55C - RESO - DECLARE WATER CONSERVATION LEVEL 1

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Resolution Declaring a Water Conservation Level 1 Water Shortage September 16, 2014 Page 2 rationing. The City proactively adopted Ordinance No. NS -2781 in April of 2009 to establish permanent water conservation measures to be in effect at all times, as well as measures to be enacted in the event that a water shortage is declared at severity levels 1, 2 or 3. The City is already in compliance with most of the requirements of the SWRCB resolution and corresponding regulations that were recently passed, except for the mandatory conservation measures. Full compliance will be achieved by declaring a Level 1 Water Shortage. Adoption of this resolution will establish the following as mandatory measures for all water users: 1. Restrict watering lawn, landscape, or other turf areas to every other day between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. 2. Restrict commercial nurseries and golf courses to watering between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. 3. Establish a mandatory 3 percent conservation rate for all consumers, as compared to the same billing period in previous year. 4. Require that all water leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in plumbing systems be repaired within 72 hours. The adoption of this resolution will also establish enforcement measures and penalties for not meeting the established 3 percent overall water use reduction: (1) The first violation will result in a notice to the customer; (2) a second violation will result in a 15 percent surcharge on customer's water bill; and (3) a third violation will result in the installation of a water flow restrictor. Customers may request relief from compliance. As California's record dry conditions persist, the City of Santa Ana, as a steward of a valuable water resource, needs to increase public awareness and understanding of this critical issue and inform residents and business owners of the heightened mandate to conserve water. Adopting this resolution will be a significant step toward encouraging efficient water use and conservation practices. In support of these endeavors, City staff will intensify ongoing public education efforts on drought awareness and water conservation practices. The City's Public Works Agency Water Enterprise annually budgets for Water Conservation Program activities, which include organizing and attending public outreach events, and offering water conservation rebates. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT Approval of this item supports the City's efforts to meet Goal #5 Community Health, Livability, Engagement & Sustainability, Objective #2 (expand opportunities for conservation and environmental sustainability); and, Objective #6 (focus projects and programs on improving the health and wellness of all residents), Strategy F (incorporate health and wellness into all applicable policies and plans). 55C -2