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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3a - Resolution No. 7009 Water Conservation Programa `osoJ z i� DATE: February 18, 2014 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council STAFF REPORT Public Works Services Department FROM: Tom Tait, Public Works Services Director By: Vanessa Hevener, Environmental Services Officer SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 7009 IMPLEMENTING A VOLUNTARY WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM TO REDUCE WATER USAGE BY 20 PERCENT FOR ALL WATER CUSTOMERS IN THE CITY OF ARCADIA Recommendation: Adopt SUMMARY After two years of the driest winters on record, Governor Brown declared on January 17, 2014, a statewide drought, and urged residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce water consumption by 20 percent. Low snowpack levels combined with the lack of rain have left many reservoirs at below average levels, creating drought conditions. In response, it is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 7009 implementing a voluntary Water Conservation Program to reduce water usage by 20 percent for all water customers in the City of Arcadia. DISCUSSION The City of Arcadia is dependent on three main sources of water: two groundwater basins (Raymond Basin and the Main San Gabriel Basin), and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). The water levels in the two groundwater basins are at historically low levels; however, the City is able to continue pumping to meet daily demands. Additionally, should it become necessary, the City has a connection to treated surface water with MWD. Unfortunately, the City's increased reliance on MWD water will result in the purchase of significantly higher priced water. In 2008, due to statewide drought conditions, Governor Schwarzenegger introduced a comprehensive plan for improving the Sacramento -San Joaquin Delta (State Water Project). As part of this effort, the Governor directed state agencies to develop a plan to reduce statewide per capita urban water use by 20 percent by the year 2020. State wide drought conditions in 2008, and the Governor's 20x2020 Water Conservation Plan resulted in the Arcadia City Council adopting a voluntary 10 percent water conservation Resolution No. 7009 - Voluntary Water Conservation Program February 18, 2014 Page 2 of 3 program to reduce water consumption in the City. As a result, Arcadia customers achieved approximately 10 percent water conservation; however, since the end of the prior drought, water demands have increased by about 11 percent. The City has implemented water saving strategies in City projects, which has helped in reducing the City's overall water use. For example, the City has retrofitted facilities with water conserving fixtures and appliances, expanded use of drought tolerant and /or California native plants at City landscaped areas; replaced turf with artificial turf; and installed drip irrigation in medians and at City facilities. The City also offers free residential landscape audits, and Arcadia residents have access to rebate programs offered through the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District. Furthermore, the City continues to evaluate alternative approaches to encourage water conservation and water use efficiency throughout the community. In particular, the City recently awarded a contract to conduct a Budget Based Water and Sewer Rate Study. This study will assist the City in developing and applying new rate structures for single - family and multi - family customers that will address ratepayer equity while encouraging water use efficiency. Budget based rates are designed to provide each customer with a personalized water budget to meet indoor and outdoor water needs, thus encouraging water use efficiency. The proposed voluntary Water Conservation Program will consist of an aggressive public education campaign utilizing the City's media sources such as the City website, cable channel, newsletter, and water bills. Staff also intends to work with residents, schools, and businesses to inform and educate the public of the voluntary Water Conservation Program (See attached Resolution No. 7009 for water conservation program). If water conditions worsen in the state, it may be necessary to implement mandatory conservation measures outlined in the Arcadia Water Conservation Plan; however, the voluntary measures should be sufficient in the coming year provided that the education efforts bring about the desired results. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Voluntary water conservation will alleviate the impact of a water shortage if drought conditions persist, and will help prepare our community for the next phase in the event mandatory water conservation becomes a reality. FISCAL IMPACT There is sufficient funding in the FY 2013 -14 Operation and Maintenance budget to implement an effective water conservation education campaign. Staff will review water conservation education efforts for next fiscal year and include this cost in the FY 2014- 15 budget. Resolution No. 7009 - Voluntary Water Conservation Program February 18, 2014 Page 3 of 3 RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the City Council adopt Resolution No. 7009 implementing a voluntary Water Conservation Program to reduce water usage by 20 percent for all water customers in the City of Arcadia. Approved: Dominic Lazzar� City Manager Attachment: Resolution No. 7009 RESOLUTION NO. 7009 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, IMPLEMENTING A VOLUNTARY WATER CONSERVATION TO REDUCE WATER CONSUMPTION IN THE CITY BY 20 PERCENT WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of California proclaimed a statewide drought on January 17, 2014 and urged residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce water consumption by 20 percent; and WHEREAS, after two years of below average rainfall and low level of snowpack, the City of Arcadia may face a water shortage in 2014; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Arcadia has the power and authority to adopt water conservation measures within its City's boundaries. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCADIA, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Public Works Services Director is authorized to implement a voluntary water conservation program, with the goal of reducing water use by 20 percent, to reduce the risk and severity of water shortages should the drought continue the year. SECTION 2. An extensive media campaign will be launched to inform and educate the public of the impending water shortage. The public shall be encouraged to voluntarily reduce water usage by 20% by adhering to the following guidelines: 1. Limit car washing; 2. Limit landscape watering to the minimum necessary for plants to survive and reuse household water when possible; 3. Eliminate continuous running of water while shaving or rinsing dishes; 1 4. Limit flushing of toilets by multiple usage; 5. Use biodegradable and/or disposable dishes; 6. Limit showers to four (4) minutes when possible; 7. Check plumbing, faucets, and toilets for leaks and repair immediately; 8. Wash full loads in clothes washers and dishwashers; 9. Use flow restriction and other water - saving devices where possible; and 10. Water early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. SECTION 3. The City of Arcadia finds that a phased program beginning with voluntary measures to reduce consumption will best achieve the goal of conserving the water supply without causing unnecessary adverse economic consequences. SECTION 4. If voluntary measures do not achieve the goal of a 20 percent water use reduction, or if drought conditions worsen, the City of Arcadia will consider the implementation of mandatory water conservation. SECTION 5. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution. [SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE] 2 Passed approved and adopted this day of 2014 Mayor of the City of Arcadia ATTEST: City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: XVL & 1 0 /4R " Stephen P. Deitsch City Attorney