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Allocation Program

CVWD is developing individualized allocations, also called water budgets, for each customer. Think of your allocation as a guideline for efficient water use based on your parcel’s unique characteristics.

In addition to acting as a water use guideline for customers, this Allocation Program is also an important water supply and demand planning tool for CVWD.

Participate in program development

CVWD is currently developing the methodology for calculating allocations. You can help shape these methods by attending upcoming meetings.

Calculation Methods by Account Type

Single-family residential, Multi-family residential, Master meter residential 
  • Indoor allocation (HCF per month) = Dwelling Units x 2.65 people x 55 Gallons Per Capita Day x number of days in month ÷748
  • Outdoor allocation (HCF per month) = Evapotranspiration (ET) x Irrigated Area x  ET Factor  x  0.62÷748

Indoor Allocation Notes

  • One hundred cubic feet (HCF) is equal to 748 gallons.
  • The District uses the 2020 Census estimate of 2.65 people per dwelling unit.
  • The District uses the State’s expectation of efficient indoor water use per person.

Outdoor Allocation Notes

  • The District uses monthly ET values from the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) Santa Barbara Station.
  • Irrigated areas are based on aerial imagery analysis using aerial imagery from 2020.
  • The District uses Plant Factors (also called ET factors) to represent efficient water demand of the landscape. Residential landscapes receive a plant factor of 0.55 (new construction) 0.65 (old construction) according to the State’s water use efficiency guidance.
  • The conversion factor from inches to gallons is 0.62.
  • One hundred cubic feet (HCF) is equal to 748 gallons. 
Residential Worksheet to Estimate Allocation 
Landscape irrigation 
  • Outdoor allocation (HCF per month) = Evapotranspiration (ET) x Irrigated Area x  Plant Factor  x  Conversion Factor

Outdoor Allocation Notes

  • The District uses monthly ET values from the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) Santa Barbara Station.
  • Irrigated areas are based on aerial imagery analysis using aerial imagery from 2020.
  • The District uses Plant Factors (also called ET factors) to represent efficient water demand of the landscape. Residential landscapes receive a plant factor of 0.8 according to the State’s water use efficiency guidance.
  • The conversion factor from inches to gallons is 0.62.
  • One hundred cubic feet (HCF) is equal to 748 gallons.
Landscape Worksheet to Estimate Allocation
Commercial, Industrial, Public Authority* 
  • Monthly allocation (HCF per month) = average historical water consumption

Allocation Notes

  • *School fields and city parks classified as public authority accounts are treated as landscape irrigation accounts for the purpose of calculating an allocation.
  • Historical water consumption is based on water use from 2017-2022. 
CII Worksheet to Estimate Allocation 
Parks and school fields 
  • Outdoor allocation(HCF per month)=Evapotranspiration (ET) x Irrigated Area x  ET Factor  x  Conversion Factor

Outdoor Allocation Notes

  • The District uses monthly ET values from the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) Santa Barbara Station.
  • Irrigated areas are based on aerial imagery analysis using aerial imagery from 2020.
  • The District uses Plant Factors (also called ET factors) to represent efficient water demand of the landscape. Residential landscapes receive a plant factor of 0.8 according to the State’s water use efficiency guidance.
  • The conversion factor from inches to gallons is 0.62.
  • One hundred cubic feet (HCF) is equal to 748 gallons.
Agriculture 
  • Monthly allocation (HCF per month)= average historical water consumption
  • Historical water consumption is based on water use from 2017-2022.
Agriculture Worksheet to Estimate Allocation 

 FAQ

What is an allocation? 

An allocation is essentially a water budget that represents efficient water use for your specific account based on your indoor and outdoor water use characteristics.  Carpinteria Valley Water District (CVWD) will use the term “allocation” instead of “water budget” but the two are interchangeable in this context. Each customer within CVWD has a unique allocation. If you are using water efficiently, your monthly water use should not exceed your allocation.

What if my monthly water use exceeds my allocation? 

The purpose of this program is not to penalize or cut people off because they exceed their allocation. Allocations represent efficient use of water at a particular meter. Therefore, if there is one month where your water use exceeds your allocation there is no cause for alarm. However, if your water use regularly exceeds your allocation, you should contact CVWD to discuss your options. Improving your water use efficiency may resolve the exceedance, or CVWD may need to adjust your allocation.

What if I think my allocation is wrong? 

Contact CVWD if you think your allocation is incorrect. CVWD will work with you to review your individual allocation. Based on this review, CVWD may adjust your allocation.

Will my allocation change over time? 

If you submit a request for development or redevelopment, CVWD may recalculate your allocation. If you believe your allocation is incorrect, you should contact CVWD. After September of 2023, CVWD will hold meetings to develop allocation program policies. These policies will consider other triggers for modifying allocations.

How will my allocation change my water bill? Will there be any new fees or charges associated with my allocation? 

CVWD is not currently proposing any rate changes, fees, or penalties as a result of allocations. At some point in the future CVWD may consider these options. Currently, CVWD is focusing on the methods for calculating allocations.

How will my water efficient landscaping impact my allocation? 

Your allocation represents your indoor and outdoor water use characteristics. A parcel completely covered in hardscape will have a different outdoor allocation from a parcel with a large lawn. The idea is that your allocation should represent your parcel’s water needs. It is important for CVWD to understand the true water needs of its service area.

If you would like to propose ideas to make allocations more equitable, or if you would like to give feedback on CVWD’s approach to determining allocations, please attend the upcoming methodology meeting this May. Participating in the methods meeting is the best way to shape allocations.

Will I get credit for my vegetable garden, livestock, or hobby farm? 

CVWD has not yet developed its methodology for determining allocations nor has it developed the policies for how to manage those allocations. You can help shape these decisions by attending the upcoming methodology meeting this May.

Will my neighbor know my allocation? 

CVWD will never share allocation information across accounts. CVWD will treat your allocation information like all other account information. Only the people authorized to access your account will have information about your allocation.

I don’t want CVWD to have aerial imagery of my property. 

There are many existing tools, websites, and programs that make detailed aerial imagery publicly available. Google Earth is one example. Further, the State of California has already analyzed aerial imagery data for the entire state and provided the parcel-level results to each water District. Therefore, CVWD’s allocation program is building on existing information, not developing something completely new.

Why does CVWD need an allocation program? 

The State of California initiated “ Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life” in 2018. This legal and resource Management framework aims to improve efficiency of water use in California. We all will need to do our part to realize this vision for California. Allocations are essentially a tool for water management. As a planning tool, allocations enable agencies to understand how much water is available, to plan and budget for future supply and demand, and to target conservation efforts. Allocations can improve the efficiency and consistency of CVWD’S operations which saves everyone money. Allocations provide water users with a “reasonable” expected use baseline to support making water conservation a California way of life.

Are there guidance documents for the allocation program.