Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan

Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan

In support of “Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life,” SCV Water developed a Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan (WUESP) to establish a comprehensive water conservation strategy. It is a key planning and strategic component for the Agency that informs, influences, and impacts multiple facets of the Agency’s operations, services, and strategic initiatives.

The WUESP aims to optimize Santa Clarita Valley water conservation efforts, improve water use efficiency programs, prioritize improved customer outcomes, and to comply with state water conservation mandates. The mandates, collectively known as the Conservation Long-Term Framework legislation, AB 1668 and SB 606 are designed to establish lasting conservation practices, making water conservation a permanent part of California’s way of life. The Framework is intended to strengthen the state’s water resiliency in the face of future droughts.

The WUESP will forecast future water demands, considering factors like the economy, climate and conservation. These forecasts extend to the full-build out of the Santa Clarita Valley as determined by the City of Santa Clarita’s General Plan (formerly “One Valley One Vision”). 

 

Deliverables

Primary deliverables include:  

  • A Water Demand Forecast (WDF) Tool
  • The strategic measures and plan document 
  • A performance tracking and reporting tool 

Impacts

This effort will provide SCV Water with a WUESP that meets state conservation requirements while improving demand forecasting. Enhanced forecasting will support future Urban Water Management Plans, supply planning, and investments, as well as aid in revenue planning and rate design. The WUESP will also serve as a foundation for the Agency’s communication, education, and engagement efforts, promoting both organizational and community sustainability. 

Conservation Long-Term Framework

Signed into law in 2018, AB 1668 and SB 606 are known as the Conservation Long-Term Framework legislation and aim to make water conservation a permanent part of California’s way of life. The Framework is intended to strengthen the state’s water resiliency in the face of future droughts.  

It also sets guidelines for efficient water use and for the implementation of new standards, requiring urban water suppliers to: 

  • Set annual water use goals, including residential, commercial and institutional use 
  • Implement a performance program for commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors 
  • Encourage the use of recycled water, where feasible 
  • Prepare for drought conditions 

Learn More About AB 1668 and SB 606

 

 

Project Documentation

Click on the link below to view the Water Use Efficiency Plan, which was adopted by the SCV Water Board of Directors at the May 12, 2026 meeting.

2026 Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan

2026 Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan Appendices

Appendix A: SCV Water Strategic Plan (2024-2028)

Appendix B: WUESP Population and Demand Forecasting

Appendix C: California State Regulations and Policy

Appendix D: SCV Water Policy and Regulations

Appendix E: WUESP Engagement

Appendix F: Water Use Efficiency Program Communications Plan

Appendix G: WUESP 10-Step Planning Process

Appendix H: WUESP Program Evaluation

Appendix I: Water Consumption by Customer Class

Appendix J: Recycled Water Forecast

Public Comment Letters

 

 

Community Participation

Board Workshop - March 18, 2025

Board Workshop

Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. 

SCV Water Regular Board Meeting ​​​​

Click here to view the Board Workshop Materials

The public had the opportunity to attend the meeting and participate through the public comment portion of the workshop.

Workshop Focus: Provide an overview of water use efficiency planning in the Santa Clarita Valley, as well as review and solicit Board input to develop the mission, vision and values for the WUESP. 

Public Workshop - March 26, 2025

Virtual (only) Public Workshop

Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. 

Workshop Focus: Educate the public about SCV Water’s draft Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan. And solicit input on water conservation strategies and measures, and highlight successes, challenges, and goals identified at the SCV Water Board of Directors' Workshop held on March 18. 

 

Project Timeline

Task Description Date
Data Analysis. Develop water demand forecast, water use efficiency strategies and measures. April 2024 - December 2024
Develop Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan January - May 2025
Input: SCV Water Board of Directors and Public Board - March 18, 2025
Public - March 26, 2025
WUESP Draft Review Period April/May 2026
WUESP Adoption May 2026
Develop Program Tracking Tool May/June 2026

 

History of Water Use Efficiency Planning in the SCV 

2021-24 – SCV Water Interim Conservation Targets 

2015 – Castaic Lake Water Agency Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan Update 

2013 – Castaic Lake Water Agency Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan  

2012 – Valencia Water Company Water Conservation Plan 

2010 – SBx7-7: 20% reduction in gallons per capita per day (GPCD) by 2020 

2009 – Family of Water Suppliers** - Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan 

2005 – California Urban Water Conservation Council* Memorandum of Understanding 

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* Also known as California Water Efficiency Partnership (CalWEP) 

** Castaic Lake Water Agency (State Water Project Contractor), Newhall County Water Division (Purveyor), Santa Clarita Water Division (Purveyor), and Valencia Water Company (Purveyor) 

Contact Us

We want to hear from you! Please send any comments or feedback on our efforts or the Plan, by emailing conservation@scvwa.org, subject: Water Use Efficiency Strategic Plan.