How Businesses Can Stay Compliant with California’s Water Conservation Laws

Keeping track of California water laws isn’t easy. From state codes like CALGreen to water supplier mandates and landscape irrigation standards, the rules can be complicated and often depend on your local water provider. That’s why we’ve put together a practical guide to current California water conservation laws and ways that state businesses can save water.

Why Water Conservation Matters for Businesses

California has implemented several major regulations to drive long-term water savings—with certain ones affecting commercial properties. What follows are some of the most important laws and policies to be aware of:

• SB X7-7 (Water Conservation Act of 2009)
  Required a 20% reduction in per-person urban water use by 2020. This law laid the foundation for California’s long-term approach to water efficiency, especially in cities and commercial areas.
• SB 606 and AB 1668 (2018)
  Created the Making Conservation a California Way of Life regulation, which was formally adopted by the state on July 3, 2024. These laws require urban water suppliers to set annual water budgets based on residential use, CII (commercial, industrial, institutional) landscape irrigation, and water loss.
• CALGreen Code (Part 11 of Title 24)
  Sets water efficiency standards for new construction and remodels, including maximum flow rates for toilets, urinals, faucets, and landscape irrigation. Many commercial projects must comply with these fixture and design requirements.
• AB 1572 (Non-Functional Turf Ban)
  Prohibits the use of potable water on decorative grass in commercial and institutional landscapes. Businesses with large lawns or planters may need to convert to drought-tolerant landscaping or install alternative irrigation systems. (NOTE: This does not apply to commercial and industrial properties until January 1, 2028.)

The good news is that many of these conservation rules only apply directly to water suppliers, not the general business community. Even so, businesses are increasingly expected to do their part through audits, upgrades, and water-saving practices. Understanding where your business fits into the bigger picture helps you stay ahead of future regulatory changes—and reduce your water bills in the process.

A Local Solution for a Statewide Issue

Businesses throughout Los Angeles, Ventura County, and the San Fernando Valley are under increasing pressure to reduce their water footprint—and that’s where a trusted local plumber makes all the difference. At Lynch Plumbing, we help California businesses implement smart, practical upgrades that help them comply with today’s conservation standards.

Our commercial services include:

• Leak detection and repair using infrared and ultrasonic technology
• Commercial fixture upgrades (WaterSense toilets, urinals, faucets, and more)
• Submeter installation to track and isolate irrigation or equipment usage
• Smart irrigation and drip system retrofits
• Compliance-focused inspections to prepare for water use reviews or remodels
• Tankless and high-efficiency water heater installation
• Plumbing support for new construction and commercial remodels

We’ve worked with restaurants, office buildings, schools, medical offices, apartment complexes, and more. While we don’t provide legal guidance, our plumbing professionals help make sure your systems comply with up-to-date California water-saving practices—and we’re always available when you need us, 24/7.

9 Practical Ways Businesses Can Reduce Water Usage

So how can businesses save water and stay ahead of increasingly strict conservation laws? Are there some simple fixes that could lead to big savings? In many cases, reducing water use is a lot easier than you might think. Check out our nine water conservation tips for businesses:

1. Appoint a Water Efficiency Specialist

Every successful conservation effort starts with someone who owns the process, and luckily, it doesn’t need to be a full-time job. Assign one of your staff members to monitor your water bills, schedule audits, and coordinate with service providers. This small step helps keep your business accountable.

2. Track Water Use Through Your Monthly Bills

Unexplained increases in water usage often point to hidden leaks or outdated equipment. By reviewing your water bills regularly, you can spot issues before they become emergencies.

3. Conduct a Facility-Wide Audit

Take stock of where your business uses water: restrooms, break rooms, cooling systems, irrigation zones, and equipment lines. Submetering can help track specific areas of waste and potentially qualify for rebates. Lynch Plumbing offers plumbing system inspections for commercial facilities that need help identifying areas for improvement.

4. Fix Leaks Immediately

According to the EPA, a single dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons per year. Running toilets, silent slab leaks, and pinhole pipe damage can waste even more. Our team uses infrared and ultrasonic leak detection to find the source fast and perform necessary repairs.

5. Upgrade to WaterSense Fixtures

In many areas of California, CALGreen building codes require WaterSense-certified plumbing fixtures (or their equivalent) in new construction and remodels. Lynch Plumbing installs high-efficiency toilets, urinals, and faucets that not only meet these requirements but often qualify for water-saving rebates as well.

6. Install Smart Irrigation Controls

If your commercial property includes landscaping, your irrigation system is a major opportunity for water savings. Smart controllers that adjust watering schedules based on weather or soil moisture are often required under the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). We can help replace outdated systems with efficient drip irrigation and weather-based controllers that comply with local rules.

7. Include Water Checks in Routine Maintenance

Make water conservation a standing item in your inspection checklist. Check for slow-draining sinks, review irrigation timers seasonally, and have your plumber perform regular inspections. Lynch Plumbing’s commercial maintenance programs help keep your system running efficiently year-round.

8. Explore Graywater and Reuse Systems

Advanced water-saving businesses often go beyond basic upgrades and invest in graywater reuse or rainwater capture systems. These systems are encouraged by CALGreen voluntary Tier 1 and Tier 2 standards. We can help you evaluate your best course of action and handle plumbing system adjustments if you decide to take this route.

9. Celebrate and Share Your Success

Once you’ve made progress, let others know. Getting certified through programs like the California Green Business Program can help your brand stand out while showing customers and employees that you care about sustainability. We’re happy to assist with fixture compliance for certification efforts.

Ready to Make Your Business More Water Efficient?

For expert commercial plumbing upgrades, call Lynch Plumbing. We’re a family-owned plumbing company with over 40 years serving Los Angeles, the San Fernando Valley, and Ventura County. We know what local inspectors look for, and we’re familiar with the rebate programs, restrictions, and utility contacts that impact your specific region.

When you work with our commercial plumbing team, you get:

• 24/7 emergency service
• State-of-the-art fixture upgrades and retrofits
• Preventative maintenance plans
• Transparent pricing and flexible scheduling

Call (818) 773-9514 to schedule a consultation.

NOTE: This article is not a substitute for legal or regulatory advice. Always check with your local water supplier or a qualified consultant if you’re unsure about specific requirements.