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to receive. A regional administrator would be required. Similar to Option A, it may not be implemented in a timely manner for the 2022 dry season.
Option C – Flat Rate addresses some of the criteria. Lake Mendocino water levels would dictate the rate of water conservation for all users and limits the users’ ability to plan for water supply management.
Further, this option ignores priority of rights.
Steering Committee Feedback Request
The Steering Committee is now seeking feedback from stakeholders. As the City Council reviews these options, it should consider the following questions:
• Would the City participate in the voluntary water conservation agreement if it uses any of the above discussed options? What is the City’s preferred option? Why? • What specific features of a particular water conservation option would encourage the City to participate in the voluntary water conservation agreement? Conversely, what specific features of a particular water conservation option would discourage the City from participating?
• What changes would be needed in the water conservation framework in order for the City to participate in a particular water conservation option or voluntary agreement? • The City’s baseline for water conservation is its 2017 – 2019 historical demand. What are the benefits or challenges in using the proposed baseline for the City? • What is a viable water conservation percentage for the City? The Steering Committee will accept feedback and revise the water conservation options for maximum participation and effectiveness.
Next Steps
To meet plans to adopt regulations for another dry year, the State Water Board staff intends to present a voluntary conservation agreement to the State Water Board in May 2022. The City is expected to have the opportunity to review the water conservation program and agreement ahead of the State Water Board and decide if it wishes to participate in the voluntary agreement.
A regional voluntary water conservation agreement will be developed based on stakeholders’ feedback and preferred options. Once these options are further developed, a technical analysis will need to be conducted to determine the best option for the City. The analysis will include impacts to the City if it opts not to participate. The State Water Board representative in the Steering Committee plans to hold a meeting with water right users’ legal counsels to discuss the agreement and water conservation.
City staff will continue to participate in the Steering Committee. An update will be provided additional information to the City Council at a future meeting. The regional voluntary water conservation agreement will be presented to the City Council later in Spring.
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