December 22, 2025 | Dani Morgutia, Senior Program Manager
CalWEP submitted a formal comment letter to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) in response to its Triennial Review of the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
MWELO is a foundational statewide framework for improving outdoor water efficiency, and CalWEP’s comments reflect feedback from members and partners who are actively implementing MWELO at the local level. The letter offers recommendations aimed at improving clarity, equity, and real-world effectiveness of the ordinance.
Key themes addressed in CalWEP’s comments include:
- Aligning MWELO with AB 1572’s non-functional turf restrictions
- Streamlining requirements for turf conversion and replacement projects
- Clarifying the definition and application of Special Landscape Areas
- Supporting climate-appropriate plant selection through complementary tools
- Recommending a statewide study to evaluate MWELO’s on-the-ground effectiveness
CalWEP appreciates DWR’s leadership and looks forward to continued collaboration to advance equitable and effective outdoor water use efficiency across California.
Read the full comment letter.