Customer Care Your Water Transparency Water Efficiency About Us Search HomeWater Efficiency Water Efficiency CURRENT WATER SHORTAGE STATUS: YEAR-ROUND WATER CONSERVATION BMP'S STAGE 1 SHORTAGE WARNING STAGE 2 MODERATE SHORTAGE STAGE 3 SIGNIFICANT SHORTAGE STAGE 4 SEVERE SHORTAGE STAGE 5 CRITICAL SHORTAGE STAGE 6 EMERGENCY SHORTAGE Updated 10/22/2021 Learn more about the water shortage stages (CLICK HERE) Am I over my water budget? SMWD's monthly water budget provides you with the water you need for efficient indoor and outdoor living. If you've gone over your budget, take a look at the following tips and resources to help you. Do I have a Leak? SMWD Water Use Efficiency Team is here to help. You can start your troubleshooting with some quick DIY tools and videos provided on our Leak Detection page. Check your Irrigation Check your toilets Request a consultation with a Water Efficiency Specialist; call us at 949-459-6593 How Efficient Am I? All residential customers have a customized water budget. Use this bill estimator tool to see if you exceed your Tier 1 (indoor) and Tier 2 (outdoor) limits. SMWD is here to help! FIX LEAKS REBATES WATERING LANDSCAPE CLASSES Indoor Water Saving Tips Outdoor Water Saving Tips What Can I Do? H20 Savings Fill Up Bathtub Halfway or Less 12 gallons per bath Fix Leaks 110 gallons per month Install Sink Faucet Aerators 1.2 gallons per person per day Install High Efficiency Toilets 19 gallons per person per day Take 5-minute Showers 12.5 gallons per shower Turn Off Water When Brushing Teeth or Shaving 10 gallons per person per day Wash Full Loads of Clothes 15-45 gallons per load Wash Full Loads of Dishes 5-15 gallons per load For More Water Saving Tips Click on the Links: Smart Home H2O Guide, Save our Water, Alliance for Water Efficiency Home Water Conservation 101 SMWD's Home Water Saving Tips Handout: Click Here IMPORTANT MESSAGE: Protect our Urban Forests! Trees make our communities livable. They sequester carbon, improve air quality, and keep neighborhoods cool on hot days. During times of water shortage and active conservatio n, don't turn off the irrigation completely. Consider prioritizing the trees on your property and keep them healthy and watered. We can't risk losing this precious investment in our future. LEARN MORE If you are considering planting a new tree and need some inspiration, CLICK HERE for SMWD's tree-focused climate-friendly garden styles. What's Trending in Water Efficiency? Next Previous Questions? Contact us at 949-459-6593 or efficiency@smwd.com South Orange County, CA WEATHER SMWD SustainaBlue Landscapes Rebate Programs Plants Watering Guide Leak Detection Water Conservation & Shortage Stages Classes & Events Weather Data for SMWD HOA Landscape WaterWorks Pay My Bill Meetings & Agendas Doing Business Contact Us Santa Margarita Water District proudly provides drinking water, recycled water and wastewater services to over 165,000 residents. customercare@smwd.com (949) 459-6420 www.smwd.com 26111 Antonio Pkwy Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 Stay Connected Facebook Twitter Instagram FAQs Where does our water come from? What are the District's Water Conservation "rules"? Who is the Metropolitan Water District? How much does our water cost to import? Subscribe to SMWD's OnTap Newsletter Your Email Address Site Links Site Map Accessibility Copyright Notices