HomeMy WebLinkAboutWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE PRESENTATION - 3.21.17Douglas S. Stack, P.E. Director of Public Works/City Engineer March 21, 2017 Background Emergency Drought Declaration City implemented Stage 2 Conservation Requirements Monthly Reporting June 2015 –February 2017 Customers saved 1.74 billion gallons of water, approximately 5.3 acre feet Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life Drought v. Drought Emergency Drought declared an emergency after multiple dry years. The current water year has produced more rain and snow than average and thus the emergency is likely to resolve. California is a dry climate and the Governor is calling for permanent water use restrictions to prepare for future droughts. Permanent Water Use Restrictions State Mandated Permanent Restrictions Hosing of sidewalks, driveways, and other hardscapes; Washing of automobiles with hoses not equipped with a shut-off nozzle; Use of a fountain without a recirculating system; Watering lawns in a manner that causes runoff, or within 48 hours of rain; and Irrigating turf on public street medians. Permanent Water Use Restrictions Restrictions Proposed by Staff: Watering of landscapes four days per week between April 1 and October 31 and three days per week between November 1 and march 31. Restricting outdoor watering between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Restaurants shall only serve water upon request. Hotels and motels must provide guests with the option for daily laundering. Water leaks shall be repaired immediately. Outdoor Irrigation Schedule Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Permanent Apr 1-Oct 31 X X X X Nov 1 -Mar 31 X X X Stage 1 Apr 1-Oct 31 X X X Nov 1 -Mar 31 X X Stage 2 Apr 1-Oct 31 X X Nov 1 -Mar 31 X Stage 3 Year Round X Stage 4 All Outdoor Watering Prohibited Designed to allow for gradual reduction in watering days to ensure the City’s response to drought conditions is consistent with the amount of conservation required. Stage 1 is now mandatory. Beneficial Public Use In recognition of the importance parks and sports fields play in the Tustin community, the Water Management Plan will continue to allow for outdoor watering exemptions for any area where turf is used for beneficial public use. Recommendation Adopt by 4/5ths roll call vote Ordinance No. 1477 on an urgency basis to revise the City’s Water Management Plan. Conduct the first reading by title only of Ordinance No. 1477 and direct staff to schedule a public hearing at the next regular meeting or the City Council for second reading and adoptions. Direct staff to rescind the Stage 2 designation effective immediately.