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Drought & Water Efficiency Resource Center
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Empty heaWe're in a drought, please conserve.
California is experiencing drought following three critically dry years – locally and statewide. Together, we can help our community get through this drought emergency if we:
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- Reduce water use by 15% compared to 2020
- Focus reductions on outdoor water use
- Report water waste
Temporary Drought Surcharge
A temporary drought surcharge took effect July 1, 2022 to recover the cost of drought. Customers who use less than 200 gallons a day won't see a change in their water bill. Learn about the temporary drought surcharge and the incentive in the 2022 Drought Management Program Ordinance (PDF).
We're Here to Help
- Drought FAQs
- Drought Guide (PDF)
- Find your water provider
- Call 925-688-8000 with questions
See resources below to help you reduce your water use! Plus, check out our water saving tips videos and frequently asked questions.
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CCWD Receives Initial 2023 Water Supply Allocation
The US Bureau of Reclamation announced initial 2023 water supply allocations for Central Valley Project contractors, which includes Contra Costa Water District. Read on... -
Despite Rain and Snow, Let's Continue to Conserve in Contra Costa
It’s going to take a lot of rain and snow this winter to undo three straight dry years. The atmospheric rivers and severe storms that drenched the Bay Area recently were a big help, but a sustained wet season is needed to refill local & state reservoirs. Read on... -
2023 Drought Outlook and New Year's Water Resolutions - WaterSaver Newsletter
As you ponder what’s ahead in 2023, consider a simple and sustainable New Year’s resolution to use less water. With any New Year’s resolution, the most challenging part can sometimes be just getting started. We're here to help with a free, online tool. Read the latest issue!
Resources and Rebates to Save Water 
Water Supply and Planning 
Recycled Water Fill Stations
Contact Us
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Contra Costa Water District
1331 Concord Avenue
Concord, CA 94520
General: 925-688-8000
Emergencies: 925-688-8374
Email Us
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We're here to help
- Report water waste you've observed in the community
- Call 925-688-8000 if you notice a water leak in the street or a broken fire hydrant
- Find your water provider
- View our 2022 Drought Guide (PDF) for a printable guide of what we're asking and tips to help you achieve a 15% reduction in water use.
- How does CCWD plan to achieve an overall 15% reduction?
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CCWD is working with all customer types to use water wisely and reduce discretionary water use. We are asking for the following reductions in each customer class. Reductions are compared to 2020 water use.
- 15% from single family residential accounts
- 10% from multifamily residential accounts
- 5% from commercial and industrial accounts
- 25% from dedicated irrigation accounts
- 15% from public authority and all other account types
View our 2022 Drought Management Program Ordinance (PDF) for full details.
- Why do we have to save water? I thought we had plenty.
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California is in its third consecutive dry year and supplies are significantly lower than what is expected this time of year. CCWD purchases water from the federal Central Valley Project (CVP) and was allocated only enough water this year to meet basic public health and safety needs. In addition to water purchased from the CVP, CCWD will rely on other local supplies and water stored in its Los Vaqueros Reservoir to meet the efficient water needs of its customers. This sharp reduction in available water supplies means we need all customers to use water efficiently and curb wasteful practices.
- Can I bank water savings from month to month?
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No. However, CCWD reads your water meter every two months, so the reduction is averaged over an approximately 60-day period. Every gallon of water you save is a gallon that can remain stored in our Los Vaqueros Reservoir for use by you and other CCWD customers in the future.
- Where can I find my 2020 baseline use?
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There are several ways to find your 2020 water use.
- Sign up for My Water Report
- View past bill statements in our online Customer Portal
- Call our customer service team at 925-688-8000
- What happens if my household does not meet 15% conservation?
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The CCWD Board of Directors held a public hearing on June 15 and then approved a temporary 15% drought surcharge to cover the costs associated with maintaining a reliable supply of water during this drought. Temporary surcharge will apply to water used on or after July 1, 2022. Customers who do not reduce their water use after July 1, 2022, may see their bill increase. Customers who reduced their use by 15% or who use less than 200 gallon per day would not see their bill increase.
- What is a temporary drought surcharge?
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To cover the costs associated with the drought and ensure your drinking water system is well maintained and operated, we are proposing a temporary, additional charge to the quantity cost of the water you use. The proposed temporary drought surcharge is 15%, or approximately $0.79 per 748 gallons. The temporary drought surcharge would remain in place until the drought no longer exists.
- Can I receive an exemption?
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We understand conditions change and the water uses you experienced in 2020 may not apply to 2022. If this is the case, we ask that you do your best to save water and reduce your overall use. While customers can reduce the effects of the proposed temporary drought surcharge by using less water, there is no penalty for not meeting the target of 15% compared to 2020. If you’d like to talk about your situation, please call us at 925-688-8000.
- What is considered water waste by CCWD?
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Following the previous drought in 2014–2016, the District permanently adopted several water use prohibitions. In April 2022, the declaration of a Stage 2 water shortage by CCWD resulted in additional prohibitions being instituted. View the list of prohibitions.
- What is non-functional turf?
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Non-functional turf is a ground cover surface of mowed grass that is ornamental and not otherwise used for human recreation purposes. Non-functional turf does not include school fields, sports fields, and areas regularly used for civic or community events.
- Are there any exceptions to the non-functional turf irrigation ban?
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The ban only applies to irrigation of non-functional turf in the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors, including Homeowner Association common areas, and only applies to irrigation with potable water. It does not apply to residential lawns or any turf that is regularly used for human recreational purposes. The regulation does not ban the irrigation of trees or other non-turf plantings.