Securing a Climate-Resilient Water Supply

WATER CONSERVATION

Overview

Reducing water use is the fastest, most cost-effective way to strengthen Los Angeles’ water supply. Every drop we don’t use is a drop that doesn’t need to be imported, treated, or pumped—saving energy, lowering costs, and reducing strain on our environment.

Los Angeles has made real progress, reducing water use by 29 percent between 2003 and 2020. But as climate change drives hotter, drier conditions, current conservation efforts are not keeping pace.

Some of the greatest opportunities are outdoors, where about half of residential water is used. Replacing thirsty lawns with native plants and stormwater-capturing landscapes can save water, reduce polluted runoff, and create healthier neighborhoods.

We advocate for stronger conservation policies and investments that make efficiency the norm, from expanding direct-install programs and fixing aging infrastructure to setting more ambitious, enforceable water-use targets.

By using less water every day, we can ease pressure on limited supplies and avoid costly, environmentally harmful alternatives.

The Challenge

Los Angeles reduced water use by

29%

between 2003 and 2020, but hotter, drier conditions are increasing pressure on local supplies.

Southern California could conserve an additional

1.05 to 1.67 million acre-feet

but current policies and programs are not reaching that potential.

31%

of water agencies already meet the state’s 2040 conservation targets, suggesting the standards may not go far enough.

We reach millions of Angelenos with practical information and resources that help make conservation a way of life. This includes helping residents reduce indoor and outdoor water use, replace inefficient appliances and landscaping, and take advantage of available conservation programs.
We focus on making these opportunities accessible to more households, especially low-income residents and people living in multifamily housing who may not have the upfront resources needed to participate in traditional rebate programs.
Traditional rebates often require residents to pay costs upfront and wait for reimbursement, putting them out of reach for many families. We advocate for direct-install programs that cover those costs and make it easier for households to replace water-intensive landscaping and inefficient fixtures.
We push LADWP, MWD, and other key agencies to expand landscape transformation and efficiency programs that save water, lower utility bills, and deliver benefits more equitably.
- We also push agencies to maximize water reuse, protect rivers and other local waterways, and ensure that project costs and benefits are shared equitably.
Current conservation efforts are not keeping pace with climate change or the region’s water needs. We advocate for stronger, more ambitious, and enforceable water-use targets—and for agencies to move more quickly to repair leaks, improve efficiency, and expand successful conservation programs.
By accelerating action now, Los Angeles can reduce demand for imported water, avoid more expensive supply projects, and build a more reliable and affordable water future.