Demand Offsets: Water Neutral Development in California

Abstract

for his thoughtful review, insight, and unfailing support, and to Miles Hogan, 2012-2013 Environmental Law Fellow at the California Environmental Law and Policy Center, UC Davis School of Law, for invaluable research and collaboration. I am also indebted to the wonderfully patient staff at the McGeorge Law Review. All errors, opinions, and passive voice violations are entirely my own. 2014 / Water Neutral Development in California 104 I. INTRODUCTION Urban water use efficiency is lauded as the best source of "new" water for drought-prone California. 1 Recurring droughts have energized the state's search for improved urban efficiency, starting with the severe drought of 1976-1977, which is credited with sparking a trend of legal, policy, and technical innovation that continues today. 2 As a result of these innovations, studies demonstrate that some cities are decreasing per capita consumption and using less water, despite growing populations. 3 Water use efficiency has been touted as one of the most promising, and least expensive, sources of water for California. 4 Programs that require "water neutral development," often referred to as "demand offset programs," 5 are one of the innovations inspired by drought.

Integrating Land Use Planning and Water Management in U.S. Cities: A Literature Review

“…One strategy that shows potential water conservation benefits are “water neutral” or “net‐zero” buildings (Olmos and Loge 2013). These “water neutral” developments would offset consumption by onsite reductions, or off‐site actions to increase supply or reduce demand elsewhere so that total demand within that development is 100% offset (Harder 2014). While a promising strategy, accomplishing these changes on a broad scale requires institutional innovation and regulatory coordination (Crosson 2018).…”