Water Efficiency

The Water Efficiency strategy of the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by encouraging the community to conserve water in their homes and businesses. Clean water is an essential but limited resource that is expected to be strained even further through projected drought conditions in a changing climate. We can reduce GHGs and enhance our resilience by ensuring we all use water in the most efficient ways possible. 

Implementation of water conservation measures is estimated to reduce GHG emissions by 712 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2e) by 2020 and 795 MTCO2e by 2030.

Explore the sections below to learn about the City’s planned and ongoing actions to achieve these reductions. 

WE-1: Conduct Water Rate Studies and Implement Approved Water Rates

Reduce Water Use


The energy used to treat and deliver water creates greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Reducing water use thereby reduces energy use.  The City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) set a goal of reducing water consumption in Encinitas by 258 million gallons by 2020 and 672 million gallons by 2030 from the 2012 baseline. 

Encinitans will need to cut water use by an average of five gallons per day to meet the CAP’s water reduction goals. For context, standard shower heads use 2.5 gallons of water per minute and older toilets use as much as 6 gallons per flush. To reduce water use, residents and businesses should consider decreasing outdoor irrigation or investing in WaterSense products, like low-flow shower heads and toilets. 

The City’s two water districts—San Dieguito Water District (SDWD) and Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD)—regularly conduct water rate studies and adjust rates based on the cost to supply water and the cost of operations. Both water districts also offer various public education programs to encourage water conservation efforts. For example, in Fall 2022, SDWD and OMWD—in partnership with Carlsbad Municipal Water District and Santa Fe Irrigation District—encouraged water conversation by offering customers discounted rain barrels. Additionally, OWMD received the Recycled Water Community Outreach award from the WaterReuse Association of California in September 2022 for its dedication towards educating customers about the importance of water efficiency and water reuse as a drought solution. 

UNIT
We measure water consumption in gallons per capita per day (GPCD). This measurement represents the average water use per person in the City of Encinitas per year. It allows individuals to have a sense of how much water they may be using and allows water utilities to prepare for future water needs. GPCDGallons Per Capita Per Day
We measure water consumption in gallons per capita per day (GPCD). This measurement represents the average water use per person in the City of Encinitas per year. It allows individuals to have a sense of how much water they may be using and allows water utilities to prepare for future water needs. GPCDGallons Per Capita Per Day


Last updated in April 26, 2023

Water Consumption

How You Can Help


Plant Native and Drought Tolerant Landscaping
Front lawn landscaped with California Native species with home in background.

Last updated June 28, 2022

Status of CAP Implementation