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. View CA State Water Resources Board Emergency Regulations 05/24/2022.(PDF, 248KB)

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. View CA State Water Resources Board Emergency Regulations 05/24/2022.(PDF, 248KB)

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 presentation to City Council in September 2022 regarding drought and West Basin programs.(PDF, 4MB)

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

• View presentation from the California African American Water Education Foundation meeting on 08/09/2023 made by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California regarding water sources for Southern California and Planning for Drought & Abundance.(PDF, 9MB)

• View presentation from the California African American Water Education Foundation meeting on 08/09/2023 made by Pure Water Southern California regarding water technologies.(PDF, 2MB)