Amidst the aftermath of two wet winters, many Californians may have forgotten the severe drought conditions that plagued the state just a few years ago. However, this collective memory lapse could prove detrimental in the face of impending water crises. Throughout California’s history, the oscillation between drought and flood has significantly influenced the state’s landscapes. As we navigate the era of climate change, extreme weather patterns are becoming more frequent and intense.

The reliable water supply that characterized the 20th century is no longer a certainty. Recently, California agreed to reduce its water imports from the Colorado River by 10%, not merely as a gesture of goodwill, but out of necessity. The Department of Water Resources has forecasted that the Sierra snowpack, a crucial water source for both agricultural and urban purposes, could diminish by up to 65% by the end of the century. Moreover, California’s water supply is expected to decrease by 10% as early as 2040. It is imperative that we prepare for a future characterized by scarcity and unpredictability.

To address these pressing challenges, comprehensive legislation was painstakingly crafted over a period of almost two years. In 2018, Senate Bill 606 and Assembly Bill 1668 were introduced with the aim of establishing long-term water conservation standards for urban water suppliers. These standards would govern indoor water use, permissible water loss, and outdoor water use. The State Water Resources Control Board was tasked with formulating these standards in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Department of Water Resources, businesses, environmental advocates, and water utilities.

Although significant progress has been made in solidifying indoor water use and allowable water loss standards, a delay has occurred in finalizing outdoor water use efficiency standards. Consequently, the water board is on the brink of negating the hard-won advancements by permitting water utilities to delay meaningful reductions until 2035 or later. Under the current proposal, approximately 72% of Californians would not be required to implement additional water-saving measures for another decade. However, the impacts of climate change are not pausing for a decade to deepen their effects. It is crucial that we maximize the utility of every drop of water during periods of abundance, such as the current year, to navigate the forthcoming hot and arid spells.

SB 606 and AB 1668, along with the associated standards, do not dictate the number of showers a Californian can take per week or when they can water their lawns. Instead, they establish “water budgets” for water suppliers based on population, service area water consumption, climate considerations, and other relevant factors. These individualized budgets enable utilities and customers to find innovative ways to meet their water targets.

The primary objective of these budgets is to maintain a steady water supply and manage water expenditures by encouraging utilities to invest in efficiency measures. This includes replacing aging infrastructure to curb water leaks, incentivizing the transition to drought-resistant plants, and promoting the adoption of water-saving appliances. By offering rebates and other incentives, utilities can facilitate these upgrades even for households with financial constraints.

The prolonged timeline proposed by the water board for implementing efficiency standards will inevitably lead to a rise in water costs, disproportionately affecting low-income households and communities. While investing in efficiency necessitates an initial outlay, it is the most cost-effective and expeditious approach to aligning water demand with diminishing supplies. Prioritizing efficiency investments offers greater flexibility, ensuring that households do not face the prospect of mandatory water rationing or the inability to afford basic water needs.

Any funds not allocated towards enhancing efficiency will be redirected to more expensive alternatives aimed at achieving water sustainability, such as wastewater recycling and desalination plants. While these solutions are essential for bolstering water security, they require significant time and resources to implement. Whether a utility is advocating for efficiency programs or constructing wastewater recycling facilities, the associated costs ultimately trickle down to customers. Therefore, it is undeniably logical to prioritize investments in efficiency.

State leaders must develop enduring and pragmatic policies grounded in the present climate reality to address the mounting pressure on California’s water resources. There is still an opportunity to remedy the delay in enforcing our conservation legislation by reverting to earlier proposed outdoor water use standards for urban areas and holding utilities accountable for adhering to appropriate water budgets.

The state water board must prioritize the well-being of our communities, environment, and future by making efficiency a top priority. Californians should not be obligated to postpone embracing water conservation as a way of life for decades to come.

Robert Hertzberg, a former speaker of the Assembly and former majority leader of the state Senate, and Assembly member Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, advocate for proactive measures to safeguard California’s water resources.