2016-071 - The Existence of a Phase 1 Water Supply Shortage

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until the water supply shortage has ended or until another phase has been implemented. F. On November 15, 2015, Governor Brown extended water conservation measures through October 31, 2016. G. With California still experiencing severe drought despite recent rains, on February 2, 2016, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted an extended and revised emergency regulation to ensure that urban water conservation continues in 2016. H. Effective March 1, 2016, the City of Santa Ana's conservation standard was lowered by the State Water Board based on credits for its participation in and use of water from the Orange County Water District's Groundwater Replenishment System, which is considered a new local, drought - resilient water supply by the Board. On May 9, 2016, Governor Brown issued a new executive order directing actions aimed at using water wisely, reducing water waste, and improving water use efficiency. This executive order, in part, directed the State Water Board to further amend and extend the emergency drought regulations for urban water conservation through the end of January 2017. J. On May 18, 2016, the State Water Board adopted an extended and revised emergency regulation to replace the February 2, 2016 regulation. This regulation will be in effect through January 2017 and requires that local water suppliers calculate their own conservation standards based on a "stress test ", which requires them to prove they have sufficient water supplies to withstand three years of continuous drought, or take additional measures that include mandatory conservation targets. K. While under these standards, the City of Santa Ana's conservation standard is 0 %, the State Water Board has stressed the overall need to continue water savings. Consistent with this approach, and the positive response by City residents to earlier conservation measures, the City's original conservation standard of 12% may now be reduced to 3 %. L. Additionally, a Phase 1 Water Supply Shortage may now be implemented, in accordance with Santa Ana Municipal Code section 39 -105 and Water Code sections 350 through 353, following a duly noticed public hearing. Pursuant to Water Code sections 351 and 352, and Government Code section 6061, the City of Santa Ana, at least seven days prior to the date of hearing, published in a newspaper of general circulation notice of the time and place of the public hearing of such declaration that was held on Resolution No, 2016 -071 Page 2 of 5