The City has now posted updated usage data on the City’s water use.  You may download the PDF file by clicking on the following link:
City of Del Mar’s December 2011 Water Consumption

On June 22, 2009, the City Council passed Resolution 2009-44 declaring a Stage 2 - Drought Alert in response to the San Diego County Water
Authority (SDCWA) mandating cutbacks in water use by its member agencies.  Supply conditions statewide have improved significantly in 2011, leading Governor Jerry Brown to end California’s drought declaration on March 30 and the SDCWA to end mandatory urban and agricultural
water supply cutbacks. 

The declaration of Drought Level II by SDCWA on April 23, 2009, signaled local water agencies to enact conservation-based water rates or
mandatory water use restrictions to help curb demand.  Del Mar’s required cutback of eight percent yielded a total allowable annual water
usage of 1,343 acre feet in Fiscal Year 2009-2010 and 1,305 acre feet in Fiscal Year 2010-2011.  The City Council’s Stage 2 declaration instituted
an annual water usage goal of 1,300 acre feet and established a policy to implement drought rates if adequate conservation did not occur.
Fortunately, the conservation efforts of the City and its residents have proven to be highly successful and drought rates were never implemented. 
The following chart details annual water usage within the City of Del Mar over the past five years.

FISCAL YEAR	2006-2007	2007-2008	2008-2009	2009-2010	2010-2011
Quantity (AF)	1,442.6	1,231.5	1,202.0	1,128.9	1,088.4
Annual % Decline		-14.64%	-2.39%	-6.08%	-3.59%

Total water usage between Fiscal Year 2006-2007 and Fiscal Year 2010-2011 declined 24.55%, well beyond the SDCWA’s original 8% mandated
cutback.

On April 28, 2011, SDCWA Board of Directors voted to end mandatory urban and agricultural water supply cutbacks.  On July 25, 2011, the City
Council passed a Resolution declaring Drought Response Stage 1 – Drought Watch to be in effect.  This condition applies when there is a
reasonable probability there will be supply shortages in the future and encourages voluntary water conservation.  Regardless of current
supply conditions, it is important for residents and businesses to continue efficient water use practices in the face of ongoing supply challenges. 

For Water Conservation tips, web links, and further information, please visit www.20gallonchallenge.com and www.bewaterwise.com.