HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-16-2015 C11 Adopt a Resolution Limiting Outdoor irrigation to two days a weekCity of San Luis Obispo, Council Agenda Report, Meeting Date, Item Number
FROM: Carrie Mattingly, Utilities Director
Prepared By: Ron Munds, Utilities Services Manager
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION LIMITING OUTDOOR IRRIGATION OF ORNAMENTAL
LANDSCAPING OR TURF WITH POTABLE WATER TO TWO DAYS A
WEEK
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a Resolution implementing San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section 13.07.030(B) and
(C) limiting outdoor irrigation of ornamental landscape or turf with potable water to two days a
week; and between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
DISCUSSION
Background
On April 1, 2015, the Governor issued Executive Order B-29-15 mandating increased
enforcement against water waste and declared a statewide water use reduction goal of 25 percent.
On May 5, 2015, the State Water Board adopted regulations that require specific water purveyors
to reduce water use by 8 percent to 36 percent compared to their 2013 water usage in order to
facilitate the statewide reduction of 25 percent. The amount of the mandated reduction is
dependent on the water purveyor’s reduction in comparison to 2013. The City’s required
reduction is 12 percent, which when achieved, would equate to citywide per capita water demand
of 101 gallons per person per day. The City’s 2014 per capita water demand was 108 gallons per
person per day.
In order to comply with the state mandate, on June 2, 2015 the City Council approved a drought
response strategy and adopted an ordinance that includes limiting outdoor water to two days a
week between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Outdoor Irrigation Watering Restriction Summary
On June 16, 2015, the City Council adopted an Ordinance which amended Chapter 13.07 to
include two day a week irrigation and limiting irrigation between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00
a.m. In order to comply with the State Water Boards regulations, it is recommended the City
Council implement the restrictions set forth in San Luis Obispo Municipal Code Section
13.07.030(B) and (C) which limits the outdoor irrigation of ornamental landscape and turf to no
more than two-days between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. pursuant to the following
schedule:
TWO-DAY A WEEK SCHEDULE
Even numbered addresses: Tuesdays and Fridays
Odd numbered addresses: Monday and Thursdays
June 16, 2015
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Outdoor Irrigation Restrictions Page 2
Institutional customers such as the school district, City parks and Caltrans will be limited to two-
day a week watering but will be able to select the two days based on operational needs and/or the
activities scheduled for these types of facilities. Institutional customers will be required to submit
to the Utilities Department the two days they have selected for each facility if different from the
assigned day based on address.
It is important to note that the restrictions do not apply to customers who irrigate with non-
potable water (i.e. recycled water or gray water systems).
Enforcement of the Regulations
The Utilities Department’s Utilities Services section will be primarily responsible for enforcing
the outdoor irrigation restrictions and water waste prohibitions. The City’s Administrative
Citation procedure will be used to enforce the City’s water conservation regulations which
include warnings prior to issuance of a citation.
The public will be able to report water waste issues either by telephone (a hotline number has
been established) or via an online form. Both options will be promoted as part of the public
outreach efforts.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. Existing staffing will provide
the public outreach support and enforcement activities.
ALTERNATIVES
1. The City Council could choose to leave the outdoor watering restrictions at the current
three days a week. To meet the 12% water reduction requirement, landscape irrigation
needs to be curtailed during the summer months. Staff believes that limiting outdoor
irrigation consistent with the approved drought response strategy will help achieve the
water reduction requirement.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 – Resolution limiting outdoor irrigation
T:\Council Agenda Reports\2015\2015-06-16\Adopt a Resolution Limiting Outdoor Irrigation to Two Days a Week
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Attachment 1
R _____
RESOLUTION NO. (2015 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO IMPLEMENTING
MANDATORY RESTRICTIONS ON THE OUTDOOR IRRIGATION OF
ORNAMENTAL LANDSCAPES OR TURF WITH POTABLE WATER
WHEREAS, on April 1, 2015 the Governor issued Executive Order B-29-15 which
requires the State of California to reduce water use by 25%; and
WHEREAS, on May 5, 2015 the State Water Resources Control Board adopted
regulations mandating the City of San Luis Obispo reduce water use by 12%; and
WHEREAS, on June 16, 2015 the San Luis Obispo City Council adopted an ordinance
amending Chapter 13.07 of the City’s Municipal Code to include two day a week outdoor
watering restrictions and limiting irrigation between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; and
WHEREAS, by this Resolution, restricting the use of potable water for the outdoor
irrigation of ornamental landscapes or turf by limiting irrigation to two days a week and between
the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. will assist the City in complying with the State Water
Resources Control Board 12% water reduction requirement.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. The City Council hereby implements Section 13.07.030(B) of the Municipal
Code;
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby limits the outdoor irrigation of ornamental landscape or
turf with potable water to two days a week in accordance with the following schedule:
• Even numbered addresses - Tuesday and Friday
• Odd numbered addresses - Monday and Thursday
SECTION 3. Effective Date and Term. The effective date of this Resolution is July 16, 2015.
This Resolution shall remain in effect until and shall automatically expire on February 28, 2016,
unless the State Water Board extends or rescinds the Emergency Regulations in which case this
Resolution shall be so extended or shall so terminate so that the restrictions on outdoor irrigation
set forth in Section 1 above run concurrently with the life of the Emergency Regulations.
Upon motion of Council Member __________________, seconded by Council Member
__________________, and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
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Resolution No. (2015 Series) Attachment 1 Page 2
Mayor Jan Marx
ATTEST:
Anthony Mejia
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
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