On April 12, 2023, Casitas Municipal Water District’s Board of Directors adopted Resolution No. 2023-09 declaring a Stage 1 water supply condition for all Casitas customers, in response to significant rainfall that has occurred in the Ventura River Watershed in recent months, and Lake Casitas storage being approximately 70% of its full capacity of 237,975 acre-feet.

During the period of 2012 through 2022, the Ventura River watershed was in extreme to moderate drought condition with less than average rainfall that was insufficient for the restoration of local water resources to previous levels.

The winter storms of 2022-2023 provided more than 93,000 Acre-Feet of water supply to Lake Casitas bringing the reservoir to approximately 70% capacity.

Water Efficiency and Allocation Program (WEAP) Stages and Lake Casitas Volumes:

Drought stages and what it means to you:

The following Stage 1 conditions are effective June 1, 2023:

• The Conservation Penalty for water usage exceeding allocations will be discontinued.
• Reduced water use within allocation amounts is encouraged but not mandatory.
• Be advised: Mandatory water use restrictions may be necessary in future years, should climate conditions return to dry conditions that result in a decline in Lake Casitas water levels.

Water Waste Ordinance 22-01 remains in effect at all times. Water waste prohibitions include, but are not limited to:

• 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. Note: Exceptions to the watering times are provided in the ordinance language.

State regulation banning use of potable water for irrigation of non-functional turf for commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors remains in effect. On September 14, 2022, the Casitas Board adopted Resolution No. 2022-30. 

Because Western Ventura County relies exclusively on local water supplies, ongoing customer efforts to use water efficiently and preserve water supplies remain important in the event of future dry conditions.

Casitas encourages constituents throughout the District to use their water wisely through an active water conservation campaign offering rebates and free residential, commercial, and agricultural surveys.  Anyone interested in finding out more about these programs is encouraged to explore our water conservation page or to call our Water Conservation Technician, Justin Mortensen at (805) 649-2251 extension 128, or email jmortensen@casitaswater.com.

For questions regarding your account's allocation, please contact our Water Conservation Specialist, Chelbi Kelley at (805) 649-2251 extension 133, or email ckelley@casitaswater.com

Relevant Documents