HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-14-2016 Item 21 Adopting of the 2015 Urban Water Management Plan and amendments to the General Plan, Water & Wastewater Management Element
Meeting Date: 6/14/2016
FROM: Carrie Mattingly, Utilities Director
Prepared By: Aaron Floyd, Deputy Director, Water
Jennifer Metz, Utilities Project Manager
Mychal Boerman, Interim Utilities Services Manager
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF THE 2015 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN AND
AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN, WATER AND WASTEWATER
MANAGEMENT ELEMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Adopt a resolution approving policy and text amendments to the General Plan, Chapter 8,
Water and Wastewater Management Element, and
2. Adopt a resolution approving the 2015 update to the City of San Luis Obispo’s Urban Water
Management Plan.
REPORT IN BRIEF
The City prepares an Urban Water Management Plan every five years as required by the State of
California Urban Water Management Planning Act. The preparation of the 2015 Urban Water
Management Plan is unique in that it has taken place during unprecedented drought conditions
statewide. The plan presented to the City Council was updated in accordance with State
requirements. Changes are proposed to the City’s existing Water Shortage Contingency Plan
which has not been updated since 2000. Water shortage contingency planning allows for the City
to be prepared for and respond to water shortages such as a drought or a catastrophic supply
interruption such as a break in a transmission pipeline. To provide more time to respond to water
shortages, a six-staged demand management response is proposed to replace the current three-
staged water rationing plan triggered when the City’s water supply has less than three years
remaining.
The City’s guiding water policy document for water planning purposes is the Water and
Wastewater Management Element of the General Plan (WWME). The WWME was first adopted
on June 29, 2004 and last updated on July 6, 2010. Amendments are proposed to provide current
information and for consistency with the proposed 2015 Urban Water Management Plan.
DISCUSSION
Urban Water Management Plan
The State of California Urban Water Management Planning Act (Act) requires every urban water
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supplier providing water for municipal purposes to more than 3,000 customers, or supplying
more than 3,000 acre-feet of water annually (the City meets both criteria), to prepare and adopt
an Urban Water Management Plan every five years.
The City Council adopted the City’s first Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) in November
1994. Subsequent updates have been submitted to the state in 2000, 2005, and 2010. For this
update, the state legislature extended the filing deadline for the 2015 Plan to July 1, 2016. By
adopting a compliant UWMP, the City will remain eligible for State Water Resources Control
Board and Department of Water Resources grants, low interest loans, and other assistance for
both water and wastewater projects.
The City’s 2015 update addresses changes to the Water Code since 2010 including narratives
describing water demand management, a plan to quantify water loss, use of standardized tables,
and other requirements. The required sections and corresponding chapter in the City’s UWMP
are described below.
Required Urban Water Management Plan
Sections
City of San Luis Obispo 2015 Urban Water Management Plan
Chapter
Introduction and overview Chapter 1, Introduction
Plan preparation Chapter 1, Introduction
System description Chapter 2, Service Area and Water System Description
Water use Chapter 3, Past, Current, and Projected Water Use by Sector
Baselines and targets Chapter 3, Past, Current, and Projected Water Use by Sector
System supplies Chapter 4, Water Sources and Chapter 5, Recycled W ater
Water supply reliability Chapter 6, Water Supply Reliability
Water shortage contingency planning Chapter 8, Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Demand management measures Chapter 7, Water Conservation & Demand Management Measures
Adoption, submittal, and implementation Notices of Public Hearings will be included in an Appendix. UWMP
will be submitted electronically following City Council Approval.
Every five years, as part of its UWMP, the City prepares a comprehensive twenty‐year look
ahead and compares estimates of water supply against estimates of water demand. The UWMP
uses population projections for the General Plan update completed in 2014 as the basis for these
projections.
The preparation of the 2015 UWMP is unique in that it has taken place during unprecedented
drought conditions statewide. The City is proposing changes to the City’s existing Water
Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) which is Chapter 8 of the UWMP. Water shortage
contingency planning allows for the City to be prepared for and respond to water shortages such
as a drought or a catastrophic supply interruption such as a break in a transmission pipeline. The
WSCP describes the City’s use of a water projection model to test hypothetical and actual water
demand scenarios (including varying climate change scenarios), to analyze current water storage
at each reservoir and to predict how long the City’s water supplies would be available.
In the WSCP, the City is proposing six stages of action with a “Monitoring” stage in place to
monitor compliance with Senate Bill X7-7 requirements (20 percent reduction by year 2020) and
demonstrate the City’s continuance of a strong water conservation ethic. The proposed “Watch”
and “Warning” water shortage stages are triggered when the City’s available water supplies are
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reduced to less than five years and less than four years, respectively. With the proposed update,
per capita water allotments have been reduced to reflect the efficiency of plumbing fixtures. A
Water Offset Program is included in the potential actions associated with the “Warning” stage
which will be further defined with the preparation of an implementing ordinance later this year.
With the adoption of the proposed WSCP, the City will always be in one of the six water
shortage stages, as shown in Table 1. The City’s water projection model currently identifies a
water supply of greater than five years corresponding to the Monitor stage. However, mandatory
conservation measures remain in place under the drought response plan previously adopted by
Council in June 2015.
On May 9, 2016, the Governor issued an Executive Order that directs the State Water Resources
Control Board to adjust and extend its emergency water conservation regulations through the end
of January 2017 in recognition of the differing water supply conditions for many communities.
Staff will be analyzing the effects of the Order on the City’s drought response plan and returning
in the Fall 2016 with more fully fleshed-out recommendations related to the WSCP.
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Table 1. Water Shortage Response Stages
STAGE WATER SUPPLY
STATUS CITY ACTIONS
PER CAPITA
GOAL
(GPCD)
Monitor
5+ years of
available water
supply
City maintains conservation messaging at levels that ensure
compliance with SB X7-7 maximum of 117 gallons per capita
per day (gpcd).
117
Watch
< 5 years of
available water
supply
City increases conservation messaging. City examines
available alternative water sources (groundwater, Nacimiento
full allocation, etc.) and takes action based on current
circumstances to meet demand. City may implement
mandatory conservation measures to meet per capita reduction
target.
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Warning
< 4 years of
available water
supply
City implements mandatory conservation measures including
outdoor irrigation restrictions (examples: 3 or 2 days a week
watering and only serving water upon request at restaurants)
and consider a Water Offset Program for new connections.
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Severe
< 3 years of
available water
supply
City implements Water Allotment Program. Water Offset
Program for new connections may be increased. Additional
outdoor irrigation restrictions may be added (such as no spray
irrigation).
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Extreme
< 2 years of
available water
supply
City continues to implement a Water Allotment Program with
reduced levels. Water Offset Program for new connections may
be increased. Outdoor irrigation may be prohibited for all uses.
Cessation of all new connections may be considered.
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Critical < 1 year of available
water supply
City continues to implement a Water Allotment Program at
further reduced levels (minimum for public health and safety).
Outdoor irrigation prohibited for all uses. Water Offset
Program to cease and no new connections permitted.
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Amendments to the General Plan, Water and Wastewater Element
The City’s General Plan includes a Water and Wastewater Management Element (WWME)
because of the vital role of these resources and the far-reaching impacts of water policies on
community growth and character. The WWME was last updated in 2010. The WWME provided
in Attachment A is in legislative draft format to best illustrate proposed additions and deletions
to existing goals, policies, programs and background information. The amendment is proposed
for consistency with the proposed 2015 Urban Water Management Plan and to update out of date
information.
Descriptions under the headings below summarize the proposed changes. The table of contents,
figures, and tables will be updated and all references will be corrected in the final version.
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3.1 Water Management
Multi-Source Water Supply and Water Resource Availability
In March 2016, the City Council elected to participate in the full allocation of San Luis Obispo
County’s water supply from Nacimiento Reservoir. The City participated with Nacimiento Water
Project partners increasing the City’s contractual supply from Nacimiento Reservoir to 5,482
acre feet per year (afy). This increases the City’s overall water resource availability to 12,109
acre feet annually as shown in WWME Table 1. The table was also updated to include recycled
water delivered in 2015.
As shown in the proposed update of WWME Table 2, the average daily and monthly influent
flows to the City’s Water Resource Recovery Facility have decreased since the 2010 WWME
which reported the average flow as 4.596 mgd (a 2009 figure) to 2.74 mgd in 2015 reducing
annual recycled water availability.
Consistent with the multi-source concept, the City obtains water from five sources, including
groundwater. The City stopped utilizing the Pacific Beach well in April 2015 due to new
regulatory requirements. While the City does not currently utilize potable water from wells, this
remains a viable option for future use and proposes the following policy language:
A 3.2.3 Groundwater
Due to limitations for the use of the groundwater resources, the The City will continue to
use groundwater for domestic purposes when available., but will not consider this source
of supply as part of its water resource availability.
Siltation
The City completed a bathymetric and volumetric study at Whale Rock Reservoir in 2013. The
purpose of the study was to determine the level of siltation that has occurred in the reservoir since
the dam’s completion in 1961. The study concluded that sedimentation has reduced reservoir
capacity by 4.2 percent in 52 years. As the Safe Annual Yield accounts for past siltation losses
and was updated based on the 2013 bathymetric study at Whale Rock, staff recommends deleting
policy A 4.2 on Accounting for Past Siltation which states:
The City shall account for siltation losses that have occurred to date (2010) in the safe
annual yield from Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs.
Future siltation would continue to be accounted for per Policy A 4.2.2. The proposed policy
language is as follows:
The City will account for estimated safe annual yield losses at Salinas and Whale Rock
Reservoirs through for the next 50 years (2060) by deducting 500 acre feet of available
water supplies to account for these future losses. The siltation rate will be updated as
information becomes available from subsequent siltation analyses.
Water Supply Accounting and Demand Projections
A change to the factor used in water supply accounting and demand projections is proposed.
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Consistent with Policy A 5.2.1 (Water Use Rate), the calculation uses a 10-year running average
of gallons per capita per day (gpcd). This water use rate (gpcd) includes all existing water
demand (residential, commercial, institutional, landscaping, water used for firefighting, and
water loss within the water distribution system) in the City for the year divided by the City’s
population. The current rate is 114.4 gpcd, down from 123.2 gpcd in 2009, as cited in the 2010
WWME.
Using the per capita potable water use rate allowed by SB X7-7 (117 gpcd) is a more
conservative approach as the 10-year average will be influenced by drought years where the City
can experience a significant reduction in potable water demand, such as 2015 when the City
reduced its per capita usage to 92 gpcd under the statewide drought declaration. The proposed
policy language is as follows:
A 5.2.1 Water Use Rate
The City will calculate utilize the per capita water use rate based on a ten-year running
average of the City’s actual per capita water use allowed by SB X7-7 for projecting
future potable water demand established as 117 gallons per capita per day.
Water Conservation
The proposed update to the Water Shortage Contingency Plan in the 2015 Urban Water
Management Plan proposes implementation of mandatory water conservation measures when the
City’s water supplies are projected to last five years or less. This change from the current three
year or less plan allows for more time to incrementally implement water shortage response
strategies. The proposed policy language is as follows:
A 6.2.2 Short-term Water Shortages
Mandatory water conservation measures as described in the City’s Water Shortage
Contingency Plan will be implemented when the City's water supplies are projected to
last three less than five years.
Recycled Water
The edits to this section propose to eliminate details from the WWME that are provided annually
in the Water Resource Status Report, such as annual recycled water usage in WWME Table 5.
The proposed goal and program language is as follows:
Goal A 7.1.1
Maximize Utilize recycled water for all approved purposes non-potable purposes,
thereby offsetting the use of potable water.
Program A 7.3.5.
Continue to explore potable reuse consistent with statewide regulations.
Due to the proposed language for Goal A 7.1.1, Goal A 7.1.2 is proposed to be deleted.
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3.2 Wastewater Management
As the community’s response to the drought has reduced indoor water demand, it has
correspondingly reduced wastewater flows. The proposed text amendments to this section of the
WWME include updating wastewater flow information to 2015 flows, and updating references to
the City’s treatment plant at 35 Prado Road from Water Reclamation Facility to Water Resource
Recovery Facility here and throughout the WWME. Figure 4, October Dry Weather Flows to the
Water Reclamation Facility in Million Gallons Per Day (MGD) is proposed to be deleted.
The design phase for the upgrade of the Water Resource Recovery Facility is underway in 2016
with completion anticipated in 2020. The upgrade will enable the City to consider potab le reuse
in addition to non-potable uses of recycled water. The proposed goal and policy language is as
follows:
Goal B 3.1.2
A high-quality, dependable recycled water supply that meets an increasing portion of the
City’s non-potable demand. Maximize recycled water production.
Policy B 3.2.2 Recycled Water Production
The City will produce high-quality, dependable recycled water, suitable for a wide range
of non-potable uses.
A Study Session was held with the Planning Commission on April 27, 2016 and a public hearing
was held on May 25, 2016 related to proposed General Plan Amendment for the Water and
Wastewater Management Element. The Commission approved Resolution No. PC-1006-16
recommending the City Council approve the proposed policy and text amendments to the
General Plan, Chapter 8, Water and Wastewater Management Element (see Attachment B).
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
The proposed General Plan Amendment for the Water and Wastewater Management Element
and the Urban Water Management Plan are exempt from the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the General Rule
Exemption.
CONCURRENCES
The Community Development Department concurs with the proposed staff recommendations.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed policy and text amendments to the General Plan, Chapter 8, Water and Wastewater
Management Element and the adoption of the 2015 Urban Water Management Plan does not
directly create additional fiscal impacts for the Water Fund. Any project or program that would
stem from the information contained in the Plan would be brought back to the City Council for
approval as appropriate.
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ALTERNATIVES
The City Council could choose to not adopt the Urban Water Management Plan. This alternative
is not recommended as it is a regulatory requirement and allows the City to remain eligible for
State Water Resources Control Board and Department of Water Resources grants, low interest
loans, and other assistance for both water and wastewater projects.
Attachments:
21.a a - Leg Draft 2016 WWME Update Chapter 8
21.b b - PC Reso on WWME (GENP-3215-2016 WWME)
21.c c - WWME Resolution 2016
21.d d - UWMP Resolution 2016
21.e e - Council Reading File - Urban Water Management Plan and WWME
Amendments Compiled CC Draft UWMP
21.f f - Council Reading File - Urban Water Management Plan & WWME Amedments
Compiled CC Appendices
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Chapter 8
WATER AND WASTEWATER
Adopted: February 24, 1987
City Council Draft, June 2016
Last Revised: July 6, 2010
(Council Resolution No. 10197, 2010)
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Chapter 8
Page 8-2
Please see the next page.
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Water and Wastewater Element
Page 8-3
CHAPTER 8 WATER AND WASTEWATER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................................... 8-5
A. WATER MANAGEMENT ...................................................................................................................................... 8-6
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................... 8-6
A 1.0 Background ............................................................................................................................................. 8-6
A 1.1 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................... 8-6
MULTI-SOURCE WATER SUPPLY ............................................................................................................................. 8-7
A 2.0 Background ............................................................................................................................................. 8-7
A 2.1 Goal ........................................................................................................................................................ 8-9
A 2.2 Policies .................................................................................................................................................... 8-9
A 2.3 Programs .............................................................................................................................................. 8-10
Water Resource Availability ..................................................................................................................................... 8-11
A 3.0 Background ........................................................................................................................................... 8-11
A 3.1 Goal ...................................................................................................................................................... 8-15
A 3.2 Policies .................................................................................................................................................. 8-15
A 3.3 Programs .............................................................................................................................................. 8-15
SILTATION .................................................................................................................................................................. 8-16
A 4.0 Background ........................................................................................................................................... 8-16
A 4.1 Goals ..................................................................................................................................................... 8-18
A 4.2 Policies .................................................................................................................................................. 8-18
A 4.3 Programs .............................................................................................................................................. 8-18
WATER SUPPLY ACCOUNTING AND DEMAND PROJECTION ............................................................................ 8-19
A 5.0 Background ........................................................................................................................................... 8-19
A 5.1 Goals ..................................................................................................................................................... 8-21
A 5.2 Policies .................................................................................................................................................. 8-21
A 5.3 Programs .............................................................................................................................................. 8-22
WATER CONSERVATION ......................................................................................................................................... 8-23
A 6.0 Background ........................................................................................................................................... 8-23
A 6.1 Goal ...................................................................................................................................................... 8-24
A 6.2 Policies .................................................................................................................................................. 8-24
A 6.3 Programs .............................................................................................................................................. 8-24
RECYCLED WATER ................................................................................................................................................... 8-25
A 7.0 Background ........................................................................................................................................... 8-25
A 7.1 Goals ..................................................................................................................................................... 8-27
A 7.2 Policies .................................................................................................................................................. 8-27
A 7.3 Programs .............................................................................................................................................. 8-27
B. WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT ....................................................................................................................... 8-28
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. 8-28
B 1.0 Background ........................................................................................................................................... 8-28
B 1.1 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................. 8-28
WASTEWATER SERVICE .................................................................................................................................. 8-29
B 2.0 Background ........................................................................................................................................... 8-29
B 2.1 Goal ...................................................................................................................................................... 8-30
B 2.2 Policies .................................................................................................................................................. 8-30
B 2.3 Programs .............................................................................................................................................. 8-30
WASTEWATER TREATMENT ............................................................................................................................ 8-31
B 3.0 Background ........................................................................................................................................... 8-31
B 3.1 Goals ..................................................................................................................................................... 8-31
B 3.2 Policies .................................................................................................................................................. 8-31
B 3.3 Programs .............................................................................................................................................. 8-31
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Chapter 8
Page 8-4
COLLECTION SYSTEM ...................................................................................................................................... 8-32
B 4.0 Background ........................................................................................................................................... 8-32
B 4.1 Goal ...................................................................................................................................................... 8-34
B 4.2 Policies .................................................................................................................................................. 8-34
B 4.3 Programs .............................................................................................................................................. 8-34
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1 Multi Source Water Supply .................................................................................................................. 8-8
Figure 2 Per Capita Water Use, 1985-2009 .................................................................................................... 8-20
Figure 3 Water Reuse Master Plan Area and Distribution System ................................................................. 8-26
Figure 4 October Dry-Weather Flows to the Water Reclamation Facility in Million Gallons per Day (MGD) . 8-29
Figure 5 Inflow and Infiltration Illustrated ......................................................................................................... 8-33
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. City Water Resource Availability ....................................................................................................... 8-11
Table 2. Annual Recycled Water Availability based on Influent Flow ............................................................. 8-14
Table 3. Whale Rock Reservoir Capacity Change
Table 4. Reservoir Storage Capacity
Table 3. Population and Water Use ................................................................................................................. 8-20
Table 45. 2010 Water Supply Accounting ......................................................................................................... 8-21
Table 5. Annual Recycled Water Usage.......................................................................................................... 8-27
Table 6. Highest Average Daily Flows to the Water Reclamation Facility, 2001 to 2009 ............................... 8-32
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Water and Wastewater Element
Page 8-5
INTRODUCTION
The City's General Plan guides the use and protection of various resources to meet community purposes. It reflects
consensus and compromise among a wide diversity of citizens' preferences, within a framework set by State law. The
General Plan contains elements that address various topics.
The City decided to adopt an element addressing water resources and wastewater services because of the vital role of
these resources and the far-reaching impacts of water policies on community growth and character. This element
translates the Land Use Element's capacity for development into potential demand for water supply and wastewater
services. This element outlines how the City plans to provide adequate water and wastewater services for its citizens,
consistent with the goals and policies of other General Plan elements.
Before adopting or revising any General Plan element, the Planning Commission and the City Council must hold public
hearings. The City publishes notices in the local newspaper and on the City’s website to let citizens know about the
hearings at least ten days before they are held. Also, the City prepares environmental documents to help citizens
understand the expected consequences of its planning policies before the hearings are held.
Anyone may suggest or apply for amendments to General Plan elements.
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Chapter 8
Page 8-6
A. WATER MANAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
A 1.0 Background
The original Water and Wastewater Management Element was adopted in 1987 around the time the City
experienced its most severe drought period which lasted from 1986 to 1991. During this point in time mandatory
water use restrictions were instituted and restrictions on new development were imposed. Following this period,
the City pursued additional water supplies to meet the existing water needs of the community, as well as to fulfill
the goals of the General Plan. The policies in the Water Management section of the Element were written in a
manner to address the water scarcity issues the City was facing. With the addition of the Nacimiento Water
Project to the City’s water portfolio, the City has an adequate water supply to serve the community’s existing and
future water needs as defined by the General Plan. The 2010 revisions to the Water and Wastewater
Management Element reflect the change in the water supply situation.
The 2016 revisions to the Water and Wastewater Management Element are proposed to include a larger
contractual water supply from Nacimiento Reservoir, to update the daily per capita water use assumption used in
water supply accounting, and to reflect information from the Whale Rock Reservoir Bathymetric Survey and
Volumetric Study completed in 2013.
A 1.1 Purpose
The Water Management section of the Element includes goals, policies, and programs related to water supply,
demand, and other emerging issues.
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Water and Wastewater Element
Page 8-7
MULTI-SOURCE WATER SUPPLY
A 2.0 Background
The City is the sole water purveyor within the city limits. This allows the City to maintain uniformity of water
service and distribution standards, and to be consistent in developing and implementing water policy. As the sole
water purveyor, the City maintains control over water quality, distribution, and service to users of the system, as
well as ensuring consistency with the City's General Plan policies and goals.
The Water Element of the General Plan, adopted in 1987, identified multiple water projects to meet projected
short and long-term water demand. Having several sources of water avoids dependence on any one source that
may not be available during a drought or other water supply reduction or emergency. There is usually greater
reliability and flexibility if sources are of different types (such as surface water and groundwater) and if the
sources of one type are in different locations (such as reservoirs in different watersheds). In November of 1990,
the Council affirmed the multi-source concept.
Consistent with the multi-source concept, the City obtains water from five sources: Salinas Reservoir (Santa
Margarita Lake), Whale Rock Reservoir, Nacimiento Reservoir, recycled water from the City’s Water Reclamation
Resource Recovery Facility (WRF), and groundwater. See Figure 1.
Salinas Reservoir
The Salinas Dam was built in 1941 by the War Department to supply water to Camp San Luis Obispo and,
secondarily, to meet the water needs of the City of San Luis Obispo. The Salinas Reservoir (Santa Margarita Lake)
captures water from a 112 square mile watershed and can store up to 23,843 acre-feet. In 1947, the Salinas Dam
and delivery system was transferred from the regular Army to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Since the late
40s or early 50s, the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has operated this
water supply for the City under a lease from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Water from the reservoir is
pumped through the Cuesta Tunnel (a one-mile long tunnel through the mountains of the Cuesta Ridge) after
which it flows by gravity to the City’s Water Treatment Plant on Stenner Creek Road.
Whale Rock Reservoir
The Whale Rock Reservoir is a 40,662 acre-foot reservoir created by the construction of an earthen dam on Old
Creek near the town of Cayucos. The dam was designed and constructed by the State Department of Water
Resources in 1961 to provide water to the City of San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly State University, and the California
Men’s Colony. The Whale Rock Dam captures water from a 20.3 square mile watershed and water is delivered to
the three agencies through 17.6 miles of 30-inch pipeline and two pumping stations. The City of San Luis Obispo
owns 55.05 percent of the water storage rights at the reservoir. The remaining water storage rights are divided
between the two State agencies with Cal Poly owning 33.71 percent and the California Men’s Colony owning
11.24 percent.
Nacimiento Reservoir
The Nacimiento Reservoir provides flood protection and is a source of supply for groundwater recharge for the
Salinas Valley. It is owned and operated by the Monterey County Water Resources Agency. Since 1959, the San
Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has had an entitlement to 17,500 acre-feet per
year (AFY) of water from the reservoir for use in San Luis Obispo County. Approximately 1,750 AFY have been
designated for uses around the lake, leaving 15,750 AFY for allocation to other areas within the County of San
Luis Obispo.
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Chapter 8
Page 8-8
Figure 3 Multi Source Water Supply
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Water and Wastewater Element
Page 8-9
The County began construction in 2007 on a 45-mile pipeline project to deliver water from the Nacimiento
Reservoir to five participating agencies and cities. The City has a contractual entitlement to 3,380 5,482 AFY of
water from the project.
Recycled Water
Recycled water is highly treated wastewater approved for reuse by the California Department of Public Health for
a variety of applications, including landscape irrigation and construction dust control. Completed in 2006, the
Water Reuse Project created the first new source of water for the City since 1961 following construction of Whale
Rock Dam. The Project resulted in improvements at the City’s Water Resource Recovery Reclamation Facility and
an initial eight miles of distribution pipeline. The City’s first delivery of recycled water took place in 2006. The City
estimates demand exists for approximately 1,000 acre feet of recycled water for landscape irrigation and other
approved uses. Additional information is provided on recycled water in subsections A 3.0, A 7.0, and B 3.0 of this
Element.
Groundwater
The groundwater basin beneath the City is relatively small and recharges very quickly following normal rainfall
periods. The groundwater basin also lowers relatively quickly during periods of below-average rainfall. Extensive
use of groundwater sustained the City through most of the drought of 1986-1991. However, tThe City’s two
largest producing wells, the Auto Parkway and Denny’s (Calle Joaquin) wells, were shut down in 1992 and 1993
when elevated nitrate levels were detected. The City stopped utilizing the Pacific Beach well in April 2015. Due to
new regulatory requirements, using the groundwater would require additional costly treatment before the water
could be used. Additionally, portions of the groundwater basin are contaminated with a chemical solvent
(tetrachloroethylene) which would require treatment facilities to remove. While the City does not currently
utilize potable water from wells, this remains a viable option for future use. Private wells are in use in the City,
such as the well operated by San Luis Coastal Unified School District at San Luis Obispo High School.
The City operatesd one well for domestic potable water use that produces approximately 11 acre-feet per month
or approximately two-percent of the City’s total water use. The City also maintains a non-potable well at the
City’s Corporation Yard that is available for non-potable purposes by permit. for use by contractors for
construction activities such as dust control and soil compaction. The City’s Laguna Lake Golf Course also has two
wells that meet a portion of the irrigation demand for the course. The remainder of the irrigation demand for the
golf course is met using recycled water from the City’s Water Resource Recovery Reclamation Facility.
A 2.1 Goal
Ensure a long-term, reliable water supply to meet both current and future water demand associated with
development envisioned by the General Plan.
A 2.2 Policies
A 2.2.1 Multi-Source Water Supply
The City shall utilize multiple water resources to meet its water supply needs.
A 2.2.2 Water Service within the City
A. The City will be the only purveyor of water within the City.
B. Appropriate use of privately-owned wells is allowed on individual parcels. The use of the water from
a well shall only be utilized on the parcel on which it is situated.
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Chapter 8
Page 8-10
A 2.3 Programs
A 2.3.1 Work cooperatively on regional water issues and water resource planning (Water Resource Advisory
Committee, Whale Rock Commission, etc.).
A 2.3.2 Participate with the County of San Luis Obispo in the Integrated Regional Water Management Plan process.
A 2.3.3 Participate with other appropriate agencies in controlling invasive species which could impact the City’s
water supplies (i.e. quagga mussels).
A 2.3.4 Work with appropriate agencies to minimize water quality impacts from new development and other
activities in the watersheds of the City’s water supplies.
A 2.3.5 Continue to work with the County of San Luis Obispo on the operation and maintenance of Salinas Reservoir
and Nacimiento Water Project.
A 2.3.6 Complete sanitary surveys for the Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs every five years.
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Water and Wastewater Element
Page 8-11
Water Resource Availability
A 3.0 Background
As described in Section A 2.0, the City has five water resources to meet current and future City water demand:
Salinas Reservoir (Santa Margarita Lake), Whale Rock Reservoir, Nacimiento Reservoir, recycled water from the
City’s Water Resource Recovery Reclamation Facility, and groundwater. In order to ensure water supply
reliability, the City must determine the amount of water available from these water resources on an annual basis.
The method to determine the available yield from each resource varies based on water right, contractual
agreement, or the amount of water actually supplied.
For Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs the term “safe annual yield” is used to define the annual amount of water
available from these two resources. The two reservoirs are operated in a coordinated manner to increase the
available water. In contrast, the “dependable yield” from Nacimiento Reservoir is the contractual amount of
water to which the City has rights. Since Nacimiento Reservoir is operated as a water supply project for Monterey
County, the concept of safe annual yield is not used for the City’s contractual water supply from this source. For
recycled water, the annual amount delivered is counted in the water availability calculation. Though groundwater
is part of the City’s water portfolio, due to the limitations on its use, the City will does not consider this supply in
estimating available water resources to meet community needs at this time.
Another issue the City must address is the potential impact of climate change on the City’s water resources.
Climate change could have a significant impact on future water availability in the form of droughts or increased
siltation in reservoirs as a result of wildland fires which could affect the safe annual yield of the City’s reservoirs.
As research on the topic continues, the City will monitor the potential for long-term impacts to its water supply
resources.
The following sections provide more detail about each water resource. Table 1 is a summary of the City’s
available water resources.
Table 1. City Water Resource Availability
Water Resource 2010 2016 Annual Availability
Salinas Reservoir (Santa Margarita Lake) and
Whale Rock Reservoir 6,940 AF Safe Annual Yield
Nacimiento Reservoir 3,380 AF
5,482 Contractual Limit
Recycled Water 130 187 AF 200915 Annual Usage
Siltation to 2060 (500 AF) Policy A 4.2.2
TOTAL 9,950 12,109 AF
Note: The quantity of recycled water included as part of the City’s available water resources identified above, is the actual prior year’s recycled
water usage (200915), per Policy A 7.2.2.
Source: City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department, 2010 2016.
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Chapter 8
Page 8-12
Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs
For Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs the term “safe annual yield” is used to define the quantity of water which
can be withdrawn every year, under critical drought conditions. The safe annual yield available from Salinas and
Whale Rock Reservoirs is estimated by simulating the operation of these two water supply sources over a
historical period to determine the maximum level of demand that could be met during the most severe drought
for which records are available. The two reservoirs are operated in a coordinated manner to maximize the
available water from these sources. Salinas Reservoir fills and spills every two to three years due to its larger
drainage area and more favorable runoff characteristics, yet has higher evaporation rates. Whale Rock Reservoir
fills much less frequently. The combined yield from the two reservoirs can be maximized by utilizing water from
Salinas as the City’s primary source, and using Whale Rock as a backup source during periods when Salinas is
below minimum pool or unable to meet all of the demand. This approach increases the long-term water supply
from these two sources.
Safe annual yield analyses of water supply sources are based on rainfall, evaporation, and stream flow
experienced during a historical period. The City’s safe annual yield analysis utilizes data from 1943 through 1991
including drought periods in 1946-51, 1959-61, 1976-77, and 1986-91. Although future conditions are unlikely to
occur in the precise sequence and magnitudes as have occurred historically, this technique provides a
conservative estimate of the future water supply capability of the existing sources, since the long-term historical
record is considered a good indicator of future conditions.
In 1988, the City contracted with the engineering firm of Leedshill-Herkenhoff, Inc., to prepare a detailed analysis
of the City's water supplies and create a computer model to determine safe annual yield, based on coordinated
operation of the two reservoirs. The report Coordinated Operations Study for Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs
was completed in 1989. Key assumptions used in the 1988 model were that the "controlling drought period" was
from 1946 to 1951 and that the City only used Whale Rock Reservoir when Salinas was below minimum pool or
could not meet the City’s monthly demand. The study also assumed a minimum pool at Salinas and Whale Rock
of 400 and 500 acre-feet respectively. The minimum pool at each lake is the amount of water that must be left in
the lake for fishery and habitat resources. The current minimum pool established for each lake is 2,000 acre feet.
The study estimated the City’s total safe annual yield from the two reservoirs to be 9,080 acre-feet per year. This
amount was never adopted by Council since the study period was only to 1988 and the City was then in a drought
period of unknown length.
In 1991, staff updated the computer model to examine the impact of the 1986-1991 drought on safe annual yield
and revise the assumptions on the amount of water used from Whale Rock Reservoir each year to more
accurately reflect the way the City actually used that resource. The analysis determined that the 1986-91 drought
was the critical drought of record for the two reservoirs. These revised assumptions resulted in a reduction in the
safe annual yield estimate.
The City’s safe annual yield for 2010, from the coordinated operation of Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs is
6,940 acre feet. This includes reductions due to siltation at both reservoirs to the year 2010. Future losses due to
siltation are addressed in Section 4.0 of this Element.
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Water and Wastewater Element
Page 8-13
Nacimiento Reservoir
The “dependable yield” from Nacimiento Reservoir is the contractual amount of water that the City has rights to
from Nacimiento Reservoir. This amount is 5,482 3,380 acre-feet per year. The San Luis Obispo County Flood
Control and Water Conservation District (County) has held an entitlement to 17,500 acre-feet of water from
Nacimiento Lake since 1959. Since that time, a small portion has been dedicated for uses in the immediate areas
around the Lake. Several times in the past, the County has evaluated opportunities for utilizing water to meet
identified needs throughout the County. In the early 1990’s, the City was facing dire drought conditions and
dwindling water supplies and was considering building an emergency water supply project on its own to provide a
new water source. The City requested the County allocate 3,000 acre feet to the City on a permanent basis. While
the County denied this request, this triggered the initiation of investigations on a county-wide basis for separate
contracts for use of the available water from Nacimiento Reservoir.
Engineering studies, environmental impact reports, dependable yield analyses, and preliminary design reports
were undertaken in an effort to meet the various water needs within the County. In 2004, the County requested
interested agencies to approve the contractual agreements for participation in the Nacimiento Project. The four
initial project participants included the cities of San Luis Obispo and Paso Robles, the Atascadero Mutual Water
Company, and the Templeton Community Services District. All of these agencies executed participation
agreements with San Luis Obispo County for entitlements of water which totaled 9,630 acre feet. Since 2004, the
County Service Area 10A, which serves the southern portion of Cayucos, has become a project participant (25
AFY). In addition, 1,750 acre-feet was reserved for uses around the lake.
On June 29, 2004, the City Council authorized participation in the Nacimiento Water Project for the delivery of
3,380 acre-feet of water. This amount is considered to be the City’s dependable yield from this water source and
will be utilized to meet existing and future water demands based on analyses prepared during the Nacimiento
Project planning process (“Nacimiento Reservoir Reliability as a Water Source for San Luis Obispo County”, Boyle
Engineering Corporation, October 2002).
In March 2016, the City Council approved the addition of 2,102 acre feet per year from Nacimiento Reservoir to
the City’s secondary water supply. Secondary water supplies are used to meet short-term losses to the City’s
water supply due to events such as drought, pipeline maintenance, and repair of infrastructure. With uncertainty
of future climatic conditions, regulation and aging infrastructure, the additional supply of Nacimiento water to
the City’s portfolio reduces pressure on use of water supplies in the Whale Rock and Salinas reservoirs. It would
serve to extend these stored supplies during critical water shortage periods.
Recycled Water
With an average influent flow of just under 4.6 2.74 million gallons per day (2009) in 2015, the City’s Water
Resource Recovery Reclamation Facility produces over 5,100 3,000 acre-feet of disinfected tertiary-treated
effluent per year. A minimum of 1,807 acre-feet is discharged to San Luis Obispo Creek annually to provide
satisfactory habitat and flow volume for fish species (steelhead trout) within the San Luis Obispo Creek
environment. The balance makes up the City’s available recycled water resource (See Table 2) which is available
for approved uses including:
Landscape and golf course irrigation
Wetlands, wildlife habitat, stream augmentation
Groundwater recharge
Toilet flushing
Vehicle washing
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Chapter 8
Page 8-14
Surface irrigation of orchards and vineyards
Landscape impoundments
Industrial cooling processes
Food crop irrigation
Table 2. Annual Recycled Water Availability based on Influent Flow
Average Influent Flow to
WRF (MGD)
Treated
Effluent
Produced
(AFY)
Minimum
Average Daily
Creek Release
(MGD)1
Minimum
Annual Creek
Release (AFY)
Average Daily
Recycled Water
Availability (MGD)
Annual Recycled
Water Availability
(AFY)
2009 Avg. Flow 4.596 5,148 1.6129 1,807 2.9831 3,341
Flow at WRF
Capacity 5.20 5,825 1.6129 1,807 3.5871 4,018
Flow at General
Plan Buildout 2 5.80 6,497 1.6129 1,807 4.1871 4,690
Notes:
1. As a condition of approval of the City's Water Reuse Project by the National Marine Fisheries Service in 2005, the City is required to
maintain a minimum average daily release, year-round, of treated effluent to San Luis Obispo Creek at a rate of 2.5 cubic feet per second
(cfs), or 1.6129 million gallons per day (mgd) to provide satisfactory habitat and flow volume for anadromous fish species (steelhead
trout) within the San Luis Obispo Creek environment. This totals a minimum of 1,807 acre feet per year. The City monitors the release of
effluent through an effluent meter at the WRF and a stream gauge in San Luis Obispo Creek.
2. Master planning for the expansion of the WRF to accommodate General Plan buildout is underway in 2010. When the WRF is expanded in
the future it will have an estimated treatment capacity of 5.8 mgd.
Source: City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department, 2010.
Average Influent Flow
to WRF (MGD)
Treated
Effluent
Produced
(AFY)
Minimum Average
Daily Creek
Release (MGD)1
Minimum
Annual Creek
Release (AFY)
Average Daily
Recycled Water
Availability (MGD)
Annual Recycled
Water Availability
(AFY) 1
2015 Average
Flow 2.74 3,066 1.6129 1,807 1.13 1,259
Future Flow at
WRRF Design
Capacity
5.4 5,966 1.6129 1,807 3.79 4,159
NOTES:
1. 2015 data was derived from WRRF average monthly influent data. Future annual recycled water volume is based on the design capacity
of the WRRF of 5.4 mgd in the design phase in 2016.
Source: City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department, 2016.
At this time (2010), the City assumes that irrigation will continue to be the primary use of recycled water. Based
on a market assessment, potential customer surveys, and water demand estimates for the Margarita, Airport,
and Orcutt Specific Plan areas the City estimates that demand will exist for approximately 1,000 acre-feet of
recycled water annually. Irrigation demand is seasonal, with approximately 60 percent of recycled water
deliveries occurring over a three-month period (June through August).
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Water and Wastewater Element
Page 8-15
The design phase for the upgrade of the WRRF is underway in 2016 to accommodate General Plan buildout and
maximize recycled water production. The upgrade will enable the City to consider potable reuse in the future.
Additional background information on recycled water, as well as applicable goals, policies and programs, is
provided in subsection A 7.0 of the Water Section and subsection B 3.0 of the Wastewater Management Section.
A 3.1 Goal
Manage the City’s water resources to meet the current and future water demand requirements associated with
development envisioned by the General Plan.
A 3.2 Policies
A 3.2.1 Basis for Planning
The City will plan for future development through the Land Use Element taking into consideration available
water resources from the Salinas, Whale Rock, and Nacimiento Reservoirs and recycled water.
A 3.2.2 Coordinated Operation
The City will coordinate the operation of the Salinas, Whale Rock, and Nacimiento Reservoirs to maximize
available water resources.
A 3.2.3 Groundwater
Due to limitations for the use of the groundwater resources, the The City will continue to use groundwater
for domestic purposes when available., but will not consider this source of supply as part of its water
resource availability.
A 3.3 Programs
A 3.3.1 An update on the water resource availability will be presented to the City Council as part of an annual Water
Resources Status Report.
A 3.3.2 The City will update the safe annual yield computer model for Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs following
severe drought periods to determine if any changes are necessary to the safe annual yield amount.
A 3.3.3 The City will monitor ongoing research on the potential for long-term impacts associated with climate change
to water supply resources.
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Chapter 8
Page 8-16
SILTATION
A 4.0 Background
Siltation at reservoirs is a natural occurrence that can reduce the storage capacity over long periods. The
reduction of available storage reduces the safe annual yield of the reservoirs. Siltation at reservoirs varies
depending on factors such as rainfall intensity and watershed management practices. Numerous studies and
reports addressing siltation at Salinas Reservoir have been completed, but no studies have been done for Whale
Rock Reservoir. The Whale Rock Reservoir Bathymetric Survey and Volumetric Study was completed in May 2013.
During the drought period ending in 1991, water at Salinas Reservoir fell to record low levels. Recognizing the
unique opportunity presented by the low water level, the County of San Luis Obispo contracted with a local
engineering consultant to provide an aerial survey of the lake and prepare revised storage capacity information.
Early studies indicated average annual siltation rates from 23 acre-feet per year to 34 acre-feet per year. The
study done by the U.S. Geological Survey in 1975 estimated that the siltation rate was approximately 82 acre-feet
per year. The 1990 analysis conducted by the County of San Luis Obispo indicates that the siltation rate is on the
order of 40 acre-feet per year.
It should be noted that siltation impacts to the reservoirs are a long-term impact to the resources and should be
considered in the City’s long range plans for adequate water resources. At an annual siltation rate of 40 AFY at
each reservoir, it would take approximately 530 years to fill up the Salinas Reservoir and 960 years to fill up
Whale Rock Reservoir. Siltation does not occur uniformly over time but the situation should continue to be
monitored into the future.
The City has recognized the need to evaluate the siltation rates at Whale Rock Reservoir and has identified
funding in fiscal year 2011-12 to conduct the study. Since no information is available to indicate what rate of
siltation is occurring at the Whale Rock Reservoir at this point, it is assumed for planning purposes that the
annual average rate of siltation is similar to Salinas Reservoir.
The purpose of the 2013 bathymetric survey and volumetric study at Whale Rock Reservoir was to determine the
level of siltation that has occurred in the reservoir since the dam’s completion in 1961. The study concluded that
sedimentation has reduced reservoir capacity by 4.2 percent in 52 years as shown in Table 3 and 4.
Table 3. Whale Rock Reservoir Capacity Change
1961 Capacity: 40,662 Acre-Ft @ Spillway ELV 216.0 NGVD29
2013 Capacity: 38,967 Acre-Ft @ Spillway ELV 218.3 NAVD88
Capacity Loss due to
Siltation: 1,695 Acre-Ft
Difference in Years: 52 Years
Siltation Rate: 32.6 Acre-Ft/Year
Percentage Capacity Loss: 4.2%
Source: Whale Rock Reservoir Bathymetric Survey and Volumetric Study, 2013.
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Water and Wastewater Element
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Table 4. Reservoir Storage Capacity
Agency %
Entitlement
Original
Storage
Capacity
(AF)
Revised
Storage
Capacity
(AF)
Difference
(AF)
Revised Total
Available
Water * (AF)
City of San
Luis Obispo 55.05 22,384 21,451 933 20,350
Cal Poly 33.71 13,707 13,136 571 12,462
CMC 11.24 4,570 4,380 191 4,155
Total 100 % 40,662 AF 38,967 AF 1,695 AF 36,967 AF
Source: Whale Rock Reservoir Bathymetric Survey and Volumetric Study, 2013.
*Total Available Water is agency share of reservoir storage capacity minus agency proportional share of
minimum pool requirements.
The safe annual yield from the two reservoirs will be continually reduced as a result of siltation. The City’s
computer model can be is used to calculate the reduction in safe annual yield from Salinas and Whale Rock
reservoirs to-date, which is reflected in the safe annual yield amount in Section A 3.0 which accounts for
estimated siltation losses to 2010.
Since the storage capacity for Salinas Reservoir was last estimated in 1990, the annual loss of 40 acre-feet per
year can be applied from that date. However, since siltation at Whale Rock Reservoir has never been factored
into the total available water storage, the loss of 40 acre-feet per year would apply to the period since the
reservoir was constructed in 1961.
The estimated loss in storage capacity for Salinas Reservoir between 1990 and 2010 is 800 acre-feet. The
estimated loss at Whale Rock Reservoir between 1961 and 20103 is was 1,960 1,695 acre-feet. Based on these
reduced storage capacities, the computer model was used to estimate the safe annual yield from the combined
operation of the two reservoirs. With an estimated loss of 40 acre-feet per year at each reservoir, the total safe
annual yield from the two reservoirs is estimated to be reduced by 10 acre-feet per year.
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A 4.1 Goals
A 4.1.1 Accurately account for siltation in the Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs.
A 4.1.2 Recognize and account for future projected water losses due to siltation at Salinas and Whale Rock
Reservoirs.
A 4.2 Policies
A 4.2.1 Accounting for Past Siltation
The City shall account for siltation losses that have occurred to date (2010) in the safe annual yield from
Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs.
A 4.2.2 Accounting for Future Siltation
The City will account for estimated safe annual yield losses at Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs for the next
50 years ( through 2060) by deducting 500 acre feet of available water supplies to account for these future
losses. The siltation rate will be updated as information becomes available from subsequent siltation
analyses.
A 4.3 Programs
A 4.3.1 Work cooperatively with other agencies and/or watershed management groups, including the County of San
Luis Obispo and Resource Conservation Districts, implementing best management practices (BMPs) to reduce
erosion and subsequent siltation consistent with other City watershed management goals and water quality
objectives included in the Conservation and Open Space Element.
A 4.3.2 Continue public education and outreach to property owners in the watersheds above the reservoirs to
encourage practices that reduce erosion and other practices that could impact siltation or water quality in
the reservoirs.
A 4.3.3 Consider periodic siltation studies at each reservoir to evaluate and document the impacts associated with
siltation.
A 4.3.4 An update on siltation at the City’s reservoirs will be provided to the City Council as part of the annual Water
Resources Status Report.
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WATER SUPPLY ACCOUNTING AND DEMAND PROJECTION
A 5.0 Background
The City is located in a Mediterranean climate that is prone to drought. As a result, the City has experienced
serious water supply deficits. In 1991, during an extended drought, the community was within 18 months of
running out of water in Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs. In fact, Salinas Reservoir was below minimum pool
and was not available to the City toward the end of this drought period. In 1996, citizens voted to incorporate
Section 909 into the City’s Charter identifying a water reliability reserve. In an effort to reduce the impacts of
drought on the community, the City Council has enacted numerous water policies to strengthen its water
resources portfolio. 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.
1. Primary water supply is the amount needed to meet the General Plan build-out of the City. The quantity of
water needed for the City’s primary water supply needs is calculated using a ten-year average of actual
per-capita water use and the City’s build-out population.
2. Reliability reserve provides a buffer for future unforeseen or unpredictable long-term impacts to the City’s
available water resources such as loss of yield from an existing water supply source and impacts due to
climate change.
3. Secondary water supply is the amount needed to meet peak water demand periods or short-term loss of
City water supply sources. The City’s secondary water supply is identified as any water supply resources
above those needed to meet the primary water supply and reliability reserve.
In order to support growth projections and other goals of the General Plan, the City must project how much
water will be needed to serve residents, businesses, and other users. This can be done by using different
methods, all of which involve assumptions about future usage rates and the numbers and types of users expected
in the future. There will always be some uncertainty in estimating development capacity (such as the number of
dwellings or residents) as well as the usage per customer type (such as acre-feet per dwelling or per resident).
The estimating method must use reasonable assumptions, based on experience, to assure an adequate level of
water supply while not overstating demands.
As shown in Figure 2, the City’s historical per capita usage water use has ranged from a high of 182 gallons per
capita per day (gpcd) in 1987 to a low of 86 gpcd in 1991 (during mandatory water rationing). To project the City’s
primary water supply and reliability reserve into the future, an average per capita water use rate will be used,
moderated by the use of the ten-year running average to normalize weather events. In 2010, the ten-year
average is 123.2 gpcd as shown in Table 3, Population and Water Use the City will use 117 gpcd which is the
maximum allowed per capita water use under Senate Bill X7-7. This water use rate is used with the City’s build-
out population and current population to project the primary water supply and reliability reserve. The City’s
remaining water resources make up secondary water supply, as shown in Table 4.
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Figure 4 Per Capita Water Use, 1985-2009
Source: City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department, 2010.
Table 5. Population and Water Use
Year City of San Luis Obispo Population 1 Total Water Use
(acre feet) 2 Per Capita Water Use (gpcd) 2
2000 44,179 6,121 124
2001 44,347 5,886 118
2002 44,482 6,032 121
2003 44,357 5,968 120
2004 44,298 6,239 126
2005 44,687 6,098 122
2006 44,559 5,999 120
2007 44,433 6,488 130
2008 44,579 6,375 128
2009 44,829 6,157 123
Ten-year Average: 123.2
Sources:
1. State of CA, Department of Finance, E-4 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State, 2001-2010, with 2000 Benchmark.
Sacramento, CA, May 2010.
2. City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department, 2010.
177 181 182 175
117
89 86
98 103 106
121 125
133
124 130 124 121 120 126 122
130 128 123118120
0
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40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09
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Page 8-21
Table 6. 2010 Water Supply Accounting
Proposed Water Supply Accounting and Demand Projections
(City Buildout Population * 117 gpcd * 365
days) / 325,851 gallons =
Primary Water Supply
+
20% of Current City
Population * 117 gpcd * 365
days) / 325,851 gallons =
Reliability Reserve
+
All Remaining Supplies
Secondary Water Supply
= Annual
Availability
Total1 Primary Water Supply2 Reliability Reserve3 Secondary Water Supply4
9,950 acre-feet 7,894 acre-feet 1,241 acre-feet 816 acre-feet
Notes:
1. The “Total” water supply for 2010 is identified in Table 1. It includes safe annual yield from Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs, contractual
limit from Nacimiento Reservoir, annual recycled water usage for 20092015, and deducts siltation losses at Salinas and Whale Rock
Reservoirs to 2060.
2. Primary Water Supply was is calculated using the City’s buildout population (57,200, per Land Use Element, Table 2, Anticipated City
Population Growth, 2006) and the water use rate of 123.2 117 gallons per capita per day (a ten-year running average of the City’s actual
per capita water use), per policy A 5.2.2.
3. Reliability Reserve was calculated using the City’s 2010 population (44,948, per CA Dept. of Finance, E-4 Population Estimates for Cities,
Counties and the State, 2001-2010, with 2000 Benchmark. Sacramento, CA, May 2010) and 20 percent of the water use rate of 123.2 117
gallons per capita per day (a ten-year running average of the City’s actual per capita water use), per policy A 5.2.3.
4. Secondary Water Supply includes the remaining water resources available in 2010, identified in Table 1, per policy A 5.2.4.
Source: City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department, 20106.
A 5.1 Goals
A 5.1.1 Identify and meet the City’s multi- source water supply needs.
A 5.1.2 Accurately forecast future water demand for planning purposes.
A 5.2 Policies
A 5.2.1 Water Use Rate
The City will calculate utilize the per capita water use rate based on a ten-year running average of the City’s
actual per capita water use allowed by Senate Bill X7-7 for projecting future potable water demand
established as 117 gallons per capita per day.
A 5.2.2 Primary Water Supply
The City shall establish the amount of water needed for General Plan build-out using the water use rate
established in Policy A 5.2.1 multiplied by the projected General Plan build-out population identified in the
Land Use Element.
A 5.2.3 Reliability Reserve
The City will establish a reliability reserve that is 20-percent of the water use rate established in Policy A 5.2.1
multiplied by the current population. The water supply designated as the reliability reserve may not be used
to serve future development.
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A 5.2.4 Secondary Water Supply
After accounting for primary water supply and a reliability reserve, any remaining water supplies shall be
utilized for meeting short-term water supply shortages or peak water demands.
A 5.2.5 Paying for Water for New Development
New development shall pay its proportionate or “fair share” for water supplies, expanded treatment and
distribution system capacity and upgrades.
A 5.3 Programs
A 5.3.1 An update on water supply accounting and demand projections will be presented to the City Council as part
of the annual Water Resources Status Report.
A 5.3.2 The City will conduct periodic updates to water development impact fees.
A 5.3.3 Prepare and update the Urban Water Management Plan every five years as required by the State.
A 5.3.4 Analyze and prepare water supply assessments for large new developments in accordance with State law.
A 5.3.5 Analyze the impacts of water efficiency programs and services to reduce overall water demand within the
City
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WATER CONSERVATION
A 6.0 Background
Water conservation was first referenced as a part of the City's water management policy in 1973. In 1985, the
City adopted the Annual Water Operational Plan policy establishing water conservation as a means of extending
water supplies during projected water shortages. Since 1985, many technological and philosophical changes have
occurred which are proving water conservation to be both a short-term corrective measure for immediate water
supply shortages and a long-term solution to water supply reliability.
Because of the experience during the drought of 1986 to 1991, the City developed a Water Shortage Contingency
Plan (Plan) to deal with immediate, short-term water shortages. The Plan is designed to require mandatory
actions when there is a projected three five year supply of water remaining from available water resources. The
Plan uses a combination of water allocations based on customer classification and water use surcharges for
exceeding the allocation as a means to decrease water use during critical water shortages. For instance,
residential customers are given a water allocation based on the average water use for multi- or single-family
households having three occupants. If there are more residents, additional water may be allocated with sufficient
proof. Commercial customers are allocated water either by a reduction based on their historical water use or by
the average water use by business type. Surcharges for exceeding a water allocation results in their bill either
doubling or tripling depending on the actual amount of water used. The Plan is also a required component of the
City’s Urban Water Management Plan which is updated every five years per State Water Code.
The Water Conservation Act of 2009, Senate Bill X7-7 (SB X7-7), was incorporated into the California Water Code
in 2009. The legislation directs urban water suppliers to adopt one of four methods to determine their urban
water use target. The method selected by the City corresponds to the Central Coast hydrologic region. The
Central Coast region’s 2020 target of 117 gallons per capita per day is the lowest in the state.
The City also recognizes the importance of long-term water efficiency by supporting programs that will enhance
water supply reliability and comply with any current and/or future state mandates in water use reductions. In
2009, Senate Bill X7-7 was passed requiring water agencies to reduce per capita water use by 20 percent by the
year 2020. There are three options (with a fourth being developed) on how to determine the year 2020 target for
the City. Using the methodology which best corresponds to the City’s situation and recognizes the City’s past
investment in conservation, the City’s target per capita water use would be 117 gpcd which is an additional five
percent reduction from 2010 per capita water use.
In terms of water supply reliability the City was one of the original signatories to the Memorandum of
Understanding Regarding Urban Water Conservation (MOU) and has actively pursued the implementation of the
water efficiency best management practices (BMPs) prescribed in the MOU. The MOU was a negotiated
agreement between water purveyors statewide and environmental organizations on how best to utilize the
State’s water resources by incorporating conservation into their water management practices.
The BMPs have been developed over the years by water purveyors, environmental groups, and industry
stakeholders. They represent the best available water conservation practices based on research and experience
and include:
Water conservation pricing and rate structures
Technical assistance for water customers
Incentives for indoor and outdoor water saving technologies
Public information and outreach
Water audits
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Additionally, the City has adopted the Ahwahnee Principles as part of the General Plan’s Conservation and Open
Space Element (COSE). The water conservation components of the principles align with both the indoor and
outdoor water conservation BMPs.
In the future, the City will reevaluate and update its water conservation efforts in response to changing water
demand, supplies, technology, and economic conditions.
A 6.1 Goal
The efficient use of the City’s water resources to protect both short- and long-term water supply reliability.
A 6.2 Policies
A 6.2.1 Long-term Water Efficiency
The City will implement water-efficiency programs which are consistent with accepted best management
practices and comply with any State-mandated water use reductions.
A 6.2.2 Short-term Water Shortages
Mandatory water conservation measures as described in the City’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan will be
implemented when the City's water supplies are projected to last three five years or less.
A 6.3 Programs
A 6.3.1 Work cooperatively with other San Luis Obispo County water agencies to identify cooperative water
efficiency measures that can be implemented in each jurisdiction.
A 6.3.2 Participate in State and regional water conservation efforts and research and development opportunities.
A 6.3.3 Implement the Water Shortage Contingency Plan as required.
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Water and Wastewater Element
Page 8-25
RECYCLED WATER
A 7.0 Background
Water recycling was envisioned as part of the City’s overall water supply strategy since the 1980’s. In 1994, the
City completed a major capital improvement project at the Water Resource Recovery Reclamation Facility that
included addition of tertiary treatment and other unit processes required to meet stringent effluent quality limits
intended to protect and enhance the receiving waters of San Luis Obispo Creek. While a municipal water reuse
program was envisioned at the time of this upgrade, the City did not receive regulatory approvals for diversion of
treated effluent for off-site landscape irrigation and other approved uses until 2002.
The City’s 2004 Water Reuse Master Plan identifies the areas of the City to be served with recycled water (See
Figure 3, Water Reuse Master Plan Area and Distribution System), as well as potential customers and anticipated
future recycled water demand.
The City completed construction of the Water Reuse Project in 2006 which included:
A diversion structure and modulating control valve to split the effluent flow between the recycled water
tank and San Luis Obispo Creek.
A new 220,000-gallon chlorine contact tank to meet recycled water disinfection requirements which differ
from those for discharge to San Luis Obispo Creek.
A new 600,000 gallon buried concrete recycled water storage tank to provide the storage necessary for
operation of the distribution system.
A pump station to deliver recycled water into the distribution system. It included two 40-horsepower and
three 120-horsepower variable speed pumps and was designed to accommodate two additional 120
horsepower pumps for a future capacity expansion.
The Water Reuse Project also included the initial eight miles of the recycled water distribution system with two
main branches, as described below:
West Branch: The west branch extends west from the WRF under Highway 101, then along Calle Joaquin to
Los Osos Valley Road (LOVR) to near the westerly city limits on LOVR. There is a secondary branch which
extends from LOVR along Madonna Road to Laguna Lake Park.
East Branch: The east branch begins at the WRF and follows Prado Road easterly to the city limits, then
along existing easements to Broad Street, thence southerly along Broad to Tank Farm Road, then easterly
to the terminus at Islay Hills Park.
Recycled water deliveries began in October 2006. In 2009, recycled water was delivered to 17 sites with total
usage over 130 acre feet per year (See Table 5). Additional sites continue to be connected to the recycled water
distribution system through retrofits of existing irrigation systems as well as the irrigation systems associated
with new development in the area. In the future, recycled water will be delivered to development in the Airport,
Margarita, and Orcutt specific plan areas and is being considered with development proposals for the Avila
Ranch, San Luis Ranch, and Madonna on LOVR specific plans. Recycled water will be used for the irrigation of
parks, streetscape, and median landscaping, common area (homeowners association) landscaping, and
landscaping in commercial centers, industrial areas, and business parks.
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Figure 2 Water Reuse Master Plan Area and Distribution System
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Table 7. Annual Recycled Water Usage
Calendar
Year
Annual Recycled
Water Usage
(in acre-feet)
Number of Sites
Using Recycled Water
2006 7.69 1 1
2007 62.36 10
2008 95.75 11
2009 137.36 2 17
Notes:
1. Partial year data reported, October through December 2006.
2. The City initiated a Construction Water Permit Program (CWPP) on July 1, 2009. Recycled water usage associated with the CWPP is included
with annual recycled water usage.
Source: City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department, 2010.
A 7.1 Goals
A 7.1.1 MaximizeUtilize recycled water for all approved purposes non-potable purposes, thereby offsetting the use
of potable water.
A 7.1.2 Maximize the use of the City’s available recycled water supply for approved uses.
A 7.2 Policies
A 7.2.1 Recycled Water Supply
The City will make available recycled water to substitute for existing potable water uses as allowed by law
and to supply new non-potable uses.
A 7.2.2 Accounting for Recycled Water
The City will add total recycled water usage from the prior year to the City’s water resource availability on an
annual basis.
A 7.3 Programs
A 7.3.1 Expand the recycled water distribution system to serve customers in the Water Reuse Master Plan area.
A 7.3.2 Review development proposals for projects within the Water Reuse Master Plan area to ensure recycled
water is utilized for appropriate uses.
A 7.3.3 Annual recycled water usage will be presented to the City Council as part of the annual Water Resources
Status Report and will be added to the City’s water resource availability per policy A 3.2.1.
A 7.3.4 Consider the potential to deliver available recycled water supplies to customers outside the city limits,
including analysis of policy issues, technical concerns, and cost recovery, provided it is found to be consistent
with the General Plan.
A 7.3.5 Continue to explore potable reuse consistent with statewide regulations.
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B. WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
INTRODUCTION
B 1.0 Background
The Wastewater Management section was first incorporated into the Water and Wastewater Management
Element of the General Plan in 1987. The City owns and operates, under regulatory permits, a wastewater
collection system and a water reclamation resource recovery facility that produces recycled water. In order to
adequately maintain the systems, meet the needs of the community, and meet increasingly stringent regulations
the City implements infrastructure replacement and upgrade projects at the Water Reclamation Resource
Recovery Facility (WRF) and throughout the wastewater collection system. It also has a pretreatment program.
The 2016 revisions include updated data related to the City’s wastewater flows.
B 1.1 Purpose
This section of the Water and Wastewater Management Element establishes goals, policies, and programs to
ensure provision of adequate sanitary sewer infrastructure and wastewater treatment capacity to accommodate
existing and future development in order to protect public health, human safety, and the environment.
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WASTEWATER SERVICE
B 2.0 Background
The City is the sole provider of wastewater service within the City. The service provides collection and treatment
for residential, commercial, and industrial users on properties within the city limits. In 2010, the number of
service connections is estimated to be 14,400. Through agreement, the City also provides service to the San Luis
Obispo campus of California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) and the County of San Luis Obispo Airport.
The collection system is primarily a gravity flow system. Where gravity flow is not feasible due to the topography,
wastewater lift stations and pressurized force mains are used to move wastewater to the City’s Water Resource
Recovery Reclamation Facility (WRF) on Prado Road. Sewer pipelines measure from six inches to 48 inches in
diameter.
As shown in Figure 4, dry-weather flow to the WRRF over the past nine years has ranged from 4.08 mgd to 5.12
mgd during October. In 2010, tThe WRRF is designed for an average dry-weather flow of 5.12 million gallons per
day (mgd). Instantaneous peak flows exceeding 20 mgd are not uncommon during storm events due to
infiltration and inflow into the wastewater collection system, discussed further in subsection B 4.0. As the City
grows to its build-out population outlined in the Land Use Element, the average dry-weather flow of wastewater
is expected to reach 5.84 mgd. In 20106, master planning for the expansion of the WRRF to accommodate
General Plan buildout is underway. When the WRRF is expanded in the future it will have an estimated a
treatment capacity of 5.84 mgd.
Figure 4 October Dry-Weather Flows to the Water Reclamation Facility in Million Gallons per Day (MGD)
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Year
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Source: City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department, Water Reclamation Facility, Influent Flow Data for October 2001-2009. The City utilizes
October data to ensure the consideration of the City’s student population when forecasting future dry-weather flows.
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B 2.1 Goal
Adequate wastewater collection and treatment service to meet the long-term needs of the City.
B 2.2 Policies
B 2.2.1 Service Outside the City Limits
To receive City wastewater service, property must be annexed to the City. The City Council may authorize
exceptions to this policy provided it is found to be consistent with the General Plan.
B 2.2.2 Service Capacity
The City's wastewater collection system and Water Reclamation Resource Recovery Facility shall support
population and related service demands consistent with the General Plan.
B 2.2.3 Wastewater Service for New Development
New development shall pay its proportionate or “fair share” of expanded treatment and collection system
capacity and upgrades. New development will only be permitted if adequate capacity is available within the
wastewater collection system and/or Water Reclamation Resource Recovery Facility.
B 2.2.4 City as Exclusive Provider
The City will be the only provider of public wastewater treatment within the City (but on-site pretreatment of
wastewater to meet City Standards may be required).
B 2.3 Programs
B 2.3.1 Expand capacity in the City’s collection system and Water Reclamation Resource Recovery Facility in support
of projected wastewater flows.
B 2.3.2 Evaluate the potential for the wastewater flows of a proposed project to exceed the capacity of collection
and treatment systems.
B 2.3.3 The City will conduct periodic updates to its wastewater development impact fees.
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WASTEWATER TREATMENT
B 3.0 Background
The Water Reclamation Resource Recovery Facility (WRF) processes wastewater in accordance with standards set
by the State's Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). The RWQCB issues a permit to the City under the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), setting standards for the discharge of treated
wastewater. The standards are to protect beneficial uses of the receiving water (San Luis Obispo Creek) including
recreation, agricultural supply, and fish and wildlife habitat.
The Water Resource Recovery Facility WRF removes solids, reduces the amount of nutrients, and eliminates
bacteria in the treated wastewater which is then discharged into San Luis Obispo Creek. Solids are separated and
treated, to create biosolids. Biosolids are beneficially reused as compost, and/or soil amendment. As described in
Section A 7.0, the Water Resource Recovery Facility WRF has been producing tertiary treated recycled water for
delivery to water customers in the City since 2006.
The design phase for the upgrade of the Water Resource Recovery Facility is underway in 2016 with completion
anticipated in 2020. The upgrade will enable the City to consider potable reuse, part of a One Water concept, in
the future.
B 3.1 Goals
B 3.1.1 Wastewater treatment that meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and ensures the protection of public
health and the environment.
B 3.1.2 A high-quality, dependable recycled water supply that meets an increasing portion of the City’s non-potable
demand. Maximize recycled water production.
B 3.2 Policies
B 3.2.1 Treating Wastewater
The City will treat all wastewater in compliance with approved discharge permits.
B 3.2.2 Recycled Water Production
The City will produce high-quality, dependable recycled water, suitable for a wide range of non-potable uses.
B 3.2.3 Beneficial Use
The City will pursue treatment and disposal methods which provide for further beneficial use of wastewater
and biosolids.
B 3.3 Programs
B 3.3.1 Prepare and implement Water Reclamation Resource Recovery Facility master plan consistent with
regulatory requirements.
B 3.3.2 Work cooperatively on regional water quality issues.
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COLLECTION SYSTEM
B 4.0 Background
The first sanitary sewers were built in San Luis Obispo in the late 1800s. Today portions of the collection system
are over 100 years old. It includes nine lift stations, approximately 135 miles of gravity sewer line and three miles
of force main. Approximately 2,900 manholes provide access to the collection system. The sewer lines are made
of a variety of materials, including terra cotta salt-glazed pipe, vitrified clay pipe (VCP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
and asbestos concrete.
The City’s wastewater collection system requires maintenance to ensure uninterrupted flows and minimize
sanitary sewer overflows. Area and preventive maintenance programs are regularly evaluated to ensure their
effectiveness. The City also utilizes video inspection to prioritize problem areas for replacement, maintenance,
assess overall mainline conditions, conduct inflow and infiltration evaluations, and assess new construction.
The City issues discharge permits to and conducts inspections of facilities that have the potential to discharge
pollutants in concentrations that could pose a threat to worker safety, the wastewater collection system, and/or
the Water Reclamation Resource Recovery Facility. Through its Pretreatment Program, the City also implements
programs to target constituents of special concern.
Like most cities in California, San Luis Obispo has separate sewer and storm drain systems. This means each
system of pipes in the ground is designed to accommodate either sewer or stormwater flows. One set of pipes
takes sanitary waste to the Water Reclamation Resource Recovery Facility while a second set carries stormwater
runoff from street drains directly into bioswales, detention basins, or creeks.
The City’s wastewater collection system and the WRF have long experienced problems associated with wet
weather infiltration and inflow (I & I). Inflow is water that enters the collection system at points of direct
connection (non-soil) such as around manhole covers or through illegal connection of roof drains, downspouts, or
landscape drains. Infiltration is water that flows through the ground into the collection system usually through
cracks in public sewer mains and/or private sewer laterals (See Figure 5). I & I overloads the collection system
during heavy rains and can result in sanitary sewer overflows. During periods of significant rain events, the Water
Reclamation Resource Recovery Facility WRF can become hydraulically overwhelmed (as mentioned previously,
instantaneous peak flows exceeding 20 mgd are not uncommon during storm events) increasing the chance of
effluent violations and the release of partially treated wastewater to San Luis Obispo Creek. Table 6 includes data
on the highest average daily flows experienced at the Water Resource Recovery Facility WRF during rain events
over a nine-year period.
Table 8. Highest Average Daily Flows to the Water Reclamation Facility, 20016 to 200915
Average Daily Flows 1 Year
15.41 mgd 2001 (March)
7.84 mgd 2002 (December)
9.96 mgd 2003 (March)
16.81 mgd 2004 (December)
15.95 mgd 2005 (January)
19.75 mgd 2006 (April)
7.24 mgd 2007(December)
9.83 mgd 2008 (January)
11.67 mgd 2009 (October)
13.51 mgd 2010 (December)
13.23 mgd 2011 (March
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7.10 mgd 2012 (January)
5.17 mgd 2013 (January)
5.12 mgd 2014 (March)
5.24 mgd 2015 (February)
Note:
1. Instantaneous peak flows are higher.
2. August dry weather flow to the WRF from 2001 to 2009 ranged from 3.44 mgd to 4.23 mgd.
Source: City of San Luis Obispo Utilities Department, 2010.
Figure 3 Inflow and Infiltration Illustrated
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B 4.1 Goal
Collect and convey all wastewater under safe and sanitary conditions to the Water Reclamation Resource
Recovery Facility.
B 4.2 Policies
B 4.2.1 Collection System Maintenance
The City will manage the collection system to ensure that the proper level of maintenance is provided and
that the flow in sanitary sewers does not exceed design capacity.
B 4.2.2 Infiltration and Inflow
The City will minimize stormwater and groundwater infiltration and inflow into the sewer system.
B 4.3 Programs
B 4.3.1 Investigate and carry out cost-effective methods for reducing infiltration and inflow into the wastewater
collection system.
B 4.3.2 Develop education and outreach materials to increase public awareness of problems associated with
excessive infiltration and inflow (I & I) into the wastewater collection system and the City’s efforts to reduce
I & I.
B 4.3.3 Support the retrofit of commercial and residential sewer laterals to reduce infiltration and inflow into the
wastewater collection system.
B 4.3.4 Update the Sewer System Management Plan to maintain its applicability.
B 4.3.5 Maintain, and revise as necessary, master plans for the extension of wastewater services to developing areas
of the City and to ensure orderly replacement of aged infrastructure.
B 4.3.6 Review development proposals to ensure new development does not adversely impact existing infrastructure
and that necessary infrastructure will be in place to support the development.
B 4.3.7 Provide a Pretreatment Program pursuant to the Clean Water Act to ensure that all discharge requirements
are met.
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Please see the next page.
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R ______
RESOLUTION NO. ________ (2016 SERIES)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO THE WATER
AND WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL
PLAN (GENP-3215-2016)
WHEREAS, State law requires cities and counties to adopt a General Plan; and
WHEREAS, the Water and Wastewater Management Element of the City of San Luis
Obispo City General Plan was first adopted on June 29, 2004 and last updated on July 6, 2010;
and
WHEREAS, a periodic update of the Water and Wastewater Management Element is
necessary for the information to remain current; and
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo has prepared an updated 2016 Water and
Wastewater Management Element to address current information and for consistency with the
2015 Urban Water Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, the 2016 Water and Wastewater Management Element was evaluated in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant and is exempt consistent
with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the General Rule Exemption; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission, held a hearing on May 25, 2016 and
recommended the City Council adopt the amendments to the General Plan Water and
Wastewater Management Element as shown in the Draft Water and Wastewater Management
Element.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
as follows:
SECTION 1. Finding. The City Council, after considering the 2016 Water and
Wastewater Management Element, environmental determination, staff recommendations, public
testimony and correspondence, and reports thereon, finds that proposed modifications to the
Water and Wastewater Management Element is consistent with the General Plan.
SECTION 2. Environmental Determination. The City Council hereby determines that the
2016 Water and Wastewater Management Element is exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the General Rule
Exemption.
SECTION 3. Approval of the 2016 Water and Wastewater Management Element. The
City Council hereby adopts the amendments to the 2016 Water and Wastewater Management
Element, as set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference.
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Resolution No. _____ (2016 Series) Page 2
Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _____________________ 2016.
____________________________________
Mayor Jan Marx
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Lee Price, MMC
Interim City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, this ______ day of ______________, _________.
____________________________________
Lee Price, MMC
Interim City Clerk
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R ______
RESOLUTION NO. ________ (2016 Series)
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE REVISED URBAN WATER
MANAGEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, the California Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 797 during the 1983-1984
Regular Session, and as amended subsequently, which mandates that every supplier providing
water for municipal purposes to more than 3,000 customers or supplying more than 3,000 acre
feet of water annually, prepare an Urban Water Management Plan (the “Plan”); and
WHEREAS, the City is an urban supplier of water providing water to approximately
15,000 customers; and
WHEREAS, the Plan shall be periodically reviewed at least once every five years, and
that the City shall make any amendments or changes to its plan which are indicated by the
review; and
WHEREAS, the Plan must be adopted, after public review and hearing, and filed with the
California Department of Water Resources within thirty days of adoption; and
WHEREAS, the City has therefore prepared for public review a draft Urban Water
Management Plan, and a properly noticed public hearing regarding the Plan was held by the City
Council on June 14, 2016.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
that the Urban Water Management Plan, consisting of text with tables, figures and appendices
presented to the Council on June 14, 2016, on file in the City Clerk’s Office, is hereby adopted.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Utilities Director is hereby directed to distribute
the Urban Water Management Plan to the California State Library, the County of San Luis
Obispo and make available for public review as prescribed by state law.
Upon motion of _______________________, seconded by _______________________,
and on the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
The foregoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of _____________________ 2016.
____________________________________
Mayor Jan Marx
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Resolution No. _____ (2016 Series) Page 2
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Lee Price, MMC
Interim City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_____________________________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, this ______ day of ______________, _________.
____________________________________
Lee Price, MMC
Interim City Clerk
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Page intentionally left
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THENewspaper of the Central Coast Jl1 N 0 8 Z(11
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3825 South Higuera • Post Office Box 112 • San Luis Obispo, California 93406-0112 • (805) 781-7800
In The Superior Court of The State of California
In and for the County of San Luis Obispo
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION
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County aforesaid; I am over the age of eighteen and not
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SAN SoISO CITY COUNCIL
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CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
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The San Luis Obispo City Council Invitw
THE TRIBUNE a newspaper of general Circulation
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all interested Persons to attend a public
printed and published daily at the City of San Luis
hearing on Tuesday, June 14, 2016, at
6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Cham.
Obispo in the above named county and state; that notice
ber, 990 Palm Street, San Luis ObfsPa,
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
California, relative to the following:
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1. A? TION OF THE 2018 URSAN WA -
County of San Luis Obispo
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I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the
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County aforesaid; I am over the age of eighteen and not
A Public hearing to consider the following:
interested in the above entitled matter; I am now, and at
1. Adopt a resolution to consider approv,
all times embraced in the publication herein mentioned
Ing the 2015 update to the City of San L.Lij,
was, the principal clerk of the printers and publishers of
ObisposUrban Water Management Plan.
THE TRIBUNE a newspaper of general Circulation
g
2. As recommended by the Planning Com•
mission's recommendalton, adopt a resolu.
printed and published daily at the City of San Luis
tion approving policy and text amendments
Obispo in the above named county and state; that notice
to the General Pian Chapter 8, Water and
Wastewater Management Element.
at which the annexed clippings is a true copy, was
The city Council may also discuss other
published in the above-named newspaper and not in any
hearings or business items before or after
supplement thereof - on the following dates to Wlt'
the Items listed above. If you challenge the
proposed project In court, you may be limit -
MAY 28; JUNE 4, 2016, that said newspaper was duly
ed to raising only those issues you or
and regularly ascertained and established a newspaper of
someone else raised at the public hearing
described in this notice, or in written cone -
general circulation by Decree entered in the Superior
yr priortoethelivered to the CityCouncil at,
Court of San Luis Obispo County, State of California, on
public hearing.
June 9, 1952, Case #19139 under the Government Code
for roris fon this meeting will be wand o -
for revtew In the City Clerk's Office and on -
of the State of California.
line at www slaclfy erg On Wednesday,
June 8, 2016. Please call the City Clarks
Office at (805) 781-7100 for more Informa-
I cern or declare) under e that the
fy ( dl)dthe perjury penalty of P J ryhh
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foregoing is true and correct.
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--- LInterim
, MMC
Ay ity Clerk
an Luis Obispo(Signa e of Principal Clerk) ne a, 2016 2474150
DATED: JUNE 4, 2016
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2015 Urban Water Management Plan and
Update to General Plan, Chapter 8,
Water and Wastewater Management Element
Salinas Reservoir Dam, February 2015
Agenda
1.Drought Update
2.Review 2015 Urban Water Management Plan
3.Review Proposed Changes to General Plan, Chapter 8,
Water and Wastewater Management Element
3. Recommendations
Nacimiento Reservoir Dam, February 2015
Drought Update
El Niño affected the state in different ways
depending on geographic location
Due to the effects of El Niño on some of the
state’s water supplies, updated regulations
allow for an alternative method for
calculating conservation goals
The City did not receive the anticipated
rainfall and plans to continue forward with
the original 12% reduction goal
Chapter 1. Introduction
Provides the framework for updating the 2015
Urban Water Management Plan
Describes coordination with other agencies
and opportunities for public participation
Chapter 2. Service Area and Water System
Description
Provides general description the City’s service
area including climate, population, and
demographics
Includes a detailed description of the City’s
water system
2015 Urban Water Management Plan
Chapter Summaries
Water Pressure Zones.
Chapter 3. Current and Projected Water
Demand
Evaluates past water trends & projects future
water demand
Includes SB X7-7 compliance
Establishes a baseline and 2015 and 2020
targets for water use reductions
2015 Urban Water Management Plan
Chapter Summaries
Hydrologic Region
"2020 Plan"
Regional
Targets
Method 3
Regional
Targets
(95%)
North Coast 137 130
North Lahontan 173 164
Sacramento River 176 167
San Francisco Bay 131 124
San Joaquin River 174 165
Central Coast 123 117
Tulare Lake 188 179
South Lahontan 170 162
South Coast 149 142
Colorado River 211 200
Hydrologic Region
"2020 Plan"
Regional
Targets
Method 3
Regional
Targets
(95%)
North Coast 137 130
North Lahontan 173 164
Sacramento River 176 167
San Francisco Bay 131 124
San Joaquin River 174 165
Central Coast 123 117
Tulare Lake 188 179
South Lahontan 170 162
South Coast 149 142
Colorado River 211 200
Target Method 3
Hydrologic Region Goals
* Figures are In gallons per capita per day
Chapter 4. Water Resources
Summarizes the City’s water
supply sources including Salinas,
Whale Rock, and Nacimiento
Reservoirs, and groundwater
Chapter 5. Recycled Water
Describes current uses of recycled
water, future system expansion,
seasonal surplus, and potable
reuse opportunities
2015 Urban Water Management Plan
Chapter Summaries
Multi-Source Water Supply.
Chapter 6. Water Supply Reliability
Provides information on the reliability of
each of the City’s water supplies in terms of
water quality and available supply
Identifies a multi-source water supply which
provides greater reliability and flexibility
during multiple dry years
Chapter 7. Water Conservation and Demand
Management Measures
Describes the City’s water conservation and
public education and outreach programs
Outlines demand management measures
used to reduce citywide water demand
2015 Urban Water Management Plan
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 8. Water Shortage Contingency
Plan
A water shortage may occur due to
drought or other factors such as loss
of supply
Stages include both conservation
measures and use of alternative water
sources
Six water shortage stages are
proposed – prior WSCP had three
stages
Council would take action to move
between stages
Draft ordinance has been updated to
correspond to new WSCP
2015 Urban Water Management Plan
Chapter Summaries
STAGE WATER SUPPLY
STATUS1 CITY ACTIONS PER CAPITA
GOAL (GPCD)
Monitor
5+ years of
available water
supply
City maintains conservation messaging at levels that
ensure compliance with SB X7-7 maximum of 117 gpcd. 1172
Watch
< 5 years of
available water
supply
City increases conservation messaging. City examines
available alternative water sources (groundwater,
Nacimiento full allocation, etc.) and takes action based
on current circumstances to meet demand. City may
implement mandatory conservation measures to meet
per capita reduction target.
107
Warning
< 4 years of
available water
supply
City implements mandatory conservation measures
including outdoor irrigation restrictions (examples: 3 or 2
days a week watering and only serving water upon
request at restaurants) and consider a Water Offset
Program for new connections.
95
Severe
< 3 years of
available water
supply
City implements Water Allotment Program. Water Offset
Program for new connections may be increased.
Additional outdoor irrigation restrictions may be added
(such as no spray irrigation).
90
Extreme
< 2 years of
available water
supply
City continues to implement a Water Allotment Program
with reduced levels. Water Offset Program for new
connections may be increased. Outdoor irrigation may
be prohibited for all uses. Cessation of all new
connections may be considered.
85
Critical
< 1 year of
available water
supply
City continues to implement a Water Allotment Program
at further reduced levels (minimum for public health and
safety). Outdoor irrigation prohibited for all uses. Water
Offset Program to cease and no new connections
permitted.
75
NOTES:
1.The City’s Water Supply Status is informed by the Water Projection Model
2.The City’s per capita goal of 117 gpcd is the City’s SB X7-7 2020 Target
3.Recycled water is not subject to demand reduction programs, water allocations or other drought response programs.
Water Shortage Response Stages
Quick Reference Guide
Water projection model shows
greater than five years
Corresponds to the Monitor
stage
Mandatory conservation
measures remain in place
Conservation goals exceeded
in 2015 and first half of 2016
2015 Urban Water Management Plan
Current Stage
43%
25%
21%
11%
Single Family
Residential Uses
Multi-Family
Residential Uses
Non-Residential
Uses
Landscape
Irrigation
2015 Water Usage by Customer Class
Community Water Forum held April 21
Presented to Developers Roundtable on April 6
Several meetings with interested citizens
Planning Commission
Study session, April 27
Public hearing on WWME updates, May 25
2015 Urban Water Management Plan
Public Comment Opportunities
WSCP’s use of flexible terms (e.g.
consider/may versus will/shall)
Offset program to be considered at
earlier stage
Water projection model updated to
include assumptions related to climate
change (rainfall, evaporation, inflow)
Tree care – increased public education
about tree care during drought
Continued use of groundwater
2015 Urban Water Management Plan
Addressing Public Comments
General Plan
Water & Wastewater Management Element
Water Management:
Multi-Source Water Supply and Water Resource Availability
The City does not currently utilize potable water from groundwater wells, but
with treatment, the use of groundwater remains a viable option
Studies are proposed to take place during the next fiscal year
The policy language proposed in the 2016 WWME is as follows:
A 3.2.3 Groundwater
Due to limitations for the use of the groundwater resources, the The City
will continue to use groundwater for domestic purposes when available.,
but will not consider this source of supply as part of its water resource
availability.
General Plan
Water & Wastewater Management Element
Water Management:
Siltation
The following policy language is proposed in the 2016
WWME:
Policy A 4.2.1 Accounting for Past Siltation
The City shall account for siltation losses that have
occurred to date (2010) in the safe annual yield from
Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs.
Policy A 4.2.2 Future Siltation
The City will account for estimated safe annual yield losses
at Salinas and Whale Rock Reservoirs through for the next
50 years (2060) by deducting 500 acre feet of available
water supplies to account for these future losses. The
siltation rate will be updated as information becomes
available from subsequent siltation analyses. Whale Rock Reservoir, February 2015
General Plan
Water & Wastewater Management Element
Water Management:
Water Supply Accounting and Demand Projections
Policy A 5.2.1 currently uses 10-year running average to project future demand
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
120.2 130.5 127.3 122.2
109 103.9 109.2 115.5 108.5
97.3
Per Capita Water Demand
2006 to 2015
10-year running average = 114.4 gallons per capita per day
Includes recycled water
General Plan
Water & Wastewater Management Element
Water Management:
Water Supply Accounting and Demand Projections
Proposed Policy A 5.2.1 would utilize the water use rate allowed by
SB X7-7 for projecting future potable water demand established as
117 gallons per capita per day
Proposed Policy with 2015 Population:
(57,200 population * 117 gpcd * 365 days)
/ 325,851 gallons =
Primary Water Supply
7,496 AFY
+
(20% of 45,808) * 117 gpcd *
365 days) / 325,851 gallons
Reliability Reserve
1,201 AFY
+
12,109 AF - (7,496 AF
+ 1,201 AF)
Secondary Water
Supply
3,412 AFY
=
12,109 AFY
2016 Annual
Availability
General Plan
Water & Wastewater Management Element
Water Management:
Water Supply Accounting and Demand Projections
The following policy language is proposed in the 2016
WWME:
A 5.2.1 Water Use Rate
The City will calculate utilize the per capita water use
rate based on a ten-year running average of the City’s
actual per capita water use allowed by SB X7-7 for
projecting future potable water demand established as
117 gallons per capita per day.
Add photo
General Plan
Water & Wastewater Management Element
Water Management:
Water Conservation
The 2015 Urban Water Management Plan proposes
implementation of mandatory conservation measures when
water supplies are projected to last five years or less
Adding two allows for more time to implement water
shortage response strategies.
The following policy language is proposed in the 2016 WWME:
A 6.2.2 Short-term Water Shortages
Mandatory water conservation measures as described in the
City’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan will be implemented
when the City's water supplies are projected to last three five
years or less.
Add photo
General Plan
Water & Wastewater Management Element
Water Management:
Recycled Water
The edits to this section propose to eliminate details that are
provided annually in the Water Resource Status Report.
The proposed goal and program language is as follows:
Goal A 7.1.1
Maximize Utilize recycled water for all approved purposes non-
potable purposes, thereby offsetting the use of potable water.
Program A 7.3.5.
Continue to explore potable reuse consistent with statewide
regulations.
Goal A 7.1.2 is proposed to be deleted.
General Plan
Water & Wastewater Management Element
Wastewater Management:
The design phase for the upgrade of the Water
Resource Recovery Facility is underway with
completion anticipated in 2020
The upgrade will enable the City to consider
potable reuse in addition to non-potable uses of
recycled water
General Plan
Water & Wastewater Management Element
Wastewater Management:
The proposed language is as follows:
Goal B 3.1.2
A high-quality, dependable recycled water supply that meets an increasing
portion of the City’s non-potable demand. Maximize recycled water production.
Policy B 3.2.2 Recycled Water Production
The City will produce high-quality, dependable recycled water, suitable for a
wide range of non-potable uses.
Adopt a Resolution entitled “A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, approving
amendments to the Water and Wastewater Management
Element of the General Plan (GENP-3215-2016)”
Adopt a Resolution entitled “A Resolution of the City Council
of the City of San Luis Obispo, California, adopting the
revised Urban Water Management Plan”
Recommendations
STAGE WATER SUPPLY
STATUS CITY ACTIONS
PER CAPITA
GOAL
(GPCD)
Monitor 5+ years of available
water supply
City maintains conservation messaging at levels that ensure
compliance with SB X7-7 maximum of 117 gpcd. 117
Watch
< 5 years of
available water
supply
City increases conservation messaging. City examines
available alternative water sources (groundwater, Nacimiento
full allocation, etc.) and takes action based on current
circumstances to meet demand. City may implement
mandatory conservation measures to meet per capita
reduction target.
107
Warning
< 4 years of
available water
supply
City implements mandatory conservation measures including
outdoor irrigation restrictions (examples: 3 or 2 days a week
watering and only serving water upon request at restaurants)
and consider a Water Offset Program for new connections.
95
Severe
< 3 years of
available water
supply
City implements Water Allotment Program. Water Offset
Program for new connections may be increased. Additional
outdoor irrigation restrictions may be added (such as no spray
irrigation).
90
Extreme
< 2 years of
available water
supply
City continues to implement a Water Allotment Program with
reduced levels. Water Offset Program for new connections
may be increased. Outdoor irrigation may be prohibited for all
uses. Cessation of all new connections may be considered.
85
Critical < 1 year of available
water supply
City continues to implement a Water Allotment Program at
further reduced levels (minimum for public health and safety).
Outdoor irrigation prohibited for all uses. Water Offset Program
to cease and no new connections permitted.
75
Water Shortage Response Stages - Quick Reference Guide