HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/21/2010, C6 - 2010 WATER RESOURCES STATUS REPORT D
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
FROM: Came Mattingly, Utilities Director
Prepared By: Gary W. Henderson, Water Division Manager
Ron Munds, Utilities Conservation Manager
Jennifer Metz, Utilities Project Manager
SUBJECT: 2010 WATER RESOURCES STATUS REPORT
RECOMMENDATION
1. Receive and file the City's 2010 Water Resources Status Report.
2. Receive update on City's Recycled Water Construction Water Permit Program.
DISCUSSION
Annual reports relative to the City's water resources have been provided to Council since 1985. The
purpose of the annual Water Resources Status Report (WRSR)is to provide an overview of various
aspects of the City's water resources. This past year the Planning Commission and City Council
considered and adopted major changes to the City's policies contained within the Water and
Wastewater Management Element of the General Plan (WWME). The policy changes are reflected
in this year's annual report which has been modified from previous year's format as appropriate.
The attached report discusses four major topics:
I. Existing Water Supply Status
U. Multi-Source Water Supply
III. Water Demand Management
IV. Projected Water Supply Situation
The following is a summary of the information contained in the attached 2010 Water Resources
Status Report.
Report Summary
This past year's (2009-10) rainfall amounts were above normal at the City's two water supply
reservoirs. Considering that 2008-09 rainfall was just over half of normal, the City's water
resources are in relatively good shape with supplies projected to last under drought conditions at
least to 2019. The City is continuing to expand the Recycled Water Program and implement its
ongoing Water Conservation Program. In addition, the Nacimiento Pipeline Project is nearing
completion with water deliveries anticipated to begin by the end of 2010.
While the current water supply situation is favorable, the City remains committed to maintaining its
water conservation efforts. The Water Conservation Program has proven to be cost effective and
even with new water supplies from Nacimiento, it is important to utilize available resources
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Council Agenda Report—2010 Water Resources Status Report Page 2
efficiently. The 2010 WRSR provides a brief synopsis of the City's water supply status and its
ongoing Water Conservation Program efforts.
Existing Water Supply Status
The City's two water supply reservoirs (Salinas and Whale Rock) were at 91.8 percent and 52.8
percent of total storage capacity respectively as of July 28, 2010. The City's total water use for
2009 was 6,157 acre feet (af) compared to 6,375 of in 2008. The City's per capita water use was
lower in 2009 as compared to the previous year. The per capita use rate is not the amount that the
average person uses but takes into account all water uses including residential, commercial,
industrial, landscape, etc. In 2009 the water use rate was 123 gallons per capita per day (gpcd), a
decrease from 2008 use rate of 128 gpcd. The higher per capita use rate in 2008 was likely the
result of an earlier than normal customer demand for water for landscape irrigation due to limited
rainfall.
Multi-Source Water Supply
For over 20 years, one of the major goals of Council has been the pursuit of additional long term
water supplies to meet the current and future water demands of the community. With the Recycled
Water Program, ongoing Water Conservation efforts, and the Nacimiento Pipeline Project the City
has attained this goal. This has been a significant accomplishment and will insure reliable water
supplies for the community well into the future.
The Nacimiento Project is currently under construction and is approximately 90 percent complete.
The project administration is being handled by the County of San Luis Obispo and the construction
is currently proceeding on schedule. It is anticipated that construction will be complete by fall of
2010 with water deliveries beginning by late 2010.
The construction of the initial phase of the Water Reuse Project was completed in 2006 and the past
year's efforts have focused on adding new customers to the Recycled Water Program. During 2009,
six sites were connected to the City's system including Laguna Middle School, French Park,
Laguna Lake Park, Laguna Hills Park, Islay Park, and Highway 101 landscaping (south of
Madonna Road). For 2009, 138 acre feet of recycled water was delivered to user sites in the City.
Eight new sites are planned to receive recycled water in 2010 with an estimated annual water use
of 39 acre feet.
Based on the policies adopted in the City's WWME, Table 4 below shows the available water
supplies to serve the community's water demands.
Table 1: Water Resource Availability
Water Resource 2010 Annual Availability
Salinas&Whale Rock Reservoirs 6,940 AF Safe Annual Yield
Nacimiento Reservoir 3,380 AF Contractual Limit
Recycled Water 138 AF 2009 Annual Usage
Siltation to 2060 1 000 AF) WME Policy A 4.2.2
TOTAL 97958 AF
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Council Agenda Report—2010 Water Resources Status Report Page 3
Water Supply Accounting and Demand
The policies in the WWME establish that the City will account for water supplies necessary to
meet three specific community needs: 1) primary water supply, 2) reliability reserve, and 3)
secondary water supply which are discussed in more detail in the 2010 Water Resources Status
Report (Attachment A) and shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2: 2010 Water Supply Accounting
Total Primary Water Reliability Reserve Secondary Water
Supply --- supply
Su _1
9,958 AFF' 7,887 AF 1,240 AF 831 AF
Water Demand Management
The City's Water Conservation Program continues to offer financial and technical assistance to
the community, as well as a variety of public education and outreach programs. Additionally,
staff is monitoring the latest studies being conducted throughout the state which are evaluating
new water conservation technology. Upon completion of this research, staff will determine the
effectiveness and reliability of the technology and, if appropriate, make recommendations to the
Council for implementation within the City.
Projected Water Supply Situation
The City utilizes a computer model to project how long the City's available water supplies will last
based on a number of assumptions. The model uses historical drought weather patterns, projected
water demands, and other factors to forecast the City's water supply position and to make certain
water policy recommendations. It should be noted that the assumption for drought conditions
extends for the entire period in the analysis as opposed to the historical worst case drought period
which was only five years (1986-91). Figure 5 in the WRSR is the model assuming 3,380 acre feet
per year from Nacimiento beginning in 2011. Assuming ongoing drought conditions, the model
predicts current water supplies will last into the year 2019. The additional water resources available
from the Nacimiento Project, recycled water and ongoing conservation programs extends water
supply projections at least five years beyond what would be estimated by the computer model
without these water resources.
Construction Water Permit Program
In May 2009, the City Council adopted Ordinance 1526 adding section 13.24.20 to the Municipal
Code on the Use and Distribution of Recycled Water including recycled water use for
construction purposes. The Council also adopted Resolution 10076, establishing the annual rate
for a Construction Water Permit at $1,260 per year.The program was made available beginning
July 2009.
The Construction Water Permit program established a protocol for the City to permit water
haulers to utilize recycled water for construction purposes at three wharf-head hydrant filling
locations (on Calle Joaquin, Prado Road, and Industrial Way). Signage, meters, and painted
curbing were put in place at the hydrants and a protocol for new accounts was established with
Finance staff. During the first year of the permit's availability (fiscal year 2009-10), the City sold
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Council Agenda Report—2010 Water Resources Status Report Page 4
two Construction Water Permits. To date for the fiscal year beginning July 2010, one permit has
been sold.
Feedback on the program has been positive. One water hauler noted that the available pressure at
the recycled water hydrant enabled him to utilize fewer water trucks at his construction project
saving time and money.
With limited construction activity, interest in the program during its first year may not be
indicative of whether the Construction Water Permit rate is set too high. Metered water usage
during 2009/10 at the hydrants showed that 455 units were utilized by the two permitted water
haulers (the permit's fee justification assumed each permit holder would utilize 200 units of
recycled water). Staff will revisit the annual rate in the future to determine if adjustments are
wan-anted.
FISCAL IMYACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. Any fiscal impacts associated
with the pursuit of additional water supply projects or additional conservation measures have been
or will be addressed through the City's financial planning processes.
ATTACHMENT
2010 Water Resources Status Report
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Attachment 1
0 C O
san Luis osispo
Prepared by:
Gary Henderson, Water Division Manager
Ron Munds, Utilities Conservation Manager
Jennifer Metz, Utilities Project Manager
0
UNOMOSS
Deparbnent
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Attachment 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. EXISTING WATER SUPPLYSTATUS..................................................................... I
CurrentStatus.........................................................................................................................1
II. MULTI SOURCE W4 TER SUPPLY...........................:............................................. 3
WaterResource Availability..................................................................................................3
Salinas & Whale Rock Reservoirs.........................................................................................3
NacimientoReservoir..............................................................................................................4
RecycledWater........................................................................................................................4
Groundwater...........................................................................................................................5
WaterSupply Accounting and Demand................................................................................5
III. WATER DEMAND MANAGEMENT........................................................................ 6
TechnicalAssistance...............................................................................................................7
PublicInformation&Education...........................................................................................8
OtherProgram Highlights..................................................................._.................................9
FutureWater Conservation Programs..................................................................................9
IV PROJECTED WATER SVPPL Y SITUA TION........................................................ 10
ReservoirStorage Curve............................................_........................................................10
V. SUMMARY................................................................................................................. 10
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Attachment 1
City of San Luis Obispo
2010 Water Resources Status Report
The 2010 Water Resources Status Report for the City of San Luis Obispo was prepared
by the Utilities Department to provide the City Council and community members with an
update on the status of existing water resources. It also serves as an update on water
supply projects being implemented to meet the community's future needs. Over the past
year major policy changes were adopted in the City's Water and Wastewater
Management Element of the General Plan which are reflected in this annual.report.
The report covers four main areas:
I. Existing Water Supply Status
II. Multi-Source Water Supply
III. Water Demand Management
IV. Projected Water Supply Situation
The report evaluates the existing water supply situation for the City, identifies the amount
of water currently available to serve new development, and discusses issues relative to
existing polices and water projects and programs being pursued.
I. EXISTING WATER SUPPLY STATUS
The City currently utilizes four sources of water supply to meet the community's water
demand: Salinas Reservoir (also referred to as Santa Margarita Lake), Whale Rock
Reservoir, groundwater, and recycled water from the City's Water Reclamation Facility.
The City will begin utilizing a fifth source of water beginning later this year from
Nacimiento Reservoir.
Current Status Table 1: Area Rainfall
For the 2009-10 Location 2009/10 ' Average % of
rainfall year, rainfall g_. Average
for the City was City of SLO—Reservoir#1 31.77" 22.4" 142%
about normal as Whale Rock Reservoir 19.09" 19.7" 97%
reflected in Table 1. Salinas Reservoir 32.43" _ 21.4" 152%
The rainfall amounts 1.Rainfall through June 30,20
at the two reservoirs
were above average. As of July 28, 2010, Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs were at
91.8 percent and 52.8 percent of total capacity respectively.
For the 2009 calendar year, the water demand for the City was provided from four
sources as shown in Table 2. The total water demand for all City uses in 2009 was 6,134
acre feet which was approximately 3.5 percent lower than the total water use for 2008.
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2010 Water Resources Status Report Attachment 1
Page 2
Table 2: Water Supply Sources acre feet
Salinas Whale Rock Groundwater Recycled Total Water Osed
2,584 of 3,280 of 132 of 138 of 6,134 of
The total amount of City water use shown in Table 2 does not include domestic water
delivered to Cal Poly State University. This use is separately accounted for from the
University's available water supply from Whale Rock Reservoir.
As of July 28, 2010, the City's available water storage in Salinas Reservoir (above
minimum pool, see definitions at end of report) was 19,898 acre feet. The City's share of
the Whale Rock storage (above minimum pool) was 7,977 acre feet. The combined total
water storage available to meet City water needs from these two sources was 27,875 acre
feet. This equates to 63 percent of maximum available storage if the reservoirs were full.
Based on the available water storage in both reservoirs, estimated groundwater
production, estimated recycled water deliveries, Nacimiento water deliveries beginning
by the end of this year, and assuming the return of drought conditions as experienced
during the late 1980s, the City has approximately eight years of water supply.
This estimate is based on data derived from the City's computerized reservoir storage
model and is shown in Figure 5 (Figures are provided at the end of report). The model
assumes additional conservation measures, consistent with the City's Water Shortage
Contingency Plan, are implemented when supplies are estimated to last three years or
less. The various stages of conservation are indicated in Figure 5 and are discussed in
more detail in the City's Water Shortage Contingency Plan. The Water Shortage
Contingency Plan is an appendix to the Urban Water Management Plan that was updated
and adopted in December of 2005.
Water Consumption
As noted previously, the total City water use for 2009 was approximately 3.5 percent
lower than the use for 2008. Table 3 shows the population estimates from 2000 through
2009 as well as the total City
water use and corresponding Chart 1:Water Use by Category
per capita use rate. The past
ten-year average per capita Landscape
water use was 123.1 gallons Irrigation Single
10% Family
per person per day (gpcd). � Residential
Based on the policies Non-
contained in the Water and
Residential ;" 42%
Wastewater Management 2s%
g Multi-family
Element of the General Plan, Residential
the City uses the ten-year 19%
average per capita water use
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2010 Water Resources Status Report Attachment 1
Page 3
to project the required water needed to serve the build-out population as identified in the
Land Use Element of the General Plan.
Chart 1 shows the water use between different customer classes for 2009 which is
consistent with previous years (landscape irrigation is only that water use specific to
dedicated landscape meters).
While the per capita water use increased following the end of the 1986-91 drought and
the end of mandatory conservation measures in 1992, the use rate has stabilized as shown
in Table 3. The 2009 per capita water use was approximately 122 gpcd, which was a
decrease from the 2008 use of 127 gpcd. There are a number of factors that affect the per
capita use rate including population estimates provided by the State and timing and
amount of rainfall received each year.
Table 3: Population Estimates,Water Use & Rainfall
Year Population Total Water Use Per Capita Rainfall
(acre feet) (gpcd) (inches)
2000 44,179 6,121 124 24.97
2001 44,347 5,886 119 24.53
2002 44,482 6,032 121 15.94
2003 44,357 5,968 120 22.91
2004 44,298 6,239 126 16.08
2005 44,687 6,098 122 40.09
2006 44,559 5,999 120 30.35
2007 44,433 6,493 130 10.28
2008 44,579 6,359 127 19.92
2009 44,829 6,134 122 31.77
Ten-year per ca ita average 123.1
1.Rainfall amounts for July through June from Cal Poly weather station
2.Rainfall amount from County rain gage at City's Reservoir#I
I1. MULTI-SOURCE WATER SUPPLY
The City has adopted a multi-source water policy to provide increased reliability for
meeting the community's water supply needs. With the addition of the Nacimiento
Reservoir supply, the City now has five sources of water and has accomplished the goal
of diversifying its water supply portfolio to meet current and future community needs.
The following sections provide an overview of each water source available to the City.
Water Resource Availability
Salinas & Whale Rock Reservoirs
Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs have been the City's primary water supplies for over
45 years. The County of San Luis Obispo Flood Control and Water Conservation District
provides the oversight and operations and maintenance of the Salinas Dam and water
delivery facilities for the benefit of the City. The City pays the County for the associated
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costs for operations and maintenance. The City provides the oversight and operations and
maintenance of the Whale Rock Reservoir for the benefit of the Whale Rock Commission
Which is a joint powers agency made up of Cal Poly State University, California Men's
Colony, and the City. The City draws water from these two reservoirs in a coordinated
manner to maximize the long term water supply available from these two sources. In
addition, the City has adopted policies in the Water and Wastewater Management
Element of the General Plan to account for reductions in storage capacity at each lake
resulting from siltation.
Nacimiento Reservoir
The City has been involved in the Nacimiento Project planning efforts for over 15 years..
Construction of the 45-mile pipeline and related facilities is well underway with
completion of the construction activities expected by December 2010. Initial water
deliveries from Nacimiento Reservoir to the participating agencies (City of Paso Robles,
Templeton Community Services District, Atascadero Mutual Water Company, and the
City) will likely begin in the fall of 2010. The City has a contractual right to 3,380 acre
feet per year and will likely maximize the use of this water each year since the
contractual amount of water cannot be carried over("banked") from year to year.
Recycled Water
Recycled water use for the 2009 year totaled just over 138 acre feet, up from 90 acre feet
in 2008. During 2009, six sites were connected to the City's recycled water distribution
system including Laguna Middle School, French Park, Laguna Lake Park, Laguna Hills
Park, Islay Park, and Highway 101 landscaping(south of Madonna Road). The use of the
recycled water at all of these sites is for landscape irrigation.
The City Council approved a pilot Construction Water Permit Program in June of 2009.
Annual construction water permits allow permit holders unlimited use of recycled water
for dust control and compaction on construction sites in the City. The City has metered
wharf head hydrants on the recycled water distribution system, within the Water
Reclamation Facility, and at the City's Corporation Yard.
Eight new sites are planned to receive recycled water in 2010. These sites include
common area landscaping within two homeowners associations, median landscaping, a
City park, and landscaping at commercialibusiness centers. The majority of the additional
customers are currently supplied potable water from separate irrigation meters. It is
estimated that these sites will utilize an additional 39 acre feet of recycled water per year.
Construction began in 2010 on the Prefumo Creek Commons project on Los Osos Valley
Road. The project will likely be complete during the 2011 calendar year and is estimated
to use eight acre feet of recycled water annually. Also planned in 2011 is the extension of
the recycled water distribution system and retrofit of the existing irrigation system at CL
Smith Elementary School which is projected to use 12 acre feet of recycled water
annually.
2010 Water Resources Status Report Attachment 1
Page 5
Groundwater
The City uses one domestic well to supplement its other water supply sources. In
addition, there is a non-potable well at the City's Corporation Yard for use for
construction activities. There are also two wells at the City's Laguna Lake Golf Course
that provide for a portion of the .golf course irrigation needs. The additional irrigation
demands at the golf course are met with recycled water.
Based on the policies adopted in the City's Water and Wastewater Management Element
of the General Plan, Table 4 below shows the available water supplies to serve the
community's water demands.
Table 4: Water Resource Availability
Water Resource 2010 Annual Availabili
Salinas &Whale Rock Reservoirs 6,940 AF Safe Annual Yield
Nacimiento Reservoir 3,380 AF Contractual Limit
Recycled Water 138 AF 2009 Annual Usage
Siltation to 2060 (500 AF) WME Policy A 4.2.2
TOTAL 99958 AF
Water Supply Accoundme and Demand
The policies in the Water and Wastewater Management Element of the General Plan
establish that the City will account for water supplies necessary to meet three specific
community needs: 1) primary water supply, 2) reliability reserve, and 3) secondary water
supply which are discussed in more detail below and shown in Table 5.
Primary Water Supply
The primary water supply is defined as the amount of water needed to serve the build-out
population of the City as identified in the Land Use Element of the General Plan. The
quantity of water needed for the primary water supply is calculated using the ten-year
average of actual per capita water use, shown in Table 3, and the City's build-out
population(57,200).
Reliability Reserve
The reliability reserve provides a buffer for future unforeseen or unpredictable long-term
impacts to the City's available water supply. The quantity of water for the reliability
reserve is established using twenty percent of the ten-year average of actual per capita
water use and the existing City population. The reliability reserve concept is included in
the City's Charter (Section 909) which identifies that the water cannot be used to allow
additional development.
Secondary Water Supply
The secondary water supply is the amount of water remaining from the City's available
water resources above those needed to meet the primary water supply and reliability
2010 Water Resources Status Report Attachment 1
Page 6
reserve. The secondary supply is identified to meet peak water demand periods'or short-
term loss of City water supply sources.
Table 5: 2010 Water Supply Accounting
Total Primary Water Reliability Reserve SecoEIAF
ter
Supply
9,958 AF 7,887 AF 1;240 AF
III.WATER DEMAND MANAGEMENT
The City's Water Conservation Program is an integral part of its overall water
management strategy. The program has assisted in adding reliability to the water supply
system over the years. Since the mid 1980's, the City has implemented effective water
efficiency programs and policies that resulted in decreased overall demand despite
population growth. Even with a more diversified multi-source water supply, conservation
will continue to play an important role in the future as the City faces new water supply
challenges related to climate change and recently passed legislation (SBx7-7) which may
require the City to decrease per capita water consumption by the year 2020.
In 1991, the City was one of the original signatories to the Best Management Practices
(BMPs) as defined in the Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Urban Water
Conservation in California (MOU). This agreement is a voluntary collaborative effort by
California water agencies and environmental organizations. The BMPs are foundational
and programmatic conservation measures that MOU signatories agree to implement.
These measures include incentive programs, water audits, and public information
programs. Based on the BMP's, the City's Water Conservation Program is divided into
three primary components: financial incentives, technical assistance, and public
education.
Financial Incentives Summary
Financial incentives have been an important tool for the water conservation program
since 1990. For a number of years, toilet retrofitting was the focus of the incentive
program with the Toilet Rebate Program running from June 1990 through June 2007. The
High Efficiency Washing Machine Rebate Program was added to the financial incentive
program in 2001 and is still in place today. New irrigation equipment incentive pilot
programs were tested last summer/fall. The results of the program are discussed later in
this report.
2010 Water Resources Status Report Attachment.I
Page 7
High Efficiency Washing Machine Replacements
The High Efficiency Washing Machine Rebate Program was implemented in 2001 and
offers a $150 dollar rebate
Table 6: Washing Machine Rebates for qualifying machines. As
Year Rebate Savings in acre
indicated in Table 6
feet per year participation in the program
2001 45 .75 has been up and down. This
2002 131 2.2 past year had a record high
2003 31 .52 of 175 rebates. In 2005, a
2004 60 1 two tier rebate schedule of a
2005 87 1.5 $100 or $150 was
2006 47 78 implemented based on the
water savings of the machine
2007 76 1.2 purchased. In 2009 the
2008 147 2.26 rebate amount was set at
2009 175 2.70 $150 but was only rebated to
Total 723, 1.2.91 the top water saving
machines. It should be noted
that recent State legislation will mandate that only high efficiency washers will be
allowed to be sold after 2014. It is estimated that about 12.91 acre feet of water is saved
annually by these water efficient machines with energy savings as a side benefit.
Technical Assistance
Residential and Commercial Water Audits
The City offers technical assistance to water customers via free indoor and outdoor water
audits. The audits include indoor and outdoor leak Table 7: 2009 Water Audits
detection services, irrigation system evaluation,
landscape plant material information, and other ' ,Description' Number
information on how to use water efficiently. The Excessive Irrigation 370
requests for audits are typically received from people Toilet Leak 232
experiencing high water bills, residents participating
in the low income assistance program, or customers Irrigation Leak 120
requesting a utility bill adjustment through the Utility Service Line Leak 66
Billing Adjustment Committee.
The Water Audit Program has seen a lot of activity mainly due to staff following up on
high meter readings and mailing letters to customers using more than 25 units of water
per billing cycle in the summer and 20 units in the winter. In 2009, 1,658 letters were sent
to customers with high water use.
Water audits often reveal problems which are then corrected by the property owner
resulting in lower water use and reduced water bills. The most common problems
experienced by customers are summarized in Table 7. A total of 1,817 contacts were
made, either by letter, telephone, or direct contact during 2009.
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2010 Water Resources Status Report Attachment 1
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Water Budgets for Irrigation Accounts
There are 533 potable water and 25 recycled water accounts with dedicated landscape
meters (irrigation only) in the City. Since 2004, approximately 156 water budgets have
been developed for these accounts. A water budget is created by measuring the area of a
landscape by plant type (i.e. turf, shrub, etc.) and calculating the amount of water it
would need if efficiently irrigated. This is accomplished by using the City's GIS as a
mapping and measuring tool and software developed by Cal Poly to calculate the
landscape water needs.
When the actual water use on the account is greater than the calculated water
requirement, a letter is sent to the customer offering a landscape water audit free of
charge. An annual evaluation of these accounts is performed to track and monitor the
effectiveness of the program. It has been found to be effective. Water consumption for
these accounts in 2008 was 186,715 units. In 2009 these same accounts used 165,380
units, a water savings of 21,335 units or 16 million gallons.
Mixed Use Commercial Landscape Water Budgets
Mixed Use Commercial Landscape customers are defined as commercial properties with
a single water meter which measures both indoor and .outdoor water use. There are
approximately 200 accounts that meet this definition in the City. To date, 46 water
budgets have been developed for these customers. Establishing irrigation budgets for
these accounts is challenging since staff must estimate the indoor use for the facility in
order to calculate the outdoor water budget. Staff is in the process of systematically
evaluating each of these customers to determine the method and approach for providing
technical assistance to this group.
Public Information &Education
In an ongoing effort to educate the public, the City provides informational brochures on a
variety of water conservation, water quality, energy conservation, and recycling topics
upon request. Additionally, a quarterly newsletter is produced which focuses on current
information regarding water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste issues. The
newsletter is mailed to approximately 20,000 households. Additional information has
been distributed through paid media advertising, public service announcements, and
participation at Farmer's Market, home shows, etc. Currently this program is
emphasizing efficient irrigation practices and new irrigation technology.
In 1999, the Utilities Department implemented a water education program within San Luis
Coastal Unified School District. The program targets third through fifth grade students and
compliments the study of water within the School District's existing curriculum. Teachers
have been enthusiastic about the program, particularly with the field trip to the Water
Reclamation Facility.
During the 2009-2010 school year, five class presentations and six field trips were given
for schools within the City. The class presentations were 45 minutes and covered the
subjects of the water cycle, treatment, use, conservation, and reclamation. The classroom
presentation is a prerequisite for the field trip.
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2010 Water Resources Status Report Attachment 1
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A new water quality module focusing on storm water runoff and creek and ocean health
has been developed. This will add another option for teachers to select when looking for
water education activities. Seven water quality class presentations were given during this
school year.
Other Program Hizh[ights
Large Landscape"Smart" Irrigation Controllers
Smart irrigation controllers work on simple principles: provide the appropriate watering
schedule, adjust for weather changes, and irrigate based on the needs of the landscape.
There are a variety of weather-based "smart" controllers available for commercial
applications. In recent studies, smart controllers were able to avoid over-watering and
excessive run-off by scheduling the amount of irrigation based on the type of landscape
and current weather conditions. Statistics show that as much as 50 percent of commercial
water is used for irrigation. In many cases, by installing a smart controller, over-irrigation
and excessive run-off is avoided while enhancing the health and beauty of the landscape.
A pilot program to test the effectiveness of smart controllers in the City was implemented
in the fall of 2008. The target customers were commercial properties with larger
landscapes. To date, ten rebates have been issued. Follow-up monitoring of the sites
continues to evaluate the effectiveness of the controllers. Preliminary results indicate
marked improved irrigation efficiencies at these sites.
Future Water Conservation Programs
The City receives valuable information regarding water conservation program
development and implementation through its affiliation with the California Urban Water
Conservation Council (CUWCC). Most of the nation looks to California, and more
specifically, to the CUWCC and the Best Management Practices when developing water
efficiency programs. City staff uses the CUWCC information to determine if the
implementation of a new program will provide dependable water savings in a cost.
effective manner. As more information and studies are made available, staff will be
evaluating the results and make recommendations for future implementation.
Summary
The water saved through the City's water conservation programs has historically'been the
lowest cost option when looking at new sources of supply. The City has implemented
numerous programs over the years which have resulted in a dramatic decrease in per
capita water use. When evaluating the potential yield from a new conservation measure,
it is important to factor in the reliability of the program to achieve the estimated savings.
Staff will continue to monitor all City water conservation programs with this in mind.
Numerous studies statewide are currently underway which are evaluating new water
conservation technologies. Advancements in irrigation technology equipment and new
water efficient landscape standards are the next major sources of potential water savings.
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2010 Water Resources Status Report Attachment 1
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The strategy at this point is to continue to focus on proper irrigation scheduling and
upgrading poorly designed irrigation systems. As more information is available relative
to the effectiveness of new technology, it could be considered as a new program. Staff
will continue to monitor new water conservation technologies and bring them forward for
Council consideration when appropriate.
IV.PROJECTED WATER SUPPLY SITUATION
Reservoir Storage Curve
The Reservoir Storage Curve is integral to the City's annual water resource analysis. It is a
computer model used to estimate the City's future reservoir storage in Salinas and Whale
Rock Reservoirs, based on historical drought weather patterns, water use projections,
reservoir data, and available water supplies.from Nacimiento Reservoir, recycled water, and
limited groundwater. The model is used to forecast the City's water supply position and to
make certain water policy recommendations. Figure 5 is the Reservoir Storage Curve
assuming an additional 3,380 acre feet per year from Nacimiento beginning in 2011. The
model also assumes implementation of Stage I conservation when supplies are projected to
last only three years. Stages II and III conservation measures are implemented when water
supplies are estimated to last only two years and one year, respectively(as shown on Figure
5). The model was updated to reflect the City's current water storage and assumptions
relative to water demands and drought conditions.
The model predicts current water supplies will last into the year 2019(Figure 5).
V. SUMMARY
This past year's rainfall was above normal for the area. The City's surface water supplies
from Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs are in relatively good shape. Even with these
available supplies, the community must continue to utilize water in an efficient manner.
Water conservation will continue to be a crucial element of the City's water resources
planning in the future. With the multi-source water policy, the Nacimiento Project
construction nearing completion, planned expansion of users for recycled water, strong
water conservation programs, and other related policies which were adopted as part of the
Water and Wastewater Management Element, the City has implemented a long-term
strategy which will insure a reliable supply of water to meet the current and future needs of
the community.
Attachments:
1. Definitions & Information
2. Figures 1-5
C C
Definitions & Information
Safe Annual Yield:
The maximum quantity of water which can be delivered from the water source each year
during a critical dry period(i.e.historical drought period).
Minimum Pool:
Minimum amount of water in Whale Rock or Salinas Reservoirs below which water
deliveries must be stopped. This amount is established at 2,000 acre feet which is left in the
reservoirs to support aquatic habitat and other wildlife.
Acre Foot:
* 1 acre foot=325,851 gallons
* Enough water to cover a football field with 1 foot of water
* Enough water to serve approximately 3.5 average single family homes (in San Luis
Obispo)per year
Gallons per Capita per Day(gped):
Calculation=Total Acre Feet x 325.851
City Population x 365
Present Water Demand(acre feet per year):
Calculation= 145 gpcd x Current City Population x 365
325,851
Salinas Reservoir:
Maximum Storage Capacity=23,842.9 acre feet
Minimum Pool=storage amount when water extractions must cease=2,000 acre feet
Surface Area=730 acres
Drainage Area= 112 square miles=71,700 acres
Whale Rock Reservoir:
Maximum Storage Capacity=40,662 acre feet
Minimum Pool=storage amount when water extractions must cease=2,000 acre feet
Surface Area=594 acres
Drainage Area=20.3 square miles= 13,000 acres
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