LADWP Stress Test Results Show LA Can Withstand Drought with Continued Conservation

The Stress Test is an analysis required by the State of California for individual urban water suppliers to self-certify the level of available water assuming three additional drought years. Under the stress test criteria, LADWP projected water supplies from the Los Angeles Aqueduct and local groundwater, and utilized purchased water supply projections provided by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). The analysis will be reviewed by the SWRCB for final assessment, but results show LADWP’s previous target of 14 percent water use reduction has now been reduced to zero. However, the results are dependent upon Angelenos continuing to conserve at their current levels.

“We are not surprised by the positive outcome,” LADWP’s Senior Assistant General Manager of Water System, Marty Adams said. “It is a reflection of the success of the City’s plans to better manage our water future. Los Angeles is in the good position it is because we are working under the direction of Mayor Garcetti’s Executive Directive No. 5 and the Sustainability City pLAn, which call for us to continue our conservation ethic. Staying on the path we are on will allow us to weather the next few years as we bring on more local water supplies and drive down our reliance on imported water. In short, the zero percent requirement by the State goes hand-in-hand with the City’s reduced water demands and future water supply plans.”

Los Angeles has been a leader in water conservation in the State, enacting mandatory outdoor watering restrictions well before the Governor’s declaration of Drought State of Emergency and implementing some of the most forward-thinking conservation policies and programs. These include the Cash in Your Lawn turf removal rebate program and recently strengthening water use restrictions to more effectively reduce use among the City’s highest water users.

Angelenos are still encouraged to continue to meet the Mayor’s water use goals outlined in Executive Directive No. 5 for Emergency Drought Response, requiring a 20 percent reduction in daily per capita water use by January 2017. As of May 2016, Angelenos used 104 gallons per person per day — a 20 percent cumulative reduction from FY 13/14. During the current five-year drought, LADWP customers also consistently reduced their water consumption on a month-to-month basis, achieving the goals set both by Mayor Garcetti and Governor Brown.

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