What is a Water Budget? 

A water budget is the amount of water LVMWD customers need for efficient indoor and outdoor use. Every customer receives a customized water budget based on their household size, landscape area, and seasonal weather conditions. 

Customers who stay within their budget pay the lowest water rates. Using more water than your budget may result in higher tiered rates. 

How Is Your Water Budget Calculated? 

Your water budget is based on three main factors: 

1) Resident Count 

Your indoor water budget is based on the number of people living in the home. 

Each resident adds approximately 1.9 HCF (about 1,400 gallons) of water to the monthly budget. Larger households need more water for everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, laundry, and bathing. 

It is important to keep your resident count updated with the District so your budget reflects your household’s needs. 

Please note that sanitation charges also increase with additional residents. 

2) Irrigated Area 

Your outdoor water budget is based on the amount of landscaping on your property that regularly receives water. 

Properties with larger lawns or landscaped areas generally receive larger outdoor water budgets than properties with smaller yards. Swimming pools are included when calculating customers' budgets. 

The District uses aerial imagery and property information to estimate irrigated areas for each customer. If your landscaping has changed or if you believe your irrigated area needs to be reviewed, please complete this form to make a change to your water budget.   

3) Weather Conditions (ETO) 

Outdoor water budgets change throughout the year based on the weather. 

Longer days and hotter weather mean landscapes need more water, so budgets increase during warmer months. Shorter days and cooler weather mean landscapes need less water, so budgets decrease during cooler months. 

This seasonal adjustment helps match your budget to actual irrigation needs throughout the year. 

Special Adjustments 

Customers may request special adjustments to their water budget when certain circumstances or needs are identified, for example when additional water is needed to provide elderly care or hospice services, or to care for livestock on the premises.  

Special Adjustments are provided on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the District if you believe you may able eligible.  

Why Water Budgets Matter 

Water budgets are designed to: 

• Provide enough water for efficient use  

• Encourage water conservation  

• Reduce water waste  

• Help manage California’s limited water supplies fairly and responsibly  

Because every property is different, customized budgets help ensure customers receive water allocations based on their actual household and landscape needs. 

See how these factors impact your bill by using the rate calculator below.