Water Conservation Laws for California Contractors

As climate change looms large over California, state authorities have rapidly expanded and evolved water conservation initiatives across the state – all of which affect contractors in particular.

For contractor license holders, these evolving regulations not only present challenges to how you operate, but they are also a rich source of opportunity to leverage sustainability into success. 

Let’s explore how licensed contractors can utilize California’s water conservation strategies to not only comply with regulations but also gain a competitive edge.

The Current Picture of California’s Water Conservation Laws

The cornerstone of the state’s water conservation efforts lies in the efficiency regulations formulated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). 

Contractors need to be particularly mindful of these regulations as they impact both indoor and outdoor water use, which you will surely know is pivotal part of any construction job.

When it comes to legislation, Senate Bill 1157 is one of the main pieces you need to worry about. SB 1157 sets indoor water use targets to 47 gallons per day by 2025 and 42 gallons by 2030. This law mandates contractors to ensure that their projects – residential or commercial – comply with these targets​, or face criminal penalties

Compliance with Outdoor Water Use Recommendations

The DWR has also submitted outdoor water use efficiency recommendations to the State Water Resources Control Board. 

These recommendations are especially important for contractors involved in landscaping and outdoor projects. The guidelines include standards for more efficient outdoor residential water use and the irrigation of large commercial, industrial, and institutional landscapes. 

While it’s important to note that these are currently recommendations, not requirements, we recommend basically treating them as hard-and-fast rules. Why? Well, many past DWR recommendations have become regulations in the future – so by acting now to limit your outdoor water usage on your job sites, you can gain a massive advantage over your lazy competitors.

And it’s pretty smart, too, because these recommendations can help preserve land for the future – which means more projects for all construction professionals!

Turf Transition and Conservation

Contractors need to be aware of the financial regulations associated with turf transition and water conservation. 

As of 2023, the DWR has developed funding programs that can provide financial assistance for projects that enhance resilience in urban communities, turf transition for residential and commercial landscapes, and water conservation programs for urban water suppliers​​.

Learn more about these funding problems on the DWR’s website.

Another key regulation contractors should be mindful of is Assembly Bill 2142. This bill provides a state income tax exemption for any grant, rebate, or additional financial assistance awarded for turf transition through 2027. This can be a significant incentive for clients considering water-efficient landscaping projects​​ – which means you can take advantage of this windfall.

Staying Updated

As a contractor license holder, it’s your responsibility to stay informed about the latest codes, regulations and recommendations – but more than that, it’s not just your responsibility, it’s an opportunity to make more money. 

Specific compliance requirements may vary based on the type of project you’re undertaking, but following these regulations is essential for ensuring your projects align with state standards (and that you avoid any penalties!), while also allowing you to “see into the future” of your industry

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding penalties for non-compliance or any changes in water conservation regulations, it’s recommended to directly contact the California Department of Water Resources​.

California is changing rapidly – and you should be, too! 

Climate change is going to change everything in the state, so arm yourself with knowledge and put that knowledge to work to gain an advantage over other contractors. If you don’t adapt, you’ll get left behind.

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Contractors State License Service (CSLS) is the largest school in California devoted to the Construction professional. For over 23 years, CSLS has helped its students pass the exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California, licensing more students than any other school. From our main offices in Southern California, CSLS operates over 25 locations with full-service support and classrooms. We have grown to this extent by providing quality, professional services. In comparison, this provides 7 times the number of convenient locations than the second largest contractor school. Contractors State License Services is one of the only contractor schools in the state that is run by educators, not lawyers or people mostly interested in the bonding and insurance business. Contractors State License Services formerly operated under the oversight of the State of California's Bureau for Private Post Secondary and Vocational Education. As of January 1 2010, the new Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) came into existence replacing the BPPVE. CSLS now operates under the provisions of the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (CPPEA), Article 4 Section 94874(f). Our Mission is simple; We can help you pass your California Contractors License Exam. Celebrating our 25th year, CSLS has helped over 120,000 students pass the California contractor licensing exam to become licensed contractors in the State of California. Additionally, we offer complete home study and online contractor’s license programs to help you pass your California contractors license exam. CSLS offers licensing classes for all types of contractor licenses, including General Engineering Contractor, General Building Contractor, Specialty Contractor, Insulation and Acoustical Contractor, Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor, Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor, Concrete Contractor, Drywall Contractor, Electrical Contractor, Elevator Contractor, Landscaping Contractor, Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor, and many others. For a complete list of contractor licenses, visit www.MakeMeAContractor.com and tuned for more informative posts.