Water Conservation

As of June 2022, there are no Culver City water restrictions in addition to those imposed by the State of California or by regional water suppliers Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) or Golden State Water Company.

In 2015-16, in response to a severe drought, the City adopted a Water Conservation Plan that included a number of Capital Improvement Projects designed to reduce the City’s water use. The $145,000 Water Efficient Fixtures Project included replacing valves on existing toilets that reduced their per-flush use of water, waterless urinals, low-flow shower heads, and faucet aerators that reduced the spout’s water flow. Collectively, over 300 fixtures at 24 City-owned facilities were replaced or retrofitted, which reduced the City’s water use by 35%. View the water use comparison chart.(PDF, 115KB)

Stage 1

As a result of recent dramatic rainfall, Golden State Water service areas have moved from Stage 2 to Stage 1 of their Water Shortage Contingency and Staged Mandatory Water Conservation and Rationing Plan (effective May 14, 2023).

In Stage 1, customers are allowed to water outdoors three days a week. 

Although no longer in Stage 2, given that water conditions will continue to evolve, customers are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water usage and to use water wisely, only using what is needed and not one drop more. Golden State Water may additionally charge customers who exceed their baseline drought allocation.

Outdoor Irrigation/Watering 

1. In Stage One, outdoor irrigation/watering is limited to (3) days/week. 

2. Outdoor irrigation/watering is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

3. Outdoor irrigation/watering is limited to eight (8) minutes per controller station/valve.

View Culver City's watering schedule.

Multi-Unit Residential and Non-Residential Customers

Commercial, industrial, and institutional water customers must also adhere to updated State restrictions prohibiting watering non-functional turf, unless the user certifies that the non-functional turf is a low water use plant with a plant factor of 0.3 or less and demonstrates the actual use is less than 40% of reference evapotranspiration.

Get a Free Water Audit

To help customers identify leaks, Golden State Water is providing free water audits. Participating customers will receive a free Flume Smart Home Water Monitor, a device that helps monitor water use, identify leaks, and control water costs directly from a smartphone app. Flume typically retails for $199, but we are offering this remarkable technology free to participating customers.

To schedule your water audit now, email Conservationdept@gswater.com or call customer service at toll-free: (800) 999-4033.

Learn More

Learn more about Golden State Water's drought-related updates as developments.

Customers are encouraged to follow @GoldenStateH2O on Twitter and Facebook for real-time information about the drought and local water service.

For more information, contact

Golden State Water Company
(800) 999-4033  

• Learn more about Golden State Water’s conservation rebates, resources and tips to help customers save water and improve their water-use efficiency.  
• Learn about additional water-saving tips and resources available through the Save Our Water Program. 
• Learn more about current drought conditions, the State’s response and other resources. 

Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP) water schedules and restrictions are effective June 1, 2022. (See map below of LADWP service areas within Culver City.)

General Water Usage

LADWP requests customers reduce their per person use of potable water by seven (7) gallons a day, which is the equivalent of reducing showering time by four minutes, or shutting the faucet off during a 2-minute tooth brushing cycle and 5-minute shaving cycle.

Outdoor Landscape Irrigation/Watering 

1. Outdoor landscape irrigation/watering is limited to (2) days/week according to the following schedule:

• Addresses ending in an even number : Thursday and Sunday
• Addresses ending in an odd number: Monday and Friday

2. Outdoor irrigation/watering is prohibited between the hours of 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

3. Outdoor irrigation/watering is limited to maximum of eight (8) minutes per station, per watering day for traditional sprinkler systems and two (2) 15-minute cycles per watering day for those equipped with water conserving nozzles.

Multi-Unit Residential and Non-Residential Customers

Commercial, industrial, and institutional water customers must also adhere to updated State restrictions prohibiting watering non-functional turf, unless the user certifies that the non-functional turf is a low water use plant with a plant factor of 0.3 or less and demonstrates the actual use is less than 40% of reference evapotranspiration. 

Learn more about LADWP watering schedules, customer rebates, and conservation activities.

Prohibitions

The State of California permanently prohibits the following practices that waste potable water:

Residents, businesses, and public sites located within West Basin’s 17 cities and L.A. County Unincorporated areas are eligible to participate in the following programs.

Check West Basin’s service area site map for eligibility.

Note:  All of West Basin’s programs are subject to annual budget approvals and can change or end at any time. 

Residential Grass Replacement Rebate

Residents in the West Basin service area are eligible to apply for grass replacement rebates for projects that conserve water, reduce runoff, and benefit the local environment. 

Learn more about the West Basin Grass Replacement program.

You can find the current rebate rate per square foot of grass removed and to learn more about the application process. 

Rain Barrels

West Basin provides free rain barrels each year to help residents save water and money.

Rain Barrels are a great way to collect rainwater for your plants and garden and they reduce stormwater runoff. By collection and reusing rainwater you can save water and money. If eligible, you can register to receive up to two free 50-gallon rain barrels valued at approximately $100 each. 

Learn more about upcoming rain barrel giveaway events and other rebates.  

Firescaping Workshops

West Basin partners with local cities, fire departments and local water companies to provide free Firescaping Workshops.

Firescaping uses landscaping techniques, native plants, and best management practices to protect your home from wildfires. These practices, along with smart irrigation systems, can help safeguard your home, in addition to saving you money on your water bill.

Learn more about upcoming Firescaping Workshops near you. 

Free Landscape Classes 

West Basin partners with the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and local cities to provide free landscape classes.  

The classes are virtual and in-person and teach on a variety of subjects, such as: landscape design, turf removal, native plants, irrigation equipment, soils, organic amendments, rebates, and other subjects. 

Learn more about upcoming landscaping classes. 

Recycled Water Fill Station

Depending on current environmental conditions and available resources, West Basin offers its free recycled water to all residential customers in the service area during drought periods and dry months of the year. By using recycled water on landscapes, residents can help conserve imported water.

Learn more about water availability at the Recycled Water Fill Station. 

Additional Information

Learn more about West Basin and other great educational and outreach programs. 

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) offers appliance and turf replacement rebates and educational programs.

Learn more about MWD programs.

• View the Drought 2022 report from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Grey water includes used water from: 

• Bathtubs
• Showers
• Bathroom wash basins
• Water from clothes washing machines and laundry tubs

The following is waste water and not grey water: 

• Kitchen sinks
• Dishwashers 
• Laundry water from soiled diapers

If you ever need to turn your grey water system off, go to the three-way valve and turn the handle to direct the water towards the sewer or septic system. The first few times you do this check and make sure the system is turning off when you want and your three-way valve is labeled correctly. 

These are common times you'll need to turn off your system: 

• During the rainy season if the ground water table has risen above three (3) feet
• When washing dirty diapers
• When washing anything with chemicals such as oily rags
• Anytime you notice that the water isn't draining well and you see pooling or runoff in the landscape
• If you think your plants are receiving too much water
• Anytime you may use products that are harmful to plants (like bleach or harsh cleaners)

Plant friendly products are key when reusing your grey water. All products should be biodegradable and non-toxic. In addition, they should be free of salt (sodium) and boron (borax), two common ingredients that are non-toxic to people but are harmful to plants and/or the soil. Chlorine bleach is also harmful to plants and should be diverted with any other harmful products to the sewer or septic by switching the three-way valve. Hydrogen peroxide bleaches are less harmful and can be used instead of chlorine. Another consideration with cleaning and beauty products is their affect on the pH of water. While many soaps do not change the pH, some do. In general, liquid soaps do not change the pH, while bar soaps make the water very alkaline (opposite of acidic). Certain acid loving plants may not be happy with this kind of water. If you're uncertain if the pH is being affected choose plants that are not acid loving to irrigate. Acid loving plants include ferns, azaleas, camilias, rhododendrons, and blueberries. 

Recommended Products: Salt and boron free, pH neutral

Laundry: Oasis, Ecos, Biopac liquid detergent. There are also soap alternatives that are grey water friendly like soap nuts and "wonder balls". 

The main thing you'll need to do in order to maintain the system is to periodically check on the mulch basins (the mulch layer the grey water flows onto) and make sure the grey water is draining properly and there is no pooling or runoff. If you notice any pooling or runoff, you should dig out the mulch area and replace it with new mulch (wood chips or bark). This typically needs to be done once every eighteen months or two years. 

At the beginning of the irrigation season and periodically thereafter, check to ensure that grey water is coming out evenly among the outlets. If you notice uneven distribution of grey water, you should check the outlets for clogs and manually remove the debris causing the obstruction. 

To flush the system and remove multiple clogs: 

Open any partially closed ball valves, and make sure the end of each line is open. Attach a garden hose to the clean out point and blast system with water to flush any particles in the system. Any time you attach a garden hose to temporarily flush the system, make sure you have an anti-siphon valve or vacuum breaker on your garden hose-bib. 

Under the California grey water code, CPC Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16A, washing machines do not require a permit as long as the installer follows the minimum requirements outlined in the code:

• If required, notification has been provided to the enforcing agency regarding the proposed location and installation of a grey water irrigation or disposal system. 
• The design shall allow the user to direct the flow to the irrigation or disposal field or the building sewer. The direction control of the grey water shall be clearly labeled and readily accessible to the user. 
• The installation, change, alteration, or repair of the system does not include a potable water connection or a pump and does not affect other building, plumbing, electrical or mechanical components including structural features, egress, fire-life safety, sanitation, potable water supply piping or accessibility. 
• The grey water shall be contained on the site where it is generated. 
• Grey water shall be directed to and contained within an irrigation or disposal field. 
• Ponding or runoff is prohibited and shall be considered a nuisance. 
• Grey water may be released above the ground surface provided at least two (2) inches of mulch, rock, or soil, or a solid shield covers the release point. Other methods which provide equivalent separation are also acceptable. 
• Grey water systems shall be designed to minimize contact with humans and domestic pets. 
• Water used to wash diapers or similarly soiled or infectious garments shall not be used and shall be diverted to the building sewer. Grey water shall not contain hazardous chemicals derived from activities such as cleaning car parts washing greasy or oily rags, or disposing of waste solutions from home photo labs or similar hobbyist or home occupational activities. 
• Exemption from construction permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any grey water system to be installed in a manner that violates other provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of the enforcing agency. 
• An operation and maintenance manual shall be provided. Directions shall indicate the manual is to remain with the building throughout the life of the system and indicate that upon change of ownership or occupancy, the new owner or tenet shall be notified the structure contains a grey water system. 

Chapter 16 of the California Plumbing Code

• Young Trees: The roots of younger trees are less established and need easier access to water to establish deep root systems. 
• Mature Trees: Mature trees require more water when growing near heat traps such as driveways and foundations. 
• Exposed Trees: Water loss is greater where trees are exposed to hot afternoon sun and strong or constant wind. 
• Deciduous Trees: The critical time for water is during later winter/early spring when new buds and leaves are forming. 
• The Right Choice: Plant native or drought resistant tree species that require less water. Choose trees over lawn, as trees are a long-term investment. 
• The Right Place: Water the "drip zone" area directly beneath the foliage and shaded by the tree. Also, add mulch to lower soil temperatures and reduce water evaporation. 

• The Right Amount: Water young trees twice per week (about five gallons) and mature trees once per week in several places (the equivalent of 1-1.5 inches of rain). 
• The Right Way: During drought, water directly with a hose or five gallon bucket. 
• The Right Depth: Deep watering helps deep root growth and healthier trees. 
• Conserve and Recycle Water: 
  • Inside: Place buckets in the shower to collect warm up water. Recycle water from the dehumidifier, collect air conditioning condensation, and "save a flush" to conserve". 
  • Outside: Convert irrigation systems to drip, low-flow or micro spray and fix leaks. 
• The Right Time: Water early in the morning or after the sun has set, as this is when trees replace the water they've lost during the day. Also less water is lost to evaporation at these times. Mulching your tree will also keep soils warmer in winter and cooler in summer. 
• Don't Waste Water: Water should soak into the ground rater than running off into the drain. 

About half the water used in restaurants is used in the kitchen areas. 

General Kitchen Tips: 

• Turn off continuous flow used to wash the drain trays of the coffee/milk/soda beverage island. Clean thoroughly as needed. 
• Reduce the flow to dipper wells (troughs) for ice cream and butter scoops and other frequently used utensils. 
• Adjust ice machines to dispense less ice if ice is being wasted. 
• Pre-soak utensils and dishes in basins of water, rather than in running water. 
• Replace automatic shut-off spray nozzles, which can use as much as 4.5 gallons of water each minute, with low-volume nozzles using two gallons per minute. 
• Do not use running water to melt ice in bar sink strainers. 
• Turn off food preparation faucets when not in use. Consider installing foot triggers. 
• Do not allow water to flow unnecessarily. Consider using automatic shut-off faucets at bar sinks. 

Dishwasher Hints:

• Wash only full loads in dishwashers. 
• Replace the spray heads to reduce flow. 
• Turn dishwashers off when dishes are not being processed. 

Be Water Thrifty:

• Reuse the rinse water from the dishwasher as flush water in the garbage disposal units. 
• Use water from the steam table, instead of fresh water, to wash down the cook's area. 
• Serve water only upon request. 

General Restroom Hints: 

• Repair leaks! A leaking toilet can waste more than 50 gallons of water each day, and a dripping faucet or showerhead can waste up to 1,000 gallons per week. 
• Replace existing faucets that use as much as 2.5 gallons per minute with those that only use 1.5 gallons per minute. In most cases, low-volume faucet aerators can be installed when the entire faucet does not need replacing. 

Reduce Water Use in Toilets By: 

• Installing toilet tank water displacement devices, such as toilet dams, bags, or weighted bottles. 
• Retrofitting flushometer (tank-less) toilets with water savings diaphragms, which save one gallon (20%) per flush. 
• Replacing toilets with low-volume models. Toilets can use as much as 4.5 gallons per flush, while low-volume toilets use only 1.6 gallons per flush. 

Reduce Water in Urinals By: 

• Setting urinals with programmable automatic flush valves to a water saving mode that flushes the urinal after more than one use. 
• Replacing urinals with low-volume models. Urinals can use as much as five gallons per flush, while low-volume urinals use only one gallon per flush. 
• Installing waterless urinals. 

General Building Maintenance Tips: 

• Check the plumbing for leaks, and turn off unnecessary flows. 
• Read water meters monthly. Compare the results to the same month of the previous year. This will help to identify leaks as they occur, as well as monitor your conservation efforts. 
• Check the pressure. Where system pressure is higher than 60 psi, install pressure-reducing valves. 
• Reduce excessive blowdown. Many cooling towers operate below the suggested levels of total dissolved solids unnecessarily. Adjust boiler and cooling tower blowdown rate to maintain TDS at levels recommended by manufacturers' specifications. 
• Shut off water-cooled air conditioning units when not needed, or replace water-cooled equipment with air-cooled systems. 

Cleaning: 

• When cleaning with water is necessary, use budgeted amounts. 
• Switch from wet carpet cleaning methods, such as steam, to dry, powder methods. 
• Consider changing window cleaning schedules from periodic to as required. 

General Tips: 

• Be sure all hoses have shut-off nozzles. 
• Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clear sidewalks, driveways, loading docks, and parking lots. 
• Wash vehicles only when needed. 
• Investigate the availability of reclaimed water for irrigation and other approved uses. 

Landscaping: 

• Water your landscape only when needed. Look for signs of wilt before watering established plants. 
• Water early in the morning or in the evening when wind and evaporation are lowest. 
• Install an automatic rain shut-off device on sprinkler systems. 
• Consider using low-volume irrigation, such as a drip system. 
• Avoid runoff. Make sure sprinklers are directing water to landscape areas, and not to parking lots, sidewalks or other paved areas. 
• Adjust the irrigation schedule for seasonal changes. Sprinklers generally do not have to be run as often in cooler weather, or during rainy season. 
• Consider using drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants. 

• Educate employees about the importance and benefits of water conservation. Materials may be available from your local water supplier. 
• Create water conservation suggestion boxes and place them in prominent areas. 
• Install signs in restaurants, and display information on tables, encouraging water conservation. 
• Assign an employee to evaluate water conservation opportunities and effectiveness.