These suppliers will complete Submittal Table 5-1R to document progress toward the 2020 target in 2025. They must also complete the SB X7-7 2025 Compliance Form to show the calculations used to determine the 2025 GPCD.
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• Supplier Did Not Meet 2020 Target – Change Service Area Since 2020: If a retail supplier did not meet its 2020 target and its service area changed between 2020 and 2025, the supplier must compare its actual 2025 GPCD with the 2020 target to report progress toward achieving that target in 2025. These suppliers must also provide documentation of their SB X7-7 compliance for the service area changes.
CMWD was an urban retail water supplier in 2020, met its 2020 Target in 2020, and has not had any service area changes since 2020. Compliance with the requirements for the 2025 UWMP in relation to SB X7-7 is documented here.
5.2 Water Use and Compliance
In 2010, CMWD established a 2020 per capita water use target equal to 80% of its baseline, calculated using a 10-year period from 1999 to 2008. Because recycled water comprised more than 21% of 2008 retail deliveries (2008 recycled water as a percent of to tal deliveries was 15.9 [CMWD 2011]), the extended baseline was allowed. The baseline was 259 gallons per capita per day (GPCD), resulting in a 2020 target of 207 GPCD. As shown in Table 5-1, CMWD met, and exceeded, its 2020 target in 2020. Because of this, no additional analysis is required for the 2025 UWMP.
TABLE 5-1: SB X7-7 2020 TARGET PROGRESS
DWR Table 5-1: 2020 Target Progress
Was Supplier part
of a merger or
consolidation
since 2020?
Regional Alliance
Target or
Individual Target
2020 Target Actual 2020 GPCD
Did Supplier
Achieve Targeted
Reduction for
2020?
No Individual Target 207 134 Yes
Notes: NA=Not Applicable
DWR and SWRCB have implemented reporting for the AB 1668 / SB 606 legislation, more commonly known as Making Conservation a California Way of Life . Reporting on compliance with this new legislation is not currently required for the 2025 UWMP.
However, in the interest of demonstrating progress towards the new objectives, CMWD’s 2025 GPCD has been estimated at 134 GPCD (total potable water less delive ries to agricultural uses, divided by service area population, then divided by days). CMWD is still in compliance with its target.
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6. WATER SUPPLY
This section discusses CMWD’s sources of water supply, new supply opportunities , exchanges and transfers of water, wastewater and recycled water opportunities, projected water supplies, and climate change impacts to water supply.
6.1 Water Supply Characterization
CMWD’s existing water sources include a local supply of recycled water, a local supply of desalinated seawater, and purchased SDCWA water. All of CMWD’s potable demands are currently met with imported purchased water and desalinated seawater, which are delivered through SDCWA infrastructure. CMWD’s future supplies include the existing recycled water supply from the Phase III Recycled Water Project along with continued potable and desalinated seawater purchases from SDCWA. No additional supplies are currently being planned. The Phase III Recycled Water Project was completed in 2025 and expanded CMWD’s existing recycled water system to increase recycled water production, delivery and storage. Construction of new pipeline segments totaling 97 miles, the Carlsbad WRF expansion to 7 mgd capacity, and a new 1.5 million gallon storage reservoir have been completed as of June 2025. Since late 2016, desalinated seawater made available via the Carlsbad Desalination Plant has been blended into the treated water purchased from SDCWA. On April 12, 2016, CMWD entered into a purchase agreement with SDCWA to receive local desalinated water blended with other SDCWA supplies.
A detailed summary of CMWD’s projected supplies is provided in Section 6.9. An overview of CMWD’s supplies is provided in Table 6-1. Figure 6-1 shows CMWD’s water supply facilities and infrastructure, as well as groundwater basins.
TABLE 6-1: SUMMARY OF HISTORICAL, EXISTING, AND PLANNED WATER
SUPPLIES (AFY)
Source 2020 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
SDCWA
Purchases
11,375 11,962
12,415
13,674
13,763 13,868
13,987
Seawater
Desalination
2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
Recycled
Water
3,765 3,708 3,898 4,218 4,218 4,218 4,218
Total Water
Supplies
17,640 18,170
18,813
20,392
20,481
20,586
20,705
Notes: It is assumed CMWD’s contract for 2,500 acre-feet per year of desalinated supply will be renewed when the current contract expires in 2046.
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FIGURE 6-1: CMWD WATER SERVICE SYSTEMS
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6.2 Purchased or Imported Water
CMWD purchases all of its potable water from SDCWA, which in turn purchases State Water Project (SWP) and Colorado River water from MWD, acquires Colorado River supplies directly or from other agencies, and purchases desalinated seawater produced at the Channelside Water Resources LP (formerly known as Poseidon Resources) Carlsbad Desalination Plant. Imported water is conveyed into the area via MWD and SDCWA aqueducts (Figure 3-4). Upon its formation in 1954, CMWD joined SDCWA to acquire the right to purchase and distribute imported water throughout its service area. SDCWA has 22 member agencies, including CMWD, and is the regional wholesaler of imported water in San Diego County. In 2016, CMWD entered an agreement with SDCWA to purchase direct deliveries of desalinated seawater, reducing CMWD’s reliance on SDCWA imports for potable supplies (see Section 6.3 Desalinated Water).
CMWD also purchases disinfected tertiary recycled water produced at the Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility from VWD to help meet CMWD’s recycled water demands.
Further discussion is provided in Section 6.4 Wastewater and Recycled Water.
6.2.1 Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) MWD was created in 1928 following the passage of the Metropolitan Water District Act by the California Legislature to provide supplemental water for cities and communities on the south coastal plain of California. MWD serves as a water wholesaler and provi des water to its member agencies from both the Colorado River and the SWP. It has 26 member agencies including SDCWA, and covers an area which includes all, or portions, of Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties. MWD’s water supplies and management programs are discussed in its 2025 Regional Urban Water Management Plan (MWD 2025).
6.2.2 San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA)
SDCWA was organized on June 9, 1944, under the County Water Authority Act for the express purpose of importing Colorado River water into San Diego County. SDCWA annexed to MWD in 1946. As its largest customer, SDCWA is now represented on MWD’s Board of Directors by four directors. SDCWA purc hases water from MWD and other sources for resale to its member agencies. As of 2025, SDCWA’s potable supplies include a mix of imported water and local supplies, including desalinated seawater from the Carlsbad Desalination Plant and local surface water collected at 13 reservoirs.
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CMWD is one of 22 member agencies of SDCWA. Each member agency is autonomous and represented on SDCWA’s Board of Directors, setting local policies and water pricing structures. The representatives on the Board of Directors are appointed by each member agency and the number of representatives for each agency is based on a ratio of each agency’s assessed valuation compared to the total of all member agencies. CMWD currently has two Board members on the 36-member Board of Directors. Member agency status entitles CMWD to directly purchase water from SDCWA on a wholesale basis.
CMWD also looks to SDCWA to ensure, to the best of its ability, that adequate water will be available to satisfy future potable water requirements.
SDCWA’s water supplies and management programs are discussed in its 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (SDCWA 2025). CMWD’s current and projected water purchases from SDCWA are provided in Table 4-9, Table 6-9 and Table 6-10.
6.3 Desalinated Water
Since 1999, a large -scale seawater desalination facility has been actively explored as a potential local supply for the San Diego region. CMWD was involved in planning for the Carlsbad desalination facility throughout its development. After exploring the f easibility of a variety of purchase agreements and delivery structures, Channelside Water Resources LP (formerly known as Poseidon), SDCWA, and SDCWA’s member agencies came to agreement to move forward with implementation of a desalination facility for the region.
In 2015, Poseidon completed construction of the Carlsbad Desalination Plant, located at the Encina Power Plant site adjacent to Agua Hedionda Lagoon, and began deliveries of desalinated seawater at the end of that year. Desalinated water produced at this facility is designated as a local supply, and water from the Carlsbad Desalination Plant is pumped to SDCWA’s Twin Oaks Treatment Plant (refer to Figure 3-4), where it is blended with treated imported water for delivery to SDCWA member agencies, including CMWD.
SDCWA currently purchases all the water produced at the desalination facility under its purchase agreement with Channelside Water Resources. In additi on to receiving desalinated seawater through SDCWA’s supply mix, CMWD also secured its option to receive water directly from the desalinated water conveyance pipeline coming from the Carlsbad Desalination Plant . On April 12, 2016, CMWD Board of Directors approved an agreement between SDCWA and CMWD for the planning and design of the direct connection to the desalinated pipeline (Carlsbad 5 Flow Control Facility and Pressure Reducing Station), to provide 2,500 AFY of local desalinated seawater to CMWD through a Take or Pay agreement. A direct connection would improve water supply reliability and add infrastructure redundancy by providing a delivery system independent of SDCWA’s larger system. Should supply disruption occur as a result of damage to the SDCWA aqueduct system, CMWD would still be able to receive desalinated seawater if and when May 12, 2026
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the option to pursue a direct connection to the desalinated water conveyance pipeline is implemented. Although CMWD has determined that the direct connection (Carlsbad 5 Flow Control Facility and Pressure Reducing Station) is not financially feasible at this time, CMWD has the option to continue pursuing the project in the future should conditions change.
Through its general purchase of water supplies from SDCWA, CMWD receives a pro rata share of 1,449 AFY desalinated water. CMWD also directly receives an additional 2,500 AFY desalinated water as part of a Take or Pay agreement. This supply is considered a local supply for CMWD. In the event that additional water is produced by the Carlsbad Desalination Plant, beyond SDCWA’s annual demand commitment of 48,000 AFY, CMWD may purchase an additional volume of desalinated water, equal to 5.21% of the additional production. This additional water is not accounted for in current supply projections due to uncertainty surrounding its procurement and cost. While the Carlsbad Desalination Plant has a capacity of 56,000 AFY, CMWD only receives a portion through its agreement with SDCWA (see Table 6-2).
TABLE 6-2: S OURCE WATER DESALINATION
DWR Table 6-8ds: Source Water Desalination
Plant Name
or Well ID
Plant
Capacity
Intake
Type
Source
Water
Type
Influent
TDS
Brine
Discharge
Volume of Water Desalinated in AFY
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Carlsbad
Desalination
Plant
56,000 Open-
water
Sea
water
.015
ntu Brine Line 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
Total 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
Notes: CMWD purchases ocean desalinated water blended with non-desal water from its wholesaler, SDCWA. NTU is an acronym for Nephelometric Turbidity Unit.
6.4 Wastewater and Recycled Water
The City of Carlsbad, LWWD, and VWD provide wastewater collection services within the CMWD service area, and EWA provides wastewater treatment. CMWD owns the Carlsbad WRF that produces recycled water for its customers. CMWD produces, buys, sells, and distributes recycled water to customers both within its service area and to customers located in an adjacent agency service area. CMWD’s supply projections, in terms of total rights or safe yield, are significantly higher than current identified demands (see Table 6-10) because CMWD has the ability to purchase recycled water from VWD and has also expanded its Carlsbad WRF to increase local production of recycled water. CMWD will either identify new non-potable customers or sell the recycled water to neighboring agencies to allow the region to maximize local sources. CMWD anticipates only producing May 12, 2026
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as much recycled water at Carlsbad WRF to meet demands, but the potential surplus of recycled water allows for flexibility in management of its supplies and provides potential for increasing recycled water use within and adjacent to CMWD’s service area.
6.4.1 Recycled Water Coordination
For production and delivery of recycled water sufficient to meet local demands, CMWD’s recycled water system requires ongoing coordination with EWA and VWD. EWA oversees the regional wastewater collection and treatment system. All wastewater collected within CMWD’s service area is conveyed to the EWPCF, which is owned and operated by EWA.
EWA supplies secondary effluent to the Carlsbad WRF and Gafner WRF (owned and operated by LWWD) for tertiary treatment and discharges unused secondary effluent to the Pacific Ocean via the Encina Ocean Outfall. VWD also produces tertiary recycled water and sells it to CMWD.
6.4.2 Wastewater Treatment and Collection Facilities
EWA provides regional treatment and effluent disposal through an ocean outfall from the EWPCF. EWA is a joint powers authority consisting of six member agencies in northern San Diego County: Cities of Carlsbad, Vista, and Encinitas, VWD, Buena Sanitation District, and LWWD. In total, EWA provides wastewater services to more than 379,000 people and comprises approximately 125 square miles of northern San Diego County (EWA 2025).
Wastewater collected by EWA members is conveyed to the EWPCF, where it is treated to secondary, and either discharged to the Pacific Ocean via the Encina Ocean Outfall or conveyed to the Carlsbad WRF or Gafner WRF for additional treatment for beneficial reuse. The City of Carlsbad owns treatment capacity rights at EWPCF for 10.26 mgd. The EWPCF provides full secondary treatment, sludge handling, and disposal through a deep ocean outfall, the Encina Ocean Outfall. The outfall extends along the ocean floor to a point one and a half miles off shore, at a depth of over 150 feet. Treatment levels at EWPCF meet all current State and Federal requirements. Refer to Figure 6-1 for location of the EWPCF and Encina Ocean Outfall.
Within CMWD’s water service area, wastewater collection is provided by the City of Carlsbad, LWWD, and VWD. The City of Carlsbad’s sewer system includes 273 miles of pipeline and conveyed an average flow of 5.85 mgd for Fiscal Year 2025, a 0.37% increase over 2024 (EWA 2025). LWWD provides wastewater services to the La Costa portion of CMWD’s service area and operates approximately 200 miles of pipeline serving 60,000 people across Carlsbad and neighboring Encinitas (LWWD 2026). LWWD’s flows to the EWPCF averaged 3.78 mgd in Fiscal Year 2025, unchanged from 2024 (EWA 2025). All sewer flows are conveyed to the EWPCF for treatment. VWD provides wastewater services May 12, 2026
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to 80 homes in the southeast corner of CMWD’s service area. VWD flows to EWPCF averaged 4.55 mgd in Fiscal Year 2025, a 0.57% increase over 2024 (EWA 2025).
Wastewater is a supply for recycled water. Table 6-3 identifies the wastewater collected within CMWD’s service area, while Table 6-4 identifies the volume of wastewater that is either recycled or discharged within CMWD’s service area. Recycled water is presently supplied to CMWD customers from two sources consisting of a maximum allocation of
7.0 mgd from Carlsbad WRF and 3.0 mgd from M eadowlark WRF (owned by VWD).
Meadowlark WRF can produce up to 5.0 mgd tertiary recycled water, or 5,600 AFY. CMWD is in the process of negotiating a new recycled water purchase agreement with VWD, under which purchase volumes are anticipated to change.
Encina Water Pollution Control Facility
The EWPCF is owned and operated by EWA. It currently treats an average flow of 20 mgd wastewater, but has the capacity to treat up to 40.5 mgd. The EWPCF produces over 5.0 mgd of secondary treated recycled water. Treated secondary recycled water is used in the plant and reduces costs for potable water required to operate the facility. Additional effluent flows from the facility are diverted from the ocean outfall and transferred to Carlsbad WRF for tertiary treatment. Secondary effluent that cannot be reuse d, either directly or through additional treatment to meet tertiary recycled water demands, is discharged through the Encina Ocean Outfall. In fiscal year 2024-2025, the EWPCF treated a total of 7.97 billion gallons of water (24,459 AF) and recycled 2.9 billion gallons of water (8,900 AF) for onsite use and regional irrigation (EWA 2025).
Carlsbad Water Recycling Facility
The Carlsbad WRF, owned by CMWD but operated by EWA staff, can produce 7.0 mgd (7,839 AFY). On average over the past five years, the Carlsbad WRF produced 3, 708 AFY of recycled water (CMWD 2025). This facility receives secondary treated water from the EWPCF for tertiary treatment.
Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility
Meadowlark WRF is owned and operated by VWD and has a total capacity of 5.0 mgd.
Currently, CMWD’s rights to disinfected tertiary water from the Meadowlark WRF range from 2.0 mgd during the months of December through March and 3.0 mgd during the months of April through November and equates to 2,989 AFY. The remaining amount of recycled water produced by the Meadowlark WRF is sold to OMWD under an agreement up to a maximum of 1.0 mgd or 1,120 AFY. CMWD generally purchases approximately 1,900 AFY recycled water from Meadowlark WRF, although the Meadowlark WRF has been May 12, 2026
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out of service since December 2024 for plant upgrades which will increase the production capacity up to 6,200 AFY recycled water. CMWD is currently negotiating an agreement that would allow it to receive 2,700 AFY of recycled water from Meadowlark WRF in future years.
Gafner Water Reclamation Facility
The Gafner WRF is owned and operated by LWWD and has a total capacity of 1.0 mgd.
Although CMWD does not purchase recycled water from the Gafner WRF, the plant is located within CMWD’s water service boundary. LWWD sells and delivers directly to the southern portion of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa golf course, which is within the southern portion of CMWD’s service area.
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TABLE 6-3: W ASTEWATER COLLECTED WITHIN CMWD WATER SERVICE AREA IN 2025 DWR Table 6-2 Retail: Wastewater Collected Within Service Area in 2025 Water Code Section 10633(a)
100% Percentage of 2025 service area covered by wastewater collection system 100% Percentage of 2025 service area population covered by wastewater collection system Wastewater Collection Recipient of Collected Wastewater Name of Wastewater Collection
Agency
Wastewater
Volume
Metered or
Estimated?
Volume of
Wastewater
Collected in
2025 (AFY)
Name of Wastewater
Treatment Agency Receiving
Collected Wastewater
Treatment Plant Name
Is
WWTP
Located
Within
UWMP
Area?
Is WWTP
Operation
Contracted
to a Third
Party?
City of Carlsbad Metered 6,918 Encina Wastewater Authority Encina Pollution Control Facility Yes Yes Leucadia Wastewater District (LWWD) Estimated 968 Encina Wastewater Authority Encina Pollution Control Facility Yes Yes Vallecitos Water District (VWD) Estimated 20 Encina Wastewater Authority Encina Pollution Control Facility Yes Yes Total Wastewater Collected from Service Area in
2025: 7,906
Notes: The Encina Pollution Control Facility is owned and operated by the Encina Wastewater Authority, a joint powers authority that is owned by six agencies, including City of Carlsbad, LWWD and VWD. Wastewater flows are reported for Calendar Year 2025, ending December 31, 2025. LWWD serves a portion of CMWD's service area. The 968 AF for Leucadia was obtained from EWA reports. VWD collects wastewater for 80 homes in the CMWD service area. The agreement estimates VWD collects 220 gallons per day of wastewater from each home.
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TABLE 6-4: W ASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISCHARGE WITHIN CMWD WATER SERVICE AREA IN 2025 DWR Table 6-3 Retail: Wastewater Treatment and Outcomes Within UWMP Service Area in 2025 Water Code Section 10633(a)
Wastewater
Treatment
Plant Name
Plant Treats
Wastewater
Generated
Outside the
UWMP
Service
Area?
2025
Volume of
Wastewater
Received
from
UWMP
Service
Area
Total
2025
Volume
of
Waste-
water
Treated
2025 Outcomes of Treated Wastewater (volume in AF)
Water
Recycled
Within
UWMP
Service
Area
Water
Recycled
Outside of
UWMP
Service
Area
Effluent
Discharge that
is not a
Permitted
Recycled Water
Use
Required
Discharge
for
Instream
Flow
Delivered to Another Entity for
Additional Treatment
Volume
(Treatment
level)
Volume
(Treatment
level)
Volume
(Treatment
level)
Volume
(Treatment
level)
Volume
(Treatment
level)
Name of Entity
Encina Water
Pollution
Control
Facility
Yes 7,906 28,047 0 6,418
(Tertiary)
21,629
(Secondary,
Undisinfected)
0 5,751
(Tertiary)
Carlsbad WRF
Gafner WRF
Carlsbad WRF No 0 5,3 56 3,683
(Tertiary)
25.3 (Tertiary) 0 0 0
Gafner WRF Yes 0 413 251
(Tertiary) 0 162 0 0
Meadowlark
WRF Yes 0 0 0 0 (Tertiary) 0 (Secondary,
Undisinfected) 0 0
Total 7,906 33,816 3,934 6,443 21,791 0 5,751
Notes: Meadowlark WRF has been non-operational since December 2024, but is expected to resume operations summer 2026.
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6.4.3 Recycled Water Master Plan
CMWD completed an update to its Recycled Water Master Plan in July 2019. The Recycled Water Master Plan evaluates the existing recycled water system, demands, supplies, regulations, and future system expansions. Beginning in 1990, CMWD began implementation of recycled water within its service area. By 1995, CMWD served over 1,000 AFY of recycled water through the implementation of the recycled water system facilities of Phase I. CMWD began implementation of Phase II in 2000, which included the construction of the Carlsbad WRF, improvements to Mahr reservoir, three new booster pump stations, and 24 miles of additional recycled water pipelines. CMWD implemented its Phase III Recycled Water Project between 2014 and 2025, which expanded the Carlsbad WRF capacity, installed additional recycled water pipelines, connected customers along existing recycled water pipelines to recycled water service, and added an additional recycled water storage tank.
6.4.4 Recycled Water Use
CMWD began delivering recycled water in 1993. Since 1993, CMWD has constructed treatment facilities, pumping stations, reservoirs, pipelines, and has adopted a mandatory use ordinance requiring developers to install recycled water distribution pipelines within their projects. Water recycling is provided by CMWD from its Carlsbad WRF to developed areas within CMWD’s service area, with the exception of the south portion of the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa golf course, which is served by LWWD. As described above and identified in Table 6-3, recycled water is presently supplied within CMWD’s service area from three sources: Carlsbad WRF, Meadowlark WRF, and Gafner WRF. The maximum flow rate available to CMWD from each treatment facility varies.
CMWD’s current recycled water system has approximately 97 miles of recycled water distribution pipelines, as shown Figure 6-1. The largest and/or most recognized customers currently served recycled water by the Carlsbad WRF include the following.
Uses are for landscape irrigation, with the exception of NRG:
• Omni La Costa Resort & Spa North Golf Course
• Four Seasons Resort at Aviara
• Kemper Sports Management (Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course) • Legoland of California
• Grand Pacific Palisades Hotel
• Karl Strauss Brewery
• Caltrans (Interstate 5 landscaping)
• The NRG Power Plant (for industrial purposes [e.g., cooling towers] and landscape irrigation)
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In addition, recycled water is supplied to parks, median strips, shopping areas, the common areas of numerous homeowners’ associations, and industrial parks. As of December 2025, this distribution system currently supplies more than 1,015 recycled connections (CMWD 2026). With the completion of the Phase III Recycled Water Project in 2025 (see below), CMWD projects a total of 4,218 AFY recycled water demands beginning in 2035 and into the future. This includes only verifiable recycled water supplies, consistent with SDCWA’s demand projections, but does not include planned or conceptual recycled water projects. There is potential for future projects to expand recycled water demands and deliveries beyond this volume. Recycled water use (current and projected) is presented, by use category, in Table 6-5.
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TABLE 6-5: C URRENT AND PROJECTED RECYCLED WATER DIRECT BENEFICIAL USES WITHIN SERVICE AREA 2025-2050
Submittal Table 6-4 Retail: Recycled Water Direct Beneficial Uses Within Service Area Water Code Section 10633 (c)(e)
Name(s) of Facility/ies Producing (Treating) the Recycled Water (OPTIONAL): Carlsbad WRF, Meadowlark WRP, Gafner WRF Name of Supplier Operating the Recycled Water Distribution System (OPTIONAL):
Carlsbad Municipal Water District
Supplemental Water Added in 2025 (volume) Include units (OPTIONAL): 0 AFY Source of 2025 Supplemental Water (OPTIONAL): N/A
Use Type
Water Type
(after
treatment if
treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Additional
Information
(as needed)
2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
2050
(opt)
Potential Recycled
Water Use
(AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) Volume
Narrative
page
number
(OPTIONAL)
Landscape irrigation
(excludes golf
courses)
Non-
potable
Commercial
property
irrigation,
community
facilities,
highways, HOAs,
resort property
irrigation, parks,
and schools
2872 3062 3382 3382 3382 3382 0
Golf course
irrigation Golf course
irrigation 808 808 808 808 808 808 0
Commercial Use Cooling 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Industrial Use NRG Power Plant 28 28 28 28 28 28 0
Total 3,708 3,898 4,218 4,218 4,218 4,218 0
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6.4.5 Potential and Projected Recycled Water Use
Actual recycled water use in 2025 within CMWD’s service area was 3,708 AFY. The 2020 UWMP projected recycled water use in 2025 was 4,218 AFY. The difference is accounted for by delays in construction and implementation of the Phase III Recycled Water Project, variations in rainfall and temperatures, and general implementation of drought tolerant landscaping which has lower irrigation demands compared to turf. Table 6-6 compares the projected recycled water use for 2025 (as projected in the 2020 UWMP) with actual metered recycled water use in 2025. While recycled water use is anticipated to grow, the exact number of future recycled water connections is unknown. As such, projections in this 2025 UWMP represent the best estimate based on current information, with the understanding that actual recycled water use may be different from the forecast.
TABLE 6-6: 2 020 RECYCLED WATER USE PROJECTION COMPARED TO 2025
ACTUAL (AFY)
DWR Table 6-5 Retail: 2020 UWMP Recycled Water Use Projection Compared to 2025 Actual Use Type 2020 Projection for 2025 2025 Actual Use
Agricultural irrigation
Landscape irrigation (excludes golf
courses) 3,493 2,872
Golf course irrigation 725 808
Commercial Use 0 0
Industrial Use 0 28
Geothermal and other energy production
Seawater Intrusion Barrier
Recreational impoundment
Wetlands or wildlife habitat
Groundwater recharge (IPR)
Reservoir water augmentation
Direct potable reuse
Other 0
Total 4,218 3,708
6.4.6 Methods to Encourage Recycled Water Use
CMWD has actively pursued recycled water use in its service area and has implemented multiple mechanisms to encourage recycled water use. Some of these mechanisms include affordable rates, policies and ordinances, development of clear use guidelines, May 12, 2026
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participation in regional training and certifications, and active participation in regional and local recycled water projects that include outreach and expanded distribution systems. Now that the Phase III Recycled Water Project is complete, CMWD does not expect substantial increases in recycled water use, with the exception of connecting some additional customers along recently constructed pipelines. CMWD considers its recycled water system to generally be at build-out unless substantial land use changes o ccur or regulations change that would result in an increased demand for recycled water, requiring significant capital investment in distribution system expansion, therefore, DWR Table 6-6 is not applicable.
6.5 Local Groundwater and Local Surface Water
As previously detailed in Section 3.4, CMWD does not currently use any local groundwater and surface water supplies, although in the past both types of water sources were used.
Prior to 1957, CMWD’s predecessor, the Carlsbad Mutual Water Company, and the Terramar Water Company provided the City of Carlsbad with water from Lake Calavera and groundwater from the Mission Basin. The Terramar Water Company also provided local groundwater to a portion of the City of Carlsbad through its Cannon Well Field in the Agua Hedionda area. In August 1957, the water rights and other assets of the Carlsbad Mutual Water Company and Terramar Water Company were purchased by the City of Carlsbad. These local groundwater and surface water rights were later transferred to CMWD in 1983. These rights included long-standing groundwater allocations from the Mission Basin, totaling 3,650 AFY through a combination of historic, prescriptive, and pre- 1914 appropriative rights.
The Carlsbad Mutual Water Company held a permit with the State Division of Water Rights for another 1,000 AFY from the Mission Basin, originally for irrigation and later amended for recreational and fire-protection purposes. Additionally, there were surface water rights for 150 AFY which were held from Calavera Creek. The Terramar Water Company had 450 AFY of groundwater rights from the Agua Hedionda Creek Basin. Finally, CMWD obtained a permit for surface water in the amount of 25 AF from Agua Hedionda Cre ek as a result of constructing Maerkle Dam in 1962.
Table 6-7 identifies the groundwater basins in the vicinity of CMWD according to DWR Bulletin 118, which are also shown in Figure 3-4 and Figure 6-1. Of these basins, only the Batiquitos Lagoon Valley Groundwater Basin is in CMWD’s service area, while the San Luis Rey Valley Groundwater Basin is located north of CMWD, and the San Marcos Valley Groundwater Basin is located east of CMWD. Under the California Groundwater Elevation Monitoring (CASGEM), only the Upper San Luis Rey Valley has been designated as Medium Priority Basin and therefore subject to mandatory monitoring, whereas the Lower May 12, 2026
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San Luis Rey Valley and San Marcos Valley basins are designed Very Low Priority and not required to be monitored. Monitoring of the Upper San Luis Rey Valley Basin is conducted jointly by the City of Oceanside, the Pauma Valley Groundwater Sustainability A gency, and the County of San Diego. None of the basins listed in Table 6-7 are adjudicated, nor has DWR identified any of these groundwater basins as being in overdraft. Within the San Luis Rey Valley Groundwater Basin are several locally -recognized subbasins, which are commonly considered separate hydrological units: Mission, Bonsall, Moosa, Pala, and Pauma Basins (SDCWA 2010).
Other groundwater resources include subsurface flows from local hydrologic areas within the Carlsbad Watershed, including Buena Vista Creek Basin, Agua Hedionda Creek Basin, Encinas Creek Basin, and the Batiquitos Hydrologic Subarea. Overall, these areas do not have the geological capacity or scale of the Mission Subbasin in the Lower San Luis Rey Valley Groundwater Basin and, even collectively, could provide only a small portion of CMWD’s overall water needs.
TABLE 6-7: GROUNDWATER BASINS IN THE VICINITY OF CMWD
Basin Name
DWR
Basin
Number
Basin
Priority1
Located
Within
CMWD
Service
Area
Supply
Currently
Utilized by
CMWD
Groundwater Management Plan Status
Lower San Luis
Rey Valley
(including the
Mission Subbasin)
9-7-2 Very Low No 0 AFY
Groundwater Sustainability Plan under
development by Pauma Valley
Groundwater Sustainability Agency
Batiquitos Lagoon
Valley 9-22 Very Low Yes 0 AFY None2
San Marcos Area 9-32 Very Low No 0 AFY None2
1 California Sustainable Groundwater Elevation Monitoring (CASGEM) designated priority 2 Basin is not currently used as supply and no groundwater management plan has been developed or adopted by CMWD. Groundwater management plans or groundwater sustainability plans would be adopted prior to use of these groundwater basins for supply, as required.
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Mission Subbasin
Of the groundwater basins in the vicinity of CMWD, the Mission Subbasin of the Lower San Luis Rey Valley Groundwater Basin has the most potential as a viable water resource.
This basin has a large drainage area of 565 square miles and consists of alluvium and river channel deposits averaging 150 feet in depth. The quality is mildly brackish with TDS concentrations ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 milligrams per liter (mg/L). For CMWD’s use, the water would need to be treated by a low-pressure membrane, reverse osmosis process to achieve treated water quality in the range of 500 mg/L. The City of Oceanside is currently doing this at its Mission Basin Groundwater Purification Facility and is also implementing the Pure Water Oceanside project which recharges the basin with advanced treated water.
In 2005, CMWD completed a study on the cost effectiveness of utilizing the groundwater from the Mission Subbasin. This study showed that while the treatment and delivery of groundwater is feasible, it was not cost effective for CMWD at the time of the study. As a result, CMWD’s Board approved the staff recommendation to discontinue efforts to utilize this groundwater source as an alternate local supply at that time. However, since 2005, improvements in technology may have resulted in lower costs for removing TDS, and these costs may continue to decrease over time. In addition, the cost of imported water has increased significantly since 2005 and this trend is projected by both MWD and SDCWA to continue over time. With the increasing cost and decreasing reliability of imported water, the cost effectiveness of using local groundwater may become attractive in the future. A groundwater supply from the Mission Subbasin would require the construction of several wells, a groundwater treatment facility, and a conveyance system.
Wheeling the treated groundwater through the Oceanside distribution system may be an option. In addition, the State of California does not currently recognize CMWD’s water rights in the Mission Subbasin, and formal water rights would need to be reestablished before any groundwater development could proceed. Accordingly, CMWD will continue to monitor the benefits and costs of utilization of groundwater in the Mission Subbasin, which may become cost effective, for CMWD or third parties, as technology continues to improve and imported water costs continue to increase. A partnership with City of Oceanside for treatment of brackish groundwater or wheeling the treated groundwater through its distribution system may be an option. The Mission Subbasin pr oject is not being considered at this time but could be explored again in the future as CMWD continues to coordinate with City of Oceanside.
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Cannon Well Field
The Cannon Well Field, located within the Agua Hedionda Creek Basin subarea of the Carlsbad Watershed, was historically used as a source of local water. Pumping ceased after 1962, but in the years leading up to then, production ranged from 16 AFY to 238 AFY. This well field could be considered as having a potential available yield of 450 AFY. Historically, additional small private wells for individual residences were also located within this subarea, along with private wells in the Buena Vista Creek Basin (CMWD 2019).
A 1991 study titled Report on the Feasibility for Development of the Cannon Well Field Carlsbad, California was completed for the Agua Hedionda subunit where the Cannon Well Field is located. This study indicated that by a 1950 agreement between then - landowner Ellen Hall and J.D. Cannon, the Terramar Water Company was granted the right to drill for and remove water from the land. In 1964, this original agreement was merged with an agreement with the City of Carlsbad and the then -landowner to have the sole right and exclusive right to drill wells on the property and take and remove all water developed on the property and deliver it to such places as the City, in its sole discretion, may determine. The City (CMWD) shall be entitled to produce from the property an additional 16.5 AFY; however, there are no recorded groundwater rights. The safe yield was estimated in the 1991 study at 400 AFY. CMWD could begin the process of developing the groundwater. The Rancho Carlsbad Mobile Home Park has one operating well in the vicinity, estimated at 100 AFY, which it uses to supply water for irrigation of their landscaping and through a separate agreement to supply water to the adjacent Rancho Carlsbad Golf Course. Ultimately, if there is excessive pumping, there may be adverse effects, such as the elimination of surface flow in Agua Hedionda Creek, reduction in the wetlands area downstream of the El Camino Real Bridge, and increased salinity in the transition zone of fresh water to salt water in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. These problems can be addressed if the Cannon Well Field is developed by CMWD through a program of scheduled observations and monitoring.
CMWD must clarify and/or re -establish its groundwater rights before providing groundwater to customers. Groundwater could potentially be recovered from the Mission Basin and/or Agua Hedionda Lagoon, although such groundwater would require desalination. CMWD may still explore groundwater as a local water supply concept; as such, groundwater is not included in CMWD’s supply projections. CMWD does not currently pump groundwater; therefore, DWR Table 6-1 is not currently applicable.
6.6 Supply from Storage
CMWD owns and operates Maerkle Reservoir, a 17-acre reservoir that was built in 1962 and is in eastern Carlsbad, near the borders of the Cities of Oceanside and Vista. Maerkle May 12, 2026
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Reservoir can store 600 acre -feet of purchased water from the SDCWA for operational use. Emergency supplies are discussed in Chapters 7 and 8.
6.7 Stormwater
CMWD does not currently utilize stormwater as a water supply source. However, the City of Carlsbad actively promotes rain barrels and rain gardens through its Environmental Sustainability Department. Homeowners are responsible for the installation of greyw ater and rainwater collection systems. CMWD will continue to monitor the development of funding opportunities and best practices by which to pursue stormwater reuse projects in the future.
6.8 Exchanges and Transfers
CMWD relies on potable and desalinated water purchased from SDCWA for potable water supplies, and does not participate individually in any potable water transfer or exchange programs, except as needed during SDCWA shutdowns or emergencies. CMWD may provide recycled water via transfers or exchanges to other agencies in the future as part of the NSDWRC, a nine-agency regional recycled water system, described in further detail in Section 6.9 Projected Water Projects, below. In addition, CMWD has informal agreements with neighboring agencies for emergency purposes only that are not considered in CMWD’s normal supplies. These interties would only be needed in rare emergency events or planned maintenance. Emergency interties are discussed in Chapters 7 and 8.
6.9 Projected Water Projects
The Water Code requires urban water suppliers to describe all water supply projects and programs that the supplier may implement to meet projected water demand.
Recycled Water
CMWD has completed the Phase III Recycled Water Project, which involved expansion of the capacity of the Carlsbad WRF to 7.0 mgd, construction and retrofit of pipelines to deliver recycled water and completion of a 1.5 million gallon recycle water storage tank.
CMWD continues to connect more recycled water customers in new developments or convert existing potable demands to recycled water as opportunities arise and infrastructure supports.
CMWD is one of nine member agencies of the NSDWRC, which is cooperatively implementing a regional recycled water system to maximize recycled water use and implement potable reuse in northern San Diego County. CMWD’s portion of the NSDWRC May 12, 2026
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Regional Project is the Phase III Recycled Water Project. Through the NSDWRC, CMWD may provide recycled water to other members, and may receive additional recycled water from other members, as necessary.
North County One Water
Building on over a decade of collaborative efforts in the region by the NSDWRC, EWA and SEJPA have been working with multiple local water agencies to develop the North County One Water Program. It is currently in the feasibility planning phase. The wastewater flows and facilities from two coastal treatment facilities in North San Diego County, the EWPCF and the San Elijo Water Reclamation Facility (SEWRF), represent a unique opportunity for large-scale production of purified water. The EWPCF in the City of Carlsbad could accommodate an advanced water purification facility. The EWPCF has key assets available for production of purified water such as an ocean outfall, available land for advanced treatment, treated secondary effluent and technically capable staf f. The SEWRF in the Cardiff area within the City of Encinitas, California could also accommodate an advanced water purification facility. The SEWRF also has key assets available for production of purified water such as an ocean outfall, available land for advanced treatment, treated secondary effluent and technically capable staff. The program was estimated to supply an estimated 18,000 AFY to 35,000 AFY. Although cost estimates for infrastructure and water rates are considered prohibitive now, the program could be developed in the future if conditions change. Because the North County One Water Program is still in the planning stages, it is not quantified as a future water supply in Table 6-8.
Groundwater
Potential groundwater supplies are still considered uncertain, and are not quantified in Table 6-8, which presents reasonably available volume of future water supplies. Despite this uncertainty, CMWD will reassess the benefits and costs of developing its groundwater rights in the future, which could help to offset CMWD’s demands on SDCWA for potable water. This addition of groundwater to CMWD’s supply portfolio could strengthen its supply reliability and help reduce CMWD’s reliance on imported supplies.
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Desalinated Water
As noted previously, CMWD’s Board approved an agreement with SDCWA to construct a direct connection to the desalinated water conveyance pipeline. Development of this supply would have involved implementation of the Carlsbad 5 Flow Control Facility and Pressure Reducing Station project. If constructed, CMWD would own and operate the Pressure Reducing Station component, while the flow control facility would be owned and operated by the SDCWA. Although CMWD will continue to receive desalinated water through SDCWA’s supply mix of other potable water sources in accordance with the Take or Pay agreement, CMWD is not pursuing the implementation of the Carlsbad 5 Flow Control Facility and Pressure Reducing Station project at this time due to constraints associated with a suitable site for the facilities, land availability , and the high cost of desalinated water . T herefore, the project to construct a direct connection to the desalinated water conveyance pipeline is not quantified in Table 6-8.
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TABLE 6-8: E XPECTED FUTURE WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS OR PROGRAMS DWR Table 6-7 Retail: Expected Future Water Supply Projects or Programs Water Code Section 10631(f)
No expected future water supply projects or programs that provide a quantifiable increase to the agency’s water supply. Supplier will not complete the table below.
Some or all of the supplier’s future water supply projects or programs are not compatible with this table and are described in a narrative format.
N/A Provide page location of narrative in the UWMP
Name of Future
Projects or
Programs
Joint Project with other agencies?
Description
Planned
Implementation
Year
Planned for
Use in Year
Type
Expected Increase in
Water Supply to
Agency (AFY) Y/N Agency Name
Groundwater Supply No Development of
groundwater supplies -- Average Year Unknown at this
time
NSDWRC Regional
Project Yes
Leucadia Wastewater District,
Vallecitos Water District, City of
Oceanside, City of Escondido,
Olivenhain Municipal Water
District, Rincon del Diablo
Municipal Water District, San Elijo
Joint Powers Authority, Santa Fe
Irrigation District, and Vista
Irrigation District
Regional recycled
water project -- Average Year
Supports
implementation of
Phase III recycled
water project
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6.9.1 Summary of Existing and Planned Sources of Water
CMWD’s supplies include SDCWA water (treated SWP and Colorado River, SDCWA surface water, along with desalinated seawater, purchased as a blend from SDCWA), recycled water, and could include groundwater in the future. Current water supplies for CMWD during 2025 are presented in Table 6-9. Projected supplies for CMWD are presented in Table 6-10 and include water supply projects that are underway or in development, along with projected population growth and supply availability from SDCWA.
TABLE 6-9: W ATER SUPPLIES – ACTUAL
Submittal Table 6-8 Retail: Water Supplies — 2025 Actual Water Code Section 10631 (b)
Water Supply
Additional
Description
(as needed)
2025
May use each category
multiple times. These
are the only water
supply categories that
will be recognized by
the WUE data online
submittal tool
Water Type
(after treatment
if treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Actual Volume
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See "DWR Notes" below
(AF) (AF)
Purchased or Imported
Water
Purchased from
SDCWA Drinking Water 11,962 11,962
Purchased Local Water
(Desal)
Purchased from
SDCWA Drinking Water 2,500 2,500
Recycled Water Carlsbad WRF Recycled Water 3,708 7,839 Recycled Water Meadowlark WRF Recycled Water 0 2,700 Subtotal Potable 14,462 14,462
Subtotal Non-Potable 3,708 10,539
Total 18,170 25,001
DWR NOTES: Total Entitlement: e.g., Water Right, Groundwater Allocation, Contracted Amount.
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TABLE 6-10: WATER SUPPLIES – PROJECTED
DWR Table 6-9 Retail: Water Supplies — Projected (Water Code Section 10631 (b)) Water
Supply
Additional
Detail on
Water Supply
Projected Water Supply (Report To the Extent Practicable) 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Reasonably
Available
Volume
Total
Right or
Safe Yield
(optional)
Reasonably
Available
Volume
Total
Right or
Safe Yield
(optional)
Reasonably
Available
Volume
Total
Right or
Safe Yield
(optional)
Reasonably
Available
Volume
Total Right
or Safe
Yield
(optional)
Reasonably
Available
Volume
Total
Right or
Safe
Yield
(optional)
Purchased
or
Imported
Water
Purchased
from SDCWA 12,415 12,415 13,674 13,674 13,763 13,763 13,868 13,868 13,987 13,987 Recycled
Water Carlsbad WRF 1,198 7,839 1,518 7,839 1,518 7,839 1,518 7,839 1,518 7,839 Recycled
Water
Meadowlark
WRF 2,700 2,700 2,700 2,700 2,700 2,700 2,700 2,700 2,700 2,700 Desalinated
Water
Carlsbad
Desalination
Plant
(purchased
under Take or
Pay with
SDCWA)
2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 Subtotal Potable 14,915 14,915 16,174 16,174 16,263 16,263 16,368 16,368 16,487 16,487 Subtotal Non-Potable 3,898 10,539 4,218 10,539 4,218 10,539 4,218 10,539 4,218 10,539 Total 18,813 25,454 20,392 26,713 20,481 26,802 20,586 26,907 20,705 27,026 Notes: CMWD receives 2,500 AFY desalinated water through a purchase agreement with SDCWA. If the plant produces more desalinated water and SDCWA purchases more than the 48,000 AFY that it currently purchases, CMWD may receive an additional 5.21% of the additional amount available. Because of uncertainty regarding this water, it has been omitted from this table as an available volume. Purchases from SDCWA are not limited by Total Right or Safe Yield.
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6.10 Special Considerations
Special conditions that may affect CMWD’s water supply include climate change and regulatory impacts on the reliability of surface water supplies, particularly imported surface water supplies.
6.10.1 Climate Change Impacts
Climate change is a concern for CMWD and other agencies within the San Diego region.
A summary of climate change vulnerabilities, impacts, and actions to address these impacts is provided in Section 3 System Description . While the exact effects of climate change are unknown, average temperatures will increase, weather events will be more intense and more frequent, and precipitation patterns will change. As with other agencies in the region, CMWD relies heavily on water purchased from SDCWA and more than half of the SDCWA’s portfolio comes from imported supplies (SDCWA 2026). These imported supplies come from the SWP and the Colorado River. SWP reliability is dependent on rainfall and snowpack, and the timing of snowmelt. Climate change will make snowpack less reliable, either through changes in amount of water stored in snowpack, or through changes to the timing of snowmelt (e.g., earlier melt means excess water is available when demands are low, and less water is available during warmer months when demands are higher). Extreme weather events could damage imported water infrastructure or could exacerbate drought conditions. Extreme climate events, such as prolonged droughts, are also expected to increase fire event frequency and severity, further exacerbating water quality issues and flooding risk associated with fire-prone and flood-prone areas.
As identified by the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (see Section 3 System Description), drought was identified as a significant climate hazard for the city’s infrastructure and facilities, receiving a high vulnerability score. This high vulnerability score reflects substantial impacts that drought conditions can have on infrastructure and facilities. Local supply development is anticipated to help mitigate climate change impacts by developing drought-resilient supplies (e.g. recycled water), reduci ng potential supply disruptions from imported water, and reducing overall energy demands for providing water to customers.
6.10.2 Regulatory Conditions
One of the most significant regulatory drivers is the ongoing update of the Bay -Delta Water Quality Control Plan, which governs flow, salinity, and ecosystem protection measures for the Sacramento –San Joaquin Delta. The Bay -Delta watershed supplies a substantial portion of the SWP deliveries that ultimately support SDCWA and MWD supplies delivered to CMWD. Draft updates released in 2024–2025 propose new flow May 12, 2026
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objectives and implementation pathways that could alter SWP operations and influence the availability of imported supplies to Southern California. These include both a regulatory compliance pathway and an alternative voluntary -agreement pathway, each imposing different flow and habitat commitments that may affect future statewide conveyance reliability.
In addition to SWP supplies, Carlsbad receives imported water from the Colorado River via SDCWA and MWD. The regulatory landscape governing Colorado River supplies is undergoing significant transition as several foundational agreements, including the 2007 Interim Guidelines, the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans, and United States –Mexico agreements under the 1944 Water Treaty, are set to expire at the end of 2026 (Bureau of Reclamation 2026). In response, the Bureau of Reclamation has initiated the Post-2026 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, a multi-year effort that will define future operating rules for Lakes Mead and Powell and guide basin -wide water management for decades; a Draft Environmental Impact Statement was released in January 2026 for public review and comment. Meanwhile, negotiations among the seven basin states remain strained. Despite more than two years of discussions to restructure the century-old allocation framework, negotiators missed the November 2025 and the February 2026 mi lestones and now face a timeline of summer or fall 2026 to reach consensus before the federal government imposes its own plan, with recent reports indicating that states remain at an impasse over shortage -sharing and operational strategies. The prolonged uncertainty, exacerbated by federal indications that it may need to assume greater management authority if no agreement is reached, creates ongoing regulatory risk for agencies dependent on Colorado River supplies.
Additional statewide regulatory shifts, including evolving conservation reporting requirements, updated demand management expectations, and newly adopted potable reuse regulations, also have the potential to influence future local supply development and projected demands. These changes underscore the need for continued monitoring of state rulemaking and coordination with SDCWA and MWD to ensure supply planning reflects current and anticipated regulatory conditions.
6.10.3 Other Locally Applicable Criteria
The reliability of CMWD’s water supplies is closely tied to the regional wholesale dynamics between the SDCWA and MWD, the two agencies responsible for delivering imported Colorado River and SWP supplies to the region. Historically, SDCWA and MWD were engaged in a 15-year legal dispute over rates and the terms of conveying conserved Colorado River water, creating long-term uncertainty in wholesale pricing and cost allocation. However, in June 2025 the two agencies reached a landmark settlement that May 12, 2026
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ended all outstanding litigation, established a predictable fixed rate structure for water transfers beginning in 2026, and committed both agencies to improved collaboration and regional water supply efficiency (SDCWA 2025). The settlement replaces years o f conflict with a cooperative framework aimed at fiscal stability, enhanced reliability, and streamlined management of imported supplies. These benefits extend directly to retail agencies like CMWD, which depend on SDCWA for consistent and cost -stable wholesale water deliveries.
6.11 Energy Intensity
CMWD elected to estimate the energy intensity of its potable supplies using Appendix O of the Guidebook. A technical memorandum and the applicable DWR Appendix O tables have been included here as Appendix G of this 2025 UWMP.
Water energy intensity (EI) is the total amount of energy expended on a per AF basis to take water from the location CMWD acquires it to the point of delivery. Thus, EI includes conveyance, extraction, treatment, placing water into and taking it from storage, and distribution. CMWD’s water EI only accounts for the water management processes occurring within its operational control; energy use associated with the extraction, treatment and conveyance of wholesale water to CMWD’s points of diversion is not included. CMWD receives its potable water from SDCWA and this water is already treated prior to entering CMWD’s distribution system. CMWD also receives potable water from the Carlsbad Desalination Plant. The desalinated water is also already treated prior to entering CMWD’s operational control and the energy involved in delivering the desalinated water is captured in the overall distribution system energy demands. Thus, energy demands for CMWD’s potable system are limited to the requirements for distribution a nd limited local storage. As of 2026, CMWD’s potable water distribution system is entirely gravity fed.
Using San Diego Gas & Electric billing data for CMWD, which documents the amount of power needed to serve CMWD potable water equipment, such as chlorination equipment, pumping, and SCADA monitoring equipment, CMWD’s total energy use associated with potable water supplies for January -December 2025 was 308,318 kWh. During this same timeframe, CMWD received 14,462 AF of water, including desalinated seawater and purchased water from SDCWA that was placed in local storage or distributed to customers. Note that water placed in storage in any given year is excluded from gross water use reported elsewhere in this document. CMWD uses hydropower from the pressure difference of purchased SDCWA water and CMWD operational pressures. During the time period from January – December 2025 , CMWD generated 220,602 kWh of hydropower from this source. This represents seven months of e nergy generation as the May 12, 2026
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hydrogenator was down for repairs and maintenance during five months last year. This type of hydropower is referred to by DWR as “consequential” hydropower because it is generated as a consequence of water delivery. According to DWR recommended methods for estimating EI (Appendix O of the Guidebook), this “consequential” hydropower is subtracted from CMWD’s total energy use, to result in a net energy use of 87,716 kWh over the 2025 year. CMWD’s potable water system therefore had a local EI of 14.31 kWh/MG in 2025, as calculated according to the DWR UWMP Guidebook Appendix O methods. Repair and replacement of the hydrogenator will result in higher consequential hydropower in the future, which will lower CMWD’s potable water EI. The energy savings are applied to other utilities electric bills as credits.
Monthly energy demands vary greatly from month to month, depending on the length of time water remains in local storage, the level of demand (affecting pumping and storage levels), and the need to implement minor treatment or mixing to maintain potable quality.
In addition, CMWD has made investments in its potable water distribution system to rely primarily on gravity instead of pumps.
According to Appendix O of the Guidebook, “the energy intensity of recycled water operations is the incremental amount of energy consumed within an urban water supplier’s operational control to convey, treat, and distribute recycled water supplies that exceeds the amount of energy that otherwise would have been required to collect, treat, and discharge wastewater effluent divided by the amount of water entering the recycled water distribution system.” CMWD , through its contract with EWA operators, is responsible for operational control over the Carlsbad WRF. The amount of electricity used by the Carlsbad WRF for recycled water treatment during the period January -December 2025 was 1,400,207 kWh according to EWA invoice records . In addition, CMWD has operational control over recycled water distribution, which used 2,817,429 kWh over the time period January-December 2025. Energy consumption for recycled water distribution has been unusually high since December 2024 when the Meadowlark WRF was taken offline for m aintenance. In a typical year, CMWD gravity feeds recycled water from the Meadowlark WRF. However, more energy was needed in 2025 to power CMWD pumps in order to distribute recycled water to Mahr reservoir. The Meadowlark WRF is expected to become operational in August 2026, at which time energy consumption for recycled water distribution will resume typical, lower levels. During that time period, 5,356 AF of recycled water entered CMWD’s recycled water process and 3,708 AF of recycled water was delivered t o customers . CMWD does not have operation control over wastewater treatment which could be netted out of the energy consumed to treat and distribute recycled water supplies . CMWD’s recycled water EI was 1, 428 kWh/MG in 2025, as calculated according to the DWR UWMP Guidebook Appendix O methods.
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-1
7. WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY AND DROUGHT RISK ASSESSMENT CMWD’s potable water reliability is dependent on the availability of SDCWA’s supplies.
CMWD has improved its supply reliability by increasing recycled water use, using local desalinated seawater, and reducing water demands. These two sources of local supply are generally drought-resistant and highly reliable, while reducing imported demands lessens the impact statewide restrictions have on CMWD’s access to potable supplies. SDCWA has also taken action to expand its supply portfolio and decrease dependence on water imported via MWD; however, there remain several threats to supply reliability within CMWD’s service area.
7.1 Constraints on Water Resources
CMWD’s water supply reliability is affected by legal, environmental, water quality, or climatic factors. As noted throughout th e 2025 UWMP, CMWD’s potable demands are served with potable water purchased from SDCWA and is subject to availability of and access to those supplies. A lack of supply diversity contributes to potential supply constraints. Table 7-1 provides a summary of potential threats to supply reliability for CMWD’s various sources of potable and non-potable water.
TABLE 7-1: CONSTRAINTS ON WATER SUPPLIES
Source Potential Constraint on Supply
Imported
Water1
Legal: Current supply from SWP is occasionally inconsistent due to legal and environmental factors. Future supply may not be consistent due to delays in construction, legal rulings, or environmental decisions. Colorado River supplies are subject to legal decisions regarding the Quantification Settlement Agreement, which could reduce future supplies.
Climatic: Drought and climate change could result in reductions of imported water supply. This risk increases during extended drought, when both SWP and Colorado River supply may be reduced. Mandatory use restrictions imposed by the State during drought may affect ability to utilize supply, even if sufficient supplies are available locally.
Desalinated
Seawater
No constraints identified at this time unless unexpected infrastructure failure occurs.
Groundwater
Legal: CMWD has uncertain groundwater rights.
Water quality: The Mission Sub-Basin has high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) and requires desalination for potable use.
Other: Groundwater basins in the region have limited storage capacity.
Recycled
Water
Cost: Cost of recycled water system expansion can make it challenging to complete connections.
1 Refer to SDCWA’s 2025 UWMP for additional details regarding constraints on their supplies May 12, 2026
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-2 Throughout the 2025 UWMP planning cycle, CMWD and SDCWA coordinated on reliability and water use forecasts . CMWD provided SDCWA with information on population growth and planned developments within the CMWD service area. SDCWA’s 2025 UWMP water use forecast differs from CMWD’s in that it incorporates a complex collection of datasets into a statistical model . However, the 2025 UWMPs are similar in that they incorporate anticipated local development growth into the ir forecasts of water demand. In meetings bet ween SDCWA and CMWD during the 2025 UWMP planning cycle, SDCWA confirmed that the minor differences in forecasted water use are not an issue for long-range reliability planning in SDCWA’s service area.
7.1.1 SDCWA Supply Constraints and Reliability Actions
SDCWA’s supply portfolio consists primarily of imported water from various sources, supplemented by desalinated seawater and runoff captured in local reservoirs. As noted in Table 7-1, the principal constraints on SDCWA’s imported supplies stem from legal and climatic factors. SWP deliveries may be curtailed during drought periods or seasonally due to regulatory requirements to maintain environmental flows or comply with judicial rulings and other legal agreements. Additionally, SWP conveyance may be interrupted by infrastructure outages related to maintenance, construction, or unfores een events.
Colorado River imports are governed by the Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA), which remains subject to potential modification through legal processes; however, these supplies are generally regarded as more reliable than SWP deliveries and are not expected to experience similar constraints. Colorado River water does exhibit higher total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations compared to SWP water, influencing SDCWA’s blended raw water quality. This characteristic does not impact CMWD’s su pply reliability, as CMWD purchases treated water from SDCWA rather than raw water.
Drought may also reduce availability of imported water to SDCWA, thereby reducing supply reliability for CMWD. During the 2014 drought, SWP deliveries were subject to allocation reductions in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Under the Lower Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Plan (Lower Basin DCP; USBR 2019), California contractors, including MWD and SDCWA, committed to shortage allocations or “DCP Contributions” starting when the elevation of Lake Mead , a major storage reservoir, dropped to 1,045 feet. According to SDCWA’s 2025 UWMP, as of April 2025, projections indicate that it is unlikely that Lake Mead will reach a level that requires contributions from California thorough 2026. Operating agreements are set to expire in 2026 and new agreements would be negotiated to govern storage and cutbacks beyond 2026.
Over the last decades, SDCWA has taken steps to diversify its water supply with alternative sources and increase water reliability for the region. Such efforts include canal lining and May 12, 2026
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-3 the Carlsbad Desalination Plant. SDCWA’s canal lining project provides conserved water by preventing unplanned loss to incidental recharge. This conserved water is guaranteed for SDCWA under the terms of the project. SDCWA also enabled construction of the Carlsbad Desalination Plant by agreeing to a minimum annual purchase of desalinated water from the facility. This increases supply reliability because it is a drought-proof local supply. Desalinated seawater from the Carlsbad Desalination Plant meets appro ximately 8% of the region’s potable water demands. In 2021, SDCWA enhanced system reliability by completing major rehabilitation of the historic First Aqueduct and installing new fish-friendly intake pumps at the Carlsbad Desalination Plant, improving both resilience and operational performance (SDCWA 2021).
The reduced availability of any one of SDCWA’s supply sources would be buffered because of the diversity of the supplies; the region’s wholesale supplies are not reliant on a single source. To replace or supplement an existing supply, SDCWA could take steps to increase development of transfers or distribution of seawater desalination. SDCWA’s 2025 UWMP should be consulted for details regarding its actions to ensure consistency of the wholesale water supply. While regional efforts to improve supply diversification, storage, and system redundancy have worked to reduce the impacts such allocations have on local access to supplies, there is potential that mandatory use restrictions (at a statewide level) will be enacted during severe drought. Such restrictions, including those put in place by the State in 2015, may not affect supply that the region has in storage, but could affect the region’s ability to utilize supplies.
In addition, many of SDCWA’s member agencies are taking steps to diversi fy their water supplies through recycled water, groundwater, potable reuse and other local supply projects. These local and regional efforts to invest in major capital infrastructure projects and implement adaptive management initiatives have resulted in substantial long-term water use efficiency gains across the region. By improving water efficiency, the region is protecting the reliability of its various supplies.
7.1.2 CMWD Local Supply Constraints and Reliability Actions CMWD’s reliance on SDCWA for potable supplies creates vulnerability to potential supply disruptions within SDCWA’s system. As a result, CMWD expanded its local resources, which currently include recycled water and desalinated seawater, along with potential rights to a potential groundwater source.
Constraints on recycled water are capacity, connectivity, and the associated costs of providing additional connections. CMWD’s Phase III Recycled Water Project expanded its tertiary recycled water production capacity, storage, and distribution system to se rve additional customers. The Phase III Recycled Water Project was completed in 2025.
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-4 Although there are currently no feasible new additional recycled water pipeline connections identified, it is possible that some additional customers could be converted to recycled water if they are located adjacent to the existing system. However, such demand for recycled water are expected to be low, and timing and ability to convert additional customers remains uncertain. As such, CMWD has conservatively assumed in this 2025 UWMP that recycled water demand will not increase beyond 2025. As part of the NS DWRC, CMWD is participating in a cooperative effort of nine north San Diego County water and wastewater agencies to maximize recycled water use and improve interconnectivity between their non-potable water systems. This effort would allow for additional flexibility in non-potable water system operation and increase recycled water efficiencies; however, cost estimates for infrastructure and water rates are considered prohibitive to the projects moving forward at this time. To help defray the cost of expanding its recycled water services, CMWD has actively pursued additional funding programs to help cover costs of the Phase III Recycled Water Project, including grants from the state’s Proposition 84 and Proposition 1, and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI program, as well as a low-interest loan through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.
While CMWD is currently receiving its desalinated seawater via SDCWA’s pipelines, it is not exploring constructing a direct connection to the desalinated seawater pipeline at this time. A direct connection between the Carlsbad 5 Flow Control Facility and P ressure Reducing Station and the Carlsbad Desalination Plant would provide a local, drought- proof supply that would function independently of SDCWA’s distribution system. This would create redundancy in the potable distribution system that would increase reliability of water deliveries from a drought-proof, secure, supply. As noted in Chapter 6, CMWD is not pursuing further development of this supply at this time.
To further diversify its local supplies, CMWD is continuing to monitor the costs and benefits of developing its groundwater rights (refer to Section 6 Water Supply).
Groundwater in the Mission Subbasin is high in TDS and would require desalination before use as a supply. The addition of groundwater to CMWD’s supply portfolio could reduce its reliance on SDCWA to meet potable demands. However, because CMWD is not currently working to reestablish groundwater rights and the potential available volume of groundwater supply is uncertain, it has been excluded from CMWD’s supply portfolio in this 2025 UWMP.
CMWD is also collaborating with member agencies of the NSDWRC on development of a potable reuse program known as the North County One Water Program. The City of Carlsbad is expected to receive purified water from this effort by 2035. However, because the North County One Water Program is still in the planning stages, it is not counted as a verifiable future water supply for the purposes of the 2025 UWMP.
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-5 In the event of a severe drought, CMWD could effectively implement temporary water use reduction measures as defined in the water shortage contingency plan (see Chapter 8) to assist in ensuring reliability. Such use reduction measures were implemented in the 2014 to 2017 drought and were successful in helping CMWD reach its temporary state - mandated reduction target of 28% under the State’s Emergency Drought Restrictions issued in 2015.
7.2 Water Service Reliability Assessment
CMWD relies on its wholesaler’s diversified water supply portfolio designed to provide reliable potable water service under normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry year conditions.
CMWD’s wholesaler, SDCWA, primarily delivers imported drinking water sourced from the Colorado River via the Colorado River Aqueduct and from Northern California through the State Water Project, from both direct, SDCWA-controlled supplies and via MWD.
This section evaluates the ability of CMWD to meet projected customer demands under a range of normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry year hydrologic conditions, as required by the Urban Water Management Planning Act. The assessment examines the reliability of existing and planned water supplies, considers potential vulnerabilities, and identifies the strategies in place to ensure a consistent and sustainable water supply through the 20-year planning horizon.
7.2.1 Year Type Characterization
CMWD’s available water supply is evaluated under three scenarios: an average/ normal water year, a single -dry water year, and a five -year multiple -dry water year scenario.
Supplies from SDCWA during single - and multiple -dry years are based on historical drought conditions identified in Table 7-2 and defined in SDCWA’s 2025 UWMP. CMWD’s two quantified local supplies, desalinated seawater and recycled water, are considered drought-resilient and remain unaffected by dry conditions. While recycled water demand may increase during drought due to changes in irrigation practices, CMWD has sufficient production capacity to meet anticipated demand (see Table 6-6). Because potable demands beyond those that can be met by local supply are met through purchases from SDCWA, CMWD’s water supply reliability analysis is aligned with SDCWA’s reliability assessment.
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-6 TABLE 7-2: B ASIS OF WATER YEAR DATA (WATER SERVICE RELIABILITY
ASSESSMENT)
DWR Table 7-1 Retail: Basis of Water Year Data (Reliability Assessment) Base Year Volume Available (AFY)
Available Supplies if Year Type Repeats
% of Average Supply
1991-2020 20,195 100%
2013, 2018, 2021 21,461 106%
2011 21,530 107%
2012 21,737 108%
2013 21,943 109%
2014 22,152 110%
2015 22,365 111%
Notes: CMWD selected base years that aligned with SDCWA’s 2025 UWMP supply reliability assessment. SDCWA supplies are expected to be reliable through all years of a multiple year drought, with additional carryover supplies available in extended dry periods. As presented here, “% of Average Supply” indicates percent supply available to meet both potable and non-potable demands due to diversification and/or carryover storage.
Although Table 7-2 identifies the percentage of available supply to meet demand, supply availability will vary by source because CMWD’s local supplies would not be affected by dry year conditions. Changes to supply availability cannot be applied equally across each source. Potable and recycled water demands are both considered in CMWD’s supply reliability assessment because recycled water use offsets potable demands, while shortages in recycled water supplies require supplementation with potable supplies.
7.2.1.1 Water Service Reliability – Normal Year
SDCWA’s 2025 UWMP projected overall demands would increase over time and across scenarios, with some variability depending on the time frame and hydrologic scenario.
CMWD anticipates that its demands would generally increase in dry year scenarios consistent with SDCWA’s overall demand increases in corresponding scenarios. Due to uncertainty inherent to projecting demands during dry hydrologic conditions, CMWD’s demand projections increase over dry year scenarios at a consistent rate across time frames (2030, 2035, 2040, 2045, and 2050), calculated as the average increase presented in SDCWA’s 2025 UWMP. Table 7-3 identifies how CWMD’s demands are projected to change, as a percent of normal, for different scenarios. Table 7-4 demonstrates that, under normal year conditions, available supplies are sufficient to meet projected demands.
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-7 While demands are projected to increase, SDCWA retains the right to purchase additional water from MWD in years where local supplies are insufficient to meet demands. Under SDCWA’s purchase agreement with MWD, SDCWA holds preferential rights that ensure access to water necessary to meet unmet demands across all planning scenarios.
Additionally, SDCWA maintains substantial carryover storage that can be utilized during extended dry periods. SDCWA’s water service reliability analysis (SDCWA 2026) finds that there would be a supply surplus in all planning scenarios. Thus, CMWD expects to secure adequate potable supplies from SDCWA to supplement desalinated seawater, as SDCWA’s projections account for increased Member Agency demands under dry -year conditions. These projections also incorporate anticipated changes in Member A gency local supplies, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of regional demand on SDCWA resources.
TABLE 7-3: S UPPLY AND DEMAND ASSUMPTIONS, AS PERCENT OF NORMAL Source
Normal
Water
Year
Single-Dry
Water Year
Multiple-Dry Water Years
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Demands
Potable Water 100% 106% 107% 108% 109% 110% 111%
Recycled
Water 100% 106% 107% 108% 109% 110% 111%
Total Percent of Normal
Demands 106% 107% 108% 109% 110% 111%
Supplies
SDCWA
Purchases 100% 107% 108% 109% 110% 111% 113%
Seawater
Desalination 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100%
Recycled
Water 100% 106% 107% 108% 109% 110% 111%
Total Percent of Normal
Potable Supplies 106% 107% 108% 109% 110% 111%
Total Percent of Overall
Normal Supplies 106% 107% 108% 109% 110% 111%
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-8 TABLE 7-4: NORMAL WATER YEAR SUPPLY AND USE COMPARISON
DWR Table 7-2 Retail: Normal Year Supply and Use Comparison Source 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Demands
Potable Demand 14,915 16,174 16,263 16,368 16,487
Non-Potable Demand 3,898 4,218 4,218 4,218 4,218
Total Normal Year
Demand 18,813 20,392 20,481 20,586 20,705
Supplies
SDCWA Purchases 12,415 13,674 13,763 13,868 13,987
Seawater Desalination 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
Normal Year Potable
Supply 14,915 16,174 16,263 16,368 16,487
Recycled Water 3,898 4,218 4,218 4,218 4,218
Total Normal Year
Supply 18,812 20,393 20,482 20,586 20,706
Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0
7.2.1.2 Water Service Reliability – Single Dry Year
The single-dry year scenario is based on an average of 2013, 2018, and 2021 single dry - year supplies. SDCWA anticipates that regional demands will increase by approximately 6% in a single dry-year, and CMWD assumes this increase remains consistent throughout the planning horizon. SDCWA’s analysis, which included a conservative consideration of member agency local supplies, concludes that sufficient supplies are available to meet projected demands even under single -dry year conditions. In fact, SDCWA’s analy sis (SDCWA 2026) anticipates a supply surplus. Increased member agency demand would be met with increased purchases from MWD, which SDCWA has adequate access to meet the increased demands. As a result, even if CMWD demands for SDCWA supplies were to be higher than forecasted by SDCWA, because SDCWA expects a supply surplus, CMWD assumes that SDCWA will fully meet any potable water needs not supplied by local sources, as reflected in Table 7-5 and Table 7-6.
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-9 TABLE 7-5: S INGLE DRY YEAR SUPPLY AND DEMAND COMPARISON DWR Table 7-3 Retail: Single Dry Year Supply and Use Comparison Source 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Demands
Potable Demand 15,850 17,187 17,282 17,394 17,520
Non-Potable Demand 4,142 4,482 4,482 4,482 4,482
Total Normal Year Demand 19,992 21,670 21,764 21,876 22,002 Supplies
SDCWA Purchases 13,350 14,687 14,782 14,894 15,020
Seawater Desalination 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
Single Dry Year Potable Supply 15,850 17,187 17,282 17,394 17,520 Recycled Water 4,142 4,482 4,482 4,482 4,482
Total Single Dry Year Supply 19,992 21,670 21,764 21,876 22,002 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0
7.2.1.3 Water Service Reliability – Five Consecutive Dry Years Under a five-consecutive-year drought scenario, the region would experience sustained dry hydrologic conditions. Water demands for the multi-dry year scenario were calculated based on a 1% annual increase in water use from the single dry -year demand forecast, consistent with the SDCWA analysis.
SDCWA’s analysis (SDCWA 2026) concludes that sufficient local and imported supplies exist to meet member agency demands throughout the 2025–2050 planning horizon. In fact, SDCWA’s water service reliability analysis finds that there would be a supply surplus in all planning scenarios. This approach accounts for the demand management actions anticipated from SDCWA and its member agencies during drought conditions, which are expected to limit demand increases relative to what typically occurs under hot and dry weather. Consistent with SDCWA’s findings, CMWD assumes that any demand exceeding local supply capacity will be met through additional purchases from SDCWA, and that SDCWA has sufficient supplies to meet this increased demand. The SDCWA anticipates a surplus of water supplies in all five years of a drought and would have enough supply to meet CMWD’s increased demands, even if CMWD demands are greater than expected.
As shown in Table 7-5 and Table 7-6, CMWD’s projected supplies for single - and multiple-dry year scenarios are adequate to meet demand without requiring extreme conservation measures. While the analysis below shows supply would equal demand, CMWD has access to greater supply if demand exceed expectations because the SDCWA has additional supplies available beyond those currently provided to CMWD.
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-10 TABLE 7-6: M ULTIPLE DRY YEARS SUPPLY AND DEMAND COMPARISON DWR Table 7-4 Retail: Multiple Dry Years Supply and Use Comparison Source 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Multiple-
Dry Year
(First
Year)
Potable Water Demands 15,901 17,243 17,338 17,450 17,577 Non-Potable Demands 4,156 4,497 4,497 4,497 4,497 Total Multiple-Dry Year 1
Demand 20,057 21,740 21,835 21,947 22,074 SDCWA Purchases 13,401 14,743 14,838 14,950 15,077 Seawater Desalination 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 Multiple-Dry Year 1 Potable
Supplies 15,901 17,243 17,338 17,450 17,577 Recycled Water 4,156 4,497 4,497 4,497 4,497 Total Multiple-Dry Year 1
Supply
20,057 21,740 21,835 21,947 22,074 Multiple-
Dry Year
(Second
Year)
Potable Water Demands 16,054 17,409 17,505 17,618 17,746 Non-Potable Demands 4,196 4,540 4,540 4,540 4,540 Total Multiple-Dry Year 2
Demand 20,249 21,949 22,045 22,158 22,286
SDCWA Purchases 13,554 14,909 15,005 15,118 15,246 Seawater Desalination 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
Multiple-Dry Year 2 Potable
Supplies 16,054 17,409 17,505 17,618 17,746 Recycled Water 4,196 4,540 4,540 4,540 4,540 Total Multiple-Dry Year 2
Supply 20,249 21,949 22,045 22,158 22,286
Multiple-
Dry Year
(Third
Year)
Potable Water Demands 16,206 17,574 17,671 17,785 17,914 Non-Potable Demands 4,235 4,583 4,583 4,583 4,583 Total Multiple-Dry Year 3
Demand 20,441 22,157 22,254 22,368 22,497 SDCWA Purchases 13,706 15,074 15,171 15,285 15,414 Seawater Desalination 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
Multiple-Dry Year 3 Potable
Supplies 16,206 17,574 17,671 17,785 17,914 Recycled Water 4,235 4,583 4,583 4,583 4,583 Total Multiple-Dry Year 3
Supply 20,441 22,157 22,254 22,368 22,497
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-11 DWR Table 7-4 Retail: Multiple Dry Years Supply and Use Comparison Source 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Multiple-
Dry Year
(Fourth
Year)
Potable Water Demands 16,360 17,741 17,839 17,954 18,085 Non-Potable Demands 4,276 4,627 4,627 4,627 4,627 Total Multiple-Dry Year 4
Demand 20,636 22,368 22,466 22,581 22,711
SDCWA Purchases 13,860 15,241 15,339 15,454 15,585 Seawater Desalination 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
Multiple-Dry Year 4 Potable
Supplies 16,360 17,741 17,839 17,954 18,085 Recycled Water 4,276 4,627 4,627 4,627 4,627 Total Multiple-Dry Year 4
Supply
20,636 22,368 22,466 22,581 22,711 Multiple-
Dry Year
(Fifth
Year)
Potable Water Demands 16,517 17,912 18,010 18,126 18,258 Non-Potable Demands 4,317 4,671 4,671 4,671 4,671 Total Multiple-Dry Year 5
Demand
20,834 22,583 22,681 22,798 22,929 SDCWA Purchases 14,017 15,412 15,510 15,626 15,758 Seawater Desalination 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500
Multiple-Dry Year 5 Potable
Supplies 16,517 17,912 18,010 18,126 18,258 Recycled Water 4,317 4,671 4,671 4,671 4,671 Total Multiple-Dry Year 5
Supply 20,834 22,583 22,681 22,798 22,929
7.2.2 Management Tools and Options
CMWD employs a combination of local supply development, Demand Management Measures (DMMs), and regional coordination to maximize the use of local water resources and reduce reliance on imported water supplies. CMWD’s local supply portfolio includes recycled water and seawater desalination through regional partnerships. These local supplies supplement purchased water from SDCWA and improve overall supply reliability, particularly during drought conditions.
CMWD implements comprehensive DMMs that reduce potable water demand and enhance the effectiveness of local supplies. These measures include enforceable water waste prevention ordinances, full metering of all water connections, conservation-oriented rate structures, advanced metering infrastructure with real -time leak detection, and proactive management of distribution system water losses. Ordinance May 12, 2026
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-12 No. 48, now codified into CMWD Water Code under Title 3, establishes a six-level Water Shortage Contingency framework that enables CMWD to implement progressively stringent mandatory demand reductions in response to regional supply conditions.
Public education, outreach, and incentive programs further support long -term demand reductions. CMWD collaborates with regional partners to provide rebates, water audits, landscape education, school programs, and conservation outreach that promote efficient indoor and outdoor water use. These programs result in permanent reductions in potable water demand, allowing local water supplies to meet a greater share of system needs.
Recycled water is another key component of CMWD’s local supply strategy, with non-potable demands such as landscape irrigation increasingly served by recycled water rather than potable supplies. Ongoing coordination with regional agencies supports continued expansion of recycled water use where feasible.
7.3 Drought Risk Assessment
As part of this 2025 UWMP, a Drought Risk Assessment (DRA) was conducted to evaluate the reliability of each supply source under extended drought conditions. The findings of the DRA inform the development of demand management strategies and future water supply projects, while also serving as a tool to assess the effectiveness of CMWD’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP). This evaluation helps identify potential vulnerabilities and supports proactive planning to mitigate risks before the onset of a prolo nged drought. The DRA may be updated periodically to incorporate new data or address unforeseen circumstances, ensuring continued relevance and adaptability.
7.3.1 Data and Methodology
Per UWMP requirements, the DRA is based on the five driest consecutive years on record.
To align with SDCWA’s DRA, the historical period used in this analysis is the period from 2014 to 2018. This represents the five -year period SDCWA determined had the lo west local water supply production from surface water and groundwater, the two local water supplies most susceptible to weather -induced variation. Per SDCWA’s methodology, projected local surface water and groundwater supplies reflect actual production fro m 2014 to 2018. Other local supplies are assumed not to experience a reduction in availability over the five -year dry period because of the drought -resilience of these supplies. CMWD’s existing local supplies, desalinated seawater and non-potable recycled water, are held constant at current 2025 production volumes for the purposes of the DRA.
Projected demands were calculated by escalating 2025 demands annually for five years based on multipliers provided by SDCWA (shown in Table 7-6). The multipliers are based May 12, 2026
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-13 on a weather index developed to assess the impact of dry/hot weather on demands (SDCWA 2025).
7.3.2 Determination of Reliability
SDCWA anticipates a surplus of water supplies in all five years of a drought and would have enough supply to meet CMWD’s increased demands. Based on the analysis shown in Table 7-7, CMWD would be able to meet its water demands in all five years, before accounting for the impacts of any actions under the WSCP.
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Chapter 7: Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment 7-14 TABLE 7-7: FIVE -YEAR DROUGHT RISK ASSESSMENT TABLES
DWR Table 7-5: Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment
Water Code Section 10635(b)(3)
CMWD Drought Risk Assessment 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Local Supplies1
Seawater Desalination 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 Non-Potable Recycled Water 3,708 3,708 3,708 3,708 3,708 Total Projected Local Supplies 6,208 6,208 6,208 6,208 6,208 Demand
CY 2025 Demand1 18,170 18,170 18,170 18,170 18,170
Demand Projection Multiplier2 109% 109% 111% 114% 116%
Consecutive 5-Year Drought
Demand 19,805 19,805 20,169 20,714 21,077
SDCWA Purchases3 13,597 13,597 13,597 13,597 13,597
Total Projected Supplies with
SDCWA Purchases 19,805 19,805 20,169 20,714 21,077
Impacts of WSCP Actions 0 0 0 0 0
Remaining Potential Surplus
Supply, or (Shortage) that will be
addressed through Management
Actions
0 0 0 0 0
1. All supplies held constant at actual CY 2025 levels to align with SDCWA 2025 UWMP methodology.
2. Based on a weather index developed to assess the impact of dry/hot weather on water demands, used in SDCWA's 2025 UWMP.
3. SDCWA anticipates having a surplus of supply per its 2025 UWMP.
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Chapter 8: Water Shortage Contingency Plan 8-1
8. WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN
CMWD’s arid climate, limited local supplies, and growing population make water shortage planning an important component of supply management, especially in light of the region’s history with severe drought and the potential for increased frequency, intensity, and duration of droughts due to climate change. CMWD has adopted measures and plans to address water shortages, should supplies be more limited than demand. This section describes CMWD’s W ater Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP), considers the potential impacts shortages could have on revenue and expenses, and summarizes CMWD’s planned response in the event of catastrophic supply loss.
8.1 Water Supply Reliability Analysis
In July 2024, CMWD codified all of its water Ordinances into the Carlsbad Municipal Water District Code (CMWD Water Code) as part of a District and City effort to organize and provide consistency in municipal and water code requirements and references (Cit y of Carlsbad 2024). Title 3 of the CMWD Water Code now includes the requirements from the two primary ordinances in place to prohibit water waste and encourage water use efficiency within its service area (Ordinance No. 44 – Drought Response Plan and Wate r Conservation Program and Ordinance No. 46 – Watering Schedules), which were both adopted in 2009. On June 7, 2022, CMWD adopted Ordinance No. 48, which amended Ordinance No. 44 and No. 46 to better align its regulatory framework with changes at the regional and state level around drought and conservation. The CMWD Water Code (City of Carlsbad N.d.) is updated as needed to comply with State regulations and regional response to drought conditions.
CMWD Water Code Title 3, Chapter 3.12 (previously Ordinance No. 48) mirrors SDCWA’s 2020 Model Drought Ordinance and establishes a six-level Water Shortage Contingency framework, consistent with WSCP guidance from DWR ( Table 8-2). CMWD Water Code Title 3, Chapter 3.12 provides CMWD with the authority to declare water shortage levels based on regional supply conditions and to implement progressively stringent water conservation measures as shortages intensify. CMWD Water Code Title 3, Chapter 3.12 includes both permanent water -waste prohibitions and mandatory demand reduction actions tied to each shortage level, ensuring a structured and enforceable response to drought conditions. The ordinance modernizes and expands CMWD’s previou s drought provisions by incorporating updated statewide requirements, improving consistency with the WSCP, and ensuring that CMWD can respond effectively to shortages of varying severity. A complete copy of the CMWD Water Code is included in Appendix H and the contents of each are described in further detail below.
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Because CMWD is dependent upon SDCWA for its water supply, SDCWA’s 2025 UWMP should also be consulted for its water shortage contingency plan. Emergency response stage actions become effective when SDCWA declares that it is unable to provide sufficient water supplies to meet the ordinary demands and requirements of its member agencies to the extent that insufficient water would be available. When SDCWA announces its stage declaration, CMWD concurrently declares its corresponding stage.
8.1.1 Legal Authorities
Under California law, including CWC Chapters 3.3 and 3.5 of Division 1, Parts 2.55 and 2.6 of Division 6, Division 13, and Article X, Section 2 of the California Constitution, the CMWD Board of Directors is authorized to implement the water shortage actions outlined in this Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP). In all water shortage cases, shortage response actions to be implemented will be at the discretion
of the Board of Directors and will be based
on an assessment of the supply shortage, customer response, and need for demand reductions.
It is noted that upon proclamation by the Governor of a state of emergency under the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7 [commencing with Section 8550] of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code) based on drought conditions, the State will defer to implementation of locally -adopted water shortage contingency plans to the extent practicable. CMWD will coordinate with regional and local water suppliers for which it provides water supply services for possible proclamation of a local emergency as necessary.
8.1.2 Plan Adoption, Submittal and Availability
CMWD’s WSCP is a part of CMWD’s 2025 UWMP, however, the WSCP also functions as a stand-alone document that can be amended, as needed, without amending the City’s 2025 UWMP. Additional requirements of the WSCP, such as the annual supply and demand reliability assessment protocol, are described below. The process for approving WSCP amendments and conducting required public hearings are described in Section 10 Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Implementation.
8.2 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures This section describes the procedures used to conduct and approve the Annual Assessment. While the UWMP’s Drought Risk Assessment (DRA) assesses longer -term, multi-year water supply reliability, the Annual Assessment focuses on actual forecasted near-term water supply conditions (i.e., next 12 months). The prescribed steps and annual timing to complete the Annual Assessment and submit the final report are listed below to ensure consistency year-after-year regardless of CMWD staff changes:
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1. March - April
a. CMWD determines CMWD local supply available.
b. CMWD coordinates with SDCWA to gather necessary information to conduct SDCWA Annual Assessment.
2. May
a. SDCWA announces member agency allocation determination for current year.
b. SDCWA determines carryover (and emergency storage apportionments if under emergency).
c. CMWD conducts Annual Assessment:
i. CMWD determines total supply available – inclusive of imported water supply.
ii. CMWD determines infrastructure constraints (including water quality conditions limiting local sources).
iii. CMWD determines expected estimated demand for current year and one subsequent dry year.
iv. CMWD compares supply and demand and makes a determination of the water supply reliability.
3. June
a. CMWD General Manager reviews and approves Annual Assessment determination.
b. CMWD coordinates with SDCWA on submittal of the report. Annual Assessment report to be submitted to the state by July 1.
8.2.1 Decision-Making Process
The Annual Assessment will document any anticipated shortage, any triggered shortage response actions, associated compliance and enforcement actions, and communication actions, should the following year be a dry year . These results and recommendations of the Annual Assessment will be provided to the General Manager for approval. In the event of anticipated foreseen water shortage level, if any, which would trigger recommendations for specific shortage response actions, this would be presented to the Board of Directors.
However, the Board of Directors has the discretion to declare water shortage levels at any time during the year that is appropriate, outside of the Annual Assessment process.
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8.2.2 Water Supply Projection: Data Inputs and Methodology For the Annual Assessment, CMWD evaluate s the reliability of the water system for the coming year, assuming it will be a dry year. Under normal (non -shortage) conditions, CMWD can purchase as much water as necessary from SDCWA to meet demands. When that supply (imported supply) is under shortage conditions, the amount of shortage (allocation of shortage) specific to CMWD is determined in a process led by SDCWA.
Evaluation of CMWD supply begins with SDCWA’s own supply evaluation as CMWD receives a large portion of its water supply from the SDCWA regional supply system.
SDCWA uses the availability of CMWD’s local supplies to determine CMWD’s imported water allocation. As such, in years in which imported supply is short, CMWD’s imported supply is dependent on availability of local supplies. To inform SDCWA’s allocation process, CMWD must describe and quantify in AF, each sourc e of CMWD-owned water supply. CMWD’s local water supply portfolio consists of desalinated seawater and recycled water. In the event of a regional shortage, imported water supplies include SDCWA imported water and SDCWA carryover storage.
The available water supply evaluation consider s hydrological and regulatory conditions.
The methodology for determining the available supply from each water supply source is presented in Table 8-1.
TABLE 8-1: SUPPLY SOURCE AVAILABILITY EVALUATION METHODOLOGY Supply Source Evaluation Methodology
Desalinated Seawater Assume 2,500 AFY and apply potential production constraints Recycled Water (Non-Potable) Determine previous year’s production and account for potential decreases in wastewater flow
SDCWA Imported Water
Allocation determined by SDCWA , based on SDCWA’s UWMP
reliability analysis for supply availability during dry years or as provided by SDCWA
SDCWA Carryover Storage Determine available supply to CMWD based on SDCWA WSCP and the most recent information
8.2.3 Planned Water Use for Current Year and Subsequent Dry Year: Data Inputs and Methodology
Unless otherwise specified, the Annual Assessment use s CMWD’s most recent unconstrained demand forecast to determine its current year water use. Unconstrained demand is defined as CMWD’s expected customer water need for the coming year prior to the application of shortage response actions. This is determined based on actual water use for the current year and consideration of required conservation (if any) across the year May 12, 2026
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that could have reduced water use below CMWD’s unconstrained demand, along with projected water use as identified in this UWMP. Additional real-time adjustments would be applied to account for factors such as weather, prior-year conditions, anticipated new demands for the year, and other factors pertinent to the land use and customer use patterns. Dry year demand is based on the single -dry year as defined in Section 7 Water Supply Reliability Assessment of CMWD’s 2025 UWMP, or in the event that the region is experiencing drought, the appropriate year of the multiple dry year scenario. Each year’s assessment will be informed by the characterizations in Section 6 Water Supply and other current pertinent factors and considerations.
8.2.4 Infrastructure Considerations: Data Inputs and Methodology CMWD is required to describe the methodology for identifying existing water supply infrastructure capabilities and potential constraints. CMWD’s existing water supply infrastructure is well-documented in its GIS system and continuously assessed by Water System Operations staff. Existing water supply infrastructure includes CMWD -owned infrastructure and imported and purchased water infrastructure. CMWD -owned infrastructure includes water treatment plants, pipelines, and pump stations. Imported and purchased water infrastructure includes a seawater desalination plant, and SDCWA’s aqueducts and regional pipelines. CMWD will evaluate existing water supply and capacities, as well as any constraints for the current year and for one subsequent dry year.
CMWD-owned infrastructure constraints may consider service area-level supply capabilities in the current year, such as shut -downs due to maintenance, construction impacts, and water quality impacts. In addition, CMWD should also consider new projects that may add cap acity. Once constraints have been identified, CMWD will determine whether the total quantified water supply (as determined according to Section 8.2.2 above) should be adjusted to account for these identified constraints. CMWD will coordinate with SDCWA to evaluate regional infrastructure constraints to determine how they would impact available CMWD water supplies, as applicable.
8.2.5 Evaluation Criteria: Data Inputs and Methodology
CMWD relies primarily on SDCWA to evaluate regional supply and demand and potential water shortage levels. CMWD’s supply and demand evaluation criteria are applied as minor adjustments to account for latest information on CMWD -owned supplies or unpredicted changes in CMWD demand. As such, CMWD will evaluate CMWD -owned supply storage levels, changes in recycled water availability, and recent water demand trends.
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8.3 Six Standard Water Shortage Stages and Shortage Response Actions The Drought Ordinance outlines CMWD’s six drought response stages, as shown in Table 8-2. These stages, and their prohibitions, are described below. Each level builds on the previous level(s), placing additional restrictions on water use. S hortage levels are consistent with regional and statewide levels and convey the relative severity of water supply shortage conditions.
TABLE 8-2: W ATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN LEVELS
DWR Table 8-1 Retail: Water Shortage Contingency Plan Levels Standard
Shortage
Level
Percent
Shortage
Range1
Water Shortage Condition
1 Up to 10% Drought Watch Condition - Reasonable probability that supplies will not meet demands
2 Up to 20% Drought Alert Condition - Supplies will not be able to meet expected demands
3 Up to 30% Drought Critical Condition - Supplies not meeting current demands 4 Up to 40% Drought Critical Condition - Supplies not meeting current demands 5 Up to 50% Drought Emergency Condition - Major failure of a supply, shortage, or distribution system
6 >50% Drought Emergency Condition - Major failure of a supply, shortage, or distribution system
1 One stage in the Water Shortage Contingency Plan must address a water shortage of 50%.
Notes: A water shortage above 50% triggers Level 6 restrictions, which include prohibition on outdoor water uses, and provides CMWD the authority to make further restrictions, as necessary, for non-compliant users, as well as for any CMWD customer should water supplies require.
Drought Response Level 1 – Drought Watch
A Level 1 Drought Watch condition may apply when SDCWA notifies its member agencies that a demand reduction of up to 10% is required to allow for adequate supplies to meet demands. CMWD’s Executive Manager shall declare the existence of Level 1 conditions, and Level 1 conservation practices shall be implemented.
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Drought Response Level 2 – Drought Alert
A Level 2 Drought Alert condition may apply when SDCWA notifies its member agencies that a demand reduction of up to 20% is required due to drought conditions or other reduction in supplies. The CMWD Board of Directors sha ll declare a Level 2 condition, at which point all water conservation measures under Level 1 must be adhered to, with the addition of Level 2 water use restrictions.
Drought Response Level 3 – Drought Critical
A Level 3 Drought Critical condition may apply when SDCWA notifies its member agencies that demand reductions of up to 40% are required due to drought or other reduction in supplies in order to have sufficient supplies for anticipated demands. The CMWD Board of Directors shall declare a Level 3 condition, requiring the continuation of conservation measures under Level 1 and Level 2, and the implementation of Level 3 water use restrictions.
Drought Response Level 4 – Drought Critical
A Level 4 Drought Critical condition may apply when SDCWA declares a water shortage emergency and notifies its member agencies that demand reductions of more than 40% are required in order to maintain sufficient supplies for anticipated demands. The CMWD Board of Directors shall de clare a Level 4 Drought Emergency in the manner and on the grounds provided in the California Water Code §350. With the declaration of a Level 4 drought response, all water conservation measures under Levels 1, 2, and 3 must be adhered to, with the addition of Level 4 mandatory conservation measures.
Drought Response Level 5 – Drought Emergency
A Level 5 Drought Emergency condition may apply when SDCWA declares a water shortage emergency and notifies its member agencies that demand reductions of approximately 50% are required to maintain sufficient water supplies for anticipated demands. The CMWD Board of Directors shall declare a Level 5 Drought Emergency in the manner and on the grounds provided in California Water Code §350. Upon declaration of a Level 5 drought response, all water conservation measures required under Levels 1, 2, 3, and 4 shall remain in effect, along with additional mandatory conservation measures necessary to achieve the required demand reductions.
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Drought Response Level 6 – Drought Emergency
A Level 6 Drought Emergency condition may apply when SDCWA declares a severe or emergency water shortage and determines that demand reductions greater than 50% are required due to critical supply constraints. The CMWD Board of Directors shall declare a Level 6 Drought Emergency in accordance with California Water Code §350. With the declaration of a Level 6 drought response, all water conservation measures from Levels 1 through 5 shall continue, together with the most stringent mandatory conservation actions to protect public health and safety and preserve essential water supplies.
In addition to implementing mandatory water use restrictions and prohibitions during shortage conditions, CMWD employs a range of supply and demand strategies to ensure adequate water is available to meet essential needs. At higher shortage levels, CMWD may activate supplemental supply options to help close any remaining gap between projected demands and available resources. These actions, such as drawing on stored emergency supplies or securing transfers from regional partners, provide important operational flexibility during more severe stages of a shortage. The specific supply -side measures CMWD may utilize are summarized in Table 8-3.
On the demand side, CMWD applies a tiered set of conservation and efficiency actions designed to progressively reduce water use as shortage levels increase. These measures range from ongoing water -waste prohibitions and public outreach efforts to more restrictive limits on irrigation, leak repair requirements, commercial best practices, and broad prohibitions on most outdoor potable water use at the highest shortage levels. The full suite of demand reduction measures is presented in Table 8-4.
TABLE 8-3: S UPPLY AUGMENTATION AND OTHER ACTIONS
DWR Table 8-2: Supply Augmentation and Other Actions
Shortage Level
Supply Augmentation
Methods and Other Actions
by Water Supplier
Shortage Gap
Reduction
Value
Additional Explanation or
Reference
5 Stored Emergency Supply 9% Maerkle Reservoir holds a
maximum 600AF.
6 Transfers 10%
City of Oceanside, Vallecitos
Water District, and SDCWA
would be a potential source.
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TABLE 8-4: DEMAND REDUCTION ACTIONS
DWR Table 8-3: Demand Reduction Actions
Shortage
Level
Demand Reduction Actions
Shortage Gap
Reduction Value Additional Explanation or Reference Penalty, Charge, or Enforcement?
0 Other - Prohibit use of potable water
for washing hard surfaces 0.8% No washing down paved surfaces. No 0 Landscape - Restrict or prohibit runoff
from landscape irrigation 0.1% No runoff/overspray. No
0 Water Features - Restrict water use for
decorative water features, such as
fountains
1.4%
Recirculating fountains only.
No
0 CII - Restaurants may only serve water
upon request 0.2% Restaurant water upon request. No
0 CII - Lodging establishment must
offer opt out of linen service 0.2% Hotel laundry upon request. No 0 Other - Prohibit use of potable water
for construction and dust control 0.0% Non-potable water for construction purposes when available. No
1 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation
to specific times 6.9% Irrigate residential and commercial landscape before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. No
1 CII - Other CII restriction or
prohibition 0.2% Irrigate nursery and commercial grower's products before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. No
1 Other - Customers must repair leaks,
breaks, and malfunctions in a timely
manner
0.8%
Repair leaks within 5 days of notification.
No
1 Expand Public Information Campaign
4.6%
CMWD increased public education and
outreach efforts to emphasize increased public
awareness of the need to implement water
conservation practices.
No
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DWR Table 8-3: Demand Reduction Actions
Shortage
Level
Demand Reduction Actions
Shortage Gap
Reduction Value Additional Explanation or Reference Penalty, Charge, or Enforcement?
1 Provide Rebates for Landscape
Irrigation Efficiency 4.3% Ongoing programs. No
2 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation
to specific days 6.9% Water limited to days assigned by CMWD (3 days/week). Yes
2 Landscape - Other landscape
restriction or prohibition 3.1% Limit lawn watering and landscape irrigation to 10 minutes unless using water efficient device. Yes
2 Landscape - Other landscape
restriction or prohibition 1.1%
Use shut-off nozzle, bucket, or low-flow spray
for irrigating areas not irrigated by irrigation
system.
Yes
2 Other - Customers must repair leaks,
breaks, and malfunctions in a timely
manner
0.8%
Repair within 72 hours of notification.
Yes
3 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation
to specific days 6.6% Water limited to days assigned by CMWD (2 days/week). Yes
3 Other - Prohibit vehicle washing
except at facilities using recycled or
recirculating water
0.6%
No vehicle washing except at facilities that
recirculate water or use high pressure/ low
volume.
Yes
3 Other
1.7%
Suspension of consideration of annexations to
CMWD service area. Variable to meet
conservation need.
Yes
3 Other 1% Establish a water allocation for property served by CMWD Flexible depending on other actions;
adjust to meet 30% reduction. Variable to meet
conservation need.
Yes
3 Other - Customers must repair leaks,
breaks, and malfunctions in a timely
manner
1.7%
Repair within 48 hours of notification.
Yes
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DWR Table 8-3: Demand Reduction Actions
Shortage
Level
Demand Reduction Actions
Shortage Gap
Reduction Value Additional Explanation or Reference Penalty, Charge, or Enforcement?
4 Water Features - Restrict water use for
decorative water features, such as
fountains
2.6%
Stop filing or re-filling ornamental lakes or
ponds, except to the extent needed to sustain
aquatic life.
Yes
5 Landscape - Prohibit certain types of
landscape irrigation 15.9%
No landscape irrigation unless recycled water
may be lawfully applied, with exceptions for
trees & shrubs using low-volume irrigation;
specific necessary landscaping.
Yes
5 Moratorium or Net Zero Demand
Increase on New Connections
2.9%
No new potable water service shall be
provided, no new temporary meters or
permanent meters shall be provided, and no
statements of immediate ability to serve or
provide potable water service shall be issued,
with the exception of the circumstances listed
in the Drought Ordinance.
Yes
5 Other - Customers must repair leaks,
breaks, and malfunctions in a timely
manner
3.4%
Repair within 24 hours of notification.
Yes
6 Landscape - Prohibit all landscape
irrigation 16.4%
No landscape irrigation unless recycled water
may be lawfully applied, with exceptions for
specific necessary landscaping.
Yes
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8.4 Catastrophic Supply Interruption
CMWD’s supplies are at risk for a catastrophic interruption because of its reliance on imported water to meet potable demands. While CMWD and SDCWA are both striving to reduce this dependence on imported water (through development of local supplies and increased recycled water use), the risk still exists that supplies will be interrupted in the event of a natural or man-made disaster.
Potential catastrophes to which CMWD’s supplies may be vulnerable include, but may not be limited to:
• Earthquake
• Fire/explosion
• Flood
• Tornado/severe weather
• Bomb threat
• Hard freeze
• Loss of normal water supply
• Hazardous material release
• Contamination of SDCWA or CMWD water supplies
• Terrorist attack
CMWD has taken several actions to prepare for, and implement, during a catastrophic
interruption of water supplies. In the event of a supply interruption, CMWD’s defined command chain dispatches crews to inspect infrastructure and critical operations.
Operations response crews are assigned to monitor system operations and modify operations as necessary, depending on the status of the system, the disaster, and needs.
The defined communication command chain coordinates with other local water agencies and emergency response officials as necessary. Criteria and procedures are provided to return system to normal operations, including initiating water quality testing when necessary and performing necessary emergency repairs to the system. The emergency operations plan contains contact information for responsible parties and support services.
Water shortage contingency plan stages will be implemented as required by the situation.
8.4.1 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan
CWC 10632.5 requires urban water suppliers to include a seismic risk assessment and mitigation plan to assess the vulnerability of each of the supplier’s various facilities of the water system and mitigate those vulnerabilities. An urban water supplier may also comply with this requirement by submitting a copy of the most recently adopted multi -hazard mitigation plan under the federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 if the multi -hazard May 12, 2026
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mitigation plan addresses seismic risk. The City of Carlsbad assessed seismic risk in its 2023 Hazard Mitigation Plan as part of the County of San Diego’s Hazard Mitigation Plan submitted to the State of California Office of Emergency Services. The goal of the 2023 Hazard Mitigation Plan is to “reduce the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, including people, critical facilities/infrastructure, and public facilities due to earthquakes.” Some of the action items for implementation included:
• Periodic updates to local building codes, public works construction codes, and zoning and grading ordinances
• Protect existing assets with the highest relative vulnerability to the effects of earthquakes
• Support existing efforts to mitigate earthquake hazards • Support community outreach efforts related to hazard mitigation • Support and maintain a comprehensive approach to reduce the possibility of damage and losses due to earthquakes
The Carlsbad Emergency Management Administrative Team has on -going funding to develop public awareness regarding hazard mitigation strategies and continue to develop and implement action items to meet the City’s earthquake goal. Appendix I includes the 2023 Hazard Mitigation Plan.
8.4.2 CMWD Emergency Storage of Water Policy
In addition, CMWD is included in SDCWA’s regional emergency storage plan (ESP), which plans and provides for regional supplies during a two -month and six-month emergency event. The regional emergency water supply reservoirs include Olivenhain with 18,000 AF of ESP capacity, Lake Hodges with 20,000 AF, and San Vicente with 52,100 AF. Actual amounts of ESP water to be delivered to each member agency are to be determined based on the specific emergency event. ESP supplies will depend on member agency demand, local supplies, infrastructure, availability of supplies, and duration of the emergency event.
SDCWA’s ESP is expected to provide a total of 90,100 AF of stored water which can potentially help meet regional water demands through 2050 (SDCWA 2026).
In addition, according to the City of Carlsbad emergency action plan, CMWD ’s local storage surplus is expected to be 5.49 MG in the distribution system which does not include the 195 MG Maerkle Reservoir. CMWD operates potable and recycled water storage for the purposes of regular operations, in addition to flexibility and planning for specific area outages or system wide outage. Overall, CMWD has sufficient storage to May 12, 2026
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meet operational and short-term emergency demand requirements under 2050 projected conditions.
8.5 Communication Protocols
CMWD’s communication protocol includes the various channels it will utilize to convey critical messages regarding water shortage allocations and voluntary and mandatory actions. A strong communication plan will educate CMWD ratepayers, local leaders and the business community, on the water supply situation; what actions are proposed; what the intended achievements are; and how these actions are to be implemented. While specific types of messaging are deployed at various shortage response levels, how these messages are conveyed to the public are described per this communication protocol. The communication protocol will be in place prior to a water supply shortage and be initiated in Shortage Level 1. Activation of the communication protocol will continue through all subsequent water shortage levels. At times, specific communities may require specialized outreach. CMWD will ensure outreach efforts are reaching key audiences as needed.
Per SDCWA’s 2025 WSCP, it is important to communicate to ratepayers the following when urgent conservation is needed:
• Specific actions needed to save water;
• How much water needs to be saved and for how long;
• Why water needs to be saved; and
• What CMWD is doing to correct the supply problem or address the situation.
8.5.1 Coordination
In order to communicate effectively, avoid confusion, and maintain credibility, CMWD will work in close coordination with SDCWA at various levels of management. These levels include the Joint Public Information Council/Conservation Coordinators (JPIC; staff level), the Member Agency Managers group (management level), and SDCWA Board’s Legislation and Public Outreach Committee (Board level). During droughts or other times of limited supply, the frequency and extent of coordination will increase to ensure outreach tactics are consistent with the changing needs of CMWD and its ratepayers.
CMWD will seek opportunities to leverage external resources to complement its own outreach.
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8.5.2 Communication Objectives
Communication objectives during the various water shortage levels of the WSCP include the following:
• Motivate water users to quickly increase conservation in ways that are consistent with any voluntary or mandatory actions called for at the current level of the WSCP. • Raise awareness and understanding of the drought, regulatory, or other condition affecting water supplies and the need for increased conservation. • Minimize confusion and maintain credibility of water agencies and conservation messages with an appropriate tone that carefully describes the current water shortage scenario.
• Make water users feel appreciated for existing accomplishments in improving their water-use efficiency, and for supporting regional and local investments in water supply reliability.
• Educate regional civic and business leaders, elected officials and the public about how CMWD has greatly improved its water supply reliability. • Prepare CMWD for any potential escalation (or de -escalation) of the WSCP based on trending supply conditions.
• Ensure all stakeholders believe they are being treated fairly in relationship to other stakeholders.
• Maintain communication effectiveness by soliciting or monitoring feedback from member agencies, key stakeholders, and the public to update or adapt messages or communication tools.
• Exit WSCP implementation having demonstrated the effectiveness and value of conservation actions and water supply reliability investments in minimizing impacts to the City of Carlsbad’s economy and quality of life.
8.5.3 Communication Protocol for Current Predicted Shortage A current or predicted shortage, as determined by the Annual Assessment, will be communicated to the public upon submittal of the Annual Assessment Report to the Board of Directors in June of any given year. Communication by Water Shortage Level is outlined in CMWD Water Code Title 3 and is described in the following subsections.
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Drought Response Level 1 (Drought Watch)
The existence of a Drought Watch condition may be declared by the Executive Manager upon a written determination of the existence of the facts and circumstances supporting the determination. A copy of the written determination shall be filed with the Secretary of the CMWD and provided to the CMWD Board of Directors. CMWD may publish a notice of the determination of existence of Drought Response Level 1 condition in one or more newspapers, including a newspaper of general circulation within the CMWD service area.
CMWD may also post notice of the condition on its website.
Drought Response Level 2 (Drought Alert) , 3 (Drought Critical) , or 4 (Drought Critical)
The existence of Drought Response Level 2 or Level 3 conditions may be declared by resolution of the CMWD Board of Directors adopted at a regular or special public meeting held in accordance with State law. The mandatory conservation measures applicable to Drought Response Level 2 or Level 3 conditions shall take effect on the tenth (10) day after the date the response level is declared. Within five (5) days following the declaration of the response level, CMWD shall publish a copy of the resolution in a ne wspaper used for publication of official notices.
Drought Response Level 5 (Drought Emergency) or 6 (Drought Emergency) The existence of a Drought Response Level 5 or 6 condition may be declared in accordance with the procedures specified in California Water Code sections 351 and 352.
The mandatory conservation measures applicable to Drought Response Level 5 or 6 conditions shall take effect on the tenth (10) day after the date the response level is declared. Within five (5) days following the declaration of the response level, CMWD shall publish a copy of the resolution in a newspaper used for publication of official notice s. If CMWD establishes a water allocation, it shall provide notice of the allocation by including it in the regular billing statement for the fee or charge or by any other mailing to the address to which CMWD customarily mails the billing statement for fees or charges for on-going water service. Water allocation shall be effective on the fifth (5) day following the date of mailing or at such later date as specified in the notice.
The CMWD Board of Directors may declare an end to a Drought Response Level by the adoption of a resolution at any regular or special meeting held in accordance with State law.
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8.5.4 Communication Protocol for Triggered or Anticipated to be Triggered Shortage Response Action
The public will be notified about triggered or anticipated to be triggered shortage response actions. The implementation of shortage response actions associated with any water shortage level will take effect on the tenth day after the date the shortage response action is declared. Within five days following the declaration of the shortage response action, the Executive Manager will publish a notice giving the extent, terms, and conditions around the use and consumption of water a minimum of one time for thr ee consecutive days in the City of Carlsbad’s official newspaper.
8.5.5 Catastrophic Communications
In the event of a catastrophic supply interruption that requires water use to be quickly prioritized for or limited to essential public health and safety needs, CMWD will immediately deploy appropriate strategies from Drought Response Levels 1 through 6. In addition, outreach messaging will reflect emergency conditions and the need to focus on health and public safety. CMWD may also consider potential joint news release/new events with public health officials or incident commanders to announce conditions and explain needed action. Finally, CMWD will ensure ongoing coordination with emergency response services with daily advisories or alerts as needed.
8.6 Compliance and Enforcement
When mandatory restrictions are in place, CMWD implements penalties for violations of the restrictions or prohibitions described above, as proscribed by CMWD Water Code Title
3. Each day that a violation occurs is considered a separate offense and administrative fines may be levied for each violation. For the first violation, CMWD will verbally notice the fact of the violation. For the second violation, CMWD will provide a written notice to the customer of the violation. For the third violation, CMWD may install a flow restricting device of one gallon per minute capacity for services of up to one and one -half inch size and comparatively sized restrictions for larger services upon a prior determination of multiple violations. Additionally, an administrative fine of $100 may be issued for the third violation. For a fourth violation within a one -year period, CMWD may issue a $200 administrative fine. Additional violations exceeding the fourth violation within a one-year period may result in a $500 administrative fine. Table 8-5 indicates the penalties for violation and at what stage they take effect.
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TABLE 8-5: CMWD PENALTIES FOR USE RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS Penalty Stage Trigger
Warning letter All stages First Violation
Notice of violation All stages Second Violation
Flow restriction installed All stages Third Violation
Administrative citations All stages
Third Violation ($100)
Fourth Violation ($200)
Fifth or More Violation ($500)
In lieu of administrative penalties as described above, when deemed appropriate and necessary, each violation may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for no more than thirty days or by a fine not to exceed $1,000, or by both.
All customers who incur a penalty due to violation of the Drought Ordinance in CMWD Water Code Title 3 have the right to appeal the penalty.
8.7 WSCP Revenue and Expenditure Impacts
In the event of a water emergency, the Drought Response would be activated to respond to the level of shortage. At that time, drought response stage actions would go into effect, and CMWD’s revenue is anticipated to decrease due to reduced water sales. The amount of decreased revenue would depend upon the response stage, and how long each stage is in effect. If revenues are less than required to meet CMWD’s financial obligations because of a water shortage, CMWD would draw from its operating reserves and then propose increasing water rates to appropriate levels for the Board’s consideration. The operating reserves are maintained at adequate levels to provide short-term operating capital in case of emergencies as well as provide for rate stabilization. Table 8-6 and Table 8-7 present how different actions and conditions impact revenues and expenditures, as well as provide a summary of potential actions that could be taken to address these impacts.
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TABLE 8-6: IMPACTS TO REVENUES AND METHODS TO ADDRESS IMPACT Potential Impacts to Revenues
Action Anticipated Revenue Impact
Rate
adjustment
No impact. This would be an administrative function to analyze rate structure options to offset potential losses in revenue associated with reduced sales.
Change in
quantity of
sales
Reduction in revenue expenses and associated reduction in quantity charge-based revenues generated to cover local O&M costs. Could be offset by a combination of budget reductions, expense deferrals, including some non-critical CIP projects, draws on rate stabilization and operating reserves, and rate adjustments.
Potential Solutions for Revenue Decreases
Action Anticipated Effects
Reserve
Fund
This option would have no short-term impact on the rate payers or CMWD because there are currently sufficient funds in CMWD’s operating reserves.
Change rate
structure
Minimal changes in rates could offset significant reductions in available water supplies.
Reduce
overhead
Overhead, or local fixed O&M costs, can be reduced in the short and mid-term by deferring selected cash-funded CIP and major maintenance projects, other expenditure reductions and if needed, hiring freezes.
Decrease
capital
expenditures
Deferral of selected, non-critical replacement projects will have little or no impact on CMWD or its customers and would only extend the duration of the master planned replacement schedule.
Infrastructure for new development is funded by new development and progresses at the rate needed by new development projects.
Revise
planning
estimates
If supply reduction were long-term, CMWD would make commensurate adjustments to its CIP schedule, staffing levels and retail rate structures based upon lower retail sales.
Impacts would be moderate and implemented over time.
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TABLE 8-7: I MPACTS TO EXPENDITURES AND METHODS TO ADDRESS IMPACTS Potential Impacts to Expenditures
Actions Potential Impacts
Change in quantity of
sales
Sales reductions could be offset with rate and budget adjustments and moderate CIP deferrals.
Increased
staff/salaries/overtime
No impacts. Existing staff would be re-assigned to perform functions required to implement and enforce consumption reduction methods and requirements.
Increased costs of new
supplies, transfers or
exchanges
SDCWA would secure new supplies whose cost would be melded into overall costs. Increased costs of wholesale water would be passed through to CMWD’s customers via rate increases and/or changes to the rate structure.
Potential Solutions for Expenditure Impacts
Action Anticipated Effects
Reserve Fund No impacts. The Replacement Fund is sufficient and exists for the very purposes anticipated in a supply shortage scenario.
Change rate structure Given the mix of wholesale water and power expenditures, non-commodity revenues needed to cover local fixed costs, availability of reserves and the flexibility to adjust CIP expenditures, no short-term (1 to 2 year) impacts are anticipated, mid-term (3 years) impacts would be moderate, and long- term (beyond 3 years) impacts would be moderate and incremental.
Reduce overhead In the short-term and mid-term, overhead or local costs can be reduced by deferring non-critical CIP and major maintenance expenditures. In the long- term, costs can be reduced by adjusting operational and staffing levels and retail water rate structures to incorporate the reality of lower retail water sales than previously anticipated.
Decrease capital
expenditures
In the short-term, there could be a decrease in the level of expenditures for CMWD’s replacement program, or an interruption of expenditures. In the mid- to long-term, the retail rate structure and the prioritization schedule would be adjusted to ensure that projects critical to service and system reliability were implemented.
Revise planning
estimates
If the reduced supply is determined to be a long-term condition, then commensurate adjustments would be incorporated into long-term staffing and water system facility requirements.
8.8 WSCP Monitoring and Reporting
Because all water received from SDCWA is metered and monitored, and all CMWD customers are metered and billed monthly using computerized equipment, data are collected on an on-going basis that can allow CMWD to determine actual water use reductions. Each customer or customer group can be evaluated for compliance with May 12, 2026
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conservation requirements. Methods used by CMWD to determine actual reductions in water use are summarized in Table 8-8.
TABLE 8-8: METHODS FOR MEASURING WATER USE REDUCTIONS
Method for
Determining Actual
Reduction
Type and Quality of Data Expected
Use normalized or
average water use
baseline to determine
reductions
Each customer will be given a schedule of monthly use targets based upon the required reduction compared to the base period usage. Usage over the amount allocated for any given month will result in the customer incurring penalty pricing for usage that month. Usage under that amount will be accumulated to possible offset over-usage in successive month period.
More frequent review
of production
Water production is currently monitored on a real-time basis through CMWD’s SCADA system and reviewed on a daily basis.
More frequent meter
reading at customer
locations
Customer meters are read monthly which would coincide with the monthly allocation periods. Customers are given information on how to read their meter and monitor their own usage.
More frequent leak
detection and repair
Leak detection and repair is currently an active and ongoing O&M function, so no major changes would be expected.
System audit
The water system is currently audited on a monthly and annual basis, comparing metered deliveries from the SDCWA to metered deliveries to retail customers.
Automated sensors
and telemetry
CMWD has a SCADA system, which contains features to provide real-time monitoring and alarms communications to on-call operators to identify abnormalities in reservoir fill rates, draw-down rates, and pump function, which can be associated with system leaks and other malfunctions that could result in water loss.
Monitor utility actions
All CMWD actions are monitored and reported in a comprehensive Activities Report provided to the Board of Directors on an annual basis. Other types of staff reports on CMWD activities are given at the two regular Board Meetings each month or on as needed basis by the Executive Manager.
Penalties for customers
If and when penalty pricing is implemented, the amount and frequency of penalties would be monitored by the City of Carlsbad’s computerized billing system and then reported to the management staff and to the Board of Directors on a monthly basis.
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8.9 WSCP Refinement Procedures
CMWD will regularly review and update its WSCP to ensure that it remains aligned with evolving state requirements, regional supply conditions, and operational needs.
Consistent with California Water Code Sections 10632 and 10621(a)(4), water suppliers are required to maintain an up -to-date WSCP and refine it as conditions change or new information becomes available.
CMWD will initiate WSCP refinements under the following circumstances:
• Changes in regulatory requirements, including updates to the Water Code, DWR guidance, or statewide conservation mandates.
• Changes in supply reliability, such as updates from the San Diego County Water Authority, drought conditions, or emergency events.
• Post-implementation evaluation following activation of one or more shortage stages, where staff analyze the effectiveness of demand reduction measures, enforcement actions, and communication strategies.
• Integration of new infrastructure or operational capabilities, such as SCADA system upgrades, recycled water system expansions, or supply reliability enhancements within the City of Carlsbad’s water system.
• Lessons learned from regional coordination, including joint actions with SDCWA and neighboring water agencies.
Refinement activities may include updating shortage stage triggers, modifying demand reduction measures, refining communication protocols, adjusting estimated savings from shortage response actions, and incorporating updated supply and demand projections.
As required by state law, substantial WSCP revisions will be presented to the CMWD Board of Directors for adoption at a publicly noticed meeting. Once adopted, the updated WSCP will be submitted to DWR through the WUEdata portal and posted on CMWD’s website to ensure transparency and public accessibility. CMWD may revise its WSCP independently of the UWMP update cycle, allowing CMWD to respond rapidly to changing conditions.
8.10 Special Water Feature Distinction
The WSCP distinguishes non-recreational water features, such as ornamental fountains, artificial ponds, lakes, and waterfalls, from swimming pools and spas, which have separate health and safety requirements. Under Water Shortage Level 2, operation of deco rative water features is prohibited unless they utilize recirculated water. At Water Shortage Level May 12, 2026
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4, refilling of lakes or ponds is halted except as necessary to sustain aquatic life, provided that such animals are of significant value and have been actively managed within the water feature prior to the declaration of a drought response level.
Because non-pool water features may be designed to use recycled water, while pools and spas must rely on potable water, the WSCP applies different response actions, enforcement mechanisms, and monitoring approaches to each category.
8.11 Determination of Reliability
CMWD’s analysis indicates that, with continued reliance on SDCWA’s diversified supply sources, CMWD is anticipated to have sufficient water supply to meet projected demands under normal, single -dry, and multiple -dry year conditions throughout the 20-year planning period. CMWD’s water supply reliability is further supported by local operational measures, including system interconnections, storage capacity, demand management programs, expansion of recycled water use, and ongoing participation in regional drought-response initiatives.
In the event of supply reductions or emergency shortages, the WSCP provides a structured and adaptive framework for managing demand, maximizing available supplies, and maintaining essential service levels. SDCWA’s regional supply reliability and CMWD’s local planning efforts combined ensure that CMWD remains well-positioned to provide safe and reliable water service to its customers under a wide range of future conditions.
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9. DEMAND MANAGEMENT MEASURES
This section describes the past and current demand management measures (DMMs) undertaken by CMWD and quantifies, to the extent feasible, DMM efforts from 2021 through 2025.
9.1 Current Demand Management Measures
CMWD currently implements a variety of DMMs to manage customer demands. Together, these DMMs have contributed to CMWD’s success in reaching its SB X7-7 Targets (refer to Section 5 SB X7-7 Targets and Reporting) , have contributed to a more conservation - literate population, and positioned CMWD to align with new water use objectives. 1 9.1.1 Water Waste Prevention Ordinances
Title 3 of the CMWD Water Code includes the requirements from the two primary ordinances in place to prohibit water waste and encourage water use efficiency within its service area (Ordinance No. 44 – Drought Response Plan and Water Conservation Program and Ordinance No. 46 – Watering Schedules), which were both adopted in 2009.
On June 7, 2022, CMWD adopted Ordinance No. 48, which amended Ordinance No. 44 and No. 46 to better align its regulatory framework with changes at the regional and state level aroun d drought and conservation. CMWD Water Code Title 3, Chapter 3.12 (previously Ordinance No. 48) mirrors SDCWA’s 2020 Model Drought Ordinance and establishes a six -level Water Shortage Contingency framework, consistent with WSCP guidance from DWR ( Table 9-1). CMWD Water Code Title 3, Chapter 3.12 provides CMWD with the authority to declare water shortage levels based on regional supply conditions and to implement progressively stringent water conservation measures as shortages intensify. CMWD Water Code Title 3, Chapter 3.12 includes both permanent water-waste prohibitions and mandatory demand reduction actions tied to each shortage level, ensuring a structured and enforceable response to drought conditions. The ordinance modernizes and expands CMWD’s previous drought provisio ns by incorporating updated statewide requirements, improving consistency with the WSCP, and ensuring that CMWD can respond effectively to shortages of varying severity.
1 In 2018, California SB 606 and AB 1668 were enacted and expand authority to implement a water budget- based approach to conservation and water use efficiency. CMWD’s urban water use objective is based on calculated water budgets for residential indoor, residential outdoor, and commercial/industrial/institutional landscape use, as well as a variance for Carlsbad’s sizeable seasonal tourism population. In its most recent Urban Water Use Objective and Water Use Report, completed December 2025 for Fiscal Year 2 024-2025, CMWD’s reported water use was lower than its urban water use objective.
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For more details, refer to Section 8 Water Shortage Contingency Planning and Appendix I. CMWD maintains up-to-date information on current water use restrictions through the Water Rules page on its website: (www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/utilities/water/water- conservation/water-rules).
TABLE 9-1: DROUGHT RESPONSE LEVELS
Drought Response/ WSCP Levels Use Restrictions Conservation Target Level 1-Drought Watch Voluntary Up to 10%
Level 2-Drought Alert Mandatory Up to 20%
Level 3-Drought Critical Mandatory Up to 30%
Level 4-Drought Critical Mandatory Up to 40%
Level 5-Drought Emergency Mandatory Up to 50%
Level 6-Drought Emergency Mandatory Above 50%
9.1.2 Metering
All of CMWD’s water connections are metered and billed according to water consumed.
Some mixed-use meters where irrigation and domestic use were metered through one service connection meter in CMWD’s service area have been converted such that those properties’ irrigation systems use recycled water from the Phase III Recycled Water Project.
CMWD has a water meter replacement and calibration plan in place to ensure that meters are performing correctly, and all water consumed is being recorded. In general, CMWD replaces meters under 1 -inch every 20 years and meters over 1-inch every 15 years. I n 2012, CMWD began replacing traditional water meters with “smart meters” that enabled collection of water usage information to be automated. CMWD completed the final stage of its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project in 2017.
9.1.3 Conservation Pricing
CMWD has and will continue to use a combination of uniform and increasing block or tiered rate conservation rate structures for potable water served. Single family and multi- family residential customer classes are billed in increasing block structures wher e the water rate increases for additional water units consumed. Since the 2020 UWMP was adopted, CMWD has updated its water rate structure to strengthen conservation incentives and reflect increasing water supply costs. While residential customers continue to be charged lower rates for essential water use (i.e., Tier 1) and higher rates for greater consumption (i.e., Tier 2), the price differential between lower -use and higher -use tiers has increased. Table 9-2 shows the approved residential customer billing rates for 2026.
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TABLE 9-2: 2 026 RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER BILLING RATES FOR POTABLE WATER Tier Block Structure Cost per Unit1
Single Family and Master-Metered2
Tier 1 0 – 10 units $5.60/unit
Tier 2 Over 10 units $5.97/unit
Multiple Family2
Tier 1 0 – 5 units $5.59/unit
Tier 2 Over 5 units $5.80/unit
1 One water unit is 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons
2 Tiers are based on water use per dwelling unit, as measured in units of water consumed
Commercial, agricultural, and irrigation customer classes are billed using uniform rate structures where a flat rate is billed for every unit consumed. One unit is equal to a hundred cubic feet, or 748 gallons. Table 9 -3 shows the approved 2026 billing rates for commercial customers. Recycled water is billed by combining a monthly delivery charge based on water meter size with a usage charge of $4.63 in 2026.
TABLE 9-3: 2026 COMMERCIAL CUSTOMER BILLING RATES FOR POTABLE WATER Tier Cost per Unit1
Agricultural rate $5.84/unit
Irrigation rate $5.88/unit
Commercial rate $5.72/unit
1 One water unit is 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons
9.1.4 Public Education and Outreach
CMWD implements multiple approaches to public education and outreach on a variety of projects, initiatives, and goals. Through its ongoing commitment to customer service, much of this outreach is conducted through one-one-one interactions with customers in person, via phone and email inquiries. Formal programmatic approaches for outreach, workshops, school education programs, and provision of resources for CMWD customers are primarily through its partnership with the SDCWA as a member agency. Many of CMWD’s efforts are implemented in coordination with other agencies and through regional efforts. In addition, since 2020, CMWD customers removed approximately 244,244 square feet of turf through available rebate programs. Over that same time period, CMWD customers have received a total of 699 residential and 3,475 commercial device rebates.
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Outreach Activities
To reach a wide range of audiences, CMWD makes brochures and handouts available at various community centers and City of Carlsbad and CMWD offices. CMWD has consistently reached out to customers on at least a quarterly basis using various methods every quarter within the last five years. In coordination with SDCWA, CMWD promotes opportunities for residents to participate in regional programs such as the California– Friendly landscape contest, Speaker Bureaus, and Citizens Water Academy. As a member of the No rth San Diego Water Reuse Coalition, CMWD participates in outreach efforts educating the public on recycled water and potable reuse safety and use, and the importance of potable water conservation to the region.
Workshops
In coordination with SDCWA, CMWD provides workshops on water related themes geared to the residential user. Workshop topics presented in the past include California Friendly Landscape Training. Workshops are offered for free and held at different locations throughout the county, including within CMWD’s service area.
School Education
CMWD offers school education programs for local schools as well as education materials to teachers upon request through SDCWA. The Splash Lab offers assembly presentations available to grades 4 - 8 to educate students on water science. For grades K – 6, students can participate in an assembly that is fact-filled and engages students in water conservation. In addition, there is an annual calendar art contest for fourth graders from schools within CMWD’s service area with an opportunity to win prizes by drawing a water conservation themed picture.
Residential Customer Resources
In coordination with MWD’s SoCal Water$mart program and SDCWA’s WaterSmart San Diego County program, rebates are available to CMWD customers to promote indoor and outdoor water conservation. One popular program is the turf removal rebate program designed to encourage the replacement of water-thirsty turf for drought tolerant plants.
These programs are advertised and linked on CMWD’s water conservation website.
Through SDCWA’s turf replacement rebate program, CMWD customers have converted 82,554 square feet of turf to water -wise landscaping between 2020-2024. Table 9 -4 provides a list of all rebates available and their associated rebate amounts.
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TABLE 9-4: RESIDENTIAL WATER CONSERVATION REBATE
Rebate Program Name Rebate Amount
Indoor Rebates
Clothes washer rebate $85
HE toilets $40
Outdoor Rebates
Turf removal rebate $2-$3/sq ft up to 5,000 sq ft
Irrigation controllers $80
Irrigation nozzles $2/nozzle - minimum is 30
Rain barrels $35
Soil moisture sensors $35/controller station
Commercial Customer Resources
In coordination with MWD’s SoCal Water$mart Program and SDCWA’s WaterSmart San Diego County program, CMWD provides information on available rebates for CMWD’s commercial customers that promote water efficiency for businesses. Table 9-5 displays the rebates and their associated amounts available to commercial customers that were available in recent years.
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TABLE 9-5: COMMERCIAL WATER CONSERVATION REBATES
Rebate Name Rebate Amount
Indoor Fixtures
HE toilet $40
UL Urinal $200
Zero Water urinal $200
Flow valve restrictions $5/valve (minimum of 10)
Outdoor Fixtures
Turf removal $2/sq ft up to $5,000
Irrigation controllers $35/controller station
Irrigation heads $2/nozzle (minimum of 30)
Large rotary nozzles $13/set (minimum of 8)
Flow regulators $1/regulator (minimum of 25)
Soil moisture sensors $35/station
Restaurant Fixtures
Connectionless food steamers $485
Air-cooled ice machines $1,000
Commercial/Industrial
Cooling tower conductivity controllers $625
Cooling tower pH controllers $1,750
Dry vacuum pump $125/0.5 HP
Laminar flow restrictors $10/restrictor (minimum of 10) Large Landscape Water Audits
Dedicated Large Landscape customers are offered water audits to provide suggestions on improving water efficiency and to qualify for water conservation rebates through the SDCWA. In the past five years, approximately four water audits have been performed for CMWD customers by an independent contractor.
Contractor Incentive Program
The WaterSmart Contractor Incentive Program offers several incentivized water -efficient devices that, when installed in combination, are among the irrigation industry’s best management practices. Program requirements, qualifying irrigation devices and rebate amounts are available from SDCWA.
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WaterSmart Check-Up Program
Through SDCWA, CMWD offers the WaterSmart Check -up Program to top water users each month. During a WaterSmart check-up, a WaterSmart certified irrigation professional visits a property upon request to provide water saving tips and perform a water audit. This audit includes an inventory of water fixtures used indoors and outdoors, replacement of high use water fixtures, evaluating toilets for leaks, and performing a landscape water audit. During the water audit, sprinkler stations are turned on to evaluate i nefficiencies and adjustments to watering schedules are made where appropriate. A summary report with additional conservation advertising is left with the customer at the end of the appointment. From 2020-2024, 72 audits were performed.
Landscape Education
WaterSmart Landscaping in San Diego County is an online plant finder found at www.cawsandiegogardening.com, promoted on the SDCWA landscape website at www.watersmartsd.org/residencial/landscape-resources. This interactive gardening tool has thousands of pi ctures of plants and garden designs that are well -suited to the southern California climate. It offers visual tours of beautiful, water -efficient landscapes through photographs with links to plant information screens. CMWD Is working with City of Carlsbad Planning on their current review and plan to update its Landscape Manual to reflect changes in water use efficiency regulations over the preceding 5 -year UWMP timeframe.
WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Program Workshops
These workshops offer classes and coaching from professionals that teach the basics on how to do a landscape makeover. Topics include soil, design, turf removal, plant selection, planning, irrigation, rainwater catchment and implementation, which are all the elements needed to convert high-water-use turf to a beautiful, water-efficient landscape.
Quality Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL)
On the WaterSmart website, people can register for free local training courses that will result in Quality Water Efficient Landscaper (QWEL) certification. Providing landscape professionals with 20 hours of education on principles of proper plant selection for the local climate, irrigation system design and maintenance, and irrigation system programming and operation.
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Agua Hedionda Lagoon foundation (AHLF) Demonstration Garden In the City of Carlsbad, the AHLF hosts the premiere native plant garden in North San Diego County. Visitors can browse through the extensive California Native Plant Garden and accompanying colorful and informative interpretive signage. The landscaping includes 800 native plants featuring over 60 different species for visitors to learn about California's low water use native flora.
9.1.5 Programs to Assess and Manage Distribution System Real Loss CMWD has completed the AWWA Water Loss Audit Software program and has determined that water losses are within the acceptable industry standard range. Water losses have been incorporated into the appropriate tables in Section 4 Water Use. CMWD is proactive in reducing unaccounted for water by ensuring water meters are regularly maintained, evaluated for functionality, and replaced well within industry standards.
Reported leaks are investigated and recorded in a tracking database that collects the time of report, leak location, and type of leaking pipe or fitting. Leaks are repaired to the extent that it is cost effective and prioritized based on potential water loss.
CMWD also uses the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, a meter replacement program, and AMI with WaterSmart technology to minimize leaks and water waste. These programs help customers conserve water by updating technology and replacing meters to help better monitor leakage.
9.1.6 Water Conservation Program Coordination and Staffing Support CMWD no longer employs a full -time (1 FTE) Water Conservation Specialist and a Supervisor at 25% FTE. An overview of CMWD’s Water Conservation programs can be found at: www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/utilities/water/water-conservation.
9.2 DMM Activity
From 2021 through 2025, CMWD continued implementing all required DMMs, maintaining updated operational practices under Ordinances 44 and 48 and ensuring all customer accounts remained fully metered with commodity -based billing. Tiered conservation pricing persisted throughout the period, alongside consistent delivery of water-use surveys and both residential and commercial rebate programs supporting indoor and outdoor efficiency improvements, including turf replacement. School education programs continued each year, with direct field trips offered through 2023 and annual funding allocations maintained thereafter as budget allowed, collectively May 12, 2026
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demonstrating CMWD’s ongoing commitment to comprehensive water -use efficiency and conservation.
Looking ahead to 2026–2030, CMWD will continue operating under CMWD Water Code Title 3, Chater 3.12 (previously Ordinance No. 48), conduct timely leak repairs with a full system leak survey planned for 2027, and maintain universal metering supported by system-wide advanced metering infrastructure. Tiered rates and school education program funding will continue.
9.3 Future DMM Implementation
CMWD will continue to provide information about the available array of educational and rebate programs, as funds are available to sustain the programs. The popularity of SDCWA’s Turf Removal Rebate displays a need and desire for residential customers wanting permanent options to manage outdoor water use. Although all fixtures for indoor conservation that are now available to California customers are water efficient, CMWD still sees the rebate program as a way to continue to encourage additional conservation through high efficiency devices as coordinated through the SDCWA program.
As demonstrated in Section 5 SB X7 -7 Targets and Reporting, CMWD’s 2020 GPCD was well below its 2020 target. These savings have been achieved in part due to implementation of the DMMs described in this section, and CMWD is committed to continued demand management through ongoing perma nent savings (e.g., from landscape conversions), water waste prohibition and waste prevention ordinances, expansion of recycled water service, education and other conservation efforts.
As part of the regulatory requirements for establishing and reporting the UWOU, CMWD is mapping its outdoor irrigated landscaped areas. Residential landscape area measurements (LAM) were mapped and quantified by the State in 2021 and values provided to all water suppliers. This landscape measurement is used in calculating CMWD’s budget for residential outdoor irrigation use based on new and progressively more restrictive standards. Water suppliers are also required to map and measure outdoor landscape irrigated by dedicated irrigation meters (DIMs) for commercial, industrial and institutional (CII) customers, by 2028, as well report data in high water for various percentages of water users in this sector. CMWD contracted with the consulting company responsible for creating the Residential LAM data and maps, to map the CII DIMS LAM and also invested in their water management tracking program WaterView. This tool will assist in tracking customer use and can be used to create conservation campaign information and targeted outreach based. CMWD expects to use this program to develop regular and more targeted conservation outreach.
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10. PLAN ADOPTION, SUBMITTAL, AND IMPLEMENTATION
This section of the 2025 UWMP addresses the steps CMWD will take to adopt the 2025 UWMP, submit it to DWR, and outlines the steps that will be taken should it prove necessary to amend the 2025 UWMP.
10.1 Plan Review and Notification Process
CMWD encouraged community and public involvement in the 2025 UWMP by releasing a draft UWMP for public comment and scheduling a public hearing. The draft was released on March 11, 2026. The public hearing is May 12, 2026. This provides an opportunity for CMWD’s customers, interested agencies and organizations, and the public to learn about CMWD’s current and projected water supply situation, and plans to continue to provide a reliable water supply in the future. The hearing is an opportunity for people to ask questions regarding the current water reliability situation and the viability of future plans.
The hearing i ncludes a discussion of CMWD’s WSCP and associated annual reporting procedures, as well as CMWD’s SB X7-7 per capita water use targets and achievement of the target by 2020.
A 60-day notice of the update to the UWMP and public hearing was provided to San Diego County and adjacent cities and other entities on March 9, 2026. The notification list has been included in Appendix A, and notified agencies, cities, and the county are listed in Table 2-5, along with their level of involvement with plan development.
TABLE 10-1: NOTIFICATION TO CITIES AND COUNTIES
DWR Table 10-1 Retail: Notification to Cities and Counties City Name 60 Day Notice Notice of Public Hearing
City of Carlsbad
County Name 60 Day Notice Notice of Public Hearing
San Diego County
Public hearing notifications were published in the San Diego Union Tribune on April 28 and May 5, 2026. A copy of the draft 2025 UWMP was made available for public review 30 days before the public hearing on the City of Carlsbad’s website at www.carlsbadca.gov. Hard copies are available for review at City offices. C opies of the published notices are included in Appendix A.
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10.2 Plan Adoption and Submittal Process
CMWD’s Board of Directors will hold a public hearing to receive public comments on the UWMP, immediately prior to adoption of the UWMP. Following the public hearing on the document, this Plan is also scheduled to be adopted by the Board of Directors on May 12, 2026 with a provision that the CMWD Executive Manager is authorized to approve any minor plan revisions or edits resulting from the hearing. A copy of the adoption resolution will be provided in Appendix B.
The 2025 UWMP will be submitted to DWR, the California State Library, and San Diego County within 30 days after adoption, prior to the CWC’s deadline of July 1, 2026.
Submitted items include an electronic copy of the 2025 UWMP, along with copies of the required tables submitted through the WUE data online submittal tool to DWR, and one CD with an electronic copy to each of the California State Library and San Diego County, in accordance with the requirements in the 2025 Guidebook. The 2025 UMWP will be available for public review on the City of Carlsbad’s website within 30 days of filing a copy with DWR, or by July 30, 2026.
10.3 Plan Implementation
All data used in development of this UWMP are the most current data available, and unless otherwise noted, include data for the calendar year. CMWD shall implement the adopted 2025 UWMP in accordance with the schedule described in this Plan. Any future amendments made to this Plan will require completion of the same series of notification, public hearing, adoption, and submittals as required in submittal of the adopted 2025 UWMP.
10.4 WSCP Adoption, Submittal and Availability
The final WSCP is included in the adoption of the 2025 UWMP, as described in the previous sections. However, the WSCP can be amended, as needed, outside of a UWMP update cycle. The processes for approving WSCP amendments and conducting required public hearings are similar to those required for UWMP adoption. CMWD would release a 60-day notice of a public adoption hearing for the amended WSCP. The list of entities that would be notified are provided in Appendix A. The public hearing to receive public comments on the amended WSCP would be held immediately prior to the adoption of the amended WSCP by the Board of Directors. The amended WSCP would be made available for the public on the City of Carlsbad’s website within 30 days of the adoption date
.
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Chapter 11: References 11-1
11. REFERENCES
Bureau of Reclamation. 2026. Colorado River Post 2026 Operations. U.S. Department of the Interior. https://www.usbr.gov/ColoradoRiverBasin/post2026/index.html.
Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD). 2019. 2019 Potable Water Master Plan.
Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD). 2019. 2019 Recycled Water Master Plan.
Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD). 2024. Project No.: C-067899-110 Phase III Recycled Water Project Quarterly Report, Reporting Period January 1 – March 31, 2024.
Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD). 2025. Project No.: C-067899-110 Phase III Recycled Water Project Project Completion Report. December.
Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD0. 2011. 2010 Urban Water Management Plan.
City of Carlsbad. 2024. Climate Action Plan Update.
City of Carlsbad. 2024. General Plan Land Use and Community Design Element.
City of Carlsbad. 2024. Land Use Designation GIS data. September. Available online at:
https://open-data-
carlsbad.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/261c6732fb77436e8614c76f1976630f_0/explore.
City of Carlsbad. 2024. Carlsbad Municipal Water District Ordinance List and Disposition Table. Available online at: https://ecode360.com/45344881.
City of Carlsbad. 2025. Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Growth Management Program Monitoring Report.
City of Carlsbad. 2025. Water, Sewer, Recycled Water Rates. Available:
https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/utilities/rates.
City of Carlsbad. 2026. Water Conservation. Available online at:
https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/utilities/water/water-conservation.
City of Carlsbad. N.d. Resident Resources. Available online at:
https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/environmental-sustainability/clean-ocean- lagoons/residents.
City of Carlsbad. N.d. Resident Resources. Available online at:
https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/environmental-sustainability/clean-ocean- lagoons/residents.
City of Carlsbad. N.d. Water Conservation. Available online at:
https://www.carlsbadca.gov/departments/utilities/water/water-conservation.
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Chapter 11: References 11-2
City of Carlsbad. N. d. Carlsbad Municipal Water Code. Available online at:
https://ecode360.com/45344879
Data from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) climate station at the McClellan Palomar Airport. 2026.
Department of Water Resources. 2020. DAC Mapping Tool.
Department of Water Resources. 2025. Urban Water Management Plan Guidebook 2025 Encina Wastewater Authority. 2025. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Encina Wastewater Authority.
https://www.encinajpa.com/images/Fiscal_Year_2024-
25_Annual_Comprehesive_Financial_Report.pdf.
Encina Wastewater Authority. 2025. Fiscal Year 2025-26 Operating & Capital Budget.
Available online at: https://www.encinajpa.com/images/Fiscal_Year_2025- 26_Operating__Capital_Budget.pdf.
Leucadia Wastewater District. 2026. Service area map.
https://www.lwwd.org/about/service-area-map.
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. 2025. Regional Urban Water Management Plan.
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA). 2026. Climate station data at the McClellan Palomar Airport.
North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition. 2020. North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition Regional Recycled Water Project. Available online at: http://nsdwrc.org/.
San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG). 2024. Series 15 Regional Forecast, City of Carlsbad. July.
San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA). 2025. Southern California water agencies end lengthy legal dispute. https://www.sdcwa.org/mwd-sdcwa-settlement.
San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA). 2026. Technical Draft 2025 Urban Water Management Plan. January.
San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA). N.d. Conservation WaterSmart SD website.
Available: www.watersmartsd.org.
Woodard & Curran. 2025. CMWD Annual Population Projects, 2025-2050. April 2.
Woodard & Curran. 2025. Seasonal Population Variance Analysis Technical Memorandum. September 8.
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APPENDIX A: NOTIFICATION
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rlsbad Municipal Water District
5950 El Camino Real Carlsbad, CA 92008 442-339-2722 www.carlsbadca.gov March 9, 2026
Carls
bad Municipal Water District
5950 El Camino Real
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Thi
s letter is to inform you that Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD) is updating its Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and Water Shortage contingency Plan (WSCP). California state law requires each urban water supplier to prepare and adopt a UWMP and WSCP every five years.
The 2025 UWMP documents CMWD’s plans to ensure adequate water supplies to meet existing and future demands for water over at least 20 -year period under a range of water supply conditions. California state law requires every urban water supplier to prepare and adopt a water shortage contingency plan as part of its UWMP that details how the supplier intends to act in the case of a water shortage condition. CMWD must adopt and update UWMP and WSCP, which is a chapter in the UWMP, in June 2026 in order to submit the adopted plan to the California Department of Water Resources by July 1, 2026.
Co
nformance with California Water Code Division 6, Part 2.6, §10621, this letter serves as a notification to all city and county agencies within which CMWD provides water supplies that the UWMP and WSCP are being reviewed and updated. The draft 2025 UWMP and draft WSCP will be available for public review on the City of Carlsbad website ( www.carlsbadca.gov) by Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Notice is hereby given that Tuesday, May 19, 2026, date has been rescheduled to Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 5:00 P.M. at the City Council Chambers, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, California 92008, the Board of Directors of CMWD will conduct a public hearing on the 2025 UWMP and WSCP and consider for adoption. The adopted 2025 UWMP and WSCP will be submitted to the California Department of Water Resources by July 1, 2026.
If y
ou would like additional information, please contact Keri Martinez, District Engineer, at 442 - 200-7376 or [email protected], or myself at 442-339-5485.
Sinc
erely,
Amand
a L. Flesse
General Manager
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Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Kimberly Thorner
General Manager
1966 Olivenhain Road
Encinitas CA 92024
Rincon del Diablo MWD
Clint Baze
General Manager
1920 North Iris Lane
Escondido CA 92026
San Elijo Joint Powers Authority
Mike Thornton
General Manager
2695 Manchester Avenue
Cardiff-by-the-Sea CA 92007
San Diego County Water Authority
Jeff Stephenson
Director of Water Resources
4677 Overland Avenue
San Diego CA 92123
San Diego Association of Governments
Antoinette Meier
Senior Director of Regional Planning
1011 Union Street Suite 400
San Diego CA 92101
City of Encinitas
Scott Drapkin, Director Development
Services
505 S Vulcan Avenue
Encinitas CA 92024
County of San Diego
Vince Nicoletti Director,
Dept of Planning
5510 Overland Avenue Suite 210
San Diego CA 92123
City of San Diego
Heidi Vonblum, Director
Planning
202 C Street M.S. 413
San Diego CA 92101-4806
City of San Marcos
Joseph Farace
Planning Division Manager
1 Civic Center Drive
San Marcos CA 92069
San Diego Local Agency
Formation Commission
Keene Simonds, Executive Officer
2550 Fifth Avenue Suite 725
San Diego CA 92103
City of Carlsbad
Don Neu
City Planner
1635 Faraday Avenue
Carlsbad CA 92008
Vallecitos Water District
James Gumpel
General Manager
201 Vallecitos De Oro
San Marcos CA 92069
Vista Community Development Dpt
Joe Vacca
Director
200 Civic Center Drive
Vista CA 92084
Encina Wastewater Authority
Scott McClelland
General Manager
6200 Avenida Encinas
Carlsbad CA 92011
City of Escondido
Christopher W. McKinney
Director of Utilities
201 N Broadway City Hall, Second Floor
Escondido CA 92025
City of Oceanside Frederick Mayor
Water Utilities Director
300 N Coast Highway
Oceanside CA 92054
Leucadia Wastewater District
Paul J. Bushee
General Manager
1960 La Costa Avenue
Carlsbad CA 92009
MWD of Southern California
Shivaji Deshmukh
General Manager
P.O. Box 54153
Los Angeles CA 90054-0153
Santa Fe Irrigation District
Al Lau
General Manager
P.O. Box 409
Rancho Santa Fe CA 92067
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APPENDIX B: UWMP ADOPTION RESOLUTION (TO BE INCLUDED IN FINAL)
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APPENDIX C: UWMP CHECKLIST
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UWMP Checklist (Final DWR Guidebook Appendix F)
Water Code
Section
Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject 2025
Guidebook
Location
2025 UWMP
Location
10615 A plan shall describe and evaluate sources of supply, reasonable and practical efficient uses, reclamation and demand management activities.
Introduction and
overview
Chapter 1 Executive
Summary,
Section 4,
Section 6,
Section 9
10630.5 Each plan shall include a simple description of the Supplier’s plan including water availability, future requirements, a strategy for meeting needs, and other pertinent information. Additionally, a Supplier may also choose to include a simple description at the beginning of each chapter.
Plan preparation Chapter 1 Executive
Summary
10620(b) Every person that becomes a Supplier shall adopt UWMP within one year after it has become a Supplier.
Plan preparation Section 2.1 Section 2
10644 Supplier shall report the Public Water Systems number, volume of delivered water, and number of connections that are included in this UWMP.
Plan preparation Section 2.5 Section 2.1,
Table 2-1
10644 Supplier shall report if this UWMP is an individual UWMP and whether the Supplier belongs to a regional UWMP or regional alliance.
Plan preparation Section 2.5 Section 2.1,
Table 2-2,
Table 2-3
10644 Supplier shall report whether the data is in fiscal or calendar years and the units of measure used for reporting water volumes.
Plan preparation Section 2.5 Section 2.1,
Table 2-3
10642 Provide supporting documentation that the Supplier has encouraged active involvement of diverse social, cultural, and economic elements of the population within the service area prior to and during the preparation of the plan and contingency plan.
Plan preparation Section 2.4 Appendix A,
Section 2.3,
Section 10.1
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Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject 2025
Guidebook
Location
2025 UWMP
Location
10620(d)(3) Coordinate the preparation of its plan with other appropriate agencies in the area, including other Suppliers that share a common source, water management agencies, and relevant public agencies, to the extent practicable.
Plan preparation Section 2.4.2 Section 2.2,
Table 2-4,
Table 2-5
10631(h) Retail Suppliers will include documentation that they have provided their Wholesale Supplier(s)—if any—with water use projections from that source.
Plan preparation Section 2.4.1 Section 2.2,
Table 2-5
10631(h) Wholesale Suppliers will provide their Suppliers with identification and quantification of the existing and planned sources of water available from the Wholesale Supplier to the Supplier during various water year types.
Plan preparation Section 2.4.1 N/A
10631(a) Describe the Supplier service area. System
description
Chapter 3.0 Section 3.1,
Figure 3-1
10631(a) Describe the climate of the Supplier’s service area. System description
Section 3.3 Section 3.1.2
10631(a) Provide the current and projected service area populations for 2030, 2035, 2040, 2045 and optionally 2050.
System
description
Section 3.4.1 Section 3.1.4,
Table 3-2,
Table 3-3
10631(a) Describe other social, economic, and demographic factors affecting the Supplier’s water management planning.
System
description
Section 3.4.2 Section 3.1.4,
Figure 3-3
10631(a) Describe the land uses within the service area… include the current and projected land uses within the existing or anticipated service area affecting the Supplier’s water management planning. Describe the land uses within the service area.
System
description and
baselines
Section 3.5 Section 3.1.3,
Table 3-1
10631(d)(1) Quantify past, current, and projected water use, identifying the uses among water use sectors.
System water use Sections 4.2.3
and 4.2.4
Section 4.1,
Section 4.2
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Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject 2025
Guidebook
Location
2025 UWMP
Location
10631(d)(3)(A) Report the distribution system water loss for each of the five years preceding the plan update.
System water use Section 4.3.1 Section 4.1.8,
Table 4-3
Table 4-4
10631(d)(3)(C) Retail Suppliers shall provide data to show whether the distribution loss standards were met.
System water use Section 4.3.2 Section 4.1.8,
Table 4-5
10631.1(a) Include projected water use needed for lower income housing projected in the service area of the Supplier.
System water use Section 4.2.5.4 Section 4.2.3
10631(d)(4)(A) In projected water use, include estimates of water savings from adopted codes, plans, and other policies or laws.
System water use Section 4.2.5.3 Section 4.2.2
10631(d)(4)(B) Provide citations of codes, standards, ordinances, or plans used to make water use projections.
System water use Section 4.2.5.3 Section 4.2
10631(d)(4)(B)(ii) To the extent that a Supplier reports the information described in subparagraph (A), an urban water Supplier shall… Indicate the extent that the water use projections consider savings from codes, standards, ordinances, or transportation and land use plans. Water use projections that do not account for these water savings shall be noted of that fact.
System water use Section 4.2.5.3 Section 4.2.2
10635(b) Demands under climate change considerations must be included as part of the drought risk assessment.
System water use Section 4.2.5.6 Section 4.2.1,
Section 6.9.1,
Section 7.3
10608.36 Wholesale Suppliers shall include an assessment of present and proposed future measures, programs, and policies to help their Retail Suppliers achieve targeted water use reductions.
Baselines and
targets
Section 5.1 N/A
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Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject 2025
Guidebook
Location
2025 UWMP
Location
10608.40 Retail Suppliers shall report on their compliance in meeting their water use targets. Reporting requirements will vary depending on whether the Supplier:
- Was considered an urban retail water supplier in 2020, - Met its 2020 target in 2020, or
- Was part of a merger or consolidation since 2020.
Chapter 5 Subsections 5.2.1, 5.2.2, and 5.2.3 address each of these situations.
Baselines and
targets
Section 5.2 Section 5
10631(b)(2) When multiple sources of water supply are identified, describe the management of each supply in relationship to other identified supplies.
System supplies Section 6.1 Section 6
10631(b)(1) Provide a discussion of anticipated supply availability under a normal, single dry year, and a drought lasting five years, as well as more frequent and severe periods of drought, including changes in supply due to climate change.
System supplies Sections 6.1
and 6.2
Section 7.2
10631(b)(4)(C) Indicate whether groundwater is an existing or planned source of water available to the Supplier. If groundwater is identified as an existing or planned source of water… (include) a detailed description and analysis of the location, amount and sufficiency of groundwater pumped by the Supplier for the past five years.
Water supplies
and recycled
water
Section 6.2.2 Section 6.5
10631(b)(4)(A) Indicate whether a groundwater sustainability plan or groundwater management plan has been adopted by the Supplier or if there is any other specific authorization for groundwater management.
Include a copy of the plan or authorization.
System supplies Section 6.2.2 Section 6.5
10631(b)(4)(B) Describe the groundwater basin. System supplies Section 6.2.2 Section 6.5 10631(b)(4)(B) Indicate if the basin has been adjudicated and include a copy of the court order or decree and a description of the amount of water the Supplier has the legal right to pump.
System supplies Section 6.2.2 N/A
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Water Code
Section
Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject 2025
Guidebook
Location
2025 UWMP
Location
10631(b)(4)(B) For unadjudicated basins… (include) information as to whether DWR has identified the basin as a high- or medium-priority basin in the most current official departmental bulletin…
Water supplies
and recycled
water
Section 6.2.2 Section 6.5,
Table 6-7
10631(b)(4)(B) For unadjudicated basins… describe efforts by the Supplier to coordinate with sustainability or groundwater agencies to achieve sustainable groundwater conditions.
Water supplies
and recycled
water
Section 6.2.2 Section 6.5
10631(b)(4)(C) If groundwater is identified as an existing or planned source of water… (include) a detailed description and analysis of the location, amount and sufficiency of groundwater pumped by the Supplier for the past five years.
System supplies Section 6.2.2. N/A
10631(b)(4)(D) Provide a detailed description and analysis of the amount and location of groundwater that is projected to be pumped.
System supplies Section 6.2.2 N/A
10631(b) Identify and quantify the existing and planned sources of water available for 2025, 2030, 2035, 2040, 2045 and optionally 2050.
System supplies Section 6.1 Section 6.1,
Table 6-1
10631(c) Describe the opportunities for exchanges or transfers of water on a short-term or long-term basis.
System supplies Section 6.2.7 Section 6.8,
Section 8.3,
Table 8-3
10633(a) Describe the wastewater collection and treatment systems in the Supplier’s service area with quantified amount of collection and treatment and the disposal methods.
System supplies
(recycled water)
Section 6.2.5 Section 6.4.2
10633(b) Describe the quantity of treated wastewater that meets recycled water standards, is being discharged, and is otherwise available for use in a recycled water project.
System supplies
(recycled water)
Section 6.2.5 Section 6.4.2
10633(c) Describe the recycled water currently being used in the Supplier's service area.
System supplies
(recycled water)
Section 6.2.5 Section 6.4.4
10633(d) Describe and quantify the potential uses of recycled water and provide a determination of the technical and economic feasibility of those uses.
System supplies
(recycled water)
Section 6.2.5 Section 6.4.51
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 528 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366
Water Code
Section
Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject 2025
Guidebook
Location
2025 UWMP
Location
10633(e) Describe the projected use of recycled water within the Supplier's service area at the end of 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, and describe the actual use of recycled water in comparison to uses previously projected.
System supplies
(recycled water)
Section 6.2.5 Section 6.4.5,
Table 6-10
10633(f) Describe the actions that may be taken to encourage the use of recycled water and the projected results of these actions in terms of acre-feet of recycled water used per year.
System supplies
(recycled water)
Section 6.2.5 Section 6.4.6
10633(g) Provide a plan for optimizing the use of recycled water in the Supplier's service area.
System supplies
(recycled water)
Section 6.2.5 Section 6.4.3
10631(g) Describe desalinated water project opportunities for long-term supply.
System supplies Section 6.2.6 Section 6.3
10631(f) Describe the expected future water supply projects and programs that may be undertaken by the water Supplier to address water supply reliability in average, single-dry, and for a period of drought lasting five consecutive water years.
System supplies Section 6.2.10 Section 6.8,
Section 7.2
10631.2(a) The UWMP must include energy information, as stated in the code, that a Supplier can readily obtain.
System suppliers,
energy intensity
Section 6.3 and
Appendix O
Section 6.10,
Appendix G
10634 Provide information on the quality of existing sources of water available to the Supplier and the manner in which water quality affects water management strategies and supply reliability.
Water supply
reliability
assessment
Section 7.1 Section 7.1
10635(a) Service Reliability Assessment: Assess the water supply reliability during normal, dry, and a drought lasting five consecutive water years by comparing the total water supply sources available to the Supplier with the total projected water use over the next 20 years.
Water supply
reliability
assessment
Section 7.2 Section 7.2
10620(f) Describe water management tools and options to maximize resources and minimize the need to import water from other regions.
Water supply
reliability
assessment
Section 7.2.3 Section 7.2.2
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 529 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366
Water Code
Section
Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject 2025
Guidebook
Location
2025 UWMP
Location
10635(b) Provide a drought risk assessment as part of information considered in developing the demand management measures and water supply projects.
Water supply
reliability
assessment
Section 7.3 Section 7.3
10635(b)(1) Include a description of the data, methodology, and basis for one or more supply shortage conditions that are necessary to conduct a drought risk assessment for a drought period that lasts five consecutive years.
Water supply
reliability
assessment
Section 7.3 Section 7.3.1
10635(b)(2) Include a determination of the reliability of each source of supply under a variety of water shortage conditions.
Water supply
reliability
assessment
Section 7.3 Section 7.3.2
10635(b)(3) Include a comparison of the total water supply sources available to the Supplier with the total projected water use for the drought period.
Water supply
reliability
assessment
Section 7.3 Section 7.3
10635(b)(4) Include considerations of the historical drought hydrology, plausible changes on projected supplies and demands under climate change conditions, anticipated regulatory changes, and other locally applicable criteria.
Water supply
reliability
assessment
Section 7.3 Section 7.1,
Section 7.3
10632(a) Provide a water shortage contingency plan (WSCP) with specified elements below.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Chapter 8 Section 8
10632(a)(1) Provide an analysis of water supply reliability (from Guidebook Chapter 7) in the WSCP.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Chapter 8 Section 8.1
10632(a)(2)(A) Provide the written decision-making process and other methods that the Supplier will use each year to determine its water reliability.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.2 Section 8.2.1
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 530 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366
Water Code
Section
Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject 2025
Guidebook
Location
2025 UWMP
Location
10632(a)(2)(B) Provide data and methodology to evaluate the Supplier’s water reliability for the current year and one dry year pursuant to factors in the code.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.2 Section 8.2.2
10632(a)(3)(A) Define six standard water shortage levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% shortage, and greater than 50% shortage. These levels shall be based on supply conditions, including percent reductions in supply, changes in groundwater levels, changes in surface elevation, or other conditions. The shortage levels shall also apply to a catastrophic interruption of supply.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.3 Section 8.3
10632(a)(3)(B) Suppliers with an existing WSCP that uses different water shortage levels must cross reference their categories with the six standard categories.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.3 Section 8.3,
Table 8-2
10632(a)(4)(A) Suppliers with WSCPs that align with the defined shortage levels must specify locally appropriate supply augmentation actions.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.4 Section 8.3
10632(a)(4)(B) Specify locally appropriate demand reduction actions to adequately respond to shortages.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.4 Section 8.3,
Table 8-4
10632(a)(4)(C) Specify locally appropriate operational changes. Water shortage contingency
planning
Section 8.4 Section 8.3
Table 8-3
10632(a)(4)(D) Specify additional mandatory prohibitions against specific water use practices that are in addition to State-mandated prohibitions are appropriate to local conditions.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.4 Section 8.3,
Table 8-4
10632(a)(4)(E) Estimate the extent to which the gap between supplies and demand will be reduced by implementation of the action.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.4 Section 8.3,
Table 8-4
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 531 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366
Water Code
Section
Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject 2025
Guidebook
Location
2025 UWMP
Location
10632.5 The UWMP shall include a seismic risk assessment and mitigation plan.
Water shortage
contingency plan
Section 8.4.6 Section 8.4.1
10632(a)(5)(A) Suppliers must describe that they will inform customers, the public and others regarding any current or predicted water shortages.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.5 Section 8.5.3
10632(a)(5)(B),
10632(a)(5)(C)
Suppliers must describe that they will inform customers, the public and others regarding any shortage response actions triggered or anticipated to be triggered and other relevant communications.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.5 Section 8.5.4
10632(a)(6) Retail Supplier must describe how it will ensure compliance with and enforce provisions of the WSCP.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.6 Section 8.6
10632(a)(7)(A) Describe the legal authority that empowers the Supplier to enforce shortage response actions.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.7 Section 8.1.1
10632(a)(7)(B) Provide a statement that the Supplier will declare a water shortage emergency per Water Code Chapter 3. Water Shortage
Emergencies.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.7 Section 8.3
10632(a)(7)(C) Provide a statement that the Supplier will coordinate with any city or county within which it provides water for the possible proclamation of a local emergency.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.7 Section 8.5.1
10632(a)(8)(A) Describe the potential revenue reductions and expense increases associated with activated shortage response actions.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.8 Section 8.7
10632(a)(8)(B) Provide a description of mitigation actions needed to address revenue reductions and expense increases associated with activated shortage response actions.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.8 Section 8.7,
Table 8-6
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 532 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366
Water Code
Section
Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject 2025
Guidebook
Location
2025 UWMP
Location
10632(a)(8)(C) Retail Suppliers must describe the cost of compliance with Water Code Chapter 3.3, Excessive Residential Water Use During Drought.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8.8 Section 8.7
10632(a)(9) Retail Suppliers must describe the monitoring and reporting requirements and procedures that ensure appropriate data are collected, tracked, and analyzed for purposes of monitoring customer compliance.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
10632(a)(9) Section 8.8
10632(a)(10) Describe reevaluation and improvement procedures for monitoring and evaluation of the WSCP to ensure risk tolerance is adequate and appropriate water shortage mitigation strategies are implemented.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
10632(a)(10) Section 8.9
10632(b) Analyze and define water features that are artificially supplied with water, including ponds, lakes, waterfalls, and fountains, separately from swimming pools and spas.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
10632(b) Section 8.10
10632(c) Make available the WSCP to customers and any city or county where it provides water within 30 days after adoption of the plan.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
10632(c) Appendix A,
Section 8.1.2,
Section 10.2
10631(e)(1) Retail Suppliers shall provide a description of the nature and extent of each demand management measure implemented over the past five years. The description will address specific measures listed in code.
Demand
management
measures
10631(e)(1) Section 9.2
10631(e)(2) Wholesale Suppliers shall describe specific demand management measures listed in code, their distribution system asset management program, and Supplier assistance program.
Demand
management
measures
10631(e)(2) N/A
10608.26(a) Retail Suppliers shall conduct a public hearing to discuss adoption, implementation, and economic impact of water use targets (recommended to discuss compliance).
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
10608.26(a) Section 10.1
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 533 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366
Water Code
Section
Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject 2025
Guidebook
Location
2025 UWMP
Location
10621(b) Notify, at least 60 days prior to the public hearing, any city or county within which the Supplier provides water that the Supplier will be reviewing the UWMP and considering amendments or changes to the plan.
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
10621(b) Appendix A,
Section 10.1
10621(f) Each urban water Supplier shall update and submit its 2025 plan to DWR by July 1, 2026.
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
10621(f) Section 10.2
10642 Provide supporting documentation that the Supplier made the UWMP and WSCP available for public inspection, published notice of the public hearing, and held a public hearing about the UWMP and WSCP.
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
10642 Appendix A,
Section 10.1
10642 The Supplier is to provide the time and place of the hearing to any city or county within which the Supplier provides water.
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
10642 Appendix A,
Section 10.1
10642 Provide supporting documentation that the UWMP and WSCP have been adopted as prepared or modified.
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
10642 Appendix D,
Section 10.2
10644(a) Provide supporting documentation that the Supplier has submitted their UWMP to the California State Library.
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
10644(a) Section 10.2
10644(a)(1) Provide supporting documentation that the Supplier has submitted their UWMP to any city or county within which the Supplier provides water no later than 30 days after adoption.
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
10644(a)(1) Section 10.2
10644(a)(2) The UWMP, or amendments to the UWMP, submitted to DWR shall be submitted electronically.
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
10644(a)(2) Section 10.2
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 534 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366
Water Code
Section
Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject 2025
Guidebook
Location
2025 UWMP
Location
10644(b) If revised, submit a copy of the WSCP to DWR within 30 days of adoption.
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
10644(b) Section 10.4
10645(a) Provide supporting documentation that, not later than 30 days after filing a copy of its UWMP with DWR, the Supplier has or will make the plan available for public review during normal business hours.
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
Section 10.5 Section 10.2
10645(b) Provide supporting documentation that, not later than 30 days after filing a copy of its WSCP with DWR, the Supplier has or will make the plan available for public review during normal business hours.
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
Section 10.5 Section 10.2
10621(c) If Supplier is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, include its plan and contingency plan as part of its general rate case filings.
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
Section 10.6 N/A
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 535 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Carlsbad Municipal Water District
2025 Urban Water Management Plan May 2026
APPENDIX D: UWMP REQUIRED TABLES
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 536 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 CA3710005 Carlsbad Municipal
Water District 29,506 14,462
29,506 14,462Total
Public Water System
Number
Public Water System
Name
Number of Municipal
Connections 2025
Submittal Table 2-1 Retail: Public Water Systems
Add additional rows as needed
NOTES: This table only reflects potable water connections and deliveries. CMWD’s recycled water system has 1,015 connections and supplied 3,708 AF in 2025.
Volume of Water
Supplied 2025 (AF)
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 537 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Select One Name of Regional Alliance or
RUWMP (Drop Down List)
NOTES: CMWD is a member agency of the San Diego County Water Authority.
Submittal Table 2-2: Plan Identification
Type of Plan
Individual UWMP
If Water Supplier is also a member of a SB X7-7
Regional Alliance, select name from the drop-down.
Regional Urban Water Management Plan (RUWMP)
If Supplier selected RUWMP, select name from the
drop-down.
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 538 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Supplier is a wholesale supplier
Supplier is a retail supplier
UWMP Tables are in calendar years
UWMP Tables are in fiscal years
Unit AF
Submittal Table 2-3: Supplier Identification
Type of Supplier (select one or both)
Fiscal or Calendar Year (select one)
If using fiscal years provide month and date that the fiscal year begins (mm/dd)
Units of measure used in UWMP
(Select from the drop down list).
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent
throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES:
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 539 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Submittal Table 2-4 Retail: Water Supplier Information Exchange Water Code Section 10631(h)
The retail Supplier has informed the following wholesale supplier(s) of projected water use.
Wholesale Water Supplier Name
Add additional rows as needed
San Diego County Water Authority
NOTES:
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 540 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050(opt)
96,371 106,031 119,616 119,616 119,616 119,616
Submittal Table 3-1 Retail: Population - Current and Projected Water Code Section 10631(a)
Population
Served
NOTES:
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 541 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Use Type
Drop down list
May select each use multiple times
These are the only use types that will be recognized by the WUEdata online submittal tool
Potable or Non-Potable
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Volume (AF)
Single Family Potable 7,254
Multi-Family Potable 1,862
Commercial Potable 2,636
Industrial Potable 38
Institutional/Governmental Potable 122
Agricultural Potable 145
Landscape Potable 1,502
Distribution System Water Loss Real and Apparent Loss Potable 863 Other (optional) Unbilled Metered and Unbilled
Unmetered Potable 40
Landscape Recycled Non-Potable 3,708
14462
3708
18,170Total
Submittal Table 4-1 Retail: Total Uses for Potable and Non-Potable Water — Actual Water Code Section 10631(d)(1)
NOTES: Actual water demands are based on CMWD’s 2025 billing data and the AWWA water loss audit. Billing data are reported in calendar year. The AWWA water loss audit was completed for FY2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025) as the most recent water loss data available. Other potable use includes "unbilled unmetered consumption" as reported in the FY2025 AWWA water loss audit. Temporary potable meters billing category was incorporated into the Single-Family use type. Fire protection billing category was incorporated into the Institutional/ Governmental use type. Non-potable landscape represents recycled water demands, which includes agricultural, commercial, irrigation, and industrial customers. Recycled water demands also include temporary recycled water meters.
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3. 2025 Actual Water Use
Add additional rows as needed
Subtotal Potable
Subtotal Non-Potable
Additional Description
(as needed)
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 542 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Use Type
Drop down list
May select each use multiple times
These are the only Use Types that will be recognized by the WUEdata online submittal tool
Potable or Non-Potable
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
2030 (AF) 2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF) 2050 opt (AF)
Single Family Potable 7897 8716 8716 8716 8716
Multi-Family Potable 2128 2464 2464 2464 2464
Commercial Potable 2913 3066 3226 3395 3573
Industrial Potable 38 40 42 44 46
Institutional/Governmental Potable 145 152 160 169 177
Agricultural Potable 1227 1136 1052 974 902
Landscape Potable 163 163 163 163 163
Distribution System Water Loss Real and Apparent Loss Potable 363 393 396 398 401 Other (optional) Unbilled Metered and Unbilled
Unmetered Potable 41 44 44 45 45
Landscape Recycled Non-Potable 3,898 4,218 4,218 4,218 4,218 14,915 16,174 16,263 16,368 16,487
3,898 4,218 4,218 4,218 4,218
18,813 20,392 20,481 20,586 20,705
Submittal Table 4-2 Retail: Total Uses for Potable, and Non-Potable Water — Projected Water Code Section 10631(d)(1)
Projected Water Use
(Report To the Extent that Records are Available)
Additional Description
(as needed)
NOTES:
Total
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Subtotal Non-Potable
Subtotal Potable
Add additional rows as needed.
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 543 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Are Future Water Savings Included in Projections?
Drop down list (y/n) Yes
If "Yes" to above, state the section or page number, in the cell to the right, where citations of the codes, ordinances, or otherwise are utilized in demand projections are found.
Optional Suppliers may complete Optional Submittal Table 4-4 R to quantify the expected savings.
Sections 4.2.2
and 5.2
Are Lower Income Residential Demands Included In Projections? Drop down list (y/n) Yes
Optional If the method for accounting Lower Income Residential Demands has been included, provide page number where this accounting can be found.
Submittal Table 4-3 Retail: Inclusion in Water Use Projections Water Code Section 10631 (a), 10631 (d)(4)(A), and 10631 (d)(4)(B) NOTES:
DWR NOTES: Additional guidance is provided in Appendix K.
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 544 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Public Water System ID # Reported
in Table 2-1 R Reporting Period Submitted to DWR Water
Loss Audit Program (yes/no)
2020 Yes
2021 Yes
2022 Yes
2023 Yes
2024 Yes
Submittal Table 4-5 Retail: Water Loss Audit Reporting
Water Code Section 10631(d)(3)(A)
CA3710005
DWR NOTES: Suppliers will provide a link to the WUEdata submittals of their Water Loss Audit Reports.
NOTES:2024 reported on fiscal year (July 1 – June 30); all other on calendar year Report submittal status for all five years for each Public Water System as available.
Add rows as needed
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 545 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 2028 Real Water Loss
Standard per Unit per
day
Units for Real
Water Loss
Drop down list
Number of Units
(Connections or Miles
corresponding with
units selected)
Volume of Total Real
Loss
(from AWWA Water
Loss Audit)
(AF)
2028 Apparent Water
Loss Standard per
Unit per Day
Units for
Apparent Water
Loss
Number of
Connections
Volume of Total
Apparent Loss
(from AWWA Water
Loss Audit)
(AF)
CA3710005 Yes 13
Gallons per
Service
Connection per
Day (GPSCD)
28283 863.026 27.2 8.3
Gallons per
Service
Connection per
Day (GPSCD)
28283 267.585 8.4
Submittal Table 4-6 Retail: Progress Towards 2028 Water Loss Standard Water Code Section 10631(d)(3)(C)
NOTES:
Apparent Water Loss
Did the Water Board Calculate a
Water Loss Standard for this
Public Water System? (y/n)
If no, Supplier will not complete
this row.
Real Water Loss
Water Board's Calculated Water Loss Standards
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) for Water Loss MUST remain consistent with units reported in Submittal Table 2-3. The units reported in Submittal Table 2-3 are used in this table's calculations.
Public Water
System ID #
Reported in
Submittal Table 2-1
R
Add additional rows as needed.
Most Recent AWWA Water Loss Audit
Real Water
Loss Per Unit
per Day
Most Recent AWWA Water Loss Audit
Apparent Water
Loss Per Unit per
Day
State Water Board Standard State Water Board Standard
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 546 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Actual 2025 GPCD
(From SB X7-7
Compliance Form)
Did Supplier meet
the 2020 Target in
2025?
No Individual Target 207 134 Yes NA
Submittal Table 5-1 Retail: SB X7-7 2020 Target Progress Water Code Section 10608.40
NOTES:
Did Supplier
Achieve Targeted
Reduction for
2020?
Actual 2020 GPCD2020 Target
Regional Alliance
Target or
Individual
Target?
Drop down list
DWR NOTES:
Suppliers calculating a 2025 GPCD will need to complete and submit SB X 7-7 Compliance Tables to verify the use of SB X7-7 Methodologies.
Suppliers that were part of a merger or consolidation since 2020 see Chapter 5 and Appendix P for guidance.
NA=Not Applicable
Check the box if the Supplier was not an Urban Water Supplier during or before the 2020 UWMP reporting cycle.
Proceed to the next table.
Only for suppliers that did not meet the
Target in 2020
See DWR NOTES below.
Was Supplier part of a
merger or
consolidation since
2020?
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 547 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Groundwater Type
Drop Down List
May use each category
multiple times
Potable or
Non-Potable
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Location or Basin Name 2021 (AF) 2022 (AF) 2023 (AF) 2024 (AF) 2025 (AF) 0 0 0 0 0
Add additional rows as needed
Submittal Table 6-1 Retail: Groundwater Volume Pumped
Water Code Section 10631(4) and 10631(4)(c)
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES
Total
Check the box if the Supplier does not pump groundwater.
Proceed to the next table.
Check the box if all or part of the groundwater described below is desalinated. (OPTIONAL) May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 548 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 100%
100%
Name of Wastewater
Collection Agency
Wastewater
Volume Metered
or Estimated?
OPTIONAL
Drop Down List
Volume of Wastewater
Collected from UWMP
Service Area 2025 (AF)
Name of Wastewater Treatment
Plant (WWTP) and Place ID
Number
Drop down list
Is WWTP Located
Within UWMP
Area?
Drop Down List
City of Carlsbad Metered 6,918 Encina Water Pollution Control Facility, Place ID 222758 Yes
Leucadia Wastewater
District (LWWD) Estimated 968 Encina Water Pollution Control Facility, Place ID 222758 Yes
Vallecitos Water District
(VWD) Estimated 20 Encina Water Pollution Control
Facility, Place ID 222758 Yes
7,906
Check the box if there is no wastewater collection system.
Proceed to the next table.
NOTES: The Encina Pollution Control Facility is owned and operated by the Encina Wastewater Authority, a joint powers authority that is owned by six agencies, including City of Carlsbad, LWWD and VWD. Wastewater flows are reported for Calendar Year 2025, ending December 31, 2025. LWWD serves a portion of CMWD's service area. The 968 AF for Leucadia was obtained from EWA reports. VWD collects wastewater for 80 homes in the CMWD service area. The agreement estimates VWD collects 220 gallons per day of wastewater from each home.
Submittal Table 6-2 Retail: Wastewater Collected Within Service Area Water Code Section 10633(a)
Percentage of 2025 service area population served by wastewater collection system (OPTIONAL)
Percentage of 2025 service area served by wastewater collection system (OPTIONAL) DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Additional Guidance: See Appendix M, Section M.21 for detailed guidance on this table.
Wastewater Collection Recipient of Collected Wastewater Total Wastewater Received from UWMP
Service Area in 2025:
Add additional rows as needed
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 549 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Treatment Level
Drop down list
Volume
(AF)
Treatment Level
Drop down list
Volume
(AF)
Treatment Level
Drop down list
Volume
(AF)
Treatment Level
Drop down list
Volume
(AF)
Treatment Level
Drop down list
Volume
(AF)
Name of other
entity
Encina Water Pollution
Control Facility, Place ID
222758
Yes 7906 28,047 Secondary,
Undisinfected - Tertiary 6,418 Secondary,
Undisinfected 21,629 0 Tertiary 5751
Carlsbad WRF
Gafner WRF
Carlsbad WRF, Place ID
213270 No 0 5,356 Tertiary 3,683 Tertiary 25.3 0 0 0 Gafner Water
Reclamation Facility,
Place ID 226637
No 0 413 Tertiary 251 Tertiary - Secondary,
Undisinfected 162 0 0
Vallecitos WD
Meadowlark WRP, Place
ID 269989 No
0 -
Tertiary - Tertiary - Secondary,
Undisinfected 0 0 0
7,906 33,816 3,934 6,443 21,791 0 5,751
2025 Outcomes of Treated Wastewater
Check the box if no wastewater is treated or disposed of within the UWMP service area.
Proceed to the next table.
Does This Plant
Treat
Wastewater
Generated
Outside the
UWMP Service
Area?
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Wastewater Treatment
Plant Name and Place ID
Number
Drop down list
Total 2025
Volume of
Water
Treated (AF)
NOTES: Meadowlark WRF has been non-operational since December 2024, but is expected to resume operations summer 2026.
Total
2025 Volume of
Wastewater
Received from
UWMP Service
Area
(As Reported in
Submittal Table
6-2 R) (AF)
Water Recycled Within
UWMP Service Area
(enter data as applicable)
Submittal Table 6-3 Retail: Wastewater Treatment and Outcomes Within UWMP Service Area Water Code Section 10633(b)
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
IPR: Indirect Potable Reuse would have the treatment level of its end use requirement in the Level of Treatment drop-down.
Additional Guidance: See Appendix M, Section M.21 for detailed guidance on this table.
Water Recycled Outside of
UWMP Service Area
(enter data as applicable)
Effluent Discharge that is
not a Permitted Recycled
Water Use
(enter data as applicable)
Required Discharge for
Instream Flow
(enter data as applicable)
Delivered to Another Entity for Additional
Treatment
(enter data as applicable)
Add additional rows as needed
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 550 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Volume Narrative page number
(OPTIONAL)
Landscape irrigation (exc golf
courses) Non-Potable
Commercial property
irrigation, community facilities,
highways, HOAs, resort
property irrigation, parks, and
schools
2,872 3062 3382 3382 3382 3382 0
Golf course irrigation Golf Course irrigation 808 808 808 808 808 808 0 Commercial use Cooling 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Industrial use NRG Power Plant 28 28 28 28 28 28 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2,872 3,062 3,382 3,382 3,382 3,382 0
3708 3898 4218 4218 4218 4218 0
Check box if recycled water is not used and is not planned for use within the service area of the supplier. The supplier will only complete the column on "Potential Recycled Water Use" and submit an accompanying narrative on the feasibility of that potential recycled water use.
Submittal Table 6-4 Retail: Recycled Water Direct Beneficial Uses Within Service Area Water Code Section 10633 (c),(d),(e)
Potential Recycled Water Use
Name(s) of Facility/ies Producing (Treating) the Recycled Water (OPTIONAL) : Carlsbad WRF, Meadowlark WRP, Gafner WRF Name of Supplier Operating the Recycled Water Distribution System (OPTIONAL) : Carlsbad Municipal Water District 0 AFYVolume of Supplemental Water Added in 2025 (OPTIONAL) :
N/ASource of 2025 Supplemental Water (OPTIONAL) :
Total
Use Type
Drop down list
Potable or Non-Potable
(after treatment if treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Additional Information
(as needed)
Add additional rows as needed
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Additional Guidance: See Appendix M, Section M.21 for detailed guidance on this table.
Potential recycled water use: a description of the feasibility of these uses must be included in the narrative.
Multiple Producers: If you have multiple recycled water producers, submit a separate table for each.
NOTES:
2050 (AF)2025 (AF) 2030 (AF) 2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF) Subtotal Potable
Subtotal Non-Potable
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 551 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 2020 Projection
for 2025 (AF)
2025 Actual
Use (AF)
3,493 2,872
725 808
0 0
0 28
4,218 3,708
Seawater intrusion barrier
Groundwater recharge (IPR)
Reservoir water augmentation (IPR)
NOTES:
Total
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure reported in Submittal Table 2-3 Additional Guidance:
See Appendix M, Section M.21 for detailed guidance on this table.
Direct potable reuse (DPR)
Other (Description Required)
Recreational impoundment
Wetlands or wildlife habitat
Industrial use
Geothermal and other energy production
Landscape irrigation (exc golf courses)
Golf course irrigation
Commercial use
Submittal Table 6-5 Retail: 2020 UWMP Recycled Water Use Projection Compared to 2025 Actual
Water Code Section 10633(e)
Check the box if recycled water was not used in 2025 nor previously projected for use in 2020.
Proceed to the next table.
Add additional rows as needed
Agricultural irrigation
Use Type
Drop Down list
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 552 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Name of Action Description Expected Increase in Recycled Water Use (AF)
0 0
Total (AF)
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) MUST remain consistent with units reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
The unit conversion to Acre Feet addresses the Water Code's requirement that this value be provided in acre-feet.
NOTES:
Submittal Table 6-6 Retail: Methods to Encourage Future Recycled Water Use Water Code Section 10633(f)
Check the box if the Supplier does not plan to expand recycled water use in the future. Supplier will not complete the table below but will provide narrative explanation.
Provide page location of narrative in the UWMP
Add additional rows as needed
Unit Conversion to AF
Planned Implementation Year
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 553 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 N/A
Drop Down
List
(yes/no)
If Yes, Supplier Name
Groundwater Supply No Development of
groundwater supplies Average Year Unknown at this time
NSDWRC Regional
Project
Yes
Leucadia Wastewater District, Vallecitos Water
District, City of Oceanside, City of Escondido,
Olivenhain Municipal Water District, Rincon del
Diablo Municipal Water District, San Elijo Joint
Powers Authority, Santa Fe Irrigation District, and
Vista Irrigation District
Regional recycled water
project Average Year Supports implementation of Phase III recycled water project
Planned for Use in
Year Type
Drop Down List
NOTES:
Submittal Table 6-7 Retail: Expected Future Water Supply Projects or Programs Water Code Section 10631(f)
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Check the box if some or all of the supplier's future water supply projects or programs are not compatible with this table and are described in a narrative format.
Check the box if there are no expected future water supply projects or programs that provide a quantifiable increase to the agency's water supply.
Proceed to the next table.
Planned
Implementation
Year
Add additional rows as needed
Joint Project with other suppliers?
Expected Increase in Water Supply to
Supplier
(This may be a range) (AF)
Provide page location of narrative in the UWMP
Name of Future Projects
or Programs
Additional Description
(as needed)
Potable or Non-Potable
(after treatment if treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop Down list
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 554 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Water Supply
Drop down list
May use each category multiple times.
These are the only water supply
categories that will be recognized by the
WUEdata online submittal tool
Potable or Non-Potable
(after treatment if treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop Down list
Actual Volume
(AF)
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See 'DWR Notes' below
(AF)
Purchased or Imported Water Purchased from SDCWA Potable 11,962 11,962 Purchased or Imported Water Desal; Purchased from SDCWA Potable 2,500 2,500 Recycled Water Carlsbad WRF Non-Potable 3,708 7,839
Recycled Water Meadowlark WRF Non-Potable 0 2,700
14,462 14,462
3,708 10,539
18,170 25,001
Submittal Table 6-8 Retail: Water Supplies — Actual
Water Code Section 10631(b)
2025
NOTES:
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Total Entitlement: e.g. Water Right, Groundwater Allocation, Contracted Amount.
Add additional rows as needed
Total
Subtotal Potable
Subtotal Non-Potable
Additional Description
(as needed)
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 555 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 2021 (AF) 2022 (AF) 2023 (AF) 2024 (AF) 2025 (AF)
Carlsbad Seawater Desalination Facility 56000 Open-water intake (screened or unscreened) Seawater .015 ntu Brine Line 2500 2500 2500 2500 2500 2500 2500 2500 2500 2500Total
NOTES:
Optional Table 6-8DS: Source Water Desalination by Urban Water Supplier Check the box if the Supplier does not reduce salinity in either groundwater or surface water prior to distribution.
Volume of Water Desalinated
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submital Table 2-3. This table identifies the units of measure reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Add additional rows as needed
Desalination Facility
Drop Down list
Plant
Capacity
Intake Type
Drop down list
Source Water Type
Drop down list
Influent
TDS
Brine Discharge
Drop down list
Name(s) of Agencies
that Receive this Water
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 556 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Water Supply
Reasonably
Available
Volume (AF)
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See 'DWR Notes'
below (AF)
Reasonably
Available
Volume (AF)
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See 'DWR Notes'
below (AF)
Reasonably
Available
Volume (AF)
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See 'DWR Notes'
below (AF)
Reasonably
Available
Volume (AF)
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See 'DWR Notes'
below (AF)
Reasonably
Available
Volume (AF)
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See 'DWR Notes'
below (AF)
Purchased or Imported Water Purchased
from SDCWA Potable 12,415 12,415 13,674 13,674 13,763 13,763 13,868 13,868 13,987 13,987 Recycled Water Carlsbad WRF Non-Potable 1198 7,839 1518 7,839 1518 7,839 1518 7,839 1518 7,839 Recycled Water Meadowlark
WRF Non-Potable 2700 2,700 2700 2,700 2700 2,700 2700 2,700 2700 2,700 Desalinated Water - Surface
Water
Carlsbad
Desalination
Plant
(purchased
under Take or
Pay with
SDCWA)
Potable 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 2,500 14,915 14,915 16,174 16,174 16,263 16,263 16,368 16,368 16,487 16,487 3,898 10,539 4,218 10,539 4,218 10,539 4,218 10,539 4,218 10,539 18,813 25,454 20,392 26,713 20,481 26,802 20,586 26,907 20,705 27,026 2050 (opt)
Add additional rows as needed
Total
NOTES: CMWD is currently negotiating an agreement that would allow it to receive 2,700 AFY of recycled water from Meadowlark in future years. CMWD receives 2,500 AFY desalinated water through a purchase agreement with SDCWA. If the plant produces more desalinated water and SDCWA purchases more than the 48,000 AFY that it currently purchases, CMWD may receive an additional 5.21% of the additional amount available. Because of uncertainty regarding this water, it has been omitted from this table as an available volume. Purchases from SDCWA are not limited by Total Right or Safe Yield. 2030 2035 2040 2045
Subtotal Non-Potable
Subtotal Potable
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Total Entitlement: e.g. Water Right, Groundwater Allocation, Contracted Amount.
Submittal Table 6-9 Retail: Water Supplies — Projected
Water Code Section 10631 (b)
Projected Water Supply (Report to the Extent Practicable) Drop down list
May use each category multiple
times. These are the only water
supply categories that will be
recognized by the WUEdata online
submittal tool
Additional
Detail on
Water Supply
Potable or Non-Potable
(after treatment if treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop Down list
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 557 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 % of Average Supply
Average Year 1991-2020 100%
Single-Dry Year 2013, 2018, 2021 106%
Consecutive Dry Years 1st Year 2011 107%
Consecutive Dry Years 2nd Year 2012 108%
Consecutive Dry Years 3rd Year 2013 109%
Consecutive Dry Years 4th Year 2014 110%
Consecutive Dry Years 5th Year 2015 111%
21530
21737
NOTES: CMWD selected base years that aligned with SDCWA’s 2025 UWMP supply reliability assessment. SDCWA supplies are expected to be reliable through all years of a multiple year drought, with additional carryover supplies available in extended dry periods. As presented here, “% of Average Supply” indicates percent supply available to meet both potable and non-potable demands due to diversification and/or carryover storage.
21943
22152
22365
DWR NOTES: Supplier may use multiple versions of Submittal Table 7-1 R if different water sources have different base years and the supplier chooses to report the base years for each water source separately. If a Supplier uses multiple versions of Submittal Table 7-1 R, in the "Note" section of each submittal table, state that multiple versions of Submittal Table 7-1 R are being used and identify the particular water source that is being reported in each submittal table.
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table reports the units of measure reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
20195
21461
Year Type
Base Year If not using a
calendar year, type in the last year of
the fiscal, water year, or range of
years, for example, water year 2024-
2025, use 2025
Optional Submittal Table 7-1 Retail: Basis of Water Year Data (Reliability Assessment) Available Supplies if
Year Type Repeats
Check the box if quantification of available supplies is not compatible with this table and is provided elsewhere in the UWMP.
Location: [insert location from UWMP]
Volume Available (AF)
Quantification of available supplies is provided in this table as either volume only, percent only, or both.
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 558 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 2030 (A F) 2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF) 2050 (AF)
Supply totals
(autofill from Submittal Table 6-
9 R)
18,813 20,392 20,481 20,586 20,705 2030 (AF) 2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF) 2050 (AF) 2030 (AF) 2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF) 2050 (AF) Use totals
(autofill from Submittal Table 4-
2 R)
18,813 20,392 20,481 20,586 20,705
Supply totals
(autofill from Submittal Table
6-9 R)
14,915 16,174 16,263 16,368 16,487
Supply totals
(autofill from Submittal Table
6-9 R)
3,898 4,218 4,218 4,218 4,218
Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0
Use totals
(autofill from Submittal Table
4-2 R)
14,915 16,174 16,263 16,368 16,487
Use totals
(autofill from Submittal Table
4-2 R)
3,898 4,218 4,218 4,218 4,218
Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 WSCP - supply augmentation
benefit
WSCP - use reduction savings
benefit
WSCP - supply augmentation
benefit
WSCP - supply augmentation
benefit
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit
WSCP - use reduction savings
benefit
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
Submittal Table 7-2 Retail: Normal Year Supply and Use Comparison Water Code Section 10635 (a)
NOTES:
DWR NOTES : Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
OPTIONAL Submittal Table 7-2 Retail: Normal Year Supply and Use Comparison - POTABLE OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
NOTES:
OPTIONAL Submittal Table 7-2 Retail: Normal Year Supply and Use Comparison -
NON-POTABLE
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
NOTES:
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 559 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Supply totals 19,992 21,670 21,764 21,876 22,002
Use totals 19,992 21,670 21,764 21,876 22,002 Supply totals 15,850 17,187 17,282 17,394 17,520 Supply totals 4,142 4,482 4,482 4,482 4,482 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 Use totals 15,850 17,187 17,282 17,394 17,520 Use totals 4,142 4,482 4,482 4,482 4,482 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 WSCP - supply
augmentation benefit
WSCP - use reduction
savings benefit
WSCP - supply
augmentation benefit
WSCP - supply
augmentation benefit
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) WSCP - use reduction
savings benefit
WSCP - use reduction
savings benefit
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Submittal Table 7-3 Retail: Single Dry Year Supply and Use Comparison Water Code Section 10635(a)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
OPTIONAL Submittal Table 7-3 Retail: Single Dry Year Supply and Use Comparison - POTABLE
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
OPTIONAL Submittal Table 7-3 Retail: Single Dry Year Supply and Use Comparison - NON-POTABLE
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
2030 (AF)
2030 (AF) 2030 (AF)
2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF)
DWR NOTES : Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES
DWR NOTES : Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES DWR NOTES : Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES
2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF) 2050 (AF)
2050 (AF)
2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF) 2050 (AF)
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 560 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 2030 (AF) 2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF) 2050 (AF)
Supply totals 20,057 21,740 21,835 21,947 22,074 2030 (AF) 2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF) 2050 (AF) 2030 (AF) 2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF) 2050 (AF) Use totals 20,057 21,740 21,835 21,947 22,074 Supply totals 15,901 17,243 17,338 17,450 17,577 Supply totals 4,156 4,497 4,497 4,497 4,497 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 Use totals 15,901 17,243 17,338 17,450 17,577 Use totals 4,156 4,497 4,497 4,497 4,497 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 WSCP - supply augmentation benefit
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit WSCP - supply augmentation benefit WSCP - supply augmentation benefit Revised Surplus/(shortfall) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit WSCP - use reduction savings benefit Supply totals 20,249 21,949 22,045 22,158 22,286 Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Use totals 20,249 21,949 22,045 22,158 22,286 Supply totals 16,054 17,409 17,505 17,618 17,746 Supply totals 4,196 4,540 4,540 4,540 4,540 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 Use totals 16,054 17,409 17,505 17,618 17,746 Use totals 4,196 4,540 4,540 4,540 4,540 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 WSCP - supply augmentation benefit
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit WSCP - supply augmentation benefit WSCP - supply augmentation benefit Revised Surplus/(shortfall) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit WSCP - use reduction savings benefit Supply totals 20,441 22,157 22,254 22,368 22,497 Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Use totals 20,441 22,157 22,254 22,368 22,497 Supply totals 16,206 17,574 17,671 17,785 17,914 Supply totals 4,235 4,583 4,583 4,583 4,583 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 Use totals 16,206 17,574 17,671 17,785 17,914 Use totals 4,235 4,583 4,583 4,583 4,583 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 WSCP - supply augmentation benefit
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit WSCP - supply augmentation benefit WSCP - supply augmentation benefit Revised Surplus/(shortfall) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit WSCP - use reduction savings benefit Supply totals 20,636 22,368 22,466 22,581 22,711 Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Use totals 20,636 22,368 22,466 22,581 22,711 Supply totals 16,360 17,741 17,839 17,954 18,085 Supply totals 4,276 4,627 4,627 4,627 4,627 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 Use totals 16,360 17,741 17,839 17,954 18,085 Use totals 4,276 4,627 4,627 4,627 4,627 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 WSCP - supply augmentation benefit
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit WSCP - supply augmentation benefit WSCP - supply augmentation benefit Revised Surplus/(shortfall) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit WSCP - use reduction savings benefit Supply totals 20,834 22,583 22,681 22,798 22,929 Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Use totals 20,834 22,583 22,681 22,798 22,929 Supply totals 16,517 17,912 18,010 18,126 18,258 Supply totals 4,317 4,671 4,671 4,671 4,671 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 Use totals 16,517 17,912 18,010 18,126 18,258 Use totals 4,317 4,671 4,671 4,671 4,671 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0 WSCP - supply augmentation benefit
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit WSCP - supply augmentation benefit WSCP - supply augmentation benefit Revised Surplus/(shortfall) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit WSCP - use reduction savings benefit Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) NOTES:
OPTIONAL Submittal Table 7-4 Retail: Multiple Dry Years Supply and Use Comparison - POTABLE First year OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
First year
Second
year OPTIONAL WSCP Actions
Third
year OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
Fourth
year OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
Fifth year OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
OPTIONAL WSCP Actions Second year
Third year
Fifth year
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP ActionsFourth year
Submittal Table 7-4 Retail: Multiple Dry Years Supply and Use Comparison Water Code Section 10635(a)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
OPTIONAL Submittal Table 7-4 Retail: Multiple Dry Years Supply and Use Comparison - NON-POTABLE First year OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES:
Second
year OPTIONAL WSCP Actions
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES:
Third
year OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
Fourth
year OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
Fifth year OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 561 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 2026 Total
Total Water Use (AF) 19,805 2026 Total 2026 Total
Total Supplies (AF) 19,805 Total Water Use (AF) 15,764 Total Water Use (AF) 4,042 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 Total Supplies (AF) 15,764 Total Supplies (AF) 4,042 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF)
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF) WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) 2027 Total Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Total Water Use (AF) 19,805 2027 Total 2027 Total
Total Supplies (AF) 19,805 Total Water Use (AF) 15,764 Total Water Use (AF) 4,042 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 Total Supplies (AF) 15,764 Total Supplies (AF) 4,042 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF)
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF) WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) 2028 Total Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Total Water Use (AF) 20,169 2028 Total 2028 Total
Total Supplies (AF) 20,169 Total Water Use (AF) 16,053 Total Water Use (AF) 4,116 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 Total Supplies (AF) 16,053 Total Supplies (AF) 4,116 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF)
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF) WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) 2029 Total Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Total Water Use (AF) 20,714 2029 Total 2029 Total
Total Supplies (AF) 20,714 Total Water Use (AF) 16,487 Total Water Use (AF) 4,227 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 Total Supplies (AF) 16,487 Total Supplies (AF) 4,227 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF)
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF) WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) 2030 Total Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Total Water Use (AF) 21,077 2030 Total 2030 Total
Total Supplies (AF) 21,077 Total Water Use (AF) 16,776 Total Water Use (AF) 4,301 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 Total Supplies (AF) 16,776 Total Supplies (AF) 4,301 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 0 WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF)
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF) WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) Revised Surplus/(shortfall) OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES:
OPTIONAL Submittal Table 7-5 Retail: Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment -
POTABLE
OPTIONAL Submittal Table 7-5 Retail: Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment -
NON-POTABLE
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES:
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation)OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) NOTES:
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Submittal Table 7-5 Retail: Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment Water Code Section 10635(b)(3)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation)
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Item #10 Page 562 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Standard
Shortage
Levels
Percent Shortage
Range
Suppliers
Shortage
Levels
Percent
Shortage Range
1 Up to 10% 1 ≤10%
2 Up to 20% 2 10 – 20%
3 Up to 30% 3 20 – 30%
4 Up to 40% 4 30 – 40%
5 Up to 50% 5 40 – 50%
6 >50% 6 ≥50%
Submittal Table 8-1: Cross-reference for Standard vs
Supplier Shortage Levels
Water Code Section 10632(a)(3)(B)
Check the box if the Supplier uses the Standard
six levels of water shortage.
Proceed to the next table.
NOTES:
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Item #10 Page 563 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Volume or
Percentage
Drop down
Shortage Gap
Reduction Value
(May be a range) (AF)
5 Stored Emergency Supply Percentage 9% Maerkle Reservoir holds a maximum 600AF. 6 Transfers Percentage 10% City of Oceanside, Vallecitos Water District, and SDCWA would be a potential source.
Submittal Table 8-2 Retail: Supply Augmentation and Other Actions Water Code Section 10632(a)(4)(A),(C) and (E)
Add additional rows as needed
NOTES:
Is the Supplier completing this table using the standard six levels? (yes/no) How much is this going to reduce the
shortage gap?
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Shortage
Level
Supply Augmentation Methods and
Other Actions by Water Supplier
Drop down list
These are the only categories that will be
accepted by the WUEdata online submittal tool
Additional Explanation or Reference
(OPTIONAL)
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Item #10 Page 564 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Yes
Volume or Percentage
Drop down
Shortage Gap
Reduction Value
(May be a range) (AF)
0 Other - Prohibit use of potable water for
washing hard surfaces Percentage 0.8% No washing down paved surfaces No 0 Landscape - Restrict or prohibit runoff
from landscape irrigation Percentage 0.1% No runoff/overspray No 0 Water Features - Restrict water use for
decorative water features, such as
fountains
Percentage 1.4% Recirculating fountains only No
0 CII - Restaurants may only serve water
upon request Percentage 0.2% Restaurant water upon request No 0 CII - Lodging establishment must offer
opt out of linen service Percentage 0.2% Hotel laundry upon request No 0 Other - Prohibit use of potable water for
construction and dust control Percentage 0.0% Non-potable water for construction purposes when available No
1 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to
specific times Percentage 6.9% Irrigate residential and commercial landscape before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. No
1 CII - Other CII restriction or prohibition Percentage 0.2% Irrigate nursery and commercial grower's products before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. No
1 Other - Customers must repair leaks,
breaks, and malfunctions in a timely
manner
Percentage 0.8% Repair leaks within 5 days of notification No 1 Expand Public Information Campaign Percentage 4.6%
CMWD increased public education and outreach
efforts to emphasize increased public awareness of
the need to implement water conservation practices.
No
1 Provide Rebates for Landscape Irrigation
Efficiency
Percentage 4.3% Ongoing programs. No
2 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to
specific days
Percentage 6.9% Water limited to days assigned by CMWD (3 days/week)
Yes
2 Landscape - Other landscape restriction
or prohibition
Percentage 3.1% Limit lawn watering and landscape irrigation to 10 minutes unless using water efficient device
Yes
2 Landscape - Other landscape restriction
or prohibition
Percentage 1.1% Use shut-off nozzle, bucket, or low-flow spray for irrigating areas not irrigated by irrigation system
Yes
2 Other - Customers must repair leaks,
breaks, and malfunctions in a timely
manner
Percentage 0.8% Repair within 72 hours of notification Yes 3 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to
specific days
Percentage 6.6% Water limited to days assigned by CMWD (2 days/week)
Yes
3 Other - Prohibit vehicle washing except
at facilities using recycled or
recirculating water
Percentage 0.6% No vehicle washing except at facilities that recirculate water or use high pressure/ low volume Yes
3 Other Percentage 1.7% Suspension of consideration of annexations to CMWD service area. Variable to meet conservation need. Yes
3 Other Percentage 1.0%
Establish a water allocation for property served by
CMWD Flexible depending on other actions; adjust to
meet 30% reduction. Variable to meet conservation
need.
Yes
3 Other - Customers must repair leaks,
breaks, and malfunctions in a timely
manner
Percentage 1.7% Repair within 48 hours of notification Yes 4 Water Features - Restrict water use for
decorative water features, such as
fountains
Percentage 2.6% Stop filing or re-filling ornamental lakes or ponds, except to the extent needed to sustain aquatic life Yes 5 Landscape - Prohibit certain types of
landscape irrigation
Percentage 15.9%
No landscape irrigation unless recycled water may be
lawfully applied, with exceptions for trees & shrubs
using low-volume irrigation; specific necessary
landscaping.
Yes
5 Moratorium or Net Zero Demand
Increase on New Connections
Percentage 2.9%
No new potable water service shall be provided, no
new temporary meters or permanent meters shall be
provided, and no statements of immediate ability to
serve or provide potable water service shall be issued, with the exception of the circumstances listed in the
Drought Ordinance.
Yes
5 Other - Customers must repair leaks,
breaks, and malfunctions in a timely
manner
Percentage 3.4% Repair within 24 hours of notification Yes 6 Landscape - Prohibit all landscape
irrigation
Percentage 16.4%
No landscape irrigation unless recycled water may be
lawfully applied, with exceptions for specific necessary landscaping
Yes
Shortage
Level
Demand Reduction Actions
Drop down list
These are the only categories that will be
accepted by the WUEdata online submittal
tool. Select those that apply.
Additional Explanation or Reference
(OPTIONAL)
NOTES:
Penalty, Charge, or
Other
Enforcement?
For Retail Suppliers Only
Drop Down List
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Is the Supplier completing this table using the standard six levels? (yes/no) Submittal Table 8-3 Retail: Demand Reduction Actions
Water Code Section 10632(a)(4)(B),(D), and (E)
Add additional rows as needed
How much is this going to reduce the shortage
gap?
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Item #10 Page 565 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 City Name 60 Day Notice
Drop Down (yes/no)
Notice of Public
Hearing
Drop Down (yes/no)
City of Carlsbad Yes Yes
County Name
Drop Down List
60 Day Notice
Drop Down (yes/no)
Notice of Public
Hearing
Drop Down (yes/no)
San Diego County Yes Yes
Submittal Table 10-1 Retail: Notification to Cities and Counties Water Code Section 10621(b) and 10642
Add additional rows as needed
Add additional rows as needed
NOTES:
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Carlsbad Municipal Water District
2025 Urban Water Management Plan May 2026
APPENDIX E: CITY OF CARLSBAD CLIMATE CHANGE
VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Table of Contents
Public Safety Element Update i
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ............................................................................ 1 Report Organization ................................................................... 2 Populations, Assets, and Services at Risk ................................... 2 Adaptive Capacity ...................................................................... 3 Vulnerability Analysis ................................................................. 3 Key Findings ............................................................................... 6 1 Introduction ............................................................................... 7
1.1 Background on Climate Change ..................................... 7
1.2 Carlsbad Snapshot .......................................................... 7
1.3 Lexicon ............................................................................ 8
1.4 Vulnerability Assessment Methodology ........................ 9 2 Exposure to Climate Hazards ................................................... 15
2.1 Climate Drivers ............................................................. 15
2.2 Hazards ......................................................................... 16 3 Sensitivity ................................................................................. 27
3.1 Vulnerable Populations ................................................ 27
3.2 Natural and Recreational Resources ............................ 29
3.3 Buildings and Facilities ................................................. 29
3.4 Infrastructure and Critical Services .............................. 29 4 Adaptive Capacity .................................................................... 31
4.1 Extreme Heat and Warm Nights................................... 31
4.2 Riverine & Stormwater Flooding, Droughts, & Sea Level Rise ............................................................................... 32
4.3 Wildfires ....................................................................... 34
4.4 Multiple Climate Hazards ............................................. 35 5 Vulnerability Analysis ............................................................... 37
5.1 Vulnerable Populations ................................................ 37
5.2 Natural and Recreational Resources ............................ 43
5.3 Buildings and Facilities ................................................. 46
5.4 Infrastructure and Critical Services .............................. 48 6 Conclusion ................................................................................ 51 7 References ................................................................................ 54 Tables
Table 1 Impact and Adaptive Capacity Scoring Rubric .............. 14 Table 2 Vulnerability Score Matrix ............................................ 14 Table 3 Vulnerable Populations in Carlsbad ............................. 28 Table 4 Program, Plans, and Policies to Manage Impacts of Extreme Heat and Warm Nights .............................................. 31 Table 5 Programs, Plans, and Policies to Manage Riverine and Stormwater Flooding, Droughts, and Sea Level Rise Impacts .. 32 Table 6 Programs, Plans, and Policies to Manage Wildfire Impacts ..................................................................................... 34 Table 7 Programs, Plans, and Policies to Manage Multiple Climate Hazard Impacts ........................................................... 35 Table 8 City-Wide Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Summary ......... 44 Figures
Figure 1 Vulnerability Assessment Flow Diagram ...................... 10 Figure 2 Wildfire Hazard Severity Zones in Carlsbad ................. 20 Figure 3 100 and 500 Year Floodplain in Carlsbad ..................... 23 Figure 4 Sea Level Rise in Carlsbad Through 2050 and 2100 ..... 26
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Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
ii
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Executive Summary
Public Safety Element Update 1
Executive Summary
The City of Carlsbad Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment evaluates how climate change may impact vulnerable community members, natural resources, critical facilities, buildings, services, and infrastructure in Carlsbad. This report will inform Carlsbad of potential climate change impacts and help prepare the required climate adaptation goals, policies, and implementation programs for the Public Safety Element as part of the City’s General Plan Update.
Climate change is a global phenomenon that can impact local health, natural resources, infrastructure, emergency response, and many other aspects of society through changes in climate conditions. In Carlsbad, temperature and precipitation are expected to change in the following ways:
▪ Increasing temperatures. Average maximum temperatures in Carlsbad are expected to rise between 3.2° Fahrenheit (F) and
4.0°F by 2050, and between 4.2°F and 7.2°F by 2100.
▪ Increasing intensity of precipitation events and longer dry periods. It is projected that the wettest day every year will increase from 10-30% by the end of the century with more precipitation occurring during extreme events.
Changes in temperature and precipitation are expected to influence the frequency, duration, and magnitude of a variety of climate hazards. Climate change models indicate that Carlsbad is expected to experience the following by the end of the century:
▪ Extreme Heat. Carlsbad is projected to experience an increase in the annual number of extreme heat days in the coming decades. In Carlsbad, an extreme heat day occurs when the maximum temperature is above 92.5°F. The annual number of extreme heat days is projected to increase by as much as 22 days and the annual number of warm nights is projected to increase by as much as 73 nights. Both are qualified as days or nights in which the temperature exceeds the 98th percentile of historically observed temperatures (CEC 2021).
▪ Drought. The City is projected to experience increases in the length of dry spells.
▪ Wildfire. The City is projected to experience an increase in high wildfire risk days, frequency, and potential area burned from wildfires.
▪ Landslides. Susceptibility of landslides in Carlsbad is projected to increase as precipitation variability increase and wildfires increase in frequency, area, and severity.
▪ Riverine and Stormwater Flooding. Riverine flooding occurs when rivers or streams break their banks and flood surrounding land. Climate change may cause changes in precipitation patterns, leaving low-lying areas throughout Carlsbad to experience more frequent flooding and could increase the extent of 100-year floods.
▪ Air Quality. Air Quality within the San Diego Region is projected to worsen because of an increase in wildfires and average maximum temperature. Longer periods of drought will also contribute to worsening air quality.
▪ Sea Level Rise. The City is projected to experience up to 6.6 feet of sea level rise by 2100 with impacts creating vulnerabilities to multiple assets.
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 City of Carlsbad
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
2 Report Organization
The report is composed of the following six parts:
1. Introduction describes the methodology and key data sources used to prepare the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment.
2. Exposure to Climate Hazards outlines climate drivers, relevant climate hazards, historical hazards events, how hazards are expected to change, and includes figures mapping climate hazards spatially across Carlsbad.
3. Sensitivity identifies populations and assets most at risk to climate change.
4. Adaptive Capacity summarizes plans, policies, and programs that help Carlsbad cope with climate hazard events.
5. Vulnerability Analysis describes potential impacts for each hazard based on sensitive community, natural, and built assets, with consideration given to their adaptive capacity. The chapter includes vulnerability scores of low, medium, or high for each population group and asset. See Vulnerability Scoring
Methodology section below for more detail.
6. Conclusion presents the key findings of this report.
Populations, Assets, and Services at Risk
Projected changes in climate drivers and hazards will adversely impact community members, natural resources, critical facilities, buildings, services, and infrastructure in Carlsbad. The Carlsbad Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment describes the impacts climate change is expected to have on the following populations and assets:
Vulnerable Populations
Vulnerable populations were grouped based on potential
exposure to climate hazards, access to resources to
prepare, cope with, or recover from climate hazards, whether individuals face societal disadvantages, or if individuals have heath conditions or health sensitivities that leave them vulnerable to climate hazards. Often individuals have characteristics that make them vulnerable in a variety of ways; however, for the purpose of this assessment, they were grouped based on the sensitivity that increases their risk the most.
▪ Individuals with high outdoor exposure
▪ Under-resourced individuals
▪ Individuals facing societal barriers
▪ Individuals with chronic health conditions or health related sensitivities
Natural and Recreational Resources
Municipal parks
Open spaces
Ocean and beaches
Lagoons
Waterways
Hillsides
Urban Forest
Critical habitat
Rivers and streams
Vernal Pools
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Public Safety Element Update 3
Wetlands
Buildings and Facilities
Municipal buildings
Educational facilities
Medical facilities
Residential and commercial development
Roadways and transportation facilities
Active transportation routes
Fire stations
Police stations
Entertainment and Hospitality
Airport
Infrastructure and Critical Services
Water services
Wastewater
Storm drainage and flood protection
Solid and hazardous waste and recycling
Fire services
Emergency services
Medical services
Utilities and major utility corridors
Communication networks
Public transportation
Adaptive Capacity
Adaptive capacity is the ability to adjust to the consequences of climate change. Types of adaptive capacity include adjustments in behavior, resources, processes, and technologies. Carlsbad has actively taken steps to increase the City’s adaptive capacity by relying on existing policies, plans, programs, and institutions that increase the City’s resilience to climate change. There are existing plans, programs, and policies in place to mitigate impacts of wildfire, flooding, sea level rise, and drought on the City’s buildings, facilities, infrastructure, and critical services, as well as to mitigate impacts of extreme heat, drought, sea level rise, and wildfire on the City’s vulnerable populations.
Vulnerability Analysis
Climate change is expected to impact public health, natural resources, buildings and facilities, and infrastructure and critical facilities. Understanding local climate risks and impacts allows communities to prepare for the future and increase their resilience.
Population groups and asset categories with high vulnerability scores are described below.
Vulnerable Populations
▪ Extreme Heat. Increased number of extreme heat
days will result in increased public health risks,
particularly to vulnerable populations, through heat-impacted diseases and air quality degradation. Individuals with high outdoor exposure, under-resourced individuals, individuals May 12, 2026
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 City of Carlsbad
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
4 facing societal barriers, and individuals with chronic health conditions are all vulnerable to extreme heat.
▪ Drought. Individuals with high outdoor exposure are particularly at risk to drought conditions. During prolonged drought conditions, people experiencing homelessness may have
difficulty accessing clean and affordable drinking water. ▪ Wildfire. Individuals with high outdoor exposure, individuals with chronic health conditions, under resourced individuals, and individuals facing societal barriers are all at risk to wildfire impacts. The associated risks are mortality, structural damage and loss to their place of residence, smoke-caused health complications, and exacerbation of social vulnerabilities. ▪ Riverine and Stormwater Flooding. Outdoor workers may be exposed to hazardous work conditions during riverine and/or stormwater flooding events and therefore are vulnerable to health impacts. People experiencing homelessness are
disproportionately at risk to health impacts during flood events because they often live in flood hazard areas and do not have access to transportation or resources needed to evacuate inundated areas.
▪ Air Quality. Individuals with high outdoor exposure and individuals with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable to poor air quality. Outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness are disproportionally vulnerable to poor air quality because they are outdoors and are directly exposed to outdoor air pollutants. Individuals with chronic health conditions or health related sensitivities are at risk of developing or experiencing exacerbated health impacts from poor air quality. Children are extremely vulnerable to health impacts from poor air quality because their respiratory system has not fully developed yet. Older adults, military veterans, and pollution burdened individuals are vulnerable to health impacts from poor air quality because they are more likely to have underlying respiratory and/or cardiovascular conditions.
Individuals with cardiovascular disease and individuals with asthma may experience severe health impacts if exposed to poor air quality.
▪ Sea Level Rise. People who live in inundation zones may need to retrofit homes to adapt to sea level rise and associated impacts such as mold. This activity is particularly difficult for those with limited access to resources, including individuals who are unemployed, and low-income individuals. Linguistically isolated individuals may not have access to non-English versions of sea-level-rise preparedness guidance and therefore may not be able to prepare for and cope with sea-level-rise.
Natural and Recreational Resources
▪ Extreme Heat. Wildlife under these conditions face
impacts of heat stress and heat related illness as well as disrupted reproductive cycles. Plants are more likely to experience heat stress and drying, species’ habitat ranges may shift and be replaced with invasive species. Natural resources are highly exposed to extreme heat and warm nights. Both mid- and end- of century projections depict dramatic increases in extreme heat days
▪ Drought. Impacts from drought involve risks associated with water scarcity and availability for reliant natural resources.
Drought will disrupt habitats and wildlife abilities to survive from dehydration and reliable food sources. There is a risk of generally stressed natural resources and unsupportable
conditions for consistent stream flow.
▪ Wildfire. The largest direct impacts to natural resources are caused by wildfires. There is direct mortality and loss of May 12, 2026
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Public Safety Element Update 5
resources and wildlife from wildfire as well as indirect mortality due to uninhabitable areas, loss of available food sources and seed bank. The severity and frequency of wildfires can
exacerbate these impacts further through habitat conversions resulting in vegetation communities that no longer supports the species using that habitat.
▪ Riverine and Stormwater Flooding. Riverine and stormwater flooding will mostly affect sensitive species of plants and wildlife that are not upland based. Other impacts include damage from inundation within storm flooded areas such as habitats and lands around streams and waterbodies in the City. Additionally, stormwater flooding can reduce overall water quality through algae blooms causing water quality issues within wetlands. ▪ Air Quality. The direct effects of air quality declines on natural resources relates to plant and wildlife health as increased air pollutants causes stress and mortality. Impacts from air quality can further impact natural resources since air quality declines correspond with other hazards, compounding risks.
▪ Sea Level Rise. Coastal inundation affects habitats, wildlife, and plants throughout Carlsbad. Environmentally sensitive lands such as lagoons and wetlands are most affected by sea level rise and show limitations in ability to shift habitat location.
Buildings and Facilities
▪ Extreme Heat. Extreme heat could impact
occupants of buildings and facilities that are not
adequately weatherized for increased temperatures.
▪ Sea Level Rise. The structures and buildings that occupy sea level rise flood and inundation hazard zones in Carlsbad are at risk of structural damage from sea level rise. There are several critical facilities in the City’s sea level rise zones.
Infrastructure and Critical Facilities
▪ Extreme Heat. Extreme heat affects roadways,
active transportation routes, and railroads creating
vulnerabilities to damages through sustained heat. Electrical infrastructure is also at risk to grid overload through increased power demand.
▪ Drought. Drought can impact water reliability and water infrastructure. All emergency services depend on water, particularly firefighters who require adequate water supply for fire suppression. Drought vulnerability can create service strain for emergency and medical services.
▪ Riverine and Stormwater Flooding. Impervious surfaces can impede the absorption of water and augment stormwater
flooding in areas of Carlsbad. There is risk of damage from increased extreme precipitation events including erosion, washouts, and sinkholes. Storm drainage and flood protection services for the City may be impacted by these events.
▪ Air Quality Higher incidence of unsafe air quality generated by increased smog, dust and wildfire smoke can create general strain on existing infrastructure and critical services through increased rates of hospitalization and emergency and medical services.
▪ Sea Level Rise. The impacts Carlsbad is expected to experience related to services and infrastructure are moderate when presented together. Per the 2017 Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment, there are 8 parcels of critical infrastructure, 5.8 miles of transportation routes, and 7.3 miles of lateral public access ways impacted by sea level rise through 2100
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 City of Carlsbad
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
6 Key Findings
The Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment identifies the community members, natural resources, critical facilities, buildings, services, and infrastructure most vulnerable to climate change hazards in Carlsbad. Although the City has policies and programs in place to prepare for climate related hazards, gaps remain as summarized in the Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment. This assessment is a starting point for establishing an adaptation policies and programs in the Carlsbad Public Safety Element.
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Introduction
Public Safety Element Update 7
1 Introduction
1.1 Background on Climate Change
This report evaluates how climate change may impact vulnerable community members, natural resources, buildings and facilities, and services and infrastructure in Carlsbad. This report is consistent with Government Code § 65302 (as amended by Senate Bill (SB) 379) which requires cities, counties, and unincorporated areas across California to prepare a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment to inform updates to the Public Safety Element of the General Plan.
Understanding Carlsbad’s vulnerabilities to climate change provides a foundation to develop required climate adaptation goals, policies, and implementation programs for the City’s Public Safety Element.
1.2 Carlsbad Snapshot
Carlsbad is a coastal community located 30 miles north of San Diego. The City borders the Pacific Ocean to the west, Encinitas to the south, Vista and San Marcos to the east and Oceanside to the north. Since being incorporated as a City in 1952 there has been a steady rate of growth with the current population of Carlsbad at approximately 115,585 full-time residents (Cal DOF 2022).
Causes of Climate Change
Climate change is caused by the addition of excess
greenhouse gases (GHGs) to the atmosphere, which
traps heat near the earth’s surface raising global
average temperatures in what is referred to as the
greenhouse effect. This increase in average
temperatures across the globe affects sea level rise,
precipitation patterns, the severity of wildfires, the
prevalence of extreme heat events, water supply, and
ocean temperatures and chemistry (NASA 2022).
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC), GHGs are now higher than they have
been in the past 400,000 years, raising carbon dioxide
levels from 280 parts per million to 410 parts per
million in the last 150 years (IPCC, 2021). The dramatic increase in GHGs is attributed to human activities
beginning with the industrial revolution in the 1800s,
which represented a shift from an agrarian and
handicraft-based economy to one dominated by
industry and machine manufacturing (NASA 2022).
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8 1.3 Lexicon
Several words and phrases are used throughout the plan to illustrate climate vulnerabilities within Carlsbad. ▪ Adaptation. The process of adjustment to actual or expected climate and its effects, either to minimize harm or exploit beneficial opportunities. In natural systems, human intervention may facilitate adjustment to expected climate (IPCC, 2012). ▪ Adaptive Capacity. Carlsbad’s ability to cope with and adjust to the impacts of climate change (Cal OES 2020).
▪ Asset. Referential to a resource, structure, facility or service that is relied on by a community.
▪ Cascading Impact. Climate hazard caused impacts that
compromise infrastructure or disrupt critical services (i.e., power supply or water conveyance) broadening the scope of impact past a singular subject to reliant subsystems and populations (Collins et al. 2019).
▪ Climate Driver. A change in the climate which acts as the main source of change for subsequent climate hazards. Climate drivers relevant to the city and discussed in this report are temperature and precipitation.
▪ Climate Hazard. A dangerous or potentially dangerous condition created by the effects of the local climate (Cal OES 2020). Climate hazards of concern for Carlsbad are extreme heat, warm nights, chill hours, drought, wildfire, landslides, tule fog, riverine and stormwater flooding, and air quality.
▪ Compounding Risk. When two or more extreme events or
average events occur simultaneously and increase the scope of impact or severity of the event; an additional risk brought about by increased frequency of events from climate change
(Seneviratne et al. 2012).
▪ Exposure. The presence of people, infrastructure, natural systems, and economic, cultural, and social resources in areas are subject to harm (Kalansky et al. 2018).
▪ Impact. Effects on natural and human systems including effects on lives, livelihoods, health, ecosystems, economies, societies, cultures, services, and infrastructure due to the interaction of climate hazards and the vulnerabilities of the system or asset effected (IPCC 2012).
▪ Mitigation. An act or sustained actions to reduce, eliminate, or avoid negative impacts or effects (Cal OES 2020).
▪ Resilience. The capacity of an entity (an individual a community, an organization, or a natural system) to prepare for disruptions, to recover from shocks and stresses, and to adapt and grow from a disruptive experience (Cal OES 2020)
▪ Sensitivities. The degree to which a species, natural system, community, asset, or other associated system would be affected by changing climate conditions (Cal OES 2020).
▪ Vulnerable Populations. Vulnerable populations are the communities most impacted by climate change and climate disasters. Vulnerable populations may experience heightened risk and increased sensitivity to climate change and have less capacity and fewer resources to cope with, adapt to, or recover from climate impacts (Cal OES 2020)
▪ Vulnerability. The propensity or predisposition to be adversely affected (IPCC 2012).
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1.4 Vulnerability Assessment Methodology
The following section details state guidance, methods, and sources used in the production of this report.
California Adaptation Planning Guide Phases
The Carlsbad Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment follows the vulnerability assessment process recommended by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, as documented in the 2020 California Adaptation Planning Guide (Cal APG). The adaptation planning process outlined by the Cal APG consists of four phases, illustrated in the graphic below, with Phase 2 detailing the vulnerability assessment process (Cal OES, 2020).
Source: 2020 California Adaptation Planning Guide
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10 The Carlsbad Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment is prepared consistent with Phase 2 of the Cal APG and is composed of the following parts found in Figure 1.
Figure 1 Vulnerability Assessment Flow Diagram
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Key Data Sources
The following data sources and tools, many of which are recommended within the Cal APG, were used in preparation of this report. Additional plans were consulted to inform the adaptive capacity analysis which are provided in Section 4.
▪ U.S. Census, 2015-2019 American Community Survey (ACS) presents demographic data by census tract and was used to supplement the HPI percentile score. 2020 U.S. Census data was used to identify the percentage of the Carlsbad population that corresponds to each vulnerable group
▪ Cal-Adapt is an online tool that presents historic and modeled projections based on 10 different global climate models. The tool was developed and is maintained by the University of California with oversight from the California Energy Commission (CEC). This tool is used to present projection data related to minimum and maximum temperature, precipitation, extreme heat, warm nights, drought, and wildfire.
▪ California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment was developed by the CEC and other State of California coordinating agencies to present up-to-date climate science, projections and potential impacts associated with climate change. The CEC and
coordinating agencies developed nine regional reports to provide regional-scale climate information to support local planning and action. The San Diego Region Summary Report (2018) presents an overview of climate science, regional projections, specific strategies to adapt to climate impacts, and key research gaps needed to spur additional progress on safeguarding the San Diego Region from climate change. The San Diego Region Summary Report was used to understand
regional changes that may affect Carlsbad both directly and indirectly.
▪ The California Healthy Places Index (HPI) is an online mapping tool that reports on community conditions that are known to predict health outcomes and life expectancy. The tool was prepared by the Public Health Alliance of Southern California, a collaborative of local health departments in Southern California.
HPI displays 25 community characteristics at various legislative boundaries, including census tracts and city and county boundaries. The community characteristics relate to the following identified Policy Action Areas: economic, education, housing, health care access, neighborhood, clean environment, transportation, and social factors. HPI applies a relative percentile score across all census tracts in California using statistical modeling techniques based on the relationship of the Policy Action Areas to life expectancy at birth. Low percentile scores reflect unhealthy conditions. HPI was used to prepare the social sensitivity index score as described in more detail below. HPI is a useful in providing both big picture and localized insights into community health. The limitation of this tool is the data behind the measurements and percentile scores is based on US Census information from 2014. Though much of the
community health indicators have remained constant the tool was supplemented with additional information from
CalEnviroScreen to ensure that the best available data is used in this report.
▪ CalEnviroScreen4.0 uses a variety of statewide indicators to characterize pollution burden (the average of exposures and environmental effects) and population characteristics (the average of sensitive populations and socioeconomic factors).
The model scores each of the indicators using percentiles and combines the scores to determine a CalEnviroScreen score for a given census tract relative to others in the state. Designated disadvantaged communities are those communities that scored within the highest 25 percent of census tracts across California May 12, 2026
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12 (CalEnviroScreen percentile scores of 75 or higher), in addition to other parameters relating to income status.
▪ San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan presents information on existing processes and plans in place that address the County and Carlsbad’s ability to prepare for climate change impacts and informed the adaptive capacity discussion of this report. The Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (2018) was also used to identify recent historical events.
▪ 2017 Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment is a California Coastal Commission approved vulnerability
assessment that presents information on different coastal flood scenarios anticipated to occur as a result of climate change for the years 2050 and 2100. The City of Carlsbad prepared the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment consistent with 2015 California Coastal Commission Sea Level Rise Policy Guidance, the 2012 California Adaptation Planning Guide, and the 2007 ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability Preparing for Climate Change: A Guidebook for Local, Regional, and State
Governments. This assessment was completed using CoSMoS (an online tool developed by the United States Geological Survey) that depicts sea-level rise projections under a variety of emissions scenarios. The 2050 and 2100 sea level rise scenarios were overlayed with 7 different asset categories to determine overall vulnerability across three separate zones along the Carlsbad coastline. Information from the Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment is used throughout this report to supplement climate hazard information, impacts, and adaptive capacity. The sea level rise projections used in the Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment are 1.6 ft by 2050 and 6.6 ft by 2100. The assessment was conducted spatially using three separate planning zones. From north to south, Planning Zone 1 encompasses Buena Vista Lagoon to Tamarack Avenue.
Planning Zone 2 continues south to just below Palomar Airport Road including the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Planning Zone 3 extends to the southern limits of Carlsbad on the south side of the Batiquitos Lagoon.
Data Limitations
The limitations of this report and analysis stem from gaps in data availability and completeness of data methods. Census data can miss portions of the population (e.g., undocumented individuals) and general demographic information may not fully identify the full extent of populations vulnerable to climate change (Cantwell 2021).
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) 100-year and 500- year flood plains do not account for climate change projections, zones are instead based on historical information. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) very high fire hazard severity zones are based on vegetation, fire history, and terrain but also has similar limitations in not projecting fire zones into the future (OSFM 2022). Extrapolating landslides and air quality hazard exposure data in the context of climate change is difficult and the estimates of exposure to these hazards are likely to be underestimated.
The 2017 Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment presents information based on best available guidance. Since being produced, the Ocean Protection Council and California Coastal Commission guidance of scenarios has changed, and the scope of impacts has subsequently changed as well. Framed as a living document, the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment is intended to be regularly updated with best available science to yield a more accurate discussion of vulnerability.
The data presented in Cal-Adapt tools are projections, or estimates, of future climate. The limitation in these projections is that the long- term behavior of the atmosphere is expressed in averages – for May 12, 2026
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example, average annual temperature, average monthly rainfall, or average water equivalent of mountain snowpack at a given time of year. The averages discussed often downplay the extremes by which daily weather events occur and when presented as an average, only show moderate changes within the climate. What is often lost in averages is that the frequency of extremes, like atmospheric rivers, may increase while low-moderate intensity weather events decrease through the end of the century. In instances of modeled precipitation projections, it maintains an average similar to historic levels which does not account for anticipated fluctuations in extremes (CEC 2021).
Vulnerability Scoring Methodology
Vulnerability scoring is a valuable step in the climate vulnerability assessment process because it identifies which assets and populations face the highest threat to climate hazards. This can aid in the prioritization of adaptation actions. The vulnerability score is a combination of the impact and adaptive capacity score. The impact and adaptive capacity scores are developed using a qualitative methodology outlined in the Cal APG, as seen in Table 1.
Impact and adaptive capacity scores are identified for each asset and population for each climate hazard. The vulnerability score is prepared by combining the two scores as demonstrated in May 12, 2026
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14 Table 1 Impact and Adaptive Capacity Scoring Rubric
Score Impact Adaptive Capacity
Low Impact is unlikely based on projected exposure; would result in minor consequences to public health, safety, and/or other metrics of concern.
Asset managers lack adopted policies or established programs that help the community or the assets they manage to manage for change; major changes would be required.
Medium Impact is somewhat likely based on projected exposure; would result in some consequences to public health, safety, and/or other metrics of concern.
Asset managers have some adopted policies or established programs that help the community or the assets they manage to manage climate impact; some changes would be required.
High Impact is highly likely based on projected exposure; consequences to public health, safety, and/or other metrics of concern.
Asset managers have many adopted policies or established programs that help the community or the assets they manage to manage climate impact; minimal to no changes are required.
Source: Cal OES 2020
The impact and adaptive capacity scores are combined to form the vulnerability score based on the approach presented in Table 2. The range of potential impacts spans 1 through 5 with 4-5 being at highest vulnerability, which is consistent with methodology from Cal APG.
Table 2 Vulnerability Score Matrix
Potential
Impacts
High 3 4 5
Medium 2 3 4
Low 1 2 3
High Medium Low
Adaptive Capacity
Source: Cal OES 2020
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2 Exposure to Climate Hazards
Climate change is a global phenomenon that can impact local health, natural resources, infrastructure, emergency response, and many other aspects of society. Projected changes to the climate are dependent on location. The Cal-Adapt tool provides climate data from global scale models that have been localized (downscaled) to
3.7 mile by 3.7-mile grids (CEC 2021). The data in Cal-Adapt is consistent with information from the California Fourth Climate Change Assessment to model future changes in specific types of hazards within this assessment. Projections throughout this section are outlined by two separate Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) (CEC 2021).
• RCP 4.5 is a medium emissions scenario where global
emissions peak by the year 2040
• RCP 8.5 is a high emissions scenario in which global
emissions continue to rise through the end of the 21st
century.
Additionally, projections are forecasted to mid-century (2035-2064) and end-century (2070-2099) as 30-year averages to be compared to a modeled historical baseline (1961-1990) (CEC 2021).
This section presents information on temperature and precipitation, which are characterized as climate drivers. The section then provides information on projected changes to natural hazards, including extreme heat, drought, wildfire, landslides, riverine and stormwater flooding, air quality, sea level rise, and groundwater which result from changes to climate drivers.
2.1 Climate Drivers
In Carlsbad, the climate drivers of concern include Temperature and Precipitation. All projections are pulled from the Cal-Adapt Local Climate Change Snapshot tool and supplemented with the San Diego regional information found in the California Fourth Climate Change Assessment (CEC 2021, Kalansky et al. 2018).
Temperature
Carlsbad has an average maximum temperature of 73.4°F and an average minimum temperature of 51.9°F (CEC 2021). The average maximum and minimum temperatures are expected to increase in Carlsbad with mid-century projections showing a 3°F (RCP 4.5) to 4°F (RCP 8.5) increase in temperature maximum and minimums (CEC 2021). End-Century projections show a 4°F (RCP 4.5) to 7°F (RCP 8.5) increase in Carlsbad and generally throughout the San Diego region a 5°F to 10°F increase (CEC 2021, Kalansky et al. 2018).
Temperature increases affects extreme heat and warm nights, drought, wildfire, and air quality. Global temperature increases cause ocean temperatures to rise which expands ocean waters.
Glaciers, ice caps, and ice sheets melt from rising temperatures which further contribute to sea level rise (Kalansky et al. 2018).
Precipitation
Currently the amount of precipitation received by San Diego County is not sufficient in addressing the population or infrastructure needs and is supplemented by external sources such as the Colorado River Basin and the Carlsbad Desalination Plant (Kalansky et al. 2018).
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16 Carlsbad precipitation projections under RCP 8.5 demonstrate a 0.6- inch decrease by mid-century and 1-inch decrease by end-century in annual precipitation totals (CEC, 2021). However, as already observed in recent decades precipitation changes are largely observed as more extreme variability with intensely wet years followed by extreme droughts (Kalansky Et al. 2018). It is projected that the wettest day every year will increase from 10-30% by the end of the century in the San Diego Region (Kalansky Et al. 2018).
There will be more dry periods punctuated by increased
precipitation intensities of the largest storms or wet periods, producing little net change in precipitation totals but more extreme conditions (Kalansky Et al. 2018). Precipitation changes are expected to affect wildfire, drought, landslides, riverine stormwater flooding, and air quality.
2.2 Hazards
This section outlines projected changes for the following climate hazards:
Extreme Heat
Drought
Wildfire
Landslides
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding
Air Quality
Sea Level Rise
Historical Precipitation Extremes
Precipitation volatility similar to what has been projected within the California Fourth Climate Change Assessment can be observed over the last two decades where wet years in 2005, 2011, and 2017 have been offset by extended droughts in 2001-2004, 2007-2010, 2012-2015, and 2018 to present (Kalansky Et al. 2018).
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Extreme Heat
Extreme heat waves are defined as multiple days in which the daily maximum temperature exceeds the 98thpercentile value of the historical average (CEC 2021). For Carlsbad, the threshold temperature is
92.5°F (CEC 2021). Increased frequency of individual extreme heat days and extended duration of extreme heat waves can result in increased public health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations like older adults, young children, and individuals with underlying chronic diseases, through heat- related illnesses and increased vector-borne illnesses. Warm nights can further exacerbate the risk of heat illness because they affect the body’s ability to cool after a day of heightened temperatures. Carlsbad has historically experienced 4 warm nights a year and is projected to experience a mid-century total of 32 nights (RCP 8.5) and an end-century total of 33 (RCP
4.5) to 77 nights (RCP 8.5) (CEC 2021). Extreme heat events and warm nights are expected to occur across more heat wave events as well (CEC 2021).
Extreme heat can also damage roadways, overload electrical grid systems, and result in vegetation die-off or stress.
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18 Drought
Climate change will increase the likelihood that low-precipitation years will coincide with above-average temperature years. Warming temperatures increase seasonal dryness and the likelihood of drought due to decreased supply of moisture and increased atmospheric demand for moisture as evaporation from bare soils and evapotranspiration from plants increases.
The increased moisture loss from soils and vegetation amplifies dryness during periods without precipitation. In California’s highly variable climate setting, climate models project less frequent but more extreme daily precipitation, with year-to-year precipitation becoming more volatile and the number of dry years increasing (Kalansky et al. 2018).
The duration of dry spells is projected to vary based on emissions scenario. Like patterns in precipitation some of the annual variability is obscured within 30- year averages. Despite this, the clear trend is for maximum lengths of dry spells to increase through the end of century (CEC 2021).
Drought can affect vulnerable populations as well as economic productivity throughout Carlsbad. Vulnerabilities for natural resources can include stressed vegetation and habitat depletion while populations may be more vulnerable to heat stress and dehydration (Kalansky et al. 2018).
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Wildfire
The occurrences of wildfires have increased significantly within California in frequency, area, and severity over the past two decades (Kalansky et al. 2018). Fires occurring in city limits occurred in January 2022, January 2021, and May 2014. For Carlsbad this trend is projected to follow through mid and end-century projections (CEC 2021). Wildfire events are a product of temperature increases compounded with precipitation declines creating wildfire prone conditions. San Diego County’s wildfires are influenced by Santa Ana Winds, downed power lines, and fuel availability (Kalansky et al. 2018). Most areas in Carlsbad face significant wildfire risk.
These areas are categorized as CAL FIRE very high fire hazard severity zones (VHFHSZ), shown in Figure 2. There are several critical facilities within the VHFHSZ including 4 parks, 3 schools, 2 fire stations, the police department, and the wastewater treatment facility. Several roads and residential areas are also located within the City’s fire zone. Several fires have afflicted the boundaries of Carlsbad including the Boulevard, Park, and Poinsettia fires. Wildfires can create risk of injury, death, or financial hardship if personal property is damaged as well as physical damage to all other assets creating cascading risks for vulnerable populations when infrastructure is damaged or off-line including communications infrastructure.
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20 Figure 2 Wildfire Hazard Severity Zones in Carlsbad
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Landslides
Triggered by extreme bouts of precipitation on wildfire burn scars, the susceptibility of the larger San Diego region to landslides is projected to increase as precipitation variability increases and wildfires increase in frequency, area, and severity (Kalansky et al. 2018). The San Diego Region is projected to experience increases to wildfire and precipitation and subsequently landslide-prone conditions(CEC 2021). Landslides for the City occupy regions that overlap with wildfire zones, and along sloped areas in the Carlsbad hills (CDOC 2021). The San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan exposure assessment details specific assets at risk within Carlsbad to landslides as well as the afflicted population total for the City.
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22 Riverine and Stormwater Flooding
Climate change may cause low-lying areas throughout Carlsbad to experience more frequent flooding and could increase the extent of 100-year floods. Riverine flooding is projected to increase as precipitation extremes increases (CEC, 2021). Figure 3 maps the 100- and 500-year floodplains within Carlsbad. Stormwater systems may be overwhelmed more frequently as more extreme rain events occur, causing localized flooding which could impact properties and close streets. While no critical facilities or infrastructure occupy 100-year or 500-year floodplains in Carlsbad, the community of Rancho Carlsbad is located within the 100-year floodplain.
Several parks, fire stations, schools, wastewater facilities, and electric power facilities aborder existing floodplains.
Flooding impacts directly create physical damages from inundation (Kalansky et al. 2018). Flooding can also cascade into power, wastewater, and storm drainage infrastructure, exacerbating public health concerns.
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Figure 3 100 and 500 Year Floodplain in Carlsbad
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24 Air Quality
Worsening air quality due to climate change can create
respiratory issues for vulnerable populations and impact indoor areas without adequate air filtration systems. There are several types of air quality decline sources found below:
▪ Dust. Increased temperature leads to dry, dusty conditions also associated with drought (Kalansky et al. 2018).
▪ Smog. Increases in ambient temperature can lead to higher rates of smog also referred to as ozone. Ground-level ozone specifically will be experienced at higher rates leading to raised cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality rates (CDPH, 2014). Ground-level ozone has also been shown to have particularly disproportionate adverse impacts on populations experiencing homelessness and lower median income (PNAS, 2021). Carlsbad will experience increases in ozone concentrations in parallel to temperature increases.
▪ Fewer Natural Filtrations. Precipitation variability and long periods of dry spells lead to less reliable air quality for the entire region.
Moisture in the air can filter pollutants and provide for overall improved conditions.
▪ Wildfire Smoke. Temperature, severe wildfire conditions, and the area burned by wildfires throughout the state has increased and will continue to increase. Higher temperatures accompanied by an increase in the incidence and extent of large wildfires will lead to increased wildfire smoke and associated toxins and air pollution (Kalansky et. al 2018).
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Sea Level Rise
Sea level rise (SLR) can negatively impact the
coastal area of Carlsbad through regular tidal
inundation, erosion, and storm flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the rate of sea level rise dependent on the extent of warming temperatures. The Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment evaluated 1.6 feet of sea level rise by 2050 and 6.6 feet of sea level rise by 2100.
Groundwater inundation brought about by Sea Level Rise
was determined to have little effect on the community
(Wood et al. 2020). See Figure 4 for areas potentially tidally inundated and overlaid with critical facilities. There are 5 hazard zones outlined within the Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment found below.
▪ Coastal Inundation Hazard Zone
▪ Lagoon Inundation Hazard Zone
▪ Bluff Hazard Zone
▪ Coastal Flood Hazard Zone
▪ Lagoon Flood Hazard Zone
Each of these hazard zones are based on modeling
conducted to analyze impacts of sea level rise. The zones were used to better understand which assets would be
affected. Additional, qualitative assessments were provided onimpacts of sea level rise on visual resources, cultural resources, saltwater intrusion, and lifeguard
services.Impacts were characterize as none to moderate
(Carlsbad 2017).
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26 Figure 4 Sea Level Rise in Carlsbad Through 2050 and 2100 May 12, 2026
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3 Sensitivity
Populations and assets are affected by climate change depending on their sensitivity to climate hazards. Sensitivity is the degree to which a species, natural system, community, asset, or other associated system would be affected by changing climate conditions (Cal OES 2020). This section identifies sensitive populations and assets within Carlsbad. Potential impacts from the climate hazards of concern on sensitive populations and assets are presented in the Vulnerability Analysis section. Assets are grouped in the following manner:
Vulnerable Populations
Natural and Recreational Resources
Buildings and Facilities
Infrastructure and Critical Services
3.1 Vulnerable Populations
While all people in a community will experience climate change, some may be more affected than others. For
example, older adults and young children may be more
at-risk to heat illness during an extreme heat event. Several factors influence sensitivity to climate hazards including an individual’s health, age, and ability, societal disadvantages, inequities in access to health care, economic opportunity, education and other resources, and inequities found in basic needs and exposure to environmental stressors (Cal OES 2020). Vulnerable populations experience heightened risk to climate change and have fewer resources to adapt and recover from climate change impacts.
Following guidance from the Southern California Adaptation Planning Guide, vulnerable population groups were identified for the City (SCAG 2020). Carlsbad has several vulnerable populations that will disproportionately experience climate change listed in Table 3 below.
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28 Table 3 Vulnerable Populations in Carlsbad
Population Population Description
Total Number, Percentage of
Population or Households
Individuals with education attainment less than
4 years of college
Percent of people over age 25 without a bachelor's education or higher 41% Renters Housing units that are renter occupied 35%
Non-white Communities All individuals that do not identify as white 27% Older adults Individuals 65 years or older 17%
Individuals with Asthma Percent of people with Asthma 8% Low Income Individuals below the federal poverty level 7% Individuals with no health insurance Individuals aged 18 to 64 years old currently uninsured 6% Households without broadband internet Households without access to broadband internet. 6% Individuals with disabilities Individuals with access and functional needs (physical and mental) 5% Children Individuals 5 years and younger 5%
Miliary Veterans Individuals who have served but are not currently serving in the US Armed Forces 5% Unemployed Percentage of population aged 25-64 who are unemployed 4% Households without a computer Households without access to a computer. 3% Linguistically Isolated Households with individuals who are non or limited English-speaking 3% Outdoor Workers Individuals who are employed, 16 and older, and work outdoors 2% Isolated Individuals Households without access to a vehicle 2% People experiencing homelessness Individuals who currently lack fixed, regular, and adequate housing 147 Individuals with Cardiovascular Disease Age-adjusted rate of emergency department visits for heart attacks per 10,000. 9 Source: The percentages used in this table were acquired from the California Healthy Places Index 3.0, U.S. Census, 2015-2019 American Community Survey (ACS), and CalEnviroScreen May 12, 2026
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Vulnerable populations were grouped based on potential exposure to climate hazards, access to resources to prepare, cope with, or recover from climate hazards, whether individuals face societal disadvantages, or if individuals have heath conditions or health sensitivities that leave them vulnerable to climate hazards. Often individuals have characteristics that make them vulnerable in a variety of ways; however, for the purpose of this assessment, they were grouped based on the sensitivity that increases their risk the most. Vulnerable populations are grouped below:
▪ Individuals with High Outdoor Exposure. Outdoor workers, and people experiencing homelessness.
▪ Under-Resourced Individuals. Low-income, unemployed,
individuals with no health insurance, households without a computer, households without a broadband internet, renters, isolated individuals, individuals with educational attainment of less than 4 years of college
▪ Individuals Facing Societal Barriers. Non-white communities, linguistically isolated, American Native and Native Alaskan, and Undocumented individuals.
▪ Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions or Health Related Sensitivities. Older adults, children, Individuals with disabilities, individuals with asthma, individuals with cardiovascular disease, and Military Veterans.
3.2 Natural and Recreational
Resources
Natural and recreational resources within Carlsbad as
detailed in the Open Space Element of the General Plan
include the ocean and beaches, coastal public accessways, three lagoons (Agua Hedionda, Batiquitos and Buena Vista, California’s first ecological reserve), waterways, parks, hillsides, and the urban forest. These various resources provide habitat, sources of community resilience, recreation, and economic productivity to the City. These resources are spread throughout the City and face various levels of exposure to climate hazards.
3.3 Buildings and Facilities
Climate change is expected to amplify extreme weather
and climate hazards in Carlsbad. A jurisdiction’s
vulnerability increases when buildings and facilities are not designed, operated, and/or maintained to function effectively under extreme weather conditions or can be damaged by extreme weather conditions. The following buildings and facilities would be particularly sensitive to climate change: municipal and public buildings, educational facilities, hospitals, residential, commercial, and industrial development, roadways and transportation facilities, active transportation routes, fire stations, police stations, and entertainment and hospitality.
3.4 Infrastructure and Critical Services
Within Carlsbad there is a large array of infrastructure and critical services that are vulnerable to climate change.
Assets within this category include water services,
wastewater, the desalination plant, storm drainage and flood protection, solid and hazardous waste and recycling, fire services, emergency services, medical services, utilities and major utility corridors, public transportation, roadways, communication infrastructure, and active transportation routes (bike paths and walkways). This asset group is sensitive to climate change as the impacts of hazards can affect the service line ability to provide May 12, 2026
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30 resources and the infrastructure in place may not be adequately prepared to sustain increasing and compounding hazards.
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4 Adaptive Capacity
Adaptive capacity is the ability to adjust to the consequences of climate change. This section summarizes the ways in which asset managers, including the City and other agencies and utilities, currently manage for the negative impacts of climate change. Types of adaptive capacity include adjustments in behavior, resources, and technologies. The City of Carlsbad and other asset managers have actively taken steps to increase the adaptive capacity of assets and the community in Carlsbad. Existing policies, plans, programs, and institutions that increase the city’s resilience to climate change impacts are organized by climate hazard and listed in Table 4, Table 5, Table 6, and Table 7.
4.1 Extreme Heat and Warm Nights
Table 4 lists programs, plans, and policies that help communities become more resilient to an increase in extreme heat and warm nights.
Table 4 Program, Plans, and Policies to Manage Impacts of Extreme Heat and Warm Nights Existing and Planned Programs, Plans, and Policies Objectives San Diego County Aging and Independence Services
(AIS) Cool Zones and Fan Program
This program is a partnership between San Diego County Aging and Independence Services and SDG&E to maintain designated cooling centers for county residents especially those more susceptible to heat related illness. The program also provides electric fans free of charge to seniors and other vulnerable groups without access to air conditioning.
San Diego County Excessive Heat Response Plan
(County of San Diego Health and Human Services
Agency 2021)
The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency maintains an internal and external Excessive Heat Response Plan. The Internal plan coordinates public health resources in response to extreme heat events. The external plan (“Consumer Version”) is a public facing document which provides resident guidance and strategies for mitigating heat related hazards.
Carlsbad Cool Zone Program The City of Carlsbad maintains cooling centers for residents during periods of extreme heat. The sites provide free air-conditioning and conserve energy for the whole community.
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Medical Baseline
Allowance Program (SDG&E 2021)
SDG&E provides additional electricity at discounted rates to customers with a qualifying medical need. This program often allows heat sensitive individuals to continue operating space cooling equipment more consistently.
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32 4.2 Riverine & Stormwater Flooding, Droughts, & Sea Level Rise Table 5 lists programs, plans, and policies that help increase the community’s resilience to riverine and stormwater flooding, droughts, and sea level rise.
Table 5 Programs, Plans, and Policies to Manage Riverine and Stormwater Flooding, Droughts, and Sea Level Rise Impacts Existing and Planned Programs, Plans, and Policies Objectives Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD) Urban
Water Management Plan (Carlsbad Municipal Water
District 2020)
The Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD) Urban Water Management Plan includes descriptions of CMWD’s water supply sources, projected water demands, and supply reliability during normal water years, single dry years, and five consecutive dry years. The plan includes a discussion of the impacts of climate change on the system in a vulnerability analysis as well as strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant Beginning operation in 2015, the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant provides a “drought-proof” source of drinking water to water utilities throughout the San Diego region.
Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) Urban
Water Management Plan (Olivenhain Municipal Water
District 2020)
The Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) Urban Water Management Plan includes descriptions of OMWD‘s water supply sources, projected water demands, and supply reliability during normal water years and periods of drought. The plan includes a discussion of the impacts of climate change on the system.
Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) Potable
Water and Recycled Water Master Plan (Olivenhain
Municipal Water District 2015)
The OMWD Potable Water and Recycled Water Master Plan forecasts potable water demand through 2050 as well as outlines the planned expansion of the water districts potable and recycled water systems. The plan incorporated the findings of San Diego County Water Authority’s 2013 climate change analysis to inform water demand projections.
North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition (NSDWRC) The NSDWRC is a collaborative program between northern San Diego County water and wastewater agencies. The agencies are taking inventory of where there is a supply of wastewater and a demand for recycled water. This program will provide the region with a drought-proof source of water and reduce discharge of wastewater to the ocean.
San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management
Plan: Integrated Flood Management Planning Report
(County of San Diego 2013)
This regional study serves as a guidance document to facilitate an integrated water resources approach to flood management. It includes information to perform planning level risk analysis and defines general strategies and approaches to guide flood management decision making. The report highlights the need for floodplain management systems to be flexible and resilient to changing conditions like climate change and population growth applied towards stormwater flooding.
City of Carlsbad Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan
2019 (Carlsbad 2019).
The 2019 Local Coastal Plan for the City of Carlsbad, supported by the 2017 Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment, provides several land use policies that support sea level rise adaptation efforts. Policies of LCP-7-P.28 through LCP- 7-P.36 build on the sea level rise vulnerability assessment to incorporate findings and recommendations into the local coastal plan including land use and mitigation actions.
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Existing and Planned Programs, Plans, and Policies Objectives Agua Hedionda Watershed Management Plan (City of
Vista 2008)
The 2008 Agua Hedionda Waterhed Management Plan describes water quality, habitat, erosion, and hazard concerns within the Agua Hedionda Watershed. The City of Carlsbad assisted in the development of the Plan. The Plan acknowledges the long-term challenges that climate change will pose on the watershed’s wildlife and overall watershed function. A variety of management actions are recommended including preservation of riparian buffer and wetlands restoration and stormwater retrofit projects. Considerations of predicted impacts from climate change are not described in relation to the proposed management actions.
City of Carlsbad Local Coastal Program (Draft) The City of Carlsbad Local Coastal Plan, approved by the City Council on October 12, 2021, identifies coastal areas that are most susceptible to damage from a climate change driven increase in the sea level. The assessment projects potential hazards through 2050 and 2100. It compares the relative risks and vulnerabilities of different areas and resources. The report also describes possible adaptation strategies the City can implement to prevent future coastal flooding and erosion. The LCP is considered “draft” as it is subject to the review and approval of the California Coastal Commission. The document is currently under review by the Commission.
SANDAG Regional Beach Sand Project The Project placed 1.5 million cubic yards of beach quality sand on regional beaches in the fall of 2021. Around 140,000 cubic yards were placed in South Carlsbad and about 218,000 cubic yards of sand were placed in North Carlsbad.
The Carlsbad Opportunistic Sand Program The Carlsbad Opportunistic Sand Program was launched in 2006 to leads the City’s sand acquisition effort. Under the program, Carlsbad can accept up to 150,000 cubic yards a year.
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34 4.3 Wildfires
Table 6 lists programs, plans, and policies that help increase the community’s resilience to wildfires. There are no policies or programs in place that specifically address landslides or air quality related hazards.
Table 6 Programs, Plans, and Policies to Manage Wildfire Impacts Existing and Planned Programs, Plans, and Policies Objectives Carlsbad Hazard Reduction Program The Carlsbad Hazard Reduction Program is managed by the Carlsbad Fire Department in order to comply with AB 38 which requires real estate sales of property within a High or Very High Fire Severity Zone to involve an inspection by local fire authorities to demonstrate compliance with state and local laws regarding defensible space and vegetation management.
Carlsbad Fire Department's Fire Prevention Bureau
(Carlsbad Fire Department 2022)
The Carlsbad Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau works to mitigate risks within the community by providing education about the benefits of proper safety practices and reduction of all types of hazardous conditions. The Bureau’s responsibilities include fire code enforcement, Hazard reduction inspections in the Wildland Urban Interface, and public education.
SDG&E Wildfire Mitigation Plan (SDG&E 2021) The SDG&E Wildfire Mitigation Plan details the various mitigation efforts the utility is making to reduce the risk of and increase resilience to wildfire. These efforts include risk assessment and mapping, situational awareness and forecasting, public safety power shutoffs, grid hardening, vegetation monitoring and management, grid operations and protocols, and emergency preparedness.
San Diego County Resilience Review Report:
Wildland Fire (County of San Diego 2019)
The Wildfire Resilience Review Report is part of the larger San Diego County Resilience Program and is intended to identify gaps in San Diego County’s approach to reducing the community risk from wildfire. The report makes recommendations to support risk mitigation before a wildfire, functional capacity in response to wildfire, and strategies to recover from a wildfire. Task G.2 states to establish a Memorandum of Agreement with Carlsbad Fire, San Marcos Fire, and Escondido Fire to create a Joint County Technical Rescue Team (County of San Diego 2019).
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Public Safety
Power Shutoff (PSPS) Notifications and Supportive
Services (SDG&E 2021)
SDG&E operates a notification system to alert customers of Public Safety Power Shutoff during periods of elevated wildfire risk. During a PSPS, SDG&E provides various supportive services to customers with qualifying needs including hotel stays, accessible transportation, food support, welfare checks, and backup power systems.
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4.4 Multiple Climate Hazards
Table 7 lists programs, plans, and policies that help increase the community’s resilience to multiple climate hazards.
Table 7 Programs, Plans, and Policies to Manage Multiple Climate Hazard Impacts Existing and Planned Programs, Plans, and Policies Objectives San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan (County of San Diego 2018)
The Plan assesses hazards within the County including Carlsbad and identifies mitigation strategies that reduce or eliminate long-term risks to people and property from those hazards. Climate hazards planned for include drought, flood, landslides, extreme heat, winter storms, and wildfire. The Plan outlines goals and objective to mitigate risk to vulnerable populations and physical assets across San Diego County including Carlsbad.
San Diego County Emergency Operations Plan
(EOP) (County of San Diego 2018)
The County EOP summarizes a comprehensive emergency management system which enables a planned response to a wide variety of disaster situations. The high-level goals of the EOP are 1) to provide a system for the effective management of emergency situations; 2) to identify lines of authority and relationships; 3) to assign tasks and responsibilities; 4) to ensure adequate maintenance of facilities, services, and resources; and 5) to provide a framework for adequate resources for recovery operations. While the plan does not address climate change directly, it establishes a framework of response to multiple hazards exacerbated by climate change including flooding, drought, wildfire, and landslides.
Carlsbad You Are Not Alone (YANA) Program The YANA program is a free service for Carlsbad seniors who live alone and would benefit from a daily check. YANA clients are called each morning Tuesday through Saturday. If the client does not respond, a welfare check is conducted.
City of Carlsbad Emergency Operations Plan (City of
Carlsbad 2021)
Carlsbad’s Emergency Operations Plan details protocols to prevent, protect, mitigate, respond, and recover from the effects of disasters. The plan provides a system for the effective management of emergency situations and identifies lines of authority and responsibility. The plan reviews the hazards most likely to impact the City, especially those exacerbated by climate change including drought, extreme heat, wildfire, flooding, and severe winter storms.
Ready Carlsbad Business Alliance (RCBA) The RCBA is a program that promotes business emergency preparedness and supports the continuity of operations and community recovery. The program is a collaborative effort between the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and the City of Carlsbad.
Carlsbad Emergency Response Team (CERT)
Program
The CERT program trains volunteers in basic first aid, light search and rescue, and small fire suppression, and are closely associated with Carlsbad’s Fire Department. CERT volunteers may assist neighbors and other emergency personnel in times of emergency, and support evacuations along with other responsibilities.
Carlsbad Emergency Operations Center (EOC) The EOC provides a common location to coordinate resource support for fire, police, public works, and other response agencies as well as coordinate general public emergency notifications, evacuations and sheltering in the event of a large-scale emergency.
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36 Existing and Planned Programs, Plans, and Policies Objectives Habitat Management Plan for Natural Communities
in the City of Carlsbad (City of Carlsbad 2004)
The Plan outlines a citywide effort to identify opportunities for the City to work collaboratively with federal and state wildlife agencies to preserve the diversity of habitat and sensitive biological resources within the City. The Plan discusses impacts of and management strategies for wildfire, flood, landslide, and air quality. However, it does not include content around climate change and the relationship between climate change and habitat and wildlife within the City.
Alert San Diego Emergency Notification System
(County of San Diego 2022)
The County of San Diego uses a regional notification system to send telephone notifications to residents and businesses within the County impacted by an emergency or disaster. The Alert San Diego system is used by emergency response personnel to notify those homes and businesses at risk with information on the event including, but not limited to evacuation and shelter in place orders. The systems usage rates for Carlsbad are not publicly available.
Carlsbad General Plan Public Safety Element The Carlsbad General Plan Public Safety Element provides policy direction that supports laws and regulation of future development that will minimize the risk of personal injury, loss of life, property damage, and environmental damage associated with natural and human-caused hazards. The Public Safety Element includes goals related to climate adaptation and resilience, and policies that will support the community’s capacity to better withstand the impacts associated with climate change. These policies include promoting design decisions that improve community resilience and protect vulnerable populations, protecting critical transportation, energy and water infrastructure, and ensuring emergency services have adequate capacity to address increase needs due to climate change-related impacts.
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5 Vulnerability Analysis
This section describes the impacts each climate hazard has on community assets and services described in the Sensitivity section.
Existing plans, policies, and programs that contribute to the adaptive capacity are summarized throughout. An impact score and an adaptive capacity score is identified for each asset by climate hazard, along with an overall vulnerability score consistent with the scoring methodology described in Vulnerability Assessment Methodology.
There are 7 groups of assets evaluated in the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment which are also addressed in this report.
The information Table 8 within section 5.2 presents the assets projected to be impacted, along with the time horizon and vulnerability ratings in the Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment which is used where relevant in this section.
5.1 Vulnerable Populations
Individuals with High Outdoor Exposure including
outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness,
face disproportionate direct exposure to climate hazards, causing them to be extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Under-resourced individuals often do not have access or the ability to afford resources needed to prepare for, cope with, and recover from climate change impacts. Individuals who are unemployed or are low-income often face financial barriers when preparing for and recovering from climate change hazards. Individuals in these groups often live in homes that are less protected against climate hazards.
Low-income individuals may not be able to take time off work to address health concerns either caused by or exacerbated by climate hazards. Individuals with educational attainment of less than 4 years of college usually have lower earning potential than those with a 4- year college degree. As defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, this population group does not include individuals who have attended trade schools, apprentice program, or who have attained associates degrees. Individuals with 4-year degrees are half as likely to be unemployed than those who only have a high school degree (Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities N.d). Individuals in this group are less likely to have access to transportation, healthcare, and other basic needs. Under-resourced individuals often lack the financial resources to evacuate from a climate hazard and/or find an affordable place to evacuate to.
Individuals Facing Societal Barriers also face additional impacts of climate change. Non-white individuals are more likely to live in high hazard risk areas and less likely to be homeowners, which leaves them vulnerable to climate hazards. If evacuation and/or advisory notices, hazard preparedness material, or governmental guidance is not provided in non-English versions, linguistically isolated individuals may not be able to prepare for, cope with, or recover from a climate hazard (Gamble et al. 2016).
Individuals with chronic health conditions or health related sensitivities are socially and physiologically vulnerable to climate change impacts and hazards. Older adults and individuals with disabilities may have limited or reduced mobility, mental function, or communication abilities, making it difficult to evacuate during or prepare for a climate hazard event (CDPH 2020). They may also May 12, 2026
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38 have medical needs for electricity which may be impacted during a public safety power shutoff or climate hazard event. There are several senior facilities in Carlsbad in La Costa Glen and other smaller facilities as well such as Carlsbad by the Sea. Individuals in these groups are more likely to have pre-existing medical conditions or chronic illnesses that may exacerbate the risk of illnesses and medical problems from climate hazards. Similarly, individuals with asthma and individuals with cardiovascular disease are more likely to experience health impacts from climate hazards because of their pre-existing conditions or diseases (PHASoCal 2022). Children are socially and physiologically vulnerable to climate hazards with limited understandings of climate hazards and insufficient resources to independently prepare for and safely respond during a climate hazard event. Children, especially young ones, are reliant on their parental figures to ensure their health, safety, and wellbeing (CDPH 2020). Children also have vulnerable physical characteristics because they have not fully physiologically developed and are therefore more vulnerable to health effects of climate change impacts (Kenny et al. 2014). Military veterans are more likely to have chronic health complications as well as experiencing low- income or homelessness after their service, which also makes them vulnerable to preparing and responding to climate hazards (Olenick et at. 2015).
Potential Impacts
Extreme Heat
Outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness
are at risk to health impacts from extreme heat. Outdoor workers, including construction workers, roofers, and landscapers, are often subject to strenuous work conditions and are vulnerable during extreme heat events. People experiencing homelessness are exposed to health-related impacts associated extreme heat because they have limited access to shelter and air conditioning. The primary health impacts to these populations are heat-related illnesses, such as heat stress, heat stroke, and dehydration, which can be life- threatening (CDPH 2020).
Under-resourced individuals may not be able to pay for adequate air conditioning or fans, increasing their exposure to extreme heat.
Isolated individuals don’t have access to a vehicle to travel to cooling centers or move to temporary shelters during extreme heat event (Cooley et al. 2012). Under-resourced individuals are less likely to receive medical care for illnesses triggered or exacerbated by extreme heat. Households without a computer or broadband internet may not receive heat advisory warnings or governmental guidance, causing them to experience health impacts from extreme heat exposure (CDPH 2017).
Non-white communities often live in housing with insufficient protection from extreme heat events and limited or no affordable air conditioning. Linguistically isolated individuals may not to be able to read heat advisory warnings or governmental guidance, potentially causing them to experience greater exposure to extreme heat (Gamble et al. 2016). The primary health impacts to these populations are heat-related illnesses, such as heat stress, heat stroke, and dehydration, which can be life-threatening (CDPH 2020).
These populations may not have access to medical services to treat heat-related illnesses.
Individuals with chronic health conditions or health related sensitivities are particularly at risk to heat related illnesses during extreme heat events. Individuals with disabilities, older adults, and children may have difficulty turning on air conditioning or traveling to cooling centers during extreme heat events. Extreme heat conditions can exacerbate asthma, cardiovascular disease, certain disabilities, and other respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, potentially causing heat-related illnesses such as heat stress, heat May 12, 2026
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stroke and dehydrations, which can be-life threatening (CDPH 2020). Children are still physiologically developing which means that they are less able to regulate their bodies during extreme heat events (Kenny et al. 2014).
Drought
Outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness
are at risk to drought conditions and associated cascading impacts. During prolonged drought conditions, people experiencing homelessness may have difficulty accessing clean and affordable drinking water (Gamble et al. 2016).
During periods of prolonged drought, under-resourced individuals are more likely to experience the cost burden associated with increased water rates (Feinstein et al. 2017). These individuals may struggle to access clean and affordable drinking water which may cause dehydration and/or exacerbate underlying health conditions and illnesses (Gamble et al. 2016).
Non-white communities are at risk to drought conditions and associated cascading impacts. Individuals in these groups may face systemic and/or cultural barriers when seeking to access affordable and clean drinking water, which may cause dehydration and/or exacerbate underlying health conditions and illnesses (Gamble et al. 2016).
Individuals with chronic health conditions or health related sensitivities are at risk to drought conditions and associated cascading impacts. Prolonged drought conditions can lead to water scarcity and individuals may need to rely on poor quality water supplies. Individuals with chronic health conditions or health related sensitives may experience negative health impacts if they become dehydrated. Children and older adults are especially at risk to dehydration as their bodies are not able to regulate as well (Kenny et al. 2014). Dehydration may exacerbate underlying health conditions and illnesses. (California Department of Public Health 2017).
Wildfire
Outdoor workers may be exposed to hazardous work
conditions during wildfire events and may become injured from smoke inhalation or burns. People experiencing homelessness are particularly at-risk during wildfire events as they often suffer from respiratory conditions, mental illness, and chronic health conditions that may be exacerbated from physical contact with wildfire or smoke inhalation. People experiencing homeless have limited access to shelter and do not have access to transportation to evacuate from burning areas. They may also have their personal belongings destroyed or damaged during a wildfire event (CDPH 2017).
Under-resourced individuals may experience injuries or death from smoke inhalation or burns and are less likely to receive medical treatment (CDPH 2017). These individuals may have their belongings and homes damaged by a wildfire. If this occurs, under- resourced individuals are likely to suffer from the cost burden associated with losses or damage. Households without a computer or internet may not receive communications and evacuations to safely evacuate from hazard areas. Isolated individuals are vulnerable during wildfires because they no do have access to a vehicle to evacuate. Renters have limited control over home hardening and improvements that may protect against fire and smoke. Subsequently, they may experience economic and health impacts and a greater loss of belongings than homeowners (Gamble et al. 2016).
Non-white communities are more likely to live in wildfire hazard zones and in housing with insufficient protection against wildfire.
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40 Linguistically isolated individuals may not be able to read wildfire or smoke advisory warnings or governmental guidance, potentially causing them to experience greater exposure to smoke and/or wildfire. Individuals in these groups have may face systematic and/or cultural barriers to access resources to safely evacuate hazard areas (Gamble et al. 2016). Individuals in these groups may experience injuries or death from smoke inhalation or burns (CDPH 2017).
Individuals with chronic health conditions or health related sensitivities may experience injuries or death from smoke inhalation or burns (CDPH 2017). Older adults, military veterans, and pollution burdened individuals are vulnerable to health impacts from wildfire smoke pollutants because they are more likely to have underlying respiratory and/or cardiovascular conditions and illnesses. Children may experience respiratory health impacts from wildfire smoke because their respiratory systems are not fully developed and are sensitive to stressors. Individuals with cardiovascular disease may experience severe cardiovascular health impacts if exposed to wildfire smoke pollutants. Individuals with asthma may experience severe respiratory health impacts such as difficulty breathing if exposed to wildfire smoke pollutants. Individuals with disabilities, children, and older adults may have difficulty evacuating from wildfires, increasing the risk of health impacts from wildfire smoke inhalation or fire burns (EPA 2022).
Landslides
There is limited exposure for vulnerable populations to the impacts of landslides. As listed within the San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, there are 206 exposed buildings creating vulnerabilities for only the occupants of these areas.
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding
Outdoor workers may be exposed to hazardous work
conditions during riverine and/or stormwater flooding
events and therefore are vulnerable to health impacts (CDPH 2020).
People experiencing homelessness are disproportionately at risk to health impacts during flood events because they often live in flood hazard areas and do not have access to transportation to evacuate inundated areas. They may also have their personal belongings destroyed or damaged during a flood event. (Ramin & Svoboda 2009).
Under-resourced individuals may experience injuries or death from high velocity flooding and are less likely to receive medical treatment (CDPH 2017). Individuals in these groups may experience cost burdens if their belongings and homes are damaged from floodwater inundation. Isolated individuals have limited or no access to a vehicle to evacuate flood hazard areas. Households without a computer or internet may not receive communications and emergency alerts to safely evacuate from hazard areas (CDPH 2020). Renters have limited control over home improvements that may protect against flood damage. Subsequently, they may experience economic and health impacts and a greater loss of belongings than homeowners (Gamble et. al 2016).
Non-white communities are more likely to live in flood hazard areas and in housing with insufficient protection against riverine and stormwater flooding. Linguistically isolated individuals may not be able to read flood warning or governmental guidance, potentially causing them to experience greater exposure to flooding.
Individuals in these groups may face systematic and/or cultural barriers when seeking to access resources needed to safely evacuate hazard areas (Gamble et al. 2016).
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Older people and children are particularly at risk to injury and/or death from high velocity flooding (CDPH 2017). Riverine and stormwater flooding may also limit access to transportation systems, healthcare centers, and emergency response to those that are injured or in need or consistent medical care, such as those with chronic health conditions or illnesses. Children, older adults, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with chronic health conditions or illnesses may not be able to safely evacuate floodwater hazard areas.
Air Quality
Outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness
are disproportionally vulnerable to poor air quality
because they are outdoors and are directly exposed to air pollutants (CDPH 2017).
Under-resourced individuals may be disproportionally impacted by poor air quality because their housing lack sufficient air filtration and they may not be able to afford supplemental air filtration equipment (Gamble et al. 2016). Individuals in these groups may experience the development or exacerbation of respiratory illnesses and are less likely to receive medical treatment (California Department of Public Health 2017).
Non-white communities are vulnerable to health impacts associated with poor air quality because their housing may lack sufficient air filtration and they may not be able to afford supplemental air filtration equipment (Gamble et al. 2016). Linguistically isolated individuals may not be able to read air quality advisory warnings or governmental guidance that are in English, potentially causing them to experience greater exposure to extreme heat (CDPH 2017).
Individuals with chronic health conditions or health related sensitivities are at risk of developing or experiencing exacerbated health impacts from poor air quality. Children are extremely vulnerable to health impacts from poor air quality because their respiratory system has not fully developed yet (CDPH 2017). Older adults, military veterans, and pollution burdened individuals are vulnerable to health impacts from poor air quality because they are more likely to have underlying respiratory and/or cardiovascular conditions. Individuals with cardiovascular disease and individuals with asthma may experience severe health impacts if exposed to poor air quality (EPA 2022).
Sea Level Rise
People who live in inundation zones may need to retrofit homes to adapt to sea level rise and associated impacts such as mold. This activity is particularly difficult for those with limited access to resources, including individuals who are unemployed, and low-income individuals. Linguistically isolated individuals may not have access to non-English versions of sea-level- rise preparedness guidance and therefore may not be able to prepare for and cope with sea-level-rise. (Cooley 2012).
Adaptive Capacity
Carlsbad has plans, policies and programs in place that protect vulnerable populations across all climate hazards. The level of enforceability, implementation, and efficacy varies based on the hazard type.
San Diego County AIS Cool Zones and Fan Program benefits the elderly in addressing extreme heat concerns.
Plans concerning stormwater flooding and drought mainly address infrastructure resilience and water reliability and drainage, in turn helping vulnerable populations. Plans like the Carlsbad Municipal Water District UWMP and the OMWD Potable Water, Recycled May 12, 2026
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42 Water, and Sewer Master Plans, can serve as a platform of water assurance for vulnerable populations. Additionally, the desalination plant serves as a source of water resilience in the face of drought benefiting vulnerable populations.
The Local Coastal Plan has little mention of the human impact SLR poses to vulnerable population. However, this document does make mention of many adaption strategies that benefit vulnerable populations afflicted by SLR.
Vulnerability Score
The following table includes vulnerability scores for Vulnerable Populations in Carlsbad. Vulnerability scores are a combination of the impact and adaptive capacity score. The impact and adaptive capacity scores are developed using a qualitative methodology outlined in the Cal APG, as seen in Table 1.
Climate Hazard Impact Score Adaptive Capacity Score Vulnerability Score Extreme Heat High Medium 4-High
Drought High Medium 4-High
Wildfire High Medium 4-High
Landslides Low Low 3-Medium
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding Medium Low 4-High
Air Quality High Low 5-High
Sea Level Rise High Medium 4-High
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5.2 Natural and Recreational
Resources
Primary vulnerabilities for natural resources are
associated with climate hazard-caused stress and physical damage to resource types within this asset group.
Compounding climate hazards stress natural ecosystems past their ability to absorb individual climate hazards. Wildlife will seek out more conducive habitats during climate hazards such as extreme heat or drought which tend to be where people recreate (USDA 2020). Recreational areas are also placed under increased risk via climate projections creating additional stress and competing needs for safe habitats. Impacts related to habitat shifts are exacerbated compared to rural communities as densely populated and isolated open space areas have limited opportunities for re-seeding or re- habitation from adjacent areas. Natural resources are highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change in Carlsbad.
Potential Impacts
Extreme Heat
The impacts under extreme heat and warm nights are
similar to impacts experienced by vulnerable populations.
Wildlife under these conditions face impacts of heat stress and heat related illness as well as disrupted reproductive cycles, and compounding risks associated with early and extended seasonal temperature increases (Backlund 2008). Because it is seasonally warmer earlier in the year species can emerge early with no food source and potentially face a delayed cold front which increases mortality rates. Timing of seasonal warmth may not overlap with food sources and extreme heat may stress dependent vegetation communities and wildlife (Dale, 1997, Hamerlynck 1995, Maclean 2011). Plants are more likely to experience heat stress and drying, species’ habitat ranges may shift and be replaced with invasive species including urban forestry. Some pests can proliferate more easily with warmer temperatures (Hamerlynck 1995), and some plants and animals ill-suited to the new warmer conditions may suffer increased mortality rates (CA, 2022). Natural resources are highly exposed to extreme heat and warm nights. Both mid- and end- of century projections depict dramatic increases in extreme heat days (CEC 2021).
Drought
Impacts from drought involve risks associated with water scarcity and availability for reliant natural resources.
Drought will disrupt habitats and wildlife abilities to survive from dehydration and reliable food sources. The City supports a number of sensitive plant and wildlife species dependent on wetland and tidal habitats. Extended or variable drought conditions effect the amount and duration water is available in ephemeral and permanent waters sources, impacting plants and wildlife dependent on those aquatic resources (Burkett 2000). This includes unsupportable urban forestry as well as lagoons.
Wildfire
The largest direct impacts to natural resources are caused by wildfires. There is direct mortality and loss of resources and wildlife from wildfire as well as indirect mortality due to uninhabitable areas, loss of available food sources and seed bank (Backlund 2008). The severity and frequency of wildfires can exacerbate these impacts further through habitat conversions resulting in vegetation communities that no longer supports the species using that habitat and the landscape providing minimal alternative habitats (Bell et.al 1999, Stephenson et.al 1999, Coop et.
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44 al 2020). As discussed with the Exposure to Climate Hazards section, extreme wildfire risk days are projected to increase through the end of the century (CEC 2021). Figure 2 depicts the spread of VHFHSZ’s bordering and fully encompassing areas with natural resources.
Landslides
Landslide susceptibility is limited and the likelihood of landslides occurring is determined by precipitation and wildfire occurring sequentially (CA, 2022). In the event of a landslide there is potential for loss of lands, habitat, and disruption of waterbodies in areas of debris flow. The susceptibility of natural resource lands in Carlsbad to landslides is less than other hazards such as wildfire but the risks around loss of topsoil and habitat conversions can increase the scope of impact. Wildlife and plants face a compounding risk when presented with landslide events.
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding
Flooding impacts are mainly caused by associated erosion and the detrimental effects flooding can have on water
quality, especially to aquatic and fish species dependent on water quality for survival (Talbot 2018). Riverine and stormwater flooding will mostly affect sensitive species of plants and wildlife that are not upland based. Other impacts include damage from inundation within storm flooded areas such as habitats and lands around streams and waterbodies in the City. Additionally, stormwater flooding can reduce overall water quality through algae blooms causing water quality issues within wetlands (EPA 2022).
Air Quality
The direct effects of air quality declines on natural
resources relates to plant and wildlife health as increased air pollutants causes stress and mortality. Impacts from air quality can further impact natural resources since air quality declines correspond with other hazards, compounding risks.
Sea Level Rise
Impacts to natural resources are summarized in Table 8.
The extent to which coastal inundation affects habitats, wildlife, and plants is large within Carlsbad. Environmentally sensitive lands such as wetlands, riparian areas, and woodlands are most affected by sea level rise and show limitations in ability to shift habitat location (Carlsbad 2017). Vulnerability determined within the Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment outlines moderate to high ratings for natural resources through the end of the century.
Table 8 City-Wide Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Summary
Asset Category Horizon Impacted Assets
Overall Vulnerability
Rating (Low-High)
Beaches 2050 27 acres Moderate
2100 146 acres High
State Parks 2050 6 Parcels Moderate - High
2100 6 Parcels Moderate - High
Environmentally
Sensitive Lands
2050 1,088 acres Moderate
2100 1,164 acres High
Source: City of Carlsbad 2017 Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment Plans and Programs in Place to Alleviate Climate
Impacts on Natural Resources (Adaptive Capacity)
There are no relevant plans programs or policies directly increasing the adaptive capacity of Carlsbad natural resources to the climate hazard of extreme heat. As one of the few cities with an adopted Local Coastal Plan (LCP) and a Habitat Management Plan there is a May 12, 2026
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fair amount of existing capacity to manage the natural resources unique to the community. Since the Habitat Management Plan’s approval in 2004 understanding of the hazards has increased around insights to how climate change can create vulnerabilities for natural resources. The LCP which is supported by the Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment does offer insights on how sea level rise will impact natural resources as well as adaptation strategies in relation to climate change.
Related to wildfire, there are existing programs and plans on vegetation management found in Table 6 and Table 7.
Indirect planning exists around adaption for natural resources around flooding and drought including the San Diego Integrated Regional Water Management Plan: Integrated Flood Management Planning Report, Carlsbad Municipal Water District (CMWD) Urban Water Management Plan, the OMWD Potable Water and Recycled Water Master Plan, and the Vallecitos Water District Water, Wastewater, and Recycled Water Master Plan.
Vulnerability Score for Natural Resources
The following table incudes vulnerability scores for Natural Resources in Carlsbad. Vulnerability scores are a combination of the impact and adaptive capacity score. The impact and adaptive capacity scores are developed using a qualitative methodology outlined in the Cal APG, as seen in Table 1.
Climate Hazard Impact Score Adaptive Capacity Score Vulnerability Score Extreme Heat/Warm Nights High Low 5-High
Drought High Low 5-High
Wildfire High Medium 4-High
Landslides Low Low 3-Medium
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding High Medium 4-High
Air Quality Medium Low 4-High
Sea Level Rise High Medium 4-High
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46 5.3 Buildings and Facilities
Vulnerabilities within this asset category primarily
concern physical exposure and damages related to
climate hazards. Impacts to buildings and facilities related to hospitality and entertainment such as Legoland and hotels may have cascading impacts across economic productivity and viability.
Impacts associated with operations of critical services are discussed under Infrastructure and Critical Services.
Potential Impacts
Extreme Heat and Warm Nights
Extreme heat could impact occupants of buildings and
facilities that are not adequately weatherized for
increased temperatures.
Drought
Drought will have minimal impact on the physical
structures of buildings and facilities across Carlsbad.
Wildfire
The structures and buildings that occupy wildfire hazard zones are at risk of structural damage from wildfires.
There are several critical facilities in the City’s wildfire hazard zones shown in Figure 2.
Landslides
Landslide susceptibility for Carlsbad overlaps with sloped wildfire hazard zones (CDOC 2021). Impacts to buildings and facilities as outlined in the multi-jurisdiction hazard mitigation plan encompass 2 commercial buildings and 204 residential buildings.
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding
There is minimal risk to the physical structures outlined under this asset category to riverine and stormwater
flooding. The location of floodplains in Figure 3 show only a slight risk of impact based on current flood conditions.
Air Quality
The impact of reduced air quality will have a similar effect as extreme heat for buildings and facilities. The ability to filter air will greatly affect the reliant subsystems, services, and populations reliant on the buildings and facilities. The direct impact on structures is low.
Sea Level Rise
As outlined in Table 9 there is a large scope of end-
century impacted assets to sea level rise with 657 parcels of residential and commercially zoned areas being inundated (Carlsbad 2017). Physical damages brought about by coastal flooding are mainly related to coastal flooding as it causes structural damages. The actual likelihood of buildings and facilities being flooded due to sea level rise is low, however due to the high value of the structure’s vulnerability was listed as moderate (Carlsbad 2017).
Findings from the Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment were sorted into three planning zones with different vulnerability scores associated with levels of impact and adaptive capacity. Within Planning Zone 1 there was a listed moderate vulnerability by 2050 and a high vulnerability by 2100 with affected areas in the northern May 12, 2026
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portion of the Village Planning Area and the Buena Vista Lagoon.
Planning Zone 2 has a high vulnerability score with affected structures of the residential parcels along Terramar Point, the northern shoreline of Agua Hedionda Lagoon, Hubbs Sea World Research Institute, the Carlsbad AquaFarm, and the YMCA facility.
Planning Zone 3 has a moderate vulnerability rating with undeveloped lands and a golf course on the north side of the Batiquitos Lagoon. Collectively the community’s buildings and facilities are rated as low to moderately vulnerable to sea level rise by 2050 and moderately to highly vulnerable by 2100 (Carlsbad 2017).
Table 9 City-Wide Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Summary
Asset Category Horizon Impacted Assets
Overall Vulnerability
Rating (Low-High)
Parcels 2050 564 Parcels Moderate
2100 657 Parcels High
Asset Category Horizon Impacted Assets
Overall Vulnerability
Rating (Low-High)
Critical
Infrastructure
2050 0 Parcels Low
2100 8 Parcels Moderate
Source: City of Carlsbad 2017 Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment Plans and Programs in Place to Alleviate Climate
Impacts on Buildings and Facilities (Adaptive
Capacity)
Carlsbad has minimal existing adaptive capacity to increase the weatherization of buildings and facilities throughout the city.
SDG&E wildfire mitigation plan and the Carlsbad Public Safety element are the only plans and policies with mention of structure hardening. The City of Carlsbad Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan does offer adaptive capacity for the City in the form of best practice land use for development exposed to sea level rise.
Vulnerability Score for Buildings and Facilities
The following table incudes vulnerability scores for Buildings and Facilities in Carlsbad. Vulnerability scores are a combination of the impact and adaptive capacity score. The impact and adaptive capacity scores are developed using a qualitative methodology outlined in the Cal APG, as seen in Table 1.
Climate Hazard Impact Score Adaptive Capacity Score Vulnerability Score Extreme Heat/Warm Nights Medium Low 4-High
Drought Low Medium 2-Medium
Wildfire Medium Medium 3-Medium
Landslides Low Low 3-Medium
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding Low Low 3-Medium
Air Quality Low Low 3-Medium
Sea Level Rise Medium Low 4-High
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48 5.4 Infrastructure and Critical Services
Overall vulnerabilities associated with this asset category involve structural preparedness and service reliability in the face of climate change. This section is mainly
concerned with the cascading impacts physical damages to buildings and facilities can have on services and infrastructure.
Potential Impacts
Extreme Heat and Warm Nights
As temperatures increase, roadways, active
transportation routes, and railroads are vulnerable to
damages through sustained heat such as buckled railroad ties and cracked surfaces (Kalansky et al. 2018). Additional impacts from extreme heat are associated with increased emergency service calls which may strain medical services. Electrical infrastructure could be overwhelmed by demand and result in blackouts or energy providers could conduct power safety shutoffs to avoid impacts to electrical facilities. Power outages have significant impacts on communication networks, water conveyance, and vulnerable populations. Emergency service providers may not be able to fully function if systems they rely upon experience power outages (e.g., telecommunication network, EOC facilities, etc.).
Drought
Drought can impact water reliability and water
infrastructure. All emergency services depend on water, particularly firefighters who require adequate water supply for fire suppression. Water providers within the City will encounter increased difficulty as drought impacts general service reliability.
Drought impacts can create service strain for emergency and medical services. Cracked pavements from drought compounded with extreme heat affects roadways and transportation routes.
Wildfire
There are some facilities located in the VHFHSZ’s as
shown in Figure 2. Additionally, utility lines have the potential to be damaged in high-risk locations, resulting in oil and gas leaks and power outages. Utility lines under certain high wind conditions can also trigger wildfires through downed power lines (Kalansky et al. 2018). Power safety shut offs in response to wildfire risk can affect service reliability of power. Increased frequency of wildfires can place strain on fire and emergency services. Evacuation routes could be disrupted during a wildfire event limiting emergency responders and ability for people to evacuate as well.
Post-wildfire there are additional issues of displacement and needs for temporary shelters for uprooted communities.
Landslides
There is no projected impact of landslide to services and infrastructure within Carlsbad.
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding
Impervious surfaces can impede the absorption of water
and augment stormwater flooding in areas of Carlsbad.
There is risk of damage from increased extreme precipitation events including erosion, washouts, and sinkholes. Storm drainage and flood protection services for the City may be impacted by these events. Water supply for fire suppression as well as wildfire-caused declines in water quality are additional cascading impacts.
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Air Quality
Higher incidence of unsafe air quality generated by
increased smog, dust and wildfire smoke can create
general strain on existing infrastructure and critical services through increased rates of hospitalization and emergency and medical services (CDPH, 2020).
Sea Level Rise
The impacts Carlsbad is expected to experience related to services and infrastructure are moderate when presented together. There are 8 parcels of critical infrastructure, 5.8 miles of transportation routes, and 7.3 miles of lateral public access ways impacted by sea level rise through 2100 found in Table 10 (Carlsbad 2017). Part of a sewer pump station is expected to be inundated by the 2100 horizon and negatively impact the community through service disruption and sewer spills (Carlsbad 2017). The Carlsbad Boulevard crossing of Buena Vista Lagoon is considered highly vulnerable to sea level rise by 2100 (Carlsbad 2017).
Table 10 City-Wide Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Summary Asset Category Horizon Impacted Assets
Overall Vulnerability
Rating (Low-High)
Public Access
Ways
2050 26 beach access ways
2.6 miles of lateral
access ways
Moderate
2100 37 beach access ways
7.3 miles of lateral
access ways
Moderate
Transportation 2050 1.6 Miles High
2100 5.8 Miles High
Source: City of Carlsbad 2017 Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment Plans and Programs in Place to Alleviate
Climate Impacts on Services and
Infrastructure (Adaptive Capacity)
The relevant existing plans, policies, and programs for Carlsbad are mainly multi-hazard based. All multi-hazard plans, programs and systems are designed to address service and infrastructure failings and contingencies. Existing planning covers mainly wildfire with some mention of flood hazards. Relevant plans and systems in place are found below:
▪ San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (County of San Diego 2018)
▪ San Diego County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) (County of San Diego 2018)
▪ City of Carlsbad Emergency Operations Plan (City of Carlsbad 2021)
▪ Carlsbad Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program
▪ Carlsbad Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
▪ San Diego County Resilience Program (County of San Diego 2020)
▪ Alert San Diego Emergency Notification System (County of San Diego 2022)
▪ Carlsbad General Plan Public Safety Element
▪ Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Desalination Plant
▪ San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Notifications and Supportive Services (SDG&E 2021) Cascading risks of services and power dependencies are addressed in relation to wildfire throughout these plans and programs.
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50 Vulnerability Score for Services and Infrastructure
The following table incudes vulnerability scores for Services and Infrastructure in Carlsbad. Vulnerability scores are a combination of the impact and adaptive capacity score. The impact and adaptive capacity scores are developed using a qualitative methodology outlined in the Cal APG, as seen in Table 1.
Climate Hazard Impact Score Adaptive Capacity Score Vulnerability Score Extreme Heat High Low 5-High
Drought High Medium 4-High
Wildfire High High 3-Medium
Landslides Low Low 3- Medium
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding High Low 5-High
Air Quality High Low 5-High
Sea Level Rise Medium Low 4-High
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6 Conclusion
This report evaluates how climate change may impact vulnerable community members, natural resources, critical facilities, buildings, services, and infrastructure in Carlsbad. The report provides a prioritized list of vulnerable population groups and assets for which adaptation policies and programs should be developed and implemented to increase community resilience.
The City of Carlsbad’s Exposure to Climate Hazards was analyzed through projections from the Cal-Adapt Local Climate Change Snapshot tool and regional context presented in the California Fourth Climate Change Assessment San Diego region report. A list of asset categories with high vulnerability scores is provided on the next page. The City’s exposure to wildfire was mapped in Figure 2.
FEMA classified floodplains were also mapped across the city showing 100-year and 500-year floodplains occupying regions closest to the ocean and lagoons within city limits in Figure 3. Figure 4 presents 1.6-foot and 6.6-foot projections of sea level rise through the years of 2050 and 2100 respectively, consistent with the 2017 Carlsbad Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment.
The City’s asset groups explored in the Sensitivity section outlined vulnerable populations listed in Table 3, natural and recreational resources, buildings and facilities, and infrastructure and critical services.
The Adaptive Capacity section outlined the existing programs, plans, and policies that help the city of Carlsbad become more resilient to increased exposure to climate hazards. The vulnerability score is a combination of the impact and adaptive capacity score. In the Vulnerability Analysis section the impact and adaptive capacity scores are developed using a qualitative methodology outlined in the Cal APG, as seen in Table 1 and Table 2.Impact and adaptive capacity scores for each climate hazard are identified for each sensitivity. A complete list of the population groups and asset categories with high-vulnerability scores is provided below along with the following summary points.
▪ All sensitive population groups identified are highly vulnerable to extreme heat, with many population groups also vulnerable to air quality, wildfires, flooding, and sea level rise. ▪ Natural resources are highly vulnerable to extreme heat, drought, wildfire, flooding, and sea level rise. Vulnerability for natural resources is focused on habitat conversions and damage, mortality, and scarcity of resources for plants and wildlife.
▪ Buildings and facilities in the City are highly vulnerable to sea level rise. Buildings and facilities located in inundation zones are at risk of structural damage from sea level rise.
▪ Infrastructure and critical facilities are highly vulnerable to extreme heat, flooding, air quality, and sea level rise. Several facilities are in the wildfire hazard severity zones of Carlsbad.
These buildings and facilities are at risk of structural damage from wildfire. Infrastructure and dependent populations experience additional cascading impacts around power outages from downed utility lines, power safety shut offs and grid overload. All forms of power outages can affect how critical services are able to perform their needed functions during a hazard.
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52 Climate Hazard Impact Score Adaptive Capacity Score Vulnerability Score Vulnerable Populations
Extreme Heat High Medium 4-High
Drought High Medium 4-High
Wildfire High Medium 4-High
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding Medium Low 4-High
Air Quality High Low 5-High
Sea Level Rise High Medium 4-High
Natural and Recreational Resources
Extreme Heat/Warm Nights High Low 5-High
Drought High Low 5-High
Wildfire High Medium 4-High
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding High Medium 4-High
Air Quality Medium Low 4-High
Sea Level Rise High Medium 4-High
Buildings and Facilities
Extreme Heat/Warm Nights Medium Low 4-High
Sea Level Rise Medium Low 4-High
Infrastructure and Critical Facilities
Extreme Heat High Low 5-High
Drought High Medium 4-High
Riverine and Stormwater Flooding High Low 5-High
Air Quality High Low 5-High
Sea Level Rise Medium Low 4-High
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The Carlsbad Public Safety Element will include policies and programs to increase the resilience of the population groups and asset categories with the highest vulnerability to climate change, as presented in this report.
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ts/CA-Adaptation-Planning-Guide-FINAL-June-2020-
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Kenney WL, Craighead DH, Alexander LM. Heat waves, aging, and human cardiovascular health. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2014 Oct;46(10):1891-9. doi: 10.1249/MSS.0000000000000325.
PMID: 24598696; PMCID: PMC4155032.
Maclean, M.D. and R.J. Wilson. 2011. Recent ecological responses to climate change support predictions of high extinction risk.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Published online before print July 11, 2011.Magness, D.R, and J.M.
Morton.
North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition (NSDWRC). 2020. Regional Recycled Water Project Overview. Available:
https://nsdwrc.org/home.html
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). 2022.
The Effects of Climate Change. Available:
https://climate.nasa.gov/effects/.
Olivehain Municipal Water District. (2015). Potable Water and Recycled Water Master Plan.
Olivehain Municipal Water District. (2020). Urban Water Management Plan.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS). 2021. Spatial variation in the joint effect of extreme heat events and ozone on respiratory
hospitalizations in California.
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2023078118
Public Health Alliance of Southern California (PHASoCal).The California Healthy Places Index (HPI). 2022.
https://map.healthyplacesindex.org/
Ramin & Svoboda. 2009. Health of the Homeless and Climate Change.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2704276/
San Diego County Water Authority. (n.d.) The Carlsbad Desalination Project.
San Diego Integrated Water Management. (2013). Integrated Flood Management Plan.
San Diego Gas & Electric. (2022). Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
San Diego Gas & Electric. (n.d.). Commitment to supporting accessibility . San Diego Gas & Electric. Retrieved May 20, 2022, from https://www.sdge.com/access-and-functional-
needs-afn
San Diego Gas & Electric. (n.d.). Medical Baseline Allowance Program Overview. Retrieved May 20, 2022, from
https://www.sdge.com/residential/pay-bill/get-payment-
bill-assistance/health-senior-support/qualifiying-based- medical-need
Seneviratne, S.I., Et.al. 2012. “Changes in climate extremes and their impacts on the natural physical environment,” In: Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance
Climate Change Adaptation A Special Report of Working
Groups I and II of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, and New York, NY, USA, pp. 109-230. 2012
https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/03/SREX-
Chap3_FINAL-1.pdf
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 628 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 City of Carlsbad
Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment
58 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG). 2020.
Southern California Adaptation Planning Guide.
https://scag.ca.gov/sites/main/files/file-
attachments/socaladaptationplanningguide_oct2020_0.pdf
Southern California Edison (SCE). 2021. Critical Care Backup Battery Program.
https://www.vencolibrary.org/sites/default/files/Critical%2 0Care%20Backup%20Battery%20Program%2C%207-15-
20.pdf
Southern California Edison (SCE). 2022. Medical Baseline Program. https://www.sce.com/residential/assistance/medical-
baseline
Southern California Edison (SCE). 2022 Public Safety Power Shutoff. https://www.sce.com/wildfire/psps
Talbot, C.J., Bennett, E.M., Cassell, K. et al. The impact of flooding on aquatic ecosystem services. Biogeochemistry 141, 439– 461 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10533-018-0449-7
Unified San Diego County Emergency Services Organization and County of San Diego. (2018). Emergency Operations Plan.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 2005. Recovery Plan for Vernal Pool Ecosystems of California and Southern Oregon.
https://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plans/2006/060307_d
ocs/doc531.pdf
USDA Forest Service RMRS-GTR-375. 2018 Chapter 10: Effects of Climate Change on Outdoor Recreation. Michael S. Hand,
Jordan W. Smith, David L. Peterson, Nancy A. Brunswick, and Carol P. Brown
USGCRP, 2018: Impacts, Risks, and Adaptation in the United States:
Fourth National Climate Assessment, Volume II: [Reidmiller, D.R., C.W. Avery, D.R. Easterling, K.E. Kunkel, K.L.M. Lewis, T.K. Maycock, and B.C. Stewart (eds.)]. U.S. Global Change Research Program, Washington, DC, USA, 1515 pp. doi:
10.7930/NCA4.2018.
Wood, N., Ng, P., Jones, J.M., Henry K., C.Y., 2021, Hazard Exposure Reporting and Analytics - Coastal Groundwater Tool, U.S.
Geological Survey web application,
https://www.usgs.gov/apps/hera/groundwaterTool.php
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 629 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Carlsbad Municipal Water District
2025 Urban Water Management Plan May 2026
APPENDIX F: AWWA WATER AUDIT FY2025
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 630 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Water Audit Report for:
Audit Year:
All volumes to be entered as: ACRE-FEET PER YEAR
WATER SUPPLIED choose entry option:
VOS Volume from Own Sources: n g n/a 0.000 Acre-ft/Yr n g n/a percent acre-ft/yr under-registration VOSEA WI Water Imported: n g 7 15,002.600 Acre-ft/Yr n g 9 5.00% volume acre-ft/yr over-registration WIEA WE Water Exported: n g n/a 0.000 Acre-ft/Yr n g n/a percent acre-ft/yr select….. WEEA 14,836.886 Acre-ft/Yr
.
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION
BMAC Billed Metered: n g 9 13,933.509 Acre-ft/Yr
BUAC Billed Unmetered: n g n/a 0.000 Acre-ft/Yr
UMAC Unbilled Metered: n g 10 5.517 Acre-ft/Yr choose entry option:
UUAC Unbilled Unmetered: n g 3 34.834 Acre-ft/Yr 0.25% default acre-ft/yr24061 Default option selected for Unbilled Unmetered, with automatic data grading of 3 13,973.860 Acre-ft/Yr
WATER LOSSES 863.026 Acre-ft/Yr
Apparent Losses
Default option selected for Systematic Data Handling Errors, with automatic data grading of 3 choose entry option:
SDHE Systematic Data Handling Errors: n g 3 34.834 Acre-ft/Yr 0.25% default acre-ft/yr CMI Customer Metering Inaccuracies: n g 7 197.917 Acre-ft/Yr 1.40% percent acre-ft/yr under-registration UC Unauthorized Consumption: n g 3 34.834 Acre-ft/Yr 0.25% default acre-ft/yr Default option selected for Unauthorized Consumption, with automatic data grading of 3 267.585 Acre-ft/Yr
Real Losses
595.441 Acre-ft/Yr
863.026 Acre-ft/Yr
NON-REVENUE WATER
903.377 Acre-ft/Yr
SYSTEM DATA
Lm Length of mains: n g 10 474.8 miles (including fire hydrant lead lengths) Nc Number of service connections: n g 10 28,238 (active and inactive) Service connection density: 59 conn./mile main
Yes
Lp Average length of (private) customer service line: n g 10 ft (average distance between property line and meter) AOP Average Operating Pressure: n g 10 78.0 psi
COST DATA
CRUC Customer Retail Unit Charge: n g 7 $4.71
VPC Variable Production Cost: n g 8 $1,895.83 $/acre-ft $/yr (optional input) WATER AUDIT DATA VALIDITY TIER:
go to
dashboard
PRIORITY AREAS FOR ATTENTION TO IMPROVE DATA VALIDITY: KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGETS:
Based on the information provided, audit reliability can be most improved by addressing the following components: OPTIONAL: If targets exist for the operational performance indicators, they can be input below:
1: Water Imported (WI) Unit Total Losses: gal/conn/day
2: Unauthorized Consumption (UC) Unit Apparent Losses: 8.3 gal/conn/day 3: Systematic Data Handling Errors (SDHE) Unit Real LossesA: 13.0 gal/conn/day Unit Real LossesB: gal/mile/day
If entered above by user, targets will display on KPI gauges (see Dashboard) Are customer meters typically located at the curbstop/property line? AWWA Free Water Audit Software:
Worksheet
Carlsbad Municipal Water District
165.714
Jul 01 2024 - Jun 30 2025
Water Supplied Error Adjustments
Fiscal2025
Real Losses:
WATER LOSSES:
Average length of customer service line has been set to zero and a data grading of 10 has been applied A weighted scale for the components of supply, consumption and water loss is included in the calculation of the Water Audit Data Validity Score *** The Water Audit Data Validity Score is in Tier IV (71-90). See Dashboard tab for additional outputs. *** $/100 cubic feet (ccf)
$51,230,801
Total Annual Operating Cost
go to start page
NON-REVENUE WATER:
If entering an
Error Adjustment,
select under- or over-
registration
3.000
WATER SUPPLIED:
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION:
Apparent Losses:
Click 'g' to determine data validity grade
Click 'n' to add notes
FWAS v6.0
American Water Works Association.
Copyright © 2020, All Rights Reserved.
To access definitions, click the input name
To edit water system info:
AWWA Free Water Audit Software v6.0 Worksheet 1
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 631 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Carlsbad Municipal Water District
2025 Urban Water Management Plan May 2026
APPENDIX G: DWR APPENDIX O ENERGY INTENSITY TABLES
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 632 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Retail Potable
Deliveries
1/1/2025
12/31/2025
No
Units for
Water
Volume
Extract and
Divert
Place
into
Storage
Conveyance Treatment Distribution Total Utility
See DWR NOTES Hydropower Net Utility
AF 14,462 243 0 0 14,462 14,462 4,344 18,806
N/A 87,716 0 0 0 0 87,716 87,716
N/A 18.61 0 0 0 0 18.61 0 14.31
Quantity of Self-Generated Renewable Energy
0 kWh
Data Quality (Estimate, Metered Data, Combination of Estimates and Metered Data) Metered Data
Data Quality Narrative:
Narrative:
Volume of water entering process is derived from SDCWA invoices fo the amount of water purchased. Energy consumed is derived from SDG&E bills documenting the amount of power needed to serve CMWD equipment.
CMWD water management processes which require energy are chorination equipment, pumping, and SCADA monitoring equipment. CMWD utilizes hydropower generated from the pressure difference of purchased SDCWA and CMWD opera NOTES:
Volume of Water Entering Process
Energy Consumed (kWh)
Energy Intensity (kWh/vol. converted to MG)
DWR NOTES: Total Utility:The volume of water entered in the “Total Utility” column should equal the volume of water entering the distribution system (excluding recycled water); in most cases, this is the total volume calculated in UWMP Table 4-1: 2025 Actual Total Uses for Potable and Non-Potable Water. Note if recycled water is included in your Submittal Table 4-1, you must exclude it from your volume in this table.
Optional Submittal Table O-1A: Recommended Energy Reporting - SINGLE DELIVERY PRODUCT - WATER SUPPLY PROCESS APPROACH Water Delivery Product
drop down list
(If delivering more than one type of product recommend using Table O- 1C)
Only for Water Delivery Products Under the Urban Water Supplier's Operational Control Start Date of Reporting Period
Water Management Process Non-Consequential Hydropower
(if applicable)
End Date of Reporting Period
Is upstream embedded energy included in the values reported? May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 633 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Start Date of Reporting Period 1/1/2025
End Date of Reporting Period 12/31/2025
Is upstream embedded energy in the values reported? No
Units of Measure for Water AF Collection /
Conveyance Treatment Discharge /
Distribution Total
7,906 0 0 7,906
1,166,682 0 0 1,166,682
453 0 0 453
0 5,356 3,708 9,064
0 1,400,207 2,817,429 4,217,636
0 802 2,332 1,428
Quantity of Self-Generated Renewable Energy related to recycled water and wastewater operations
0 kWh
Data Quality (drop down)
Metered Data
Data Quality Narrative:
Narrative:
NOTES:
Volume of Wastewater Entering Process (volume units selected above) Wastewater Energy Consumed (kWh)
Volume of Recycled Water Entering Process (volume units selected above) Recycled Water Energy Consumed (kWh)
Wastewater Energy Intensity (kWh/volume converted to MG) Recycled Water Energy Intensity (kWh/volume converted to MG) Optional Submittal Table O-2: Recommended Energy Reporting - WASTEWATER AND RECYCLED WATER Only for Water Delivery Products Under the Urban Water
Supplier's Operational Control
Water Management Process
Energy consumed is derived from SDG&E bills documenting the amount of power needed to serve City of Carlsbad wastewater equipment, and Carlsbad WRF plant.
Energy is needed in recycled water and wastewater processes primarily to pump water and SCADA monitoring. In a typical year, CMWD gravity feeds recycled water from the Meadowlark WRF. However, the Meadowlark WRF has been offline for maintenance since December 2024, which has necessitated nearly 200 times more energy to be consumed by CMWD pumps in order to distribute recycled water to Mahr reservoir. Meadowlark is expected to become operational in August 2026, at which time energy consumption for recycled water distribution will resume typical, lower levels.
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Item #10 Page 634 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Carlsbad Municipal Water District
2025 Urban Water Management Plan May 2026
11-1
APPENDIX H: CMWD WATER CODE TITLE 3 - ENVIRONMENT
May 12, 2026
Item #10 Page 635 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Title 3
ENVIRONMENT
City of Carlsbad, CA
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 CHAPTER 3.04
EMERGENCY WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
§ 3.04.010. Declaration of policy.
California Water Code Section 375 et seq., permit public entities which supply water at retail to adopt and enforce a water conservation program to reduce the quantity of water used by the people therein for the purpose of conserving the water supplies of such public entity. The Board hereby establishes a comprehensive water conservation program pursuant to California Water Code Section 375 et seq., based upon the need to conserve water supplies and to avoid or minimize the effects of any future shortage. (Ord. 30 § 1, 1989; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.04.020. Findings.
(Ord. 30 § 2, 1989; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.04.030. CEQA exemption.
The Carlsbad Municipal Water District finds that this chapter and actions taken hereafter pursuant to this chapter are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as specific actions necessary to prevent or mitigate an emergency pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080(b)(4) and the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15269(c). The Manager of the District is hereby authorized and directed to file a Notice of Exemption as soon as possible following adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
(Ord. 30 § 3, 1989; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
A. The Board finds and determines that a water shortage could exist based upon the occurrence of one or more of the following conditions:
1. A general water supply shortage due to increased demand or limited supplies.
2. Distribution or storage facilities of San Diego County Water Authority or other agencies become inadequate.
3. A major failure of the supply, storage and distribution facilities of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the San Diego County Water Authority, or of the Carlsbad Municipal Water District occurs.
B. The Board also finds and determines that the conditions prevailing in the San Diego County area require that the water resources available be put to maximum beneficial use to the extent to which they are capable, and that the waste or unreasonable use, or unreasonable method of use, of water be prevented and that the conservation of such water be encouraged with a view to the maximum reasonable and beneficial use thereof in the interests of the people of the Carlsbad Municipal Water District and for the public welfare.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.04.010 § 3.04.040
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 § 3.04.040. Application.
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all persons, customers, and property served by the Carlsbad Municipal Water District.
(Ord. 30 § 4, 1989; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.04.050. Authorization.
The Carlsbad Municipal Water District's General Manager, or a designated representative, is hereby authorized and directed to implement the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 30 § 5, 1989; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.04.060. Water conservation stages.
No customer of the Carlsbad Municipal Water District shall knowingly make, cause, use, or permit the use of water supplied by the District for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, governmental, or any other purpose in a manner contrary to any provision of this chapter, in an amount in excess of the amounts authorized by this chapter, or during any period of time other than the periods of time specified in this chapter. At no time shall water be wasted or used unreasonably. The following stages shall take effect upon declaration as herein provided:
A. Stage 1—Voluntary Compliance—Water Watch. Stage 1 applies during periods when the possibility exists that the Carlsbad Municipal Water District will not be able to meet all of the demands of its customers. During Stage 1, all elements of Stage 2 shall apply on a voluntary basis only.
B. Stage 2—Mandatory Compliance—Water Alert. Stage 2 applies during periods when the probability exists that the Carlsbad Municipal water District will not be able to meet all of the water demands of its customers. During Stage 2, the following water conservation measures shall apply except when reclaimed water is used:
1. Lawn watering and landscape irrigation, including construction meter irrigation, is permitted only between the hours of three p.m. and nine a.m. the following morning, except when reclaimed water is used. Watering is permitted at any time if a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle is used, a hand-held faucet-filled bucket of five gallons or less is used, or a drip irrigation system is used.
2. Agricultural users and commercial nurseries as defined in the Metropolitan Water District Code are exempt from Stage 2 irrigation restrictions, but will be required to curtail all nonessential water use. The watering of livestock and irrigation of propagation beds are permitted at any time.
3. Washing of autos, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, and other types of mobile equipment is prohibited except on designated irrigation days between the hours of six p.m. and six a.m. the following morning, except when reclaimed City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.04.040 § 3.04.060
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Item #10 Page 638 of 736
Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 water is used. Such washing, when allowed, shall be done with a hand-held bucket, or a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle for quick rinses. Washing is permitted at any time on the immediate premises of a commercial car wash. Further, such washings are exempted from these regulations where the health, safety, and welfare of the public is contingent upon frequent vehicle cleaning such as garbage trucks and vehicles used to transport food and perishables.
4. Filling or refilling swimming pools, spas, ponds, and artificial lakes is permitted only on designated irrigation days between the hours of six p.m. and six a.m. the following morning, unless reclaimed water is available and its use permitted.
5. Watering golf courses, parks, school grounds, and recreational fields is permitted only between the hours of six p.m. and six a.m. the following morning, except golf course greens, unless reclaimed water is available and its use permitted.
6. The use of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting and related activities, for construction activities, or other activities necessary to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
7. Water shall not be used to wash down sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or other paved areas, except to alleviate immediate fire or sanitation hazards, unless reclaimed water is available and its use permitted.
8. Restaurants shall not serve water to their customers except when specifically requested.
9. The operation of any ornamental fountain or similar structure is prohibited unless reclaimed water is available and its use permitted.
C. Stage 3—Mandatory Compliance—Water Warning. Stage 3 applies during periods when the Carlsbad Municipal Water District will not be able to meet all of the water demands of its customers. During Stage 3, the following water conservation measures shall apply except when reclaimed water is used:
1. Lawn watering and landscape irrigation, including construction meter irrigation, is permitted only on designated irrigation days and only between the hours of ten p.m. and six a.m. the following morning, except when reclaimed water is used. A "designated irrigation day" is determined by the last digit in the street address. Properties with addresses ending in an even number may use water on even-numbered days and addresses ending in an odd number may use water on odd-numbered days.
2. Agricultural users and commercial nurseries shall use water only between the hours of six p.m. and six a.m. the following morning, unless reclaimed water is available and permitted. The watering of livestock and irrigation of propagation beds are permitted at any time.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.04.060 § 3.04.060
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366
3. Washing of autos, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, and other types of mobile equipment is prohibited, except when reclaimed water is used. Washing is permitted at any time on the immediate premises of a commercial car wash.
The use of water by all types of commercial car washes not using partially reclaimed or recycled water shall be reduced in volume by twenty percent.
Further, such washings are exempted from these regulations where the health, safety, and welfare of the public is contingent upon frequent vehicle cleaning such as garbage trucks and vehicles used to transport food and perishables.
4. Filling or refilling swimming pools, spas, ponds, and artificial lakes is permitted only on designated irrigation days between the hours of ten p.m. and six a.m. the following morning, unless reclaimed water is available and permitted.
5. Watering golf courses, parks, school grounds, and recreational fields is permitted only between the hours of ten p.m. and six a.m. the following morning, except golf course greens, unless reclaimed water is available and permitted.
6. The use of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting and related activities, or other activities necessary to maintain the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
7. Water shall not be used to wash down sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or other paved areas, except to alleviate immediate fire or sanitation hazards, unless reclaimed water is available and permitted.
8. Restaurants shall not serve water to their customers except when specifically requested.
9. The operation of any ornamental fountain or similar structure is prohibited, unless reclaimed water is available and permitted.
10. New construction meters or permits for unmetered service will not be issued.
Construction water shall not be used for earth work or road construction purposes, unless reclaimed water is available and permitted.
D. Stage 4—Mandatory Compliance—Water Emergency. Stage 4 applies when a major failure of any supply or distribution facility, whether temporary or permanent, occurs in the water distribution system of the State Water Project, Metropolitan Water District, San Diego County Water Authority, or Carlsbad Municipal Water District facilities. During Stage 4, the following water conservation measures shall apply except when reclaimed water is used:
1. All outdoor irrigation of vegetation is prohibited, unless reclaimed water is available and permitted.
2. Use of water for agricultural or commercial nursery purposes, except for livestock watering, is prohibited, unless reclaimed water is available and permitted.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.04.060 § 3.04.060
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 30 § 6, 1989; Ord. 34 § 1, 1990; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) § 3.04.070. Use of reclaimed water for greenbelt purposes.
3. Washing of autos, trucks, trailers, boats, airplanes, and other types of mobile equipment is prohibited, except when reclaimed water is used. Washing is permitted at any time upon the immediate premises of a commercial car wash.
The use of water by all types of commercial car washes shall be reduced in volume by fifty percent. Further, such washings are exempted from these regulations where the health, safety, and welfare of the public is contingent upon frequent vehicle cleaning such as garbage trucks and vehicles used to transport food and perishables.
4. Filling, refilling or adding of water to swimming pools, spas, ponds, and artificial lakes is prohibited, unless reclaimed water is available and permitted.
5. Watering of all golf course areas, except greens, is prohibited, except when reclaimed water is used. Watering of parks, school grounds, and recreation fields is prohibited (with the exception of plant materials classified to be rare, exceptionally valuable, or essential to the well being of rare animals), unless reclaimed water is available and permitted.
6. The use of water from fire hydrants shall be limited to fire fighting or related activities necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the public.
7. Water shall not be used to wash down sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios, or other paved areas, except to alleviate immediate fire or sanitation hazards, unless reclaimed water is available and permitted.
8. Restaurants shall not serve water to their customers except when specifically requested.
9. The operation of any ornamental fountain or similar structure is prohibited, unless reclaimed water is available and permitted.
10. New construction meters or permits for unmetered service will not be issued.
Construction water shall not be used for earth work or road construction purposes, except when reclaimed water is used.
11. The use of water for commercial, manufacturing or processing purposes shall be reduced in volume by fifty percent, except when reclaimed water is used.
12. No water shall be used for air conditioning purposes, unless reclaimed water is available and permitted.
A. No customer of the District shall make, cause, use, or permit the use of water supplied by the District for greenbelt uses, including, but not limited to, cemeteries, golf courses, parks, and highway landscaped areas, when, following notice and a hearing, the District finds that reclaimed water is available under the following conditions:
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.04.060 § 3.04.070
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 32 § 2, 1990; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.04.080. Mandatory conservation phase implementation.
The Carlsbad Municipal Water District shall monitor the projected supply and demand for water by its customers on a daily basis. The Manager shall determine the extent of the conservation required through the implementation and/or termination of particular conservation stages in order for the Carlsbad Municipal Water District to prudently plan for and supply water to its customers. Thereafter, the Manager may order that the appropriate stage of water conservation be implemented or terminated in accordance with the applicable provision of this chapter. The declaration of any stage beyond Stage 1 shall be made by public announcement and notice shall be published a minimum of three consecutive times in a newspaper of general circulation. The stage designated shall become effective immediately upon announcement. The declaration of any stage beyond Stage 1 shall be reported to the Board of Directors at its next regular meeting. The Board of Directors shall thereupon ratify the declaration, rescind the declaration, or direct the declaration of a different stage.
(Ord. 30 § 7, 1989; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§
3.04.090. Penalty.
As provided in Water Code Section 377, any violation of this chapter is a misdemeanor.
Upon conviction thereof such person shall be punished by imprisonment in the County Jail for not more than thirty days, or by fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or by both. In addition to any other remedies which the Carlsbad Municipal Water District may have for the enforcement of this chapter, service of water shall be discontinued or appropriately limited to any customer who willfully uses water in violation of any provision hereof.
(Ord. 30 § 8, 1989; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
1. The reclaimed water is of adequate quality and is available for use;
2. The reclaimed water may be furnished to such areas at a reasonable cost, comparable to or less than the cost of supplying potable domestic water;
3. The State Department of Health Services has determined that such use would not be detrimental to public health; and
4. The use of reclaimed water will not adversely affect downstream water rights, will not degrade water quality.
B. Following such a determination, the District may assist the customer in obtaining any permits or approvals required for the use of reclaimed water.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.04.070 § 3.04.090
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 CHAPTER 3.08
RECYCLED WATER
§ 3.08.010. Findings.
The State policies described in the California Water Code Sections 461, 13550 and 13551 are in the best interest of the District. The majority of jurisdictions in San Diego County have adopted measures to promote water reclamation. This chapter is necessary to protect the common water supply of the region which is vital to public health and safety, and to prevent endangerment of public and private property. San Diego County is highly dependent on limited imported water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial uses. The reliability of the supply of imported water is uncertain. By developing and utilizing recycled water, the need for additional imported water can be reduced. In light of these circumstances, certain uses of potable water may be considered unreasonable or to constitute a nuisance where recycled water is available or production of recycled water is unduly impaired. Recycled water would be more readily available in seasons of drought when the supply of potable water for nonessential uses may be uncertain. (Ord. 43 § 1, 2005; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.08.020. Water reclamation policy.
It is the policy of the District that recycled water shall be used within the jurisdiction wherever it has determined that its use is economically justified, financially and technically feasible, and consistent with legal requirements, preservation of public health, safety and welfare, and the environment.
(Ord. 43 § 2, 2005; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.08.030. Definitions.
The following terms are defined for purposes of this chapter:
AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES: Agricultural purposes include the growing of field and nursery crops, row crops, trees, and vines and the feeding of fowl and livestock.
ARTIFICIAL LAKES: A human-made lake, pond, lagoon, or other body of water that is used wholly or partly for landscape, scenic, or noncontact recreational purposes.
COMMERCIAL OFFICE BUILDINGS: Any building for office or commercial uses with water requirements which include, but are not limited to, landscape irrigation, toilets, urinals, and decorative fountains.
COVERAGE TEST: The coverage test means a field investigation by a cross-connection control specialist to verify that there is no overspray, misting, ponding, and runoff occurring when the irrigation system is in operation, and that proper color coding and signage is in place for the on-site facilities.
CROSS-CONNECTION TEST: A cross-connection test means to verify that the potable and recycled water supplies are not connected to each other by shutting down the recycled water supply to the on-site facilities for twenty-four hours and determining that the on-site facilities do not become pressurized by the potable water supply at any City of Carlsbad, CA
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 location. The purpose for the test is to demonstrate that at the time of the test there are no discoverable cross-connections between the site's potable and recycled systems.
GREENBELT AREAS: A greenbelt area includes, but is not limited to, golf courses, cemeteries, parks, and landscaping.
INDUSTRIAL PROCESS WATER: Water used by any industrial facility with process water requirements which include, but are not limited to, rinsing, washing, cooling and circulation, or construction, including any facility regulated by the Industrial Waste Discharge Ordinance regulated by Chapter 13.16 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code.
OFF-SITE FACILITIES: Water facilities from the source of supply to the point of connection with the on-site facilities, normally up to and including the water meter.
ON-SITE FACILITIES: Water facilities under the control of the owner, normally downstream from the water meter.
POTABLE WATER: Water which conforms to the Federal, State, and local standards for human consumption.
RECYCLED WATER: Recycled water means water which, as a result of treatment of wastewater, is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur and is therefore considered a valuable resource. (See California Water Code Section 13050(n).)
RECYCLED WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS: A piping system intended for the delivery of recycled water separate from and in addition to the potable water distribution system.
WASTE DISCHARGE: Waste discharge means water deposited, released, or discharged into a sewer system from any commercial, industrial, or residential source which contains levels of any substance or substances which may cause substantial harm to any water treatment or reclamation facility or which may prevent any use of recycled water authorized by law.
(Ord. 43 § 3, 2005; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.08.040. Water Reclamation Master Plan.
A. General. Upon adoption of this ordinance, the District shall prepare and adopt by resolution a Water Reclamation Master Plan to define, encourage, and develop the use of recycled water within its boundaries. The Master Plan shall be updated not less often than every five years.
B. Contents of the Water Reclamation Master Plan. The Water Reclamation Master Plan (Master Plan) will include the following:
1. Plants and Facilities. Evaluation of the location and size of present and future reclamation treatment plants, distribution pipelines, pump stations, reservoirs, and other related facilities, including cost estimates and potential financing methods.
2. Recycled Water Service Areas. A designation of the lands within the District City of Carlsbad, CA
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 43 § 4, 2005; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.08.050. Procedures.
service area that can or may in the future use recycled water in lieu of potable water. Recycled water uses may include, but are not limited to, the irrigation of greenbelt and agricultural areas, filling of artificial lakes, and appropriate industrial and commercial uses.
3. Quality of Water to Be Reclaimed. For each water reclamation treatment facility, an evaluation of water quality with respect to the effect on anticipated uses of recycled water to be served by each treatment facility.
4. Water Quality Protection Measures. Recommend control measures and management practices to maintain or improve the quality of recycled water.
5. Mandatory Recycled Water Use. Within the recycled water service area, a description shall be prepared of where greenbelt irrigation, agricultural irrigation, commercial office buildings, filling of artificial lakes, or industrial processes can be limited to the use of recycled water. This information shall be used by District officials to mandate construction of recycled water distribution systems or other facilities in new and existing developments for current or future recycled water use as a condition of any development approval or continued water service if future reclamation facilities are proposed in the Master Plan that could adequately serve the development.
6. Rules and Regulations for Recycled Water Use. Establish by resolution, general rules and regulations governing the use and distribution of recycled water.
7. Coordination Among Agencies for Recycled Water Use. An examination shall be made of the potential for initiating a coordinated effort between the Carlsbad Municipal Water District and other regional agencies to share in the production and utilization of recycled water.
A. Existing Potable Water Service.
1. Preliminary Determination. Based upon the Master Plan, and upon the designation of each recycled water service area or the commencement of the design of new recycled water facilities, the District shall make preliminary determinations as to which existing potable water customers shall be converted to the use of recycled water. Each water customer shall be notified of the basis for a determination that conversion to recycled water service will be required, as well as the proposed conditions and of the need for a plan of implementation for such conversion.
2. Notice. The notice of the preliminary determination, including the proposed conditions and time schedule for compliance, shall be sent to the water customer by certified mail.
3. Implementation.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.08.040 § 3.08.050
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 a. The water customer shall be required to submit a plan of implementation to the Carlsbad Municipal Water District's Executive Manager or designee within ninety days after receipt of the notice of preliminary determination.
b. The plan of implementation shall describe in detail how the water customer intends to retrofit the water facilities to use recycled water in accordance with all Federal, State, and local laws and public health guidelines. The District shall provide the water customer upon request a copy of its "Rules and Regulations for Recycled Water Use" to be a reference for water customer's in preparing the required plan of implementation for their on-site facilities. All costs for preparation of the plan of implementation are the responsibility of the water customer.
Carlsbad Municipal Water District's Executive Manager or designee shall have the authority to approve the water customer's plan of implementation within thirty days after it is submitted to the District. As an option, the District will prepare the "plan of implementation" at the District's cost for the water customer, provided the water customer signs an acknowledgement to install and accept the proposed improvements shown on the District approved plan of implementation.
c. Once approved, the plan of implementation must be implemented within six months by the water customer including completion of all coverage and cross connection tests and payment of any plan check and inspection fees if applicable. All costs for implementation of the improvements on the plan of implementation are the responsibility of the water customer.
If more than six months is required for the implementation, an appeal may be made for additional time to the Carlsbad Municipal Water District's Board of Directors by submitting such appeal in writing to the Executive Manager of the District.
4. Objections—Appeals. The water customer may file a notice of objection with the District within thirty days after any notice of determination to comply is delivered or mailed to the customer, and may request reconsideration of the determination or modification of the proposed conditions or schedule for conversion. The objection must be in writing and specify the reasons for the objection. The preliminary determination shall be final if the customer does not file a timely objection. The Executive Manager or designee shall review the objection with the objector, and shall confirm, modify, or abandon the preliminary determination, or submit the objection to the District's Board of Directors. The Board, at its sole discretion may confirm, modify, or abandon the preliminary determination or establish an alternative program intended to facilitate the orderly development of the recycled water system.
B. New Development and Water Service Approvals.
1. Conditions. Upon application by a developer, owner or water customer (herein referred to as "applicant") for a tentative map, subdivision map, land use City of Carlsbad, CA
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 permit, or other development project as defined by Government Code Section 65928, staff shall review the Master Plan and make a preliminary determination whether the current or proposed use of the subject property is required to be served with recycled water or to include facilities designed to accommodate the use of recycled water in the future. Based upon such determination, use of recycled water and provision of recycled water distribution systems or other facilities for the use of recycled water, and such use may be required as a condition of approval of any such application, in addition to any other conditions of approval.
2. Alterations and Remodeling. On a case-by-case basis, upon application for a permit for the alteration or remodeling of multifamily, commercial, or industrial structures (including, for example, hotels), staff shall review the Master Plan and make a preliminary determination whether the subject property shall be required to be served with recycled water or to include facilities designed to accommodate the use of recycled water in the future.
Based upon such determination, use of recycled water and provision of recycled water distribution systems or other facilities for the use of recycled water, and application for a permit for such use, may be required as a condition of approval of the application.
3. Notice of Determination. A notice of the basis for the preliminary determination, proposed conditions of approval and schedule for compliance shall be provided to the applicant prior to approval of the development application.
4. Requested Service. On a case-by-case basis, to use recycled water on a property not covered by subsection (A)(1), (B)(1), or (B)(2), the District shall review the Master Plan and make a determination whether the subject property shall be served with recycled water. Based upon such determination, a written Notice of Determination will be provided to the water customer by the District.
5. Plan Approval. Plans for the recycled and non-recycled water distribution systems for the parcel shall be reviewed and approved by the District before on-site facilities are constructed. A recycled water number will be assigned by the District and this number shall be placed on the plans for record purposes.
6. Field Inspection. Prior to the use of recycled water, the District will perform a coverage test and cross-connection test of the constructed on-site facilities to verify that they are in compliance with the approved plan and meet all California State Department of Health Services requirements for use of recycled water. Upon approval of the coverage test, the water customer will be required to fill out a Notice of Appointment of Site Supervisor form, and will be provided Rules and Regulations for Recycled Water Use. The water customer's site supervisor will also be required to attend the San Diego County Water Authority's training class on use and handling of recycled water, or other approved training class. The coverage test will take place after the recycled water meter is installed. The District and the City of Carlsbad has no City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.08.050 § 3.08.050
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 43 § 5, 2005; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.08.060. Regulation of brine discharge to sewage systems. (Ord. 43 § 6, 2005; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.08.070. Sanctions.
required fees for this work but the water customer is responsible for paying San Diego County Department of Environmental Health applicable fees associated with this work.
C. Temporary Use of Potable Water. At the discretion of the Executive Manager or designee, potable water may be made available on a temporary basis until recycled water is available. Before the applicant receives temporary potable water, the on- site facilities must be constructed in accordance with the plan of implementation and field inspected by the staff for new on-site distribution facilities. Prior to commencement of recycled water service, a coverage and cross-connection test of the on-site facilities will be conducted to verify that the facilities have been maintained and are in compliance with the recycled water irrigation system Plan of Implementation and current requirements for service. Upon verification of compliance, recycled water shall be served to the parcel for the intended use. The District shall provide written notice if the facilities are not in compliance, and the applicant shall be notified of the corrective actions necessary and shall have sixty days to take such actions prior to initiation of enforcement proceedings. The water customer will be required to fill out the form described in subsection (B)(6), and the site supervisor will be required to attend the San Diego County Water Authority's class on use and handling of recycled water or other approved training class.
D. Recycled Water Rate. The rate charged for reclaimed water shall be established by resolution of the Board of Directors.
A. Intent. The Carlsbad Municipal Water District recognizes that to maintain adequate wastewater quality for water reclamation treatment processes, and to protect public and private property, restrictions may be required on certain industrial, commercial, and residential waste discharges to a sewerage system that is located within a designated tributary area of an existing or planned reclamation facility.
B. Adopted Tributary Protection Measures. Waste discharges to the sewage system from any industrial, commercial, or residential source, may be restricted or prohibited upon a finding, following a noticed public hearing, that the type or class of discharge involved is capable of causing or may cause substantial damage or harm to any sewage treatment or reclamation facility or to any significant user or users or potential user or users of reclaimed water within an area which has been planned for reclaimed water services.
A. Public. Discharge by any person or entity of wastes or the use of recycled water in any manner in violation of this chapter or of any permit issued hereunder is subject to prosecution for a misdemeanor.
B. Injunction. Whenever a discharge of wastes or use of recycled water is in violation City of Carlsbad, CA
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 43 § 7, 2005; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.08.080. Validity.
If any provision of this chapter or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the chapter and the application of such provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. (Ord. 43 § 8, 2005; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
or threatens to cause a violation of this chapter, the District's attorney may seek injunctive relief as may be appropriate to enjoin such discharge or use.
C. Revocation. In addition to any other statute or rule authorizing termination of water service, the District may revoke the use of recycled water if a violation of any provision of this chapter is found to exist or if a discharge of wastes or use of recycled water causes or threatens to cause violation of this chapter.
D. Penalty. Except as provided in subsection A, any owner and/or operator who violates this chapter shall be subject to:
1. A fine not exceeding one hundred dollars for the first violation;
2. A fine not exceeding two hundred dollars for the second violation within one year;
3. A fine not exceeding five hundred dollars for the third violation within one year;
4. A fine not exceeding one thousand dollars for the fourth and each additional violation within one year.
Each and every day during any portion of which any violation of this chapter is committed, continued, or permitted shall be a separate offense. In addition, potable water service to the property may be discontinued.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.08.070 § 3.08.080
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 CHAPTER 3.12
DROUGHT RESPONSE
§ 3.12.010. Declaration of necessity and intent.
(Ord. 44 § 1, 2009; Ord. 48 § 1; 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) § 3.12.020. Definitions.
The following words and phrases whenever used in this chapter shall have the meaning defined in this section:
"District" or "CMWD" means the Carlsbad Municipal Water District.
A. This chapter establishes water management requirements necessary to accomplish the following:
1. Conserve water;
2. Enable effective water supply planning;
3. Assure reasonable and beneficial use of water;
4. Prevent waste of water;
5. Prevent unreasonable use of water;
6. Prevent unreasonable method of use of water within the CMWD in order to assure adequate supplies of water to meet the needs of the public; and
7. Further the public health, safety, and welfare, recognizing that water is a scarce natural resource that requires careful management not only in times of drought, but at all times.
B. This chapter establishes regulations to be implemented during times of declared water shortages, or declared water shortage emergencies. It establishes 6 levels of drought response actions to be implemented in times of shortage, with increasing restrictions on water use in response to worsening drought conditions and decreasing available supplies.
C. Level 1 condition drought response measures are voluntary and will be reinforced through local and regional public education and awareness measures that may be funded in part by, CMWD.
D. During drought response condition Levels 2 through 6, all conservation measures and water-use restrictions are mandatory and become increasingly restrictive to attain escalating conservation goals.
E. During a drought response condition Level 2 or higher, the water conservation measures and water use restrictions established by this chapter are mandatory and violations are subject to criminal, civil, and administrative penalties and remedies specified in this chapter and as provided in this code.
City of Carlsbad, CA
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 "Grower" refers to those engaged in the growing or raising, in conformity with recognized practices of husbandry, for the purpose of commerce, trade, or industry, or for use by public educational or correctional institutions, of agricultural, horticultural, or floricultural products, and produced: (1) for human consumption or for the market; or (2) for the feeding of fowl or livestock produced for human consumption or for the market; or (3) for the feeding of fowl or livestock for the purpose of obtaining their products for human consumption or for the market. "Grower" does not refer to customers who purchase water subject to the Metropolitan Interim Agricultural Water Program or the Water Authority Special Agricultural Rate programs.
"Metropolitan" or "MWD" means the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
"Person" means any natural person, corporation, public or private entity, public or private association, public or private agency, government agency or institution, school district, college, university, or any other user of water provided by the CMWD. "Water Authority" or "CWA" means the San Diego County Water Authority. "WSCP" means the Water Authority's Water Shortage Contingency Plan or CMWD's Water Shortage Contingency Plan, as specified, in existence on the effective date of this ordinance and as readopted or amended from time to time, or an equivalent plan of the Water Authority to manage or allocate supplies during shortages. (Ord. 44 § 2, 2009; Ord. 48 § 2, 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) § 3.12.030. Water waste prohibitions.
The following water conservation measures will be in effect at all times:
A. Stop washing down paved surfaces, including, but not limited to, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, or patios except when it is necessary to alleviate safety or sanitation hazards.
B. Stop water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation, such as runoff, low head drainage, or overspray, etc. Similarly, stop water flows onto non-targeted areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways, or structures.
C. Use a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle or bucket to water landscaped areas, including trees and shrubs located on residential and commercial properties that are not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system.
D. Use re-circulated water to operate ornamental fountains.
E. Wash vehicles using a bucket and a hand-held hose with positive shut-off nozzle, mobile high pressure/low volume wash system, or at a commercial site that re- circulates (reclaims) water on site. Avoid washing during hot conditions when additional water is required to due to evaporation.
F. Serve and refill water in restaurants, bars, and other food service establishments only upon request.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.12.020 § 3.12.030
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 44 § 3, 2009; Ord. 48 § 3; 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) § 3.12.040. Application.
(Ord. 44 § 4, 2009; Ord. 48 § 4, 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) § 3.12.050. Authorization.
The CMWD General Manager, or a designated representative, is hereby authorized and directed to implement the provisions of this chapter.
(Ord. 44 § 5, 2009; Ord. 48 § 5, 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) § 3.12.060. Drought Response Level 1.
G. Offer guests in hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments the option of not laundering towels and linens daily.
H. Use recycled or non-potable water for construction purposes when available and economically feasible.
A. The provisions of this chapter apply to any person in the use of any water provided by the CMWD.
B. This chapter is intended solely to further the conservation of water. It is not intended to implement any provision of Federal, State, or local statutes, ordinances, or regulations relating to protection of water quality or control of drainage or runoff.
Please refer to the City of Carlsbad or the Regional Water Quality Control Board for information on any stormwater ordinances and stormwater management plans.
C. Nothing in this chapter is intended to affect or limit the ability of the CMWD to declare and respond to an emergency, including an emergency that affects the ability of the CMWD to supply water.
D. The provisions of this chapter do not apply to use of water from private wells or to recycled water.
E. Nothing in this chapter shall apply to use of water that is subject to a special supply program, such as the Water Authority's Special Agricultural Water Rate Program.
Violations of the conditions of special supply programs are subject to the penalties established under the applicable program. A person using water subject to a special supply program and other water provided by the CMWD is subject to this chapter in the use of the other water.
A. A Drought Response Level 1 condition applies when the Water Authority notifies its member agencies, or the Executive Manager, upon recommendation of the General Manager, otherwise declares, that, due to drought or other supply reductions, there is a reasonable probability there will be supply shortages and that a consumer demand reduction of up to ten percent is required in order to have sufficient supplies available to meet anticipated demands. The Executive Manager, upon recommendation of the General Manager, shall declare the existence of a Drought Response Level 1 and take action to implement the Level 1 conservation City of Carlsbad, CA
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 44 § 6, 2009; Ord. 48 § 6, 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) § 3.12.070. Drought Response Level 2.
practices identified in this chapter.
B. During a Drought Response Level 1 condition, CMWD will increase its public education and outreach efforts to emphasize increased public awareness of the need to implement the following water conservation practices. The same water conservation practices become mandatory if CMWD declares a Level 2 Drought Condition:
1. Irrigate residential and commercial landscape before ten a.m. and after six p.m. only. Watering is permitted at any time when a drip/micro-irrigation system/ equipment is used.
2. Irrigate nursery and commercial grower's products before ten a.m. and after six p.m. only. Watering is permitted at any time with a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle, a bucket, or when a drip/micro- irrigation system/equipment is used. Irrigation of nursery propagation beds is permitted at any time. Watering of livestock is permitted at any time.
3. Repair all water leaks within five days of notification by the CMWD unless other written arrangements are made with the General Manager or designee.
C. During a Drought Response Level 2 condition or higher, all persons shall be required to implement the conservation practices established in Drought Response Level 1 condition.
A. A Drought Response Level 2 condition applies when the Water Authority notifies its member agencies, or the CMWD Board of Directors otherwise declares that due to cutbacks caused by drought or other reduction in supplies, a consumer demand reduction of up to twenty percent is required in order to have sufficient supplies available to meet anticipated demands. The CMWD Board of Directors shall declare the existence of a Drought Response Level 2 condition and implement the mandatory Level 2 conservation measures identified in this chapter.
B. All persons using CMWD water shall comply with Level 1 water conservation practices during a Drought Response Level 2 condition, and shall also comply with the following additional conservation measures:
1. Limit residential and commercial landscape irrigation to no more than three assigned days per week on a schedule established by the General Manager and posted by the CMWD. This subsection shall not apply to commercial growers and nurseries.
2. Limit lawn watering and landscape irrigation using sprinklers to no more than ten minutes per watering station per assigned day. This provision does not apply to landscape irrigation systems using water efficient devices, including, but not limited to: weather-based controllers, drip/micro-irrigation systems, and stream rotor sprinklers.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.12.060 § 3.12.070
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 44 § 7, 2009; Ord. 46 § 2, 2009; Ord. 48 § 7, 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) § 3.12.080. Drought Response Level 3.
3. Water landscaped areas, including trees and shrubs located on residential and commercial properties, and not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system governed by Section 3.12.060(B)(1), on the same schedule set forth in Section
3.12.060(B)(1) by using a bucket, hand-held hose with positive shut-off nozzle, or low-volume non-spray irrigation.
4. Repair all leaks within seventy-two hours of notification by the CMWD unless other written arrangements are made with the General Manager or designee.
5. Stop operating ornamental fountains or similar decorative water features unless recirculated water is used.
A. A Drought Response Level 3 condition applies when the Water Authority notifies its member agencies, or the CMWD Board of Directors otherwise declares, that due to increasing cutbacks caused by drought or other reduction of supplies, a consumer demand reduction of up to thirty percent is required in order to have sufficient supplies available to meet anticipated demands. The CMWD Board of Directors shall declare the existence of a Drought Response Level 3 condition and implement the Level 3 conservation measures identified in this chapter.
B. All persons using CMWD water shall comply with Level 1 and Level 2 water conservation practices during a Drought Response Level 3 condition and shall also comply with the following additional mandatory conservation measures:
1. Limit residential and commercial landscape irrigation to no more than two assigned days per week on a schedule established by the General Manager and posted by the CMWD. This subsection shall not apply to commercial growers or nurseries.
2. Water-landscaped areas, including trees and shrubs located on residential and commercial properties, and not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system governed by Section 3.12.070(B)(2), on the same schedule set forth in Section
3.12.070(B)(1) by using a bucket, hand-held hose with a positive shut-off nozzle, or low-volume non-spray irrigation.
3. Stop washing vehicles except at commercial carwashes that re-circulate water, or by high pressure/low volume wash systems.
4. Repair all leaks within forty-eight hours of notification by the CMWD unless other written arrangements are made with the General Manager or designee.
C. Upon the declaration of a Drought Response Level 3 condition, the CMWD will suspend consideration of annexations to its service area.
D. The CMWD Board of Directors may establish a water allocation for property served by the CMWD using a method that does not penalize persons for the implementation of conservation methods or the installation of water saving devices.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.12.070 § 3.12.080
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 44 § 8, 2009; Ord. 46 § 2, 2009; Ord. 48 § 8, 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) § 3.12.090. Drought Response Level 4.
(Ord. 44 § 9, 2009; Ord. 48 § 9, 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) § 3.12.100. Drought Response Level 5.
If the CMWD Board of Directors establishes a water allocation it shall provide notice of the allocation by including it in the regular billing statement for the fee or charge or by any other mailing to the address to which the CMWD customarily mails the billing statement for fees or charges for on-going water service. Following the effective date of the water allocation as established by the CMWD Board of Directors, any person that uses water in excess of the allocation shall be subject to a penalty in the amount equal to the penalty rate established by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for each billing unit of water in excess of the allocation. The penalty for excess water usage shall be cumulative to any other remedy or penalty that may be imposed for violation of this chapter.
A. A Drought Response Level 4 condition applies when the Water Authority notifies its member agencies or the CMWD Board of Directors otherwise declares, that due to increasing cutbacks caused by drought or other reduction of supplies, a consumer demand reduction of up to forty percent is required in order to have sufficient supplies available to meet anticipated demands. The CMWD Board of Directors shall declare the existence of a Drought Response Level 4 condition and implement the Level 4 conservation measures identified in this chapter.
B. All persons using CMWD water shall comply with Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 water conservation practices during a Drought Response Level 4 condition and shall also comply with the following additional mandatory conservation measures:
1. Stop filling or re-filling lakes or ponds, except to the extent needed to sustain aquatic life, provided that such animals are of significant value and have been actively managed within the water feature prior to the declaration of a drought response level under this ordinance.
A. A Drought Response Level 5 condition applies when the Water Authority notifies its member agencies, or the CMWD Board of Directors otherwise declares, that due to increasing cutbacks caused by drought or other reduction of supplies, a consumer demand reduction of up to fifty percent is required in order to have sufficient supplies available to meet anticipated demands. The CMWD Board of Directors shall declare the existence of a Drought Response Level 5 condition and implement the Level 5 conservation measures identified in this ordinance.
B. All persons using CMWD water shall comply with conservation measures required during Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 conditions and shall also comply with the following additional mandatory conservation measures:
1. Stop all landscape irrigation, except crops and landscape products of commercial growers and nurseries. This restriction shall not apply to the following categories of use unless the CMWD has determined that recycled City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.12.080 § 3.12.100
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 water is available and may be lawfully applied to the use. a. Maintenance of trees and shrubs that are watered on the same schedule set forth in Section 3.12.080(B)(1) by using a bucket, hand-held hose with a positive shut-off nozzle, or low-volume non-spray irrigation; b. Maintenance of existing landscaping necessary for fire protection as specified by the Fire Marshal of the local fire protection agency having jurisdiction over the property to be irrigated;
c. Maintenance of existing landscaping for erosion control; d. Maintenance of plant materials identified to be rare or essential to the wellbeing of rare animals;
e. Maintenance of landscaping within active public parks and playing fields, day care centers, schools' grounds, cemeteries, and golf course greens, provided that such irrigation does not exceed two days per week according to the schedule established under Section 3.12.080(B)(1). f. Watering of livestock; and
g. Public works projects and actively irrigated environmental mitigation projects.
2. Repair all water leaks within twenty-four hours of notification by the CMWD unless other arrangements are made with the General Manager or designee.
C. The CMWD Board of Directors may establish a water allocation for property served by the CMWD. If the CMWD Board of Directors establishes a water allocation it shall provide notice of the allocation by including it in the regular billing statement for the fee or charge or by any other mailing to the address to which the CMWD customarily mails the billing statement for fees or charges for on-going water service. Following the effective date of the water allocation as established by the CMWD Board of Directors, any person that uses water in excess of the allocation shall be subject to a penalty in the amount equal to the penalty rate established by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for each billing unit of water in excess of the allocation. The penalty for excess water usage shall be cumulative to any other remedy or penalty that may be imposed for violation of this Code.
D. Upon the declaration of a Drought Response Level 5 condition, no new potable water service shall be provided, no new temporary meters or permanent meters shall be provided, and no statements of immediate ability to service or provide potable water service (such as, will serve letters, certificates, or letters of availability) shall be issued, except under the following circumstances:
1. A valid, unexpired building permit has been issued for the project;
2. The project is necessary to protect the public's health, safety, and welfare; or City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.12.100 § 3.12.100
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 48 § 10, 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.12.110. Drought Response Level 6.
(Ord. 48 § 11, 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024)
§ 3.12.120. Correlation between Drought Management Plan and drought response levels.
3. The applicant provides substantial evidence of an enforceable commitment that water demands for the project will be offset prior to the provision of a new water meter(s) to the satisfaction of CMWD.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude the resetting or turn-on of meters to provide continuation of water service or to restore service that has been interrupted for a period of one year or less.
A. A Drought Response Level 6 condition applies when the Water Authority, or the CMWD Board of Directors, declares a water shortage emergency pursuant to California Water Code Section 350 and that Level 6 requires a demand reduction of more than fifty percent in order for the CMWD to have maximum supplies available to meet anticipated demands. The CMWD shall declare the existence of a Drought Emergency in the manner and on the grounds provided in California Water Code Section 350.
B. All persons using CMWD water shall comply with conservation measures required during Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 conditions and shall also comply with the following additional mandatory conservation measures:
1. Stop all landscape irrigation, except crops and landscape products of commercial growers and nurseries. This restriction shall not apply to the following categories of use unless the CMWD has determined that recycled water is available and may be lawfully applied to the use. a. Maintenance of existing landscaping necessary for fire protection as specified by the Fire Marshal of the local fire protection agency having jurisdiction over the property to be irrigated;
b. Maintenance of existing landscaping for erosion control; c. Maintenance of plant materials identified to be rare or essential to the well-being of rare animals;
d. Watering of livestock; and
e. Public works projects and actively irrigated environmental mitigation projects.
A. The correlation between the Water Authority's WSCP shortage levels and the CMWD's drought response levels identified in this chapter is described in this section. Under WSCP Shortage Level 1, the CMWD would implement Drought City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.12.100 § 3.12.120
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 44 § 10, 2009; Ord. 48 § 12, 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) § 3.12.130. Procedures for determination and notification of each drought response level.
Response Level 1 actions. Under WSCP Shortage Level 2, the CMWD would implement Drought Response Level 1 and Level 2 actions. Under WSCP Shortage Level 3, the CMWD would implement Drought Response Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 actions. Under WSCP Shortage Level 4, the CMWD would implement Drought Response Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 actions. Under WSCP Shortage Level 5, the CMWD would implement Drought Response Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 actions. Under WSCP Shortage Level 6, the CMWD would implement Drought Response Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6 actions.
B. The drought response levels identified in this chapter correspond with the Water Authority WSCP as identified in the following table:
Drought Response/WSCP
Shortage Levels Use Restrictions Conservation Target
1 Voluntary Up to 10%
2 Mandatory Up to 20%
3 Mandatory Up to 30%
4 Mandatory Up to 40%
5 Mandatory Up to 50%
6 Mandatory Above 50%
A. The existence of a Drought Response Level 1 may be declared by the Executive Manager upon a written determination of the existence of the facts and circumstances supporting the determination. A copy of the written determination shall be filed with the Secretary of the CMWD and provided to the CMWD Board of Directors. The CMWD may publish a notice of the determination of existence of Drought Response Level 1 condition in one or more newspapers, including a newspaper of general circulation within the CMWD. The CMWD may also post notice of the condition on their website.
B. The existence of Drought Response Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 or Level 5 conditions may be declared by resolution of the CMWD Board of Directors adopted at a regular or special public meeting held in accordance with State law. The mandatory conservation measures applicable to Drought Response Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 or Level 5 conditions shall take effect on the tenth day after the date the response level is declared. Within five days following the declaration of the response level, the CMWD shall publish a copy of the resolution in a newspaper of general circulation used for publication of official notices. If the CMWD establishes a water allocation, it shall provide notice of the allocation by including it in the regular City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.12.120 § 3.12.130
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 44 § 11, 2009; Ord. 48 § 13, 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) § 3.12.140. Hardship variance.
billing statement for the fee or charge or by any other mailing to the address to which the CMWD customarily mails the billing statement for fees or charges for on-going water service. Water allocation shall be effective of the fifth day following the date of mailing or at such later date as specified in the notice.
C. The existence of a Drought Response Level 6 condition may be declared in accordance with the procedures specified in California Water Code Sections 351 and 352. The mandatory conservation measures applicable to Drought Response Level 6 conditions shall take effect on the tenth day after the date the response level is declared. Within five days following the declaration of the response level, the CMWD shall publish a copy of the resolution in a newspaper of general circulation used for publication of official notices.
D. The CMWD Board of Directors may declare an end to a drought response level by the adoption of a resolution at any regular or special meeting held in accordance with State law.
A. If, due to unique circumstances, a specific requirement of this chapter would result in undue hardship to a person using agency water or to property upon which agency water is used, that is disproportionate to the impacts to CMWD water users generally or to similar property or classes of water uses, then the person may apply for a variance to the requirements as provided in this section.
B. The variance may be granted or conditionally granted, only upon a written finding of the existence of facts demonstrating an undue hardship to a person using agency water or to property upon which agency water is used, that is disproportionate to the impacts to CMWD water users generally or to similar property or classes of water use due to specific and unique circumstances of the user or the user's property. Hardship variances shall also be subject to the following requirements:
1. Application. Application for a variance shall be on a form prescribed by the CMWD General Manager and shall be accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee in an amount set by resolution of the CMWD Board of Directors.
2. Supporting Documentation. The application shall be accompanied by photographs, maps, drawings, and other information, including a written statement of the applicant.
3. Required Findings for Variance. An application for a variance shall be denied unless the General Manager finds, based on the information provided in the application, supporting documents, or such additional information as may be requested, and on water use information for the property as shown by the records of the CMWD, all of the following:
a. That the variance does not constitute a grant of special privilege City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.12.130 § 3.12.140
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 44 § 12, 2009; Ord. 48 § 14, 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) § 3.12.150. Violations and penalties.
inconsistent with the limitations upon other CMWD customers. b. That because of special circumstances applicable to the person, property or its use, the strict application of this chapter would have a disproportionate impact on the person, property or use that exceeds the impacts to customers generally.
c. That the authorizing of such variance will not be of substantial detriment to adjacent properties, and will not materially affect the ability of the CMWD to effectuate the purpose of this chapter and will not be detrimental to the public interest.
d. That the condition or situation of the subject person, property or the intended use of the property for which the variance is sought is not common, recurrent or general in nature.
4. Approval Authority. The General Manager or designee shall exercise approval authority and act upon any completed application no later than ten calendar days after submittal. The General Manager or designee may approve, conditionally approve, or deny the variance. The applicant requesting the variance shall be promptly notified in writing of the action taken in response to the application. Unless otherwise specified at the time a variance is approved, the variance applies to the subject property during the term of the mandatory drought response level.
5. Appeals to CMWD Executive Manager or designee(s). An applicant may appeal a decision or condition of the General Manager on a variance application to the CMWD Executive Manager or designee(s). An appeal requesting a hearing may only be filed within ten calendar days of the date of the General Manager's written decision. The request shall state the grounds for the appeal. At the appeal hearing, the CMWD Executive Manager or designee(s) shall act as the approval authority and review the appeal de novo by applying the regular variance requirements described in Section
3.12.140(A) and (B)(1)-(4). The decision of the CMWD Executive Manager or designee(s) is final.
A. Any person, who uses, causes to be used, or permits the use of water in violation of this chapter is guilty of an offense punishable as provided in this section.
B. Each day that a violation of this chapter occurs is a separate offense.
C. Administrative fines may be levied for each violation of a provision of this chapter as follows:
1. For the first violation by any customer of any of the provisions of the ordinances codified herein, the CMWD shall verbally notice the fact of such violation to the customer.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.12.140 § 3.12.150
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366
2. For a second violation by any customer of any of the provisions of the ordinances codified herein, the CMWD shall issue a written notice of the fact of such violation to the customer.
3. For a third violation by a customer of any provision of this chapter the CMWD may install a flow-restricting device of one gallon per minute (1 GPM) capacity for services of up to one and one-half inch size. CMWD may also install a restricting device of comparatively sized restrictors for larger services upon a prior determination that the customer has repeatedly violated the provisions of this chapter regarding the conservation of water and that such action is reasonably necessary to assure compliance with this chapter regarding the conservation of water. In addition, the CMWD may levy an administrative fine of one hundred dollars for a third violation of this chapter.
4. Two hundred dollars for a fourth violation of any provision of this chapter within one year.
5. Five hundred dollars for each additional violation of this chapter within one year.
D. If determined by the CMWD's General Counsel to be necessary and appropriate, in lieu of administrative remedies above, each violation of this chapter may be prosecuted as a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the County Jail for not more than thirty days or by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars, or by both as provided in Water Code Section377.
E. Willful violations of the mandatory conservation measures and water use restrictions as set forth in Section 3.12.110 and applicable during a Drought Response Level 6 condition may be enforced by discontinuing service to the property at which the violation occurs as provided by Water Code Section 356.
F. All remedies provided for in this section shall be cumulative and not exclusive.
G. Any customer against whom a penalty is levied pursuant to this section shall have the right to appeal as follows:
1. The request must be in writing and received by the General Manager within ten calendar days of the postmark mailing of the notice of the action to the customer. Any determination not timely appealed shall be final. The written request shall include:
a. A description of the issue,
b. Evidence supporting the claim, and
c. A request for resolution of the dispute.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.12.150 § 3.12.150
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 (Ord. 44 § 130, 2009; Ord. 48 § 15, 2022; Ord. 49, 7/16/2024) The General Manager will review the material submitted and make an independent determination of the issue, which shall be mailed out within fifteen calendar days of receipt of the appeal.
2. The General Manager's determination may be appealed in writing within ten calendar days of the postmark mailing of the notice of determination to the Board of Directors of the CMWD by filing with the Secretary of the CMWD a written notice of such appeal. The Secretary shall set the matter for a hearing before the Board of Directors at an upcoming Board meeting. Notice of the hearing shall be mailed out to the person appealing the decision at least ten calendar days before the date of the appeal hearing. The Board may, in its discretion, affirm, reverse or modify the determination.
3. Fees for filing an appeal under this section shall be established by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the CMWD.
City of Carlsbad, CA
§ 3.12.150 § 3.12.150
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 Carlsbad Municipal Water District
2025 Urban Water Management Plan May 2026
APPENDIX I: 2023 CITY OF CARLSBAD HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
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Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Carlsbad Annex
San Diego County, California
2023
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 SECTION ONE | Determine the Planning Area and Resources 2 1. SECTION ONE: Determine the Planning Area and
Resources
1.1. Planning Area: City of Carlsbad
The City of Carlsbad is a coastal community in northern San Diego County, California located 87 miles south of Los Angeles and 35 miles north of San Diego, surrounded by mountains, lagoons, and the Pacific Ocean. The City shares legal boundaries with the Cities of Oceanside to the north, Vista and San Marcos to the east, and Encinitas to the south. Referred to as “The Village by the Sea” by locals, Carlsbad is a prime tourist destination hosting LEGOLAND California, regional shopping centers, specialty retail outlet stores, expansive variety of dining experiences, top rated golf courses and world class resort properties.
The city covers 42 square miles with an estimated 2020 population of 118,313.
Carlsbad has a semi-arid Mediterranean climate and averages 263 sunny days per year. Winters are mild with periodic rain. Frost is rare along the coast, but sometimes occurs in inland valleys in December and January. Summer is almost rain free, but sometimes overcast and cool with fog off the Pacific. While most days have mild and pleasant temperatures, hot dry Santa Ana winds bring high temperatures on a few days each year, mostly but not exclusively in the fall.
As of the 2010 United States Census, the racial makeup of Carlsbad was 82.8% White, 1.3% African American, 0.5% Native American, 7.1% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 4.0% from other races, and 4.2% from 2 or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.3%.
Out of 39,964 households in 2011, there were 67.5% families, of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living in them and 54.3% were married-couple families. There were 32.5% nonfamily households, of which 25.5% were made up of a householder living alone and 8.3% were a householder living alone who was 65 years or over. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.10. Of the population 25 years and over, 95.7% graduated from high school and 51.3% held a bachelor's degree or higher. 65.2% of the population 16 years and over was in the labor force. As of the 2020 San Diego County Point in Time census, Carlsbad’s homeless population was 147 individuals.
A full-service city, Carlsbad has its own police and fire services, a water district, parks and recreation, and library and cultural arts departments, in addition to standard administrative and public works functions. Known for its financial stability, the city maintains an AAA credit rating and has a general fund reserve balance exceeding $61 million. Additionally, Carlsbad has drafted ordinances protecting sensitive wildlife habitat, becoming one of the first municipalities in California to do so, pledging to protect about 40 percent of the city as permanent open space.
Carlsbad is the home of the second largest county regional airport, McClellan-Palomar Airport, with about 145,862 flights per year. Carlsbad's core industries include information technology, video game development, manufacturing, robotics, medical devices, life science, wireless technology, clean technology, action sports, tourism, design development, and real estate.
1.2. Community Rating System Requirements
The Community Rating System (CRS) is a FEMA program and rewards communities that go beyond the minimum standards for floodplain management under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 SECTION ONE | Determine the Planning Area and Resources 3 Communities can potentially improve their Community Rating System and lower NFIP premiums by developing a CRS Plan.
For more information on the National Flood Insurance Program, see http://www.fema.gov/national- flood-insurance-program.
Community Rating System (CRS)
Planning Steps
Local Mitigation Planning
Handbook Tasks
(44 CFR Part 201)
Step 1. Organize
Task 1: Determine the Planning Area and
Resources
Task 2: Build the Planning Team
44 CFR 201.6(c)(1)
Step 2. Involve the public Task 3: Create an Outreach Strategy 44 CFR 201.6(b)(1)
Step 3. Coordinate Task 4: Review Community Capabilities 44 CFR 201.6(b)(2) & (3)
Step 4. Assess the hazard Task 5: Conduct a Risk Assessment 44 CFR 201.6(c)(2)(i)
44 CFR 201.6(c)(2)(ii) & (iii) Step 5. Assess the problem Step 6. Set goals Task 6: Develop a Mitigation Strategy 44 CFR 201.6(c)(3)(i)
44 CFR 201.6(c)(3)(ii)
44 CFR 201.6(c)(3)(iii)
Step 7. Review possible activities
Step 8. Draft an action plan
Step 9. Adopt the plan Task 8: Review and Adopt the Plan 44 CFR 201.6(c)(5)
Step 10. Implement, evaluate, revise
Task 7: Keep the Plan Current
Task 9: Create a Safe and Resilient
Community
44 CFR 201.6(c)(4)
TABLE 1: F E M A L O C AL M IT I G A T IO N P L AN N I N G HA N D B O O K 1 .1 DE S C R IB E S T HE C R S
R E Q U IR E M E N TS M E T B Y T H E CO UN T Y O F S AN DI E G O M U L TI- J UR IS D I C T IO N AL H A Z AR D M I T I G AT I O N P L AN.
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 SECTION ONE | Determine the Planning Area and Resources 4 Any jurisdiction or special district may participate in the hazard mitigation planning process. However, to request FEMA approval, each of the local jurisdictions must meet all requirements of 44 CFR §201.6. In addition to the requirement for participation in the process, the Federal regulation specifies the following requirements for multi-jurisdictional plans:
• The risk assessment must assess each jurisdiction’s risk where they may vary from the risks facing the entire planning area. (44 CFR §201.6(c)(2)(iii))
• There must be identifiable action items specific to the jurisdiction requesting FEMA approval or credit of the plan. (44 CFR §201.6(c)(3)(iv))
• Each jurisdiction requesting approval of the plan must document that is has been formally adopted. (44 CFR §201.6(c)(5))
The hazard mitigation plan must clearly list the jurisdictions that participated in the plan and are seeking plan approval. The San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan and annexes meet all requirements.
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 SECTION TWO | Build the Planning Team
5 2. SECTION TWO: Build the Planning Team
2.1. Planning Participants
The City of Carlsbad local planning group (LPG) for emergency planning is composed of members from the Carlsbad Emergency Management Administrative Team (CEMAT). The LPG identified current capabilities available for implementing hazard mitigation activities. Representatives of numerous City departments involved in hazard mitigation planning included:
Administrative Services – Finance:
Roxanne Muhlmeister, Assistant Finance Director
Shea Sainz, Senior Contract Administrator
Rosario Aranda, Associate Contract Administrator
Administrative Services – Human Resources:
Judy von Kalinowski, Human Resources Director
Darrin Schwabe, Human Resources Manager
Administrative Services – Information Technology:
Doug Kappel, Information Technology Manager
Javier Ruiz, Information Technology Manager
Administrative Services – Innovation & Economic Development:
David Graham, Chief Innovation Officer
Communications & Engagement:
Karen Whitehead, Media & Graphics Supervisor
Nikki Matosian, Community Relation Manager
Sarah Lemons, Community Relation Manager
Tom Mallory, Communications Coordinator
Community Services – Office of the City Clerk:
Faviola Medina, City Clerk Services Manager
Tammy Cloud-McMinn, Senior Deputy City Clerk
Hector Gomez, Senior Deputy City Clerk
Community Services – Community Development:
Kerry Jezisek, Senior Program Manager
Community Services – Library & Cultural Arts:
Debbie Jo McCool, Associate Analysist
Fiona Everett, Senior Management Analysist
Community Services – Parks & Recreation:
Lori Swenck, Recreation Area Manager
Mike Pacheco, Recreation Services Manager
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 SECTION TWO | Build the Planning Team
6 Fire Department:
Michael Calderwood, Fire Chief
Nick Ordille, Assistant Fire Chief
Randy Metz, Fire Marshall
David Harrison, Assistant Director of Emergency Services Marie Jones-Kirk, Program Manager
Don Rawson, Emergency Services Coordinator
Police Department:
Jason Jackowski, Lieutenant
Public Works – Environmental Management:
Tim Murphy, Senior Program Manager
James Wood, Environmental Manager
Mike Grim, Senior Program Manager
Public Works – Fleet & Facilities:
Charles Balteria, Program Manager
Public Works – Transportation:
Michael O’Brian, Public Works Superintendent
Jonathon Schauble, Senior Engineer
Stephen Stewart, Municipal Projects Manager
Public Works – Utilities:
Don Wasko, Utilities Manager
Andrew Wilson, Utilities Supervisor
Public Works – Construction Management & Inspection:
Emily Hasegawa, Municipal Projects Manager
2.2 Planning Process
This version of the city’s Hazard Mitigation Plan was revised to reflect changes in development, progress in local mitigation efforts, and changes in priorities. Generally, hazard priorities remained unchanged, though some hazards (such as Climate Change) prevalence and/or probability of occurrence increased and, therefore, needed an updated Vulnerability Assessment. All Hazard Profiles were researched for current content, data, and details.
The goals and objectives in this plan were informed by the risk assessment findings, the localized hazard identification and loss/exposure estimates, and the City’s capabilities assessment. These preliminary goals, objectives, and actions represent a vision of long-term hazard reduction and/or capabilities enhancement. To help further the development of the goals and objectives, the LPG compiled and reviewed current jurisdictional sources including the City’s planning documents, codes, and ordinances.
The plan goals, objectives, and actions were updated to reflect current priorities within existing plans such as the jurisdiction’s General Plan’s Safety and Housing elements.
The 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic had some impact on the overall progress on the 2018 plan and action items, but the pandemic did not negatively impact the community’s vulnerability. The plan was created in tandem with existing local plans and procedures and thus supported the city’s pandemic response, which helped minimize the impact to the city and its assets.
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 SECTION TWO | Build the Planning Team
7 2021 LPG Schedule of Meetings
January 5, 2021 February 2, 2021 March 2, 2021 April 6, 2021 May 4, 2021 June 1, 2021 July 6, 2021 August 3, 2021
September 7, 2021 October 5, 2021 November 2, 2021 December 7, 2021
2022 LPG Schedule of Meetings
January 4, 2022 February 1, 2022 March 1, 2022 April 5, 2022
See the San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan’s Section Two for details about the county-wide Planning Process.
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 SECTION THREE | Create an Outreach Strategy
8 3. SECTION THREE: Create an Outreach Strategy
See the San Diego County Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan’s Section Three for details about the county-wide outreach strategy.
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 SECTION FOUR | Review Community Capabilities
9 4. SECTION FOUR: Review Community Capabilities
Local mitigation capabilities are existing authorities, policies, programs, and resources that reduce hazard impacts or that could be used to implement hazard mitigation activities and must be included in a hazard mitigation plan by the planning team.
The planning team also may identify additional types of capabilities relevant to mitigation planning.
4.1. Capability Assessment
The primary types of capabilities for reducing long-term vulnerability through mitigation planning are:
• Planning and Regulatory
• Administrative and Technical
• Financial
• Education and Outreach
Based on the capability assessment, the City of Carlsbad has existing regulatory, administrative/technical, and fiscal mechanisms in place to mitigate hazards. In addition to these existing capabilities, there are opportunities to enhance and/or refine these policies and programs to further protect the community.
Some examples of potential opportunities are organized below by regulatory, administrative/technical, fiscal, and outreach opportunities.
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 SECTION FOUR | Review Community Capabilities
10 4.1.1. Planning and Regulatory
Planning and regulatory capabilities are the plans, policies, codes, and ordinances that prevent and reduce the impacts of hazards. Please indicate which of the following your jurisdiction has in place:
Plans
Yes/No
Year
Does the plan address hazards?
Does the plan identify projects to include in the mitigation strategy?
Can the plan be used to implement mitigation actions?
Comprehensive/Master Plan
Yes
2015
Yes
Capital Improvements Plan
Yes
2020
Yes
Economic Development Plan
Yes
2020
Yes
Local Emergency Operations Plan
Yes
2021
Yes
Continuity of Operations Plan
Yes
2021
Yes
Transportation Plan
Yes
2020
Yes
Stormwater Management Plan
Yes
2016
Yes
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Yes
2013
Yes
M. Real estate disclosure requirements
Yes
2020
Yes
Other special plans (e.g., brownfields
redevelopment, disaster recovery, coastal zone
management, climate change adaptation)
Y 2019
Y 2021
Y 2020
Coastal Zone Land Use Plan
Disaster Recovery Plan
Climate Action Plan
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11 Building Code, Permitting, and Inspections Yes/No Are codes adequately enforced?
Building Code
Yes
Version/Year: 2019 Triennial Edition of Title 24
Building Code Effectiveness Grading Schedule
(BCEGS) Score
No
Fire department ISO rating
Yes
Rating: 3
Site plan review requirements
Yes
Yes
Land Use Planning and Ordinances
Yes/No
Is the ordinance an effective measure for reducing hazard impacts?
Is the ordinance adequately administered and enforced?
Zoning ordinance
Yes
Yes
Subdivision ordinance
Yes
Yes
Special purpose ordinances (floodplain
management, storm water management, hillside
or steep slope ordinances, wildfire ordinances,
hazard setback requirements)
Yes
Yes
Growth management ordinances (also called “smart
growth” or anti-sprawl programs)
Yes
Yes
Flood insurance rate maps
Yes
Yes
Acquisition of land for open space and public
recreation uses
Yes
Yes
Other N/A
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Future opportunities for regulatory enhancement may focus on compliance with state legislation, including amending the City’s General Plan Public Safety Element to reference the 2023-2028 San Diego County MJHMP and Carlsbad Annex.
Additionally, Carlsbad will continue to implement mitigation policies and programs to include regulatory requirements for flooding and coastal hazards; geology and seismicity; airport and railroad hazards; and soils and materials hazards.
TABLE 2: FEMA LOCAL MITIGATION PLANNING HANDBOOK WORKSHEET 4.1 DATA.
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12 4.1.2. Administrative and Technical
Administrative and technical capabilities include staff and their skills and tools that can be used for mitigation planning and to implement specific mitigation actions. For smaller jurisdictions without local staff resources, if there are public resources at the next higher-level government that can provide technical assistance, indicate so in your comments:
Administration
Yes/No
Describe capability
Is coordination effective?
Planner(s) or engineer(s) with knowledge of land
development and land management practices
Yes
Manage general, community and urban plans; manage
land use and land development projects; review and write environmental documents; prepare and coordinate
processing of local, state, and federal permits; review and analyze technical drawings, specifications, and reports; perform site inspections and field research; research,
review and prepare ordinances and policies; review
projects and advise citizens and developers during
application process to ensure compliance with City
regulations; prepare planning reports, use GIS
products/maps; perform quality control, coordinate
various departments and agencies, monitor mitigation
requirements for environmentally sensitive projects and perform proper documentation and reporting.
Engineer(s) or professional(s) trained in
construction practices related to buildings and/or
infrastructure
Yes
Conduct inspections of private and public construction
projects inspecting materials and workmanship to ensure compliance with approved plans and specifications.
inspect conditions prior to the start of construction, during construction and upon completion.
Planners or Engineer(s) with an understanding of
natural and/or manmade hazards
Yes
Carlsbad Planners and Engineers understand the
importance of mitigation measures in their respective
area of expertise as it relates to hazards risks.
Mitigation Planning Committee
Yes
Carlsbad utilizes its Carlsbad Emergency Management
Administrative Team (CEMAT) for planning mitigation.
Maintenance programs to reduce risk (e.g., tree
trimming, clearing drainage systems)
Yes
Perform a variety of semi-skilled and skilled work in
pruning, trimming, felling, and topping trees; to operate and maintain tree trimming equipment; and to do related work such as clearing draining systems.
Mutual aid agreements
Yes
Carlsbad has several mutual aid agreements in place
related to mitigation planning.
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13 Staff
Yes/No
FT/PT
1 Is staffing adequate to enforce regulations?
Is staff trained on hazards and mitigation?
Is coordination between agencies and staff effective?
Chief Building Official Yes
FT-1
Yes
Floodplain Administrator Yes
FT-1
Yes
Emergency Manager
Yes
FT-2
PT-1
Yes
Surveyors
No
Staff with education or expertise to assess the
community’s vulnerability to hazards
Yes
FT-2
PT-1
Yes
Community Planner Yes
FT-5
Yes
Scientists familiar with the hazards of the
community
No
Civil Engineer Yes
FT-4
Yes
Personnel skilled in GIS and/or HAZUS Yes
FT-5
Yes
Grant writers Yes
PT-3*
*Part of other duties as assigned to full-time positions Other N/A
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14 Technical
Yes/No
Describe capability
Has capability been used to assess/mitigate risk in the past? Warning systems/services
(Reverse 911, outdoor warning signals)
Yes
AlertSanDiego for Reverse 911 operations, Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) for emergency notifications, Changeable Message Boards
All have been used to mitigate risks from hazards in the past Hazard data and information
Yes Previous Regional and Carlsbad-specific hazard data and information has been used to identify and mitigate risks in the past
Grant writing Yes
PT-3*
*Part of other duties as assigned to full-time positions Hazus analysis
Yes FEMA Hazus Program has been used to identify and mitigate risks in the past
Other N/A
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? Other future enhancements may include providing hazard training for staff or hazard mitigation grant funding in partnership with the County of San Diego and Cal OES. City staff are aware of the benefits of participating in training and webinars offered by Cal OES Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Team related to HMGP opportunities, HMGP Sub application Development support, and other funding programs, such as Prepare California Jumpstart.
Other opportunities may be related to coordinating and educating key stakeholders in the city. Other stakeholders may be interested in aligning efforts related to hazard mitigation and supporting HMGP Sub applications and other hazard mitigation trainings.
TABLE 3: FEMA LOCAL MITIGATION PLANNING HANDBOOK WORKSHEET 4.1 DATA CONTINUED.
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15 4.1.3. Education and Outreach
Identify education and outreach programs and methods already in place that could be used to implement mitigation activities and communicate hazard-related information:
Program/Organization
Yes/No
Describe program/organization and how relates to disaster resilience and mitigation.
Could the program/organization help implement future
mitigation activities?
Local citizen groups or non-profit organizations
focused on environmental protection,
emergency preparedness, access, and
functional needs populations, etc.
Yes
Carlsbad partners with several citizen groups and non-
government organizations related to coastal zone resources, sensitive habitat management protection, community
emergency response, and access and functional needs
coordination, all of which help implement
mitigation activities
Ongoing public education or information
program (e.g., responsible water use, fire
safety, household preparedness,
environmental education)
Yes
Carlsbad has several community educational programs in almost all its departments, as well as a specific Communication & Engagement Department
Natural disaster or safety related school
programs
Yes Both the Police and Fire Departments offer disaster and safety programs to local schools
StormReady certification
No
Firewise Communities certification
No
Public-private partnership initiatives addressing
disaster-related issues
Yes
Ready Carlsbad Business Alliance
Other N/A
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? The city may also expand outreach capabilities related to the implementation of the 2023-2028 County of San Diego MJHMP and the City’s Annex. Specific enhancements may include continued public involvement through social media posts, community education, and advertisements focused on hazard mitigation projects successes mitigation as well as focused outreach to under-represented and special-interest groups. The city may also develop outreach kits for partner organizations.
The city will continue its Hazard Reduction Program, which takes a proactive approach to mitigate hazards within the City of Carlsbad by inspecting privately owned open space lands ensuring city guidelines are appropriately maintained within these areas.
Property owners on vacant parcels in the Hazard Reduction Program receive an annual "Notice to Destroy Weeds & Remove Rubbish," and they are expected to maintain their property free of fire hazards or nuisance vegetation year-round.
TABLE 4: FEMA LOCAL MITIGATION PLANNING HANDBOOK WORKSHEET 4.1 DATA CONTINUED.
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16 4.2. Safe Growth Audit
Identify gaps in your community’s growth guidance instruments and improvements that could be made to reduce vulnerability to future development:
Comprehensive Plan Yes No
Land Use
1. Does the future land-use map clearly identify natural hazard areas? X
2. Do the land-use policies discourage development or redevelopment within natural hazard areas?
X
3. Does the plan provide adequate space for expected future growth in areas located outside natural hazard areas?
X
Transportation
1. Does the transportation plan limit access to hazard areas? X
2. Is transportation policy used to guide growth to safe locations? X
3. Are movement systems designed to function under disaster conditions (e.g., evacuation)? X Environmental Management
1. Are environmental systems that protect development from hazards identified and mapped? X
2. Do environmental policies maintain and restore protective ecosystems? X
3. Do environmental policies provide incentives to development that is located outside protective ecosystems?
X
Public Safety
1. Are the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan related to those of the FEMA Local Hazard Mitigation Plan?
X
2. Is safety explicitly included in the plan’s growth and development policies? X
3. Does the monitoring and implementation section of the plan cover safe growth objectives? X
TABLE 5 : FEMA LOCAL MITIGATION PLANNING HANDBOOK WORKSHEET 4.2 DATA CONTINUED.
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17 Zoning Ordinance Yes No
1. Does the zoning ordinance conform to the comprehensive plan in terms of discouraging development or redevelopment within natural hazard areas?
X
2. Does the ordinance contain natural hazard overlay zones that set conditions for land use within such zones?
X
3. Do rezoning procedures recognize natural hazard areas as limits on zoning changes that allow greater intensity or density of use?
X
4. Does the ordinance prohibit development within, or filling of, wetlands, floodways, and floodplains?
X
Subdivision Regulations Yes No
1. Do the subdivision regulations restrict the subdivision of land within or adjacent to natural hazard areas?
X
2. Do the regulations provide for conservation subdivisions or cluster subdivisions to conserve environmental resources?
X
3. Do the regulations allow density transfers where hazard areas exist? X
Capital Improvement Program and Infrastructure Policies Yes No
1. Does the capital improvement program limit expenditures on projects that would encourage development in areas vulnerable to natural hazards?
X
2. Do infrastructure policies limit extension of existing facilities and services that would encourage development in areas vulnerable to natural hazards?
X
3. Does the capital improvement program provide funding for hazard mitigation projects identified in the FEMA Mitigation Plan?
X
Other Yes No
1. Do small area or corridor plans recognize the need to avoid or mitigation natural hazards? X
2. Does the building code contain provisions to strengthen or elevate construction to withstand hazard forces? X
3. Do economic development or redevelopment strategies include provisions for mitigation natural hazards? X
4. Is there an adopted evacuation and shelter plan to deal with emergencies from natural hazards? X
TABLE 6: FEMA LOCAL MITIGATION PLANNING HANDBOOK WORKSHEET 4.2 DATA CONTINUED.
Questions were adapted from Godschalk, David R. Practice Safe Growth Audits, Zoning Practice, Issue Number 10, October 2009, American Planning Association.
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18 4.3. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
As a participant in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a community develops capabilities for conducting flood mitigation activities. The hazard mitigation plan must describe each jurisdiction’s participation in the NFIP. Participating communities must describe their continued compliance with NFIP requirements. The mitigation plan must do more than state that the community will continue to comply with the NFIP. Each jurisdiction must describe their floodplain management program and address how they will continue to comply with the NFIP requirements. The local floodplain administrator is often the primary source for this information.
Jurisdictions where FEMA has issued a floodplain map but are currently not participating in the NFIP may meet this requirement by describing the reasons why the community does not participate. Plan updates must meet the same requirements and document any change in floodplain management programs.
The City of Carlsbad is a participant in the NFIP and has been a participant since June 14, 1977 May 12, 2026
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19 NFIP Topic Source of Information Comments
Insurance Summary
How many NFIP policies are in the
community? What is the total premium
and coverage?
State NFIP Coordinator
or FEMA NFIP Specialist
284 Policies
$152,501.00 Premiums
$76,394,500 Coverage
How many claims have been paid in the
community? What is the total amount of
paid claims? How many of the claims
were for substantial damage?
FEMA NFIP or
Insurance Specialist
11 Paid Claims
$149,376.74 Total Paid
Unknown
How many structures are exposed to
flood risk within the community?
Community Floodplain
Administrator (FPA)
Describe any areas of flood risk with
limited NFIP policy coverage
Community FPA and FEMA
Insurance Specialist
Staff Resources
Is the Community FPA or NFIP
Coordinator certified? Community FPA No
Is floodplain management an auxiliary
function? Community FPA Yes
Provide an explanation of NFIP
administration services (e.g., permit
review, GIS, education or outreach,
inspections, engineering capability)
Community FPA
Permit Review
LOMC processing
General information services
GIS mapping
What are the barriers to running an
effective NFIP program in the community,
if any?
Community FPA
Staff resources
Compliance History
Is the community in good standing with
the NFIP?
State NFIP Coordinator,
FEMA NFIP Specialist,
community records
Yes
Are there any outstanding compliance
issues (i.e., current violations)?
No
When was the most recent Community
Assistance Visit (CAV) or Community
Assistance Contact (CAC)?
2012
Is a CAV or CAC scheduled or needed?
No
TABLE 7: FEMA LOCAL MITIGATION PLANNING HANDBOOK WORKSHEET 4.3 DATA.
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20 NFIP Topic Source of Information Comments
Regulation
When did the community enter the NFIP?
Community Status Book
http://www.fema.gov/
national-flood-insurance-
program/national-flood-
insurance-program-
community-status-book
June 14, 1977
Are the FIRMs digital or paper? Community FPA Both
Do floodplain development regulations
meet or exceed FEMA or State minimum
requirements? If so, in what ways?
Community FPA Flood plain regulations currently meet FEMA and California State minimum requirements
Provide an explanation of the permitting
process.
Community FPA,
State, FEMA NFIP
All projects shall comply with cities flood plain
management regulations. Required findings for
approval of projects include that the site is safe from flooding, does not cause or create hazards to adjacent
properties, does not have adverse impact upstream
or downstream and cumulative effect of projects does
not increase water surface elevation. Typically, special permits are required for proposed construction within
potential flood areas.
Flood Insurance Manual
http://www.fema.gov/
flood-insurance-manual
Community FPA, FEMA CRS
Coordinator, ISO
representative
CRS manual http://
www.fema.gov/library/
viewRecord.do?id=2434
Community Rating System (CRS)
Does the community participate in CRS? Community FPA,
State, FEMA NFIP No
What is the community’s CRS Class
Ranking?
Flood Insurance Manual
http://www.fema.gov/
flood-insurance-manual
N/A
What categories and activities provide
CRS points and how can the class be
improved?
N/A
N/A
Does the plan include CRS planning
requirements
Community FPA, FEMA CRS
Coordinator, ISO
representative
N/A
CRS manual http://
www.fema.gov/library/
viewRecord.do?id=2434
TABLE 8: FEMA LOCAL MITIGATION PLANNING HANDBOOK WORKSHEET 4.3 DATA CONTINUED.
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21 5. SECTION FIVE: Conduct a Risk Assessment
The planning team conducts a risk assessment to determine the potential impacts of hazards to the people, economy, and built and natural environments of the community. The risk assessment provides the foundation for the rest of the mitigation planning process, which is focused on identifying and prioritizing actions to reduce risk to hazards.
In addition to informing the mitigation strategy, the risk assessment also can be used to establish emergency preparedness and response priorities, for land use and comprehensive planning, and for decision making by elected officials, city and county departments, businesses, and organizations in the community.
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22 5.1. Hazards Summary
The City of Carlsbad has identified one high ranking hazard within its service area: Wildfire. Additionally, the plan will address additional hazards, which could adversely impact system resiliency and disrupt continuity of operations within the city’s service area, including Earthquake, Climate Change, and Flooding.
Hazard Location
(Geographic
Area
Affected)
Maximum Probable
Extent
(Magnitude/Strength)
Probability of
Future Events
Overall
Significance
Ranking
Avalanche Negligible Weak Unlikely Low
Climate Change (Drought,
Erosion, Extreme Cold,
Extreme Heat, Sea Level
Rise, Severe Winter
Weather, Storm Surge)
Significant Moderate Likely Medium
Dam Failure Negligible Moderate Unlikely Low
Earthquake Significant Severe Likely Medium
Expansive Soils Negligible Weak Unlikely Low
Flood Limited Moderate Likely Medium
Hail Negligible Weak Unlikely Low
Hurricane Negligible Moderate Unlikely Low
Landslide Limited Moderate Occasional Low
Lightning Limited Moderate Occasional Low
Severe Wind Significant Moderate Likely Medium
Subsidence Negligible Weak Unlikely Low
Tornado Negligible Moderate Occasional Low
Tsunami Limited Moderate Occasional Medium
Wildfire Extensive Severe Highly Likely High
TABLE 9: FEMA LOCAL MITIGATION PLANNING HANDBOOK WORKSHEET 5.1 DATA.
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23 Definitions for Classifications Location (Geographic Area Affected) • Negligible: Less than 10 percent of planning area or isolated single-point occurrences • Limited: 10 to 25 percent of the planning area or limited single-point occurrences • Significant: 25 to 75 percent of planning area or frequent single-point occurrences • Extensive: 75 to 100 percent of planning area or consistent single-point occurrences Maximum Probable Extent (Magnitude/Strength based on historic events or future probability) • Weak: Limited classification on scientific scale, slow speed of onset or short duration of event, resulting in little to no damage
• Moderate: Moderate classification on scientific scale, moderate speed of onset or moderate duration of event, resulting in some damage and loss of services for days • Severe: Severe classification on scientific scale, fast speed of onset or long duration of event, resulting in devastating damage and loss of services for weeks or months • Extreme: Extreme classification on scientific scale, immediate onset, or extended duration of event, resulting in catastrophic damage and uninhabitable conditions
Hazard Scale / Index Weak Moderate Severe Extreme
Drought Palmer Drought Severity
Index3
-1.99 to
+1.99
-2.00 to
-2.99
-3.00 to
-3.99
-4.00 and
below
Earthquake
Modified Mercalli Scale4 I to IV V to VII VII IX to XII Richter Magnitude5 2, 3 4, 5 6 7, 8
Hurricane Wind Saffir-Simpson Hurricane
Wind Scale6
1 2 3 4, 5
Tornado Fujita Tornado Damage Scale7 F0 F1, F2 F3 F4, F5 Probability of Future Events
• Unlikely: Less than 1 percent probability of occurrence in the next year or a recurrence interval of greater than every 100 years.
• Occasional: 1 to 10 percent probability of occurrence in the next year or a recurrence interval of 11 to 100 years.
• Likely: 10 to 90 percent probability of occurrence in the next year or a recurrence interval of 1 to 10 years
• Highly Likely: 90 to 100 percent probability of occurrence in the next year or a recurrence interval of less than 1 year.
Overall Significance
• Low: Two or more criteria fall in lower classifications, or the event has a minimal impact on the planning area. This rating is sometimes used for hazards with a minimal or unknown record of occurrences or for hazards with minimal mitigation potential. • Medium: The criteria fall mostly in the middle ranges of classifications and the event’s impacts on the planning area are noticeable but not devastating. This rating is sometimes used for hazards with a high extent rating but very low probability rating.
• High: The criteria consistently fall in the high classifications and the event is likely/highly likely to occur with severe strength over a significant to extensive portion of the planning area.
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24 o Cumulative meteorological drought and wet conditions: http://ncdc.noaa.gov/ o Earthquake intensity and effect on population and structures: http://earthquake.usgs.gov o Earthquake magnitude as a logarithmic scale, measured by a seismograph:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov
o Hurricane rating based on sustained wind speed: http://nhc.noaa.gov o Tornado rating based on wind speed and associated damage: http://spc.noaa.gov
Critical Facility Type Jurisdiction Name Counts
Airport – Control Tower Carlsbad 1
Airport - Runway Carlsbad 2
Airport – Terminal - Small Carlsbad 1
Emergency - EOC Carlsbad 2
Emergency - FIRE Carlsbad 7
Emergency - POLICE Carlsbad 1
Water - Waste Carlsbad 4
5.1.1 Hazards
Hazard Profile Descriptions
The city’s Local Planning Group reviewed the hazards identified in the previous Hazard Mitigation Plan and evaluated each to see if they still posed a risk to the jurisdiction. In addition, the hazards listed in the FEMA Local Mitigation Planning Handbook were also reviewed to determine if they should be added to the list of hazards to include in the plan revision.
The list of priority hazards was determined by the Local Hazard Mitigation Planning Team using jurisdictional- level hazard maps and data, historical records, vulnerability assessments, and input from subject matter experts.
Based on this FEMA Standardized evaluation, in accordance with information covered within the HAZUS Data Evaluations, Vulnerability Assessments, Hazard Seminar Series, and input from Subject Matter Experts and the public, the City of Carlsbad has prioritized the following hazards into High, Medium, and Low rankings (in no order of prioritization within individual categories):
High Medium Low
• Wildfire • Climate Change (Drought,
Erosion, Extreme Heat,
Sea Level Rise, Severe
Winter Weather, Storm
Surge)
• Avalanche
• Earthquake • Dam Failure
• Flood • Expansive Soils
• Landslide • Hail
• Severe Wind • Hurricane
• Tsunami • Lightning
• Subsidence
• Tornado
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25 The final list of prioritized hazards for the City of Carlsbad were hazards with a High or Medium Overall Significance Rating which have the most impact to the planning area:
1. Wildfire: Carlsbad is susceptible to vegetation fires year-round. The proximity of vegetation (Wildland-Urban Interface) and climate contribute to this hazard. This threat is concentrated in Carlsbad’s eastern sectors and canyon areas.
Carlsbad experienced significant wildland fires in 1996 and 2014 and was threatened by the Firestorms of 2003 and 2007. Wildland fires typically originate east of Carlsbad and are driven west by Santa Ana (strong easterly) winds. Exceptions to this can occur as was the case during the 2014 Poinsettia Fire.
Wind driven fires can occur at any time of the year but are most likely, and most severe, during Santa Ana conditions. Wildland fires may either occur with advanced warnings or may be short notice events.
Carlsbad has identified wildfire as a high potential hazard-related exposure/loss event to its jurisdiction.
Hazard Profile and Problem Description
A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire spreading through vegetation and exposing or possibly consuming structures and threatening lives. When wind-driven, they spread quickly. They can be naturally occurring, man-made or the result of technology failures. They are fueled by grasses, brush, trees and other structures.
A Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) fire (often called Wildland, Vegetation, or Brush fires) are wildfires in a geographical area where structures and other human development meet or intermingle with wildland or vegetative fuels.
Significant development in Carlsbad, and throughout San Diego County, is located along canyon ridges at the Wildland/Urban Interface. Areas that have experienced prolonged droughts or are excessively dry are at risk of wildfires. The risk can become severe or worse during high wind conditions. When these conditions present the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning.
People start most wildfires, usually the result of as debris burns, arson, or carelessness. Lightning strikes are the next leading cause of wildfires. Wildfire behavior is based on three primary factors: fuel, topography, and weather. The type, and amount of fuel, as well as its burning qualities and level of moisture affect wildfire potential and behavior. The continuity of fuels, expressed in both horizontal and vertical components is also a determinant of wildfire potential and behavior.
Topography is important because it affects the movement of air (and thus the fire) over the ground surface.
The slope and shape of terrain can change the speed at which the fire travels, and the ability of firefighters to reach and extinguish the fire. Weather affects the probability of wildfire and has a significant effect on its behavior. Temperature, humidity, and wind (both short and long term) affect the severity and duration of wildfires.
San Diego County’s topography consists of semi-arid coastal plain and rolling highlands, which, when fueled by shrub overgrowth, occasional Santa Ana winds and high temperatures, creates an ever-present threat of wildland fire. Extreme weather conditions such as high temperature, low humidity, and/or winds of extraordinary force may cause an ordinary fire to expand into one of massive proportions. Under current climate conditions, the wildfire threat to property, lives, and ecosystems in the San Diego region is very high.
With hotter temperatures and possibly fewer rainy days in the coming decades, vegetation could become drier.
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26 As a result, it is likely that San Diego region will see an increase in the frequency and intensity of fires, and the fire season could become longer and less predictable, making firefighting efforts more costly. Many consider the fire “season” now to be year-round, temporarily mitigated in the weeks following heavy winter rains.
An increase in wildfire also affects public health. Fire-related injuries and death are likely to increase as wildfires occur more frequently. Wildfires can also be a significant contributor to air pollution. Wildfire smoke contains numerous toxic and hazardous pollutants that are dangerous to health and can worsen lung disease and other respiratory conditions.
Regionally, wildland fires prompted five Proclaimed States of Emergency, and Urban/Intermix Fires prompted four Proclaimed States of Emergency in the County of San Diego between 1950-2014. In October of 2003, the second-worse wild-land fire in the history of San Diego County destroyed 332,766 acres of land, 3,239 structures, and 17 deaths at a cost of $450M. San Diego County’s worst wildfire occurred in October 2007. At the height of the firestorm there were seven fires burning within the County. The fires destroyed 369,000 acres (13% of the County), 2,670 structures, 239 vehicles, and two commercial properties.
There were 10 civilian deaths, 23 civilian injuries, and 10 firefighter injuries. The cost of the fire exceeded $1.5 billion. During the May 2014 San Diego County firestorm, 14 wildfires burned near simultaneously. The second of those fires to erupt was the Poinsettia Fire in Carlsbad. Unlike many wildfires which start in rural areas of the county, the Poinsettia Fire started in the geographic center of the city. The Poinsettia Fire After Action Report, copies of which were provided to San Diego County OES and Cal OES, is filed in the City of Carlsbad EOC.
Location and Extent
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has mapped fire threat potential throughout California. CAL FIRE ranks fire threat according to the availability of fuel and the likelihood of an area burning. The rankings include little or no fire threat, moderate, high, and very high fire threat. Large amounts of open space and wildland make Carlsbad susceptible to brush fires year-round. The proximity of native vegetation and the climate of the region contribute to a moderate to high threat of wildfires in the city.
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27 May 12, 2026
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28 Most of Carlsbad has only moderate fire threat; however, there is high and very high fire threat in the central and eastern portions of the city.
Based upon this information, the Carlsbad Fire Department has developed response preplans for the most likely wildland fire threats to the city. These preplan areas include: Hosp Grove, Calavera Hills, Sunny Creek Road, Box Canyon, Dank Tank and Green Valley.
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30 2. Earthquake: Recent research suggests the Newport-Inglewood-Rose Canyon Fault, which runs offshore of Carlsbad, may can produce a 7.3 quake. Such a quake might pose an increased risk to life and property, due to structural damage, liquefaction, and/or tsunami. Other faults in the region include the Coronado Bank, La Nacion, Elsinore, Agua Caliente, and San Jacinto. Although modeling suggests Carlsbad is outside of the heavy shaking and damage zones associated with a 7.8 magnitude earthquake along the San Andres fault, the city should be prepared to provide mutual aid support to those directly impacted as described in the Southern California Catastrophic Earthquake Response Plan.
Hazard Profile and Problem Description
Carlsbad lies within a medium-low probabilistic peak ground acceleration zone. There are no active faults that run directly through Carlsbad and the California Geologic Survey does not include the City of Carlsbad on its list of cities affected by the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act.
Based on current science, local geologists do not agree earthquake swarms are an accurate indicator of pending large-scale earthquake activity.
Evidence of damage should be investigated following any significant ground shaking activity in the region. Given the current technology, earthquakes are likely to be a no notice event.
Liquefaction: During an earthquake, shaking of granular loose soil saturated with water can lead to liquefaction, a condition in which sediments below the water table temporarily lose strength during an earthquake and behave as a viscous liquid rather than a solid. This can weaken structural foundations.
Historically, seismic shaking levels in the San Diego region, including in Carlsbad, have not been sufficient to trigger liquefaction, and as such, the city generally has a low liquefaction risk. However, there are areas of the city that have a higher risk of liquefaction due to the presence of hydric soils or soils that are often saturated or characteristic of wetlands. These areas are limited to the immediate vicinity of the Buena Vista, Agua Hedionda, and Batiquitos Lagoons.
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31 Evidence of liquefaction-related damage should be investigated following any significant ground shaking activity in the region.
Like earthquakes, liquefaction is likely to be a no notice event. (See Appendix 2:
Earthquake/Liquefaction).
3. Flooding: The San Diego Region is divided into 11 hydrologic units that flow from elevated regions in the east toward coastal lagoons, estuaries, or bays in the west. Carlsbad is located within the Carlsbad Hydrologic Unit (HU), also referred to as the Carlsbad Watershed Management Area, which is approximately 210 square miles in area, extending from the headwaters above Lake Wohlford in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and from Vista and Oceanside in the north to Solana Beach, Encinitas, and the community of Rancho Santa Fe to the south. There are numerous important surface hydrologic features within the Carlsbad HU including four unique coastal lagoons, three major creeks, and two large water storage reservoirs.
Hazard Profile and Problem Description
Floods are typically described in terms of their statistical frequency. For example, a 100-year floodplain describes an area within which there is a one percent probability of a flood occurring in any given year.
FEMA prepares Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) that identify 100-year and 500-year flood zones. The potential flood hazard areas identified on the FIRM maps in Carlsbad include the entire coastline, creeks and tributaries, and lagoons. Most jurisdictions within San Diego County, including the City of Carlsbad, participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. Pursuant to the City of Carlsbad’s Local Coastal Plan and Carlsbad Municipal Code Title 21 (Zoning), development is restricted within 100-year floodplain areas.
The City of Carlsbad flooding response procedures were presented to the City Council in 2015. Flooding may either occur with advanced warnings or be a short notice event.
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32 4. Climate Change (Drought, Erosion, Extreme Cold, Extreme Heat, Sea Level Rise, Severe Winter Weather, and Storm Surge): Climate change is not a hazard in and of itself, but rather is a factor that could affect the location, extent, probability of occurrence, and magnitude of climate-related hazards.
Hazards related to the Climate Change hazard for the planning area are drought, erosion, extreme cold, extreme heat, sea level rise, severe winter weather and storm surge.
Hazard Profile and Problem Description
Higher temperatures, changes in precipitation, decreased water supplies accompanied by increased demand, increased risk of wildfire, a greater number of extremely hot days, the decline or loss of plant and animal species, and other impacts of climate change are expected to continue to affect Carlsbad.
Numerous observations document the impacts of global climate change, including increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, the widespread melting of snow and ice, more intense heat waves, and rising global average sea level. Scientists have high confidence that global temperatures will continue to rise in the foreseeable future, largely due to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to the physical impacts to the environment from increased temperatures, sea level rise, and more frequent extreme weather events, global climate change is predicted to continue to cause ecological and social impacts.
Ecological impacts of climate change include greater risk of extinction of species, loss of species diversity, and alteration of global biogeochemical cycles, which play an essential role in nutrient distribution. The social impacts of climate change include impacts on agriculture, fisheries, energy, water resources, forestry, construction, insurance, financial services, tourism and recreation.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increased global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global average sea level. The overwhelming majority of climate scientists agree that human activities, especially burning of fossil fuels, are responsible for most of the global warming observed.
The Scripps Institution of Oceanography planning partners define Climate Change as any systematic change in the long-term statistics of climate elements and weather events (such as temperature, May 12, 2026
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33 pressure, or winds) sustained over several decades or longer.91F91F91F Climate change refers to a change in the state of the climate that can be identified (e.g., by using statistical tests) by changes in the mean and/or the variability of its properties and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer.
Climate change may be due to natural internal processes or external forcings such as modulations of the solar cycles, volcanic eruptions, and persistent anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use.
Hazard Impact
Coastal regions, such as Carlsbad, are vulnerable to oceanic flooding and the increasing occurrence of heat waves, whose temperatures are likely lower than in inland regions but rarely occurred historically.
However, the health impacts of less intense heat waves on those living in the coastal zone may be more severe than elsewhere in the county because the population is less acclimated to the heat.
Neighborhoods with less access to air conditioning and natural shading from vegetation are more susceptible to extreme heat.
While the scope, severity, and pace of future climate change impacts are difficult to fully predict, it currently impacts emergency management planning and may aggravate the magnitude and frequency of emergencies.
Climate change also has public health impacts. City residents, who are already more vulnerable to health challenges, are likely to be the most affected by climate change. Increases in extreme heat events can increase the risk of heat-related illness or death, or the worsening of chronic health conditions. Food scarcity and higher food prices from impacts to agriculture can cause increased hunger and reduced availability of nutrition.
The increased frequency of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, wildfires, and storm surges can cause injury or death, illness, and increases or shifts in infectious diseases. Global climate change may cause ecological and social impacts. Ecological impacts may include greater risk to species and habitats.
Social impacts may affect food, water, livability, recreation, tourism, development, turf and landscaping, flower and strawberry production, and insurance.
Implementing appropriate warnings and communication or extremes such as heatwaves and/or smoke from wildfires and developing responses to prepare for these extremes is critically important, especially in the most vulnerable communities. To move forward, the region can assess current measures, such as cooling centers to take refuge from extreme heat, urban greening, residential and commercial structure fire resistance and community fire mitigation and escape routes.
Other ways to prevent and mitigate further impacts include:
• Testing and monitoring adaptation strategies.
• Identifying thresholds to determine when it may be necessary to relocate or redesign infrastructure.
• Continual improvement of extreme forecasts to allow longer lead times to prepare for the extremes.
By assessing ongoing changes in risk—in addition to the traditional practice of risk assessment based on observed hazard events—this plan’s hazard mitigation strategies can better reduce risk from hazards expected going forward. In general, to prepare and mitigate impacts of climate change, develop integrated multi-agency, multi-jurisdiction approach that uses best information, best practices, and considers the needs of under-resourced, disadvantaged communities and individuals.
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34 5.1.2 Hazard Omission Rationale
Hazard Description Reason for Exclusion
Avalanche A mass of snow moving down a slope.
There are two basic elements to a slide: A
steep, snow-covered slope and a trigger
Snowfall in city foothills is
negligible; poses no threat
compared to other hazards
Dam Failure A dam failure can take several forms,
including a collapse of, or breach in, the
structure. While most dams have storage
volumes small enough that failures have
few or no repercussions, dams storing
large amounts can cause significant
flooding downstream.
Historically, only two major dam
failures have been recorded in San
Diego County: The Hatfield Flood of
1916 caused the failure of the
Sweetwater and Lower Otay Dams.
Expansive Soils Expansive soils shrink when dry and swell when wet. This movement can exert
enough pressure to crack sidewalks,
driveways, basement floors, pipelines and
even foundations
Presents a minor threat to limited
portions of the city
Hail Can occur during thunderstorms that bring
heavy rains, strong winds, hail, lightning,
and tornadoes
Occurs during severe
thunderstorms; most likely to occur
in the central and southern states;
no historical record of this hazard
in the region.
Hurricane Hurricanes, tropical storms, nor’easters,
and typhoons, also classified as cyclones,
include any closed circulation developing
around a low-pressure center in which the
winds rotate counterclockwise in the
northern hemisphere (or clockwise in the
Southern Hemisphere) and whose
diameter averages 10 to 30 miles across. A
tropical cyclone refers to any such
circulation that develops over tropical
waters.
Prevailing winds take hurricane
tracks westward off of Northern
Baja and the few that may drift
further north dissipate in the colder
offshore waters and become
rainmakers rather than causing
destructive winds.
Lightning Lightning is defined by the NWS as any
and all of the various forms of visible
electrical discharge caused by
thunderstorms.
The US National Centers for
Environmental Information reports
that the County averages only
three days of lightning a year,
making it a minor threat compared
to other hazards.
Severe Wind Severe wind is commonly associated with
severe thunderstorm winds, severe winter
storms (exceeding 58 mph) and
tornadoes.
Maximum sustained wind speed
recorded in the region is less than
60 miles per hour and would not be
expected to cause major damage or
injury.
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35 Subsidence Occurs when large amounts of ground
water have been withdrawn from certain
types of rocks, such as fine-grained
sediments. The rock compacts because
the water is partly responsible for holding
the ground up. When the water is
withdrawn, the rocks fall in on themselves.
Soils in the County are mostly
granitic. Presents a minor threat to
limited parts of the county. No
historical record of this hazard in
the region.
Tornado A tornado is a violent windstorm
characterized by a twisting, funnel-shaped
cloud. It is spawned by a thunderstorm (or
sometimes because of a hurricane) and
produced when cool air overrides a layer
of warm air, forcing the warm air to rise
rapidly. The damage from a tornado is a
result of the high wind velocity and wind-
blown debris.
Less than one tornado event occurs
in the entire State of California in
any given year; poses very minor
threat compared to other hazards.
No historical record of this hazard
in the region.
Tsunami Tsunamis are a series of large waves of
extremely long wavelength and period
usually generated by a violent,
impulsive undersea disturbance or activity
near the coast or in the ocean. When a
sudden displacement of a large
volume of water occurs (or if the sea floor
is suddenly raised or dropped by an
earthquake) big tsunami waves
can be formed.
Historic seismic shaking levels in
the San Diego region, including in
Carlsbad, have not been sufficient
to trigger tsunamis, and as such,
the city generally has a low tsunami
risk.
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36 5.2 Potential Hazard Exposure and Loss Estimates
The City of Carlsbad reviewed a set of jurisdictional-level hazard maps and data provided by the County of San Diego, including detailed critical facility information and localized potential hazard exposure/loss estimates related to residential, commercial, and critical asset/facilities to identify the top hazards threatening the city. Potential hazard exposure/loss estimates are summarized in Table 5.2.
According to the 2022 FEMA Repetitive Loss Summary Report, City of Carlsbad has one Repetitive Loss property, and zero Severe Repetitive Loss properties. The Repetitive Loss property is nonresidential.
TABLE 5.2: SUMMARY OF POTENTIAL HAZARD-RELATED EXPOSURE/LOSS IN CITY OF CARLSBAD.
Residential Commercial Critical Facilities
Hazard Type
Exposed
Population-
2022
Number of
Residential
Buildings -
2022
Potential
Exposure
Loss for
Residential
Buildings-
2022
Number of
Commercial
Buildings-
2022
Potential
Exposure
Loss for
Commercial
Buildings-
2022
Number of
Critical
Facilities-
2022
Potential
Exposure
for Critical
Facilities-
2022
Coastal Storm 341 16 6,217,600 0 0 0 0
Sea Level Rise
Coastal Flooding 622 21 8,160,600 4 1,209,400 10 63,690,000 Mean Higher High
Water 70 1 388,600 0 0 4 24,780,000
Dam Failure 1,258 523 203,237,800 24 7,256,400 5 29,728,000 Earthquake (Loss)
(Annualized Loss -
Includes shaking,
liquefaction and
landslide
components)
1067
6314
3,079.694,441
377
165,506,390
Info not
provided in
county
table
Info not
provided in
county
table
100 Year Info not
provided in
county
table
Info not
provided in
county
table
Info not
provided in
county
table
Info not
provided in
county
table
Info not
provided in
county
table
Info not
provided in
county
table
Info not
provided in
county
table
500 Year 19,092 4,538 1,763,466,800 352 106,427,200 4 143,152,000 Floods (Loss)
100 Year 2,497 619 240,543,400 15 4,535,250 19 123,880,000 500 Year 2,497 619 240,543,400 15 4,535,250 19 123,880,000 May 12, 2026
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37 Residential Commercial Critical Facilities
Hazard Type
Exposed
Population-
2022
Number of
Residential
Buildings -
2022
Potential
Exposure
Loss for
Residential
Buildings -
2022
Number of
Commercial
Buildings-
2022
Potential
Exposure
Loss for
Commercial
Buildings -
2022
Number of
Critical
Facilities-
2022
Potential
Exposure for
Critical
Facilities- 2022
Wildfire/Structure Fire
High Fire Hazard 24,365 8,513 3,307,300,500 238 71,959,300 19 682,173,700 Very High Fire Hazard 19,479 5,075 1,972,145,000 561 169,618,350 17 383,777,700 Rain-Induced Landslide
High Risk 2,163 24 9,324,000 1 302,350 0 0
Moderate Risk 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Tsunami 4,259 114 44,300,400 1 302,350 9 60,030,000
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38 5.3 Development Trends
Development Since 2018 Plan
City of Carlsbad Community Development Department tracks total building permits issued from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2022. A summary of this development is shown in Table XXX. The development in the identified hazard areas, including the 1% annual chance floodplains and high wildfire risk areas, were completed in accordance with all current and applicable development codes and standards and should be adequately protected. Thus, with the exception of more people living in the area potentially exposed to natural hazards, this growth should not cause a significant change in City’s vulnerability to identify priority hazards.
The City issued permits for more than 1,300 new dwelling units and over 2.6 million square feet of non- residential (e.g., commercial and industrial) space. By fiscal year and quadrant, this new construction breaks down as follows:
5.3 Table: City of Carlsbad Development July 1, 201, to June 30, 2022
Dwellings and Non-residential Square Permitted1
Fiscal year Dwelling
units
permitted
Percent of units by quadrant Non-residential
square feet
permitted
Percent of units by quadrant
NW NE SW SE NW NE SW SE
2017-2018 341 31% 62% 3% 4% 1,643,467 7% 39% 4% 50%
2018-2019 375 34% 41% 5% 21% 315,194 46% 28% 1% 25%
2019-2020 242 34% 12% 25% 28% 372,455 21% 71% 2% 6%
2020-2021 251 48% 16% 28% 8% 216,834 5% 83% 0% 11%
2021-2022 111 65% 5% 14% 16% 107,935 91% 0% 0% 9%
Total units 1,320 39% 33% 13% 15% 2,655,885 17% 44% 3% 36% 1Source: Growth Management Plan Monitoring Reports for Fiscal Years 2017-2018 through 2020-2021; Development Monitoring Reports for May 2022 and October 2022.
The city uses quadrants to identify four major sections of the city from its major arterial roads, El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road being the dividing intersections for each quadrant. Figure XXX identifies those areas.
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40 The permitted commercial and industrial construction noted in the table occurred or is occurring in existing developed areas, such as business and industrial parks. Similarly, construction of the more than 1,300 new homes occurred or is underway as infill development dispersed throughout the city in older neighborhoods, previously approved master plans and in Carlsbad’s downtown.
In Section 5.1, Hazards Summary, wildfire is the only hazard identified with a “high” significance ranking due in part to the Carlsbad’s large amount of natural open space, largely occurring in the hills and valleys in the eastern third of the city. Many of these areas and adjacent developed lands are within the Very High or High Fire Hazard Severity Zones as identified by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. As the table above demonstrates, most (72 percent) residential construction since 2017- 2018 has occurred in the northern half of the city, with slightly more development in the northwest (39 percent) than the northeast (33 percent). The two quadrants with the greatest non-residential construction since 2017- 2018 include the northeast (44 percent) and the southeast (36 percent).
While development has continued to occur in areas of the city assessed to be higher fire hazard risk, three factors help to mitigate vulnerability: lower population density of non-residential construction types, implementation of modern codes and development standards, and development of infill locations.
The non-residential development is reported in terms of square footage, which is disproportionately high when compared to number of employees in business park/industrial park settings typical of Carlsbad. As such, high square footage is not synonymous with high population and/or at-risk populations. Secondly, the development occurring in the past five years has been evaluated for consistency with modern city codes, standards and land use regulations, including the Growth Management Plan, which requires all necessary infrastructure (roads, utilities, public safety facilities, etc.), to be installed concurrent with need. The guarantee of facilities ensures that both public safety infrastructure and service capacity grow to meet the needs of additional areas and populations and maintain desired levels of service. Finally, as previously mentioned, the growth that is occurring within the city is largely infill, taking place on vacant or underdeveloped lots surrounded by existing buildings and infrastructure. While development is occurring within areas that have been assessed as higher fire risk, it does not represent a trend of creating additional wildland-urban interface or development in additional risk areas.
Future Development
Looking to the future, residential and non-residential development will continue to be characterized as infill, whether in the city’s downtown, master plan areas or business parks. A notable exception is the city’s Sunny Creek area east of El Camino Real and north of Faraday Avenue. While much of this area is set aside as permanent open space, some areas are vacant and remain developable. Some developable portions of Sunny Creek are in the identified fire hazard zones. Any development applications submitted in the Sunny Creek area will be evaluated by city staff for consistency with all applicable codes, regulations, and standards to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place to serve and protect future homes and businesses.
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41 6. SECTION SIX: Develop a Mitigation Strategy
The mitigation strategy serves as the long-term blueprint for reducing potential losses identified in the risk assessment. The mitigation strategy describes how the community will accomplish the overall purpose, or mission, of the planning process.
The mitigation strategy is made up of three main required components: mitigation goals, mitigation actions, and an action plan for implementation. These provide the framework to identify, prioritize, and implement actions to reduce risk to hazards.
Mitigation goals are general guidelines that explain what the community wants to achieve with the plan They are usually broad policy-type statements that are long-term, and they represent visions for reducing or avoiding losses from the identified hazards
Mitigation actions are specific projects and activities that help achieve the goals.
The action plan describes how the mitigation actions will be implemented, including how those actions will be prioritized, administered, and incorporated into the community’s existing planning mechanisms.
In a multi-jurisdictional plan, each jurisdiction must have an action plan specific to that jurisdiction and its vulnerabilities.
Although not required, some communities choose to develop objectives to help define or organize mitigation actions. Objectives are broader than specific actions, but are measurable, unlike goals.
Objectives connect goals with the actual mitigation actions
6.1. Mitigation Action Evaluation
Use this worksheet to help evaluate and prioritize each mitigation action being considered by the planning team. For each action, evaluate the potential benefits and/or likelihood of successful implementation for the criteria defined below.
Rank each of the criteria with a -1, 0 or 1 using the following scale:
• 1 = Highly effective or feasible
• 0 = Neutral
• -1 = Ineffective or not feasible
Example Evaluation Criteria:
• Life Safety – How effective will the action be at protecting lives and preventing injuries? • Property Protection – How significant will the action be at eliminating or reducing damage to structures and infrastructure?
• Technical – Is the mitigation action technically feasible? Is it a long-term solution? Eliminate actions that, from a technical standpoint, will not meet the goals. • Political – Is there overall public support for the mitigation action? Is there the political will to support it?
• Legal – Does the community have the authority to implement the action? • Environmental – What are the potential environmental impacts of the action? Will it comply with environmental regulations?
• Social – Will the proposed action adversely affect one segment of the population? Will the action disrupt established neighborhoods, break up voting districts, or cause the relocation of lower income people?
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42 • Administrative – Does the community have the personnel and administrative capabilities to implement the action and maintain it or will outside help be necessary? • Local Champion – Is there a strong advocate for the action or project among local departments and agencies that will support the action’s implementation? • Other Community Objectives – Does the action advance other community objectives, such as capital improvements, economic development, environmental quality, or open space preservation? Does it support the policies of the comprehensive plan?
Mitigation Action
Life
Safety
Property
Protection
Technical
Political
Legal
Environmental
Social
Administrative
Local
Champion
Other
Community
Objectives
Total
Score
Structure and Infrastructure Projects
GOAL 1: Reduce the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, including people and critical infrastructure, due to structure fire/wildland fire
Develop a comprehensive
approach to reducing the
possibility of damage and losses
due to structure fire/wildland fire
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
10 Coordinate with and support
existing efforts to mitigate
structural fire/wildland fire
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
10 Maintain GIS mapping to best
reflect potential vulnerability of
assets from structural
fire/wildland fire
1 1
1 1
1 0
0 1
0 1
7 Maintain adequate emergency
response capability 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 7
TOTAL SCORE 4 4 3 4 4 2 2 4 3 4 34
Mitigation Action
Life
Safety
Property
Protection
Technical
Political
Legal
Environmental
Social
Administrative
Local
Champion
Other
Community
Objectives
Total
Score
Structure and Infrastructure Projects (continued)
GOAL 2: Reduce the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, including people and critical infrastructure, due to earthquakes/liquefaction
Develop a comprehensive
approach to reducing the
possibility of damage and losses
due to earthquakes
1 1
1 1
1 0
1 1
0 1
8 Protect existing assets with the
highest relative vulnerability to
the effects of earthquakes
1 1
0 1
1 1
0 1
0 0
6 Coordinate with and support
existing efforts to mitigate
earthquake hazard
1 1
1 1
1 0
0 1
0 1
7 Community outreach 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 5
TOTAL SCORE 4 3 3 4 3 1 2 4 0 2 26
GOAL 3: Reduce the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, including people and critical infrastructure, due to hazardous materials
Develop a comprehensive
approach to reducing the
possibility of damage and losses
due to hazardous materials-
related hazards
1 0
1 1
1 1
1 1
0 1
8 Increase awareness and
knowledge of hazardous materials
mitigation principles and practice
among local officials
1 0
0 1
1 0
1 1
0 1
6 TOTAL SCORE 2 0 1 2 2 1 2 2 0 2 14
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43 Mitigation Action
Life
Safety
Property
Protection
Technical
Political
Legal
Environmental
Social
Administrative
Local
Champion
Other
Community
Objectives
Total
Score
Structure and Infrastructure Projects (continued)
GOAL 4: Reduce the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, including people and critical infrastructure, due to severe winter storms/flooding Develop a comprehensive
approach to reduction the
possibility of damage and losses
due to severe winter
storms/flooding
1 1
1 1
1 1
0 1
0 1
8 Protect existing assets with the
highest relative vulnerability to
the effects of floods (100-year
floodplain)
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
0 1
9 Protect floodplains from
inappropriate development 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 9
TOTAL SCORE 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 0 3 26
GOAL 5: Reduce the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, including people and critical infrastructure, due to climate change
Develop a comprehensive
approach to reducing the
possibility of damage and losses
due to climate change
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
10 Increase awareness and
knowledge of climate change
among senior city leadership
and/or local officials
1 0
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
9 Increase public awareness and
knowledge of damages and losses
due to climate change through
community awareness
1 1
0 1
1 0
1 1
1 1
8 TOTAL SCORE 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 27
Mitigation Action
Life
Safety
Property
Protection
Technical
Political
Legal
Environmental
Social
Administrative
Local
Champion
Other
Community
Objectives
Total
Score
Structure and Infrastructure Projects (continued)
GOAL 6: Reduce the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, including people and critical infrastructure, due to dam failure
Develop a comprehensive
approach to reduction the
possibility of damage and losses
due to dam failure
1 1
1 1
1 1
0 1
0 1
8 Coordinate with and support
existing efforts to mitigate dam
failure (e.g., US Army Corps of
Engineers, US Bureau of
Reclamation, California
Department of Water Resources)
0 0
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
8 Protect inundation areas from
inappropriate development 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 9
TOTAL SCORE 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 3 1 3 25
GOAL 7: Reduce the possibility of damage and losses to existing assets, including people and critical infrastructure, due to IT vulnerabilities/cyber insecurities Develop a comprehensive
approach to reducing the
possibility of damage and losses
due to IT vulnerabilities/cyber
insecurities
0 0
1 1
1 0
0 1
0 0
1 Increase awareness and
knowledge of IT
vulnerabilities/cyber insecurities
among senior city leadership
and/or local officials
0 0
1 1
1 0
0 1
1 1
6 Prepare cyber security plans and
policy 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 5
TOTAL SCORE 0 0 3 3 3 0 0 3 1 2 12
May 12, 2026
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Docusign Envelope ID: B59C0B04-D741-436B-B590-41CAEE92C366 SECTION SIX | Develop a Mitigation Strategy
44 Mitigation Action
Life
Safety
Property
Protection
Technical
Political
Legal
Environmental
Social
Administrative
Local
Champion
Other
Community
Objectives
Total
Score
Natural Systems Protection
The City of Carlsbad has no mitigation actions related to natural systems protection
Mitigation Action
Life
Safety
Property
Protection
Technical
Political
Legal
Environmental
Social
Administrative
Local
Champion
Other
Community
Objectives
Total
Score
Education and Awareness Programs
GOAL 8: Increase public understanding and support for effective hazard mitigation Educate the public to increase
awareness of hazards and
opportunities for mitigation
actions
1 0
0 1
1 1
0 1
0 1
6 Promote partnerships between
the state, counties, and local
jurisdictions and agencies to
identify, prioritize, and implement
mitigation actions
1 0
0 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
8 Work with the Chamber of
Commerce, businesses, and other
local agencies to promote hazard
mitigation in the local community
1 1
0 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
9 TOTAL SCORE 3 1 0 3 3 3 2 3 2 3 23
GOAL 9: Build and maintain local capacity and commitment to hazard mitigation goals Increase awareness and
knowledge of hazard mitigation
principles and practice among
local officials
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
0 1
9 Implement actions associated with
hazard mitigation plan 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 5
Continue GIS mapping of potential
hazard areas 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 7
TOTAL SCORE 3 2 2 1 3 3 1 3 0 3 21
Mitigation Action
Life
Safety
Property
Protection
Technical
Political
Legal
Environmental
Social
Administrative
Local
Champion
Other
Community
Objectives
Total
Score
Education and Awareness Programs (continued)
GOAL 10: Increase situational awareness of MJHMP, natural, technological, and human causes hazards identified in the Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) Integrate MJHMP into other city
planning documents 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 9
Include at CEMAT, CERT, and
Ready Carlsbad Business Alliance
(RCBA) elements of MJHMP and
EOP as regular part of agenda
discussion
1 1
1 0
0 1
1 1
1 1
8 Share EOC operational
environment and situational
awareness displays utilizing
technology such as Microsoft
Teams and Zoom
1 1
1 0
1 1
0 1
0 1
7 TOTAL SCORE 3 3 3 1 2 3 2 3 1 3 24
Mitigation Action
Life
Safety
Property
Protection
Technical
Political
Legal
Environmental
Social
Administrative
Local
Champion
Other
Community
Objectives
Total
Score
Local Plans and Regulations
GOAL 11: Update Carlsbad's General Plan to support hazard mitigation efforts Address climate change
adaptation and resiliency
strategies
1 0
1 1
1 1
1 1
1 1
9 Address in the housing element
and safety element of the General
Plan a risk assessment associated
with hazards which may require
enhanced evacuation strategies
1 0
1 1
1 0
1 1
1 1
8 TOTAL SCORE 2 0 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 17
TABLE 10: FEMA LOCAL MITIGATION PLANNING HANDBOOK WORKSHEET 6.1 DATA.
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45 6.1.1. Financial
Identify whether your jurisdiction has access to or is eligible to use the following funding resources for hazard mitigation:
Funding Resource
Access/
Eligibility
(Yes/No)
Has the funding resource been used in past and for what type of activities?
Could the resource be used to fund future mitigation
actions?
Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Yes
Previous mitigation measures and available
for future mitigation actions if needed
Capital improvements project funding
Yes
Previous mitigation measures and available
for future mitigation actions if needed
Authority to levy taxes for specific purposes
Yes
Previous mitigation measures and available
for future mitigation actions if needed
Fees for water, sewer, gas, or electric service
Yes
Previous mitigation measures and available
for future mitigation actions if needed
Impact fees for homebuyers or developers for
new developments/homes
Yes
Previous mitigation measures and available
for future mitigation actions if needed
Incur debt through general obligation bonds
Yes
Previous mitigation measures and available
for future mitigation actions if needed
Incur debt through special tax and revenue
bonds
Yes
Previous mitigation measures and available
for future mitigation actions if needed
Incur debt through private activity bonds
Yes
Previous mitigation measures and available
for future mitigation actions if needed
Capital improvements project funding
Yes
Previous mitigation measures and available
for future mitigation actions if needed
Authority to levy taxes for specific purposes
Yes
Previous mitigation measures and available
for future mitigation actions if needed
How can these capabilities be expanded and improved to reduce risk? The City may update existing policies, plans, and programs, such as the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Updates may be to incorporate hazard information and to include hazard mitigation actions and climate adaptation strategies that relate to infrastructure systems resiliency associated with the water and wastewater systems. Approved projects related to hazard mitigation, including the CIP, are available on the city’s webpage. ( Projects in the Works | Carlsbad, CA (carlsbadca.gov)
Also, capital investments and improvements related to seismic retrofits, cooling center upgrades, water supply systems, and wastewater treatment plan (WWTP) upgrades may be added to outreach ma terials as they are related to hazard mitigation. Additionally, given the prioritization of flooding mitigation projects, the city may apply for HMGP grants to fund implementation costs associated with key CIP projects and related projects in the city’s mitigation strategy. These fiscal capabilities may be supported by city staff or augmented with consultant staff.
TABLE 11: FEMA LOCAL MITIGATION PLANNING HANDBOOK WORKSHEET 4.1 DATA CONTINUED.
May 12, 2026
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46 6.2. Mitigation Action Implementation
A mitigation action is a specific action, project, activity, or process taken to reduce or eliminate long- term risk to people and property from hazards and their impacts. Implementing mitigation actions helps achieve the plan’s mission and goals. The actions to reduce vulnerability to threats and hazards form the core of the plan and are a key outcome of the planning process. This annex details the following mitigation action implementations:
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47 6.2.1 Hazard Mitigation Action Plan
Action
Items
Hazards Goals Priority Lead Agency/
Supporting
Departments
Estimated Costs &
Possible Funding
Timeline Ideas for Integration
Benefits: (Losses Avoided)
Support and maintain a
comprehensive approach to
reduce the possibility of damage
and losses due to structure
fire/wildland fire
Structure &
Wildland Fire
1 High Carlsbad Fire
Prevention
Carlsbad
Community
Development
Carlsbad Fire
Department
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Ensure adherence to current state
and federal codes for development
and open space areas and ensure
City plans are updated through a
comprehensive approach.
Minimize loss of life,
structures and protected
environmental space.
Support existing efforts to mitigate
structural fire/wildland fire
Structure &
Wildland Fire
1 High Carlsbad Fire
Prevention
Carlsbad Fire
Department
Carlsbad
Emergency Services
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Ensure adherence to current state
and federal codes for development
and open space areas and ensure
City plans are updated through a
comprehensive approach.
Minimize loss of life, structures and
protected environmental space.
Maintain GIS mapping capabilities
to reflect potential vulnerability
of assets from structural
fire/wildland fire
Structure &
Wildland Fire
1 High Carlsbad GIS
Carlsbad
Emergency Services
No funding
required
2023-
2028
An ongoing effort of Carlsbad
Emergency Services, Carlsbad Fire
Department and Carlsbad GIS is to
ensure city readiness with current
GIS mapping.
Support City’s readiness to
respond to and recover from a
disaster or emergency.
Maintain emergency response
capabilities
Structure &
Wildland Fire
1 High Carlsbad Fire
Department
Carlsbad
Emergency Services
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Ensure emergency plans, annexes
and appendices are updated to
current state, county, and local
requirements. Provide for ongoing
review process to ensure
emergency response capabilities.
Ensure City’s readiness to respond
to and recover from a disaster or
emergency.
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48 Action
Items
Hazards Goals Priority Lead Agency/
Supporting
Departments
Estimated Costs &
Possible Funding
Timelin
e
Ideas for Integration
Benefits: (Losses Avoided)
Minimize loss of life, structures and
protected environmental space.
Support and maintain a
comprehensive approach to reduce
the possibility of damage and
losses due to earthquakes
Earthquake 2 Medium Carlsbad Fire
Prevention
Carlsbad Community
Development
Carlsbad Fire
Department
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Ensure adherence to current state
and federal codes for new
construction and ensure City plans
are updated through a
comprehensive approach.
Minimize loss of life,
structures and protected
environmental space.
Protect existing assets with the
highest relative vulnerability to the
effects of earthquakes
Earthquake 2 Medium Carlsbad Emergency
Services
Carlsbad Fleet &
Facilities
Carlsbad Construction
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Ensure adherence to current state
and federal codes for new
development and retrofit
structures and ensure City plans
are updated through a
comprehensive approach.
Minimize loss of life and structures
space.
Support existing efforts to mitigate
earthquake hazards
Earthquake 2 Medium Carlsbad Emergency
Services
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Ensure adherence to current state
and federal codes for development
and open space areas and ensure
City plans are updated though a
comprehensive approach.
Minimize loss of life, structures and
protected environmental space.
Support community outreach
efforts related to hazard mitigation
Earthquake 2 Medium Carlsbad Emergency
Services
Carlsbad
Communication &
Engagement
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
This action will build upon
Emergency Services community
outreach and education efforts
related to overall preparedness and
response to potential earthquakes.
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49 Action
Items
Hazards Goals Priority Lead Agency/
Supporting
Departments
Estimated Costs &
Possible Funding
Timeline Ideas for Integration
Benefits: (Losses Avoided)
Support and maintain a
comprehensive approach to
reducing the possibility of damage
and losses due to hazardous
materials-related hazards
Wildfire,
Manmade
3 Low Carlsbad Fire
Department
Carlsbad Emergency
Services
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Ensure adherence to current state
and county requirements for the
reporting and storage of
hazardous materials. Ensure City
plans are updated with current
requirements.
Minimize loss of life, structures
and protected environmental
space.
Support ongoing awareness of
hazardous materials mitigation
principles and practice among local
officials
Wildfire,
Manmade
3 Low Carlsbad Fire
Department
Carlsbad Emergency
Services
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Provide routine presentations to
local officials on hazardous
materials mitigation efforts.
Support and maintain a
comprehensive approach to reduce
the possibility of damage and losses
due to severe winter storms/flooding
Flooding,
Climate Change
(Severe Winter
Weather, and
Storm Surge)
4 Medium Carlsbad Public
Works
Carlsbad Community
Development
Carlsbad Emergency
Services
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Ensure City current and future
infrastructure and development
goals and plans reflect current
state and county regulations,
requirements, and plans.
Minimize loss of life, structures,
city infrastructure and open
space.
Protect existing assets with the
highest relative vulnerability to the
effects of floods (100-year
floodplain)
Flooding,
Climate
Change
(Severe
Winter
Weather, and
Storm Surge)
4 Medium Carlsbad Public
Works
Carlsbad Emergency
Services
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Ensure City current and future
infrastructure and development
goals and plans reflect current
state and county regulations,
requirements, and plans.
Minimize loss of life, structures,
city infrastructure and
open space.
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50 Action
Items
Hazards Goals Priority Lead Agency/
Supporting
Departments
Estimated Costs &
Possible Funding
Timeline Ideas for Integration
Benefits: (Losses Avoided)
Support protection of floodplains from
inappropriate development
Flooding, Climate
Change (Severe
Winter Weather)
4 Medium Carlsbad Community
Development
Carlsbad Emergency
Services
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Ensure adhere to federal, state
and county regulations and
guidance in development in
flood-prone areas.
Minimize loss of life, structures,
City infrastructure and open
space.
Support and maintain a
comprehensive approach to reduce
the possibility of damage and
losses due to climate change
Climate
Change
(Drought,
Extreme Heat,
Severe Winter
Weather)
5 Medium Carlsbad Public
Works-
Environmental
Sustainability
Carlsbad Emergency
Services
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Continue update of City’s existing
Climate Action Plan to reflect
current regulations, best
practices, and community
involvement to reduce possible
damage or loss due to climate
change.
Meet or exceed federal and
state requirements for climate
change related mitigation.
Support ongoing awareness of
climate change among senior city
leadership and/or local officials
Climate
Change
(Drought,
Extreme Heat,
Severe Winter
Weather)
5 Medium Carlsbad Public
Works-
Environmental
Sustainability
Carlsbad
Emergency Services
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Provide presentations to City
Council with update on City’s
Climate Action Plan goals and
priorities.
Meet or exceed state and federal
requirements for reduction in
greenhouse gas emissions.
Support public awareness and
knowledge of damages and losses
due to climate change through
community awareness
Climate
Change
(Drought,
Extreme Heat,
Severe Winter
Weather, Sea
Level Rise)
5 Medium Carlsbad Public
Works-
Environmental
Sustainability
Carlsbad
Communications &
Engagement
Costs
undetermined/
General Fund
2023-
2028
Provide public education
materials through City website,
social media channels,
community outreach events and
Earth Month activities.