HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/24(2)/2001, 3 - URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE ADcouncil 'Ap i 24 2001
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CITY O F SAN LUIS O B I S P O
FROM: John Moss,Utilities Direct'
Prepared By: Gary Henderson, Water Division Manager 4gLL-
Ron Munds,Utilities Conservation Coordinator
SUBJECT: URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution approving the update to the Urban Water Management Plan, and provide staff
with direction regarding any policies the Council may wish to consider further at a later time.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City Council adopted the City's first Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) in November
1994. This plan was submitted to the State at the beginning of 1995 to satisfy the Urban Water
Planning Act requirements which calls for water purveyors to submit an update to their plans
every five years. Though slightly behind schedule, the Urban Water Management Plan has been
updated in accordance with the provisions of AB 797 (as amended) and will be submitted to the
State upon adoption. The Executive Summary of the Plan is included as Attachment 1 to this
report with the entire document available in the Council Office for review.
The specific objectives of the City's Urban Water Management Plan can be summarized as
follows:
1. Provide policy as a basis for future water planning relative to new development within the
community.
2. Provide a description of all water supply, treatment, conveyance/distribution facilities.
3. Provide estimates of future supplemental water requirements based on population
projections developed from the General Plan Land Use Element and per capita water use
figures.
4. Provide an evaluation of alternative water supply sources, both short and long term, that
could meet both existing and future water requirements.
5. Summarize the water treatment processes and regulations, and identify the water
treatment, distribution and storage system's current deficiencies and future recommended
improvements.
6. Evaluate water operating programs.
7. Comply with the Urban Water Management Planning Act, AB 797 (as amended).
Another important purpose in adopting the UWMP at this time is that State Revolving Fund
(SRF) loans require all applicants to have a Water Conservation Plan filed with the State. With
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the funding for the Water Reuse Project proposed to come as loan from the SRF, it is imperative
that the City approve an updated Water Conservation Plan which is a component of the UWMP.
When looking at the plan as a whole, the most significant changes involve updating dates and
schedules for the water supply projects and identifying system deficiencies and the recommended
improvements. The following is a summary of the changes made to the plan by chapter.
Chapter One Introduction
Chapter One provides a brief overview of the plan,then details the City's sources of water
supply and operational information. Three new sections were added to this chapter to meet the
State's requirements. The new sections are as follows:
1. Section 1.3 Water Service Area Description
2. Section 1.4.4 Agency Coordination
3. Section 1.4.5 Transfer or Exchange Opportunities
The other changes to the chapter are minor modifications to reflect operational variations or
changes to operational agreements since the adoption of the 1994 UWMP.
Chapter Two Water Policy
The UWMP adopted in 1994 identified the water policies in Chapter Two as being the Water
Element to the General Plan. The Water Element has been modified several times since the
adoption of the UWMP in 1994 and those modifications are reflected in this update. These
previously approved modifications and the dates approved are as follows:
1. Accounting for reclaimed water(July 1996).
2. Requiring new development to continue to retrofit until a determination is made that the
City is essentially retrofitted(July 1996/December 1999):
3. Better defining the use of private wells in new development (July 1996/December 1999).
4. Clarifying water allocations to new development and annexation and infill projects
(December 1999).
5. Accounting for siltation and correcting the safe annual yield information (May 2000).
Though no changes to Chapter Two are being recommended at this time, staff has identified the
following sections should be considered for future discussion and possible modification:
1. Section 2.4 Reliability Reserve, analyze the cost and implications of establishing the
reserve.
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2. Section 2.8.1 (C)Supplying New Development, discuss the phasing out the Water Use
Offset Program (retrofit to build).
3. Section 2.8.3 Reserve for Intensification and Infill Development, discuss the
practicality and possible modification of this policy.
4. Section 2.10.3 Accounting for Reclaimed Water, discuss how to account for reclaimed
water when the project is initiated.
If the Council agrees to revisit these or any of the other water policies contained in Chapter 2,
staff would request that the Council provide direction as to which policies should be analyzed for
possible modification. Staff uld-teenn need to bring the issues to the Planning Commission, as
an amendment to the Wat r Management Element, for their review prior to Council
consideration of any propos g Staff would recommend proceeding with the adoption of
the UWMP at this time in order to facilitate the timely submittal of the plan to the State, with
consideration of any desired policy modifications to follow at a later date.
Chapter Three Supplemental Water Supply Projects
Chapter Three describes all of the water supply projects under consideration plus some
alternative projects that could be considered in the future. The changes to the chapter mainly
consist of updating the information to reflect the current status of each of the water projects. A
new section has been added to address the possibility of increasing the yield from the
groundwater basin in conjunction with our other available water.sources. The current projects
are:
1. Salinas Reservoir Expansion
2. Nacimiento Project
3. Water Reuse
4. Water Demand Management (conservation)
5. Increased Groundwater Production
An update of the projects, including the water conservation program, will be discussed in detail
when Council is presented the Annual Water Status Report in June of this year.
Chapter Four Water Operational Programs
Chapter Four describes the existing water system, operation and maintenance programs, staffing
evaluations, and identifies current and future system deficiencies. Most of the changes in the
chapter are revisions to reflect minor changes in the system, such as additional fire hydrants and
water storage tanks which have been added since adoption of the 1994 UWMR.
The most significant changes to the chapter occur in Section 4.2.3,Water Distribution
Infrastructure Evaluation. This section identifies specific existing deficiencies in the water
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distribution system. Many of the deficiencies were identified in the Draft Water MasterPlan
developed in conjunction with the Airport Area Specific Plan.
Chapter Five Water Fund Financial Plan
Chapter Five explains the policies and procedures for setting water rates which insures there is
adequate revenue to recover all operating costs. There have been no modifications to this chapter
since there have been no changes in the way water rates are determined.
Appendices
Appendix I
Appendix I is a summary of the water policies contained in Chapter Two. It is meant to be a
quick reference and summary of each policy. The changes to the appendix are discussed in the
Chapter Two section of this report.
Appendix II
Appendix II lists General Plan Land Use Element policies that affect water management and
service within the City. There have been no changes to this appendix.
Appendix III
Appendix III is a description of the Water Conservation Program's components and services. An
update to the "Best Management Practices" is included, as well as an update to the evaluations of
technologies and programs section. An analysis of implementing a high efficiency washing
machine rebate program has been incorporated into this appendix.
Appendix IV
Appendix IV is the Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP). The plan includes all the
recommendations made by the Council and the Planning Commissioners at the joint study
session held in July 2000. The highlights of the plan are:
1. Residential per capita water allocation methodology versus a percent reduction system.
2. Revised action levels based on gallons per person per day.
3. Commercial allocations based on either a percent reduction methodology or a baseline
allocation determined by business type.
4. Significant penalties for exceeding water allocations during mandatory conservation
periods.
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Appendix V & VI
Appendix V will contain the most recent Water Fund analysis which will be presented to Council
in May. Appendix VI will contain the most recent water impact fee analysis which will also be
presented to Council in the summer of 2001.
CONCURRENCES
The Community Development and Finance Departments concur with the recommendations made
in this report. Because this update does not modify the Water Management Element of the
General Plan, Planning Commission review was not necessary. However, as noted in the report,
if the Council desires further changes to policies included in Chapter 2, then Planning
Commission involvement will be necessary.
FISCAL IMPACT
Adoption of the updated Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP)document does not directly
create additional fiscal impacts on the Water Fund. Conceptual approval of water policies does
not approve work programs or budget. However, the policies contained in the Urban Water
Management Plan do have financial implications, all of which are examined in detail in the
Water Fund review presented to Council annually in May.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1- Executive Summary to Urban Water Management Plan
Attachment 2- Resolution to adopt the Urban Water Management Plan
Available in Council Office for Review: Urban Water Management Plan
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Urban Water Management Plan
This plan was adopted on ,
pursuant to
San Luis Obispo City Council Resolution No. XXXX (XXXX series).
San Luis Obispo City Council
Allen K. Settle, Mayor
John Ewan
Jan Howell Marx
Christine Mulholland
Ken Schwartz
City of San Luis Obispo
Utilities Department
879 Morro Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
805.781.7215
1.
Foreward
This Urban Water Management Plan was developed jointly by City of San Luis Obispo
Utilities,Community Development and Finance Departments as a single policy and resource
document. It is intended to consolidate information regarding policies and programs as they
relate to the City's water resources. As a planning document,this Urban Water Manage-
ment Plan was intended to provide the basis upon which the Utilities Department would
pursue development of water resources,programs and services. As the City progresses
with the various proj ects and programs identified in this document,it will be necessary to
review and modify this document,especially as it relates to the policies established herein.
The Urban Water Management Plan is structured to serve as an easily-understood water
policy and resource guide. Following the introduction,the major policies are stated,
followed by a description and analysis of the projects,programs and financial consider-
ations necessary to support those policies and the goals of the City's General Plan. The
chapter on policies,Chapter 2,is structured to first identify the policy and its relation to
other policies contained in the plan,then to provide the"basis"of that policy or the rationale
used in malting the policy decision. This format creates a document where the substantive
policy information is readily retrievable without having to search the text for the actual policy
statement. Chapter 2 serves as the Water Element to the General Plan. The Urban Water
Management Plan is updated every five years but maybe revised more often. To insure the
most up-to-date policies,the reader should refer to the Water Management Element.
Cross references to other elements in the City's General Plan are indicated in the galleys by
The policies and information contained in this Urban Water Management Plan provide the
necessary policy support for the water-related ordinances and regulations contained in the
Municipal Code(Titles 4,14 and 17).
Planning for the development and wise use of our water resources is of paramount impor-
tance to the City of San Luis Obispo..This Urban Water Management Plan the polices
contained here in will provide the foundation for responsible waterresource planning.
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Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY V
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Purpose And Scope 1
1.2 Relationship To General Plan 2
1.3 Water Service Area Description 2
1.4 Current Water Sources 3
CHAPTER 2: WATER POLICY 13
2.1 Safe Annual Yield 13
2.2 Water Conservation 16
2.3 Water Demand Projections 17
2.4 Reliability Reserve 21
2.5 Siltation At Reservoirs 22
2.6 Supplemental Water Requirements 24
2.7 Multi-Source Water Supply 25
2.8 Allocation Of New Water Supplies 26
2.9 Water Allocation And Offsets 28
2.10 Reclaimed Water 29
2.11 Water Service Within The City 31
CHAPTER 3: SUPPLEMENTAL WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS 32
3.1 Salinas Reservoir Expansion Project 33
3.2 Nacimiento Project 35
3.3 Water Reuse 38
3.4 Water Demand Management 41
3.5 Increased Grondwater Production 42
3.6 Other Project Alternatives 44
CHAPTER 4: WATER OPERATIONAL PROGRAMS 46
4.1 WaterTreatment 47
4.2 Water Distribution 51
4.3 Water Customer Service 60
4.4 Telemetry 62
4.5 Water Conservation 65
CHAPTER 5: FINANCIAL PLAN 69
5.1 Annual Water Fund Review 70
5.2 Impact Fees 73
(CONTINUED)
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Table of Contents
FIGURES
Figure 1: Whale Rock Conveyance System 6
Figure 2: Available/Projected Water Supplies 32
Figure 3: City's Water Supply and Conveyance System 47
Figure 4: Pressure Zones 52
Figure 5: Storage Facilities 53
Figure 6: Water Transmission Schematic 54
TABLES
Table 1.3.0: Population Projections 2
Table 2.1.1: Safe Annual Yield 14
Table 2.3.1: Water Use 1980-1993 19
Table 2.3.2:1Per Capita Water Use 20
Table 2.3.4: Calculation of Present(2000)Water Demand 21
Table 2.5.1: Salinas Reservoir Capacity Studies 23
Table 2.6.1: Required Safe Annual Yield for General Plan Build-Out 24
Table 2.6.2: New Water Supply Requirements(In Acre Feet) 25
Table 4.5.3: Water Savings Through Hardware Retrofit 67
APPENDICES
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Executive Summary
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
This summary describes the purpose,water policies,operations,and a basis for financial
analysis of the Urban Water Management Plan(Plan). The goal of the summary is to
provide a clear, concise overview of the water planning and management decisions
facing the City of San Luis Obispo.
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The purposes of the Plan are to assist in formulating long range City water policy,
determine needed improvements in the water supply and distribution systems,identify
needed expansion to reach General Plan goals,and develop a financial plan for achieving
the recommendations presented in this document.
The specific objectives of the Plan can be summarized as follows:
• Provide estimates of future supplemental water requirements based
the Land Use Element and per capita water use figures.
• Provide an evaluation of altemative supplemental supply sources that
could meet projected water requirements.
Summarize water treatment processes and regulations,and identify the
watertreatment,distribution and storage systems current deficiencies
and fixture needs.
• Consolidate previous water policy.
• Evaluate the Water Conservation Program.
Comply with State Law,AB 797,the Urban Water Management
PlanningAct.
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN SUMMARY
This Executive Summary condenses the Plan into the following six main areas:
1.2 The Plan's Relationship to the General Plan
1.3 Current Water Supply Sources
2.0 Water Policy
3.0 Supplemental Water Supply Projects
4.0 Water Operational Programs
5.0 Financial Plan
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Executive Summary
21 T TO THE GENERAL PLAN
AND OTHER' DOCUMENTS
Chapter 2 ofthis Plan reflects the General Plan's Water Management Element,first adopted
in 1987. This plan includes all information needed to comply with state law AB 797;the
Urban Water Management Planning Act.
Implementation progress of this plan will be presented to the Council on yearly basis as part
ofthe Annual Water Status Report.
1:3 WATER SERVICE AREA DESCRIPTION
The City of San Luis Obispo is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Fran-
cisco,situated in a coastal valley approximately 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean. It's
Mediterranean climate provides for mild and dry summers and cool winters,with an
average rainfall of about 20 inches per year.
1 .4 CURRENT WATER SUPPLY SOURCES
The City of San Luis Obispo currently receives water from three sources, Salinas
Reservoir, Whale Rock Reservoir, and local groundwater. The City has depended on
imported supplies from Salinas Reservoir,located near the community of Santa Margarita,
since 1944 and Whale Rock Reservoir,located near the community of Cayucos,since
1964. With the onset of the drought in 1986, resulting in decreasing surface water
supplies,the City activated its groundwater sources in 1989.
The Whale Rock Reservoir provides water to the City of San Luis Obispo, California
Polytechnic State University, and the California Mens Colony as well as the town of
Cayucos. The City staff work closely with staff from the other entities relative to water
planning issues.
The City of San Luis Obispo is represented on the county-wide Water Resources Advisory
Committee (WRAC). The WRAC is an advisory committee to the County Board of
Supervisors on issues pertaining to water resource planning.
The City of Morro Bay and the Whale Rock Commission(which the City is a member
agency) executed an agreement in June of 2000 which provides for Mutual Aid be-
tween agencies during disruption of water deliveries or lack of available water sup-
plies.
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Executive Summary
0 WATER POLICY
The following policy statements and basis for policy summaries provide the foundation
for delivering an adequate supply of water to meet current and projected demands for
the City of San Luis Obispo.
Safe
Annual
FA SAFE ANNUAL YIELD Yield
POLICY
2.1.1 Basis for Planning
The City will plan for future development and for water supplies based on the amount
of water which can be supplied each year, under critical drought conditions. This
amount, called "safe annual yield", will be adopted by the City Council. The safe
annual yield determination will be revised as significant new information becomes
available, and as water sources are gained or lost. The determination will consider a
staff analysis,which will recommend an amount based on coordinated use of all water
sources. Each change to safe annual yield will be reflected in an amendment of the
Water Management Element and will be updated in this plan every five years.
2.1.2 Safe Yield Amount
The City's safe annual yield, from► the coordinated operation of Salinas and Whale
Rock Reservoirs and 500 acre feet of goundwater,is shown in Table 2.1.1 The safe annual
yield includes reductions due to siltation at the reservoirs,discusses in more detail in Section
2.5.
2.1.3 Groundwater
A) The amount of groundwater which the City will rely upon towards
safe annual yield is identified in Section 2.1.2. The City will maximize
the use of groundwater in conjunction with other available water
supplies to maximize the yield and long term reliability of all water
resources and to minimize overall costs for meeting urban water
demands. The City shall monitor water levels at the well sites to
determine whether reduction or cessation of pumping is
appropriate when water levels approach historic low levels.
B) The City will not compete with local agricultural use of groundwater
outside the urban reserve line or damage wildlife habitat through
reduced natural stream flows in obtaining long-term sources of
water supply.
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Executive Summary
BASIS FOR POLICY SUMMARY
The safe annual yield of a reservoir depends on rainfall,the resulting runoff;evaporation,and
releases for purposes other than the supply in question(such as required releases for
downstream uses). The estimation of safe annual yield is based on historical hydrological
data. The City has developed a mathematical computer model of the Salinas and Whale
Rock Reservoirs,which accounts for all the factors that result in safe yield amount. The
current safe annual yield amount results from using data from 1943 through 1999. This
period includes the drought periods of 1946-51, 1959-61, 1976-77,and 1986-91.
The current calculation reflects taking advantage ofdifferences between the reservoirs through
coordinated operation which means the City uses Salinas first,since it gains and loses water
faster than Whale Rock,which is used as a backup source.
Water 6� 2.2 WATER CONSERVATION
mon
POLICY
2.2.1 Long-term Water Efficiency
The City will implement water efficiency programs which will maintain long-term,per-
capita usage at or below the per capita use rate as identified in Section 2.3.2.
2.2.2 Short-term Water Shortages
Short-term mandatory measures, in addition to the long-term programs, will be
implemented when the City's water supplies are projected to last three years or less,
based on projected water consumption,coordinated use of all City water supplies sources,
and considering the drought pattern on which safe yield is based(or response to other
situations which may interrupt supply).
BASIS FOR POLICY SUMMARY
Water conservation was first referenced as a part of the City's water management
policy in the 1973 General Plan. In 1985,the City adopted the Annual Water Operational
Plan policy which established water conservation as a means to extend water supplies
during projected water shortages. During this time,many technological and philosophical
changes have occurred which are proving water conservation to be both a short term
corrective measure for immediate water supply shortages and a long term solution to
water supply reliability.
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Executive Summary
.3 WATER DEMAND PROJECTIONS Water
Demand
POLICY
2.3.1 _ Basis of P_roiections
The Citywill project water requirements,considering long-term conditions and the full range
of water uses in the City.
2.3.2 Water Use Rate
The City shall use 145 gallons per person per day(approximately 0.162 acre-feet per
person per year) and the number of City residents to plan total projected future water
demand. This quantity will be revised if warranted by long-term water use trends,
including differences in the relationship between residential and nonresidential usage.
(Throughout this Plan, 145 gallons per person per day is used in computations of future
water demand.)
2.3.3 Overall Projected Water Demand
Applying 145 gallons per person per day to a.projected City resident population of
about 56,000 at General Plan build-out results in a projected water demand of 9,096
acre-feet per year, (excluding demand from the Cal Poly campus,which has separate
entitlements).
2.3.4 Present Water Demand
Present water demand shall be calculated by multiplying the water use rate identified in
Section 2.3.2 by the current city population(as determined by the California Department
of Finance,Population Research Unit).
BASIS FOR POLICY SUMMARY
The City must know how much water will be needed to serve residents,businesses,and
other users which could be accommodated by the General Plan. This quantity can be
projected using different methods. All methods involve assumptions about both future
usage rates and the numbers and types of users expected in the future. The quantity
expressed in the policy above corresponds closely with both (1) total citywide usage
compared with total resident population and(2)projections of water demand.based on
usage by various land use categories.
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Executive Summary
Reliability 2.4 RELIABILITY RESERVE
Reserve
POLICY
In seeking and accounting for new water supplies,the Citywill strive for a`reliability reserve"
of 2,000 acre feet of safe annual yield(about 20 percent ofproj ected water demand at full
build-out).
BASIS FOR POLICY SUMMARY
The Council supported the reliability reserve concept in March 1993,by amending the
Water and Wastewater Management Element to include it. The reserve will help
maintain adequate water supplies during unpredictable changes, such as a new worst
case drought, loss of a water source, contamination of a water source, or failure of a
Siltation at new source to provide projected yield,but not to allow additional development.
Reservoirs
� 15 SILTATION AT SALINAS AND WHALE ROCK RESERVOIRS
POLICY
The City shall account for siltation in the adoption of the safe annual yield as identified
in Policy 2.1.2. The estimated annual reduction in safe annual yield from Salinas and
Whale Rock Reservoirs is 10 acre-feet per year.
BASIS FOR POLICY SUMMARY
Siltation at reservoirs is a natural occurrence which can substantially reduce the storage
capacity over long periods. The reduction of available storage will reduce the safe
annual yield of the reservoir. Siltation at reservoirs varies depending on factors such as
rainfall intensity, and watershed management practices. There have been numerous
reports addressing siltation at Salinas Reservoir, but no studies have been done for
Whale Rock Reservoir.
During the recent drought,water at Salinas Reservoir fell to a record low level. An aerial
survey of the reservoir was prepared in order to update storage capacity information.
The latest information indicates that the siltation rate is on the order of40 acre-feet per
year.
Since no information is available to indicate what rate of siltation is occurring at the
Whale Rock Reservoir,it is assumed for planning purposes that the annual average rate
of siltation is similar to Salinas Reservoir.
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Executive Summary
2.6 SUPPLEMENTAL WATER REQUIREMENTS Supplemental
Water
POLICY
2.6.1 Supplemental Water Requirement
The City shall develop additional water supplies to meet the projected demand at build-out
ofthe City's General Plan,to establish the reliability reserve,and to offset water yields lost
due to siltation. The supplemental water supply amount shall be based on the adopted per
capita water use figure identified for planning purposes in Section 2.3.
2.6.2 Supplemental Water Sources ,
In deciding on appropriate sources of supplemental water,the City will evaluate impacts on
other users of the water and other environmental impacts,total and unit costs,reliability, CO 2.1.3
water quality,development time,and quantity available. CO 2.1.4
CO 2.1.5
2.6.3 Paving for Supplemental Water for New Development
The cost for developing new water supplies necessary for new development will be paid by
impact fees set at a rate sufficient to cover the annual debt service cost of the new water LU Goal 22
supplies attributable to new development.
BASIS FOR POLICY SUMMARY
Based on the Land Use Element adopted by the City Council in August 1994 and the per
capita use rate,the projected total amount of water for the City to serve General Plan
build-out is 11,596 acre feet. This figure includes the 2,000 acre feet reliability reserve
and accounting for siltation at the reservoirs.
Multi-
2.7 MULTI-SOURCEWATER SUPPLY Source
Water
POLICY Supply
The City shall continue to develop and use water resources projects to maintain multi-
source water supplies, and in this manner,reduce reliance on any one source of water
supply and increase its supply options in future droughts or other water supply
emergencies.
BASIS FOR POLICY SUMMARY
Having several sources of water can avoid dependence on one source that might not be
available during a drought or other water supply emergency. The Council has supported
having multiple sources since adopting the General Plan Water Management Element
in 1987 and by endorsing the above policy statement in November 1990.
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Executive Summary
Allocation .8 ALLOCATION OF NEW SUPPLIES,
of New
Supplies POLICY
2.8.1 Balancing Safe Annual Yield and Overall Demand
When new water sources are obtained,the additional safe annual yield shall be allocated
first to eliminate any deficit between safe annual yield(Section 2.1)and present demand
as defined in Sections 2.1 and 2.3.4 at the time the new source is obtained.
2.8.2 Supplying New Development
LU1.13.1
LU 1.13.4 1) The City will determine the water availability for allocation based
H 2.3.6 solely on the adopted per capita water use rate(policy 2.3.4)times
CO 2.1.2 the current city population. This value is then subtracted from the
adopted safe annual yield value to determine the amount of allocation
available each year. Available allocations will be assigned to
development in a way that supports balanced growth,consistent
with the General Plan. Allocations from anew water supply project
shall be considered available at the time project construction is
initiated
B) Any additional safe annual yield beyond that needed to balance
safe annual yield and present demand will be allocated(A)one-
half to the reliability reserve and compensating for reduced yields
due to siltation and(B)one-half to development, subject to the
requirements in Section 2.8.3,"Reserve for Intensification and Infill".
C) Until a determination is made by the City Council that essentially
all toilet and showerhead fixtures in the City are replaced with low
flow toilet and showerhead fixtures,projects may be built if the
developer makes changes,in facilities served by the City,which
will reduce long-term water usage equal to twice the water allocation
required for the project.
2.8.3 Reserve for Intensification and Infill Development
The City will annually update the water available for allocation based on the difference
between the adopted safe annual yield (policy 2:8.1) and the present water demand
(policy 2.3.4) as part of the annual Water Resources Status Report. One-half of the
water available for allocation(not to exceed the total required for infill and intensification),
as identified in the Water Resources Status Report,will be reserved to serve intensification
and infill development within existing city limits as of July 1994.
2.8.4 Accounting for Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water will be added to the City's Safe annual yield consistent with policies
contained within this document for other water supply projects.
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Executive Summary
2.8.5 Private Water Supplies
When developments are supplied by private groundwater wells,the yield of those wells
will not be counted toward the City's safe annual yield. Such yield,however,will result
in the demand for City water supply being lower than it otherwise would be,which may
necessitate adjustments of the per capita water usage figure used to estimate overall
demand.
BASIS FOR POLICY SUMMARY
The City is pursuing additional water supply projects. The City must address how the
added yield from these projects will be allocated,since the yield added at anyone time
may not supply all potential uses. The City has identified the following potential uses
for the new supplies:
a Eliminating the deficit(if any)between adopted planning water usage
figures and safe yield;
• Compensating for reduced.yields due to reservoir siltation;
Establishing a reliability reserve;
a Providing fordevelopment ofmore dwellings,businesses,and public
facilities.
The policies objectives are to balance the needs of all the areas identified while not
compounding the potential water shortage problems for existing residents of the City. Water
Allocation
2.9 WATER ALLOCATION AND OFFSETS and
Offsets
POLICY
2.9.1 Exemptions for Offsets
1) The City will not allow a project to reduce or eliminate the amount
of the required allocation or offset,to the extent that the project is
supplied by a private well,with the following exceptions:
A) The City may reduce the amount of the required water
allocation,to the extent that the project is supplied by a
private well serving non-potable water needs (such as
irrigation)which will not significantly affect the yield of
City wells. Such a well may be operated by the owner of
the property containing the well only for the owner's
use. As an exemption,the City may allow a well to supply
landscape irrigation on more than one parcel'ifthe irrigation
is:
city of san Luis oeispo - uRaan wateR management plan 3-13.19
Executive Summary
1. for the common area of a condominium com-
plex of other development with similar common areas as
approved by the Utilities Director,and the well and irriga-
tion systems are under the control of an owner's associa-
tion;or
2. in a single commercial development,and the
well and irrigation system are subject to a recorded agree-
ment among parcel owners,which is acceptable to the Utili-
ties Director and the City Attorney,and which establishes
responsibilities for operation and maintenance of the com-
mon areas served by the well.
B) When an allocation or potential offset is not available,a
well may be allowed to eliminate the required offset for
potable water needs only as an interim source until a new
Citywater source is available. Once a new source becomes
available,the project will be required to acquire an allocation
from the City. Impact fees will be due at the time the
development is approved.
C) The City Council approves the well proposal as part of a
specific land development project approval, and the
proposed well system meets all City standards;and
D) A qualified, independent, hydrological investigation
demonstrates that the well(s)reliably can provide sufficient
quality and quantity of water for the proposed land
development project and will not impact the yields from
Citywells.
2.9.2 Basis for Allocations and Offsets
H 6.3.6 Required allocations and offsets will be based on long-term usage for each type of
development. (These use and offset factors will be determined and published by the
City,and may be revised,as warranted by new information.)
BASIS FOR POLICY SUMMARY
In 1988, the City began to formally account for long-term water usage in new
development. As a result of the 1986-1991 drought,the City decided that there should
be no new development that would increase water use unless safe yield and present use
would be balanced. Nearly all construction since 1990 has been replacement buildings,
remodels, or projects which retrofitted facilities to save(offset) twice the amount of
water or water allocation necessary to serve the project.
xiv uRBan water management plan - city of sant illIspo
Executive Summary
10 RECLAIMED WATER Reclaimed
Water
POLICY
2.10.1 Reclaimed Water Ouality
The City will produce high quality reclaimed water,suitable for a wide range of non-potable
uses.
LU 7.10
OS 12.3.6B
2.10.2 Uses of Reclaimed.Water CO 2.1.9
The City will make available reclaimed water to substitute for existing potable water uses as
allowed by law and to supply new non-potable uses.
When deemed appropriate by the Utilities Director,new development shall be equipped
with dual plumbing to maximize the use of reclaimed water for non-potable uses.
2.10.3 Accounting for Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water will be added to the City's safe annual yield consistent with the policies
contained within this document for other water supply projects.
BASIS FOR POLICY SUMMARY
Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater(sewage) which can be used for many
nonpotable uses such as landscape irrigation,industrial processes,and toilet flushing in
certain types of buildings. Use of reclaimed water will require a separate distribution
system from potable water lines.
Reclaimed water can be used to supply nonpotable uses in new development and to
offset potable uses in existing development. These potential uses require a deliberate
method to account for reclaimed water use, consistent with policies concerning total
water requirements and other water sources. Mater
Service
bVithin the
2.11 WATER SERVICE WITHIN THE CITY City
POLICY
1. The City will be the only purveyor of water within the City.
2. Appropriate use of privately owned wells may be allowed with the
approval of the Utilities Director,consistent with policies 2.8.5
and 2.9.1.
city of san Luis owspo - ummn wateu manaoment plan 3_2nxv
Executive Summary
BASIS FOR POLICY SUMMARY
Historically,the City has been the sole water purveyor within the City limits. This allowed
the Cityto maintain uniformityofwater service and distribution standards,and to be consistent
in developing and implementing water policy. In continuing to be the sole water purveyor,
the Citywill maintain control over water quality,distribution and customer service,as well as
ensure consistency with the City's General Plan policies and goals.
.0 SUPPLEMENTAL WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS
CO 2.1.2
POLICY
The City shall pursue the expansion of the Salinas Reservoir,the Nacimiento Reservoir
Project,water reuse,water demand management activities,and increased groundwater
as supplemental water supply sources to meet current and projected water demand.
INTRODUCTION
The City has been pursuing several water supply options over the past several years to
secure adequate supplies to meet current and projected future demand. The following
section discusses the projects presently being considered by the City.
,�.1 SALINAS RESERVOIR EXPANSION PROJECT
The Salinas Dam was constructed by the War Department in 1941 to provide water to
Camp San Luis Obispo and the City of San Luis Obispo. The original construction
plans for the dam included the installation of an operable spillway gate to provide an
estimated storage capacity of approximately 45,000 acre-feet. A small fault was
discovered beneath the dam during construction. Therefore,the gates were not installed
because of stability concerns.
The Project envisions the installation of the originally planned spillway gates to increase
the storage capacity from 23,843 acre feet to 41,792 acre feet'. The additional storage
capacity would result in an estimated increased safe annual yield of 1,650 acre feet per
year.
xvi uusan wateu manaclement plan - city of san,kus gfispo
ATTM6 C-AA,"i_
Executive Summary
The revised environmental impact report for the project was certified by the CityCouncil in
June of 1998 and the Notice ofDetermination was filed on November 13,2000. Additional
studies required as a condition ofthe City's water right permit issued by the State Water
Resources Control Board will be pursued over the next several years. The City will also be
undertaking additional review ofthe recent seismic analysis that indicates that the dam with
the spillway gates installed may not meet State Division of Safety ofDam standards without
significant strengthening measures. These studies and issues will be evaluated and presented
to the Council along with the studies being undertaken on the Nacimiento Project to detemrine
which water supply proj ect should be pursued to meet the City's water supply needs.
.2 NACIMIENTO RESERVOIR PROJECT
The Nacimiento Reservoirprovides flood protection and is a source of supply for groundwater
recharge for the Salinas Valley. Itis owned and operated by the Monterey County Flood
Control and Water Conservation District. The San Luis Obispo CountyFlood Control and
Water Conservation District(District)has an entitlement of 17,500 acre-feet per year of
water from the reservoir.
The preliminary feasibility studyhas been divided into three phases and District has requested
that agencies interested in future participation share the costs associated with the studies.
Phase I ofthe study evaluated the reliability ofthe reservoir to deliver water at a maximum
amount of 17,500 acre-feet per year and was completed in December 1992. The purpose
ofPhase II is to evaluate and recommend equitable apportionment ofthe District's entitlement
to interested agencies,to analyze and determine the best pipeline alignment,to determine
facility requirements,estimate costs,and to determine probable environmental impacts and
mitigation measures. The reports were completed in December 1993.
Phase M work involves preparation ofthe preliminary engineering and the environmental
impact report.The draft EIR was released in August 1997 and numerous comments and
concerns were raised during public review. Due to pipeline routing concerns,anew alignment
through Camp Roberts was investigated and was determined to be a viable alternative.
A revised draft EIR is currentlybeing prepared based in the new alignment and is expected
to be released for public review in early 2002.Following certification ofthe EK interested
agencies will be required to commit to the project. Assuming sufficient project support,the
project design would be initiated which is expected to take twelve months. Project OS 12.3.6B
construction is estimated to take twelve to eighteen months. Based on those assumptions,
the earliest the City could expect to receive Nacimiento water would be 2005
city of san tuts owspo - tmmn wateR manacement plan 3_2fii
Executive Summary
.3 WATER REUSE
Reuse ofthe highlytreated waterproduced bythe City's WaterReclamation Facility(WRF)
is a drought resistant portion of the City's multi-source water plan. The WRF produces
approximately 4,000 acre-feet of disinfected tertiary treated reclaimed water per year. This
water is suitable for most uses other than drinking and food preparation.
Since most of the recycled water will be used for irrigation,it is estimated that only 1,200
acre-feet will actually be usable in the long-term. This is because demand for irrigation
water is very limited during the winter while discharge from the WRF is fairly constant. The
City does not plan to construct a seasonal storage facility at this time.
The Water Reuse Project will construct a distribution system to deliver reclaimed water to
large volume customers. The system will be designed for future expansion to serve small
volume users,when it becomes economically feasible to do so. The City's Wastewater
Division will operate the WRF and the water reuse pumps and filters located at the treatment
Plant. The City's Water Division will operate and maintain the water reuse distribution
fern.
.4 WATER DEMAND MANAGEMENT
Water demand management practices and technology have advanced significantly in the last
several years in reaction to the drought of 1986-1991. Historically, water demand
management was viewed as an emergency response to extreme water shortage situations.
The importance of using our water resources wisely and efficiently is imperative to assure
adequate,reliable water supplies in the future..
In September 1991, the City Council approved and authorized the Mayor to sign the
"Memorandum of Understanding"(MOU)regarding urban water conservation and the
implementation of the "Best Management Practices" (BMP's). This signifies a
commitment to implement and evaluate the water efficiency measures presented in the
MOU. Using the BMP's as a road map for future water demand management program
implementation, a balanced program of providing information and assistance to the
City's water customers is necessary to maintain the water use levels required to"stabilize
the City's water supplies."
• .5 INCREASED GROUNDWATER PRODUCTION
Prior to the drought of the late 1980's, the City of San Luis Obispo had not used
groundwater to meet the City's water demand since the early 1940's.. In response to
the drought conditions,the City drilled new wells and began using groundwater in April
1989. Beginning.in 1992, elevated levels of nitrates in the basin greatly curtailed the
use of groundwater within the City.
xviii uRsan wateR manaGsmsnt plan - city of san NiTJIspo
Executive Summary
The City is currently investigating the potential for increasing ground water production.
Preliminary information indicates that an additional 890 ace feet of groundwater could
be attained through a coordinated operation of all the City's available water sources.
The additional groundwater production will require treatment to remove PCE and ni-
trates from the water.
3.6 OTHER SUPPLEMENTAL WATER SUPPLY ALTERNATIVES
3.6.1 Desalination
In May 1990,the City began a feasibility study for a short-term desalination facility. The
preliminary analysis concluded that 3,000 acre feet per year of water could be provided at
an estimated cost of 19.5 million dollars. The"Miracle March"rains of 1991 provided
adequate runoffand storage in the City's reservoirs to allow the termination ofthe desalination
project on April 16, 1991.
Desalination may be a water supply consideration in the future if other water supply projects
currently under review are not accomplished. Though considered an expensive source of
water at this time,advances in technology in the future may reduce the costs to a more
acceptable level.
3.6.2 Cloud Seeding
The City activated a three year cloud seeding program in January 1991 in response to the
drought. The program targeted the Salinas and Lopez reservoirs watersheds,and the County
of San Luis Obispo paid a prorata share of the total cost of the program.
Salinas Reservoir's watershed nmoff characteristics are favorable for producing significant
runoffduring average rain seasons. Therefore,cloud seeding is not viewed as an annual
program but as a program that the Council may approve following below normal rainfall
years-
3.6.3 Groundwater Recharge
Groundwater recharge using tertiary treated reclaimed water may be a future water supply
alternative. Because of the capacity and recharge capabilities, there may be limited
opportunities for recharging the groundwater basin. The State Department of Health
Services have very stringent regulations governing such non-potable water recharge
projects. An extensive analysis and study evaluating costs, water recharge potential,
and potential storage or injection sites will be required before pursuing such a project.
crty of san lues osispo - uusan wateu manar4ement plan 3-24 ix
Executive Summary
.O WATER OPERATIONAL PROGRAMS
POLICY
The City shall sustain city-wide water efficiency programs and provide an adequate supply
ofhigh qualitywaterwhich:
:Z Mats all Federal and State standards;
Provides uninterrupted water flow at sufficient pressures;
Provides fire protection.
The City shall allocate funding to meet the goals and objectives presented in this chapter
(also see Chapter 5). The City should strive to replace aging water lines at the annual
rate of 2%of the replacement value of the water distribution system.
INTRODUCTION
This section will describe the existing water system, operation and maintenance
procedures,and identify current and future system deficiencies.
4.1 WATER TREATMENT .
Over the past twenty years,surface water treatment and groundwater treatment standards
and regulations have become more stringent. With the enactment of the Safe Drinking
Water Act(SDWA)in 1974,Congress authorized the federal government to establish
national drinking water regulations. Since that time, many amendments have been
made to the act which require additional monitoring and treatment and thereby increased
operational costs.
For the City,the most significant issue.is the regulation aimed at reducing the formation
of disinfection by-products,specifically trihalomethanes (THM's). To remain within
the acceptable level of THM's,meet anticipated future surface water quality standards,
and increase water treatment operational efficiency, the water treatment facility uses
ozone as the primary disinfectant instead of chlorine.With the use of ozone,THM levels
have been significantly reduced,and meet all federal and state standards.
In November 1992,nitrate levels in the Auto Park Way well exceeded State standards,
so that well was taken off-line. The City's Denny's well experienced similar increase
in nitrate levels and was taken off-line in June 1993. Treatment alternatives for nitrate
removal will be recommended as part of the study to increase groundwater production.
xx ummn wateu manaGement plan - city of san lin ispo
Executive Summary
4.2 WATER DISTRIBUTION '
The water distribution program delivers potable water from the water treatment plant and
wells to customers and fire hydrants via three concrete storage reservoirs,nine pump stations,
nine water tanks,and approximately 150 miles ofwater mains. Some pipes are over 100
years old,and many are too small to meet current fire-flow requirements. The Cityfor many
years did not fund distribution system replacement sufficiently to ensure replacement prior to
reaching the end oftheinfrastructure'sservice life. Because ofthis,the currentwaterdistnbution
staffworkload is limited mainly to corrective maintenance with minimal time for preventative
maintenance.
The City has adopted a goal of replacing about 2%of the water system annually and has
been budgeting approximately 1 million dollars per year for distribution system replacement
projects since the mid-1990's.
4.3 WATER CUSTOMER SERVICE
The Water Customer Service Program is responsible for accurately measuring water delivered
through the distribution system to the City's 13,700 customers. Other duties include the
repair of meter leaks,meter replacement and testing,and the starting and discontinuance of
service. The current program needs are being met with assistance from the water distribution
crew during peak workload periods. Future growth will add a significant number of water
meters which may require additionalstaffmg. As areas are annexed,an analysis of staffing
impacts will be performed and recommendations presented to Council.
.4 TELEMETRY
Telemetry literally means`measuring at a distance". Telemetrybecame part of the Utilities'
operations in 1988 when the Regional Water Quality Control Board required installation of
alarms on the Citywastewater collection lift stations. It has evolved into complex computer
network,monitoring the City's water and wastewater systems. When completed,the telemetry
system will save staff time by allowing the monitoring and system adjustments to be made
from a central location,add reliabilityto the water system,and insure the Cityis in compliance
with federal and state regulations.
4.5 WATER CONSERVATION
In June 1985,the Council adopted the Annual Water Operational Policy which established
a procedure to monitor the City's water supply situation. An integral component of the H 9.1.1
policy was the establishment of a water demand program aimed at instituting preventative H 9.3.6
measures when water supply deficits are proj ected.
city of san lues osispo - unBan wateR manac,Ement plan 3-2Ci
Executive Summary
Water conservation has two primary components,short-term and long-term water demand
management. Short-term activities address immediate water shortage situations caused
by prolonged below normal rainfall or disruption in water service due to natural disaster
such as an earthquake. Due to the drought and water shortages experienced from 1989
to 1992,the short-term measures were developed.Based on the lessons learned from the
drought,an update to the water shortage contingency plan has been completed.
Long-termpmgrams makepermanentreductions mwaterdemand while minimallyimpacting
customer's life-styles. In September 1991,the Cityapproved and signed the"Memorandum
of Understanding"(MOU)regarding urban water conservation and the implementation of
the"Best Management Practices"(BMP's). The BMP's act as a road map for the City's
CO 2.1.8 long-term water conservation program.
5.0 FINANCIAL PLAN
POLICY
The City's policy is to fully recover all water costs which include,operations,maintenance,
capital,debt service,and appropriate overhead,through water revenues. Resolution No.
6447 states the primary goals of the City's water utility are to provide quality water service
to its citizens and to function as a self-sufficient enterprise. Under the policy,all water
revenues are used only for water purposes. The water fund will reimburse the general fund
for all indirect costs pursuant to the approved cost allocation plan.
Water impact fees were established in 1991 to pay for needed facilities and improvements
reasonably related to new development within the City. These fees are adjusted annually
to account for changes in the cost of construction or other considerations which affect
the reasonable relationship between the fees and the cost of facilities and improvements
on which the fees are based.
Xxii uRsan wateR management plan - city of san jui;%�ispo
ATTACHMENT 2
RESOLUTION NO. (2001 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
ADOPTING THE REVISED URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, the California Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 797 during the 1983-1984
Regular Session, and as amended subsequently, which mandates that every supplier providing
water for municipal purposes to more than 3,000 customers or supplying more than 3,000 acre
feet of water annually,prepare an Urban Water Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, the City is an urban supplier of water providing water to a population over
40,000; and
WHEREAS, the Plan shall be periodically reviewed at least once every five years, and
that the City shall make any amendments or changes to its plan which are indicated by the
review; and
WHEREAS, the Plan must be adopted, after public review and hearing, and filed with the
California Department of Water Resources within thirty days of adoption; and
WHEREAS, The City has therefore prepared for public review a draft Urban Water
Management Plan, and a properly noticed public hearing regarding the Plan was held by the City
Council on April 24, 2001; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo did prepare and shall file said Plan with the
California Department of Water Resources.
BE IT RESOLVED by the.Council of the City of San Luis Obispo that the Urban Water
Management Plan, consisting of text with tables and figures, with changes reflected in the
Council minutes of April 24, 2001, on file in the City Clerk's Office, is hereby adopted.
Upon motion of , seconded by ,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
the foregoing resolution was adopted this day of , 2001.
3-28
i
Resolution No. (2001 Series)
Page 2
Mayor Allen Settle
ATTEST:
Lee Price, City Clerk
APP VED AS TO FORM:
Jeffrey G. Jorgensen, City Attorney
3-29
EETING AGENDA
vATE ITEM# 3
MEMO
April 20, 2001
�UNCIL M CCD DIR
To: Council Coll D M PIN DIR
From Ken Schwartz P� �AC C FIRE CHIEF
�'ASf4RNEY L PW DIA
Copies: John Moss, Henderson, Ron Munds, �®''G 244/CPId n POLICE CHF
Ken Hampian,tic
John Mandeville p WEPT b a® 1� W DIR
Re: Agenda Item#3,April 24a'Council Meeting Q WA QII8I
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATE
I wish to propose two amendments to the UWMP—one small; one a bit more involved.
1. Pg. vi(agenda pg. 3-11) Section 1.4, Current Water Supply Sources, first paragraph,
last line: ". . . supplies,the City activated its veru limited groundwater . . ."
x�l u
2 Pp. xvi&Z(agenda pp 3-2-1, 22)I propose that the Nacumento and Salinas
Reservoir Expansion Projects be presented as options under the title"Surface Water
Expansion Options"in order to-more-f dly-explainthat while we are pursuing two
possible projects,we intend to select but one. Hence, I propose the following outline
of Section 3.1:
3.1 SURFACE WATER EXPANSION OPTIONS
3.1.-1 NAGIMIENTO PROJECT OPTION
(No change proposed in text)
3.1.2 SALINAS RESERVOIR EXPANSION PROJECT OPTION
(No change proposed in text)
Rationale:
I think it is more accurate to say that there are two surface water sources that we are
pursuing,but that our intent is to tap into just one to satisfy the supplemental water needs
for-our General Plan build-out-target. i-think that wording to this effect should be noted
in the INTRODUCTION paragraph. Further, I believe the Naci project should be listed
first-and the Salinas second for two reasons-.-(a)The Council appears to favor the Naci
over the Salinas, and(2)It may help to clarify our intentions with the North County. It
would be fair-to add-that we see the Salinas-as-a backup should-the cooperation of North
County water agencies in the Naci project not be achieved by(insert drop-dead date).
If the Council accepts this proposed amendment,the remaining Headings will have to be
re-numbered
RECEIVED
APR 2 3 2001
SLO CITY COUNCIL