Alliance for Water Efficiency • Use and Effectiveness of Municipal Irrigation Restrictions During Drought Research Study and Report (2020), CA

MWM and Western Policy Research served as co-principal investigators on a comprehensive research study analyzing the use and effectiveness of municipal irrigation restrictions during drought conditions. Sponsored by the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE), 14 participating member water agencies, and one national corporation, the study examined the role of both voluntary municipal irrigation restrictions during dry year conditions and mandatory restrictions implemented during more severe water shortages.

The research focused on evaluating how different types of water utilities respond to drought conditions and the resulting impacts on water use and conservation outcomes. The final report synthesizes lessons learned from 11 detailed case studies developed during the 2014-2017 drought period and includes a broader review of statewide drought response strategies across California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada. These findings provide practical insights for utilities seeking to design more effective drought response and irrigation management programs.

Additional information, the executive summary and member access to the full report are available here: