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Drought Update
Prior to the recent 2023 winter storms, California experienced over three consecutive years of drought. The winter storms brought historic rainfall and snowpack levels that have eased drought conditions statewide, however, long-term water supply remains a concern throughout California.
On October 19, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom issued a proclamation to extend a drought emergency to all 58 of California's counties. Locally, in support of the State's declared emergency drought, the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority) Board of Directors formally activated its Water Shortage Contingency Plan to Level 1. Level 1 response actions include ongoing voluntary water-use efficiency measures.
On March 24, 2023, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-5-23 to rollback major elements of prior emergency orders related to water restrictions. All 58 counties, including San Diego County, still retain a state of emergency to allow drought response and recovery activities to continue.
The City of Del Mar has been in a Stage 1 - Drought Watch Condition since 2016, and Stage 1 was reaffirmed by City Council on July 11, 2022. Citizens and businesses are urged to continue voluntary efforts to conserve water by following water demand reduction measures as outlined in Section 21.70.110 of the Del Mar Municipal Code.
The City's Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) was approved City Council on June 5, 2023. This WSCP redefines Water Storage Response Levels, previously referred to as Drought Response Stages, to align with the six water storage levels as defined by the California Water Code and Water Authority. A public hearing was held on June 5, 2023 for revisions to Del Mar Municipal Code Chapter 21.70 that revise the City's six Water Storage Response Levels to align with the WSCP, and the changes were approved by Ordinance 998 on June 19, 2023.