CARLSBAD, Calif. -- As mandatory water cutbacks loom, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District is preparing itself and its customers for some possible adjustments.

Just how much Carlsbad businesses and homeowners will be able to water might change soon.

"The communities at large are facing cutbacks potentially, as soon as next summer and the likelihood of that happening is very high," said Mark Stone, general manager for the Carlsbad Municipal Water District.

Stone said cutbacks between 10 to 20 percent would mean adjustments to consumers.

"We've asked for them to voluntarily change the way they manage their water use. Now it's becoming more of a requirement," said Stone.

Carlsbad already has one of the more aggressive water-recycling programs in San Diego County. The city also requires new construction to install water-saving features.

"They're required to put in low-flow showerheads. They're required to put in low-flushing toilets," said Stone.

Stone said hoses might have to be shut off while people wash their cars, and watering landscaping might be regulated to specific schedules.

Carlsbad resident Sharon Ackroyd is already ahead of the game when it comes to water conservation.

A quick look at her garden shows how she manages to save $20 to $30 a month now after changes to her home.

"The cactus hill I hardly ever water," said Ackroyd. "… I catch rain water and then we take it and water the yard."

Ackroyd said she has miniature fruit trees that have bubblers, which are regulated and require minimal watering.

She told 10News she hopes the measures she has taken would help offset any requirements when the cutbacks begin.

"I think I'll be under them, but if I have to cut back I will, you know, we all have to do our part," said Ackroyd.

Conserving water is a reality, no matter where we are in the county, that all residents will have to face this summer.

A water conservation workshop will be held for residents on Wednesday evening in Carlsbad.

The water district will formulate its policies after getting feedback from the meetings.