SR-08-12-2014-8BCity of City Council Report
Santa Monies
City Council Meeting: August 12, 2014
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Dean Kubani, Manager, Office of Sustainability and the Environment
Martin Pastucha, Director of Public Works
Subject: Recommendation to Adopt a Resolution Declaring a Stage 2 Water
Supply Shortage
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution declaring a Stage
2 Water Supply Shortage requiring mandatory water conservation to achieve a 20%
reduction in water use compared to 2013.
Executive Summary
Due to the current record drought, the lowering of two local groundwater wells,
estimates that Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's (MWD) non -
emergency water supplies may be exhausted by the end of 2014, and water use
increasing by three percent in Santa Monica despite the State and City water
emergency advisories, staff recommends adoption of Stage 2 of the Water Supply
Shortage Response Plan. Stage 2 requires mandatory water conservation by setting
water allocations for water customers. Implementation of a Stage 2 Water Supply
Shortage will require additional public information and education, customer service, and
enforcement and would likely result in revenue reductions from decreased water sales,
further impacting the Water Fund. Implementation would be phased to allow the
engagement of systems and measures, requiring the coordination of multiple city
departments including the Office of Sustainability and the Environment (OSE), Public
Works, Finance, and Planning and Community Development (PCD). Staff anticipates
returning to Council in October 2014 with a detailed Stage 2 Water Supply Shortage
implementation plan including proposed amendments to Section 7.16 of the Municipal
Code and the Water Shortage Response Plan, a financial impact analysis to address
revenue reductions and additional staffing and program implementation costs, and an
implementation timeline.
1
Background
Since 2007, with the exception of 2011 -12, California has been in a drought. The
current drought has seen some of the lowest rainfall and snowpack since 1896. On
May 27 2008 Council adopted amendments to SMMC 7.16 - Water Conservation which
gave Council the authority to determine and declare a water supply shortage and to
adopt a Water Shortage Response Plan. On June 9, 2009 Council adopted a Water
Shortage Response Plan and declared a Water Shortage Advisory calling for a
voluntary 10 percent reduction in water use in response to the drought. This Advisory
has remained in place as part of the effort to reduce the need to import water from
MWD and reach the City's goal for water self- sufficiency by 2020. On January 17, 2014,
the Governor declared a Drought Emergency and asked all Californians to voluntarily
reduce water use by 20% in support of the Governor's efforts. On January 29 2014, the
City increased its voluntary conservation target from 10% to 20 %.
On March 1, 2014, the Governor signed Senate Bill 104, a state drought relief
legislation which implements numerous drought relief measures. One such measure is
to make any violation of a regulation adopted by the State Water Resources Control
Board an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $500.
On July 15, 2014, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted an
Emergency Regulation for Statewide Urban Water Conservation which requires urban
retail water agencies, like Santa Monica, to implement all requirements and actions of
their water shortage contingency plans that impose mandatory outdoor irrigation
restrictions. This report contains the recommendation of staff for Council consideration
in response to the Emergency Regulations for Statewide Urban Water Conservation.
Discussion
The SWRCB Emergency Regulation treats violations of the State's prohibition on certain
water use activities, and the water conservation requirements of the City's Municipal
2
Code and Water Shortage Response Plan as infractions. While local water
conservation laws (SMMC Chapter 7.16) provide that violations are punishable as
infractions, local law currently does not set a specific fine amount. Following the
declaration of a Stage 2 Water Supply Shortage, staff would develop proposed
amendments to Chapter 7.16 of the Municipal Code and the Water Shortage Response
Plan to address this issue.
While the City is already in full compliance with the provisions of the State's Emergency
Regulations regarding mandatory outdoor watering restrictions, it has not yet
implemented the mandatory water shortage reduction targets and water use allowances
of the City's Water Shortage Response Plan, which require mandatory water
conservation commensurate with a 20% conservation reduction target.
Staff recommends Council declare a Stage 2 Water Supply Shortage Emergency by
resolution, as authorized by SMMC §7.16.030(c), to achieve a 20% reduction in water
use in response to the current record drought, the lowering of water levels in local
groundwater wells, and estimates that MWD's non - emergency water supplies may be
exhausted by the end of 2014.
Despite the State and City water emergency advisories, increased public outreach
regarding water conservation and the drought in Santa Monica, and ongoing water
conservation programs, incentives and rebates offered by the City (Attachment 2), water
use in Santa Monica has risen three percent since January 2014. This increase in
water use has occurred across all water customer types, except multi - family customers,
where water use dropped by two percent. Multi- family customers consume
approximately 42% of total water used in Santa Monica, with single family customers
using approximately 25% and non - residential customers (commercial, institutional and
other) using about 33% of the total. Increases in recent water use appear to be largely
related to increased landscape irrigation in the single family residential and non-
41
residential sectors due to dry weather conditions. These areas of increased use will be
specifically targeted as part of the Water Supply Shortage implementation plan.
Stage 2 mandatory water conservation requirements:
Pursuant to the City's Water Shortage Response Plan adopted by Council in 2009,
single - family and multi - family water customers will be given a water allocation, also
called a water budget, for each billing cycle. This allocation provides 68 gallons per
person per day plus additional water for outdoor uses that adjust seasonally. Under the
Water Shortage Response Plan, more water will be available during the summer and
less in the winter. Single- family and duplexes that use 16,456 gallons (or 22 hundred
cubic feet as shown on a utility bill) or less per bill would be exempt from allocation
requirements. Each multi - family unit that uses 5,984 gallons (or 8 hundred cubic feet as
shown on a utility bill) or less per bill would also be exempt from allocation
requirements. In addition, for commercial accounts, including City facilities and schools,
the water allowance is 90% of 2013 use, requiring commercial accounts to achieve a
10% reduction. The water allowance for landscape -only water accounts is 80% of 2013
use; these accounts will need to reduce use by 20 %.
Customers that exceed their allocation will be charged penalty surcharges for each
hundred cubic feet of excess water used in a billing period. This sends a strong
message to conserve water. The penalty surcharges are tiered and increase with an
increase in water usage as follows:
1 -4 hcf = $4.00 per hcf
5 -10 hcf = $16.00 per hcf
11 -16 hcf = $32.00 per hcf
17+ hcf = $40.00 for each hcf over 17
Variances and relief from compliance may be granted under certain conditions. Certain
water customers, such as hospitals, emergency care facilities, public safety facilities,
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emergency shelters, assisted living facilities, and non - potable water customers are
exempted from the water allowance reductions.
In order to effectively administer and implement the Stage 2 Mandatory Requirements,
staff from many divisions in multiple departments will assemble the necessary
resources, coordinate efforts and, in stages, put into place the necessary processes,
including:
• Updating and testing the billing system regarding the rates and surcharges;
• Updating the utility bills;
• Coordinating enforcement policies and procedures;
• Coordinating an appeals process;
• Developing and implementing drought response measures for public facilities
and open space;
• Training customer service staff, water resources field staff, billing staff, code
enforcement staff, and rent control staff;
• Developing new outreach materials to post on the website and disseminate, such
as door hangers, advertisements, flyers, and bill inserts;
• Conducting outreach to major commercial water users;
• Educating the public via neighborhood association meetings, Chamber of
Commerce meetings, and other public meetings; and
• Updating the Water Shortage Response Plan to reflect more appropriate base
period usage and water allowance amounts (the plan adopted in 2009 used a
base period of 2004 -2006 to calculate allowance amounts).
In order to effectively enforce these Stage 2 Mandatory Requirements, additional
resources will be needed for public information and education, customer service,
enforcement, and other related activities. Staff anticipates returning to Council in
October 2014 with a detailed Stage 2 Water Supply Shortage implementation plan
including proposed amendments to Section 7.16 of the Municipal Code and the Water
Shortage Response Plan, a financial impact analysis to address revenue reductions and
additional staffing and program implementation costs, and an implementation timeline.
5
October will also be the start of the new billing cycle and the launch of the WaterSmart
Pilot Project. WaterSmart is a consumer engagement software system which works in
conjunction with the City's billing system to help single - family customers understand
how they use water at their home. It provides a bi- monthly home water report by email
or mail, and a website to see usage, comparisons, and water saving tips. The report
compares that customer's water use to the average neighbors' usage and a sustainable
home's usage. It also includes water allocation and tips for how to stay within the
allocation. Attachment 3 shows a sample home water report.
I
Financial Impacts & Budget Actions
The recommendation to declare a Stage 2 Water Supply Shortage will require allocation
of additional resources for public information and education, customer service,
enforcement, and other related activities. In addition, this action could result in revenue
reductions of up to 20% from decreased water sales. Staff will return with a more
detailed analysis of the financial impacts and implementation costs following the review
and updating of the plan, included in a future recommendation to Council to amend the
Water Shortage Response Plan.
Prepared by: Kim O'Cain, Sustainability Analyst
Approved:
Dean Kubani
Manager, Office of Sustainability and the
Environment
Approved:
Martin P stucha
Director of Public Works
Attachments
Forwarded to Council:
Rod Gould
City Manager
1) Resolution
2) Current Santa Monica Water Conservation Policies, Programs, Incentives and
Resources
3) WaterSmart Project Sample Home Water Report
7
City of Santa Monica - Attachment 2
Page 1 of 2
Attachment 2
Current Santa Monica Water Conservation Policies, Programs, Incentives and
Resources
(Detailed information available at _ .sustainablesm.org//water )
Policies
Green Building Ordinance (SMMC 8.108) — Requires new construction to comply
with Water - Efficient Landscape and Irrigation Standards
Water Conservation Requirements (SMMC 7.16.020)
o No watering between 10 AM to 4 PM any day of the week
• No irrigation runoff and overspray
• No hosing hardscapes such as driveways, sidewalks and patios
• No washing vehicles with a hose that does not have a shut off nozzle and no
runoff from washing vehicles
• No wasting water
• No leaks
• No fountains without a recirculating system
• No food establishments shall serve water unless requested
Urban Runoff Mitigation (SMMC 7.10.050) requiring new
development/redevelopment to either store and use stormwater for non - potable
purposes, infiltrate, or evapotranspire
Rebates
• Landscape Rebates
• Cash for Grass — $1.50 /square foot
• Drip Irrigation System — $1 /square foot
• Sprinkler System — $0.75 /square foot
• Water Harvesting Rebates
• Rain Barrel /Cistern — up to $2,000
• Downspout Redirect — up to $40
• Other Water Efficiency Rebates
• High Efficiency Clothes Washer — up to $300
• High Efficiency Toilet — up to $100
• Weather -Based Irrigation Controller — up to $200 per controller
•. Metropolitan Water District Rebates available to SM water customers
• Weather -Based Irrigation Controllers - $25 per station
• Large Sprinkler Rotary Nozzles - $13 per set
• High - Efficiency Tank Toilets for businesses - $150
• High - Efficiency Flushometer Toilets for businesses - $200
• Zero Water and Ultra Low Water Urinals - $250
• Laminar Flow Restrictors - $12 per restrictor
• pH- Cooling Tower Controller - $1,750
• Cooling Tower Controller - $625
• Dry Vacuum Pump - $400 per 0.5 horse power
http: / /www.smgov. net /departmentsleouncillagendasl 2014 l201408l2ls20l408l208- B -2.htm 08/14/2014
City of Santa Monica - Attachment 2 Page 2 of 2
• Connectionless Food Steamers - up to $685 per compartment
• Ice - Making Machines (Tier III) - up to $1,200
Education & Outreach /Professional Training
• Website, Social Media, Seascape, Sustainable Santa Monica Newsletter, AltBuild,
SM Festival
• Free aerators and showerheads distributed to Santa Monica residents
• California Friendly Garden Training
• Sustainable Landscape Professional Training
• Green Garden Academy
• SustainableWorks — Water workshop
Green Business Certification /Bay Saver Fee
• Free water audits for businesses
• Free faucet aerators
Infrastructure /Demonstration Sites
• Airport Avenue Demonstration Gardens
• City Hall Demonstration Garden
• SMURRF Water for Irrigation
• Measure V rainwater harvesting infrastructure
http:// www. smgov .netldepartmentsleouncillagendasl 2014 l20l408l2ls20l408l208- B -2.htm 08/14/2014
Waterinsight Program
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s°,ramt9 Irvine, CA 92618
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YOUR HOME WATER REPORT
THIS IS AN INFORMATIONAL REPORT AND NOT A BILL.
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Reference:
Resolution No. 10831
(CCS)