Strategy 2: Collaborating on consistent drought preparedness and response messaging

Collaborating on consistent drought preparedness and response messaging

Given that people often live, work, and travel within different areas of the County, collaboration between water purveyors on messaging drought declarations and specific actions that the public can take to respond is critical in effectively preparing for and responding to future droughts.

Actions to support this strategy

2.1

Collaborate on countywide drought

response messaging that calls out universally agreed upon measures that all water users in Los Angeles County can take, and direct public to find specifics as to steps their water supplier is taking to respond to the local drought impacts.

2.2

Expand upon ongoing efforts to create

consistent messaging on the development of drought resilient supplies (e.g., Council for Watershed Health’s initiative on recycled water).

WATER PLAN On Target

Improving regional drought messaging will help us collectively achieve our target to meet 100% of water demands even in times of drought

Why this strategy is needed

WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY

Water Shortage Contingency Plan PLAN LEVELS | APRIL 2022 Levels, April 2022 Shortage level not reported or not required Shortage level not reported or not required Shortage level 0 (no shortage) Shortage level 0 (no shortage) Shortage level 1 (0% to 10% shortage) Shortage level 1 (0% to 10% shortage) Shortage level 2 (shortage up to 20%) Shortage level 2 (shortage up to 20%) Shortage level 3 (shortage up to 30%) Shortage level 3 (shortage up to 30%)

Source: State Water Resources Control Board Conservation Portal, April 2022

Variability in water supply conditions and shortage levels across the many water suppliers in Los Angeles County can create customer confusion and public messaging challenges.

Immediate public reduction in water use is the fastest way to respond to an existing drought, however the opportunities to further conserve supply in response to droughts becomes more constrained as water use efficiency continues to improve countywide during normal years. Water supply agencies are finding it increasingly more difficult to separate and elevate drought response messaging above regular messaging encouraging conservation as a way of life for Southern California. In addition, given the large number of water suppliers in Los Angeles County, there is often variability in drought conditions and public messaging that can create confusion for those living and working within different areas of the County.