201 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Suite #1101
Anaheim, CA 92805
Tel: (714) 765-5173
www.anaheim.net
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
City of Anaheim
PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
DATE: JULY 18, 2023
FROM: PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: LOWERING OF WATER REDUCTION PLAN TO LEVEL 1 IN
RESPONSE TO INCREASED WATER SUPPLIES
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES ITEM # 15
GOVERNMENT CODE § 84308 APPLIES: NO
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council, by Resolution, (1) find that there no longer exists an Elevated Water Shortage level and order the discontinuance of the Water Reduction Plan 2, and (2) find that there exists a Mild Water Shortage level and order the implementation of a Water Reduction Plan 1 pursuant to Chapter 10.18 (Water Conservation Ordinance) of the Anaheim Municipal Code (AMC).
DISCUSSION:
The Public Utilities Board recommended that the City Council approve these actions at its meeting of June 28, 2023.
Following a winter that produced significant precipitation, increased snowpack levels, and improved water storage levels, Governor Newsom eased drought restrictions on March 24, 2023 (Executive Order N-5-23). Consistent with State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) regulations, Anaheim Public Utilities (APU) is recommending lowering its Water Reduction Plan from Level 2, which has been in effect since May 17, 2022, and limited outdoor irrigation to three days per week, to Level 1 which removes irrigation restrictions and encourages water conservation as a way of life.
Historically, Anaheim residents, businesses, schools, and City departments have responded effectively to calls for conservation during times of drought and have made lasting investments in water sustainability. Over the past 20 years, the City’s overall water usage has decreased by approximately 30% even though the City’s population has increased by 16%. These achievements have been the result of efficient appliances and fixtures, reduced outdoor irrigation, and water conservation education that are highlighted during periods of drought.
Anaheim’s Water Shortage Reduction Plan Levels
The City’s Water Conservation Ordinance sets forth four levels of Water Reduction Plans, which outline voluntary and mandatory water restrictions in order to respond to different degrees of water shortages. As illustrated in Table 1 below, Level 1 is being recommended and is designed for mild water shortages and encourages voluntary Lowering of Water Reduction Plan to Level 1 in Response to Increased Water Supplies July 18, 2023
reduction in outdoor irrigation. Levels 2 through 4 include mandatory restrictions for significant to extreme water shortages.
Table 1 – Water Reduction Plan
Restriction Level 1
Voluntary
Level 2
Mandatory
Level 3
Mandatory
Level 4
Mandatory
No irrigation runoff
*
Hoses must have shutoff nozzle
*
No watering driveways or
sidewalks
*
Prohibit non-circulation fountains
*
Night time irrigation
Only serve water in restaurants
upon request
Only launder linens at hotels when
requested
3 day per week irrigation
2 day per week irrigation
No outdoor irrigation
* If the City implements Plan 1, these actions would still be prohibited under current State Water Board requirements.
Future Water Reduction Actions
While Level 1 is voluntary, and as footnoted in Table 1, the State Water Board requires that certain measures remain prohibited. APU is evaluating modifications to the Water Conservation Ordinance to provide greater flexibility to meet changing regulations and avoid confusion with customers in terms of which specific measures are voluntary or prohibited. Future modifications will be brought back to the Public Utilities Board and the City Council at a future date.
Additionally, the State Water Board is considering proposed regulations for stringent water use efficiency and reporting, banning the irrigation of existing “non-functional turf” for commercial, industrial, and institutional (CII) customers, and banning the installation of “non-functional turf” for new construction. All of these regulations would also require the modification of the City’s Water Conservation and/or Landscape Ordinances.
Lowering of Water Reduction Plan to Level 1 in Response to Increased Water Supplies July 18, 2023
Water Sustainability in Anaheim
California experiences periods of drought, with the most recent drought lasting three years between 2019 and 2022. APU collaborates with regional partners and adjacent cities to implement long-term solutions by strategically implementing water sustainability initiatives. Expansion of the Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System provides access to drought-proof supplies for future resiliency, and APU has ongoing capital projects to restore full access to the local aquifer.
In terms of student engagement, water education programs, poster contests, and facility tours are some of the initiatives that establish a foundational understanding of the importance of water. For residents, schools, and businesses, APU provides rebates, landscape workshops, water awareness events, landscape surveys, and responds to water waste reports to promote sustainability. Through these efforts, the Anaheim community has made significant progress in saving water and is better prepared to respond to drought emergencies.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
Sufficient funds are available in APU’s FY 2023/24 restricted Water Utility fund budgets to implement ongoing rebates and outreach efforts, and funds for subsequent years are subject to City Council budget approval.
Respectfully submitted,
Dukku Lee
Public Utilities General Manager
Attachment:
1. Resolution