HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3a - Resolution No. 7009 Water Conservation Programa `osoJ z
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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;
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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.
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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