WASTE NOT, WANT NOT : THE POTENTIAL FOR URBAN WATER CONSERVATION IN CALIFORNIA

This report, strongly indicates that California's urban water needs can be met into the foreseeable future by reducing water waste through cost-effective water-saving technologies, revised economic policies, appropriate state and local regulations, and public education. Our best estimate is that one-third of California's current urban water use – more than 2.3 million acre-feet (AF) – can be saved with existing technology. At least 85% of this (more than 2 million AF) can be saved at costs below what it would cost to tap into new sources of supply and without the many social, environmental, and economic consequences that any major water project will bring.