Why do we continue to allow new building and development during a water shortage?

The City of Santa Rosa’s prudent and cost-effective long-term water supply planning means that occurrences of single and multiple dry years do not automatically mean water supply capacity is limited for planned development. The City of Santa Rosa Water Shortage Contingency Plan (Shortage Plan) outlines how the city will respond to a reduction in water supply deliveries from Sonoma Water, our wholesale water supplier. Restrictions on new development can be activated if the city experiences a water shortage of 30% or greater. In such circumstances, the Shortage Plan requires new development to have a zero-net impact on water demand by offsetting new water demand from their projects. 

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1. What does a 20% mandatory reduction in water use mean?
2. What is the 20% reduction target timeline compared to?
3. Why do we continue to allow new building and development during a water shortage?
4. Does the City of Santa Rosa provide water to wineries and other agricultural interests?
5. How do I request an exemption or variance from a water use prohibition or restriction?
6. How is the City of Santa Rosa responding to the regional drought emergency?
7. How do I cut back my water use if I'm already efficient with my water use?
8. What is considered efficient water use?
9. How can I figure out how much water I use?
10. Is the City of Santa Rosa enforcing any water use prohibitions?
11. How does the City enforce the prohibition on water waste?
12. How do I report water waste?
13. Is washing cars at home allowed?
14. How will my water bill be affected by the drought?
15. What resources are available to help me reduce my water use?
16. What will happen if we do not get rain this coming winter?
17. How are other cities affected by the current drought?
18. Where can I find additional information?