July 11, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Water Neutrality Ordinance Takes Effect July 1

On May 9, 2017, as part of the City of Santa Monica’s strategy to achieve water self-sufficiency by 2020, City Council adopted the Water Neutrality Ordinance. The law caps water use for developments to the historical five-year average for the site. Keeping water usage at today’s level, the lowest since the early 1990s, will help the community better manage its limited groundwater supplies and the uncertain effects of climate change.

The ordinance will go into effect on July 1, 2017. All projects in plan check, or that have received a building permit before June 30, 2017, will not need to comply with the new law.

The water neutrality ordinance does not allow new residential and commercial developments and new or enlarged pools, spas, water features, and ponds to exceed the historical water use for the site. Here’s an example of what water neutrality looks like: If a proposed mixed-use development is projected to use 400,000 gallons of water each year and the historical use on the parcel is 150,000 gallons a year, the new development would have to offset 250,000 gallons each year. The ordinance does not apply to kitchen and/or bathroom remodels or minor renovations.

The means to get to water neutrality is through the installation of water-efficient fixtures and systems on-site. If this isn’t possible, and the building doesn’t comply with the law, the additional water use must be offset elsewhere in the community. The City will provide a fee-based turnkey retrofit program and/or the applicant can install retrofits at their own cost in sites selected by the applicant.

A consultant will provide design assistance to educate new development applicants about the various water saving devices and systems, such as greywater systems, recirculating hot water systems, irrigation systems, toilets, etc., that would help achieve compliance. For projects required to offset water use, fees will be charged to cover the City’s cost to achieve the offsets.

Projects will be required to determine their water demand using a calculator available online at the end of June at sustainablesm.org/water.

There are two options for offsets:

  1. Direct Install Option: Requires an in-lieu fee, which will vary depending on how much water needs to be saved. The City will create a list of existing properties that want to have new toilets, showerheads, and faucet aerators installed as part of the City’s Direct Install Option. These pre-registered sites would receive these fixtures free of charge.
  2. Developer Installation Option: The developer must find their properties and perform the installations. The City will inspect each installation.

A Water Neutrality Stakeholder Committee was established at City Council direction to assist staff in developing the ordinance. The group is comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, including water agencies, non-governmental organizations, sustainability consultants, architects, developers, manufacturers, engineers, plumbers, Los Angeles County; the City’s Water Advisory Committee; and staff from Public Works, Planning and Community Development, and the City Attorney’s Office. They will continue to meet to establish compliance guidelines.

“We listened to our constituents and experts in order to craft something bold and effective to help ensure there is plenty of water for future generations of Santa Monicans,” said Kim O’Cain, Senior Sustainability Analyst.

For more information or to get on the list to receive new water-saving devices, please visit sustainablesm.org/water. Read an FAQ sheet for more details or contact savewater@smgov.net or 310-458-8972 ext. 2.

Beach showers in Santa Monica will continue to flow despite many State Beaches shutting off showers to conserve water.

in News
<>Related Posts

Father-Daughter Authors to Host Book Signing to Aid Fire-Affected Women

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

Ten percent of proceeds from book and art sales will benefit the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund, a nonprofit initiative created...

Metro Reports Crime Drop, Higher Rider Satisfaction, and Progress on Major Projects

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The Authority said the drop in violent incidents—down to the lowest level since May 2019—coincided with more uniformed personnel and...

Santa Monica Joins Regional Lawsuit to Halt Unconstitutional ICE Raids

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The motion to intervene seeks to ensure that Santa Monica and other plaintiff-intervenors can advocate for their residents’ rights in...

Promenade Restaurant Introduces Lunch Menu Set at $18 Per Person

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The fixed $18 price point targets commuters and those seeking a power lunch or a change of scenery The restaurant...

Santa Monica Council Votes in Support of Park-Centric Future at Airport Site

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The decision followed a contentious meeting with over 140 public speakers and more than 1,000 emails received by the council...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...