SR 06-27-2017 3B
Ci ty Council
Report
City Council Meeting : June 27, 2017
Agenda Item: 3.B
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Susan Cline, Director , Public Works, Office of Sustainability & the
Environment
Subject: Update to the Water Shortage Response Plan
Recommended Action
Staff re commends that the City Council a dopt the Water Shortage Respo nse Plan
resolution (Attachment A).
Executive Summary
The City has in place a Water Shortage Response Plan (WSRP ) that requires water
customers to meet a water use allowance (Allowance) whenever a Stage 1, 2, 3, or 4
w ater s upply s hortage is declared by C ity Council. Currently, the City is in a dec lared
Stage 2 w ater s upply s hortage with allowances set a t 2 0% below a customer’s 2013
water consumption.
In January 2017, the 2016 California Green Building Standards went into effect lowering
flow rates for ne w and/or retrofitted faucets and urinals. In addition, on May 23 , 2017
Council adopted the water neutrality ordinance that requires a new development to
consume no more water than the prior use . As a result, the new development is
required to calculate the new water demand.
Staff is recommending an update to the WSRP (Attachment B ) that would establish the
new development’s approved new water demand as the Allowance during a declared
water supply shortage and change the plumbing fixture flow rates to match the current
State Building Code requirements.
Background
Between 2007 and early 2017, with the exception of 2011 -12, California was in a record
drought. The drought resulted in the lowest rainfall and snowpack since 1896. On May
27, 2008 , Council adopte d amendments to SMMC 7.16 - Water Conservation, which
gave Council the authority to determine and declare a water supply shortage and to
adopt a WSRP (Attachment C ). The WSRP was developed in 2009 to comply with the
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State’s Urban Water Management Plan requ irements and was based on the California
Department of Water Resources 2007 Urban Drought Guidebook.
On June 9, 2009, Council adopted the WSRP (Attachment D ). The WSRP was included
in the City’s 2010 Urban Water Management Plan, which was subsequently ap proved
by the State. The WSRP mandates that when Stage 1, 2, 3, or 4 water supply shortage
is declared, A llowances go into effect. This mandatory conservation requires water
customers to reduce use by a set percentage from a prior year’s water usage. T he C ity
is currently in a Stage 2 w ater s upply s hortage and A llowances are in effect that are
2 0% below the customer’s 2013 water usage . Water customers that exceed their
A llowance are subject to fines and civil penalties. Adjustments to the A llowance may be
g ranted if certain criteria including water -saving plumbing fixtures are installed.
Also on June 9, 2009 , Council declared a Water Shortage Advisory calling for a
voluntary 10 % reduction in water u se in response to the drought. The Water Shortage
Advisory 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. In response to the
continuing drought, o n January 29, 2014, the City increased its voluntary conservation
targ et from 10% to 20% (Attachment E ).
On August 12, 2014 , Council adopted a resolution , per Attachment F , declaring a Stage
2 Water Supply Shortage , which changed the voluntary 20% conservation target to a
mandatory 20% reduction in water use . It also dir ected staff to return with a detailed
Stage 2 Water Supply Shortage implementation plan including proposed amendments
to Section 7.16 of the Municipal Code and the WSRP, a financial impact analysis to
address revenue reductions , additional staffing and pro gram implementation costs, and
an implementation timeline.
On October 28, 2014 , staff returned to Council and presented proposed updates to the
WSRP (Attachment G ) as well as information about proposed changes to the Municipal
Code and implementation of w ater shortage response measures. Council provided
feedback and directed staff to return with proposed changes to the WSRP that included
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input from the public, a Water Conservation Unit within the Office of Sustainability and
the Environment to implement t he Stage 2 Water Supply Shortage, and return with
proposed changes to the Municipal Code that related to water conservation.
On January 13, 2015, Council re -affirmed and re -declared a Stage 2 Water Supply
Shortage and adopted updates to the WSRP (Attachm ent H ). This included Allowances
for all water customers set at 80% of their 2013 water usage for Stage 2; established
penalties for exceedance of Allowances ; established residential water conservation
thresholds for single family and multi -family resident ial customers; and provided a
process for adjustment of a n Allowance.
On September 8, 2015, Council adopted an update to the W SRP (Attachment I ). The
major updates were to modify the penalty fee structure for exceeding the A llowance and
to provide for wa iving of the first exceedance penalty by participating in a City -offered
water school.
On January 1, 2017, the current California Green Building Standards went into effect in
Santa Monica lowering the flow rates for plumbing fixtures including urinals and faucets.
The WSRP includes specific flow rates for plumbing fixtures that must be installed in
order to receive a water use allowance adjustment.
On May 23 , 2017, Council adopted the water neutrality ordinance (Attachment J) that
requires new development s to use no more water than the current usage. As a result, a
developer is required to calculate the projected water demand for their proposed new
development .
Discussion
The WSRP is a roadmap developed in response to impending and ongoing water
supply sh ortages. It is updated at least every five years as part of the State required
Urban Water Management Plan. There are five stages (Advisory and Stage 1 to 4) of
water supply shortages within the WSRP and actions range from voluntary to
mandatory water cons ervation. The mandatory conservation requirements are
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implemented through Allowances assigned to water customers. Water customers are
required to reduce their usage by a set percentage depending on the current stage of
water supply shortage.
Water Use All owances for Residential, Commercial and Landscape Water
Customers (excluding Santa Monica Urban Runoff Recycling Facility customers)
In response
to the
unprecedented drought and its ongoing effects on Santa Monica’s water supply, the City
remains in a Stage 2 Water Supply Shortage that requires a 20% reduction in water use
from 2013 levels . Local groundwater provides about 75% of the City’s water supply,
which has yet to recover fully, even with the recent record -breaking rains . T he natural
process by which this occurs takes time and it may be a few years, along with more wet
winters, for local groundwater suppl ies to return to pre -drought conditions.
In order to be at least as effective as the current California Green Building Standards,
the WSRP must be updated to reflect new requirements for plumbing fixture flow rates.
This includes lower flows for urinals and faucets.
As part of the recently adopted water neutrali ty ordinance, developers are required to
calculate the projected water demand for a new development project. For the purpose
of the water neutrality ordinance, n ew developments are defined as : new buildings with
plumbing fixtures; existing buildings with p lumbing fixtures where 50% or more of the
exterior walls or major support structures are demolished; and /or new or enlarged pools,
spas, water features, and ponds. If the calculated water demand from the proposed new
development is greater than the amount the property currently uses (using a five -year
average), then the developer must attempt to design a more water -efficient property
through fixtures and systems (e.g. graywater and rain water harvesting). If the new
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
% Water
Available per
Customer
85%
80%
70%
50%
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development is still projected to use mor e water after all practical water -saving devices
and systems are included in the design, then an in -lieu fee is required. Those fees pay
to retrofit existing off -site buildings with water -saving fixtures to offset the additional
water demand of the new dev elopment .
Once approved , the calculated water demand for the new development would be used
as the Allowance for the property during a declared water supply shortage provid ing a
realistic yet water -conserving target . Currently, Allowances are a 20% reducti on from
usage in 2013. N ew developments that calculate greater water use than the current
property’s five -year average would not likely meet Allowances as defined and ,
subsequently, could be fined for exceedances . This would trigger requests for
adjustment s to their A llowance s. These adjustment requests would be granted because
the development s would be built to the current water -efficient building requirements ,
which i s a pre -requisite for an adjustment.
Setting the new development’s Allowance as the cal culated and approved water
demand provides the most accurate water budget and would lead to fewer exceedance
citations issued and fewer adjustment requests. Requiring the Allowance to equal the
approved new water demand will encourage designer(s) of new de velopments to
produce accurate estimations to help their clients avoid A llowance exceedance
penalties. The Allowance would be updated after the certificate of occupancy or
temporary certificate of occupancy is issued. This proposed update to the Allowance
would not apply to new or enlarged pools, spas, water features, and ponds.
Outreach
Five Water Neutrality Stakeholder Committee meetings were held on November 15,
2016, December 12, 2016, January 24, 2016, March 8, 2017, and April 4, 2017, where
proposed requirements of the ordinance and its implementation were discussed and a
consensus on recommendations was achieved . Stakeholder Committee members
include representatives from water agencies, non -governmental organizations,
sustainability consultants, arc hitects, developers, manufacturers, engineers, plumbers,
Los Angeles County; the City’s Water Advisory Committee , including residents ; and
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staff from the Public Works Department, Planning and Community Development
Department, and the City Attorney’s Office .
Staff also presented this information to the Chamber of Commerce Governmental
Affairs Committee on March 6, 2017. A public meeting was held on April 6, 2017 and 10
community members attended. A presentation was made to the North of Montana
Association (NOMA ) neighborhood association on April 6, 2017 and at the Mid -Cities
neighborhood association on April 18, 2017 . The public was notified by emails sent to
all the neighborhood groups and business districts; Facebook postings, a press release,
and calenda r event listed on the City’s website. Information about the ordinance and
how to comply with it will be posted on the City’s website. The proper notices were
included in the Santa Monica Daily press and made available in the City Clerk’s Office
in accordan ce with noticing requirements.
Water Advisory Committee
Presentation took place on February 6, 2017 and the recommendation was in support of
the ordinance.
Task Force on the Environment
Presentation took place on March 20, 2017 and the motion was made in support of the
ordinance.
Alternatives
The current process for Allowances would remain in place if this update is not approved.
New developments would be required to reduce 20% from the 2013 water usage or
default baseline or comply with a threshold if i t is a single -family or multi -family
customer.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
There is no immediate financial impact or budget action necessary because of the
recommended action.
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Prepared By: Kimberly O'Cain, Senior Sustainability Analyst
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Resolution
B. Water Shortage Response Plan 6 -27 -17
C. May 27, 2008 Water Conservation Requirements
D. June 9, 2009 Water Shortage Response Plan
E. January 29, 2014 Water Shortage Advisory Update Info Item
F. August 12, 2014 Stage 2 Water Supply Shortage Resolution
G. October 28, 2014 Stage 2 Water Supply Shortage Implementation
H. January 13, 2015 Water Shortage Response Plan and Implementation
I. September 8, 2015 Water Shortage Response Plan Update
J. Second Reading of Water Neutrality Ordinance
Attachment B
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
WATER SHORTAGE
RESPONSE PLAN
Department of Public Works
Water Resources Division
1212 5 th St., Third Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458 -8975
www.smgov.net/water
City of Santa Monica Water Shortage Response Plan –June 2 7 , 2017
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Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction ………………………………………………………………………. page 3
Section 2 : Objectives and Priorities of Water Use ……………………………………… page 3
Section 3 : Triggers for Implementation …………………………………………………… page 3
Section 4 : Stages of Water Shortage Supply ……………………………………………. page 4
Table 1 : W ater Shortage Reduction Targets …………………………………………. page 4
Section 5 : Water Use Res tr ictions for All Stages ………………………………………. page 4
Section 6 : City of Santa Monica Staff Responsibilities ………………………………… page 4
Section 7 : Water Allowances for Stages 1, 2, 3, 4 ……………………………………… page 5
Table 2 : Water Use Allowance s ………………………………………………………… page 5
Section 8 : Penalty …………………………………………………………………………….. page 7
Section 9 : Waiver of Penalty………………………………………………………………… page 7
Section 10:Water Use Allowance Adjustment ……………………………………………. page 7
Section 11 : Definitions ……………………………………………………………………….. page 9
Exhibit 1 – Residential Water Conservation Threshold Calculations …………… page 11
City of Santa Monica Water Shortage Response Plan –June 2 7 , 2017
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Section 1: Introduction
The City of Santa Monica City Council adopts this Water Shortage Response Plan
(WSRP) pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code (“SMMC”) section 7.16.030. The
WSRP is intended both as an action plan and as the implementing regulations for water
conservation as authorized by Section 7.16.030. It is designe d to reduce water demand
during water shortages. The WSRP is based in part on the State of California
Department of Water Resources 2007 Urban Drought Guidebook . The Urban Water
Management Planning Act (Section 10632 of the California Water Code) requires water
shortage contingency planning as a component of the Urban Water Management Plan,
which is updated every five years.
The WS R P establishes five stages of water shortage severity based on predicted or
actual water supply reductions. Each stage establishes water use reductions through
voluntary or mandatory measures. Triggers for implementing the WSRP may include
such events as a state or local emergency; n atural disaster ; a localized event that
critically impacts the water supply ; drought or t he City’s wholesale water agency
imposing water allocation restrictions .
Section 2 : Objectives and Priorities of Water Use
A. The o bjectives of the WSRP are to :
(1) Prioritize essential uses of available water;
(2) Avoid irretrievable loss of natural resources;
(3) Manage current water supplies to meet ongoing and future needs;
(4) Maximize local municipal water supplies ;
(5 ) Eliminate water waste city -wide;
(6 ) Create equitable demand reduction targets; and
(7 ) Min imize adverse financial effects .
B. The following priorities for use of available water are listed in order from highest to
lowest priority:
(1) Health and Safety including: consumption and sanitation for all water
users; fire s uppression; hospitals, eme rgency care, nursing and other
convalescent homes and other similar health care facilities; shelters and
water t reatment;
(2) Institutions, including government facilities and schools such as public
safety facilities, essential government operations, publi c pools and
recreation areas;
(3) All non -essential commercial , institutional, and residential water uses;
(4 ) New water demand.
Section 3 : Triggers for Implementation
The City Council may declare by resolution that an Advisory or Stage 1, 2, 3 or 4 Water
Supply Shortage exists and that the actions outlined in this WSRP are necessary. Upon
Council adoption by resolution, any Advisory or Stage may be rescinded. The type of
event which may prompt the City Council to declare a n Advisory or Stage1, 2, 3, 4
Wat er Supply Shortage may include, among other factors :
City of Santa Monica Water Shortage Response Plan –June 2 7 , 2017
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D rought ;
S tate or local emergency ;
A natural disaster that critically impacts the water treatment or water distribution
system ;
A localized event that critically impacts the water supply, water quality, water
treatment or water distribution system ;
T he City’s wholesale water agency requests extraordinary water conservation
efforts in order to avoid mandatory water allocations ;
T he C ity’s wholesale water agency implements a water allocation.
Section 4 : Stages of Water Shortage Supply
The WSRP establishes five stages of severity based on predicted or actual water supply
reductions. Each stage establishes water use reductions either through voluntary or
mandatory measures. Mandatory water restrictions include water use allowance for
each water customer category. Table 1 below outlines the stages and water use
reduction goals.
Table 1 : Water Shortage Re duction Targets
Section 5 : Water Use Restrictions for All Stages
The water conservation requirements in SMMC Section 7.16 are permanently enforced .
Section 6 : City of Santa Monica Staff Responsibilities
(A ) City staff will be informed of the water supply shortage. Each staff member will
be expected to use water efficiently.
(B ) T he City’s landscaped areas will be efficiently irrigated based on the Irrigation
Association’s Best Management Practices.
(C ) Each staff member will be expected to notify the appropriate City department
immediately of any leaks seen on City property or private property .
Section 7 : Water Allowances for Stages 1 , 2, 3, 4
A Water Use Allowance (WUA) is established for each water customer.
The WUA shall not apply to:
Water
Shortage
Stage
Water Use
Restrictions
City -wide
Use
Reduction
Goal
Advisory Voluntary 10%
Stage 1 Mandatory 15 %
Stage 2 Mandatory 20%
Stage 3 Mandatory 30%
Stage 4 Mandatory 50%
City of Santa Monica Water Shortage Response Plan –June 2 7 , 2017
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(A ) Any water customer of the City of Santa Monica during a n Advisory wat er
supply shortage stage;
(B ) Any water customer account designated for municipal non -potable water.
Summary of Allowances
A WUA is the maximum allowable amount of water that could be used by a water
customer and it is calculated as a percent reduction in the amount of water available for
each water customer in the City of Santa Monica for the duration of a declared water
shortage.
The WUA is calculated as a percentage of the baseline year’s water usage. The
baseline is calendar year 2013. Each water customer will receive a WUA for each billing
period. A billing period is approximately 60 -days.
Public agency , including but not limited to the City of Santa Monica, Caltrans, Santa
Monica -Malibu Unified School District, individual landscape only accounts will be
combined and receive one WUA . Water Use Allowances for new water accounts , new
water customers, properties vacant in 2013 , and water accounts with zero usage in
2013 will be based on the average usage of water customers in the same water
customer class (single -family, multi -family, mixed -use, commercial, industrial,
landscape, etc.) with the same meter size.
For example a single -family water customer whose home was vacant due to a remodel
in 2013 and as a result of the remodel their meter size increased from ¾ inch to two
inch because the house size increased significantly, shall get a WUA that is the average
of oth er single -family homes with a two inch meter.
Water Use Allowance s
The Water Use Allowance formula for residential water customers is:
The average daily baseline use per billing period x the % of water available or the
residential threshold ; whic hever is higher
The Water Use Allowance formula for commercial and landscape water
customers is:
The average daily baseline use per billing period x the % of water available
City of Santa Monica Water Shortage Response Plan –June 2 7 , 2017
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The Water Use Allowance for new developments shall be the approved new water
demand as defined by SMMC 7.16.050 . This does not apply to new or enlarged pools,
spas, ponds or water features.
Table 2 : Water Use Allowance for all Water Customers *
Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3 Stage 4
85% Water
Available Per
Customer
80% Water
Available Per
Customer
70% Water
Available Per
Customer
50% Water
Available Per
Customer
Single -Family average daily
baseline use x
0.85
or
22 HCF;
whichever is
higher
average daily
baseline use x
0.8
or
22 HCF per
billing period;
whichever is
higher
average daily
baseline use x
0.7
or
16 HCF;
whichever is
higher
average daily
baseline use x
0.5
or
16 HCF;
whichever is
higher
Multi -Family average daily
baseline use x
0.85
or
11 HCF per unit;
whichever is
higher
average daily
baseline use x
0.8
or
11 HCF per
unit; whichever
is higher
average daily
baseline use x
0.7
or
8 HCF per unit;
whichever is
higher
average daily
baseline use x
0.5
or
8 HCF per unit;
whichever is
higher
Commercial average daily
baseline use x
0.85
average daily
baseline use x
0.8
average daily
baseline use x
0.7
average daily
baseline use x
0.5
Landscape average daily
baseline use x
0.85
average daily
baseline use x
0.8
average daily
baseline use x
0.7
average daily
baseline use x
0.5
*HCF is hundred cubic feet
Residential Water Conservation Thresholds – see Exhibit 1 for calculation s
Water Shortage Supply Stage 1 & 2
Penalties will not be imposed for single family customers using less than 22 HCF per bi -
monthly billing period and each multi -family unit per building using less than 11 HCF per
bi -monthly billing period .
Water Shortage Supply Stage 3 & 4
Penalt ies will not be imposed for single family customers using less than 16 HCF per bi -
monthly billing period and each multi -family unit per building using l ess than 8 HCF per
bi -monthly billing period .
City of Santa Monica Water Shortage Response Plan –June 2 7 , 2017
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Section 8 : Pena lt ies
When a Responsible Party exceed s the applicable WUA during a billing period , a
Penalty may be imposed through the issuance of a n administrative citation . The citation
fine amount will be calculated as set forth below.
first violation penalty: $250
second violation penalty (within twelve months of the first violation): $500
third violation penalty (within twelve months of the second violation): $1,000
Any Responsible party that exceed the WUA three times may be required to have a
water audit performed by a licensed engineering firm having water audit experience and
all related expenses paid by the Responsible Party . The audit must be performed and a
full report submitted to the City of Santa Monica within 30 -days of notice. The audit
report must include how the audit was administered, list all interior and exterior uses of
domestic and non -domestic water uses, results of the audit, recommendations, and
return on investment ca lculations. The City may require the implementation of the audit
recommendations as a precondition to granting any request for a WUA A djustment.
Any Responsible Party that exceed the WUA seven or more times may have a flow
restrictor installed in the meter which restricts the flow of water going into the building,
be charged with a C ivil P enalty, and/or be charged with a criminal penalty.
Section 9: Waiver of Penalty
Any Responsible Par ty that receive s a first violation WUA exceedance penalty may
choose to attend a City offered water school . Upon successful completion of the water
school, the penalties associated with the first violation shall be waive d . The City
Manager or his or her de signee is authorized to develop regulations to implement the
water school program consistent with the policies, objectives and priorities of this Plan .
Section 10 : Water Use Allowance Adjustment
Application for Water Use Allowance Adjustment
Comply with requirements listed under Required Finding for a n Adjustment.
Fill out a Water Use Allowance Adjustment A pplication available at 1717 4th St.,
Su ite 150, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Submit completed application and required supporting documentation (such as
photographs, itemized receipts, maps, drawings, engineering reports, water audit
reports, utility bill showing participation in any low income assistance program, or
other pertinent information) by mail or in -person at 1717 4 th St., S uite 150, Sa nta
Monica, CA 90401.
Approval Authority
The Adjustment Administrator will exercise approval authority and act upon any
completed Water Use Allowance Adjustment Application after submittal and may
City of Santa Monica Water Shortage Response Plan –June 2 7 , 2017
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approve, conditionally approve, or deny the adjustment req uest . The applicant
requesting the adjustment will be notified in writing of any action taken.
The decision of the Adjustment Administrator shall be issued within sixty days after the
conclusion of the hearing or the submission of all written materials if no hearing is
conducted. The applicant may appeal any such decision pursuant to Chapter 6.16 of
this C ode . Unless specified otherwise at the time the adjustment is approved, the
adjustment applies to the subject property during the term of the applicable stage of the
WSRP.
Factors to be considered by the Approval Authority in Reviewing a Water Use
Allowance Adjustment Application :
Whether denial of the application would create an undue hardship which could
create an emergency condition relating to health or safety ; or
Whether an undue financial hardship to a water customer would result ; or
A new water account is requested by a new user; or
T he property was vacant (or otherwise devoid of water use) during 2013 but is
now being inhabited; or
T here has been an increase in household size or change in tenancy
Required Findings for an Adjustment
An application for an adjustment will be denied unless the approving authority finds,
based on the information provided in the application, supporting documentation, and/or
such additional information as may be requested, and on water use information for the
property as shown by the records of the City of Santa Monica, all the following:
1. The subject property has implemented all practical water saving measures at
minimu m , unless unique circumstances that makes meeting these requirements
impossible :
a. High -efficiency toilets (uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less)
b. High -efficiency urinals (uses 0.125 gallons or less per flush or is
waterless)
c. High -efficiency showerheads (uses 2.0 gallons per minute or less)
d. High -efficiency faucets (uses 1.2 gallons per minute or less for residential
or guest rooms; uses 1.8 gallons per minute or less for kitchen faucets;
uses 0.5 gallons per minute or less for commercial)
e. No leaks anywhe re on the property
f. No irrigation runoff and overspray
2. That the adjustment does not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent
with the limitations placed upon other City of Santa Monica water customers.
3. That because of special circumstances applicable to the property or its use, the
requirements of the Water Shortage Response Plan would have a
disproportionate impact on the property or use that exceeds the impacts to
customers generally.
4. That the adjustment will not materially affect the abil ity of the City of Santa
Monica to effectuate the purpose of the Water Shortage Response Plan and will
not be detrimental to the public interest.
City of Santa Monica Water Shortage Response Plan –June 2 7 , 2017
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Section 1 1 : Definitions
Billing Period . The billing period is approximately 60 days between water meter
rea dings ;
Commercial Water Customer . Any water customer who se property is not designated
as single family, multi -family or landscape only. This may include mixed -use properties,
schools, businesses;
HCF . The billing measurement for water in hundred cubic feet. One HCF
is equal to 748 gallons ;
I rrigation . Any system for distribution of pressurized water in the
landscape, including but not limited to any system in which any portion is
installed below grade or affixed to any structure;
Landscap e . Modification of the ground surface with live planting
materials such as trees, shrubs, turf, groundcover or other horticultural
materials; as well as non -living materials such as mulch, synthetic turf,
hardscape, or stone;
Landscape Only Account . Any water meter installed to measure the flow of water for
irrigat ion and landscape purposes only;
Master Meter Account . A meter that serves multiple tenants in a building and may
include but is not limited to water used for common areas such as toilets, urinals,
laundry, irrigation equipment and pools;
Multi -Family . A residential property with t w o or more units on the premises. This may
include master meter ed or individually metered units;
Multi -Family Individual Meter Account . A meter that serves only one unit and does
not include outdoor or landscape water use;
New Water Account . A new water service connection where o ne was not previously
installed;
Responsible Person or Party . Also referred to as the water customer or any other
party responsible for the violation .
Potable Water . Water suitable or intended for human consumption;
Single -Family . A residential property with one unit ;
Shortage . The actual or projected demand for water placed upon the water supply
system by water customers which exceeds the actual supply , where the actual supply of
City of Santa Monica Water Shortage Response Plan –June 2 7 , 2017
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water is the amount of water available for delivery from the municipal water supply
system for subsequ ent delivery to water customers;
Water : All potable water supplied from the municipal water supply system to any water
customer. Non -potable water that is metered separately is excluded ;
Water Customer . The person designated on the water account records maintained by
the City as the person responsible for payment of charges incurred for the use of the
water supply system .
Water Demand . The amount o f water used by water customers;
Water Use Allowance . The amount of water assigned to water c ustomers based on a
percentage of the baseline water usage .
City of Santa Monica Water Shortage Response Plan –June 2 7 , 2017
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Exhibit 1 – Residential Water Conservation Threshold
Calculations
The water use allowance is a percentage of 2013 water usage. Each water customer
will receive a WUA for each billing period. Residential water customers that are at or
below the residential water conservation threshold outlined in Section 7 will not need to
reduce water use.
The residential water conservation thresholds are calculated based on the following:
Assumptions for Calcu l ating the Water Conservation Thresholds :
1. Number of Single Family Residents per Home = 4 (based on 2010 Census data)
2. Number of Multi -Family Residents per Unit = 2 (based on 2010 Census data)
Table 5: Water Use Gallons Per Capita Day Calculation Stage 1 & 2 based on
AWWA Residential End Uses Report and pre -2013 plumbing code standards
Allocated water use is 68 gallons per capita per day (gpcd)
Toilets 5 flushes x 1.6 g allons p er f lush 8.0
Shower/bath 5 min x 2.5 g allons p er m inute 12.5
Clothes Washer 1/3 load 6.0
Kitchen/Dishwasher 4 gpcd 4.0
Bathroom Sinks 4 gpcd 4.0
Inside Total (gpcd) 34.5
Cleaning/outdoor Use 33.5
TOTAL 68.0 gpcd
Table 6 : Water Use Gallons Per Capita Day Calculation Stage 3 & 4 based on
AWWA Residential End Uses Report and 2013 plumbing code standards
Allocated water use is 50 gallons per capita per day (gpcd)
Toilets 5 flushes x 1.6 g allons p er f lush 8.0
Shower/bath 5 min x 2.5 g allons per m inute 12.5
Clothes Washer 1/3 load 6.0
Kitchen/Dishwasher 4 gpcd 4.0
Bathroom Sinks 4 gpcd 4.0
Inside Total (gpcd) 34.5
Cleaning/outdoor Use 15.5
TOTAL 50.0 gpcd
Single -family Water Customer Threshold Calculation:
68 gallons gpcd x 4 people x 60 days (bi -monthly billing period) x 748 gallons (HCF) =
22 HCF
City of Santa Monica Water Shortage Response Plan –June 2 7 , 2017
Page 12 of 12
Multi -family Water Customer Threshold Calculation:
68 gallons gpcd x 2 people /unit x 60 days (bi -monthly billing period) x 748 gallons (HCF)
= 11 HCF /unit
Table 7 : Threshold Water Use Billing Unit (HCF) Calculations
Stage 1 & 2 Stage 3 & 4
Single Family Water Account 22 HCF /bi -monthly
billing period
16 HCF / bi -monthly billing
period
Multi -Family Master Meter
Water Account
1 1 HCF //unit/ bi -monthly
billing period
8 HCF / unit /bi -monthly
billing period
Information Item
1
January 2 9 , 2014
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Martin Pastucha, Director of Public Works
Subject: Water Shortage Advisory Update and Enhanced Conservation Efforts
Introduction
This information item provides an update to the Water Shortage Advisory i n effect and
recommended Enhanced Conservation Efforts .
Background
On February 26, 1991 , Council adopted an emergency ordinance to establish Santa
Monica Mun icipal Code Chapter 7.16 implementing mandatory water conservation
measures due to drought. On June 10, 2008 , Council adopted modifications to
Ordinance 7.16.0 3 0 to update and amend water conservation requirements. On June
9, 2009 , Council adopted the Water Shorta ge Response Plan and declared an advisory -
level water supply shortage in response to statewide drought conditions in mid -2008.
On September 13 , 2011 , Council adopted a resolution to continue the water shortage
advisory as local groundwater supplies d id not meet the city’s total water demand.
Discussion
The Water Shortage Advisory is still in effect and calls for a voluntary 10% reduction in
water use . With 201 3 being the driest year in recorded history and the second drought
in five years to be declared by the Governor, it is imperative that Santa Monica use its
water supplies efficiently.
The Governor’s call for a 20% reduction in water use as a response to the drought
dovetails with the City’s goal of reducing current water demand to achieve water self -
sufficiency by 2020. Due to the drought , the voluntary reductions need to begin
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immediately to reduce water usage and avoid mandatory water restrictions late r this
year. Water self -sufficiency means eliminating the City’s reliance on imported water,
using limited local groundwater wisely and efficiently, and optimally managing the local
water supply. It also means having adequate water supplies regardless of t he weather
conditions .
Staff is asking residents and businesses to voluntarily cut water use by 20% from their
average water use in 2013 immediately in order to become water self -sufficient and
avoid a drought -induced water crisis and mandatory water rest rictions.
Currently , the City maintains the capability of producing more than 70% of its water
needs from local groundwater, with the remainder imported and purchased from the
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD). MWD receives the maj ority of
its supplies from Northern California and the Colorado River, both of which have been
significantly impacted by drought. While MWD expects to meet water demands in 2014
because of its significant investments in water storage, water transfers, and
conservation in preparation for dry years, it is encouraging customers to use water
wisely and efficiently . C ities like Santa Monica are being asked to develop additional
local water supplies.
Santa Monica’s local groundwater can be seri ously impacted b y drought. Each day
water is extracted from groundwater wells to meet the water needs of the community.
When it does not rain, groundwater replenishment is diminished. To ensure sufficient
supply for the future, it is critical to reduce water consumption n ow. If all water users
can voluntarily reduce their water consumption by 20% over previous year’s usage, it is
likely that the need to implement mandatory water rationing can be delayed or
eliminated.
Staff will continue to monitor the water supply situa tion and report to Council in
May /June on the impact of the voluntary efforts . In the report staff may recommend that
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Council adopt the Stage 1 Water Shortage measure , a mandatory 15% reduction in
water usage from the previous year’s usage . This would tri gger Water Use Allowances
for each residential and commercial water customer if one or more of the following
conditions are met:
D rought conditions continue into the summer and groundwater levels drop .
W ater use reductions are not met .
MWD restricts its su pplies .
While it is less than the 20% voluntary reduction, the mandatory reduction would require
reduction by all water users. Those who achieve 20% reduction through voluntary
efforts would not be required to make additional reduction.
W ater self -suf ficiency ta kes commitment and investment. Many residents and
businesses have already taken steps to manage their own water use more efficiently. In
2013 more than 400 rebates were provided for water savings products with an
estimated 3 million gallons of w ater savings. Rebates are available for installing
sustainable landscaping, water -saving drip irrigation and sprinklers, rain barrels,
cisterns, toilets, urinals , and much more. There are larger rebates for specific
businesses such as fitness centers, L aun dromats, and public agencies.
The Office of Sustainability and the Environment will increas e its outreach efforts to alert
the community about the Water Shortage Advisory and the need for enhanced
conservation. Additional outreach will include ads in loc al papers, a street banner over
Main Street, period ic press releases, updates to City’s website, and presentations at
community events. As part of the outreach, s taff will emphasize three ways to save
water:
1. Check for and fix leaks. Running toilets are ve ry common and are often ignored ,
bu t can waste thousands of gallons each day.
2. Cut back watering garden s by just a few minutes each watering cycle.
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3. Replace toilet s with more water -saving ones . All new toilets sold in California are
20% more effic ient than models sold in 2013. A $50 rebate is available until the
end of June 2014 for toilets with a WaterSense label.
By taking proactive steps now and requesting a voluntary enhancement to Santa
Monica’s current Water Shortage Advisory from 10% reduction to a 20 % reduction, the
City is reinforcing the need to undertake sound management of water resources and
with successful reductions, delay/eliminate the recommendation to implement
mandatory water conservation in the community in 2014 .
Prepared by: Kim O’Cain , Sustainability Analyst
Gil Borboa, Water Resource Manager
REFERENCE:
Resolution No. 11047
(CCS)