Update and Discussion
Concerning Appropriate Stage
and Amendments to the
Sustainable Water Use
Ordinance
WATER AND
POWER
City Council
August 22, 2023
Sustainable Water Use Ordinance
• Enacted 2008
• Consists of six stages
• Allows for enforcement
Recent Events
• July 8, 2021: state-wide drought proclamation
asking for conservation
• August 16, 2021: an official shortage on the
Colorado River is declared
• August 17, 2021: MWD declares a
water supply alert
Council was Proactive
• September 14, 2021: City Council authorized move
to stage II, effective November 1, 2022
• City Council provided mechanism to move to
stage III under certain conditions
Move to Stage III
• June 27, 2022: Burbank moved to stage III to
reduce water use by 15% from 2020 levels
• Burbank has done a fantastic job
What Has Changed?
State Water Project Allocation Increase
• State water project allocation increases to 100%
Initial Allocation 12/01/22 5%
Second Allocation 02/23/23 35%
Third Allocation 03/24/23 75%
Fourth Allocation 04/20/23 100%
8 Stage II Watering
• 3-days per week of watering using automated
sprinkler systems (April – October)
• 1-day per week of watering using
automated sprinkler systems
(November – March)
Considerations for Discussion
• Changing messages can be confusing
• SWP allocation is now 100%
• We have enough water for additional day of
watering
• Future precipitation is unknown as
aridification becomes more prevalent
• Desire to make sustainability a conscious
choice
Considerations for Discussion
• Water waste predominantly occurs with
automated irrigation
• Should the water use ordinance change to reflect
long-term sustainable goals?
• Attended hand-watering is and has been
allowed
Pasadena and Glendale Actions
• Pasadena & Glendale remained at 2-day watering/week
• Governing bodies expressed concerns about changing to 3 days
Pasadena and Glendale Concerns
• Frequent and volatile changes in precipitation produced, demand that we continue present conservation levels
• One great year of rain does not mean we can relax our conservation efforts
• We live in an arid environment
Pasadena and Glendale Concerns
• Changes in messaging are
confusing to community
• No calls to add another day of
watering
• Many calls to continue the level of
conservation
Let’s Not Forget…
• Burbank has NO WATER RIGHTS
• We must:
• Replenish our groundwater storage yearly to meet
operational demands
• Clean up the groundwater basin
• Prepare for future droughts
Climate Change is a Chronic Condition
• Colorado River has steadily declined the last
20 years
• Must be curtailed to avoid peril
• 2019 saw a 75% SWP allocation
• Followed by 3 dry years
Recommendation
That City Council either:
1. Not take any action and remain at stage III of the
sustainable water use ordinance; or, alternatively,
2. Adopt a resolution of the Council of the City of Burbank authorizing the move to stage II from stage III of the
sustainable water use ordinance
CONTACT
Richard Wilson
Assistant General Manager – Water Systems
[email protected]
(818) 238-3558 office