In 2009, the Department of Public Works announced the implementation of a Water Management program in response to a regional decrease in water supply. When a shortage of 10% or less is expected, Stage 1 will be put into place; there are voluntary measures residents and businesses are urged to take that include:
● Avoid washing concrete or other hard surfaces (parking areas, driveways) besides as a health or safety precautionary
● Use of automatic valves for hoses and controlled water supply when washing vehicles.
● Use of water recycling system, eliminate draining or shut off of decorative fountains, ponds, lakes and pools
● Avoid evaporation by covering pools and spas
● Reduce outside irrigation by 50% and complete between 7:00pm and 9:00am
● Adjust irrigation systems so that run off into streets, sidewalks may be avoided
● Drinking water in restaurants will only be served upon request

Stage 2 and 3 will be put into effect should water shortage reach 10-20% and 20%+ respectively. The measures amplify measures addressed above.

Huntington Beach measured the above outlined measures through the implementation of water account metering and the hiring of a water conservation coordinator to conduct water use surveys. Additionally, to provide incentive for residents to switch indoor and outdoor water intensive appliances to low-flow, they created water rebate programs -- ultimately augmenting regional water efficiency.

Water management affects other resources including energy consumption: 19% of California’s total energy consumption goes towards pumping, treating, and transporting water. In a study conducted by the City of Huntington Beach, water efficient practices can save homeowners up to 50% of total water usage. Adding to the chain of events, efficient water practices reduces urban runoff -- another environmental issue many beach communities have to struggle with.

As initial marketing efforts geared towards public awareness, the Public Works Department directly contacted the top 500 residential water users within the City and offered free water use audits; these audits included a review of previous water use habits and retrofit suggestions for leaks, irrigation efficiency, and appliance maintenance. Free water use audits were also made available to all residents.

Huntington measured its water demand in 2009 to 2010 at 9.6 billion gallons: in comparison, this comes in as 14% less than a decade ago, and 25% less than twenty years ago and an exponentially growing population. Current usage trends represent a 9% reduction year over year.

The City’s water use operations are consistent with 13 Best Management Practices established by the California Urban Water Conservation Council.