What is this indicator?
Why is it important?
The City of Santa Monica (City) supplies imported and local water to approximately 92,000 residents covering an area of approximately 8 square miles. Looking to its future, the City hopes to eliminate its reliability on imported water by addressing the challenge of existing groundwater quality, identifying new sources of local water supply, and more effectively reducing and managing its water demands.
With an adopted goal of water self-sufficiency achieved by eliminating reliance on Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) supply by 2023, the City of Santa Monica retained Kennedy/Jenks Consultants to develop a Sustainable Water Master Plan. This Master Plan addresses supply and demand management options to cost effectively reduce future water demands and enhance local water supply production capabilities.
The majority of water used in Santa Monica is treated to potable quality, including water that flushes our toilets and irrigates our lawns. This level of treatment for non-potable purposes is unnecessary and unsustainable, particularly in times of low water supply such as a drought. Replacing some of the unnecessary uses of potable water with non-potable sources will help sustain critical water resources.
How are we doing?
How can we help?
- Review the Sustainable Water Master Plan.
- Review water-saving tips at smgov.net/water.
- Review rebates for water-saving devices and landscape at sustainablesm.org/rebates.