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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/17/1990, 1 - WATER RESERVOIR STATUS AND MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION ADJUSTMENTS MEETING DATE: a�Ili City Of can LUIS OBISPO ,TEApril 17 M NUMBER: 1 WRIGn COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT FROM William T. Hetland Utilities Director PREPARED BY Allen Short Marie Rowland Ron Munds Water Div. Manager Adm. Analyst Conservation Coord. SUBJECT Water Reservoir Status and Mandatory Water Conservation Adjustments RECOMMENDATION By motion, receive reservoir status and proposed 1990 Water Conservation Program reports and direct staff to make changes in the Mandatory Water Conservation Program to include: 1. Develop a 35% Mandatory Water Conservation Program for implementation by June 1, 1990 2. Reduce the residential lifeline to 16 units and the ceiling to 30 units of water per billing cycle 3. Eliminate the seasonal adjustment 4. Establish an alternative residential allocation method based on the City average of 16 units plus 2.0 units for each person over three in a household 5. Increase Commercial conservation to 20% overall with a variation in ranges for different categories 6. Establish an alternative commercial allocation method based on unit water use amounts 7. Review the 1990 Water conservation Program and the Phase III Groundwater Program and provide direction as necessary. REPORT-IN-BRIEF The Total Reservoir Storage Curve show that the City's supply of water will reach the severe action level around November of this year and based on City policy, this mandates implementation of a 35% water conservation program. As there are only two additional winters in which to recover from the drought, it is almost certain that the reservoir storage will reach the severe level this fall. Therefore,staff recommends Council adopts a modified 35% mandatory conservation program immediately. To increase the equity of the existing program, staff recommends reduction of the lifeline to 16 units and the ceiling to 30 units per billing cycle. An alternative method for determining the allocation for both residential and commercial accounts is proposed. Residential accounts would be based on the City average usage of 16 units plus 2.0 units per person for each person over three in a household. Commercial accounts would be based on unit water use factors for each type of business. The I990 Water Conservation program will include an increased public relations program, Water Awareness Week,Select-a-Flush and Toilet rebate program,and water waste program. In addition, policy changes in deferral of landscape planting and retro-fitting of homes at time of sale are proposed. Since groundwater is a critical element, staff is evaluating three options for pumping additional groundwater into the system, for adding more wells to the system and for treatment and analysis of the groundwater basin yield. This overall program will have fiscal impacts on the City's water rates which will be covered on the April 24, 1990 study session. RECEIVED APR i 1 I"o ►►illilpppi� 111 city of san hAss owpo MINGs COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Reservoir Status and Mandatory Water Conservation Adjustments Page 2 DISCUSSION RESERVOIR STATUS The water management policy is founded on the reservoir storage curve and action levels. The curve has changed since it was last presented to Council. The modifications were to correct a computing error with evaporation and to include up to date reservoir storage and well production figures. FIGURE I PROJECTED TOTAL RESERVOIR STORAGE AS OF MARCH 1990 TOTAL STORAGE MARCH, 1990 35% CONSERVATION; 50% AFTER 8/91 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 o°o 12 0 N m 11 \0000 . To C10 3 9 Severe (35%)0 °0° U B o o 7 Critical (53) 00 00 6 0o 5 p ° 0 4 Minimum Pool °0 3 2 1 D 1999 A J 0 1990 A J 0 1991 A J 0 1992 A J 0 1993 PROJECTION WITH 2,400 AF WELLS p ACTUAL ADJUSTED 0 ORIGINAL I The Total Reservoir Storage curve shows the original projected curve as diamonds. This curve shows the increase in storage during February and March of each year due to winter rains. The adjusted ,.a;. ��������►uiIIIIIIGII����lll► MY Of Safi LUIS OBISPO NNIZO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Reservoir Status and Mandatory Water Conservation Adjustments \ Page 3 curve is shown by the solid line. It considers the minimal runoff into the reservoir experienced this year. It shows the increase in storage during the winter months from runoff has not occurred, as originally projected. Staff had advised Council the February and March runoff were critical for determining the City's water supply for this year. Since there was no significant runoff into the reservoirs, the storage levels will reach the severe levels sooner, triggering the imposition of 35% conservation. Based on the adjusted curve, staff now projects that the Severe Action Level will occur around November of this year. If another winter like this past one were to occur next year, then the City would enter the critical action level and 50%conservation sometime in the summer of 1991. FIGURE 2 ACTION LEVELS FOR APRIL, 1990 Action Definition Storage (AF) Entering Exiting Action Levels Action Levels MAX STORAGE Total City's storage in both Salinas and Whale Rock 45,630 Reservoirs MINOR 3.0 years of supply less annual well capacity plus minimum pool 20,100 239100 (5% conservation) MODERATE 2.5 years of supply less annual well capacity plus minimum pool 16,200 189900 (15% conservation) SERIOUS 2.0 years of supply less annual well capacity plus minimum pool 129000 14,200 (25% conservation) SEVERE 1.5 years of supply less annual well capacity plus minimum pool 8,600 10,400 (35% conservation) CRITICAL 1.0 years of supply less annual well capacity plus minimum pool 6,000 7,400 (50% conservation) The Action Levels(Figure 2)have also been adjusted to consider the current well production figures. Figure 3 shows that the well production for March.has increased to 192 acre feet. This translates into the City being able to produce and distribute over 2,400 AFY of well water due primarily to the increased consumption over the year. Since well production is a key factor in establishing the Action Levels, the 2,400 AFY results in lowering the Action Levels. The Severe Level is now at 8600 AF of total storage while the Critical Level is reduced to 6,000 AF. The reservoir storage curve and the action levels are guides for the Council to use in carrying out the City's water management policy. Developed using conservative assumptions,a range of outcomes ^���i ' 41fIlIIlp ���ll city of san ltAis osispo COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT eservoir Status and Manclatory Water Conservation AcIjustmentS Page 4 FIGURE 3 GROUNDWATER PRODUCTION TO DATE ACRE FEET 250 200 -- 150 — - 100 — 50 i 0 APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV GEC JAN FEB MAR 1989 MONTH & YEAR 1990 Series A ® Series 8 Seriee C ® Series D FIRE SMION 04 PAC BEACH 01 DALIDi a FIRING RANGE Series E Series F AUTO PARKWAY TOTAL PROD FIGURE 4 WATER USE COMPARISON PERCE TME 0 -20 ........... ....................................... . -30 :. : ........... : :. : . ... :: ......: ...... . .............................. -50 -1 -2 -3 -4 -1 -2-3 -4 -1 -2 -3 -4 -1 -2 -3 -4 -1 -2 =3 -4 -1 -2 -3 -4 JAN MONTH & WEEX JUNE PERCENTIM DIFFERENCE M Serlee A 8erlee B ACCUMULATIVE AYERASE SAME TIME FRAME */ERASES COMPARED YR-YR SINCE APRIL 1086 is possible, and therefore, it is important to focus on the trends than the specific numbers. 15110111114111 p 1111 city Of San-LUi s OBI SPO Nis COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT eservoir Status and ManCatory Water Conservation Adjustments Page 5 .The City's reservoir storage is based on a six year dry cycle. The City has completed the fourth year of the drought with 2 additional years left. Statistically an argument can be made that the City will receive adequate rainfall and runoff to pull us out of this drought. The fact remains there are only two winters left to help reach that end point. In projecting the Reservoir Storage Curve, the most difficult portion to model is the winter season with its rainfall and runoff. The balance of the model, the dry season, is more straight forward and therefore more reliable. As a result, staff is very confident in predicting that the reservoir storage will enter the severe action level this fall. Therefore, the most conservative approach is to start the 35% conservation level immediately to receive the benefit of conserving during the traditionally high water use summer months. MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION ADJUSTMENTS Conservation Experience to Date The City has been under a 20% mandatory water conservation program since April 1989. The response to the program has been excellent. Figure 4 shows the weekly percent savings compared to the 1987 water used. Since the program began in April, 1988, the overall conservation has been 33.3% for all categories of users. Table 1 is a breakdown of water TABLE 1 CONSERVATION LEVELS conservation by the different categories of users. This shows that r some categories have done very well Percent Reduction From 1987 TO 1989 in meeting their conservation goals while other have not. RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPING Single Family 37.6% Condominiums 53.8% Condos 3.9% County Govt. 32.8% Revisions to Current Mandatory Duplexes 30.9% State Govt. 79.6% Water Conservation Program Apartments 49.3% Mobile Home Parks 25.2% Equity is the key issue with which COMMERCIAL OTHER the City has been concerned since Hotel/Motel 7.0% Churches 38.0% the beginning of the mandatory General Commercial 22.1% schools 52.0% water conservation program. The Restaurant/Bakery 2.6% City Govt. 52.5% Laundry/Car Wash 29.9% County Govt. 32.8% current program has been amended Industrial/Mfg. 37.9% other Govt. 47.0% and alternate methodologies Landscape/Nursery/Ag 6.9% discussed to correct perceived inequities. Staff is therefore recommending some additional changes to improve the program. Residential Accounts Staff recommends the following changes. a. Establish a ceiling of 30 units and a new lifeline of 16 units. b. Eliminate the seasonal adjustment. c. Provide an alternative method of determining allocations based on City wide average. The current lifeline is 21 units and the current ceiling is 40 units per billing cycle. Staff recommends reducing amounts to encourage further conservation plus place a greater emphasis on the higher water users to conserve. Staff developed the 16 unit lifeline by reducing the average consumption �'J "►� ��IIIII��j���IN city of san toes oBispo COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Reservoir Status and Mandatory Water( onservat,on Adjustments - Page 6 of residential accounts during non-conservation period (24.6 units) by the 35% conservation level. FIGURE 5 FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF SINGLE METER RESIDENTIAL FREQUENCY OF WATER USE SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE >40 C6.8%) 36-40 C3.6%) 31-35 C5.4%) < 16 C41.4%) 26-30 C8.2%) 21--25 C13.0%) 1- 16-20 (21.sr Figure 5 shows a frequency distribution of water use for single meter residential. This presents the percentage of time single meter residential accounts used various amounts of water. These are based on the number of accounts (about 9,000) during the 6 billing cycles in a year. It shows that 41.4 % of all single meter residential accounts will at sometime during the billing year use less that 16 units of water (there are also times when these same accounts may have a single cycle for a greater amount). It also shows that only 15.7% of all residential accounts would use more than 30 units of water in a billing year. Conversely, it shows that 84.2% of all bills for the year are under the proposed ceiling limit of 30 units. Figure 6 shows the frequency distribution based on the proposed changes in the lifeline and ceiling at the 35% conservation level. At this level, there will be little water available for large scale irrigation of landscaping, eliminating the need for seasonal conservation levels. The program will continue to adjust allocations between different months in a effort to provide flexibility in the use of water by each account. To address the key issue of equity and flexibility in the conservation program staff proposes that an alternative method for determining the allocation be adopted. The method is based on the current method used for a residential account that is new or without a water use history. The City average �m �Vhlllf ►���III MY Of SAA i LUIS OBISPO - Eft COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Reservoir Status and Mandatory Water Conservation Adjustments Page 7 FIGURE 6 FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION UNDER.35% CONSERVATION FREQUENCY OF WATER USE 35% CONSERVATION: 16 BASE 6 30 CE IL INE []31 OR WRE C1S.M 16 OR LESS C46.8%) 4017 TO 30 C37.4%) (16 units when adjusted for conservation) with the addition of 2.0 units of water per person for each person over 3 in the household. Staff proposes each account will have the option to choose either the allocation based on their past water use history or to select the City average plus additional unit of water for additional household members. A work sheet will be supplied each account so they may determine which method is to their benefit. If they choose to use the City average,an allocation adjustment form will have to be submitted. If no form is submitted that the current allocation method will apply. Commercial Accounts The City has worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce and business community to understand the difficulties they may experience during this drought. The business community wants to do their fair share in conserving water but have expressed concerns that some business will not be able to stay in business. The Chamber has submitted to the City a proposal designed to achieve a higher level of conservation within the business community. Currently the level of conservation for the business community is 10 percent. The Chamber is proposing that commercial will: 1. Conserve at an overall average of 20 percent. The level of conservation will range from a low of 15 to a high of 25 percent. Divide the businesses by type, each with its own water conservation requirements. The Chamber will work with the City to determine classes and allocations. Preliminary discussion with the Chamber staff indicated that the percentage reductions for the various classes may be: Hotels and Motels 15 % Restaurants 15 % _ Laundries and Car Washes 25 % Other 25 % �n��11 ��lilllll►p°�q�I�N CMY Of San IWS OBISPO Gii% COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Reservoir Status and Mandatory Water Conservation Adjustments Page 8 However, further discussion with the Chamber and affected businesses is required before a final percentage determination is to be reached. 2. Develop a program allowing reimbursement of fines up to the cost of retro-fitting, with proof of completion within 60 days. (City staff will review this further as part of the retro-fit program.) 3. Have a business representative on the Appeals Board. (City Staff does not support this idea.) 4. Re-institute free low flow devices-Chamber will provide distribution point and publicity. (City staff is developing the select-a-flush and retro-fit programs which will basically accomplish the same goal.) 5. Develop an ordinance requiring the City to: a. Provide signs in public bathrooms. b. Signs in all hotel and motel rooms. (This is to be accomplished as part of the water conservation public relations program). Based on this Chamber input, City staff is recommending the following changes for commercial accounts: a. Provide an alternative method of determining allocations based on unit standards. b. Expand the number of commercial categories. c. Increase overall commercial conservation goal to 20%. The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District has an alternate commercial rationing program. It allows each commercial account a unit volume of water based on square footage, number of seats, rooms, stations, fixtures or other such criteria. Staff proposes giving each commercial account the option of either using the historical allotment or the unit baseline standard. The existing baseline standards developed by Monterey would be used and adjusted for the City's 35% conservation program. Each business would receive a mailer explaining the program alternatives. Similar to the procedure used with residential accounts, if the new option was chosen, an allocation adjustment form would be required. All commercial accounts now conserve at a rate of 10%of their 1987 usage. To get the commercial accounts to carry a greater share of the conservation responsibility, staff proposes doubling the overall conservation goal to 20%. To avoid significant negative impact on business, staff supports increasing the number of commercial account categories. This way, the businesses that can conserve at a greater amount will be targeted and those that can not will be given a break. It is currently proposed that the following conservation percentages be established: Hotels and Motels 15 % Restaurants 15 % Laundries and Car Washes 25 % Other 25 % Table 2 is a summary of the current and proposed percentage reductions based on categories. This includes both residential and commercial accounts and considers the additional savings due to the ceiling level of 30 units. I 01111111 0111 city Of San Luis OBIsPO _ NIGN COUNCIL AGENOA REPORT Reservoir Status and Mandatory Water Conservation Adjustments Page 9 TABLE 2 PERCENTAGE REDUCTION SUMMARY WATER REDUCTION TARGETS BY SEASON AND CUSTOMER CLASS - CURRENT AND PROPOSED 20% PROGRAM PROPOSED SUMMER WINTER AVERAGE 35% PROGRAM -------------------------------------------- ... ........ .. RESIDENTIAL SINGLE METER 30% 10% 22% 35% MULTIFAMILY 15% 10% 13% 28% ------------ ------------ --------- ------- TOTAL RESIDENTIAL 25% 10% 19% 33% COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL HOTELS AND MOTELS 10% 10% 10% 15% RESTAURANTS 10% 10% 10% 15% LAUNDRIES AND CAR WASHES 10% 10% 10% 25% OTHER 10% 10% In 20% -------- ... ............ ......... -------- TOTAL COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL 10% 10% 10% 19% INSTITUTIONAL SCHOOLS 4D% 10% 33% 40% CITY 40% 10% 30% 40% OTHER 40% 10% 29% 40% ........... ............ ......... --------- TOTAL INSTITUTIONAL 40% 10% 31% 40% LANDSCAPE AND OTHER USES 70% 50% 63% 70% ------------ ------------ --------- ------------ RESIDENTIAL SAVINGS 30 CEILING 4% TOTAL 26% 12% 20% 36% 1990 WATER CONSERVATION PLAN The City's 1990 Water Conservation program is outlined below. The goal of the program is to implement effective programs that support and encourage conservation. In April of 1989, Council adopted the 20 percent mandatory water conservation program. Staff determined that a comprehensive, multi-media,public education program was required. Staff hired a special public relations advisor to handle all of the City's public relation and marketing. This program was successful in informing the public by developing the following: - The "Every Drop Counts" booklet - An effective radio campaign - An informative print ad campaign - Flyers and posters with conservation methods - Table tents for restaurants and hotels Staff developed a request for proposal for the development and implementation of an advertising _ campaign to educate and inform the citizens of San Luis Obispo. Staff has reviewed the responses and has assembled a special CAO report recommending retention of the firm of Barnett, Cox and i-9 141110f - city of San IWS OBISPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Reservoir Status and Mandatory Water Conservation Adjustments Page 10 and has assembled a special CAO report recommending retention of the firm of Barnett, Cox and Associates.The firm will be meeting with staff and starting the program the week of April 9, 1990. To insure that the program reaches all the target groups within the City, staff will be working with the Citizens Advisory Committee provide input and review of the overall direction of the program. Water Awareness Week During October, 1987, the State Department of Water Resources together with the Water Education Foundation and the Association of California Water Agencies, began a statewide "Water Awareness Week". This event has grown from Water Awareness Week to Water Awareness Month. The City's program has been successful each year and has gained increasing interest from the community. Staff is now in the planning stages of this year's program, scheduled for May 5, 1990, and has the following exhibits and demonstrations: - Professional landscape designers - Drought tolerant plant material specialists - Professional plumbing contractors displaying the latest water conservation hardware - Landscape irrigation specialist - Water Conservation awards for those business who have significantly reduced their consumption. Select-A-Flush Pilot Proaram Staff has been contacted by the firm of U.S. Aquatec Inc which sells, and installs select-a-flush devices. This device is a simple, reliable, inexpensive technology that makes most tank type toilets function near the efficiency of an ultra-low-flow toilet. Once the unit is installed, the user can L either. 1) Push the flush handle DOWN for liquid waste removal (an economy flush of approximately 1.5 gallons is sufficient 80% to 90% of all flushes); or 2) Lift UP for solid waste removal (flush of 4 to 6 gallons). Staff has requested proposals from the firm to retro-fit a federally subsidized low income apartment complex (Madonna Apartments) with this device. The cost of retro-fitting 156 apartments (164 toilets)is estimated to be around$5,000,including installation. If these devices prove to be effective additional areas within the City could be retro-fitted. Once the proposal is received a council agenda report will be prepared. Toilet Rebate Proeram There has been considerable interest in the development and implementation of a low flow toilet rebate program. Staff has developed following brief program outline.. 1. The project would be joint venture with the private sector. 2. Local plumbing suppliers who wish to participate would be responsible for stocking the ultra- low flow flush toilets. 3. The City would provide a list of plumbers who would install the units once they were purchased. 4. The customer would be given a voucher at the time of purchase and after proof of installation the City would rebate a percentage of the total project cost. The specific details of the program are still being developed. A�l�li city Of sal LUIS OBISPO COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Reservoir Status and Mandatory Water Conservation Adjustments Page 11 Chamber of Commerce Tourism Proposal Staff has met with the Chamber of Commerce and has reviewed their proposal to the City on tourism and water awareness. The Utility Department will assist financially in the cost of the program which will include development and distribution of- - Flyers - Stickers - Tent Cards - Postcards Details of this program and funding requirements are outlined in a separate council agenda report. Water Waste Program In April, 1987 the City Council adopted a water conservation ordinance that prohibits wasting water through excess runoff or faulty fixtures. Water conservation representatives were hired to assist in the enforcement of the ordinance . The main emphasis of the program was to offer a friendly reminder not to waste water, making it an extension of the public information process. For those individuals who continue to waste water the water conservation representatives have the authority to issue citations. To date there have not been any citations issued which required fines to be paid. However,as mandatory water conservation levels increase,the need for compliance will also increase. The water waste program will continue and the water conservation representatives will be more aggressive in the program implementation. Additionally, all sections of the water conservation urgency ordinance of the City of San Luis Obispo will be aggressively enforced. New Water Conservation Programs Several ordinances and resolutions are in the development stage which, if approved, will set City policy and help reduce water use. These policies would help both short and long term water use. They include: - Retro-fit Homes upon the Sale or transfer of title. - Deferral of New Landscape Planting During Mandatory Water Conservation. These policies are currently under development and will be to Council shortly. Groundwater Phase III Groundwater is a critical element in the City's water supply program, especially during this drought. The City is in.the fourth year of a water shortage. As a result, the City Council has acknowledged that water is a limited resource and has declared an emergency condition. To encourage citizens to use water wisely, the City Council adopted a Mandatory Water Conservation Program. The current program requires a city-wide reduction in consumption of 20 percent. As the surface water supplies began to diminish, the City once again began to look at groundwater as an additional resource. The firm of John L. Wallace and Associates with Timothy Cleath, Hydrologist, was retained to perform a groundwater study in December of 1987. Their first report, Groundwater Study Survey of Resources and Constraints Analysis was completed in March, 1988. This report reviewed historical groundwater data and identified a test drilling, test pumping and a water quality analysis program. Based upon this report, Phase Il of the groundwater development program was undertaken. Approximately 12 well sites were drilled and sampled for water quality. �u'�►► ��►ilfl�lm"�91�11� city of san lu,i osispo ffmalai COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Reservoir Status and Mandatory Water Conservation Adjustments - Page 12 Of these, seven wells are fully developed and operational. Most of the wells which have been developed are located in the southwest area of the City. The present water demand in this area is less than what can be supplied on a continuous basis by the wells. To more effectively use the water by a greater portion of the city's population, the water must be sent to other zones within the City. To aid in the movement of groundwater, the booster project was developed. On January 29, 1990 the project began moving water from the lower Higuera Zone to the downtown and Terrace Hill zones. With the operation of the booster pump, approximately 50 to 60 percent of all customers are receiving well water. . To date, both phases of the groundwater development program have been completed. The wells identified in both phases have been developed and are working. The City*is now producing over 2400 acre feet per year from the groundwater basin. To increase the use of groundwater staff is developing Phase III of the groundwater program. The program components consist of: A. Evaluating three different pumping scenarios which will move groundwater from one zone to another. Staff has developed both a short term and long term solution. They are: 1. Short Term: Use of the Hathaway Pump Station to expand the use of well water to other zones within the City. 2. Short Term: Use of the Bishop pump station to expand the use of well water in that zone. 3. Long Term: Identification, evaluation and construction of a new permanent pump station which is properly designed to increase the use of the developed groundwater. B. Reviewing those wells which were originally placed on hold because they required treatment. Staff in conjunction with a consultant will evaluate the type of treatment, cost and time frame for implementation. C. The City has water rights to the water in Hansen and Gularte Creek. Staff and a consultant will evaluate the size of a package plant, cost, time frame and requirement for an EIR. D. Staff developed a Request for Proposal(RFP)for Groundwater Basin Evaluation. The evaluation once completed will provide staff with information which will aid in the efficient management of the groundwater basin. Various consultants submitted proposals and within the next three weeks staff will select a short list of the most qualified firms. The top two or three firms will be interviewed in May with project award in June of 1990. Staff will becoming back to the council to obtain financing and final approval on each of the above. sections as they are ready. It is expected that sections A and B will be completed within the next 45 days. CONCURRENCES The Finance Department concurs with the recommendations presented in this report. FISCAL IMPACTS The Utilities Department operates from the water fund which is an enterprise operation. Water rates are set to fund the operations and maintenance of all water functions. The water shortage has had a negative impact on the Department's budget. Initially, water rates are based upon selling a projected amount of water. The City's last rate increase considered a water conservation level of 25%. Because of that we have been able to meet our operating expenses over the past year even _ though conservation has been at a 30% level. �IIIn�I�II�YIIIIIIIIII III v .� MEETING DATE: city or san tuts OBIspo iCOUNCIL AGENDA REPORT Imo"'' NUMBER: eservoir Status and Mandatory Water Conservation AdjuStments Page 13 In addition to the short fall in revenue because of reduced water sales , there is also increase costs associated in dealing with the drought and with groundwater well development. These include 1) administrative and operational costs and 2) new supply development costs. To supplement diminishing surface water supplies several projects will be considered or are underway now: 1. Groundwater development program 2. Water conservation program 3. Desalinization 4. Groundwater basin evaluation. Staff anticipates an increase in rates will be required. The amount and rate break down(Operations, maintenance and projects) will be presented to the City Council at the April 24, 1990 meeting. RECOMMENDATION By motion, receive reservoir status and proposed 1990 Water Conservation Program reports and direct staff to make changes in the Mandatory Water Conservation Program to include: 1. Develop a 35% Mandatory Water Conservation Program for implementation by June 1, 1990 2. Reduce the residential lifeline to 16 units and the ceiling to 30 units of water per billing cycle. 3. Eliminate the seasonal adjustment. 4. Establish an alternative residential allocation method based on the City average of 16 units plus 2.0 units for each person over three in a household. 5. Increase Commercial conservation to 20% overall with a variation in ranges for different categories. 6. Establish an alternative commercial allocation method based on unit water use amounts. 7. Review the 1990 Water conservation Program and the Phase III Groundwater Program and provide direction as necessary. y NJ ICY (P. V, W co In CY v cv cm Ul) CO w C= -C LO a,-V C- CY > S!� ZE LL Lli q3 to LU 0 w vin C5 0 %,. to cr."�Y) 5 CL- C.)Zj UJ z LL U. LL 0 © § LLI ui 0 0 LU cc LLI cc LU CC z 0 UJ z 0 W z 0 UJ M cli 5 M cy 5 2 ci —j It cc LU cc R 6: lu ir 0 cc ul 0 LL U. LL 0 0 0 0 0 M CY w w w 0) co CO 0 _u zi CY M cli cli C-j LU LU z 0 Z CD (D aR maR cli C.) ull « l ClJ W UJ . .... ....I. 0 LLI LL 0 .Z AM. co LU U.1 M cc o rj) CM cc C, 2 Z LL ERS CO 0 C.) LLJ LL UJ -1 0 -.1 LLJ Er cc CC m X: M LU LU 0 F- 0 0 0 Zi z z U- co CD , 0 LL :3 M V) clj w Lu LL LL & (L U. 0 LL 22 F 0 -0 0TZ)) w C CC cc —L2 < & ƒ !\k t!t! 0 aR aR 6R �R aR 0 LL �j 0 0 (D co 0 z LU C14 11.1 LL cc LL cr 0 U. m Iq 0 0 LU o 0 Ill C) 0 ::) LLI w cc 0 cr. LU cc a: uj a: 0: X z 0 0 z 0 0 z 0 0 —j ui Ul LL LL MEETING AGENDA J DATE y-/r 90 ITEM # 04- i i —go 1-7. O W0. � APr'I t�pur Caur+ci� wi`� CoNSit�� S-{hiC�er r aa,ov, ;NTk�S i s a"k0o % 3 htceSSa4� a„d. res r,stble, La ok 1�, wa�e�r souvices ;s a[s o ncceSSo,v� a,,,d rcS OhS�b[e ct+� row-tfrt Fatlt�5 �tvor-► -�1ne c,tu�,sww►i� dr�'qS��tl�scv�S are %%J�O.rrwl, J � ; S �►rr�sPov�s;blQ into,{�w1 S;hcm•¢l y � 1n bj LoBd Persol1~9. as ��� by- .14 1 by: t�c.4Co zl FcE J1f'�`ti any. ✓c�tork-prig. �R L7 AIAllP�it� T T- r Itiv AGENDA DAR ITEM # San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce 4�Denotesaceon1YL"dPeMn 1039 Chorro Street • San Luis Obispo, California 93401 Q' d by: (805) 543-1323 FAX (805) 543-1255 Council ��� David E. Garth, Executive Manager 9KcAo � �Gr� fNY Atty..,� Jerk��"`�,;vL April 12, 1990 Q - � Mayor and Councilmembers RECEIVED City of San Luis Obispo Po Box 8100 APR 1 6 1990 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403-8100 CITY CLERK Dear Mayor and Councilmembers: SAN LUIS OBISPO,CA We have worked with you and with City staff for several. years on our ongoing local water shortage. We are gratified .by the development of new water sources and are appreciative of the consideration you have extended to the business community in understanding its special water needs. O As we enter the next necessary phase of water conservation, the Chamber sees a critical need for the business community to further decrease water use, and to that end has the following six point proposal for your consideration. 1. Commercial water users should have a target conservation level of 20%. Acknowledging that some businesses are better able to conserve than are others, we propose an actual conservation range of 15-25%, with the Chamber working with City staff to develop the classes of users and appropriate cutbacks for each type (i.e. , motels vs. retail stores) . 2 . Water fines paid by businesse should be rebated to cover the cost of City approved retrofitting. The business would have to retrofit within 60 days of the fine billing and provide verification of the retrofit to the City. The rebate would cover the cost of the retrofit up to the amount of the fine. The current City inspection backlog suggests a need for increased manpower in these efforts. 3 . A business representative should be added to the Appeals Board. Again, we will be happy to provide someone for that position. 4 . The City and Chamber should work together in promoting low-cost retrofitting. We propose that the City obtain ( ) inexpensive low-flow devices for free distribution to the public. The Chamber will promote the program through its newsletter, and will serve as the rp distribution point of the devices. The Chamber could �M ED ••ED C .Y 9fN 0 [OY YE.Cf 01 fnfY ,IfO SE.ifS also maint,ln lists of residents/businesses who obtain the devices for possible follow-up to determine if the devices are being used. 5. The City should, by ordinance, require the posting of water conservation tent cards and mirror stickers in all public restrooms, and in all restaurants and hotel/motel rooms. These materials should be provided by the City at no cost to the business. Chamber can assist with distribution and promotion of availability. 6. Lastly, water allocations should be changed to reflect an annualized system. Businesses (and residents) are. currently being penalized for overuse within a single billing cycle. A business may have been conserving faithfully and beyond requirements for 10 months, but a one time overuse of even a single billing unit results in tremendous fines. We believe that the water allocation must be made over a one year period, giving businesses (and residents) some flexibility in meeting overall .target allocations. Chamber members are especially concerned with the current appeal process and its apparent problems. We are anxious to work with you in devising a more responsive appeal program that finds some equitable means for dealing with the business users who have truly done all they can to conserve water and continue to face penalties. In conclusion, a comment: City figures indicate that commercial water use accounts for less than 20% of overall water consumption in San .Luis Obispo. Our community' s L wellbeing is dependent in large part on bed tax and sales tax revenue and other contributions generated through the business sector. We believe business should more aggressively conserve water, but we ask you to also keep in mind the role business plays in the vitality of San Luis Obispo. We hope you will agree that our proposal addresses these concerns. We look forward to continued work with you on this, and thank you for all the help which has been extended to us by City staff members Bill Hetland, Alan Short and Ron Munds. Sincerely, Sharon Young Chamber Presient C�