore the serious challenges faced by California in maintaining a reliable supply of water during this drought.

On April 26, 2022, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California adopted emergency drought restrictions to address serious water shortages. These restrictions will take effect June 1 and impact Metropolitan’s service areas that depend solely on the State Water Project. The drought restrictions do not directly affect Oceanside residents and business, as we currently do not receive water from the State Water Project and due to the City’s prolonged focus on supply reliability. Oceanside continues to have adequate and reliable sources of water due to long-term investments in a diverse water portfolio such as the newly operational Pure Water Oceanside facility.

We continue to ask everyone to do their part in efficiently using water. A good place to start is by evaluating what you’re already doing to reduce water use and finding new ways to save. One of the easiest ways you can be more water efficient is by regularly checking your usage online at the City’s WaterSmart customer portal. Additionally, you can find information on rebates for a variety of indoor and outdoor products for your home at SoCal WaterSmart.

A majority of residential water use comes from outdoor uses, such as landscaping, and cleaning sidewalks and driveways. Reducing landscape watering time, watering only after 6:00 p.m. and before 9:00 a.m., replacing lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping, and using brooms instead of hoses to clean off driveways are some ways that residents can help save water. If the past drought has taught us anything, it’s that water is a precious resource that should not be wasted. There are many relatively easy ways to conserve water.

Oceanside’s investment in a diverse water portfolio and water efficient infrastructure continues to keep our community resilient in the face of drought. That preparation, combined with your water-wise habits, are key to achieving a sustainable water future.

Visit GREEN OCEANSIDE for more information about water conservation and other Environmental Services & Programs from the City of Oceanside.