LADWP takes a tremendous amount of pride in its water conservation accomplishments, and continues to lead the way in implementing water demand-reduction programs. As the City of Los Angeles’ primary agent for implementation of such programs on behalf of LADWP's customers, the LADWP stepped up to the challenge, investing over $100 million in conservation measures over the last decade. Los Angeles will maintain its commitment well into the new century with investments in water-saving measures and services.
Water Conservation Beginnings
The drought of 1987-1992 left a permanent imprint on Los Angeles water customers. Prompted by an extensive awareness program and education campaign sponsored by the LADWP, customers responded by making “hard fixes” at their homes and businesses. Devices such as low-flow showerheads and ultra-low-flush (ULF) toilets were installed. These hardware changes, coupled with responsible use habits, have been largely responsible for the low water use per person within the city.
In 1988, Los Angeles adopted a plumbing retrofit ordinance to mandate the installation of conservation devices in all properties and require water-efficient landscaping in new construction. An amendment to the ordinance in 1999 required the installation of ULF toilets in single-family and multifamily residences prior to resale.
Direct Toilet Replacement Program
As part of the LADWP’s conservation efforts, the Direct Toilet Replacement Program was introduced in 1994. LADWP encouraged customers to switch out their toilets by providing replacements. Customers that were given free high efficiency toilets were asked to provide proof that this was completed by requiring them to provide LADWP with their old toilet. This program lasted until January 2007, when replacement saturation reached over 85%. LADWP continues to offer many water conserving rebates and programs.
Present
Los Angeles uses the same amount of water today as 25 years ago despite a population increase of over one million people. As the city’s population has been slowly increasing, water conservation levels remain well above 15%. Conservation has had a tremendous impact on Los Angeles’ water use patterns and has become a permanent element of the LADWP’s water management philosophy.
Additional benefits of water conservation include delaying the need for costly sewer facility expansions by reducing wastewater discharge into the sewer collection and treatment system, as well as reducing dry weather runoff and non-point source pollution.