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CITY OF SAN LUIS O B I S P O
FROM: Carne Mattingly, Utilities Director
Prepared By: Gary W. Henderson,Water Division Manager
Ron Munds, Utilities Conservation Manager
SUBJECT: 2009 WATER RESOURCES STATUS REPORT
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the City's 2009 Water Resources Status Report.
DISCUSSION
City staff have been providing an annual report relative to the City's water resources since 1985.
The initial reports were titled "Operational Plans" and were later renamed"Water Resources Status
Reports". Last year marked a milestone when the report identified, for the first time in over twenty
years, that the City of San Luis Obispo had sufficient water supplies to meet its General Plan build-
out water demands. It is also important to note this year that many agencies throughout the State are
facing water rationing and other problems relative to the shortage of water supplies. With the
Nacimiento Project under construction and the City's multiple water supply sources, the City has
taken decisive steps to well position itself to meet the community's water needs into the future.
The purpose of the annual Water Resources Status Report (WRSR) is to provide an overview of
various aspects of the City's water resources.The attached report discusses five major topics:
1. Existing Water Supply Status
2. Multi-Source Water Supply Projects
3. Water Conservation Program
4. Water Supply Summary
5. Projected Water Supply Situation
The heading for item 4 above has been revised from past reports (Water Supply Strategy to Meet
Future Needs) to reflect the fact that the City has currently met the City's future water supply needs
based on water available from the Nacimiento Pipeline Project, the Water Reuse Project, and the
ongoing water conservation programs. The following is a summary of the information contained in
the attached 2009 Water Resources Status Report.
Report Summar
This past year's (2008-09) rainfall amounts were just over half of normal amounts. Considering that
last year's rainfall was well below average, the City's water resources are in relatively good shape
with supplies projected to last under drought conditions to at least 2018. The City is continuing to
make progress on new water resources with ongoing implementation of the Water Reuse Project
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Council.Agenda Report—2009 Water Resources Status Report Page 2
and its ongoing conservation programs. In addition, the Nacimiento Pipeline Project is currently
under construction with water deliveries anticipated to begin in late 2010.
While the current water supply situation is favorable, the City will continue its efforts relative to
implementation and expansion of the water conservation programs. Water conservation has proven
to be cost effective and even with new water supplies from Nacimiento, it is important to utilize
available resources efficiently. The 2009 Water Resources Status Report 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 68% and 61% of total
storage capacity respectively as of May 13, 2009. The City's total water use for 2008 was 6,375
acre feet (af) compared to 6,488 of in 2007. The City's per capita water use was lower in 2008 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 2008 use was 128 gallons per capita per day (gpcd), a decrease from 2007 use of 130
gpcd. The higher per capita use rate in 2007 was likely the result of customers turning irrigation
systems on earlier than normal in February and March of that year due to limited rainfall.
Water Available for Development
The policies in the Water Management Element of the General Plan determine the water available
for new development. Table 1 below identifies the water available for development. The figures in
Table 1 include the additional water resources which were added in previous years from the Water
Reuse Project (130 af) and the expanded water conservation program (120 af). In addition, the
water available from the Nacimiento Project is included in the safe annual yield amount based on
adopted policies in the Water Management Element of the General Plan. With the Nacimiento
water supply, the City now has sufficient water to meet community needs at full build-out as
identified in the General Plan.
Table 1: Water Available for Development
Water
Year Population Present Water Safe Annual Water Available
Demand Yield i for Allocation
@_145.- ed
2009 44,750 7,268 a.f., 11,080 a.f. _ 1,828 af.'
I From Water Management Element,Table 1: includes reductions due to siltation to date
2 Includes additional water from Water Reuse (130 af), expanded conservation programs (120 af), and the Nacimiento
Pipeline Project(3,380 af).
3 Additional water needed to serve build-out population of 56,000.
Multi-Source Water Supply Projects
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 Water
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Council Agenda Report—2009 Water Resources Status Report Page 3
Reuse Project, ongoing water conservation programs, 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.
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 system. The following sites have been
connected to the recycled water system: Laguna Middle School, Laguna Hills Park, French Park,
and Laguna Lake Park. For 2008, 106 acre feet of recycled water was used throughout the City.
With additional sites that were recently connected to the system, it is anticipated that
approximately 150 acre feet will be used in 2009.
The Nacimiento Project is currently under construction and is approximately 70% 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 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,
conservation 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 would
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. Figure 5 in the Water Resources Status Report is the model
assuming no additional water from Nacimiento and Figure 5a reflects the assumption of 3,380 acre
feet per year from Nacimiento beginning by late 2010. The model predicts current water supplies
will last until November 2013 (Figure 5) without Nacimiento supplies and into 2018 with
additional water from Nacimiento. In accordance with the City's water Shortage Contingency Plan,
if drought conditions continued this next year and Nacimiento water was not available the City
would have to implement Stage I conservation measures.
Water Management Element Update
The policies contained in the Water Management Element of the General Plan were developed at a
time of water scarcity for the City. It is now appropriate to reconsider some of these policies based
on the current water resource situation.
City staff has initiated the first steps in the process to identify the policies in the Water Management
Element that may need revision based on the current water resources situation. Staff will solicit
public input during the revision process and conduct public hearings before the Planning
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Council Agenda Report—2009 Water Resources Status Report Page 4
Commission and the City Council with any recommended changes to the Water Management
Element.
FISCAL IMPACT
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
2009 Water Resources Status Report
C67 7�
Attachment
City ofSan Luis Obispo
2009 Water- Resources
Status Report
July 2009
Prepared by: Gary Henderson, Water Division Manager
Ron Munds, Utilities Conservation Manager
Attachment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
L EXISTING WATER SUPPLY STATUS...................................................................1
CurrentStatus.............................................................................................................».....»..»»1
Water Consumption.................:...........:..........:.......................................................................»3
Water Available for Development...............................::...........................................................4
IL MULTI-SOURCE WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS...............................................5
WaterReuse Project.».....»....»............».....»....»........»...»...»..».»....»....»....»...........»......»....5
NacimientoPipeline Project».......».».»..»....».....».»»»._»...........:.»»».........».»......».»..»....6
IIL WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM...............................................................6
TechnicalAssistance..........................................................................»..........................»..........8
Public Information&Education.....................................................................»..................»...9
OtherProgram Highlights»....»....»..........»..»........»................................................................9
FutureWater Conservation Programs.....»...._.....»....»......».».......»....».....»......................10
IV. WATER SUPPLY SUMMARY............................................................................11
V. PROJECTED WATER SUPPLY SITUATION......................................................12
ReservoirStorage Curve...»....».................»...»»..».»..»....»..»...._..........»..»»..»................12
VI. SUMMARY...........................................................................................................13
Attachment
City of San Luis Obispo
2009 Water Resources Status Report
The annual Water Resources Status Report for the City of San Luis Obispo is prepared by
the Utilities Department to provide the City Council and interested members of the
community with an update on the status of existing water resources as well as water
supply projects being implemented to meet the community's future needs. The report
covers five main areas:
1. Existing Water Supply Status
'2. Multi-Source Water Supply Projects
3. Water Conservation Programs
4. Water Supply Summary
5. Projected Water Supply Situation
The report provides an opportunity to evaluate the existing water supply situation for the
City, identify the amount of water currently available to serve new development, and
discuss issues relative to existing polices and water projects and programs being pursued.
I. EXISTING WATER SUPPLY STATUS
The City of San Luis Obispo currently utilizes five sources of water supply to meet the
community's water demand: Salinas Reservoir(also referred to as Santa Margarita Lake),
Whale Rock Reservoir, groundwater, recycled water from the City's Water Reclamation
Facility, and water conservation. The adopted safe annual yield from Salinas and Whale
Rock Reservoirs and groundwater resources for 2009 is 7,450 acre feet (af). This number
takes into consideration estimated reductions to the safe annual yield attributed to
siltation at both reservoirs. The City's Water Reuse program yields 130 of of recycled
water and 120 of is derived from water conservation efforts.
The Water and Wastewater Element of the General Plan states: "Allocations from a new
water supply project shall be considered available at the time project construction is
initiated." (Chapter 8, Policy 1.13.2.A). The Nacimiento Water Pipeline Project is
currently under construction therefore an additional 3,380 of per year of water from this
water supply should now be added to the water available for new development.
The total safe annual yield for 2009 from all water supply sources is 11,080 af. Actual
water use for 2008 was 6,375 af. This is about 1.7% (113 af) less than the 6,488 of used
in 2007.
Current Status
For the 2008-09 rainfall year (July 1, 2008 — June 1, 2009), rainfall for the City of San
Luis Obispo was below normal as reflected in Table 1. The rainfall amounts in the City
of San Luis Obispo and at the two reservoirs were just over half the average rainfall
2009 Water Resources Status Report Attachment
Page 2
amounts. As of May 13, 2009, Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs were at 67.6% and
60.8% of total capacity respectively.
For the 2008 calendar Table 1: Area Rainfall
year, the water
Location 2008/09 Average % of
A
demand for the City I g _A
was provided from vera e
of San Luis Obispo City of SLO—Reservoir 11.93" 22.4" 53%
w #1
the five sources 2. Whale Rock Reservoir 11.25" 19.7" 57%
shown in Table 2. Salinas Reservoir 12.16" 21.4" 57%
The total water
demand for all City 1. Rainfall through June 1,2009
uses in 2008 was 6,375 of which was.approximately 1.7% lower than the total water use
for 2007.
The total amount of City water use shown in Table 2 does not include domestic water
delivered to Cal Poly University. This use is separately accounted for from the
University's available water supply from Whale Rock Reservoir.
As of May 1, 2009, the City's available water storage in Salinas Reservoir (above
minimum pool) was 14,408 acre feet. The City's share of the Whale Rock storage (above
minimum pool) was 9,955 acre feet. The combined total water storage available to meet
City water needs was 24,363 acre feet. This equates to 56% of maximum available
storage if the reservoirs were full.
Table 2: Water Supply Sources
Salinas Whale Rock Groundwater Rec cled Total Water Used
2,680 of 3,502 of 87 of 106 of 6,375 of 11
Based on the available water storage in both reservoirs, estimated groundwater
production, Nacimiento water deliveries beginning by end of 2010, and assuming the
return of drought conditions as experienced during the late 1980s, the City has
approximately 8 years of water supply. This information is based on data derived from
the City's computerized reservoir storage model and is shown in Figure 5a (Figures are at
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 only three years. The various stages of conservation are indicated in Figure 5 & 5a
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.
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2009 Water Resources Status Report Attachment
Page 3
Water Consumption
As noted previously, the Table 3: Population Estimates,Water Use & Rainfall
total City water use for
2008 was approximately Year Population Total Per Rainfall
1.7% lower than the use Water Use Capita (inches)
for 2007. Table 3 shows — (acre feet) _. . _( cd)
the population estimates 2000 44,174 6,121 124 24.97
from 2000 through 2008 2001 44,218 5,886 119 24.53
as well as the total City 2002 44,333 6,032 121 15.94
water use and 2003 '44,225 5,968 120 22.91
corresponding per capita 2004 44,163 6,239 126 16.08
use rate. Based on the 2005 44,619 6,098 122 40.09
policies contained in the 2006 44,326 5,999 121 30.35
Water Management 2007 44,489 6,488 130 10.28
Element of the General 12008 1 44,521 1 6,375 128 19.92
Plan, the City has 1. Rainfall amounts for July through June from Cal Poly weather station I
adopted a per capita 2. Rainfall amount from County rain gage at City's Reservoir#1
water use rate of 145 gallons per person per day (gpcd) for projecting future water supply
needs and determining the availability of water for new development. The 145 gpcd
figure is not the amount that the average person uses but is a planning figure and takes
into account all water uses including residential, commercial, industrial, landscape, etc.
Chart 1 shows the water use between different customer classes for 2008 is consistent
with previous years(landscape irrigation is only that use specific to dedicated landscape
meters). The City-wide water use is monitored to insure the City does not exceed its
available water resources and verifies that actual water use remains below the adopted
planning figure of 145 gpcd.
While the per capita water
Chart 1:Water Use by Category use increased following the
Landscape end of the 1986-91 drought
Irrigation Single and the end of mandatory
11% Family conservation measures in
Residential 1992, the use rate has
Non- 41
RGILDesidential stabilized as shown in Table
30% 3. The 2008 per capita water
Milt-family
Residential use was approximately 128
18% gpcd, which was a decrease
from the 2007 use of 130
gpcd. There are a number of factors that can affect the per capita use rate including:
population estimates provided by the State and timing and amount of rainfall received
each year.
2009 Water Resources Status Report Attachment
Page 4
Water Available for Development
The policies in the Water Management Element (Chapter 8) of the General Plan provides
direction on how the City allocates water for new development. Section 1.13.2.A. states
"The City will determine the water available for allocation to new development by either
the adopted safe annual yield of the City's water supplies minus present demand as
identified in Policy 3.1.4, or the projected demand at build-out as identified in Policy
3.1.3 minus present demand as identified in Policy 3.1.4; whichever is less. Available
allocations will be assigned to development in a way that supports balanced growth,
consistent with the General Plan."
General Plan Policies
With the City's available water
supplies, the amount of water available 3.1.3 Overall Projected Demand. Applying 145
for allocation is based on the projected gallons per person per day to a projected City
demand at build-out minus the present resident population of about 56,000 at General
Plan build-out results in a projected water demand
demand. Policy 3.1.4 and related of 9,096 acre-feet per year(excluding demand from
policies define present water use as the the Cal Poly campus, which has separate
current population times the adopted entitlements).
per capita water use rate (145 gallons
per capita per day). Based on these 3.1.4 Present Demand. Present water demand
policies, Table 4 indicates the water shall be calculated by multiplying the water use
available to allocate to new identified in Policy 3.1.2 by the current city
development in 2009. The population population(as determined by the California
figures are provided by the California Department of Finance, Population Research
Department of Finance. The estimates Unit).
provided recently adjusted the
population estimate for 2008 from 44,697 to 44,521. This 2008 estimate of 44,750
represents an approximate 0.5% population increase from 2007.
Table 4: Water Available for Development
Year Population Present Water Safe:Annual Water Available
Demand Yield' for Allocation
@ 145 gpcd based on General
Pian
2009 44,750 7,268 of 11,080 of 1,828 of
1. From Water Management Element,Table l:includes reductions due to siltation to date. Includes the increase in safe
annual yield from the Water Reuse Project (130 afy) , the expanded conservation programs (120 afy) and the
Nacimiento Project(3380 afy).
2. Additional water needed to serve build-out population of 56,000(demand at build-out minus present demand or 9.096
—7,268=1,828).
Per Water Management Element Policy 8.1.3, one-half of the water available for allocation
will be reserved to serve intensification and infill development within City limits existing as
of July 1994. With the participation in the Nacimiento Project, the City now has sufficient
water to meet the build-out population that is identified in the City's General Plan.
2009 Water Resources Status Report Attachment
Page 5
Therefore, the policy for reserving water for infill projects may no longer be needed. Staff
will be recommending several revisions to the Water Management Element this year based
on the significant positive changes in the City's available water resources.
II. MULTI-SOURCE WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS
Water Management Element Policy 1.11.1 identifies the strategy of developing multiple
sources of water supply as a basis for strengthening the security and reliability of the
water resources to meet the City's needs. The policy states that "The City shall continue to
develop and use water resource projects to maintain multi-source water supplies, and in this
manner, reduce reliance on any one source of water supply, to provide for peak operating
demands in the event one of the City's major water supply sources is unavailable, and to
increase its supply options in future droughts or other water supply emergencies." Much like
financial planning strategies, a diversified "portfolio" of water supplies will protect
against future uncertainties of any one water source.
The City is currently under construction or expanding use of the following supplemental
water supply projects: Water Reuse Project and the Nacimiento Pipeline Project..
Additional groundwater resources, potential desalination facility, and the Salinas
Reservoir Expansion Project are additional options that are not currently being pursued.
The following is a brief status report on the projects currently being implemented to meet
the City's future water needs.
Water Reuse Proiect
The construction of the Water Reuse Project was completed in 2006 and the first recycled
water deliveries began in May of 2006. The first user site for recycled water was the new
landscaped median islands along Los Osos Valley Road. Since that time, additional sites
have been added including the Damon-Garcia Sportsfields, Calle Joaquin street
landscaping, Laguna Lake Golf Course, Laguna Village shopping center, the Courtyard
by Marriot, Costco, and Irish Hills Plaza. This past year the following sites were
connected or are currently being connected to the recycled water system: Laguna Middle
School, Laguna Hills Park,French Park, Islay Park, and Laguna Lake Park
It was anticipated that approximately 130 acre feet of recycled water would be used in
2008 and it was included as additional water supplies last year as noted in the "Water
Available for Development" section of this .report. Due to delays in user site
modifications and other constraints, only 106 acre feet of recycled water was used during
2008. It is anticipated that with the additional user sites currently under construction to
utilize recycled water, that approximately 150 acre feet should be delivered by the
recycled water system in 2009. It is projected that an additional 10 acre feet will be
delivered each year thereafter as additional user sites are added to the system.
2009 Water Resources Status Report Attachment
Page 6
Nacimiento Pipeline Proiect
On June 29, 2004, the City Council authorized participation in the Nacimiento Pipeline
Project for a total of 3,380 acre feet. The project was broken into five bid packages and
bids were received during July and August of 2007. Table 5 below shows the original bid
estimates and the actual bids received for the construction work. With the relatively good
bidding climate at that time, the project construction bids were about $15 million lower
than the engineer's estimate.
Table 5: Nacimiento.Project Construction Costs(in millions)
Construction-Co,ntract Engineer's Estimate Actual Construction
Bid
#1 —Intake Facilities $13.1 $20.8
#2—Tanks & Pump Stations $30.8 $25.6
#3 —Pipeline North $49.8 $38.4
#4—Pipeline Central $27.1 $22.7
#5—Pipeline South $18.2 $16.3
TOTAL. _. $139.0 - — $123.8
Construction on all five project packages are currently underway. The overall project is
approximately 70% complete with final completion of the construction estimated for late
summer of 2010. Following startup and testing of the water delivery facilities, the project
schedule anticipates water deliveries beginning by the end of 2010.
III.WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM
The Water Conservation Program is an integral part of the City's overall water
management strategy and has added reliability to the water supply system over the years.
Since the mid 1980's, the City has implemented water efficiency programs and policies
that have enabled the City to decrease overall demand while the population continues to
grow. The importance of the program for the last 20 years should not be understated.
During this period, the City was able to sustain its economic development and support its
growth objectives. Even with the greatly improved water supply picture with the addition
of the Nacimiento Project, conservation will continue to play an important role in the
future as the City faces new water supply challenges such as the unknown effect of
climate change on weather patterns and the subsequent impacts on the City's water
supply and pending legislation being considered by the Governor and legislature.
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.
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2009 Water Resources Status Report Attachment
Page 7
These measures include water audits, incentive programs, 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.
Following is a detailed analysis of these components:
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
the report.
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
9�.75
indicated in Table 6,
Year Rebate . Savin
feet perparticipation in the program
2001 45 has been up and down. This
2002 131 past year had a record high
2003 31 . of 147 rebates. In 2005, a
2004 31 1 two tier rebate schedule of a
5 87 1.5 $100 or $150 was
2005
47 .5 implemented based on the
2007 76 1.2 Fater savings of the machine
purchased. Staff continues to
2008 147 2.26 market the program to the
Total 548 10.21 local appliance dealers and
is hopeful that participation
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2009 Water Resources Status Report - Attachment
Page 8
will increase. It is estimated that about 10.21 acre feet of water is saved annually by these
water efficient machines with considerable energy savings as a side benefit.
Technical Assistance
Residential and Commercial Water Audits
Utilities Conservation staff offer technical assistance to water customers via free indoor
and outdoor water audits. The audits include indoor Table 7. 2008 Water Audits
and outdoor leak detection services, irrigation system
evaluation, landscape plant material information and Description Number
other information on how to use water efficiently. The Toilet Leak 181
requests for audits are typically received from people
experiencing high water bills, residents participating Excessive Irrigation 305
in the low income assistance program, or customers Irrigation Leak 147
requesting a utility bill adjustment through the Utility Service Line Leak 46
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 2008, 892 letters were sent
to customers with high water use.
The Water Audit Program often reveal problems which are then corrected by the property
owner and results in lower water use and reduced water bills. The most common
problems experienced by customers are summarized in Table 7. A total of 1,955 contacts
were made, either by letter, telephone or direct contact during 2008.
Water Budgets for Irrigation Accounts
There are 448 potable water and 12 recycled water accounts with dedicated landscape
meters (irrigation only) in the City. Since 2004, approximately 154 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. In 2008, 3 budgets were sent to high use irrigation customers. An annual
evaluation of these accounts is performed to track and monitor the effectiveness of the
program. It has been found to be effective.
2009 Water Resources Status Report Attachment
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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 on efficient resource utilization, Utilities
Conservation staff provides informational brochures on a variety of water, 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 and 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
Obispo Coastal Unified School District. The program targets third through fifth grades and
compliments the study of water within the school district's existing curticulurn. Teachers
have been enthusiastic about the program, particularly with the field trip to the Water
Reclamation Facility.
During the 2008-2009 school year, 15 class presentations and 14 field trips were given for
schools within the City. The class presentations were 45 minutes and covered the subjects
of all things water: the water cycle, treatment, use, conservation, and reclamation. The
classroom presentation is a prerequisite for the field trip.
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. Ten water quality class presentations were given this school
year.
Other Program Hirhlizhts
Residential Irrigation Pilot Program
Conservation staff conducted a pilot program during the summer of 2007 to test the
efficiency of rotary nozzles. Rotary nozzles are the latest innovation ,in sprinkler
technology. These nozzles shoot multi-trajectory, rotating streams that apply water more
slowly and uniformly than conventional sprays and rotors, especially when.adjusted for
2009 Water Resources Status Report Attachment
Page 10
specific site conditions. Though the technology worked in many situations, it was
determined that the nozzles did not yield the water savings anticipated at the start of the
pilot program.
In 2008, the Conservation staff tested another irrigation equipment replacement program
that evaluated sites on a case by case basis and suggests equipment change outs, such as
replacing an irrigation controller or converting a landscape area to drip, and then offering
rebates based on the equipment installed by the homeowner. Upon review of this phase of
the program, there was insufficient data to support a more extensive program citywide.
The plan for 2009-10 is to continue the site irrigation audits and gather more information
and experience in order to make a decision on the future program direction. This will also
involve analyzing research information from studies being conducted statewide and
determining if the results can be applied to landscapes and irrigation systems within the
City.
Large Landscape "Smart"Irrigation Controllers
Smart Controllers for irrigation work on a simple principle: 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% 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 spring of 2008. The target customers are Homeowner Associations
and commercial properties with large landscapes. Many of the controllers were.installed
late in the 2008 irrigation season so staff will be evaluating performance this summer.
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 BMP's 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. The CUWCC
compiles a list of potential BMPs for evaluation and future implementation. The
measures being evaluated at this time are:
1. New development requirements for indoor and outdoor water efficiency ` /
-1
2009 Water Resources Status Report J Attachment
Page 11
2. Turf replacement
3. High efficiency toilets (1.28 gallons per flush)
As more information and studies are made available, staff will be evaluating the results
and make recommendations for implementation in the future.
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 thexeliability 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 appear to
be the next major source of potential water savings.
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
where appropriate.
IV.WATER SUPPLY SUMMARY
With the construction of the Nacimiento Project well underway (approximately 70%
complete) and the continuing expansion of customers utilizing recycled water, the City
has adequate water supplies to meet the General Plan goals. Based on the General Plan
build-out population of
56,000 and the per capita Table 8: Primary Water Supply Requirements cam feet)
water use rate of 145 gpcd, Safe Annual Yield Required at Build-out 9,096
the projected demand at Current Safe Annual Yield (2008) 11,090
full build-out is 9,096 acre Additional Safe Annual Yield Required 0
feet per year (afy). Table 8
shows the primary water supply requirements based on the adopted policies to meet
General Plan build-out. With the additionalwater available from the Nacimiento Project,
no additional water supplies are needed to meet the General Plan build-out. The Water
Management Element policies identify that any water available above that needed to
serve build-out will be for secondary water needs (future siltation, loss of a supply
source, etc.) and will not be made available to serve new development above adopted
General Plan build-out.
2009 Water Resources Status Report Attachment:
Page 12
The Water Reuse Project was completed in May of 2006 and recycled water deliveries
began shortly thereafter. This past year, approximately 106 acre feet of recycled water
was used for irrigation purposes. It is anticipated that approximately 150 acre feet will be
used to offset potable demand in 2009. Additional yield will be developed from the reuse
project as development occurs in the southern portion of the City or as other existing
customers are added to the system. In addition, the Water Reuse Master Plan has
identified opportunities to systematically expand the use of recycled water.
The Nacimiento Project has required significant City staff involvement over the past
several years to move the project forward. With the Nacimiento Project under
construction, City staff resources and involvement have been reduced somewhat. The
primary areas of focus for staff in the next several years will be: Nacimiento Commission
meetings, oversight of construction issues and related costs, startup testing and initial
water deliveries to the City's water treatment plant and other project issues. The City will
continue to dedicate the staff resources necessary to complete this important water supply
project.
The third area of focus will be to continue to improve our conservation efforts. Efficient
use of water resources extends the availability of the City's water supplies and has proven
to be cost effective. As part of the 2003-05 Financial Plan, Council endorsed an expanded
water conservation program to achieve long-term water reductions. Efforts to-date
indicate an additional 120 of of water savings have been achieved through the expanded
water conservation programs. In addition, as new technology or information becomes
available in the future, the City needs to continue to evaluate the potential for
conservation strategies to reduce its demand for, and efficient use of, water.
With the successful completion of the Nacimiento Pipeline Project, expansion of the
Water Reuse Project, and continued efforts associated with improving water efficiency
within the City, the City of San Luis Obispo will be able to meet the City's primary and
secondary water needs as identified in the General Plan and related Elements.
V. 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 groundwater supplies. 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 no additional water from Nacimiento and Figure 5a
reflects the assumption of 3,380 acre feet per year from Nacimiento beginning in 2011. The
models 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
2009 Water Resources Status Report Attachment
Page 13
supplies are estimated to last only 2 years and 1 year, respectively (as shown on Figure 5 &
5a). The model has been updated to reflect the City's current water storage and the policies
contained in the Water Management Element of the General Plan.
The model predicts current water supplies will last until November 2013 (Figure 5) without
Nacimiento supplies and into 2018 with water from Nacimiento.
VI. SUMMARY
This past year's rainfall was below average for the area. Still, the City's surface water
supplies from Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs are in relatively good shape. Even with
these available supplies, the City needs to continue to utilize water in an efficient manner. It
is evident that 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, strong water conservation programs, and other related
policies which were adopted as part of the Water 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 1-6
-� ATTACHMENT
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).
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(gpcd):
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=40662 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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