HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 1990 0502 CC REG ITEM 11CMOORPARK
1
ITEM / I .C.
PAUL W. LAWRASON, Jr. STEVEN KUENY
City Manager
CHERYL J. KANE
City Attorney
Mayor
SCOTT MONTGOMERY
Mayor Pro Tern
ELOISE BROWN
Councilmember
CLINT HARPER, Ph.D.
PATRICK RICHARDS, A.I.C.P.
Director of
Community Development
R. DENNIS DELZEIT
City Engineer
JOHN V. GILLESPIE
Chief of Police
RICHARD T. HARE
City Treasurer
Council member
BERNARDO M. PEREZ
Council member
LILLIAN KELLERMAN
City Clerk
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
BACKGROUMD . ·-···-----·-···-·-·--···---
M E M O R A N O U M
The Honorable City Council
Craig Phi 11 ips, Admin-i strative Assistant
Apri 1 27, 1990 ( for CC meeting of 5-2··90)
Water Conservation
The current drought is now into Its 4th consecutive year. Past
droughts have lasted as long as 7 years. Because of the possibility
that the current drought might continue, local water agencies
throughout the State are -implementing voluntary water corservation
programs. In some cases, where ground water pump"irlg is exceedin~J the
recharge rate or reservoir capacity is critically low, they are
adopting ordinances to curtail wat.f>r wr1sting practices or to ration
water. Water purveyors, such as Metropolitan Water Di s.tri ct
(METROPOLITAN) and Calleguas Municipal WatPr Distrkt (CALLEGUAS), are
urging voluntary water conservation. Their concern is the reduction in
State Project a.ncl Colorado River water reso1;rces. Red11ctions in State
Project resources will directly impact V0ntura County.
Another problem of concern equal to thP drought is the distribution of
water. For example, past legislatfon that would have facilitated an
equitab·t e distribution throughout the ~t.ate was defeated by a large
majority of northern voters. Another example of the distribution
problem is the loss of 300,000 acre feet per year (afy) of the
METROPOLITAN Colorado River supply Lo t\rizona and Nr~vada. Th,~ impact
of this loss is to place further demand on state resources.
METROPOLITAN has i dent if·i ed potent i a -1 expanded water resources. For
details see the attached METROPOLITAN DroughtAction Plan for 1990.
A more immediate potential source of additional water is tertiary
treated effluent. Ventura County Waterworks District Number 1
(WATER~IORKS) discharges secondary trPated effluent to ponds for
percc•1ation and evaporatfon. With tl·1;;1 addHion of tert·iar.Y treatment
equipment, about 1.5 million qalloll'': pe•· day (gpd) of tertiary treated
799 Moorpark Avenue Moorpark, California 93021 (805) 529-6864
The Honorable City Council
April 27, 1990
Page 2
effluent would be available for landscaping and agricultural
applications. If users can be found, the treatment equipment might be
added to the plant by the summer of 1991 at a cost of $3 million. The
feasibility of this program depends on finding users that are willing
to pay the substantial costs to develop and connect to a tertiary water
distribution system. WATERWORKS is currently identifying demand for
tertiary water.
DISCUSSION
WATERWORKS receives 25 percent of its water from the Fox Canyon Aquifer
and 75 percent from the Feather River State Project. METROPOLITAN is
recommending a 10 percent reduction in water use to maintain water in
storage for next year in case the drought continues. This reduction
will be passed through to CALLEGUAS and WATERWORKS.
The Fox Canyon Ground Water Management Agency (WATER AGENCY) is
responsible for the yield of water from the Fox Canyon Aquifer. They
are currently considering adoption of an ordinance to reduce the grourd
water pumping yield. If the proposed Ordinance Number 5 is passed in
July, the WATER AGENCY will seek a 5 percent reduction in yield every 5
years beginning in 1992 until a 25 percent reduction is reached in
2010. Currently the aquifer is producing 160,000 afy. Based on a wet
and dry cycle of about 15 years, a safe yield level is considered to be
120,000 afy. The WATER AGENCY will control yield with tiered rates (if
legislative authority is granted) and by continuing to limit the number
of wells allowed to pump from the aquifer. The level of control will
tend to vary depending on the rate of ground water recharge. The
recharge rate can be increased by either a very wet year or by surface
water recharging. Importing surface water during the winter and
1 ett i ng it to trick 1 e into the ground a 11 ows it to be pumped back out
during the dry summer months. The North Los Posas Fox Canyon Basin is
the ground water source for WATERWORKS. METROPOLITAN is considering
the importation of winter runoff to recharge the North Los Posas
Basin. Injecting water into this basin would increase the safe yield
level for WATERWORKS and help offset the impact of drought years.
According to WATERWORKS the average district wide residential use is
approximately 650 gpd per meter while agricultural use is about 53,000
gpd per customer. The 7476 domestic customers use 55 percent of the
water while the 88 agri cultura 1 customers use 45 percent. The 10
percent reduction being sought by METROPOLITAN would result in a summer
conservation objective of 60 gpd for rPsidential use and 5,300 gpd for
agricultural use. WATERWORKS believes Lh8sP objectives can be achieved
if customers use water efficiently.
Specifics of water shortages, required conservation measures, and model
ordinances are currently being considered by METROPOLITAN and
CALLEGUAS. The actions the water purveyors take will depend on summer
water supply conditions and actual use. To date there has been an
effort to increase public awareness, study the reuse of waste water
effluent, and to request modification of building codes to require low
flow plumbing fixtures in all new construction. More stringent
measures may have to be considered in the fall. WATERWORKS has
The Honorable City Council
April 27, 1990
Page 3
indicated a mandatory conservation ordinance wi 11 be seriously
considered if voluntary conservation is ineffective. WATERWORKS is
also considering a tiered rate structure that would increase with use.
That is, the more water used the more expensive it would become. The
intent of the tiered rate is to enhance water awareness and efficiency
of use. As part of the County budget process, WATERWORKS will propose
that the Board of Supervisors implement the tiered rate in July.
In an effort to reduce water usage State wide the Governor recently
signed Assembly Bill 2355. It requires low flow plumbing fixtures in
a 11 new construction after January, 1992. Ventura County imp 1 emented
similar requirements effective ~July, 1990. Camarillo has also
imp 1 emented these requirements. Low fl ow fixtures can save nearly 42
percent of all indoor water use.
Some agencies in Ventura County are faced with moderate to sever water
shortages. The City of Camarillo has adopted a water consevation
ordinance as an urgency measure and Simi Valley is considering adoption
of an ordinance. The ordinances prohibit water wasting practices.
Some typical prohibited practices are landscape runoff, washing
sidewalks and driveways, outdoor watering during the heat of the day,
unrepaired leaks, use of ornamental pools and fountains, and water
served in restaurants without a patron request.
The City of Ventura has implemented a water rationing ordinance that is
intended to reduce usage by 30 percent. The reduction is needed to
offset a 3,000 afy deficit. The ordinance sets allocation caps of 294
gpd for single family use, 196 gpd for multifamily, and 85 percent of
usage during 1987-89 for nonresidential. A user that exceeds the cap
twice will pay 4 times the normal rate for the water used above the
cap. The third time will cost a user 10 times the normal rate.
Thereafter a flow restriction device can be installed. They are
currently reviewing a rebate program for 1 ow fl ow fixtures and the
impact of mandatory retrofitting on large family households.
The Goleta Water District has had rebate program in place for several
years. Last year they spent $1 million at $80 per retrofit. This year
they will only offer $50 per retrofit. Santa Barbara is currently
offering $80 per retrofit. A 1 ow fl ow toil et can cost as much as $160
and a shower head is anywhere from $3 to $80 depending on style and
features. WATERWORKS has indicated that a rebate program would be
considered if water reductions become more restrictive.
The City of Moorpark (City) has taken a number of steps to curtail the
use of water. First, low flow plumbing fixtures are required in all
planned residential developments. Second, high efficiency watering
systems are being put in new and redesigned parks. Third, park
watering has been cutback by 50 percent by reducing watering time.
Fourth, an additional 20 to 30 percent reduction in park watering is
being sought by controlled graduations of watering schedules to
establish minimum watering needs. Fifth, sidewalks are swept rather
than washed down.
The Honorable City Council
Apri 1 27, 1990
Page 4
The drought in Ventura and other coastal communities is being worsened
by inadequate ground water supplies and salt water intrusion. The east
county region enjoys a number of advantages. The first is 1 ocat ion,
i.e., being far enough away from the ocean that intrusion .; s not a
problem. The second, given the overdraft of the Fox Canyon Aquifer, is
that WATERWORKS receives the majority of its water from surface
sources. The third is that METROPOLITAN is seeking improved resource
distribution and considering the importation of winter runoff for
ground water recharging.
POTENTIAL ACTIONS
There are a variety of actions water purveyors and local agencies take
to reduce water use. Generally they start with public information and
voluntary conservation, then proceed to mandatory conservation, and
lastly implement rationing. As noted Parlier, the City is subject to
voluntary conservation, Simi Valley and Camarillo to mandatory
conservation, and Ventura to rationing. The attached Mode 1 Erner~
Water Conservation Ordinance developed by METROPOLITAN sets the level
of control by the extent of water shortage. Depending on water use
this summer, a continued 10 percent shortage would result in mandatory
conservation. A 10-20 percent shortage would result in rationing
enforced by rate penalties. And, a shortage above 20 percent would
result in rationing enforced by rate penalties, fines, flow
restrictions, and cut-off for flagrant violations.
The City can adopt requirements for low f 1 ow fixtures, drought
resistant landscaping, and water consPrvation. The use of police
powers to enforce these requirements should be based on specific
findings of need and a stated objective. In regard to the water
shortage, findings would be made from information provided by the water
purveyors and the water reduction objective would be administered by
WATERWORKS. For example, if the City adopted a water conservation
ordinance, fines could be charged for water wasting practices but rates
and service cut-off would be the responsibility of WATERWORKS. It is
important to note that WATERWORKS provides water to other users in
addition to the City; conservation in Moorpark only equates to
conservation in the unincorporated area if WATERWORKS enforces similar
measures to those enforced in the City. This is not to suggest that
there would be a lack of cooperation, H is only to clarify the use of
police powers to enforce conservation. In regard to plumbing fixtures
and landscaping, the City regulates devPlnpment.
Based on the findings by the water purveyors that a 10 percent
reduction is needed and that it can bi:> accomplished via a voluntary
water conservation program, the City could consider actions that assist
in achieving this objective. For example, the City could adopt
1 andscape guide 1 ines for a 11 new construction that reduce the use of
sod, require the use of drought resistant plants, and installation of
high efficiency watering systems. High efficiency systems might
include drip lines or moisture activated sprinklers. Possibly the most
effective long term action the City could take would be to modify the
building codes to require the installation of low flow plumbing
fixtures in all new construction. ThP<;P fixtures can save as much as
The Honorable City Council
April 27, 1990
Page 5
42 percent of all the water used indoors. The Ventura County
Association of Water Agencies conducted a survey and found that there
was an adequate supply of low flow fixtures to meet construction
demands if such a requirement was enacted. The City could also stop
washing down the Civic Center Patio, and consider plumbing retrofits
for high use facilities.
Santa Barbara is using a rather innovative approach to landscape
watering. They allow residents to use sink, laundry, and bath water
(grey water) for lawns and other landscaping. To avoid human exposure
to potential pathogens, the grey water is discharged through leach
lines that are underground. Installation of the leach system costs
about $260 to $475 per home. The Ventura County Hea 1th Department
Health Care Agency has adopted a policy recommending against the use of
grey water for 1 and scape watering. The Agency be 1 i eves other forms of
water conservation can more safely reduce water use. Ventura does not
appear to be out of step since Santa Barbara is the only county in the
State where it is legal to use grey water for this purpose.
WATERWORKS has sufficient staff to read meters and repair leaks in the
public right-of-way. However, they anticipate additional staff will be
needed to enforce mandatory conservation. Although staffing is an
important consideration, the first phase of conservation is aimed at
developing increased public awareness. They have a wealth of
information the City could help provide to the public by placing it in
the City Hall reception area and at the I ibrary.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended City Council direct staff as follows:
1. to prepare a modification to the Building Codes that requires low
flow plumbing fixtures in all new construction by July.
2. to report on conservation efforts ,June 6, 1990.
3. to prepare a voluntary conservation resolution for action on May
16, 1990.
4. to investigate water conservation landscape guidelines for all new
construction and if appropriate to rPturn with recommendations.
wtrc.adm
MOORPARK, CALIFORNIA
Oly~ Moeflng
of $a--199£)
ACTIONi ~H'o/' :tP;,:"~·
~~
UJJ
MWD
METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT Of SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 8-4
April 3, 1990
(Executive Committee--Action)
To: Board of Directors (Water Problems Committee--Action)
Frum. General Manager
Sub;r:cr. Drought Action Plan '90
summary
California is entering the fourth consecutive year
of drought. Water supply conditions at the sources of all
imported supplies used in Metropolitan's service area are
well below normal for this time of the year. In addition, a
continuing lack of rainfall within Metropolitan's service
area has contributed to increased demand for deliveries to
supplement locally produced supplies. The supply shortfall
within Metropolitan's service area for this calendar year
indicates a need to reduce retail demands by 200,000
acre-feet. Of even greater concern is the potential for
continuing dry conditions in 1991, which could lead to a
supply shortfall of as much as 500,000 acre-feet.
In order to respond to these potential supply
shortfalls in 1990 and 1991, Drought Action Plan '90 has been
developed. This plan consists of specific actions to be
taken by Metropolitan. It is assumed that continued
coordination will take place with other operators of large
water importation systems, and with Metropolitan's member
agencies and subagencies. The Drought Action Plan '90
proposes the use of incentives, including a drought rebate of
$100 per acre-foot, to be credited to the accounts of member
agencies that successfully reduce total water demands more
than five percent in Metropolitan's service area. It also
recommends adoption of a resolution by your Board to urge all
counties, water suppliers, and public and private water users
within Metropolitan's service area to reduce total water
demands by at least 10 percent in 1990, as compared to 1989.
In addition, funds to purchase and distribute water
conservation packages and for other costs related to
implementation of Drought Action Plan '90 are being requested
in the fiscal year 1990-91 budget. These costs are expected
to total $500,000.
Board of Directors -2-April 3, 1990
These requested actions are exempt from the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
as they involve the protection of a natural resource (State
CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, section
15307).
Recommendations
1. That the Board, by a two-thirds vote, find it is
necessary for the protection of Metropolitan's rights and
properties that Metropolitan widely disseminate information
concerning the effects of the current severe drought;
(Executive Committee and Water Problems Committee--Action);
2. That the Board approve in concept the drought rebate
program as described in this letter as part of "Drought
Action Plan '90" (Water Problems Committee--Action);
3. That the Board adopt the proposed resolution
(Attachment B) to assist with implementation of the Drought
Action Plan '90 (Executive Committee and Water Problems
Committee--Action).
Detailed Report
With precipitation in most major watersheds well
below normal this year, and barring any unusually late and
intense storms, it is apparent that California is in the
fourth year of drought. As defined by the Sacramento River
Index, 1990 has been designated a "critical" year. Were it
not for one very wet period in March of last year in Northern
California, 1990 could have been the fourth consecutive
critical year. Many areas of California are already
experiencing severe shortages due to drought conditions.
While Metropolitan is better prepared for the effects of the
drought than other areas, it is essential that we encourage
increased water conservation during the continuing drought to
help meet necessary water demands in 1990, and maintain
adequate water in storage to protect against potentially
serious shortages in 1991.
A combination of inadequate reserves and a
continuation of drought for a fifth year could result in
substantial shortages in 1991. If carryover storage is
severely depleted by the end of 1990, there will be
inadequate supplies from groundwater basins and surface
reservoirs upon which Metropolitan and its member agencies
>
I,
Board of Directors -3-April 3, 1990
can draw next year. Thus, operational decisions this year
must take into account the potential for continuation of the
dry period.
Analysis of Need
Demands for supplemental water service by
Metropolitan's member agencies have risen substantially from
just over 2 million acre-feet (MAF) in 1988, to slightly less
than 2.4 MAF in 1989, to about 2.5 MAF expected during 1990.
The increased demand over the last two years is attributable
to several factors, one of which is population growth within
Metropolitan's service area, currently increasing at the rate
of about 300,000 new residents annually. Another factor
contributing to continued high demands is the increased
outdoor use of water by retail customers caused by the
continuing dry conditions locally. There has also been a
demand for additional groundwater replenishment deliveries
from Metropolitan to compensate for the abnormally low local
runoff during the last three years. Finally, the loss by the
City of Los Angeles of the use of much of its Mono Basin
supply has increased demands on Metropolitan by the Los
Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). All of these
factors were responsible for the incremental increase in
demands over the last two years, and at least some of these
factors may contribute to continuation of a similar trend
into the next fiscal year.
Colorado River Aqueduct
Since Metropolitan began operating the Colorado
River Aqueduct, it has had the use of whatever Colorado River
water was needed up to the capacity of the aqueduct. For
1990, however, the Annual Operating Plan approved by the
Secretary of the Interior limits use in the Lower Basin
states of Arizona, Nevada, and California to 7.5 MAF. Under
this limitation and in consideration of the increasing use by
Arizona and Nevada of their apportionments, Metropolitan
could have available 970,000 acre-feet (AF) of Colorado River
water for use in 1990. This is the U.S. Bureau of
Reclamation's April 1990 estimate and compares with Colorado
River Aqueduct pumping of about 1.2 MAF in each of the last
two years.
This potential reduction in Metropolitan's Colorado
River supply for 1990 is not a temporary situation, but
rather could become the general rule in the future, except in
multi-year wet periods. It has been known since the Central
Board of Directors -4-April 3, 1990
Arizona Project (CAP) began operation in 1985 that
Metropolitan would eventually be limited in its use of
Colorado River water. Metropolitan is currently undertaking
efforts on several fronts to increase its dependable supply
from the Colorado River. Until negotiations for additional
supplies are successfully completed, Metropolitan must, under
the terms of the 1964 U.S. Supreme Court decree in Arizona
v. California and the 1970 Long-Range Operating Criteria,
regard any diversions in excess of 520,000 AF (plus conserved
water received from the water conservation agreement with
Imperial Irrigation District) as not dependable. It will be
available in some years but not in others.
State Water Project
The continuing drought in Northern California will
seriously curtail supplies available for State Water Project
agricultural water use in 1990. In March, the Department of
Water Resources (DWR} imposed deficiencies of 50 percent on
State project deliveries to agricultural contractors.
Metropolitan has ordered about 1.4 MAF from the State project
for its service area. At this time, it is anticipated that
Metropolitan will be able to receive the water requested for
delivery to its service area. In addition, DWR has
negotiated an agreement with Yuba County Water Agency (Yuba}
to purchase up to 300,000 AF of water currently stored in New
Bullards Bar Reservoir, and is also negotiating a possible
purchase of groundwater from La Hacienda, Inc. in Kern
County. Approval of the Yuba agreement by the State Water
Resources Control Board and conclusion of the La Hacienda,
Inc., agreement would help avert the chance of additional
deficiencies being imposed later this year and could help
reduce agricultural deficiencies slightly.
Los Angeles Aqueducts System
The watersheds from which the City of Los Angeles
imports water, the Owens Valley and Mono Basin on the eastern
slope of the Sierra Nevada, are also in the fourth year of a
drought. Runoff this April through September into the Owens
Valley is currently projected at 48 percent of normal.
Litigation may effectively prevent any importation from the
Mono Basin in 1990. Historically, LADWP has been able to
import about 460,000 AF annually from the Owens Valley and
Mono Basin into the Los Angeles Aqueducts. For fiscal year
1990-91, it is anticipated that approximately 175,000 AF will
be available compared to about 256,000 AF in 1989-90. This
Board of Directors -5-April 3, 1990
projected decline assumes continued dry conditions in these
watersheds, plus limitations on the pumping of groundwater
from the Owens Valley in accordance with the Inyo County-city
of Los Angeles groundwater management plan. As a result,
during the current fiscal year, LADWP will purchase about
338,000 AF from Metropolitan to meet demands. Next year, due
to the anticipated limited supply from the Owens Valley and
Mono Basin, LADWP has ordered 444,000 AF from Metropolitan.
Local Supplies
The drought has .also significantly reduced locally
developed supplies within Metropolitan's service area.
Rainfall at the Los Angeles Civic Center for the fiscal year
to late March was only 5.60 inches, or 42 percent of normal.
Several Metropolitan member agencies rely to a great extent
on local runoff for the replenishment of groundwater basins
and surface reservoirs from which a significant portion of
the total demand within Metropolitan's service area is met.
Low local runoff during the last four drought years
has resulted in a substantial depletion of water stored in
the major groundwater basins within Metropolitan's service
area. This decline in storage has not yet had a major impact
on the ability of the local agencies to pump groundwater.
Continued declines in storage, however, could lead to reduced
local production within a short time. This would, in turn,
lead to increases in demands on Metropolitan to offset this
loss of local supply. To some extent, such increases in
demands have already occurred for member agencies which rely
on local runoff into surface reservoirs for a significant
part of their total supply.
Recommended Actions
Although some uncertainty remains regarding
available supplies and future demands, Southern California
could be short by about 200,000 AF during 1990 and by as much
as 500,000 AF during 1991, if a fifth drought year develops.
To respond to these potential shortages, the Drought Action
Plan '90 establishes two basic objectives: (1) to reduce
total water demands in Metropolitan's service area by at
least 10 percent, especially during the hot summer months;
and (2) to retain this saved water, to the maximum degree
possible, in storage.
Several strategies were considered as a possible
response to the drought. These included: (1) a significant
Board of Directors -6-April 3, 1990
interruption during 1990 of water available under the
interruptible program: (2) the use of positive financial
incentives to encourage the implementation of effective
programs to reduce demands: and (3) the use of a combination
of financial penalties and positive incentives, similar to
the drought pricing policy of 1977.
Calling a substantial amount of interruptible water
at this time would remove water from storage and, therefore,
would not achieve one of the basic objectives of the plan.
In a separate letter to your Board, it is recommended that
your Board approve interruptible deliveries through the end
of this calendar year. The availability of interruptible
service from Metropolitan after January 1, 1991, will be
determined later this year, after information is available on
the success of conservation efforts this summer and ultimate
deliveries of Colorado River water during 1990.
The use of financial incentives to encourage and
help pay for drought-related conservation was discussed at a
March 2, 1990, meeting on the drought with the member agency
managers. Accordingly, staff considered alternative pricing
approaches to such financial incentives. In 1977,
Metropolitan established a pricing system that imposed a
substantial penalty --payment of double the normal water
rate --for water use above 90 percent of the level used the
previous year. In addition, the 1977 plan provided a modest
rebate for reducing water use below 90 percent of the
previous level. At this time, the use of a punitive rate
structure does not appear necessary and would not be
consistent with the decision to avoid calling for a
significant amount of interruptible water in 1990.
Instead, a drought rebate program is recommended
that will offer strong positive financial incentives to
develop effective programs to reduce water demands. Under
the drought rebate program, member agencies would receive a
rebate of $100/AF during the designated period for all
reductions in 1990 total water demands below 95 percent of
demands during the same period in 1989, after adjusting for
population growth. Member agencies would have the option of
passing all or any portion of the rebate through to their
subagencies. Payments to member agencies would be made only
for reductions in water use beyond five percent because
reductions of roughly this magnitude should occur in any
event due to the $2 million summer conservation media
campaign approved previously by your Board, and to increasing
general awareness of the drought. Drought rebate payments
Board of Directors -7-April 3, 1990
would be based on changes in total water demands and not on
changes in demands for Metropolitan water to encourage real
conservation. Payments to eligible member agencies would
require certification that reduced demands on Metropolitan
are not achieved through increased use of other supply
sources or through withdrawals from local storage. The
maximum amount payable to a member agency would be based on
total supplemental water purchases from Metropolitan during
1989. The program will be in effect from June through
September 1990, but can be terminated at the discretion of
the General Manager.
The drought rebate program will assist Southern
California water agencies in financing the conservation
efforts that will be required to actually reduce total water
demands. This financial incentive package, combined with the
implementation of mandatory drought ordinances urged by your
Board and other measures described below, is expected to
accomplish the objectives of Drought Action Plan '90.
However, if subsequent monitoring of the results of the plan
indicate that it has not.been effective, or if drought
conditions should significantly worsen going into 1991, it
may be necessary that your Board consider more stringent
measures to assure that Metropolitan will be able to meet
necessary water demands during the drought.
Based on summertime reductions in water use of
200,000 AF and decreased Metropolitan sales equal to that
desired amount, the drought rebate program will have a
financial impact on Metropolitan of about $35 million,
including about $10 million in direct rebate payments for
100,000 AF of savings (i.e., on five percent of the total 10
percent summertime reduction) and about $25 million in
foregone net revenue. This latter figure includes revenues
foregone due to the first five percent of conservation
savings, as well as those amounts for which the rebate is
paid.
The drought rebate program and other conservation-
related elements of Drought Action Plan '90 are explained in
Attachment A. These other elements include the distribution
of water conservation packages, the development of
weathercaster slides to keep the public informed regarding
drought conditions, restaurant tent cards, newspaper slicks,
and a Metropolitan task force to assist local agencies and
municipalities in the implementation of drought ordinances,
and other activities.
Board of Directors -8-April 3, 1990
In addition, it is recommended that your Board adopt
a resolution to encourage recognition of the seriousness of
the drought in 1990 and to further encourage action to reduce
its effects. In March, your Board passed a resolution urging
all relevant public agencies in Southern California to adopt
drought ordinances containing mandatory anti-waste
provisions. The resolution recommended in this letter would
reinforce the earlier resolution by establishing a specific
quantitative goal to reduce water demands by at least 10
percent {Attachment B).
As this plan enters the implementation phase, some
modifications may be necessary to accommodate new facts and
to coordinate efforts with Metropolitan's member agencies and
others. Staff will keep your Board apprised of the status of
Drought Action Plan '90.
It is estimated that an expenditure of $500,000 is
necessary to implement Drought Action Plan '90. Sufficient
funds are included in the 1990-91 budget to finance the cost
of the program.
These requested actions are exempt from the
provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act {CEQA)
as they involve the protection of a natural resource {State
CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Section
15307).
JVD:THQ:ajs
Attachments
ATTACHMENT A
DROUGHT ACTION PLAN '90
In 1988, Metropolitan prepared a Drought Action Plan,
DROUGHT 1 88, to provide a framework for Metropolitan's response
to a multi-year dry period. That plan, which was presented to
your Board on April 25, 1988, was subsequently distributed to
Metropolitan's member agencies and subagencies. The framework
consisted of a three-phase series of successively more stringent
water conservation measures to be implemented according to the
severity of the drought in a given year. We are now effectively
at the second level within that framework. With 1987 and 1988
having been "critical" years as defined by the Sacramento River
Index, and 1989 prevented from being similarly classified only
by heavy rains in March 1989, this year represents the fourth
drought year in a row.
Your Board approved DROUGHT '88, to implement the first
level of conservation measures. The recommended plan for 1990
is structured in a manner similar to the plan of two years ago,
but also contains pricing incentives, one of the second level
measures of the drought contingency plan framework prepared in
1988.
For several years, Metropolitan has had an ongoing
program of public information and education to attempt to modify
the long-term behavior of water users in its service area.
Through this program, elements such as in-school water
conservation training, extensive media campaigns, and other
techniques have been instituted on a permanent basis to achieve
the desired behavioral changes. Under Drought Action Plan '90,
these ongoing efforts would be enhanced to encourage additional
conservation during the drought.
An overall goal will be to achieve at least a
10 percent reduction in total demands from 1989 levels. The
drought measures discussed below are deemed to be stringent
enough to result in the desired 10 percent reduction without
placing undue hardship on any one segment of the public.
•
•
Reduction Goal--Set a goal to achieve at least a 10
percent reduction in total demands from 1989 levels,
adjusted for population increases.
Drought Rebate Program--The need for financial
incentives and an assessment of alternative approaches
were discussed at meetings with the member agency
managers on March 2 and March 30, 1990. As a result of
those discussions, it is proposed that Metropolitan
offer a rebate for a designated period to any member
agency that reduces total water demand within its
service area during that period to less than 95 percent
*
*
-2-
of that used during the same period in 1989, adjusted
for population increases. Such rebate will be $100 per
acre-feet of reduction below this 95-percent level.
The maximum amount of the rebate will be limited to the
amount of supplemental water purchased in 1989 from
Metropolitan. To receive the rebate, an agency must
certify that the conservation was not achieved through
increased use of other sources, nor through the
withdrawal of water from storage.
Water Conservation Packages--Metropolitan would
purchase 400,000 water conservation packages to be
distributed to our member agencies for distribution to
retail purveyors' customers. The contents of the
packages would be designed to heighten consumer
awareness for the need to conserve water. The packages
would include shower flow restrictors, dye tablets to
check for toilet leaks, a package of drought resistant
plant seeds, a package of soil polymers to hold water
in the root zone of plants, and printed water
conservation information materials. The estimated cost
is $400,000.
Weathercaster Slides--Metropolitan would provide
computer-generated slides for use by weathercasters at
local television stations. These slides would
emphasize the need to maintain carryover storage at the
highest practicable levels going into 1991. They can
be designed for use as backgrounds for on-screen
forecasts, current conditions, or other information.
These were found to be very popular with the
weathercasters in 1988.
* Restaurant Tent Cards--Used also in 1988, these cards
are placed through the restaurant trade associations on
tables of restaurants to explain why water is served
only upon request.
* Newspaper Slicks--Camera-ready articles and art work on
the current drought would be provided to member
agencies and subagencies for use in local newspapers.
* Task Force on Implementation--A Metropolitan staff task
force would be created to assist local water purveyors
in developing and adopting water conservation
ordinances. This task force could also assist member
agencies and subagencies in discussions on the need for
increased water use efficiency in public
infrastructures such as parks, golf courses, freeway
and street medians, and other similar areas.
Attachment B
RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
URGING ITS SERVICE AREA TO REDUCE DEMANDS BY 10 PERCENT
TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF THE 1990 CALIFORNIA DROUGHT
WHEREAS, California is in the fourth consecutive year
of below-normal precipitation:
WHEREAS, precipitation for the current water year has
been substantially below normal in the watersheds of the
imported supplies serving Southern California:
WHEREAS, precipitation in Southern California has also
been below average and water levels in many local groundwater
basins have declined over the last few years:
WHEREAS, during the drought of 1988 Southern California
reduced demands an additional 8 percent from what they would
ordinarily have been:
WHEREAS, the drought of 1990 appears to be more severe
than the drought of 1988:
WHEREAS,_ The Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California Board of Directors has urged all cities, counties and
other local entities to adopt conservation ordinances to
mitigate the effects of the continuing drought: and
WHEREAS, there is a need to reduce total demands on all
water supply entities within the Metropolitan service area by
10 percent in 1990 as compared to 1989, to reduce the potential
for shortages for this year and even more severe shortages next
year;
-2-
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Directors of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California urges all counties, water supply entities, and other
public and private water users in its service area to reduce
their own usage and to urge their customers to reduce their
usage by at least 10 percent, as compared to 1989, to assist in
the mitigation of the effects of the drought during 1990, and to
maintain the conserved water in storage against the possibility
of even more severe shortages in 1991; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution
be sent to the governing body and chief executive officer of
every county, city and water supply entity within Metropolitan's
service area.
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true,
and correct copy of a resolution adopted by the Board of
Directors of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California at its meeting held on April 17, 1990.
Executive Secretary
The Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California
MWD
METROPOLll4N WATER DISTRICT Of SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 9-24
April 3, 1990
Board of Directors
General Manager
(Executive Committee--Information)
(Water.Problems Committee--Information)
Model Emergency Water Conservation Ordinance
Summary
At its March meeting, your Board adopted a resolution
encouraging adoption of local drought ordinances to help reduce
the threat of water shortages. Metropolitan has since received
a very positive response to this resolution from water supply
and other local entities in its service area, and a number of
requests for assistance in drafting such an ordinance. In
response, staff has prepared the attached model Emergency Water
Conservation Ordinance that could be used by retail water
suppliers and other local entities.
Adoption of this type of ordinance would be
categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality
Act.
Recommendation
For information only.
Detailed Report
At its March meeting, your Board adopted a resolution
recognizing that the State was experiencing its fourth
consecutive year of below-normal water supply conditions and
urging counties, cities and other local water supply entities in
its service area to adopt water conservation ordinances designed
to mitigate the effects of the continuing drought. We have
since received a very positive response to the resolution from
member agencies and other local entities. We also have received
requests for assistance in drafting such an ordinance. In
response, staff has drafted a model Emergency Water conservation
Ordinance that local entities could adapt to fit their
respective situations.
Board of Directors -2-April 3, 1990
The ordinance is designed to provide a permanent
mechanism that would allow local entities to deal with water
shortage emergencies. It sets forth three basic
implementation phases keyed to the severity of the water
shortage. The local entity would implement the plan only
after a public hearing and formal published determination of
the shortage emergency.
The implementation phases prohibit certain types of
water use, require percentage reductions in water uses and
impose surcharges on excess water uses. In addition to the
excess use surcharges, the ordinance provides increasing
sanctions for repeated use of water for prohibited purposes.
The penalties include a warning citation, additional
surcharges and installation of flow restrictors. The
customer could obtain relief from the sanctions upon
appropriate application and showing.
This ordinance was drafted so that it could be used
or adapted by a wide range of water supply agencies and does
not exhaust all possible measures that could be included in a
water conservation plan. It is recommended that the
ordinance be reviewed closely for its applicability to a
specific agency's needs before it is adopted.
The adoption of this type of ordinance would be
categorically exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act because it involves activities undertaken for the
purpose of conserving a natural resource.
EJT:ajs
MODEL WATER CONSERVATION ORDINANCE
Section 1. Statement of Policy and Declaration of Purpose
(a) Because of the water supply conditions prevailing in
the [entity) and/or in the area from which the [entity] obtains
a portion of its supply, the general welfare requires that the
water resources available to the [entity] be put to the maximum
beneficial use to the extent to which they are capable, and that
the waste or unreasonable use, or unreasonable method of use of
water be prevented and that the conservation of such water be
practiced with a view to the reasonable and beneficial use
thereof in the interest of the people of (entity] and for the
public welfare.
(b) The purpose of this ordinance is to provide a mandatory
water conservation plan to minimize the effect of a shortage of
water supplies on the customers of the [entity] during a water
shortage emergency.
Section 2.
Ordinance
Authorization to Implement Water Conservation
(a) The (governing body of the entity] is authorized to
implement the provisions of this ordinance, following the public
hearing required by sub-section (b), upon its determination that
such implementation is necessary to protect the public welfare
and safety.
-2-
(b) Prior to implementation of this ordinance, the
[governing body of the entity) shall hold a public hearing for
the purpose of determining whether a shortage exists and which
measures provided by this ordinance should be implemented.
Notice of the time and place of the public hearing shall be
published not less than ten (10) days before the hearing in a
newspaper of general circulation within the (entity).
(c) The (governing body of the entity] shall issue its
determination of shortage and corrective measures by public
proclamation published in a qaily newspaper of general
circulation within the (entity]. Any prohibitions on the use of
water shall become effective immediately upon such publication.
Any provisions requiring curtailment in the use of water shall
become effective with the first full billing period commencing
on or after the date of such publication.
Section 3. General Prohibition
No customer of the (entity) shall make, cause, use, or
permit the use of water from the [entity] in a manner contrary
to any provision of this ordinance or in an amount in excess of
that use permitted by any curtailment provisions then in effect
pursuant to action taken by the governing board in accordance
with the provisions of this ordinance.
-3-
Section 4. Phase I Shortage
(a) A Phase I Shortage shall be declared when the
[governing body] determines that it is likely that it will
suffer a ten percent (10%) shortage in its water supplies.
(b) The following restrictions on the use of water shall be
in effect during a Phase I Shortage:
(1) There shall be no hose washing of sidewalks,
walkways, driveways, parking areas or other paved
surfaces, except as is required for sanitary purposes;
(2) Washing of motor vehicles, trailers, boats and
other types of mobile equipment shall be done only with
a hand-held bucket or a hose equipped with a positive
shutoff nozzle for quick rinses, except that washing
may be done at the immediate premises of a commercial
car wash or with reclaimed wastewater.
(3) No water shall be used to clean, fill or maintain
levels in decorative fountains, ponds, lakes or other
similar aesthetic structures unless such water is part
of a recycling system.
(4) No restaurant, hotel, cafe, cafeteria or other
public place where food is sold, served or offered for
sale, shall serve drinking water to any customer unless
expressly requested.
-4-
(5) All customers of the (agency] shall promptly
repair all leaks from indoor and outdoor plumbing
fixtures.
(6) No lawn, landscape or other turf area shall be
watered more often than every other day and during the
hours between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; except that
this provision shall not apply to commercial nurseries,
golf courses and other water-dependent industries.
(7) No customer of the (agency] shall cause or allow
the water to run off landscape areas into adjoining
streets, sidewalks or other paved areas due to
incorrectly directed or maintained sprinklers or
excessive watering.
section 5. Phase II Shortage
(a) A Phase II Shortage shall be declared when the
(governing body] determines that it is likely that it will
suffer a shortage of more than ten percent (10%) but less than
twenty percent (20%) in water supplies.
(b) The following restrictions on the use of water shall be
in effect during a Phase II Shortage:
(1) The restrictions listed in Section 4, subsection
(b) shall be in effect, except that the restrictions on
water lawn, landscape or other turf area shall be
modified to prohibit watering more often than every
third day between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
-5-
(2) Commercial nurseries, golf courses and other
water-dependent industries shall be prohibited from
watering lawn, landscape or other turf areas more often
than every other day and between the hours of 10:00
a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; except that there shall be no
restriction on water utilizing reclaimed wastewater.
(c) No customer shall make, cause, use or permit the use of
water from the (agency) for any purpose in an amount in excess
of percent ( %) of the amount used on the customer's
premises during the corresponding billing period during the
prior calendar year.
Section 6. Phase III Shortage
(a) A Phase III Shortage shall be declared whenever the
governing body determines that it is likely that it will suffer
a shortage of more than twenty percent (20%) in water supplies.
(b) The following restrictions on the use of water shall be
in effect during a Phase III Shortage:
(1) The restrictions listed in Section 4, subsection
(b) shall be in effect, except that there shall be no
residential outside watering of lawn, landscaping and
other turf areas at any time except by bucket.
(2) Commercial nurseries, golf courses and other
water-dependent industries shall be prohibited from
watering lawn, landscaping and other turf areas more
-6-
often than every third day and between the hours of
6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.;_except that there shall be no
restriction on watering utilizing reclaimed water.
(3) The use of water from fire hydrants shall be
limited to fire fighting and related activities and
other uses of water for municipal purposes shall be
limited to activities necessary to maintain the public
health, safety and welfare.
(c) No customer shall make, cause, use or permit the use of
water from the (agency] for any purpose in an amount in excess
of percent ( %) of the amount used on the customers
premises during the corresponding billing period of the prior
calendar year.
Section 7. Relief from Compliance
(a) A customer may file an application for relief from any
provisions of this ordinance. The [chief executive officer of
the governing body] shall develop such procedures as he
considers necessary to resolve such applications and shall, upon
the filing by a customer of an application for relief, take such
steps as he or she deems reasonable to resolve the application
for relief. The decision of the [chief executive officer] shall
be final. The [chief executive officer] may delegate his or her
duties and responsibilities under this section as appropriate.
-7-
(b} The application for relief may include a request that
the customer be relieved, in who~e or in part, from the water
use curtailment provisions of Sections 5(c} and 6(c).
(c} In determining whether to grant relief, and the nature
of any relief, the [chief executive officer] shall take into
consideration all relevant factors including, but not limited
to:
(1) Whether any additional reduction in water
consumption will result in unemployment;
(2) Whether additional members have been added to the
household;
(3) Whether any additional landscaped property has
been added to the property since the corresponding
billing period of the prior calendar year;
(4) Changes in vacancy factors in multi-family
housing;
(5) Increased number of employees in commercial,
industrial, and governmental offices;
(6) Increased production requiring increased process
water;
(7} Water uses during new construction;
(8) Adjustments to water use caused by emergency
health or safety hazards;
(9) First filling of a permit-constructed swimming
pool; and
-8-
(10) Water use necessary for reasons related to family
illness or health.
(d) In order to be considered, an application for relief
must be filed with (the agency] within fifteen (15) days from
the date the provision from which relief is sought becomes
applicable to the applicant. No relief shall be granted unless
the customer shows that he or she has achieved the maximum
practical reduction in water consumption other than in the
specific areas in which relief is being sought. No relief shall
be granted to any customer who, when requested by the (chief
executive officer], fails to provide any information necessary
for resolution of the customer's application for relief.
Section 8. Failure to Comply
(a) For each violation by any customer of the water use
curtailment provisions of Sections S(c) and 6(c), a surcharge
shall be imposed in an amount equal to percent ( %)
of the portions of the water bill that exceeds the respective
percentages set in those two subsections.
(b) Violation by any customer of the water use prohibitions
of Section 3, or subsection (b) of Sections 4, 5 and 6, shall be
penalized as follows:
(l) First violation. The (governing body] shall issue
a written notice of the fact of a first violation to
the customer.
-9-
(2) Second violation. For a. second violation during
any one water shortage emergency, the [governing body]
shall impose a surcharge in an amount equal to
percent ( %) of the customer's water bill.
(3) Third and Subsequent Violations. For a third and
each subsequent violation during any one water shortage
emergency, the (governing body] shall install a flow
restricting device of one (1) gallon per minute
capacity for services up to one and one-half (1 1/2)
inch size, and comp~ratively sized restrictors for
larger services, on the service of the customer at the
premises at which the violation occurred for a period
of not less than forty-eight (48) hours. The
[governing body] shall charge the customer the
reasonable costs incurred for installing and for
removing the flow-restricting devices and for
restoration of normal service. The charge shall be
paid before normal service can be restored. In
addition, the surcharge provided in subsection (b) (2)
shall be imposed.
(c) The [agency] shall give notice of violation to the
customer committing the violation as follows:
(1) Notice of violation of the water use curtailment
provisions of Sections 5(c) and 6(c) or of first
violations of the water use prohibitions of Section 3
-10-
or of subsection (b) of Sections 4, 5 and 6 shall be
given in writing by regular mail.
(2) Notice of second or subsequent violations of the
water use prohibitions of Section 3 or of subsection
(b) of Sections 4, 5 and 6 shall be given in writing in
the following manner:
(A) by giving the notice to the customer
personally;
(B) if the customer is absent from or unavailable
at the premises at which the violation occurred,
by leaving a copy with some person of suitable age
and discretion at the premises and sending a copy
through the regular mail to the address at which
the customer is normally hilled; or
(C) if a person of suitable age or discretion
cannot be found, then by affixing a copy in a
conspicuous place at the premises at which the
violation occurred and also sending a copy through
the regular mail to the address at which the
customer is normally hilled.
(d) The notice shall contain a description of the facts of
the violation, a statement of the possible penalties for each
violation and a statement informing the customer of his right to
a hearing on the merits of the violation pursuant to Section 9.
-11-
Section 9. Hearing Regarding Violations
(a) Any customer receiving notice of a second or subsequent
violation of sections 4(b), S(b), or 6(b) shall have a right to
a hearing by the (chief executive officer] of the (agency]
within fifteen (15) days of mailing or other delivery of the
notice of violation.
(b) The customer's timely written request for a hearing
shall automatically stay installation of a flow-restricting
device on the customer's premises until the (chief executive
officer] renders his or her decision.
(c) The customer's timely written request for a hearing
shall not stay the imposition of a surcharge unless within the
time period to request a hearing, the customer deposits with the
(agency] money in the amount of any unpaid surcharge due. If it
is determined that the surcharge was wrongly assessed, the
(agency] will refund any money deposited to the customer.
(d) The decision of the (chief executive officer] shall be
final except for judicial review.
(e) The [chief executive officer] may delegate his duties
and responsibilities under this section as appropriate.
-12-
Section 10. Additional Water Shortage Measures
The (governing body] may order implementation of water
conservation measures in addition to those set forth in Sections
4, 5 and 6. Such additional water conservation measures shall
be implemented in the manner provided in Section 2(b).
Section 11. Public Health and Safety Not to be Affected
Nothing in this ordinance shall be construed to require
the (agency] to curtail the supply of water to any customer when
such water is required by that customer to maintain an adequate
level of public health and safety.
Section 12. Severability
If any part of this ordinance or the application
thereof to any person or circumstances is for any reason held
invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity of
the remainder of the ordinance or the application of such
provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be
affected.
MEASURES NORMALLY INCLUDED IN
EMERGENCY WATER CONSERVATION ORDINANCES
PHASE I 10% SHORTAGE
1. No hosing of hard surfaces, except for sanitary
requirements.
2. Washing of cars only with hoses with shut-off
valve.
3. Restrictions on non-recirculating decorative
fountains and other aesthetic uses.
4. Serving of water in restaurants only on request.
5. All leaks to be promptly repaired.
6. Residential and governmental outdoor irrigation
restricted to every other day irrigation and
non-peak water using hours (e.g. 4 p.m. to 10
a.m.).
PHASE II 10-20% SHORTAGE
Phase II normally includes all of the measures
implemented during Phase I, plus the following:
1. In this Phase, water use allotments are set, based
on previous years use or other methods. Pricing
structures are modified to encourage compliance
with goals (i.e., increasing block penalties) and
to increase water utility revenues lost because of
lower sales.
-2 -
2. Residential and governmental exterior irrigation
further curtailed. In most cases, irrigation would
be limited to every third day, or less, and
watering hours further restricted (e.g. 8 p.m. to 6
a. m.) .
3. Irrigation for water-dependent industries
(nurseries,_golf courses, etc.) similar to Phase I
requirements for residential/governmental outdoor
use.
PHASE III 20% SHORTAGE AND ABOVE
Phase III is normally implemented only in extreme
emergencies and includes the measures in Phases I and II plus the
following:
1. Water use allotments are set, based on previous
years or other base use, with reductions determined
by severity of shortage. Penalties include
increasing block rate fines, flow restrictors at
meter, and cut-off of service for flagrant
violations.
2. No residential outdoor irrigation, except by
bucket. Restrictions on irrigation for
water-dependent industries (nurseries, golf
courses, etc.), similar to Phase II residential
- 3 -
restrictions. Often these industries are required
to pay heavy surcharges for water use.
3. No use of water from fire hydrants, except for
health and safety reasons, and municipal water
service (street cleaning, etc.) would be severely
restricted.
PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY
county of ventura
Representing Ex-officio:
Ventura County Flood Control District
Ventura County Waterworks Districts
No. 1,16,17, and 19
Lake Sherwood Community Services District
Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency
April 3, 1990
Steve Kueny, City Manager
city of Moorpark
799 Moorpark Avenue
Moorpark, CA 93021
RECEIVED
APR O 6 90
CITY OF MOORPARK
Ref: Water Conservation -Ultra Low Volume Plumbing
Fixtures
Director
Arthur E. Goulet
Deputy Directors
John C. Crowley
Water Resources/Development
Al F. Knuth
Transportation
T.M. Morgan
Engineering Services
G.J. Nowak
Flood Control
Paul W. Ruffin
Central Services
Precipitation for the current water year has been substantially
below normal and California is entering a fourth consecutive
year of below normal rainfall. The local ground water basin is
being overdrafted and imported water supplies suffer water
shortages. Water demands have been increasing because of
continuing drought. Efficient use of limited water supplies is
urgently needed. Water conservation has proven to be a
successful mechanism to reduce per capita water consumption.
Ventura County waterworks District No. 1 (District) has been
encouraging water conservation for some time. Helpful water
conservation literature and brochures are available at our
office for customer use. We are in the process of revising our
Rules and Regulations to include mandatory water conservation.
One type of water waste that can be eliminated with minimal cost
and impact on life-styles, is water consumed by inefficient
plumbing fixtures and devices. Since 1983, the California
Uniform Plumbing Code has required 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf)
water closets in new construction. Even more efficient water
closets, designed to use only 1.6 gpf, have been mandated in
many jurisdictions, both within California and throughout the
Nation, due to their effectiveness in reducing water usage.
Studies identified that water closet flushing comprises 42% of
interior water use, the largest use of water inside the home.
The second largest use is for bathing and showering. Ultra-low
consumption showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm)
compared to the State standard of 2.75 gpm.
Ultra-low water consumption (ULC) plumbing devices will have
indirect impacts on the Moorpark wastewater activities of sewage
7150 Walnut Canyon Road, P.O. Box 250, Moorpark, CA 93020
(8051 584-4829
collection, and treatment. Comprehensive full scale tests com-
pleted elsewhere showed that the reduced volume of water from
ULC devices have no significant impact on the ability of the
wastewater collection system to carry solid debris through the
pipes to the sewage treatment plant may result in more frequent
sewer line cleaning in order to maintain and operate at peak
efficiency. This would be a small price to pay in relation to
the greater benefit of water savings. ULC will also impact the
Treatment at the Moorpark Wastewater Plant in addition to the
Collection System. The reduced volume of water can help delay
or eliminate the need for costly expansion of the wastewater
treatment plant. Customers with septic tanks will have positive
impacts. The most common cause of failure of septic tank
systems is liquid overloading. Use of ULC devices will lower
the liquid loading on septic tanks and allow them to work more
efficiently.
Governor Deukmejian recently signed Assembly Bill 2355
(Cosponsored by Assembly Member Jack O'Connell), requiring all
buildings constructed after January 1, 1992, to install water
closets and associated flushometer valves, if any, which use no
more than 1.6 gpf and urinals and associated flushometer valves,
if any, which use no more than 1.6 gpf.
County of Ventura has been promoting water conservation
aggressively. On February 6, 1990, the Board of supervisors,
amended the Ventura County Building Code and the Uniform
Plumbing Code (1988) Chapter 9, Section 914 requiring ultra-low
water consumption plumbing fixtures and devices in all new
construction.
Calleguas Municipal Water District passed a Resolution on
December 10, 1989 encouraging local governments to require the
installation of ULC water closets, urinals and showerheads in
new construction within their service area. The Association of
Water Agencies has taken a position supporting requirements for
ULC plumbing fixtures. Plumbing Efficiency Research Group, a
voluntary group formed by the County, investigated the
performance of water efficient plumbing devices and recommended
the measures to mandate them in new construction. The Committee
found ULC plumbing fixtures are as reliable as conventional
water closets.
We strongly urge that the City move ahead with a requirement for
ULC plumbing fixtures and devices in all new construction.
There will be many positive and direct impacts on the potable
water supply. There will also be indirect impacts on the
wastewater activities. These indirect impacts are judged to
range from beneficial to minor inconveniences and any negative
impacts are far outweighed by the benefits to the community as a
whole. A significant amount of water which is a precious and
essential resource for life, can be saved by early implementa-
tion of this eventual State requirement.
Should you have any questions, please call me at (805) 584-4830.
fe:y :ruly ft.' \? \~
R. ~-"i>akala, Manager '
Water and Sanitation Services Division
Water Resources and Development Department
RRP: jp
cc: David Baird, City of Moorpark, Building & Safety
Arthur E. Goulet, Director PWA
John c. Crowley, Deputy Director PWA