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(3) The Agency shall consider implementing its drought rate surcharge. (4) The agency will expand its public information campaign.
3.5 Level No. 5: Urgent
When the State Water Resources Control Board or other regulatory body has imposed restrictions on the use of water within the Agency that warrant the restrictions set forth herein, or in the event that a water shortage condition requires a significant reduction in water use, following a public hearing as set forth in Section 3.2, during which water users shall have the opportunity to present protests and their respective needs to the Board, the Board may declare that a Level 5 Emergency condition exists. Upon such declaration, the following water conservation measures shall apply in addition to those set forth in Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4:
(1) Watering turfgrass is prohibited.
(2) The use of misting systems is prohibited.
(3) Turfgrass at parks and school grounds may water with recycled water or not at all. (4) Golf course greens and tees may be watered no more than two times per week during non-daylight hours with recycled water or not at all.
(5) Trees, desert plants and shrubs may be watered only with drip, subterranean or non-adjustable bubbler irrigation systems during non-daylight hours.
(6) Outdoor water use for grading or development is prohibited. (7) The Agency will impose a moratorium or net zero demand on new connections. (8) The Agency will not issue new construction meters, and service through construction meters will not be available.
3.6 Level No. 6 – Emergency Rationing
When the State Water Resources Control Board or other regulatory body has imposed restrictions on the use of water within the Agency that warrant the restrictions set forth herein, or in the event that a water shortage condition requires a significant reduction in water use, following a public hearing as set forth in Section 3.2, during which water users shall have the opportunity to present protests and their respective needs to the Board, the Board may declare that a Level 6 Emergency condition exists. Upon such declaration, the following water conservation measures shall apply in addition to those set forth in Sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4 and 3.5:
(1) The Agency will implement mandatory rationing.
(2) Outdoor water use is prohibited.
(3) Restaurants must use disposable cups, plates, and utensils. (4) Commercial nurseries shall discontinue all watering and irrigation. (5) Watering of livestock is permitted as necessary.
In addition, as set forth in Water Code Sections 350 et seq., the Board may consider adoption of a resolution or ordinance that allocates water deliveries among the Agency’s water users, and that imposes penalties for consumption in excess of the allocated amounts. The resolution or ordinance may also, or instead, impose a limit on new water service connections. Violation of the provisions of such resolution or ordinance shall be deemed a violation of this Ordinance, and shall be subject to the enforcement provisions set forth herein.
Section 4: MODIFICATION OF WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES.
The specific requirements of each mandatory conservation Level identified in this Ordinance shall be effective upon adoption by the Board following a public hearing; provided that the Board may modify or amend such requirements at the time of adoption upon a showing of the need for such modification or amendment.
Section 5: IMPLEMENTATION AND TERMINATION OF MANDATORY COMPLIANCE LEVELS.
The General Manager of the Agency shall monitor the supply and demand for water on a regular basis to determine the level of conservation required by the implementation or termination of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan Levels set forth in this Ordinance, and shall notify the Board of the necessity for the implementation or termination
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of each Level. Each declaration of the Board implementing a Water Shortage Contingency Plan Level shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation, and shall remain in effect until the Board otherwise declares, as provided herein.
Section 6: EXCEPTIONS.
The General Manager of the Agency is hereby authorized to allow exceptions from the application of any provision of this Ordinance, due to exceptional circumstances, if the General Manager determines that the application of a provision would either: (a) cause an unnecessary and undue hardship to the water user or to the public; or (b) jeopardize the health, sanitation, fire protection or safety of the water user or of the public. Such exceptions may be granted only upon application therefor. Upon granting any such exception, the General Manager may impose any conditions the General Manager determines to be appropriate in the circumstance.
Section 7: CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS FOR VIOLATION.
The Board hereby determines that, pursuant to Water Code Section 377, it shall be a misdemeanor for any water user to use or apply water contrary to or in violation of any mandatory restriction or requirement established by this Ordinance and, upon conviction thereof, that water user shall be punished by imprisonment in the County jail for not more than 30 days or by a fine of not more than $1,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.
Section 8: CIVIL PENALTIES AND ENFORCEMENT.
In addition to criminal penalties, violators of the mandatory provisions of this Ordinance shall be subject to civil penalties and enforcement action by the Agency staff, as follows:
8.1 First Violation.
For a first violation, the Agency staff may serve a written complaint to impose civil penalties to the water user or account holder who is violating the provisions of this Ordinance or violating the water use restrictions imposed by the State Water Resources Control Board. Upon receipt of the complaint for civil penalty, the water user or account holder shall have seven days to request, in writing, a hearing. If no hearing is requested or at the hearing it is determined that the water user or account holder has committed a violation, a civil penalty of $50 for a first violation at a single family residence and $100 for a first violation at a multi-family residential, commercial or institutional establishment may be levied.
8.2 Second Violation.
For a second violation of this Ordinance or water use restrictions imposed by the State Water Resources Control Board within any 12-month period, the Agency staff may serve a written complaint to impose civil penalties on the water user or account holder with written notice thereof, and the water user or account holder shall have the same period of time set forth in Section 8.1 to request a hearing. For a second violation within any 12-month period the civil penalty shall be $100 at a single family residence and $200 at a multi-family residential, commercial or institutional establishment.
8.3 Third Violation.
For a third violation of this Ordinance and for each subsequent violation within any 12-month period, the water user or account holder shall be subject to civil penalties and shall have the same opportunity to request a hearing in the manner set forth in Section 8.1. For a third and each subsequent violation within any 12-month period, the civil penalty shall be $250 at a single family residence and $500 at a multi-family residential, commercial or institutional establishment.
8.4 Collection of Civil Penalties.
Civil penalties may be billed to the violating water user by separate invoice, or may be added to the water user’s invoice for water service as a separately itemized charge as determined by Agency staff. Civil penalties that are not paid may become a lien on the affected property in a manner provided by law to secure payment for water service. In addition, the Agency staff shall be authorized to discontinue water service for any violation of this Ordinance and for failure to pay a civil penalty within the period of time provided by the Agency staff for payment of invoices for water service. In the
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event that service is terminated, such service shall remain terminated for a period of at least 48 hours, unless such period is extended by action of the Board of Directors. A charge shall be imposed for reconnection and restoration of service in the amount normally charged by the Agency for restoration of service. Such restoration of service shall not be made until the General Manager has determined that the water user has provided adequate assurances that future violations of this Ordinance by such water user will not occur.
8.5 Service of Complaint.
The complaint for civil penalties may be served personally, by mail or by affixing a copy of the complaint to the front entry of the property. The complaint shall contain, in addition to the facts of the violation, a statement of the possible civil penalties for the violation and a statement informing the water user of his or her right to a hearing.
8.6 Hearing and Appeal.
Within seven days of receipt of a complaint for civil penalties, the water user may request a hearing to present evidence that a violation did not occur. Within seven days after receipt of a written request for a hearing, the Executive Committee of the Board will schedule a hearing for the water user to present evidence that a violation did not occur. The hearing shall take place no sooner than 30 days after the complaint has been issued to the violator, unless requested at an earlier date by the violator. The decision of the Executive Committee following the hearing shall be final.
Section 9: CUMULATIVE REMEDIES.
The remedies for violations set forth in this Ordinance shall be cumulative to any other remedies available to the Agency according to law.
Section 10: SEVERABILITY.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid, such determination shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Ordinance.
Section 11: PUBLICATION.
The Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Agency shall attest to the adoption of this Ordinance and shall cause the same to be published in a newspaper of general circulation which is printed, published and circulated in the Agency within ten days after its adoption.
Section 12: EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon adoption and shall supersede the provisions of Ordinance No.
65. ADOPTED this 15th day of June, 2021.
___________________________
Kristin Bloomer, President
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Joseph K. Stuart, Secretary-Treasurer
Item 19.
City of Indio
Item 19.
City of Indio
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Final Draft
prepared on behalf of
City of Indio
100 Civic Center Mall
Indio, California 92201
prepared by
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
2060 Knoll Drive
Ventura, California 93003
May 11, 2026
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
i
Table of Contents
1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................1 2 Water Supply Reliability Analysis .......................................................................................................2 3 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures ............................................................3
3.1 Decision Making Process .........................................................................................................3
3.2 Data and Methodologies ..........................................................................................................4
3.2.1 Evaluation Criteria.........................................................................................................4
3.2.2 Water Supply ................................................................................................................4
3.2.3 Current Year Unconstrained Customer Demand..........................................................4
3.2.4 Current Year Supply .....................................................................................................4
3.2.5 Infrastructure Considerations ........................................................................................4
3.2.6 Other Factors ................................................................................................................4 4 Six Standard Water Shortage Levels .................................................................................................4 5 Shortage Response Actions ...............................................................................................................5
5.1 Supply Augmentation ...............................................................................................................5
5.2 Demand Reduction Actions and Mandatory Use Restrictions .................................................6
5.3 Operational Changes .............................................................................................................10
5.4 Additional Mandatory Restrictions..........................................................................................10
5.5 Emergency Response Plan....................................................................................................10
5.6 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan .......................................................................10
5.7 Shortage Response Action Effectiveness ..............................................................................11 6 Communication Protocols.................................................................................................................11 7 Compliance and Enforcement ..........................................................................................................13
7.1 Penalties.................................................................................................................................13
7.2 Appeals and Exemption Process............................................................................................13 8 Legal Authorities ...............................................................................................................................13
8.1 Declaration of Water Shortage...............................................................................................13
8.2 Proclamation of Local Emergency .........................................................................................14 9 Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation.........................................................................14
9.1 Financial Impacts and Mitigation Action.................................................................................14
9.2 Reporting Cost of Compliance with Excessive Water Use Prohibition During Drought Emergency .............................................................................................................................15 10 Monitoring and Reporting .................................................................................................................15 11 WSCP Refinement Procedures ........................................................................................................16 12 Special Water Feature Distinction ....................................................................................................16 13 Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability ........................................................................................16 14 References .......................................................................................................................................17
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
ii
Tables
Table 1. Annual Assessment Decision-Making Process........................................................................3 Table 2. Water Shortage Contingency Plan Levels ................................................................................5 Table 3. Supply Augmentation and Other Actions..................................................................................6 Table 4. DWR 8-3R: Demand Reduction Actions...................................................................................7 Table 5. Communication Plan Outline..................................................................................................12 Table 6. Enforcement Actions ..............................................................................................................13 Table 7. City and County Coordination on Proclamation of Emergencies ............................................14 Attachments
Attachment A. City of Indo Municipal Code
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
1 1 Introduction
This Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) describes how the City of Indio (hereafter referred to as Indio) intends to predict and respond to foreseeable and unforeseeable water shortages, which occur when available water supplies are reduced to a level that cannot support typical demand at any given time. The WSCP serves as a planning document to guide the City Council, staff, and the public by identifying response actions that allow for efficient and accountable management of water shortages with predictability and transparency. While the WSCP does not provide absolute direction, it offers a range of response options to address varying water shortage conditions.
Water shortages may be triggered by hydrologic limitations in supply—such as prolonged periods of below-normal precipitation and runoff—failures or limitations in supply or treatment infrastructure, or a combination of both. Hydrologic or drought-related shortages typically develop and subside gradually, whereas infrastructure-related shortages tend to occur more suddenly and unpredictably. Water supplies may be interrupted or substantially reduced due to events such as drought, earthquakes that damage delivery or storage facilities, regional power outages, or toxic spills that affect water quality.
This WSCP describes the following:
1. Water Supply Reliability Analysis. Summarizes the Indio’s water supply analysis and reliability and identifies the key issues that may trigger a shortage condition.
2. Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures. Describes the key data inputs, evaluation criteria, and methodology for assessing the system’s reliability for the coming year and the steps to formally declare any water shortage levels and response actions.
3. Six Standard Shortage Stages. Establishes water shortage levels to clearly identify and prepare for shortages.
4. Shortage Response Actions. Describes the response actions that may be implemented or considered for each stage to reduce gaps between supply and demand as well as minimize social and economic impacts to the community.
5. Communication Protocols. Describes communication protocols under each stage to ensure customers, the public, and City Council are informed of shortage conditions and requirements.
6. Compliance and Enforcement. Defines compliance and enforcement actions available to administer demand reductions.
7. Legal Authority. Lists the legal documents that grant Indio the authority to declare a water shortage and implement and enforce response actions.
8. Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation. Describes the anticipated financial impact of implementing water shortage stages and identifies mitigation strategies to offset financial burdens.
9. Monitoring and Reporting. Summarizes the monitoring and reporting techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of shortage response actions and overall WSCP implementation. Results are used to determine if additional shortage response actions should be activated or if efforts are successful and response actions should be reduced.
10. WSCP Refinement Procedures. Describes the factors that may trigger updates to the WSCP and outlines how to complete an update.
11. Special Water Features Distinctions. Identifies exemptions for ponds, lakes, fountains, pools, and spas, etc.
12. Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability. Describes the process for the WSCP adoption, submittal, and availability after each revision.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
2 Indio is one of six agencies in the Coachella Valley participating in the development of a 2025 Regional Urban Water Management Plan (RUWMP). Each agency is adopting the RUWMP to meet its reporting requirements under the Urban Water Management Planning Act (UWMP Act). Each agency is also adopting its own WSCP. The agencies have sought to align their shortage levels and shortage response actions to the extent possible, with the intent of reducing confusion for neighboring customers during a shortage. This document is compliant with the California Water Code (CWC) Section 10632 and incorporated guidance from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) 2025 UWMP Guidebook(DWR 2026).
2 Water Supply Reliability Analysis
This section provides a summary of the supply reliability analysis presented in Chapter 4 of the RUWMP and highlights key issues that could create a shortage condition.
The water supplies of the agencies in the Coachella Valley generally have a high degree of reliability.
The RUWMP participating agencies meet most of their urban demands with groundwater produced from the Indio and Mission Creek Subbasins of the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin. The groundwater basin is large enough to provide storage that allows continued production during dry periods. Because production exceeds the recharge provided by precipitation and return flows, the agencies use imported water to recharge the groundwater basin. These sources of imported water for recharge include:
• Colorado River water that CVWD receives primarily through the Coachella Canal for replenishment at Thomas E. Levy Groundwater Replenishment Facility (GRF) and Palm Desert GRF, and a small portion through Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s (MWD’s) Colorado River Aqueduct for replenishment at Whitewater River GRF.
• State Water Project (SWP) water that CVWD and Desert Water Agency (DWA) have rights to receive. Because the SWP infrastructure does not extend into the Coachella Valley, CVWD and DWA have an exchange agreement with MWD to receive Colorado River water from its Colorado River Aqueduct to for replenishment at Whitewater River GRF. In return, MWD receives SWP water through the SWP infrastructure based on the annual SWP allocations to CVWD and DWA.
Drought conditions are not expected to affect CVWD’s Colorado River water supply due to the agency’s high priority allocation. Colorado River water is not a direct source of urban water supply; it is used for groundwater replenishment and non-potable irrigation uses. If a reduction in Colorado River water supply occurred, CVWD would initially reduce deliveries to groundwater replenishment projects. Subsequent reductions in delivery would be applied by the CVWD Board of Directors as provided in CVWD’s Canal Water Shortage Contingency Plan, Chapter 3.10, Article XII of CVWD’s administrative code (CVWD 2026).
Drought conditions in the Sierra Nevada would influence the SWP water allocation; thus reducing the SWP Exchange water received by CVWD and DWA. Reductions in SWP allocations have occurred during prior droughts and SWP reliability is forecasted by DWR to continue declining with future climate changes (DWR 2025). SWP exchange water is used for replenishment of the Indio and Mission Creek Subbasins and is not a direct source of urban water supply. Consequently, water use restrictions due to drought involving the SWP water supply would likely be implemented only during a prolonged drought.
During dry periods when less imported water is available, groundwater production will exceed the amount of recharge, and the volume of groundwater in storage will be reduced. However, these reductions can be reversed in wet years when additional imported water is available. The Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin is a large basin which provides a buffer during dry periods, thus allowing the agencies to develop long-term plans and programs to manage regional water supplies. The Indio Subbasin Alternative Plan Update (Indio Subbasin GSAs 2021) and Mission Creek Subbasin Alternative Plan Update (Mission Creek Subbasin Management Committee 2021) both address groundwater sustainability considering hydrologic variability of replenishment supplies and other local water sources.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
3 The reliability analysis for Indio is presented in Section 7.7 of Indio’s chapter of the RUWMP. Although that analysis demonstrates that the region’s urban water supply is reliable, there are potential issues that could create a shortage condition. These include:
• An extended drought more severe than historic events, possibly exacerbated by climate change. • A natural disaster or a malevolent act that leads to prolonged disruption of imported water delivery from the Colorado River or the SWP.
• Reductions in imported water supply due to environmental restrictions related to endangered species or habitat protection.
• Identification of a currently unregulated contaminant that has widespread effects on the region’s groundwater supply.
• Regulatory mandates to reduce water use.
Water shortage contingency planning provides a way to plan for these risks and anticipate actions that can be implemented to manage the impacts. This plan describes how Indio intends to respond to such shortage events. The responses have been aligned with those of other RUWMP participating agencies to the extent possible.
3 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures
Indio is required to prepare an Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment (Annual Assessment) and submit it to DWR each year. The Annual Assessment is intended to meet requirements of Water Code Section 10632.1 and present an assessment of the likelihood of a water shortage occurring during the next 12 months. This section of the WSCP outlines the procedures that Indio will use to prepare the Annual Assessment. The procedures defined in this section will allow Indio to follow a consistent annual procedure for making the determination of whether to activate the WSCP.
3.1 Decision Making Process
DWR requires a defined decision-making process for performing the Annual Assessment. The process and anticipated timeline are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Annual Assessment Decision-Making Process
Anticipated Timeline
of Each Year Activities
February Indio staff review available data related to anticipated supplies and demands.
March The six agencies participating in the Coachella Valley RUWMP review the data and determine whether a consistent region-wide determination on water supply reliability can be made. If needed, individual agencies may elect to activate their WSCP at different shortage levels than other participating agencies.
April Indio staff will make a determination whether to recommend implementation of shortage response actions.
May If shortage response actions are to be implemented, Indio management will present the recommendation to the governing board for consideration.
If the governing board decides to implement the WSCP, it will provide public notice of a hearing to consider changes in the implementation of the shortage response actions.
June Indio staff prepares the Annual Assessment and submits to DWR by July 1.
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Water Shortage Contingency Plan
4 3.2 Data and Methodologies
This section describes the data and methodologies that will be used to evaluate water system reliability for the Annual Assessment.
3.2.1 Evaluation Criteria
Indio will rely on locally applicable criteria for each annual assessment. These criteria will include the findings of the annual reports prepared for the Indio Subbasin and the Mission Creek Subbasin for compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Findings from the annual Engineer’s Report on Water Supply and Replenishment Assessment will also be incorporated.
3.2.2 Water Supply
Indio’s anticipated supplies will be quantified for the near-term future, and descriptive text will be used to note any anticipated reductions in supply.
3.2.3 Current Year Unconstrained Customer Demand
Indio will prepare an estimate of unconstrained demand (as the term is used in Water Code Section 10632(a)(2)(B)(i)). The estimated demand will be calculated using the demand projection approach described in Section 4 of each agency’s chapter of the RUWMP, in combination with updated data for connections, climate, changes in land use, and recent water usage history.
3.2.4 Current Year Supply
Indio will describe the anticipated use of water supplies for the coming year, with the anticipation that the following year will be dry. The supplies will be characterized in a manner consistent with the RUWMP, in combination with updated data for climate and recent observations.
3.2.5 Infrastructure Considerations
Indio will describe any potential infrastructure constraints on the ability to deliver adequate supplies to meet expected customer demands in the coming year. Indio will verify that its system of wells, pipelines, pump stations, and storage tanks have adequate capacity to deliver the anticipated demands. Indio will describe any anticipated capital projects that are intended to address constraints in production, treatment, or distribution.
3.2.6 Other Factors
Indio will describe any specific locally applicable factors that could influence or disrupt supplies. Indio will also describe unique local considerations that are considered as part of the Annual Assessment. 4 Six Standard Water Shortage Levels
The RUWMP participating agencies have elected to use the six standard shortage levels included in guidance documents prepared by DWR. The six standard water shortage levels correspond to progressively increasing estimated shortage conditions (up to 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 50- percent, and greater than 50-percent shortage compared to the normal reliability condition). These levels are identified in Table 2.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
5 Table 2. Water Shortage Contingency Plan Levels
Shortage
Level
Percent Shortage
Range Description
Narrative Summary of Shortage Response
Actions
1 Up to 10% Normal water
supplies
Mandatory prohibitions defined by the state,
ongoing rebate programs
2 Up to 20% Slightly limited water
supplies
Outdoor water use restrictions on time of day,
increased water waste patrols
3 Up to 30% Moderately limited
water supplies
Outdoor water use restrictions on days per
week, restrictions on filling swimming pools
4 Up to 40% Limited water
supplies
Limits on new landscaping, expanded public
information campaign
5 Up to 50% Significantly limited
water supplies
Limits on watering of parks or school grounds
6 Greater than 50% Severe shortage or
catastrophic incident
No potable water use for outdoor purposes
Each level in Table 2 represents an anticipated reduction in the supplies that would normally be available to Indio. These supply reductions could be the result of a variety of potential causes including natural forces, system component failure or interruption, regulatory actions, contamination, or any combination of factors. Indio may need to activate shortage levels across its entire service area or within certain areas that are impacted by an event.
The levels involve voluntary and mandatory conservation measures and restrictions, depending on the causes, severity, and anticipated duration of the water supply shortage. The locally appropriate shortage response actions that would be taken at each level to address the resulting gap between supplies and demands are described in the following section.
5 Shortage Response Actions
This section describes the shortage response actions that would be taken by Indio at each shortage level.
These actions have been grouped into categories including:
• Supply Augmentation Actions
• Demand Reduction Actions and Mandatory Use Restrictions • Operational Changes
5.1 Supply Augmentation
For long-range planning, Indio continues to evaluate opportunities for transfers, exchanges, and other purchases of imported water to increase supply reliability. CVWD and DWA collaborate to replenish the Indio and Mission Creek Subbasins with imported water, creating a stored supply that can be used for emergencies or longer-term shortages. CVWD and DWA are also making investments in increasing supply reliability from the SWP through the Delta Conveyance Facility and in securing new supplies like Sites Reservoir.
Additionally, the RUWMP participating agencies continue to implement water conservation measures and increase use of recycled water usage to reduce groundwater demand. Indio’s demand management programs are described in Indio’s chapter of the RUWMP.
In their WSCP, agencies have the option of identifying short-term supply augmentation actions that would be taken during a shortage. These actions are intended to be separate from the long-range planning efforts to sustainably manage the groundwater basin. The short-term supply augmentation measures that could be implemented are presented in Table 3.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
6 Table 3. Supply Augmentation and Other Actions
Shortage
Level
Supply
Augmentation
Methods and Other
Actions by Water
Supplier
How much is this going to
reduce the shortage gap?
Additional Explanation or
Reference
Volume or
Percentage
Shortage Gap
Reduction
Value
1 - 6 Exchanges Volume Medium Emergency connections with neighboring agencies could
be activated or constructed
to help exchange water with
adjoining systems.
5 Other Actions Volume Medium In areas where recycled
water or other non-potable
supply is available,
customers could be
mandated to use these
supplies and cease use of
potable water.
6 Other Actions Volume Medium Additional non-potable water sources such as new shallow
groundwater wells.
5.2 Demand Reduction Actions and Mandatory Use Restrictions The RUWMP participating agencies have aligned their demand reduction actions to the greatest extent possible, while allowing each agency to tailor its response to the unique characteristics of its service area.
The agencies conducted public workshops to gather input on actions that could be taken during a water shortage. The input from stakeholders was used to select and prioritize actions that reflected the values of the community. Key elements of the input included:
• The importance of recognizing the conservation efforts that many customers have already made and not imposing requirements for all customers to meet the same percentage reduction in water use.
• The importance of involving Homeowner Associations (HOAs) to help implement and communicate response actions to individuals.
• The benefits of tiered rates in allowing customers to pay less for their basic efficient use and more for excessive use.
• A balanced program should include incentives (such as expanded rebates for turfgrass removal) as well as penalties (such as drought rates).
• A range of approaches is needed to communicate with customers and end users, including social media, web sites, bill inserts, presentations, and virtual tours, ideally in multiple languages.
The demand reduction actions that could be implemented at each shortage level are shown in Table 4.
During a shortage, Indio may implement some or all of the actions as needed, depending on actual conditions. As described in Section 7.9 of Indio’s chapter of the RUWMP, Indio implements demand management measures (DMMs) to increase water use efficiency. The RUWMP includes descriptions of water waste prevention ordinances, metering, conservation pricing, and public education and outreach programs for conservation.
Indio implements mandatory restrictions on water use through the City Municipal Code, Title 5 Public Works, Chapter 54 Water, Subchapter 4 Water Conservation, as reflected in Attachment A. This code includes all of the demand reduction actions listed in Table 4 and describe penalties addressed in Section 6.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
7 Table 4. DWR 8-3R: Demand Reduction Actions
Shortage
Level ID Demand Reduction Actions
How much is this going to
reduce the shortage gap?
Penalty or
Enforcement
Volume or
Percentage
Shortage Gap
Reduction
Value
1 A Applying any water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures is prohibited.
Volume Low No
B Using any water in a fountain or other decorative water feature is prohibited, unless the water recirculates.
Volume Low No
C Applying water to driveways, sidewalks, concrete or asphalt is prohibited unless to address immediate health and safety needs. Reasonable pressure washer or water broom use is permitted.
Volume Low No
D Spray irrigation of outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after rainfall of 0.10 inches is prohibited.
Volume Low No
E Using a hose to wash a vehicle, windows, or solar panels is prohibited unless an automatic shut-off nozzle or pressure washer is used.
Volume Low No
F Broken sprinklers shall be repaired within five business days of notification by agency, and leaks shall be repaired as soon as practical.
Volume Low No
G Draining and refilling of private swimming pools is discouraged, unless necessary for health and safety or leak repair.
Volume Low No
H Hotels will provide guests the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily.
Volume Low No
I City shall discourage overseeding. Volume Low No
J City shall provide rebates for landscape efficiency. Volume High No K City shall offer water use surveys/audits. Volume Medium No L City shall provide rebates on plumbing fixtures and devices. Volume Medium No
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
8 Shortage
Level ID Demand Reduction Actions
How much is this going to
reduce the shortage gap?
Penalty or
Enforcement
Volume or
Percentage
Shortage Gap
Reduction
Value
2 A Outdoor water use is prohibited during daylight hours for spray irrigation except for leak checks or with an agency approved conservation alternative plan.
Volume Medium Yes
B Restaurants can serve water only on request. Volume Low Yes C City shall encourage use of non-potable water for construction, if available. Volume Low No D City shall actively discourage overseeding. Volume Medium No E Outdoor water budget shall be reduced by 10%. Volume Medium Yes F City shall expand public information campaign. Volume Medium No G City shall increase water waste patrols. Volume Medium Yes H City shall reduce hydrant and dead-end line flushing. Volume Low No 3 A Outdoor water use is allowed only three days a week for spray irrigation (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).
Volume High Yes
B Drip or subterranean irrigation is allowed seven days per week, during nondaylight hours.Volume Medium Yes C Commercial nurseries are to use water only on alternate days during nondaylight hours for outside operations.Volume Low Yes D Decorative ponds, non-irrigation system golf course water hazards, fountains, and other waterscape features are not to be filled or replenished.
Volume Low Yes
E No filling of swimming pools or landscaping ponds unless necessary for health and safety or leak repair.
Volume Low Yes
F Commercial car washes must use recycled water or recirculating water systems.
Volume Medium Yes
G Spray irrigation of medians and parkways is prohibited. Volume Medium Yes H City shall encourage counties, cities, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and other enforcement agencies to suspend code enforcement and fines for brown turfgrass areas and to otherwise comply with new State laws regarding limitations on such enforcement.
Volume Low No
I City shall strengthen customer billing messages with use comparisons. Volume Medium No
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
9 Shortage
Level ID Demand Reduction Actions
How much is this going to
reduce the shortage gap?
Penalty or
Enforcement
Volume or
Percentage
Shortage Gap
Reduction
Value
J City shall implement water use audits targeted to key customers to ensure compliance with directives.
Volume Medium No
K City shall expand rebate programs. Volume Medium No
4 A Turfgrass landscapes shall not be watered, except where subterranean or nonpotable water systems are used.Volume High Yes B City shall implement or modify drought rate surcharge. Volume High Yes C City shall reduce outdoor water budget by up to 25%. Volume High Yes D City shall expand public information campaign. Volume Medium No 5 A Watering turfgrass is prohibited. Volume High Yes
B The use of misting systems is prohibited. Volume Medium Yes C Turfgrass at parks and school grounds are to be watered with recycled water, if available, or not at all.
Volume Medium Yes
D Golf course greens and tees may be watered no more than two times per week during non-daylight hours with recycled water, or not at all.
Volume Medium Yes
E Trees, desert plants and shrubs may be watered only with drip, subterranean or non-adjustable bubbler irrigation systems during non-daylight hours.
Volume High Yes
F Agency shall reduce outdoor water budget by up to 50%. Volume High Yes G Agency shall impose moratorium or net zero demand on new connections. Volume N/A Yes 6 A Commercial nurseries shall discontinue all use of potable water for watering and irrigation.
Volume Low Yes
B Watering of livestock is permitted as necessary. Volume N/A Yes C Outdoor water use is prohibited. Volume High Yes
D Initial filling of swimming pools or landscaping ponds shall be prohibited. Volume Medium Yes E Restaurants must use disposable cups, plates, and utensils. Volume Low Yes F Mandatory rationing shall be implemented. Volume High Yes
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
10 5.3 Operational Changes
Indio has identified potential operational changes that could be made to help address a short-term gap between demands and available supplies. These include improved monitoring and analysis of customer water usage, reductions in flushing of hydrants and dead-end lines, and use of emergency connections with neighboring water agencies. Some of the potential actions are included in Table 4. Indio may also expedite planned system improvement projects that include reduction in water loss (e.g., replacement of water mains that are experiencing higher rates of leaks and breaks).
5.4 Additional Mandatory Restrictions
Indio has identified a series of restrictions that could be implemented at different shortage levels. These restrictions are included in the demand reduction actions in Table 4.
5.5 Emergency Response Plan
The Water Code requires that an agency’s WSCP address catastrophic water shortages and plans to address them. This information can be addressed in the agency’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
Indio’s ERP contains sensitive information related to potential vulnerabilities or impacts of natural disasters or malevolent acts. Therefore, these documents are not typically made publicly available.
Indio’s ERP outlines specific disaster-related procedures to guide staff in responding efficiently to catastrophic interruptions of water supply.
Five of the RUWMP participating agencies collaborate on planning efforts, including emergency response, through the Coachella Valley Regional Water Management Group (CVRWMG). In addition, CVWD, DWA, Indio, and MSWD are members of the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN), which supports and promotes emergency preparedness. More information about CalWARN is available at their web site at www.calwarn.org.
The region’s imported water supplies from the Colorado River and the SWP could be disrupted by an earthquake. Because the agencies use local groundwater to meet urban demands, the agencies could continue to meet short term urban demands with groundwater production. The agencies have installed backup generators at key water production facilities to allow continued operation during a power outage.
DWR has plans in place to make emergency repairs to the SWP, and MWD has plans in place to make emergency repairs to the CRA. CVWD has plans to make emergency repairs to the Coachella Canal.
CVWD staff receives regular Incident Command System (ICS) training through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and drills are conducted routinely. CVWD remotely monitors the status of most key facilities at CVWD headquarters, which enables it to detect areas affected by disasters.
RUWMP participating agencies also participate in ICS training and regularly monitor key water facilities remotely.
If imported water supplies were disrupted for an extended period, it would reduce the water supply available for replenishment of the groundwater basin. It could also lead to increased groundwater pumping by non-urban users who normally use imported canal water. Indio would implement levels of this WSCP as needed if pumping needed to be decreased while imported water supplies were interrupted.
5.6 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan
Water Code Section 10632.5 requires agencies to assess seismic risk to water supplies as part of their WSCP. The code also requires a mitigation plan for managing seismic risks. In lieu of conducting their own seismic risk assessment, which can be a lengthy process, suppliers can comply with the Water Code requirement by submitting the relevant local hazard mitigation plan or multi-hazard mitigation plan.
Indio is a participant in the Riverside County Multi-Jurisdiction Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJLHMP) which was updated in 2025 (Riverside County 2023). The Riverside County MJLHMP includes an assessment of the region’s vulnerability to a broad range of hazards, including earthquakes. It also describes mitigation strategies and actions to reduce the impacts of a seismic event. The RUWMP
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
11 participating agencies continue to include seismic risk assessment in their planning process for system improvements.
5.7 Shortage Response Action Effectiveness
As a standard operating procedure, water is tracked through the production, distribution, and billing systems. During water shortage conditions, water use can be measured in comparison to what is considered to be a normal year demand (i.e., current customer base with approximately average rainfall), or in reference to a specific base year as may be dictated by Statewide requirements.
The effectiveness of actions initiated at each shortage response is challenging to measure and can vary significantly Effectiveness is also impacted by successful communication and outreach efforts. It is also difficult to assess the effectiveness of each activity separately as each stage implements several activities at once. For the purpose of WSCP implementation, it is assumed that the upper end of the water savings would come from the use of multiple demand reduction actions in a stage. Reduction in the shortage gap for Stages 2-6 assume all measures in the previous stage(s) are implemented and those savings are counted toward the total reduction in the shortage gap. 6 Communication Protocols
Timely and effective communication is a key element of WSCP implementation. Indio will need to inform customers, the general public, and other government entities of WSCP actions taken during a water shortage (either one determined by the Annual Assessment, an emergency, catastrophic, or other event).
An overview of planned communication approaches is provided in Table 5. These protocols have been aligned between the RUWMP participating agencies where possible, but some are tailored to the needs of Indio’s service area. Indio will adjust its communication strategy as needed to address issues that are impacting the entire service area or limited areas.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
12 Table 5. Communication Plan Outline
At all times
Level 1
Up to 10% Voluntary
Conservation
Level 2
Up to 20% Mandatory
Conservation
Levels 3 and 4
Up to 30% or 40%
Mandatory Conservation
Levels 5 and 6
Up to 50% or Over 50%
Mandatory Conservation
Standard outreach efforts in
effect (media relations,
social media, website)
Update message platform to
reflect conditions, District
response, and needed
actions from public
Update campaign and
messages to generate
immediate actions/behaviors
by public, include
information on enforcement
actions
Update campaign and
messages to raise
awareness for more severe
water-saving
actions/behaviors by public,
highlight need for reduced
outdoor water use
Update campaign and
messages to reflect extreme
or emergency condition and
likely need to focus water
use on health/safety needs
Promote ongoing Water Use
Efficiency (WUE) programs
and tools and partnerships
designed to achieve longterm water management
goals
Announce status change to
key stakeholders and
general public (e.g., News
release, social media, etc.)
Announce status change to
key stakeholders and
general public (e.g., News
release, social media, etc.)
Announce status change to
key stakeholders and
general public (e.g., News
release, social media, etc.)
Announce emergency status
to key stakeholders and
general public (e.g., News
release, social media, etc.)
Standard coordination with
MWD and regional partners
Include increased
conservation messages on
website and in standard
outreach efforts; provide
regular condition updates to
stakeholders/media
Supplement Level 1
activities with additional
tactics as needed; provide
regular condition updates to
stakeholders/media
Supplement Level 2
outreach with additional
tactics as needed; provide
regular updates to
stakeholders/media on
conditions
Supplement Level 3-4
outreach with additional
tactics as needed; provide
regular condition updates to
stakeholders/media on
conditions
Board reports on public
communication and wateruse efficiency outreach
activities at least annually.
Enhance promotion of
ongoing WUE
programs/tools; deploy
targeted advertising
Conduct issue briefings with
elected officials, other key
civic and business leaders
Conduct specialized
outreach to HOAs and local
organizations
Suspend promotion of longterm WUE programs/tools to
focus on imminent needs
Initiate regular Board reports
on campaign efforts
Increase promotion of
ongoing WUE
programs/tools
Promote available water
assistance resources for
vulnerable populations;
specialized outreach to
impacted industries
Continue enhanced
coordination with neighbor
agencies and
local/state/federal policy
makers as needed (e.g. daily
or weekly briefings or email
updates, etc.)
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
13 7 Compliance and Enforcement
This section describes how Indio will ensure compliance with and enforce provisions of the WSCP. The RUWMP participating agencies have worked together to align their policies where possible, but each agency implements its compliance and enforcement actions within its service area.
7.1 Penalties
The penalties that could be imposed for non-compliance are summarized in Table 6 and are described in detail in the City Municipal Code § 54.061 Penalties as adopted through Ordinance 1662 and 1762.
Table 6. Enforcement Actions
Water
Shortage
Level First Violation
Second
Violation
(within 12
months)
Third
Violation
(within 12
months)
Subsequent
Violations Additional Information
1-6 Written notice
by regular mail
Written notice
by regular
mail and
surcharge
of 25% of the
person’s
water bill
Written notice
by regular
mail and
surcharge of
50% of the
person’s
water bill
Written notice
by regular mail
and surcharge
of 50% of the
person’s water
bill
If water wasting
continues, water service
may be shut off and
misdemeanor charges
filed, at the discretion of
the City Manager.
7.2 Appeals and Exemption Process
This section describes the appeals and exemption processes.
Any water user violating the regulations and restrictions on water use may receive a written notice for the violation. The water user shall have seven days from receipt of the notice to submit a written request for a hearing. If no hearing is requested, or at the hearing it is determined that the water user has committed a violation, a civil penalty may be levied.
The government codes and ordinances that are used to implement these policies and processes are discussed in Section 7.
8 Legal Authorities
This section describes the legal authorities that Indio relies upon to implement the shortage response actions and the associated enforcement actions.
Chapter 54 of the Indio Municipal Code provides the legal authority to enforce water service conditions, including the WSCP, as described in Attachment A.
8.1 Declaration of Water Shortage
In accordance with Water Code Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 350) of Division 1 general provisions regarding water shortage emergencies, Indio shall declare a water shortage emergency in the event of a catastrophic interruption in supply.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
14 8.2 Proclamation of Local Emergency
Indio shall coordinate with any city or county within which it provides water supply services for the possible proclamation of a local emergency under California Government Code, California Emergency Services Act (Article 2, Section 8558).
Table 7 contains a list of contacts for all cities or counties for which the RUWMP participating agencies provide service in the WSCP. Along with developed coordination protocols, this can facilitate compliance with this section of the Water Code in the event of a local emergency as defined in subpart (c) of Government Code Section 8558.
Table 7. City and County Coordination on Proclamation of Emergencies City or County Contact CVWD CWA DWA Indio MDMWC MSWD
Imperial County Office of Emergency
Services
X
Riverside County Emergency
Management
Department
X X X X X X
City of La Quinta Emergency
Management Division
X X X
City of Indio Emergency Services
Coordinator
X X X
City of Coachella Emergency Services
Coordinator
X X X
City of Palm Desert Emergency Services
Coordinator
X
City of Cathedral
City
Emergency Manager X X
City of Indian Wells Emergency Services
Coordinator
X
City of Rancho
Mirage
Emergency Services
Coordinator
X
City of Palm
Springs
Emergency
Management
Coordinator
X X
City of Desert Hot
Springs
Emergency Services
Coordinator
X X
9 Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation
This section describes the anticipated financial consequences to Indio of implementing the WSCP. The description includes potential reductions in revenue due to lower water sales and increased expenses associated with implementing the shortage response actions.
9.1 Financial Impacts and Mitigation Action
Potential financial impacts of implementing the WSCP could include:
• Reduced revenue from reduced water use
• Increased staff costs for tracking, reporting, patrolling, and enforcing restrictions
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
15 • Economic impacts associated with water-dependent businesses in the service area Potential mitigation measures include:
• Triggering of drought rate structures or surcharges
• Using financial reserves
• Reducing operation and maintenance expenses (expenses related to source of supply and pumping will fall due to reduced water production)
• Deferring capital improvement projects
• Reducing future projected operation and maintenance expenses • Increasing fixed readiness-to-serve charge
• Increasing commodity charge and water adjustment rates to cover revenue shortfalls • Seeking alternative source of funding, such as state or federal grants or loans • Other financial management mechanisms
Indio will monitor financial conditions during a water shortage and take appropriate actions as needed.
Indio maintains financial reserves that can be used to continue operations during a period of reduced water sales. Indio has the ability to increase water rates or implement surcharges or penalties to increase revenues from water sales.
9.2 Reporting Cost of Compliance with Excessive Water Use Prohibition During Drought Emergency
To ensure customers comply with the restrictions implemented in a water shortage emergency, additional costs may be incurred to monitor and enforce response actions. The incurred cost may vary depending on the shortage stage and duration of the water shortage emergency. The cost of compliance may be tracked when a shortage is declared. Indio may track staff time and resources used to implement the WSCP, including reduced revenue, implementing and enforcing shortage response actions, and communication and outreach efforts.
10 Monitoring and Reporting
This section describes how Indio will monitor and report on implementation of the WSCP. Indio will gather data on key water use metrics and use the data to evaluate the effectiveness of response actions in achieving their intended water use reduction purposes. Indio will also gather data on customer compliance to evaluate the effectiveness of enforcement actions. Indio will gather and report data at frequencies adequate to meet reporting requirements established by the State Water Resources Control Board and other government agencies as needed
Indio will monitor water use by customers using billing systems and operational control systems to monitor production and consumption. Each customer is metered, and billing records will be compiled and used to observe trends in water consumption. Each groundwater well and water connection point is also metered, and production records will be used to observe trends in water production. Levels in reservoirs can be monitored using the operational control systems to help identify potential high usage or leaks.
Indio staff may also perform field visits and record observations to monitor water use and identify potential issues for follow-up.
For agencies that have budget-based rates, the consumption by customers will be compared to the water budgets to determine effectiveness of response actions. For agencies without defined water budgets for each customer, the consumption records will be aggregated by customer class to evaluate response actions and identify potential additional measures.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
16 11 WSCP Refinement Procedures
Indio will monitor the implementation of this plan to evaluate its effectiveness as an adaptive management tool. The monitoring and reporting program described in Section 9 will provide information on the effectiveness of the shortage response actions during any shortage levels that may be invoked. If Indio determines that the shortage response actions are not effective in producing the desired results, Indio will initiate a process to refine the WSCP. Indio will consider the addition of new shortage response actions or changing the levels when shortage response actions are implemented. Suggestions for refinements will be collected from agency staff, customers, industry experts, and the general public. The RUWMP participating agencies will share data and suggestions for refinement to identify opportunities to increase the effectiveness of the WSCP while maintaining alignment with other agencies in the region when possible.
12 Special Water Feature Distinction
The RUWMP participating agencies have distinguished swimming pools and spas as recreational water features, while non-pool and non-spa water features are considered decorative water features. This distinction is used in the shortage response actions because decorative water features have the potential to use recycled water, while most pools and spas (recreational water features) use potable water for health and safety considerations. However, this distinction does not apply to the hot mineral spring pools and spas throughout the Desert Hot Springs area; while they are recreational, they also do not rely on potable water.
Pursuant to the City Municipal Code under Chapter 54, Subchapter 4 Water Conservation, water features definitions are provided and as reflected in Table 4, different stages may implement various prohibitions and restrictions. For example, under Stage I – Normal water supplies, draining and refilling of private swimming pools is discouraged, unless necessary for health and safety or leak repair. As discussed in Section 6, compliance and enforcement procedures are in place under the code that could result in penalties.
13 Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability
This 2025 WSCP was presented for adoption at the City Council public meeting on June 17, 2026.
Notifications were sent to the cities and counties as described in the 2025 RUWMP. To comply with the notice to the public, Indio published notices in the local newspaper at least two weeks in advance with five days between publications. The WSCP was also made available prior to the public hearing.
The WSCP was formally adopted on June 17, 2026, by City Council Resolution included in the 2025 UWMP. The WSCP was made available to all staff, customers, and any affected cities, counties, or other members of the public at Indio’s office and online within 30 days of the adoption date.
The WSCP was submitted to DWR via the Water Use Efficiency Data Portal at the same time as the 2025 UWMP, but no later than July 1, 2026. A hard copy of the 2025 UWMP and WSCP were submitted to the California State Library within 30 days of adoption. Electronic and/or hard copies were provided to all cities and counties within Indio’s service area within 30 days of adoption.
Based on DWR’s review of the WSCP, Indio will make any amendments in its adopted WSCP, as required and directed by DWR. If Indio revises its WSCP, then an electronic copy of the revised WSCP will be submitted to DWR within 30 days of its adoption.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
17 14 References
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). 2024. 2024 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. Available:
https://www.cvwd.org/611/Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan. Accessed: March 2026. ________2026. Coachella Valley Water District Code, Chapter 3.10 Canal Irrigation and Drainage System Rules and Regulations. Available: https://cvwd.district.codes/CVWDC/3.10. Accessed:
March 2026.
Riverside County, Emergency Management Department. 2023. County of Riverside Operational Area, Multi‑Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJLHMP). Revised May 2025. Available:
https://rivcoready.org/sites/g/files/aldnop181/files/users/user41/MJLHMP%205.1.25a.pdf.
Accessed: March 2026.
California Department of Water Resources (DWR). 2025. The State Water Project Draft Delivery Capability Report 2025. Available: https://s3.amazonaws.com/og-production-open-data-cnra892364687672/resources/5d238ff5-899b-4357-8835- 5b043f61f5da/draft_dcr25_mainreport_final_2025-12-17.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMACSHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIAJJIENTAPKHZMIPXQ%2F20260326%2Fus-east1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260326T153526Z&X-Amz-Expires=86400&X-AmzSignedHeaders=host&X-AmzSignature=e566cc11139e9b5f7a637211d7d4c9398103a10178af68066d0fce98ee10b431.
Accessed: March 2026.
_______2026. 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Guidebook. Available: water.ca.gov/-/media/DWRWebsite/Web-Pages/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/UrbanWater-Management-Plans/Final-2025-UWMP-Guidebook/Final-2025-UWMP-GuidebookAccessible.pdf. Accessed: February 2026.
Indio Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs). 2021. 2022 Indio Subbasin Water Management Plan Update: Sustainable Groundwater Management Act Alternative Plan.
Available: https://www.indiosubbasinsgma.org/alternative-plan-update/. Accessed: February 2026.
Mission Creek Subbasin Management Committee. 2021. 2022 Mission Creek Subbasin Alternative Plan Update. Available: http://www.missioncreeksubbasinsgma.org/alternative-plan-update/.
Accessed: February 2026.
Item 19.
Attachment A. City of Indio Municipal Code
Item 19.
§ 54.050. Purpose and intent. [Ord. 1662, 10-15-2014]
The purpose of this article is to establish voluntary and imposed water conservation standards intended to alter behavior related to water use efficiency and further establishes four stages of action to be implemented during times of declared water shortage or declared water shortage emergency, with increasing restrictions on water use in response to worsening drought or emergency conditions and decreasing supplies. As used herein, the term "article" shall refer to and mean §§ 54.050 through 54.063.
§ 54.051. Authority of the City Manager. [Ord. 1662, 10-15-2014] § 54.052. General prohibition; applicability. [Ord. 1662, 10-15-2014] § 54.053. Determination of water shortage. [Ord. 1662, 10-15-2014] A water supply shortage exists when the City Manager determines that due to drought or other water supply conditions, a water supply shortage or threatened shortage exists and consumer demand reduction is necessary to make more efficient use of water and appropriately respond to existing water conditions. When the City Manager finds that such conditions have been satisfied, he or she shall recommend to the City Council that a resolution to declare the appropriate stage of action be adopted. The City Manager has discretion to determine that certain mandatory restrictions may be appropriate for implementation at an earlier stage and may recommend such restriction for implementation.
§ 54.054. Procedures. [Ord. 1662, 10-15-2014; Ord. 1762, 7-21-2021] (A) The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to implement the applicable provisions of this article in order to protect the public health, safety and welfare. (B) The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to implement the stages of action as set forth in the Urban Water Management Plan, Water Shortage Contingency Plan, developed and adopted pursuant to Cal. Water Code §§ 10620 et seq., (“Water Shortage Contingency Plan”) pursuant to the provisions of this article. The Water Shortage Contingency Plan includes any amendments that may be adopted from time to time. (A) No person shall use or permit the use of potable water provided by the City of Indio through the Indio Water Authority (“city”) for residential, commercial, industrial or any other purpose in violation of any provision of this article or in excess of the amount permitted by the stages of action of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan set forth in this article. The provisions of this article shall apply to all persons, customers and property served by the city wherever situated.
(B) The provisions of this article do not apply to uses of water necessary to protect the public health and safety or for essential government services, such as police, fire, and other similar emergency services.
(C) The provisions of this article do not apply to the use of reclaimed or recycled water. (A) In the event the City Manager determines that water supply conditions require the City of Indio, CA
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§ 54.055. Stage I — Normal water supplies (up to 10% shortage range). [Ord. 1662, 10-15-2014; Ord. 1762, 7-21-2021]
Stage I represents the normal operating condition where all persons are advised to use water wisely and practice water conservation measures to avoid wasting water. The City Manager or his or her designee has authority to declare a Stage I state of action without further action of the City Council. The following prohibitions and actions shall take effect in the event that the City Manager declares Stage I stage of action:
implementation of Stage II, Stage III, Stage IV, Stage V, or Stage VI of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, or parts thereof, the following actions shall be taken:
(1) The City Manager shall declare, at a noticed public hearing of the City Council, implementation of the appropriate stage of action as set forth in §§ 54.056 through
54.060.
(2) The City Council shall adopt a resolution affirming the declaration made by the City Manager.
(3) Within ten days after adoption of the resolution, the city shall publish a copy of the resolution in a newspaper used for the publication of official notices. (B) None of the restrictions contained in Stage II, Stage III, Stage IV, Stage V, or Stage VI of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, shall be applicable and subject to enforcement until the City Council adopts a resolution imposing the restrictions at a duly noticed public hearing.
Such restrictions shall continue until repealed by resolution of the City Council. (C) The City Manager shall direct staff to provide public education material and notices to all water users advising them of the actions taken by the City Manager and the water use restrictions included in the water stage of action.
(D) In the event that the City Manager declares, and the City Council approves, implementation of Stage VI of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan ("Severe Shortage or Catastrophic Incident"), the City Manager may also request specific reductions in water allocations to conserve water for the greatest public benefit. The City Council shall declare a Water Emergency in the manner and on the grounds provided in Cal. Water Code § 350 before the City Manager's requested reductions may take effect.
(A) Applying any water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures shall be prohibited.
(B) Using any water in a fountain or other decorative water feature shall be prohibited, except where the water is part of a recirculating system.
(C) Applying water to driveways, sidewalks, concrete or asphalt shall be prohibited, unless to address immediate health and safety needs. Reasonable pressure washer or water broom use shall be permitted.
(D) Spray irrigation of outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after rainfall of 0.10 inches City of Indio, CA
§ 54.054 § 54.055
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§ 54.056. Stage II — Slightly limited water supplies (up to 20% shortage range). [Ord. 1662, 10-15-2014; Ord. 1681, 10-21-2015; Ord. 1762, 7-21-2021] The following prohibitions and actions shall take effect in the event that the City Manager declares a Stage II stage of action:
§ 54.057. Stage III — Moderately limited water supplies (up to 30% shortage range). [Ord. 1662, 10-15-2014; Ord. 1673, 5-20-2015; Ord. 1762, 7-21-2021] The following prohibitions and actions shall take effect in the event that the City Manager declares a Stage III stage of action:
shall be prohibited.
(E) Using a hose to wash a vehicle, windows, or solar panels, shall be prohibited, unless an automatic shut-off nozzle or pressure washer is used.
(F) Broken sprinklers shall be repaired within five business days of notification by city, and leaks shall be repaired as soon as practical.
(G) Draining and refilling of private swimming pools shall be discouraged, unless necessary for health and safety or leak repair.
(H) Hotels shall provide guests the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily.
(I) City shall discourage overseeding.
(J) City shall provide rebates for landscape efficiency. (K) City shall offer water use surveys/audits.
(L) City shall provide rebates on plumbing fixtures and devices. (A) Outdoor water use shall be prohibited during daylight hours for spray irrigation, except for leak checks or a city-approved conservation alternative plan. (B) City shall encourage use of non-potable water for construction, if available. (C) City shall actively discourage over-seeding.
(D) Restaurants shall serve water only upon request.
(E) Outdoor water budget shall be reduced by 10%.
(F) City shall expand its public information campaign.
(G) City shall increase water waste patrols.
(H) City shall reduce frequency of hydrant and dead end line flushing. (A) Outdoor water use shall be allowed three days a week for spray irrigation (Monday, Wednesday, Friday).
City of Indio, CA
§ 54.055 § 54.057
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§ 54.058. Stage IV — Limited water supplies (up to 40% shortage range). [Ord. 1662, 10-15-2014; Ord. 1762, 7-21-2021]
The following prohibitions and actions shall take effect in the event that the City Manager declares a Stage IV stage of action:
§ 54.059. Stage V — Significantly limited water supplies (up to 50% shortage range). [Ord. 1762, 7-21-2021]
The following prohibitions and actions shall take effect in the event that the City Manager declares a Stage V stage of action:
(B) Drip or subterranean irrigation shall be allowed seven days per week during non-daylight hours.
(C) Commercial nurseries shall use water only on alternate days during non-daylight hours for outside operations.
(D) Decorative ponds, non-irrigation system golf course water hazards, fountains, and other waterscape features shall not to be filled or replenished. (E) Swimming pools or landscaping ponds shall not be filled, unless necessary for health and safety or leak repair.
(F) City shall encourage counties, cities, Homeowner Associations (HOAs) and other enforcement agencies to suspend code enforcement and fines for brown turf areas and to otherwise comply with new state laws regarding limitations on such enforcement. (G) Commercial car washes shall use recycled water or recirculating water systems. (H) Spray irrigation of medians and parkways shall be prohibited. (I) City shall strengthen customer billing messages with use comparisons. (J) City shall implement water use audits targeted to key customers to ensure compliance with directives.
(K) City shall expand rebate programs.
(A) Turfgrass landscapes shall not be watered, except where subterranean or non-potable watering systems are used.
(B) City shall implement a moratorium on new turfgrass landscaping. (C) City shall implement or modify drought rate surcharge. (D) Outdoor water budget shall be reduced by up to 25%. (E) City shall expand public information campaign.
(A) Watering turfgrass shall be prohibited.
(B) Turfgrass at parks and school grounds shall be watered with recycled water, if available, or City of Indio, CA
§ 54.057 § 54.059
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§ 54.060. Stage VI — Severe shortage or catastrophic incident (greater than 50% shortage range). [Ord. 1762, 7-21-2021]
The following prohibitions and actions shall take effect in the event that the City Manager declares a Stage VI stage of action:
§ 54.061. Penalties. [Ord. 1662, 10-15-2014; Ord. 1762, 7-21-2021] not at all.
(C) Golf course greens and school grounds shall be watered no more than two times per week during non-daylight hours with recycled water, or not at all. (D) Trees, desert plants and shrubs shall be watered only with drip, subterranean or nonadjustable bubbler irrigation systems during non-daylight hours. (E) Outdoor water budget shall be reduced by up to 50%. (F) City shall implement a moratorium or net zero demand on new connections. (G) New construction meters for water service shall not be issued. (H) Water service through construction meters shall not be made available. (I) The use of misting systems shall be prohibited.
(A) Commercial nurseries shall discontinue all use of potable water for watering and irrigation. (B) Watering of livestock shall be permitted, as necessary. (C) Outdoor watering shall be prohibited.
(D) Initial filling of swimming pools or landscaping ponds shall be prohibited. (E) Restaurants shall use disposable cups, plates, and utensils. (F) Mandatory rationing shall be implemented.
(A) Violation of the water use restrictions of §§ 54.056 through 54.060 shall be penalized as follows:
(1) First violation. The Indio Water Authority General Manager or his designee (“General Manager”) shall issue a written notice of the fact of a first violation to the person. (2) Second violation. For a second violation during any one water shortage declaration, the General Manager may impose a surcharge in the amount equal to 25% of the person’s water bill.
(3) Third violation. For a third violation during any one water shortage declaration, the General Manager may impose a surcharge in the amount equal to 50% of the person’s water bill.
(4) Fourth and subsequent violation. For a fourth and each subsequent violation during any City of Indio, CA
§ 54.059 § 54.061
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§ 54.062. Relief from compliance. [Ord. 1662, 10-15-2014; Ord. 1762, 7-21-2021] one water shortage declaration, the General Manager may install a flow restricting device of one (1) gallon per minute capacity for services up to one and one-half (1-1/ 2) inch size, and comparatively sized restrictors for larger services, on the service of the person at the premises at which the violation occurred for a period of not less than forty-eight (48) hours. The city shall charge the person the reasonable costs incurred for installing and for restoration of normal service. Normal service shall not be restored until all the account has been made current and all charges have been paid. In addition, the surcharge provided in division (A)(3) of this section shall continue to apply. (B) In addition to any penalties imposed herein, a fourth or subsequent violation during any one water shortage declaration of the water use restrictions of §§ 54.056 through 54.060 shall also constitute a misdemeanor unless, at the discretion of the City Prosecutor, the violation is charged as an infraction.
(C) Notice of the violation shall be provided as follows:
(1) Notice of a first violation shall be given in writing by regular mail. (2) Notice of second or subsequent violations shall be given in writing in the following manner:
(a) By giving the notice to the customer personally; or (b) If the customer is absent from or unavailable at the premises at which the violation occurred, by leaving a copy with some person of suitable age and discretion at the premises and sending a copy through the regular mail to the address at which the customer is normally billed; or
(c) If a person of suitable age or discretion cannot be found, by affixing a copy in a conspicuous place at the premises at which the violation occurred and also sending a copy through the regular mail to the address at which the customer is normally billed.
(3) The notice shall contain a description of the facts of the violation, a statement of the possible penalties for each violation, and a statement informing the customer of the right to a hearing on the merits of violation pursuant to § 54.063. (A) A person may file an application for relief from any provision of this article. The City Manager shall develop such procedures as necessary to resolve such application for relief, and shall take reasonable steps to resolve the application for relief. The decision of the City Manager shall be final. The City Manager may delegate these duties and responsibilities under this section as appropriate.
(B) The application for relief may include a request that the person be relieved, in whole or in part, from the water use restrictions of this article.
(C) In determining whether to grant relief and the nature of any relief, the City Manager shall take into consideration all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the following:
City of Indio, CA
§ 54.061 § 54.062
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§ 54.063. Hearing regarding violations. [Ord. 1662, 10-15-2014; Ord. 1762, 7-21-2021] § 54.064.1. Landscape and water conservation. [Ord. 1528, 3-5-2008; Ord. 1563, 12-16-2009; Ord. 1762, 7-21-2021]
(1) Whether the applicable reduction in water consumption will result in unemployment; (2) Whether additional persons have been permanently added to the household; (3) Changes in vacancy factors in multi-family housing; (4) Increased number of permanent employees in commercial, industrial, and governmental offices;
(5) Increased production requiring increased water;
(6) Water uses during new construction;
(7) Adjustments to water use caused by emergency health or safety hazards; (8) First filling of a permit-constructed swimming pool; and (9) Water use necessary for reasons related to family illness or health. (D) In order to be considered, an application for relief must be filed with the General Manager within 20 days from the date of the mailing of the water bill which is the subject matter of the application. No relief shall be granted unless the person shows that he or she has achieved the maximum practical reduction in water consumption other than in the specific areas in which relief is being sought.
(A) Any person receiving notification of violation of this article may request a hearing by filing an appeal along with the appeal fee with the General Manager within 15 days of mailing or other delivery of the notice of violation. The appeal fee shall be in an amount set by City Council resolution.
(B) The person’s timely written request for a hearing shall automatically stay installation of a flow-restricting device on any customer’s premises until the Administrative Hearing Officer renders his or her decision.
(C) The person’s timely written request for a hearing shall not stay the imposition of a surcharge.
If it is determined that the surcharge was wrongly charged and paid, the Indio Water Authority shall credit any amount due to the unpaid water bill. (D) The decision of the Administrative Hearing Officer shall be final. (A) Water waste prevention. Water waste from inefficient landscape irrigation allowing runoff, low head drainage, overspray or other conditions where water flows onto roadways, adjacent property or non-irrigated property is prohibited.
(B) Prohibition on certain covenants conditions and restrictions, all development. It shall be unlawful for covenants, conditions and restrictions of any development project or homeowners association to require the use of water-intensive landscaping or prohibit low City of Indio, CA
§ 54.062 § 54.064.1
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water use landscaping.
(C) Landscaping equipment.
(1) Water meters. Separate landscape water meters shall be installed for all projects except for single family homes. All commercial, industrial and apartment buildings must have separate meters for landscaping installed by January 1, 2013. (a) All meters are the property of the Indio Water Authority. (b) Consumers, contractors, or any other person shall not tamper with or make inoperable any permanent meter that is installed to record water usage. (c) All new construction shall have separate landscaping meters. (d) Portable meters shall be installed on hydrants to record water use for construction use, air quality dust control or any other water use deemed acceptable by the Indio Water Authority. Meters shall be obtained from the Indio Water Authority. (e) Only Indio Water Authority meters shall be used to record water usage in the Authority’s service area.
(2) Controllers. Automatic evapotranspiration, ET, controller systems or moisture sensing devices shall be required for all irrigation systems and must be able to accommodate all aspects of the design.
(3) Valves. Plants which require different amounts of water shall be irrigated by separate valves. If one valve is used for a given area, only plants with similar water use shall be used in that area. Anti-drain (check) valves shall be installed in strategic points to minimize or prevent low-head drainage.
(4) Sprinkler heads. Heads and emitters shall have consistent application rates within each control valve circuit. Sprinkler heads shall be selected for proper area coverage, application rate, operating pressure, adjustment capability, and ease of maintenance. (5) Rain sensing override devices. Rain sensing override devices shall be required on all irrigation systems.
(6) Soil moisture sensing devices. It is recommended that soil moisture sensing devices be considered where appropriate.
(7) Vertical stops. Sprinklers must be equipped with vertical stops installed just below the sprinkler head which automatically shut off water to a broken sprinkler head. (8) Backflow devices and valves. No consumer, contractor or any other person shall tamper with backflow devices or distribution valves without consent of the Indio Water Authority. Repairs of backflow devices shall be done by companies approved and authorized by the Indio Water Authority.
(9) Master values. Master values must be installed on all systems with a flow sensor for automatic shut off of the station based on 10% over flow rate.
City of Indio, CA
§ 54.064.1 § 54.064.1
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(D) Remedies nonexclusive. Enforcement remedies provided in this chapter are not exclusive.
The city may take all, or any combination of these actions against a person, as well as any other enforcement remedies which the city may have available. (E) Administrative remedies.
(1) Notice of violation. Whenever an authorized enforcement official determines there has been a violation of this chapter, the official may serve a notice that enumerates the violations found and order compliance by a certain date. (2) Administrative compliance order. Whenever an authorized enforcement official determines that a violation of this chapter has occurred, the official may require the submission of a detailed compliance schedule, including the actions that will be taken to correct said violation(s) or prevent future recurrences of said violation(s), to the authorized enforcement official for approval. A compliance order shall not relieve the violator of liability for any violation, including any continuing violation. (3) Cease and desist order. Whenever an authorized enforcement official determines that a violation of this chapter is occurring, or that past violations are likely to recur, the authorized enforcement official may issue an order to cease and desist and take such appropriate remedial or preventive action as may be needed to properly address a continuing or potential violation, including halting operations and/or terminating the discharge.
(4) Termination of service. If the violation continues after the issuance of a cease and desist order, irrigation service to the facility may be turned off and remain off until corrective actions are taken to the satisfaction of the authorized enforcement official. (5) Administrative civil penalties. The city may serve an administrative complaint on any person who has violated, or continues to violate, any provision of this chapter. Each day on which each instance of noncompliance shall occur or continue shall be deemed a separate and distinct violation. Procedures for application of administrative civil penalties shall be in accordance with standard procedures adopted by the city. (F) Violations deemed a public nuisance.
(1) In addition to the penalties hereinbefore provided, any condition caused or permitted to exist in violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is a threat to the public health, safety and welfare, and is declared and deemed a nuisance, and may be summarily abated and/or restored by any authorized enforcement official, and/or civil action to abate, enjoin or otherwise compel the cessation of such nuisance may be taken by the city.
(2) If any violation of this chapter constitutes a seasonal and recurrent nuisance, the city shall conduct a hearing to consider revocation of a permit by serving notice to the permittee a notice of intention to revoke. The city will set forth the grounds for the hearing and designate a time and a place for the hearing. (G) Guidelines adopted, procedure for amendment and modification. The Indio Water Authority Board and City Council shall from time to time consider and adopt “Landscape and Water City of Indio, CA
§ 54.064.1 § 54.064.1
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§ 54.064.2. Water efficient landscape development standards. [Ord. 1684, 1-20-2016; Ord. 1762, 7-21-2021]
Conservation Guidelines” as Section 4 of the City’s “Development Services Procedural Guidelines.” City and Indio Water Authority staff shall apply these guidelines to all new development and may amend or modify same administratively as deemed necessary and appropriate by the City Manager/Executive Director or his or her designee. Within 90 days of approval of any administrative amendment or modification of these guidelines, the City Manager/Executive Director shall present a summary of same to the City Council and the Indio Water Authority Board for review and ratification at a public meeting. (A) This section shall apply to the following landscape projects:
(1) New development projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 500 square feet requiring a building, landscape permit, plan check or design review; (2) Renovated landscape projects with an aggregate landscape area equal to or greater than 2,500 square feet requiring a building or landscape permit, plan check or design review; and
(3) Existing landscapes installed before January 1, 2010 and over one acre in size, except that such landscapes shall be limited to complying with only those programs that the city or Indio Water Authority may adopt from time to time, which may include, but not be limited to, irrigation water analyses, irrigation surveys and irrigation audits that verify landscape water use does not exceed the maximum applied water allowance (MAWA) for existing landscapes. The maximum applied water allowance (MAWA) for existing landscapes shall be calculated as: MAWA = (.70) (ETo) (LA) (.62/748) unless landscape plans were submitted and approved under a stricter water conserving ordinance.
(B) This section does not apply to:
(1) Registered local, state or federal historical sites; (2) Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; (3) Mined-land reclamation projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or (4) Plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public. (C) Prior to installation, a landscape documentation package shall be submitted to the city for review and approval for all landscape projects subject to the provisions of this section. Any landscape documentation package submitted to the city shall comply with the provisions of the City of Indio/Indio Water Authority's Landscape and Irrigation System Design Criteria or, where service is provided by another water purveyor, the relevant landscape and irrigation system design criteria adopted by that water purveyor.
(D) Verification of compliance of the landscape installation with the approved plans shall be obtained through a certification of completion issued by the Indio Water Authority or other water purveyor in conjunction with a certificate of use and occupancy or permit process. The City of Indio, CA
§ 54.064.1 § 54.064.2
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certificate of completion shall be filed with the Development Services Department. (E) The city may delegate to, or enter into a contract with, another public agency, including the Indio Water Authority, to implement, administer, and/or enforce any of the provisions of this chapter on behalf of the city.
(F) The “City of Indio/Indio Water Authority Landscape and Irrigation System Design Criteria,” attached as Appendix A to Ordinance No. 1684 and any amendments thereto, is hereby adopted and incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below. The Director of Development Services or Indio Water Authority General Manager may amend this Design Criteria from time to time in a manner consistent with the purpose and intent of this section.
One copy of the Design Criteria shall remain on file in the Office of the City Clerk. (G) The City Council may establish by resolution fees for the cost of reviewing and monitoring landscape documentation packages and landscape irrigation audits. The landscape documentation review fee shall be due at the time that the landscape documentation package is initially submitted to the city.
(H) A violation of this section, including any provision of the City of Indio/Indio Water Authority Landscape and Irrigation System Design Criteria may be subject to an administrative citation pursuant to Chapter 12 of this code, except that the amount of fine shall be $250 per violation. (I) An applicant, property owner or designee of any applicable project may appeal decisions rendered pursuant to this section, other than the imposition of penalties, to the City Manager or his or her designee, in writing, within 15 days of notification of the decision. The City Manager's decision shall become final on the fifteenth day following service of written notification of said decision unless a timely appeal to the City Council is submitted to the City Clerk within 15 days of notification of the City Manager's decision. The City Council's decision shall be final upon its adoption.
(J) The requirements of this section apply in addition to other applicable landscape development standards contained in Title XV of this code, including but not limited to § 162.120. In the event of any conflict between this section and the provisions of Title XV, the provision that contains the more stringent landscaping water efficiency requirement(s) shall control.
City of Indio, CA
§ 54.064.2 § 54.064.2
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Mission Springs Water District
Item 19.
Mission Springs Water District
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Final Draft
prepared on behalf of
Mission Springs Water District
66575 Second Street
Desert Hot Springs, California 92240
prepared by
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
2060 Knoll Drive
Ventura, California 93003
May 11, 2026
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
i
Table of Contents
1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................1 2 Water Supply Reliability Analysis .......................................................................................................2 3 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures ............................................................3
3.1 Decision Making Process .........................................................................................................3
3.2 Data and Methodologies ..........................................................................................................4
3.2.1 Evaluation Criteria ........................................................................................................4
3.2.2 Water Supply ................................................................................................................4
3.2.3 Current Year Unconstrained Customer Demand .........................................................4
3.2.4 Current Year Supply .....................................................................................................4
3.2.5 Infrastructure Considerations .......................................................................................4
3.2.6 Other Factors................................................................................................................4 4 Six Standard Water Shortage Levels .................................................................................................4 5 Shortage Response Actions ...............................................................................................................5
5.1 Supply Augmentation ...............................................................................................................5
5.2 Demand Reduction Actions and Mandatory Use Restrictions .................................................6
5.3 Operational Changes ...............................................................................................................0
5.4 Additional Mandatory Restrictions............................................................................................0
5.5 Emergency Response Plan......................................................................................................0
5.6 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan ........................................................................0
5.7 Shortage Response Action Effectiveness ................................................................................1 6 Communication Protocols...................................................................................................................1 7 Compliance and Enforcement ............................................................................................................3
7.1 Penalties...................................................................................................................................3
7.2 Appeals and Exemption Process .............................................................................................3 8 Legal Authorities .................................................................................................................................4
8.1 Declaration of Water Shortage.................................................................................................4
8.2 Proclamation of Local Emergency ...........................................................................................4 9 Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation...........................................................................4
9.1 Proclamation of Local Emergency ...........................................................................................4
9.2 Reporting Cost of Compliance with Excessive Water Use Prohibition During Drought Emergency ...............................................................................................................................5 10 Monitoring and Reporting ...................................................................................................................5 11 WSCP Refinement Procedures ..........................................................................................................5 12 Special Water Feature Distinction ......................................................................................................6 13 Plan, Adoption, Submittal, and Availability .........................................................................................6 14 References .........................................................................................................................................7
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
ii
Tables
Table 1. Annual Assessment Decision-Making Process ........................................................................3 Table 2. Water Shortage Contingency Plan Levels ................................................................................5 Table 3. Supply Augmentation and Other Actions .................................................................................6 Table 4. Demand Reduction Actions ......................................................................................................7 Table 5. Communication Plan Outline ....................................................................................................2 Table 6. Enforcement Actions.................................................................................................................3 Table 7. City and County Coordination on Proclamation of Emergencies ..............................................4 Attachments
Attachment A. Legal Authority
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
1 1 Introduction
This Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) describes how the Mission Springs Water District (MSWD) intends to predict and respond to foreseeable and unforeseeable water shortages, which occur when available water supplies are reduced to a level that cannot support typical demand at any given time. The WSCP serves as a planning document to guide the MSWD governing board, staff, and the public by identifying response actions that allow for efficient and accountable management of water shortages with predictability and transparency. While the WSCP does not provide absolute direction, it offers a range of response options to address varying water shortage conditions.
Water shortages may be triggered by hydrologic limitations in supply—such as prolonged periods of below-normal precipitation and runoff—failures or limitations in supply or treatment infrastructure, or a combination of both. Hydrologic or drought-related shortages typically develop and subside gradually, whereas infrastructure-related shortages tend to occur more suddenly and unpredictably. Water supplies may be interrupted or substantially reduced due to events such as drought, earthquakes that damage delivery or storage facilities, regional power outages, or toxic spills that affect water quality.
This WSCP describes the following:
1. Water Supply Reliability Analysis. Summarizes the MSWD’s water supply analysis and reliability and identifies the key issues that may trigger a shortage condition.
2. Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures. Describes the key data inputs, evaluation criteria, and methodology for assessing the system’s reliability for the coming year and the steps to formally declare any water shortage levels and response actions.
3. Six Standard Shortage Stages. Establishes water shortage levels to clearly identify and prepare for shortages.
4. Shortage Response Actions. Describes the response actions that may be implemented or considered for each stage to reduce gaps between supply and demand as well as minimize social and economic impacts to the community.
5. Communication Protocols. Describes communication protocols under each stage to ensure customers, the public, and MSWD governing board are informed of shortage conditions and requirements.
6. Compliance and Enforcement. Defines compliance and enforcement actions available to administer demand reductions.
7. Legal Authority. Lists the legal documents that grant MSWD the authority to declare a water shortage and implement and enforce response actions.
8. Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation. Describes the anticipated financial impact of implementing water shortage stages and identifies mitigation strategies to offset financial burdens.
9. Monitoring and Reporting. Summarizes the monitoring and reporting techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of shortage response actions and overall WSCP implementation. Results are used to determine if additional shortage response actions should be activated or if efforts are successful and response actions should be reduced.
10. WSCP Refinement Procedures. Describes the factors that may trigger updates to the WSCP and outlines how to complete an update.
11. Special Water Features Distinctions. Identifies exemptions for ponds, lakes, fountains, pools, and spas, etc.
12. Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability. Describes the process for the WSCP adoption, submittal, and availability after each revision.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
2 MSWD is one of six agencies in the Coachella Valley participating in the development of a 2025 Regional Urban Water Management Plan (RUWMP). Each agency is adopting the RUWMP to meet its reporting requirements under the Urban Water Management Planning Act (UWMP Act). Each agency is also adopting its own WSCP. The agencies have sought to align their shortage levels and shortage response actions to the extent possible, with the intent of reducing confusion for neighboring customers during a shortage. This document is compliant with the California Water Code (CWC) Section 10632 and incorporated guidance from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) 2025 UWMP Guidebook(DWR 2026).
2 Water Supply Reliability Analysis
This section provides a summary of the supply reliability analysis presented in Chapter 4 of the RUWMP and highlights key issues that could create a shortage condition.
The water supplies of the agencies in the Coachella Valley generally have a high degree of reliability.
The RUWMP participating agencies meet most of their urban demands with groundwater produced from the Indio and Mission Creek Subbasins of the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin. The groundwater basin is large enough to provide storage that allows continued production during dry periods. Because production exceeds the recharge provided by precipitation and return flows, the agencies use imported water to recharge the groundwater basin. These sources of imported water for recharge include:
• Colorado River water that CVWD receives primarily through the Coachella Canal for replenishment at Thomas E. Levy Groundwater Replenishment Facility (GRF) and Palm Desert GRF, and a small portion through Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s (MWD’s) Colorado River Aqueduct for replenishment at Whitewater River GRF.
• State Water Project (SWP) water that CVWD and Desert Water Agency (DWA) have rights to receive. Because the SWP infrastructure does not extend into the Coachella Valley, CVWD and DWA have an exchange agreement with MWD to receive Colorado River water from its Colorado River Aqueduct to for replenishment at Whitewater River GRF. In return, MWD receives SWP water through the SWP infrastructure based on the annual SWP allocations to CVWD and DWA.
Drought conditions are not expected to affect CVWD’s Colorado River water supply due to the agency’s high priority allocation. Colorado River water is not a direct source of urban water supply; it is used for groundwater replenishment and non-potable irrigation uses. If a reduction in Colorado River water supply occurred, CVWD would initially reduce deliveries to groundwater replenishment projects. Subsequent reductions in delivery would be applied by the CVWD Board of Directors as provided in CVWD’s Canal Water Shortage Contingency Plan, Chapter 3.10, Article XII of CVWD’s administrative code (CVWD 2026).
Drought conditions in the Sierra Nevada would influence the SWP water allocation; thus reducing the SWP Exchange water received by CVWD and DWA. Reductions in SWP allocations have occurred during prior droughts and SWP reliability is forecasted by DWR to continue declining with future climate changes (DWR 2025). SWP exchange water is used for replenishment of the Indio and Mission Creek Subbasins and is not a direct source of urban water supply. Consequently, water use restrictions due to drought involving the SWP water supply would likely be implemented only during a prolonged drought.
During dry periods when less imported water is available, groundwater production will exceed the amount of recharge, and the volume of groundwater in storage will be reduced. However, these reductions can be reversed in wet years when additional imported water is available. The Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin is a large basin which provides a buffer during dry periods, thus allowing the agencies to develop long-term plans and programs to manage regional water supplies. The Indio Subbasin Alternative Plan Update (Indio Subbasin GSAs 2021) and Mission Creek Subbasin Alternative Plan Update (Mission Creek Subbasin Management Committee 2021) both address groundwater sustainability considering hydrologic variability of replenishment supplies and other local water sources.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
3 The reliability analysis for MSWD is presented in Section 8.7 of MSWD’s chapter of the RUWMP.
Although that analysis demonstrates that the region’s urban water supply is reliable, there are potential issues that could create a shortage condition. These include:
• An extended drought more severe than historic events, possibly exacerbated by climate change. • A natural disaster or a malevolent act that leads to prolonged disruption of imported water delivery from the Colorado River or the SWP.
• Reductions in imported water supply due to environmental restrictions related to endangered species or habitat protection.
• Identification of a currently unregulated contaminant that has widespread effects on the region’s groundwater supply.
• Regulatory mandates to reduce water use.
Water shortage contingency planning provides a way to plan for these risks and anticipate actions that can be implemented to manage the impacts. This plan describes how MSWD intends to respond to such shortage events. The responses have been aligned with those of other RUWMP participating agencies to the extent possible..
3 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures
MSWD is required to prepare an Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment (Annual Assessment) and submit it to DWR each year. The Annual Assessment is intended to meet requirements of Water Code Section 10632.1 and present an assessment of the likelihood of a water shortage occurring during the next 12 months. This section of the WSCP outlines the procedures that MSWD will use to prepare the Annual Assessment. The procedures defined in this section will allow MSWD to follow a consistent annual procedure for making the determination of whether to activate the WSCP.
3.1 Decision Making Process
DWR requires a defined decision-making process for performing the Annual Assessment. The process and anticipated timeline are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Annual Assessment Decision-Making Process
Anticipated
Timeline of
Each Year Activities
February MSWD staff review available data related to anticipated supplies and demands.
March The six agencies participating in the Coachella Valley RUWMP review the data and determine whether a consistent region-wide determination on water supply reliability can be made. If needed, MSWD may elect to activate their WSCP at different shortage levels than other participating agencies.
April MSWD staff will make a determination whether to recommend implementation of shortage response actions.
May If shortage response actions are to be implemented, MSWD management will present the recommendation to its Board for consideration.
If the Board decides to implement the WSCP, it will provide public notice of a hearing to consider changes in the implementation of the shortage response actions.
June MSWD staff prepares the Annual Assessment and submits DWR by July 1.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
4 3.2 Data and Methodologies
This section describes the data and methodologies that will be used to evaluate water system reliability for the Annual Assessment.
3.2.1 Evaluation Criteria
MSWD will rely on locally applicable criteria for each annual assessment. These criteria will include the findings of the annual reports prepared for the Indio Subbasin and the Mission Creek Subbasin for compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Findings from the annual Engineer’s Report on Water Supply and Replenishment Assessment will also be incorporated.
3.2.2 Water Supply
MSWD’s anticipated supplies will be quantified for the near-term future, and descriptive text will be used to note any anticipated reductions in supply.
3.2.3 Current Year Unconstrained Customer Demand
MSWD will prepare an estimate of unconstrained demand (as the term is used in Water Code Section 10632(a)(2)(B)(i)). The estimated demand will be calculated using the demand projection approach described in Section 4 of MSWD’s chapter of the RUWMP, in combination with updated data for connections, climate, changes in land use, and recent water usage history.
3.2.4 Current Year Supply
MSWD will describe the anticipated use of water supplies for the coming year, with the anticipation that the following year will be dry. The supplies will be characterized in a manner consistent with the RUWMP, in combination with updated data for climate and recent observations.
3.2.5 Infrastructure Considerations
MSWD will describe any potential infrastructure constraints on the ability to deliver adequate supplies to meet expected customer demands in the coming year. MSWD will verify that its system of wells, pipelines, pump stations, and storage tanks have adequate capacity to deliver the anticipated demands.
MSWD will describe any anticipated capital projects that are intended to address constraints in production, treatment, or distribution.
3.2.6 Other Factors
MSWD will describe any specific locally applicable factors that could influence or disrupt supplies. MSWD will also describe unique local considerations that are considered as part of the Annual Assessment. 4 Six Standard Water Shortage Levels
MSWD, and the other RUWMP participating agencies, have elected to use the six standard shortage levels included in guidance documents prepared by DWR. The six standard water shortage levels correspond to progressively increasing estimated shortage conditions (up to 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 50- percent, and greater than 50-percent shortage compared to the normal reliability condition). These levels are identified in Table 2.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
5 Table 2. Water Shortage Contingency Plan Levels
Shortage
Level
Percent
Shortage Range Description Shortage Response Actions
1 Up to 10% Normal water
supplies
Mandatory prohibitions defined by the state,
ongoing rebate programs
2 Up to 20% Slightly limited water
supplies
Outdoor water use restrictions on time of
day, increased water waste patrols
3 Up to 30% Moderately limited
water supplies
Outdoor water use restrictions on days per
week, restrictions on filling swimming pools
4 Up to 40% Limited water
supplies
Limits on new landscaping, expanded public
information campaign
5 Up to 50% Significantly limited
water supplies
Limits on watering of parks or school
grounds
6 Greater than 50% Severe shortage or
catastrophic incident
No potable water use for outdoor purposes
Each level in Table 2 represents an anticipated reduction in the supplies that would normally be available to MSWD. These supply reductions could be the result of a variety of potential causes including natural forces, system component failure or interruption, regulatory actions, contamination, or any combination of factors. MSWD may need to activate shortage levels across its entire service area or within certain areas that are impacted by an event.
The levels involve voluntary and mandatory conservation measures and restrictions, depending on the causes, severity, and anticipated duration of the water supply shortage. The locally appropriate shortage response actions that would be taken at each level to address the resulting gap between supplies and demands are described in the following section.
5 Shortage Response Actions
This section describes the shortage response actions that would be taken by MSWD at each shortage level. These actions have been grouped into categories including:
• Supply Augmentation Actions
• Demand Reduction Actions and Mandatory Use Restrictions • Operational Changes
5.1 Supply Augmentation
For long-range planning, MSWD continues to evaluate opportunities for transfers, exchanges, and other purchases of imported water to increase supply reliability. The RUWMP participating agencies collaborate to replenish the Indio and Mission Creek Subbasins with imported water, creating a stored supply that can be used for emergencies or longer-term shortages. CVWD and DWA, through support of the other participating agencies, are also making investments in increasing supply reliability from the SWP through the Delta Conveyance Facility and in securing new supplies like Sites Reservoir.
Additionally, MSWD continues to implement water conservation measures to reduce groundwater demand. MSWD’s demand management programs are described in MSWD’s chapters of the RUWMP.
MSWD has the option of identifying short-term supply augmentation actions that would be taken during a shortage. These actions are intended to be separate from the long-range planning efforts to sustainably manage the groundwater basin. The short-term supply augmentation measures that could be implemented are presented in Table 3.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
6 Table 3. Supply Augmentation and Other Actions
Shortage
Level
Supply
Augmentation
Methods and Other
Actions by Water
Supplier
How much is this going to
reduce the shortage gap?
Additional Explanation or
Reference
Volume or
Percentage
Shortage Gap
Reduction
Value
1 - 6 Exchanges Volume Medium Emergency connections with neighboring agencies could be
activated or constructed to help
exchange water with adjoining
systems.
5 Other Actions Volume Medium In areas where recycled water or other non-potable supply is
available, customers could be
mandated to use these supplies
and cease use of potable water.
6 Other Actions Volume Medium Additional non-potable water sources such as new shallow
groundwater wells.
5.2 Demand Reduction Actions and Mandatory Use Restrictions The Coachella Valley RUWMP participating agencies have aligned their demand reduction actions to the greatest extent possible, while allowing each agency to tailor its response to the unique characteristics of its service area. The agencies conducted public workshops to gather input on actions that could be taken during a water shortage. The input from stakeholders was used to select and prioritize actions that reflected the values of the community. Key elements of the input included:
• The importance of recognizing the conservation efforts that many customers have already made and not imposing requirements for all customers to meet the same percentage reduction in water use.
• The importance of involving Homeowner Associations (HOAs) to help implement and communicate response actions to individuals.
• The benefits of tiered rates in allowing customers to pay less for their basic efficient use and more for excessive use.
• A balanced program should include incentives (such as expanded rebates for turfgrass removal) as well as penalties (such as drought rates).
• A range of approaches is needed to communicate with customers and end users, including social media, web sites, bill inserts, presentations, and virtual tours, ideally in multiple languages.
The demand reduction actions that could be implemented at each shortage level are shown in Table 4.
During a shortage, MSWD may implement some or all of the actions as needed, depending on actual conditions. As described in Section 8.9 of MSWD’s chapter of the RUWMP, MSWD implements demand management measures (DMMs) to increase water use efficiency. The RUWMP includes description of water waste prevention ordinances, metering, conservation pricing, and public education and outreach programs for conservation. MSWD prepared and implements the 2024 Water Conservation Master Plan also described in Section 8.9.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
7 Table 4. Demand Reduction Actions
Shortage
Level ID Demand Reduction Actions
How much is this going to
reduce the shortage gap?
Penalty or
Enforcement
Volume or
Percentage
Shortage Gap
Reduction
Value
1 1.1 Applying any water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures is prohibited.
Volume Low No
1.2 Using any water in a fountain or other decorative water feature is prohibited, unless the water recirculates.
Volume Low No
1.3 Applying water to driveways, sidewalks, concrete or asphalt is prohibited unless to address immediate health and safety needs. Reasonable pressure washer or water broom use is permitted.
Volume Low No
1.4 Spray irrigation of outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after rainfall of 0.10 inches is prohibited.
Volume Low No
1.5 Using a hose to wash a vehicle, windows, or solar panels is prohibited unless an automatic shut-off nozzle or pressure washer is used.
Volume Low No
1.6 Broken sprinklers shall be repaired within five business days of notification by agency, and leaks shall be repaired as soon as practical.
Volume Low No
1.7 Draining and refilling of private swimming pools is discouraged, unless necessary for health and safety or leak repair.
Volume Low No
1.8 Hotels will provide guests the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily.
Volume Low No
1.9 Agency shall discourage overseeding. Volume Low No
1.10 Agency shall provide rebates for landscape efficiency. Volume High No
1.11 Agency shall offer water use surveys/audits. Volume Medium No
1.12 Agency shall provide rebates on plumbing fixtures and devices. Volume Medium No
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
8 Shortage
Level ID Demand Reduction Actions
How much is this going to
reduce the shortage gap?
Penalty or
Enforcement
Volume or
Percentage
Shortage Gap
Reduction
Value
2 2.1 Outdoor water use is prohibited during daylight hours for spray irrigation except for leak checks or with an agency approved conservation alternative plan.
Volume Medium Yes
2.2 Restaurants can serve water only on request. Volume Low Yes
2.3 Agency shall encourage use of non-potable water for construction, if available.
Volume Low No
2.4 Agency shall actively discourage overseeding. Volume Medium No
2.5 Agency shall reduce outdoor water budget by 10% Volume Medium Yes
2.6 Agency shall expand public information campaign. Volume Medium No
2.7 Agency shall increase water waste patrols. Volume Medium Yes
2.8 Agency shall reduce hydrant and dead-end line flushing. Volume Low No 3 3.1 Outdoor water use is allowed only three days a week for spray irrigation (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).
Volume High Yes
3.2 Drip or subterranean irrigation is allowed seven days per week, during non-daylight hours.
Volume Medium Yes
3.3 Commercial nurseries are to use water only on alternate days during nondaylight hours for outside operations.Volume Low Yes
3.4 Decorative ponds, non-irrigation system golf course water hazards, fountains, and other waterscape features are not to be filled or replenished.
Volume Low Yes
3.5 No filling of swimming pools or landscaping ponds unless necessary for health and safety or leak repair.
Volume Low Yes
3.6 Commercial car washes must use recycled water or recirculating water systems.
Volume Medium Yes
3.7 Spray irrigation of medians and parkways is prohibited. Volume Medium Yes
3.8 Agency shall encourage counties, cities, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and other enforcement agencies to suspend code enforcement and fines for brown turfgrass areas and to otherwise comply with new Volume Low No
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
9 Shortage
Level ID Demand Reduction Actions
How much is this going to
reduce the shortage gap?
Penalty or
Enforcement
Volume or
Percentage
Shortage Gap
Reduction
Value
State laws regarding limitations on such enforcement.
3.9 Agency shall strengthen customer billing messages with use comparisons. Volume Medium No
3.10 Agency shall implement water use audits targeted to key customers to ensure compliance with directives.
Volume Medium No
3.11 Agency shall expand rebate programs. Volume Medium No 4 4.1 Turfgrass landscapes may not be watered except where subterranean or non-potable water systems are used.
Volume High Yes
4.2 Agency shall implement or modify drought rate surcharge. Volume High Yes
4.3 Agency shall reduce outdoor water budget by up to 25%. Volume High Yes
4.4 Agency shall expand public information campaign. Volume Medium No 5 5.1 Watering turfgrass is prohibited. Volume High Yes
5.2 The use of misting systems is prohibited. Volume Medium Yes
5.3 Turfgrass at parks and school grounds are to be watered with recycled water, if available, or not at all.
Volume Medium Yes
5.4 Golf course greens and tees may be watered no more than two times per week during non-daylight hours with recycled water, or not at all.
Volume Medium Yes
5.5 Trees, desert plants and shrubs may be watered only with drip, subterranean or non-adjustable bubbler irrigation systems during nondaylight hours.
Volume High Yes
5.6 Agency shall reduce outdoor water budget by up to 50%. Volume High Yes
5.7 Agency shall impose moratorium or net zero demand on new connections. Volume N/A Yes 6 6.1 Commercial nurseries shall discontinue all watering and irrigation.
Watering of livestock is permitted, as necessary.
Volume Low Yes
6.2 Lawns and landscaping are not to be watered. Volume High Yes
6.3 Restaurants must use disposable cups. Volume Low Yes
6.4 Mandatory Rationing. Volume High Yes
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
0 5.3 Operational Changes
MSWD has identified potential operational changes that could be made to help address a short-term gap between demands and available supplies. These include improved monitoring and analysis of customer water usage, reductions in flushing of hydrants and dead-end lines, and use of emergency connections with neighboring water agencies. Some of the potential actions are included in Table 4Error! Reference source not found.. MSWD may also expedite planned system improvement projects that include reduction in water loss (e.g., replacement of water mains that are experiencing higher rates of leaks and breaks).
5.4 Additional Mandatory Restrictions
MSWD has identified a series of restrictions that could be implemented at different shortage levels. These restrictions are included in the demand reduction actions in Table 4.
5.5 Emergency Response Plan
The Water Code requires that an agency’s WSCP address catastrophic water shortages and plans to address them. This information can be addressed in MSWD’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
MSWD’s ERP contains sensitive information related to potential vulnerabilities or impacts of natural disasters or malevolent acts. Therefore, these documents are not typically made publicly available.
MSWD’s plan outlines specific disaster-related procedures to guide staff in responding efficiently to catastrophic interruptions of water supply.
Five of the Coachella Valley RUWMP participating agencies collaborate on planning efforts, including emergency response, through the Coachella Valley Regional Water Management Group (CVRWMG). In addition, CVWD, DWA, Indio, and MSWD are members of the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN), which supports and promotes emergency preparedness. More information about CalWARN is available at their web site at www.calwarn.org.
The region’s imported water supplies from the Colorado River and the SWP could be disrupted by an earthquake. Because MSWD uses local groundwater to meet urban demands, it could continue to meet short term urban demands with groundwater production. MSWD has installed backup generators at key water production facilities to allow continued operation during a power outage.
DWR has plans in place to make emergency repairs to the SWP, and MWD has plans in place to make emergency repairs to the CRA. MSWD staff receives regular Incident Command System (ICS) training through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and drills are conducted routinely. MSWD remotely monitors the status of most key facilities at its headquarters, which enables MSWD to detect areas affected by disasters. Other RUWMP participating agencies also participate in ICS training and regularly monitor key water facilities remotely.
If imported water supplies were disrupted for an extended period, it would reduce the water supply available for replenishment of the groundwater basin. It could also lead to increased groundwater pumping by non-urban users who normally use other sources. MSWD would implement levels of this WSCP as needed if pumping needed to be decreased while imported water supplies were interrupted.
5.6 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan
Water Code Section 10632.5 requires the agencies to assess seismic risk to water supplies as part of their WSCP. The code also requires a mitigation plan for managing seismic risks. In lieu of conducting their own seismic risk assessment, which can be a lengthy process, suppliers can comply with the Water Code requirement by submitting the relevant local hazard mitigation plan or multi-hazard mitigation plan.
MSWD is a participant in the Riverside County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJLHMP) which was updated in 2025 (Riverside County 2023). The Riverside County MJLHMP includes an assessment of the region’s vulnerability to a broad range of hazards, including earthquakes. It also describes mitigation strategies and actions to reduce the impacts of a seismic event. The RUWMP
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
1 participating agencies continue to include seismic risk assessment in their planning process for system improvements.
Additionally, MSWD has also prepared and implements its own LHMP which was updated in 2022 (MSWD 2022). The MSWD LHMP is used to identify short- and long-term policies, programs, and other activities to reduce risk of MSWD assets and protect residents following hazard events.
5.7 Shortage Response Action Effectiveness
As a standard operating procedure, water is tracked through the production, distribution, and billing systems. During water shortage conditions, water use can be measured in comparison to what is considered to be a normal year demand (i.e., current customer base with approximately average rainfall), or in reference to a specific base year as may be dictated by Statewide requirements.
The effectiveness of actions initiated at each shortage response is challenging to measure and can vary significantly. Effectiveness is also impacted by successful communication and outreach efforts. It is also difficult to assess the effectiveness of each activity separately as each stage implements several activities at once. For the purpose of WSCP implementation, it is assumed that the upper end of the water savings would come from the use of multiple demand reduction actions in a stage. Reduction in the shortage gap for Stages 2-6 assume all measures in the previous stage(s) are implemented and those savings are counted toward the total reduction in the shortage gap. 6 Communication Protocols
Timely and effective communication is a key element of WSCP implementation. MSWD will need to inform customers, the general public, and other government entities of WSCP actions taken during a water shortage (either one determined by the Annual Assessment, an emergency, catastrophic, or other event). An overview of planned communication approaches is provided in Table 5. These protocols have been aligned between the RUWMP participating agencies where possible, but some are tailored to the needs of MSWD’s service area. MSWD will adjust its communication strategy as needed to address issues that are impacting the entire service area or limited areas.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
2 Table 5. Communication Plan Outline
At all times
Level 1
Up to 10% Voluntary
Conservation
Level 2
Up to 20% Mandatory
Conservation
Levels 3 and 4
Up to 30% or 40%
Mandatory Conservation
Levels 5 and 6
Up to 50% or Over 50%
Mandatory Conservation
Standard outreach efforts
in effect (media relations,
social media, website)
Update message platform
to reflect conditions,
District response, and
needed actions from public
Update campaign and
messages to generate
immediate
actions/behaviors by
public, include information
on enforcement actions
Update campaign and
messages to raise
awareness for more
severe water-saving
actions/behaviors by
public, highlight need for
reduced outdoor water use
Update campaign and
messages to reflect
extreme or emergency
condition and likely need to
focus water use on
health/safety needs
Promote ongoing Water
Use Efficiency (WUE)
programs and tools and
partnerships designed to
achieve long-term water
management goals
Announce status change
to key stakeholders and
general public (e.g., News
release, social media, etc.)
Announce status change
to key stakeholders and
general public (e.g., News
release, social media, etc.)
Announce status change
to key stakeholders and
general public (e.g., News
release, social media, etc.)
Announce emergency
status to key stakeholders
and general public (e.g.,
News release, social
media, etc.)
Standard coordination with
MWD and regional
partners
Include increased
conservation messages on
website and in standard
outreach efforts; provide
regular condition updates
to stakeholders/media
Supplement Level 1
activities with additional
tactics as needed; provide
regular condition updates
to stakeholders/media
Supplement Level 2
outreach with additional
tactics as needed; provide
regular updates to
stakeholders/media on
conditions
Supplement Level 3-4
outreach with additional
tactics as needed; provide
regular condition updates
to stakeholders/media on
conditions
Board reports on public
communication and wateruse efficiency outreach
activities at least annually.
Enhance promotion of
ongoing WUE
programs/tools; deploy
targeted advertising
Conduct issue briefings
with elected officials, other
key civic and business
leaders
Conduct specialized
outreach to HOAs and
local organizations
Suspend promotion of
long-term WUE
programs/tools to focus on
imminent needs
Initiate regular Board
reports on campaign efforts
Increase promotion of
ongoing WUE
programs/tools
Promote available water
assistance resources for
vulnerable populations;
specialized outreach to
impacted industries
Continue enhanced
coordination with neighbor
agencies and
local/state/federal policy
makers as needed (e.g.
daily or weekly briefings or
email updates, etc.)
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
3 7 Compliance and Enforcement
This section describes how MSWD will ensure compliance with and enforce provisions of the WSCP. The RUWMP participating agencies have worked together to align their policies where possible, but each agency implements its compliance and enforcement actions within its service area. MSWD will adjust its communication strategy as needed to address issues that are impacting the entire service area or limited areas.
7.1 Penalties
The penalties that could be imposed for non-compliance are summarized in Table 6.
Table 6. Enforcement Actions
Water
Shortage
Level
First
Violation
Second
Violation
(within 12
months)
Third Violation
(within 12
months)
Subsequent
Violations
Additional
Information
1-6 Written
notice
$100
surcharge
$200.00
surcharge applied
to the customer’s
bill and/or a flow
restricting device
to be installed in
the customer’s
water service line
for continued
failure to comply
within 30 days
after notice and
imposition of
second violation
sanction. The
charge to the
customer for
installing a flow
restricting device
shall be based
upon the size of
the meter and the
actual cost of
installation.
Within 24
calendar
months after a
first violation:
Discontinuance
of service
Charge for
reconnection
and restoration
of service as
provided by the
Rules and
Regulations of
the District
$500 fine per
day for each
day the
violation
occurs.
Any violation of the
District’s Water
Conservation
Stages including
waste of water and
excessive use is a
misdemeanor and
upon conviction
thereof, the violator
shall be punished by
imprisonment, fine
or by both such fine
and imprisonment
as allowed by law. In
addition to criminal
penalties, violators
of the mandatory
provision of the
Ordinance shall be
subject to civil
action.
7.2 Appeals and Exemption Process
This section describes the appeals and exemption processes.
Any water user violating the regulations and restrictions on water use may receive a written notice for the violation. The water user shall have seven days from receipt of the notice to submit a written request for a hearing. If no hearing is requested, or at the hearing it is determined that the water user has committed a violation, a civil penalty may be levied.
The government codes and ordinances that are used to implement these policies and processes are discussed in Section 7.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
4 8 Legal Authorities
This section describes the legal authorities that MSWD relies upon to implement the shortage response actions and the associated enforcement actions.
The WSCP was adopted by Ordinance No. XXX <to be completed after adoption>, repealing and replacing the prior ordinance (No. 2021-01). A copy of the legal authority is included in Attachment A.
8.1 Declaration of Water Shortage
In accordance with Water Code Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 350) of Division 1 general provisions regarding water shortage emergencies, MSWD shall declare a water shortage emergency in the event of a catastrophic interruption in supply.
8.2 Proclamation of Local Emergency
MSWD shall coordinate with any city or county within which it provides water supply services for the possible proclamation of a local emergency under California Government Code, California Emergency Services Act (Article 2, Section 8558). Table 7 contains a list of contacts for all cities or counties for which MSWD provides service in the WSCP. Along with developed coordination protocols, this can facilitate compliance with this section of the Water Code in the event of a local emergency as defined in subpart (c) of Government Code Section 8558.
Table 7. City and County Coordination on Proclamation of Emergencies City or County Contact CVWD CWA DWA Indio MDMWC MSWD
Riverside County Emergency
Management
Department
X X X X X X
City of Palm
Springs
Emergency
Management
Coordinator
X X
City of Desert Hot
Springs
Emergency
Services
Coordinator
X X
9 Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation
This section describes the anticipated financial consequences to MSWD of implementing the WSCP. The description includes potential reductions in revenue due to lower water sales and increased expenses associated with implementing the shortage response actions.
9.1 Proclamation of Local Emergency
Potential financial impacts of implementing the WSCP could include:
• Reduced revenue from reduced water use
• Increased staff costs for tracking, reporting, patrolling, and enforcing restrictions • Economic impacts associated with water-dependent businesses in the service area Potential mitigation measures include:
• Triggering of drought rate structures or surcharges
• Using financial reserves
• Reducing operation and maintenance expenses (expenses related to source of supply and pumping will fall due to reduced water production)
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
5 • Deferring capital improvement projects
• Reducing future projected operation and maintenance expenses • Increasing fixed readiness-to-serve charge
• Increasing commodity charge and water adjustment rates to cover revenue shortfalls • Seeking alternative source of funding, such as state or federal grants or loans • Other financial management mechanisms
MSWD will monitor financial conditions during a water shortage and take appropriate actions as needed.
MSWD maintains financial reserves that can be used to continue operations during a period of reduced water sales. MSWD has the ability to increase water rates or implement surcharges or penalties to increase revenues from water sales.
9.2 Reporting Cost of Compliance with Excessive Water Use Prohibition During Drought Emergency
To ensure customers comply with the restrictions implemented in a water shortage emergency, additional costs may be incurred to monitor and enforce response actions. The incurred cost may vary depending on the shortage stage and duration of the water shortage emergency. The cost of compliance may be tracked when a shortage is declared. MSWD may track staff time and resources used to implement the WSCP, including reduced revenue, implementing and enforcing shortage response actions, and communication and outreach efforts.
10 Monitoring and Reporting
This section describes how MSWD will monitor and report on implementation of the WSCP. MSWD will gather data on key water use metrics and use the data to evaluate the effectiveness of response actions in achieving its intended water use reduction purposes. MSWD will also gather data on customer compliance to evaluate the effectiveness of enforcement actions. MSWD will also gather and report data at frequencies adequate to meet reporting requirements established by the State Water Resources Control Board and other government agencies, as needed.
MSWD will monitor water use by customers using billing systems and operational control systems to monitor production and consumption. Each customer is metered, and billing records will be compiled and used to observe trends in water consumption. Each groundwater well and water connection point is also metered, and production records will be used to observe trends in water production. Levels in storage reservoirs can be monitored using the operational control systems to help identify potential high usage or leaks. MSWD staff may also perform field visits and record observations to monitor water use and identify potential issues for follow-up.
For each customer, MSWD will aggregate the consumption records by customer class to evaluate response actions and identify potential additional measures. 11 WSCP Refinement Procedures
MSWD will monitor the implementation of this plan to evaluate its effectiveness as an adaptive management tool. The monitoring and reporting program described in Section 9 will provide information on the effectiveness of the shortage response actions during any shortage levels that may be invoked. If MSWD determines that the shortage response actions are not effective in producing the desired results, MSWD will initiate a process to refine the WSCP. MSWD will consider the addition of new shortage response actions, or changing the levels when shortage response actions are implemented. Suggestions for refinements will be collected from staff, customers, industry experts, and the general public. The RUWMP participating agencies will share data and suggestions for refinement to identify opportunities to increase the effectiveness of the WSCP while maintaining alignment with other agencies in the region when possible.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
6 12 Special Water Feature Distinction
The RUWMP participating agencies have distinguished swimming pools and spas as recreational water features, while non-pool and non-spa water features are considered decorative water features. This distinction is used in the shortage response actions because decorative water features have the potential to use recycled water, while most pools and spas (recreational water features) use potable water for health and safety considerations. However, this distinction does not apply to the hot mineral spring pools and spas throughout the Desert Hot Springs area; while they are recreational, they also do not rely on potable water.
13 Plan, Adoption, Submittal, and Availability
This 2025 WSCP was presented for adoption at the MSWD public meeting on June 3, 2026. Notifications were sent to the cities and counties identified in the 2025 RUWMP. To comply with the notice to the public, MSWD published notices in the local newspaper at least two weeks in advance with five days between publications. The WSCP was also made available prior to the public hearing.
The WSCP was formally adopted on June 3, 2026 with adoption of the 2025 UWMP. The WSCP was made available to all staff, customers, and any affected cities, counties, or other members of the public at MSWD’s office and online within 30 days of the adoption date.
The WSCP was submitted to DWR via the Water Use Efficiency Data Portal at the same time as the 2025 UWMP, but no later than July 1, 2026. A hard copy of the 2025 UWMP and WSCP were submitted to the California State Library within 30 days of adoption. Electronic and/or hard copies were provided to all cities and counties within MSWD’s service area within 30 days of adoption.
Based on DWR’s review of the WSCP, MSWD will make any amendments in its adopted WSCP, as required and directed by DWR. If MSWD revises its WSCP, then an electronic copy of the revised WSCP will be submitted to DWR within 30 days of its adoption.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
7 14 References
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). 2024. 2024 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. Available:
https://www.cvwd.org/611/Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan. Accessed: March 2026. ________2026. Coachella Valley Water District Code, Chapter 3.10 Canal Irrigation and Drainage System Rules and Regulations. Available: https://cvwd.district.codes/CVWDC/3.10. Accessed:
March 2026.
Riverside County, Emergency Management Department. 2023. County of Riverside Operational Area, Multi‑Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJLHMP). Revised May 2025. Available:
https://rivcoready.org/sites/g/files/aldnop181/files/users/user41/MJLHMP%205.1.25a.pdf.
Accessed: March 2026.
California Department of Water Resources (DWR). 2025. The State Water Project Draft Delivery Capability Report 2025. Available: https://s3.amazonaws.com/og-production-open-data-cnra892364687672/resources/5d238ff5-899b-4357-8835- 5b043f61f5da/draft_dcr25_mainreport_final_2025-12-17.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMACSHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIAJJIENTAPKHZMIPXQ%2F20260326%2Fus-east1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260326T153526Z&X-Amz-Expires=86400&X-AmzSignedHeaders=host&X-AmzSignature=e566cc11139e9b5f7a637211d7d4c9398103a10178af68066d0fce98ee10b431.
Accessed: March 2026.
_______2026. 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Guidebook. Available: water.ca.gov/-/media/DWRWebsite/Web-Pages/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/UrbanWater-Management-Plans/Final-2025-UWMP-Guidebook/Final-2025-UWMP-GuidebookAccessible.pdf. Accessed: February 2026.
Indio Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs). 2021. 2022 Indio Subbasin Water Management Plan Update: Sustainable Groundwater Management Act Alternative Plan.
Available: https://www.indiosubbasinsgma.org/alternative-plan-update/. Accessed: February 2026.
Mission Creek Subbasin Management Committee. 2021. 2022 Mission Creek Subbasin Alternative Plan Update. Available: http://www.missioncreeksubbasinsgma.org/alternative-plan-update/.
Accessed: February 2026.
Mission Springs Water District (MSWD). 2022. Mission Springs Water District Local Hazard Mitigation Plan. Available: https://www.mswd.org/media/2546. Accessed: March 2026.
Item 19.
Attachment A. Legal Authority
Item 19.
Title 5 - WATER
Chapter 5.01 – GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 5.01.010 – Authority
Pursuant to Water Code Section 31024, the District has the authority to establish rules and regulations for the sale, distribution, and use of water.
Chapter 5.02 – WATER SERVICE RULES AND REGULATIONS
Section 5.02.010 – General Provisions
A. Short Title – This Ordinance may be cited as the “Mission Springs Water District’s Water Regulations and Service Ordinance.”
B. Intent – This Ordinance is intended to provide rules and regulations applicable to the administration and operational activities of the District. It may be amended from time to time by action of the Board of Directors of Mission Springs Water District.
C. Enabling Statutes – This Ordinance is adopted pursuant to the applicable provisions of Division 12 of the Water Code and Division 5, Chapter 7, Title 5, Division 2 of the Government Code, and further pursuant to the Constitution of the State of California. The district is further authorized by Water Code Section 31027 to prescribe and define by ordinance those restrictions, prohibitions and exclusions it may determine to be necessary pursuant to the California Constitution Article X, Section 2 and Water Code Sections 31026, 375-277 and 1009 to restrict the use of district water during threatened or existing water shortages. It is also the intent of the Board of Directors to establish by this Ordinance those procedures and policies necessary for the orderly administration of a water conservation program to prohibit waste and to restrict water use during a water shortage emergency.
D. Application – This Ordinance shall apply to all water facilities constructed, maintained, and operated by the District.
E. Enterprise – The District will furnish and/or make available, a system, works, and undertakings used for and useful in, the delivery of water for the District’s service area, including all annexations thereto, lands, easements, rights in land, contract rights, and franchises.
F. Separability – If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstances are for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances. The Board of Directors hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance or any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase hereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, sentences, clauses or phrases be
Item 19.
declared to be unconstitutional.
G. Words and Phrases – For the purpose of this Ordinance all words using the present tense shall include the future; all words in the plural number shall include the singular number; and all words in the singular number shall include the plural number.
H. Publication – Upon adoption, this Ordinance shall be entered in the minutes of the Board of Directors and published in a newspaper of general circulation in the District’s service area within ten (10) days following its adoption.
I. Means of Enforcement – The District hereby declares that the procedures contained herein are established as a means of enforcement of the terms and conditions of their Ordinances, Rules, and Regulations and not as a penalty.
J. Notices – Whenever a notice is required to be given under this Ordinance, unless different provisions are specifically made herein, such notice may be made either by personal delivery thereof to the person to be notified or by deposit in the U.S. Mail in a sealed envelope, postage prepaid, addressed to such person at his last known business or residence address as the name appears on public records or other records pertaining to the matter to which the notice is directed. Service by mail shall be deemed to have been completed at the time of deposit in the post office.
Proof of giving any notice may be made by the certification of any officer or employee of the district or by affidavit of any person over the age of eighteen years, which shows service in conformity with this Ordinance or other provisions of law applicable to the subject matter concerned.
K. Effect of Heading – Title, division, or section headings contained in this Ordinance shall not be deemed to govern, limit, or modify in any manner, the scope, meaning or intent of any section or subsection of this Ordinance.
(Ord. No. 1993-03, § 2, 10-18-1993)
Section 5.02.020 – Definitions
A. Applicant – The person making this application hereunder shall be the owner of the premises involved, or his authorized agents, so authorized in writing to the District, or a licensed plumber or contractor.
B. Board – The Board of Directors of Mission Springs Water District.
C. Board of Directors – The Governing Body of Mission Springs Water District.
D. Connection – The pipeline and appurtenant facilities such as the curb stop, meter and meter box, all used to extend water service from the main to the premises, the laying thereof and the tapping of the main. Where services are divided at the curb or property line to serve several customers, each such branch service shall be deemed a separate service.
E. Contractor – Contractor shall mean an individual, firm, corporation, partnership, or association duly licensed by the State of California to perform the type of work to be done under a permit, contract, or agreement.
F. Controller – Equivalent to Auditor of the District under Water Code Section 30540.
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G. Cost – The cost of labor, materials, transportation, supervision, engineering, and all other necessary overhead expenses.
H. County – The County of Riverside, California.
I. Cross-Connection – Any physical or potential connection or structural arrangement between the District’s public water system, including a piping system connected to the District’s public water system and located on the premises of a water user or available to the water user, and any source or distribution system containing liquid, gas, or other substances not from an approved water supply J. Customer – Any person supplied or entitled to be supplied with water service by the District.
K. Customer’s Service Valve – A valve independent of the District’s facilities located in the customer's piping as close to the meter as practical, the operation of which will control the entire water supply from the meter.
L. Developer – Shall mean any person commencing proceedings under applicable city or county ordinances to effect a land development.
M. District – Mission Springs Water District, Riverside County, California N. District Engineer – Shall mean the Engineer or Engineering Firm appointed by the Board and acting for the District.
O. Equivalent Fixtures Units (EFUs) – The number of Equivalent Fixture Units (EFUs) by the Uniform Plumbing Code or by provisions adopted by the Board.
P. General Manager – The General Manager of the District.
Q. Inspector – The person who shall perform the work of inspecting water facilities under the jurisdiction or control of the District.
R. Main – A water line in a street, highway, alley, or easement used for public and private fire protection and for the general distribution of water.
S. Owner – The person owning in fee title, or in whose name the legal title to the property appears, by deed duly recorded in the County Recorder’s office, or the person in possession of the property or buildings under claim of, or exercising acts of ownership over same for himself, or as executor, administrator, guardian or trustee of the owner.
T. Permit – Any written authorization required pursuant to this or any other regulation of the District.
U. Person – Any human being, individual, firm, company, partnership, association and private, public, or municipal corporation, the United States of America, the State of California, a district and any political subdivision, government agency.
V. Premises – A lot or parcel of real property under one ownership, except where there are well-defined boundaries or partitions such as fences, hedges or other restrictions preventing the common use of the property by several tenants, in which case each portion shall be deemed a separate premise. Components of apartment houses and office buildings may be classified as single premises.
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W. Private Fire Protection Service – Water service and facilities for building sprinkler systems, hydrants, hose reels, and other facilities installed on private property for fire protection and the water available therefore.
X. Public Fire Protection Service – The service and facilities of the entire water supply, storage and distribution system of the District, including the fire hydrants affixed thereto, and the water available for fire protection, excepting house service connections and appurtenances thereto.
Y. Regular Water Service – Water service and facilities rendered for normal domestic, commercial and industrial purposes on a permanent basis, and the water available therefore.
Z. Residential – Any single-family unit, any duplex or triplex family unit not requiring licensing for occupancy and operation.
AA. Secretary – The Secretary to the Board of Directors.
BB. Service Connection – Shall mean the pipeline extending from the main, whether located in a public thoroughfare or private right-of-way, to the curb line or property line of the water user’s premises, together with the valves, meter and fittings and appurtenances necessary to connect to the water user’s private pipeline.
CC. Temporary Water Service – Water service and facilities rendered for construction work and other uses of limited duration, and the water available therefore.
DD. Uniform Plumbing Code – Shall be the most recent edition of the Code published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials.
EE. Waste – Shall mean any unreasonable or non-beneficial use of water, or any unreasonable method of use of water, including, but not limited to, the specific uses prohibited and restricted by this Ordinance as hereinafter set forth.
FF. Water – Shall mean the water supplied by Mission Springs Water District.
GG. Water Department – The Board of Directors of the District performing functions related to the District’s water service, together with the General Manager, District Engineer, Controller, and any other duly authorized representatives.
HH. Water Supply Shortage – Shall mean any water shortage caused by drought or any other threatened or existing water shortage, earthquake, disaster, or facility failure, loss of electrical power, pipe line breakage, or other condition which results in, or threatens to result in, the District’s inability to meet the water demands of its customers. Water shortage shall also be a condition or conditions prompted by declaration of the Governor of California, and/or an authorized legislative body of an agency of the State of California.
II. Water User – Shall mean any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation or political entity using water obtained from the water system of the District.
(Ord. No. 1993-03, § 3, 10-18-1993; Ord. No. 2025-02, 08-18-2025) Section 5.02.030 – Water Department
A. Creation – A Water Department is hereby created comprised of the Directors, the General Manager, the Controller and such other employees and assistants as may be hired.
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B. General Manager – The General Manager, as provided for in Water Code Section 30580, shall have full charge and control of the maintenance, operation and construction of the water works and water distribution system of the District.
C. Violation and Repairs – The Director of Operations shall promptly report any violation or disrepair to the General Manager. If the work required is in the nature of an emergency, he shall take whatever steps are necessary to maintain service to customers pending action by the General Manager.
D. Supervision – The Director of Operations shall supervise all repair or construction work authorized by the General Manager, and perform any other duties prescribed by the General Manager.
E. The Controller – The Controller shall install and maintain a system of auditing and accounting that shall completely and at all times show the financial condition of the District. The Controller shall furthermore, compute, prepare, and mail bills as hereinafter prescribed, make and deposit collections, maintain proper books of account, collect, account for, and refund deposits, and do whatever else is necessary or directed by the General Manager to set up and maintain an efficient and economical bookkeeping system, and perform any other duties now and hereafter prescribed by the General Manager. (Ord. No. 1993-03, § 4, 10-18-1993)
Section 5.02.040 – General Rules
A. Standards – The Board of Directors may, from time to time, adopt standard requirements for the design, construction, repair and maintenance, or connection to District water system.
B. Violation Unlawful – Following the effective date of this Ordinance, it shall be unlawful for any person to connect to, construct, install, provide, maintain, or use any other means of water facilities from any building in the area serviced with water by said District except by connection to water facilities in the manner as provided for in this Ordinance. Any violation of this Ordinance will be subject to the provisions of this section, at the discretion of the General Manager.
C. Notice of Violation – Wherever or whenever practical under the particular circumstances and pursuant to the discretion of the General Manager, any person found to be violating any provision of this or any other Ordinance, Resolution, Rule, or Regulation of the District shall be served, by the Inspector or other authorized person, with written notice stating the nature of the violation and providing a reasonable time limit for the satisfactory correction thereof. Said time limit shall be not less than two, nor more than seven, working days unless otherwise specified. The offender shall, within the period of time stated in such notice, permanently cease all violations. Upon being notified by an authorized representative of the District of any defect arising in any water facility or of any violation of this Ordinance, the person or persons having charge of said work shall immediately correct the same. All persons shall be held strictly responsible for any and all acts of agents or employees done under the provisions of this or any other Ordinance, Resolution, Rule, or Regulation of the District.
D. Protection from Damage – No unauthorized person shall maliciously, willfully, or negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface, or tamper with any structure, appurtenance, or equipment which is part of the District’s water works. Any person violating this provision shall be subject to the penalties provided by law.
E. Investigation Powers – The officers, inspectors, manager and any duly authorized employees of the District shall carry evidence establishing his position as an authorized representative of the District and upon exhibiting the proper credentials and identification shall be permitted to enter in and upon any and all building, industrial
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facilities and properties to which the District is furnishing water or has been requested to furnish water for the purpose of inspecting, reinspecting, observing, measuring, sampling, testing, or otherwise performing such duties as may be necessary in the enforcement of the provisions of the Ordinances, Resolutions, Rules, and Regulations of the District pursuant to the authorization contained in the required application for water service.
F. Non-Compliance with Regulations – As an alternative method of enforcing the provisions of this or any other Ordinance, Resolution, Rule, or Regulation of the District, the District shall have the power to disconnect the user or subdivision water service from the water mains of the District. Upon disconnection, an authorized representative of the District shall estimate the cost of disconnection from and reconnection to the system, and such user shall deposit the cost, as estimated, of disconnection and reconnection before such user is reconnected to the system.
G. Liability for Violation – Any person violating any of the provisions of the Ordinances, Rules or Regulations of the District shall become liable to the District for any expense, loss, or damage, occasioned by the District by reason of such violation.
H. Relief on Appeal – When any person, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion that any provision of the Ordinances, Rules or Regulations of the District is unjust or inequitable as applied to the person or premises, they may file a written appeal to the Board of Directors stating the special circumstances, citing the provision complained of, and requesting suspension or modification of that provision as applied to a particular premises. If such appeal is approved, the Board of Directors may suspend or modify the provision complained of, as applied to such person or premises, to be effective as of the date of the appeal and continuing during the period of the special circumstances. All decisions of the Board of Directors regarding such appeal are final.
I. Relief on Own Motion – The Board of Directors may, on its own motion, find that by reason of special circumstances, any provisions of its Ordinances, Rules or Regulations should be suspended or modified as applied to a particular person or premises and may order such suspension or modification for such premises during the period of such special circumstances or any part thereof. All decisions of the Board of Directors regarding such relief are final.
J. Maintenance of Water Pressure and Pressure Conditions – The District shall not accept any responsibility for the maintenance of pressure. The District also reserves the right to discontinue service while making emergency repairs, or other work required on the water system as determined by the General Manager. Customers dependent upon a continuous supply should provide emergency storage. All applicants for service connections or water service shall be required to accept such conditions of pressure and service as are provided by the distribution system at the location of the proposed service connection, and to hold the district harmless for any damages arising out of low pressure or high pressure conditions or interruptions of service.
K. Water Pressure Conditions – Due to topography and other causes, the pressure is not uniform over the territory the system serves. The District reserves the right to change to different pressure in various areas served. However, it shall be the aim and attempted function of the District to maintain adequate pressure at all existing services. Water users dependent upon a continuous water supply should provide adequate storage for emergencies; however, the District assumes no obligation to serve water to elevations higher than its existing facilities serve.
Water users having water heaters, boilers, or other devices requiring a continuous water supply, should take all necessary action to prevent damage or injury to such devices as a result of the shutting off of the water supply.
L. Tampering with District Property – Except as otherwise specifically authorized by the General Manager, no one, except an employee or representative of the District, shall at any time in any manner operate the curb stops
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or valves, main stops, gate valves of the District's system; or interfere with meters or their connections, street mains or other parts of the water system.
M. Charge for Violation – Failure of a customer to comply with all or any parts of this ordinance, or any other ordinance, resolution or order fixing rates and charges of this district's water service, shall result in said service being discontinued and water shall not be supplied such customer until the customer is in full compliance with the rules and regulations, rates or charges which have been violated.
N. Water System – The District will furnish a system, works and undertakings used for and useful in obtaining, conserving, and dispensing of water for public and private uses, including all parts of the District, all appurtenances to it, all lands, easements, rights in land, water rights, contract rights, franchises, and other water supply, storage and distribution facilities and equipment.
O. Number Services per Premise – The applicant may apply for as many services as may be reasonably required for his premises provided that the pipe line system for each service be independent of the others and that they not be interconnected.
P. Waste of Water – No customer shall knowingly permit leaks or waste of water. Where water is wastefully or negligently used on a customer's premises, the District may discontinue the service if such conditions are not corrected after giving notice of violation as provided in Section 5.02.040(C) herein.
Q. Responsibility for Equipment on Customer’s Premises – The District's responsibility ends at the beginning of the water user's side of the meter, or in the case of an unmetered or other special installation, at the point where the District's facilities end. All services, valves, and water meters installed by the District shall at all times remain the property of the District and shall be maintained, repaired, and removed by the District whenever rendered unserviceable through normal wear and tear. Where replacements, repairs or adjustments of any meter are rendered necessary by the act, negligence, or carelessness of the water user or any member of his family or person in his employ, the District shall be reimbursed by the customer for any such damage promptly on presentation of a bill.
R. Damage to Water System Facilities – The customer shall be liable for any damage to the service facilities when such damage is from causes originating on the premises by an act of the customer or his tenants, agents, employees, contractors, licensees, or permittees, including the breaking or destruction of locks by the customer or others on or near a meter, and any damage to a meter that may result from hot water or steam from a boiler or heater on the customer's premises. The District shall be reimbursed by the customer for any such damage promptly on presentation of a bill.
S. Ground-Wire Attachments – All individuals or business organizations are forbidden to attach any ground wire or wires to any plumbing which is or may be connected to a service connection or main belonging to the District. The District will hold the owner liable for any damage to its property occasioned by such ground wire attachments.
T. Control Valve on the Customer’s Property – The customer shall provide a valve on his side of the service installation, as close to the meter location as practical, to control the flow of water to the piping on his/her premises. The customer shall not use the service curb stop to turn water on and off for his/her convenience.
U. Unsafe Apparatus – Water service may be refused or discontinued to any premises where apparatus or appliances are in use which might endanger or disturb the service to other customers.
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V. Cross-Connections – Water service may be refused or discontinued to any premises where there exists a cross-connection as defined in Section 5.02.080 of this Ordinance.
W. Fraud or Abuse – Subject to Section 5.02.090(I) and 5.02.110(A), if necessary, service may be discontinued to protect the District against fraud or abuse.
X. Interruptions in Service – The District shall not be liable for damage which may result from an interruption in service from a cause beyond the control of the District.
Y. Ingress and Egress – District representatives shall have the right of ingress and egress to the customer's premises at reasonable hours for any purpose reasonably connected with the furnishing of water service.
Z. Installation of Services – Only duly authorized employees or agents of the District shall be authorized to install service connections. All service connections shall comply with the specifications of the District, including automatic meter reading devices. Meters will be installed in easements and right of ways, and shall be owned by the District. No rent or other charge will be paid by the District for a meter or other facilities, including connections. All meters will be sealed by the District at the time of installation, and no seal shall be altered or broken except by one of its authorized employees or agents.
AA. Change in Location of Meters – Meters moved for the convenience of the customer will be relocated at the customer's expense. Meters moved for the convenience of the District will be moved at the District's expense.
BB. Service Size and Location – Where practical, the District will install the service connection at a location selected by the applicant. However, the District reserves the right to determine the size of the service connection and its location in relation to boundaries of the premises to be served. Customarily, a service connection will terminate at a point behind and adjacent to the curb in streets or adjacent to the property line in alleys or other utility right-of-way.
In locations where the applicant's premises do not directly abut a public thoroughfare, the District, at its option, may provide a service connection of conventional length terminating at some practical location on public property, and applicant shall be responsible for providing a connection thereto. The applicant's pipe to connect to the District's service connection shall not be laid until the service connection is installed.
In the event the applicant's pipe is laid prior to the time the service connection is installed, and this location does not correspond with that of the service connection, then applicant shall bear the additional cost of connecting the service connection pipe with the applicant's pipe.
CC. Curb Stop – Each service connection installed by the District shall be equipped with a curb stop or gate valve on the inlet side of the meter. Such valve or curb stop is intended for the exclusive use of the District in controlling the water supply through the service connection pipe. If the curb stop or gate valve is damaged by the customer's use, the replacement shall be at the customer's expense.
DD. Access to Meters – The District reserves the right to enter upon the applicant's premises for the purpose of reading, repairing or replacing the water service meter. The applicant shall be solely responsible for the control of all animals which may pose a potential threat to District employees and shall be liable for any injury to District employee resulting from unrestrained animals. Should an applicant for new service fail to properly restrain animals present on his property, the District may, upon written notice, refuse to install or turn on service until such time as the District determines that a threat to its employees no longer exists. In the case of existing customers, where District employees may encounter some personal risk in attempting to read a meter (due to the presence of unrestrained animals, or otherwise), the employee is not required to read the meter, and the
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customer's bill will be estimated based upon the last year's consumption plus the average increase in consumption in the District. The meter will be read quarterly in the presence of the customer or someone of his choosing, so that over estimates and under estimates of use may be rectified on the bill. (Ord. No. 1993-03, § 5, 10-18-1993)
Section 5.02.050 – Application for Water Service
A. Application for Water Service – The property owner or his agent designated in writing, shall make application for regular water service by personally signing an "Application For Water Service" form provided by the District and paying the necessary fee for connection to District facilities, as prescribed in the latest Resolution on fees adopted by the Board of Directors.
B. Water Service to Customers other than Property Owners – Service to other than property owners shall be made in accordance with this Section. Service may be initiated in the name of a tenant of the owner provided a copy of the lease agreement is provided to the District and provided that both the tenant and the owner shall execute the Application for Water Service and be responsible for the water charges as provided below.
1. Owner’s Responsibility – Whether or not a property owner has signed the District's application for service form, the property owner is not relieved of his or her responsibility for unpaid water charges for the subject property as provided in this Ordinance and pursuant to California Water Code Section 31701 et. seq.
C. Security Deposits
1. Security Deposit Residential
A security deposit for a single-family residential unit shall not be required except upon the determination by the District that the person requesting service is not creditworthy. The determination of creditworthiness shall be upon criteria determined by the Controller, and may be appealed as provided in Section 5.02.050.
2. Security Deposit Commercial – A security deposit for each commercial unit, retail unit, or multi-unit complex shall be deposited at the time application is made.
D. Security Deposit Refund – The District shall refund each security deposit to the residential customer when funds have been on deposit for one year in a customer's account and there has been no more than one delinquent payment on that account during the year; within thirty (30) days after the date of termination of the account provided the applicant gives the District written notice to terminate water services; or when a new property owner makes a deposit for the same property. The District shall refund the security deposit for commercial, retail, or industrial connections within thirty (30) days after the date of termination of the account provided the customer gives the District written notice to terminate water service; or when a new property owner makes a deposit for the same property.
E. Change in Customer’s Equipment – Customers who make any material change in the size, character, or extent of the equipment or operations utilizing water service, or whose change in operations results in a significant
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increase in the use of water shall immediately give the District written notice of the nature of the change and, if necessary, amend their application. The District at its discretion may change the size of the service and charge the customer according to current fee resolution.
F. Domestic, Commercial, and Industrial Service Connections – It shall be unlawful to maintain a connection except in conformity with the following:
1. Multiple Units – Multiple units shall include separate houses, buildings, condominiums, living or business quarters on the same premises or on adjoining premises under single control or management. The District may determine the size of the service connections and their locations in relation to boundaries of the premises to be served and the point of connection to the water user's facilities. The District may limit the number of houses, units, buildings or area of land under one ownership to be supplied by one service connection.
2. Single Connection – Not more than one service connection for domestic or commercial supply shall be installed for a building, except under special conditions as provided in Section 5.02.070 (Fire Protection).
3. Service Connection – A service connection shall not be used to supply any adjoining property, or property across a street, alley, or easement.
4. Divided Property – When property provided with a service connection is divided, the service connection shall be considered as belonging to the lot or parcel of land which it directly enters.
G. Service Connection Maintenance – The service connection extending from the water main to the meter, meter box, and curb stop shall be maintained by the District. All pipes and fixtures extending or lying beyond the meter box shall be installed and maintained by the owner of the property, with the exception of the backflow prevention devices, if required. Installation and maintenance of such devices shall be in accordance with Section
5.02.080.
H. Damages Through Leaking Pipes and Fixtures – When turning on the water supply as requested to a vacant house or property, the District will make a reasonable attempt to determine if water is running inside of the building. If such is found to be the case, the water will be left shut off at the curb stop or the private shutoff.
The District's jurisdiction and responsibility ends at the property line and the District will in no case be liable for damages occasioned by water running from open or faulty fixtures, or from broken or damaged pipes inside the property line.
I. Damage to Meters – The District reserves the right to set and maintain a meter on any service connection. The water customer shall be held liable for any damage to the meter due to his negligence or carelessness.
J. Main Extension Required – The District will provide for all main extensions upon application for service and payment of required charges.
1. Application – Any owner of one or more lots, parcels, or subdivider of a tract of land desiring the extension of one or more water mains to serve such property, shall make written application to the
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District. Said application shall contain the legal description of the property to be served, tract number, and any additional information which may be required by the District, and may be accompanied by a map showing the location of the proposed connections.
2. Investigation – Upon receipt of the application, the District shall make an investigation and survey of the proposed extension and estimate the cost thereof.
3. Dead-End Lines – No dead-end lines shall be permitted, except at the discretion of the General Manager.
In cases where circulation lines are necessary they shall be designed and installed by the District as a part of the main extension.
4. Specifications and Construction – The size, type, and quality of materials and location of the lines shall be specified by the District. Actual construction will be performed by the District or a contractor acceptable to the District.
5. Property of District – Upon completion of such installation, the facilities shall be dedicated to and become property of the District.
6. Connections – The applicant shall, at his cost, provide all connections to buildings and private water systems, as herein provided.
7. Reimbursement Agreement – Upon request of an applicant who has paid the cost of constructing a main line extension which contains capacity sufficient to benefit other properties when and if they should request connection for service therefrom, the District shall enter into a Reimbursement Agreement to reimburse the applicant the proportionate amount of cost advanced which represents the value of the additional capacity in the line. Reimbursement shall be collected by the District in the form of front footage charges imposed on future connections to the main line.
The terms of the Reimbursement Agreement shall be conditioned upon actual receipt by the District of the main line extension front footage fees over period of ten (10) years from the date of the Reimbursement Agreement for private property owners, and for a period not to exceed fifteen (15) years for public agency applicants.
(Ord. No. 1993-03, § 6, 10-18-1993; Ord. No. 1997-01, §§ 1-3, 4-21-1997) Section 5.02.060 – Temporary Service
A. General Provisions – Upon application to the District, water may be procured from fire hydrants if in the opinion of the General Manager or his authorized representative such excess water is available. The applicant must complete and sign an appropriate permit and deposit with the District an amount established pursuant to the current fee resolution.
Temporary services, whether from a fire hydrant or otherwise, are installed for the convenience and use of persons doing construction work. Temporary services are not limited to construction purposes but may be
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installed for any use. Any temporary service may be discontinued during any emergency for the duration of the emergency. Temporary services are not transferable except to the successors in interest of the applicants by operation of law.
B. Duration of Service – Temporary service connections shall be disconnected and terminated within four (4) months after installation unless an extension of time is granted in writing by the General Manager.
C. Security Deposit – The applicant shall deposit, in advance, the estimated cost of the temporary service. Upon discontinuance of service, the actual cost shall be determined and an adjustment made as an additional charge, refund or credit.
D. Installation and Operation – All facilities for temporary service to the customer shall be installed and operated in accordance with District instructions.
E. Responsibility for Meters and Installations – The customer shall use all possible care to prevent damage to the meter or to any other loaned facilities of the District which are involved in furnishing the temporary service from the time they are installed until they are removed. If the meter or other facilities are damaged, the cost of making repairs shall be paid by the customer. The customer shall give notice to the district in writing at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the time the customer or other person is finished with the meter or meters and the installation.
F. Unauthorized Use of Hydrants – Tampering with any fire hydrant for the unauthorized use of water therefrom, or for any other purpose, is subject to a penalty charge for each occurrence as may be set by the Board.
G. Meter Availability – The applicant shall make the hydrant meter available as prescribed by the District for reading on a monthly or bimonthly basis.
H. Pools and Tanks – When an abnormally large quantity of water is desired for filling a swimming pool or for other purposes, arrangements must be made with the District prior to taking such water. Permission to take water in unusual quantities will be given only if it can be safely delivered through the District's facilities and if other customers are not inconvenienced thereby.
I. Responsibility for Equipment – The customer shall, at his own risk and expense, furnish, install, and keep in good and safe condition all equipment that may be required for receiving, controlling, applying, and utilizing water. The District shall not be responsible for any loss or damage caused by the improper installation of such equipment, or the negligence or wrongful act of the customer or any of his tenants, agents, employees, contractors, licensees or permittees in installing, maintaining, operating or interfering with such equipment. The District shall not be responsible for damage to property caused by faucets, valves and other equipment, which are open when water is turned on at the meter, either originally or when turned on after a temporary shutdown. (Ord. No. 1993-03, § 7, 10-18-1993)
Section 5.02.070 – Fire Protection
A. Public Fire Protection – The following pertains to the use of District facilities for public fire protection:
1. Use of Fire Hydrants – Fire hydrants are for use by the District or by organized fire protection agencies pursuant to contract with the District. Other parties desiring to use fire hydrants for any purpose must first
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obtain written permission from the District prior to use and shall operate the hydrant in accordance with instructions issued by the Water Department. Unauthorized use of hydrants will be prosecuted according to law.
2. Moving of Fire Hydrants – When a fire hydrant has been installed in a location specified by the proper authority, the District has fulfilled its obligation. If a property owner or other party desire a change in the size, type, or location of the hydrant, they shall bear all costs of such charges, without refund. Any change in a location of fire hydrant must be approved by the proper authority.
B. Private Fire Protection Service – The following pertains to the use of District facilities for private fire protection systems with the exception of single-family residences:
1. Payment of Cost – The applicant for private fire protection service shall pay the total actual cost of installation of the service from the distribution main to the service location including the cost of a detector check meter or other suitable and equivalent device, valve, and meter box, said installation to become the property of the District.
2. No Connection to Other System – There shall be no connection between this fire protection system and any other water distribution system on the premises.
3. Use – There shall be no water used through the fire protection service except to extinguish fires and for testing the fire-fighting equipment.
4. Charges for Water Used – Any consumption recorded on the meter will be charged as provided in District Resolution except that no charge will be made for water used to extinguish fires where such fires have been reported to the fire department.
5. Monthly Rates – The monthly rates for private fire protection shall be established from time to time by Resolution of the Board of Directors.
6. Water for Fire Storage Tanks – Occasionally water may be obtained from a private fire service for filling a tank connected with the fire service, but only if written permission is secured from the District in advance and an approved means of measurement is available.
7. Violation of Agreement – If water is used from a private fire service in violation of the agreement or this Ordinance, the District may, at its option, discontinue and remove the service.
8. Valve – When a fire service connection is installed, the valve governing same will be closed and sealed and remain so until a written order is received from the owner of the premises to have the water turned on.
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9. Meter – If the District does not require a meter, and if water is used through a fire service connection for any other purpose than extinguishing of fires, the District shall have the right to place a meter on the fire service connection at the owner's expense, or shut off the entire water supply from such premises.
10. Additional Service – The District shall have the right to take a domestic, commercial or industrial meter service connection from the fire service connection at the curb to supply the same premises as those to which the fire service connection belongs. The District shall also have the right to determine the proportion of the installation costs properly chargeable to each service connection, if such segregation of costs shall become necessary.
11. Backflow Protection Check Valve – The District reserves the right to require all fire service connections and fire protection systems to be protected by, at a minimum, a Double Check Detector Assembly (DCDA). Fire protection systems classified as high hazard, such as those that incorporate chemical additives (e.g., wetting agents, foam, antifreeze, corrosion inhibitors) or utilize an auxiliary water supply must be protected by, at a minimum, a Reduced Pressure Detector Assembly (RPDA).
All backflow prevention assemblies must be of a type approved by the latest edition of the Manual of Cross-Connection Control published by the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, University of Southern California. Each assembly shall also be equipped with a bypass meter, to be installed at the property owner’s expense.
(Ord. No. 1993-03, § 8, 10-18-1993; Ord. No. 2025-02, 08-18-2025) Section 5.02.080 – Cross-Connection Control
A. Cross-Connections – The purpose of this Section is to protect the public potable water supply system of Mission Springs Water District by establishing a Cross-Connection Control Program to effect the control of cross-connections, actual or potential, thereby isolating within the customer's private water system or internal piping, contaminants or pollutants which could backflow or back siphon into the District's water supply system.
The Regulations relating to cross-connections as established Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW), as amended from time to time and the most recent edition of the Manual of Cross-Connection Control published by the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, University of Southern California, insofar as these regulations are applicable to the protection of water supply of this District are hereby adopted, incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof.
B. Determination of Cross-Connection – Upon the determination by the District that a backflow prevention assembly is required in the customer's private piping system for the safety of the public water supply system, the District shall immediately install such an assembly in the manner and location prescribed in Section
5.02.080(F)(3). All costs for such installation will be paid by the customer.
C. Discontinuance of Service – Failure to install said assembly as prescribed shall constitute grounds for discontinuance of water service to the premise. No water service shall be installed or maintained by the District to any premises on which there exists or there is suspected to exist cross-connection between the public water supply and other piping, fixtures, appliances, equipment, drains, or any system which might cause contamination
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or pollution through backflow or back siphonage, unless such service is protected by the installation of a backflow prevention assembly.
D. Degree of Hazard – The type or kind of assembly installed shall depend on the degree of hazard involved.
The degree of hazard shall be determined by the most recent edition of the Manual of Cross-Connection Control published by the Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, University of Southern California.
E. Approved Backflow Assemblies – The District shall maintain and make available a list of approved backflow prevention assemblies which may be installed for the protection of the public water supply system.
F. Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance – All backflow prevention assemblies shall be inspected and tested at least annually for proper operation. Inspection and testing shall be performed by the District's certified inspector or a District approved private inspector. The results of each test, including repairs, shall be recorded on a form maintained by the District.
1. Repair of Defective Backflow Prevention Assemblies – In the event a backflow protection assembly is found to be defective, the customer shall be responsible for making all necessary repairs and/or replacements at their own expense. All annual inspections, testing, and acceptance tests following installation, repair and/or replacement shall be performed at the owner’s expense.
2. No Service Unless Property Protected – A water service connection to any premise shall not be installed or maintained unless the public water supply system is protected in accordance with the laws of the State of California and this Ordinance. If a backflow prevention assembly has not been installed, tested and maintained in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance, or if a backflow prevention assembly has been removed or bypassed, or if an unprotected cross-connection exists on the premise, water service shall be discontinued immediately and not restored until such condition or defect have been corrected.
3. Installation Required – Upon the determination by the District that a backflow prevention assembly is required on a customer's water service line, it shall be installed immediately behind the meter and before the first branch line leading off the service line.
G. Cross-Connection Control Criteria – Criteria examined to determine whether a backflow prevention assembly is required shall include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Auxiliary Water Supply – A premise being or to be served with water by the District having an auxiliary water supply of a quality which is not acceptable to the District as an additional source.
2. Industrial Hazards – A premise on which industrial fluids or other objectionable substances are being handled in a manner as to create an actual or potential hazard to the public water supply.
3. Inspection Not Possible – A premise whose internal piping system has cross-connections that cannot be corrected or controlled, or the system is not accessible for inspection to make a determination of the
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existence of a cross-connection.
H. Enforcement – Service of water to any premise shall be discontinued by the District if a backflow prevention assembly required by the Rules and Regulations of the District is not installed, tested and maintained or if defects are found in the installed backflow prevention assembly or if it is found that a backflow prevention assembly has been removed or bypassed or if unprotected cross-connections exist on the premises. Service will not be restored until such conditions or defects are corrected. The District representative assigned to inspect premises relative to possible cross-connection hazards, shall carry proper credential of his office, upon exhibition of which, he shall have the right of entry during usual business hours to inspect any and all buildings and premises in the performance of his duty. This right of entry shall be a condition of water service in order to provide assurance that the continuation of service to the premises will not constitute a menace to health, safety and welfare to the people throughout the District's water system. (Ord. No. 1993-03, § 9, 10-18-1993; Ord. No. 2025-02, 08-18-2025) Section 5.02.090 – Customer Billing Procedures
A. Establishment of Rates and Charges – The Board of Directors shall from time to time by Resolution, establish rates and charges for water and other service provided by the Mission Springs Water District.
B. Charges – Water charges shall begin when a water service connection is installed and the meter is set or an existing service is requested to be turned on, unless the water is ordered to be left shut off when the service connection is ordered or installed.
C. Liability for Water Used – The property owner shall be held liable for water used until the District is notified in writing to discontinue service or to transfer the account to another property owner.
D. Liens for Unpaid Bills – All unpaid bills will be made a lien against the property pursuant to California Water Code Section 31701 et. seq. and to these Rules and Regulations.
E. Owner Liability – The property owner remains responsible for all charges owed to the District whether or not the property owner actually lives on the premises, or signs the application for water service form.
F. Billing Period – The regular billing period will be monthly or bimonthly at the option of the District.
G. Opening and Closing Bills – Opening and closing bills for less than the normal billing period shall not be prorated. Closing bills may be estimated by the District for the final period as an expediency to permit the customer to pay the closing bill at the time service is discontinued.
H. Payment of Bills – Bills for metered water service shall be rendered at the end of each billing period and are due and payable upon presentation. If full payment is not received at the business office of the District on or before the final payment date, the bill shall become past due and delinquent.
I. Delinquency Notice – A delinquency notice shall be mailed to customers whose accounts are delinquent, warning that service will be disconnected unless payment is made within sixty (60) calendar days from the date of delinquency. The delinquency notice shall be provided to the customer no less than seven (7) business days before discontinuance of residential service. For purposes of this Section the delinquency shall be deemed to occur as provided in Section 5.02.090(H). If the customer’s address is not the address of the property to which residential service is provided, the notice shall also be sent to the address of the property to which the residential
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service is provided addressed “occupant”.
1. Contents of the Delinquency Notice – The delinquency notice shall include customer’s name and address; amount of the delinquency; date by which payment or arrangement for payment is required in order to avoid discontinuation of residential service; description of the procedure to petition for bill review and appeal; and description of the procedure by which the customer may request a deferred, reduced, or alternative payment schedule, including an amortization of the delinquent residential service charges. The foregoing policies and procedures shall be prepared by and may be amended from time to time by the General Manager or his or her designee. Notice of any delinquency in a tenant’s account shall also be sent to the owner of the property with indication of the owner’s liability. The delinquency notice may be combined with the regular monthly bill.
J. Suit – All unpaid rates, charges and penalties herein provided may be collected by suit.
K. Costs – Defendant shall pay all costs of suit in any judgment rendered in favor of District, including reasonable attorney's fees.
L. Upon Vacating Premises – Customers desiring to discontinue service should so notify the District in writing at least two (2) days prior to vacating the premises. Unless discontinuance of service is ordered in this manner, the customer shall be liable for ongoing charges whether or not any water is used, up until time of requested discontinuance of service.
(Ord. No. 1993-03, § 10, 10-18-1993; Ord. No. 2020-01, 1-21-2020) Section 5.02.100 – Complaints and Disputed Bills
A. Right to Meet – Should a customer have a complaint with regard to water service, the District Rules, Regulations, Resolutions, Ordinances, or dispute the accuracy of a bill for water service or other charges, for any reason whatsoever, the customer has the right to meet first with the Controller and then the General Manager to discuss the dispute and present any evidence the customer has to support their position.
B. Arrangement of Meeting – To arrange such a meeting the customer shall contact the District office, either in writing or by telephone, during normal business hours as may be set by the Board.
C. Presentation of Evidence – The customer may be accompanied by a friend, attorney, or other representative to meet with the Controller or General Manager and may present any evidence they may have to support their position.
D. Unresolved Disputes – If the customer is unable to resolve his dispute with the Controller or General Manager he may submit the complaint in writing, along with a full and detailed explanation to the Public Affairs Committee of the Board of Directors for resolution or referral to the Board of Directors pursuant to Section
5.02.040(H) (Relief on Appeal).
E. Discontinuance of Service – No water or other service shall be discontinued pending the final resolution of a dispute.
F. Meter Test Deposit – Should a customer desire to have the water meter service serving their premises tested, he shall first deposit an amount as specified in District Resolutions, for testing of meters up to one-inch (1") in
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size, and shall be present when the meter is tested in the meter shop of the Water Department. Should the meter register more than two percent (2%) fast, the deposit will be refunded, but should the meter register less than two (2%) fast, the deposit will be retained by the District.
G. Adjustment for Fast Meter Errors – If a meter tested at the request of a customer is found to be more than two percent (2%) fast, the excess charges for the time service was rendered the customer requesting the test, or for a period of six months, whichever shall be the lesser, shall be refunded to the customer.
H. Adjustment for Slow Meter Errors – If a meter tested at the request of a customer is found to be more than ten percent (10%) slow, the District may bill the customer for the amount of the undercharge based upon corrected meter readings for the period, not exceeding six months, that the meter was in use.
I. Non-Registering Meters – If a meter is found to be not registering, the charges for service shall be based on estimated consumption using previous consumption for a comparable period or by such other method as is determined appropriate. Such estimates shall be made by the General Manager, subject to the right of appeal under Section 5.02.040(H).
(Ord. No. 1993-03, § 11, 10-18-1993)
Section 5.02.110 – Disconnection for Non-Payment
A. Notice of Disconnection for Non-Payment – Water service shall be discontinued if payment for water service is not made within sixty (60) calendar days of the date the applicable bill becomes delinquent as provided in Section 5.02.090(I) and provided further that no less than seven (7) business days before discontinuation of residential service for nonpayment either telephonic notice or, a written notice of discontinuation shall be provided to the customer named on the account and the disconnection policies referred to in Section 5.02.090(I) shall be mailed to the residence where the service is provided at the same time. In addition to the forgoing seven day notice, at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to termination, the District will make a reasonable attempt to notify the resident of the affected property by telephone, personal contact, and/or door hanger.
1. Contact with Customer – If the District is unable to make contact with the customer or an adult occupying the residence by telephone, and the written delinquency notice required by Section 5.02.110(A) is returned through the mail as undeliverable, the District shall make a good faith effort to visit the residence and leave, or make other arrangements for placement in a conspicuous place of, a notice of imminent discontinuation of residential service for non-payment referred to in Section 5.02.090(I).
B. Complaint Procedures for Disconnection – Service disconnection for non-payment of bills or violation of any of the District's Rules, Regulations, Ordinances or Resolutions is subject to the complaint procedures specified in Section 6.02.100 herein.
C. Refusal or Neglect to Pay Debt – Any amount due is a debt to the District and any person, firm or corporation failing, neglecting, or refusing to pay this debt may be subject to a civil action for the amount due in a court of competent jurisdiction.
D. Lien Against Property for Non-Payment – Any unpaid debt will be deemed a lien against the real property to which service is rendered as specified herein and California Water Code Section 31701 et seq.
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E. Service Charges for Violations – If water service is disconnected for violation of any of the District's Rules, Regulations, Resolutions or Ordinances, service shall not be reinstated until the violations have been corrected and all applicable service charges and fees as provided for herein are paid.
F. Partial Payments – A partial payment of a delinquent account may be accepted and credited to a customer's account, but such partial payment shall not be cause for removing the account from a delinquent status and shall not preclude the meter from being turned off for delinquency, except as otherwise stated in Section
5.02.110(F)(1).
1. Partial Payment Options – Options for partial payments as developed by the District General Manager or his or her designee shall include the following: amortization of the unpaid balance, participation in an alternative payment schedule, a partial or full reduction of the unpaid balance financed without additional charges to other ratepayers, and temporary deferral of payment. The repayment option offered should result in repayment of any remaining outstanding balance within 12 months. A longer repayment period may be granted at the discretion of the General Manager, if it is determined that a longer period is necessary to avoid undue hardship to the customer based on the circumstances of the individual case.
G. Authorization for Continuance of Service for Delinquent Accounts – The General Manager, or his designee, may authorize continuation of service to a delinquent account if financial arrangements satisfactory to the district are established and the General Manager shall authorize continuance of services if the following conditions are met:
1. Customer submits certification of a primary care provider that discontinuation of residential service will be life threatening to, or pose a serious threat to the health and safety of, a resident of the premises where service is provided; and.
2. Customer is willing to enter into an amortization agreement, alternative payment schedule, or a plan for a deferred or reduced payment with respect to all delinquent charges consistent with these Rules and Regulations. The repayment option provided should result in repayment of any remaining outstanding balance within twelve (12) months.
H. Discontinuance under Section 5.02.110(G) – Residential service may be discontinued with respect to a customer having executed an amortized agreement, alternative payment schedule, or plan for deferred or reduced payment under Section 5.02.110(G)(2) if:
1. Final notice of intent to disconnect service is prominently displayed and conspicuously posted at the property at least five (5) business days prior to the termination date; and.
2. Customer fails to comply and is at least sixty (60) days delinquent on the amortization agreement, alternative payment schedule or deferred or reduced payment plan as provided in Section 5.02.110(G); or.
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3. Customer fails to pay current residential service charges for sixty (60) days or more while participating in an amortization agreement, alternative payment schedule, or a deferral or a reduction in payment plan for delinquent charges under Section 5.02.110(G).
I. Report of Discontinuance – The District shall report the number of annual discontinuations of residential service for inability to pay on the District’s Internet Website, and to the Regional Water Quality Control Board. (Ord. No. 1993-03, § 12, 10-18-1993; Ord. No. 2020-01, 1-21-2020) Section 5.02.120 – Adding Delinquent Charges to Tax Roll A. Report of Delinquent and Unpaid Charges – A report of delinquent and unpaid charges for water and other services which remain unpaid and delinquent for ninety (90) days or more on July 1 of each year shall be prepared and submitted to the Board for consideration as tax liens. The unpaid and delinquent charges listed in said report for each parcel of property shall be fixed at the amount listed in said report.
B. Adoption and Filing of Report – The secretary shall file with the Riverside County Assessor and Board of Supervisors, in the time and manner specified by the County Assessor and Board of Supervisors, a copy of such written report with a statement endorsed thereon over the signature of the secretary, that such a report has been adopted and approved by the Board of Directors and that the County Assessor shall enter the amount of such charges against the respective lots or parcels of land as they appear on the current assessment roll.
C. Collection of Delinquent and Unpaid Charges – The County Assessor shall include the amount of charges on bills for taxes levied against their respective lots and parcels of land and thereafter, the amount of such unpaid and delinquent charges shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner by the same person as, together with and not separately from, the general taxes, if any, for the district or the County and shall be delinquent at the same time and thereafter be subject to the same delinquency penalties. (Ord. No. 1993-03, § 13, 10-18-1993; Ord. No. 2020-01, 1-21-2020) Section 5.02.130 – Charges
A. Charges – All charges described herein shall be adopted by Board Resolution.
B. Adjustment of Connection Charges – To reflect the changing cost of construction, the charges contained herein may be adjusted annually by the District in accordance with its actual costs for connections from the previous year.
C. Consumption Charge – The charge per hundred cubic feet for all water registered by the customer's water service meter.
D. Delinquency Charge – A charge added to each delinquent account at the time any amount becomes delinquent with the exception of an account that has had no delinquencies in the prior 12-month period. When a delinquency charge is made, such charge shall be added to the delinquent account as of the date the account becomes delinquent. This charge shall become an inseparable part of the amount due as of that time.
E. Disconnect/Reconnect Charge – The charge which covers reasonable District costs for disconnection and reconnection of service connections which are in violation of the provisions contained herein.
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1. Reconnect Charge – The charge which covers a reconnection of service fee for reconnection during normal operating hours shall be fifty dollars ($50), but not to exceed the actual cost of reconnection if it is less. Reconnection fees shall be subject to an annual adjustment for changes in the Consumer Price Index beginning January 1, 2021. For the reconnection of residential service during non-operational hours, the charge which covers a reconnection of service fee shall be one hundred fifty dollars ($150), but not to exceed the actual costs of reconnection if it is less. Reconnection fees shall be subject to an annual adjustment for changes in the Consumer Price Index beginning January 1, 2021.
F. Fire Hydrant Installation Charge – The charge for installation of fire hydrants as may be required.
G. Fire Service Standby Charge – The standby charge per diameter inch of the District fire service meter. Water use through this service is limited to emergency fire requirements only.
H. Inspection Charge – The charge to a customer when a service connection or facility requires inspection by District personnel.
I. Meter Test Charge – The charge which covers District costs for pulling, testing, and reinstalling the water meter to be tested.
J. Security Deposit Charge – The charge which insures payment of minimum District charges. Upon discontinuance of service, the Security Deposit shall be applied to reduce any unpaid charges outstanding on the customer's account. The amount of deposit required shall be established by the Board of Directors in the Resolution on Fees. The Security Deposit shall be refunded to the customer as provided in Section 5.02.050(D) herein.
K. Special Facilities Charge – A charge required for development of limited-service areas whenever special facilities, including, but not limited to, booster stations, hydro-pneumatic stations, and pressure regulators, are required. The charge to be made to a developer or owner of land that is considered by the District to be within a limited-service area shall be based upon the developer's or landowner's proportionate share of the cost for the installation of such special facility. Such proportionate share to be borne by the developer or landowner shall be based on the percentage of such development to the entire limited service area to be served by the special facilities; and the difference between the cost of facilities to serve the same number of acres or area under normal conditions and the cost of facilities to serve the acreage or area under special conditions at a higher cost.
L. Service Charge – The monthly service charge applicable to all metered services.
M. Unauthorized Use of Water Charge – The charge to any person, organization or agency for each unauthorized use of District water, or for tampering in any manner with any meter belonging to the District, in which tampering shall affect the accuracy of such meter.
N. Water Main Extension Charge – The charge for the replacement or construction of the water main fronting on the property to be served.
O. Water Service Connection Charge – The charge for the type and size of water service connection desired.
Such regular charge shall be paid in advance by the applicant. Where there is no regular charge, the District reserves the right to require the applicant to deposit an amount equal to the estimated cost of such service connection.
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P. Water System Design Charge – A non-refundable charge which shall be required for all main extensions, service connections and/or special facilities requiring the preparation of engineering plans and drawings.
Q. Construction Water Charge – A charge for temporary water service. It is a monthly billing and includes a service charge and a consumption charge billed at the highest rate for consumption.
R. Lien Release Fee – A charge to recover costs related to the preparation of lien and subsequent lien releases.
S. Returned Check Charge – A charge to be applied to an account if a check for payment for any service is returned to the District unpaid by the issuing bank for any reason. If service is disconnected, this charge and the amount of the returned check must be paid before service is restored.
T. Interest Charge – At the request of a residential customer showing by clear and convincing evidence that he or she meet the requirements of Health & Safety Code Section 116914, the District will waive any then outstanding unpaid interest charges no more often than once every twelve months. A separate request shall be filed with the District along with any additional information requested by the District for each 12 month period. (Ord. No. 1993-03, § 14, 10-18-1993; Ord. No. 1997-01, 4-21-1997; Ord. No. 2020-01, 1-21-2020) Section 5.02.140 –Policy to Avoid Disconnection for Non-Payment A. Reduced or Deferred Payments: The District has partnered with United Way of the Desert to provide assistance to customers who need help paying their water bill. To apply: call United Way of the Desert at (760) 323-2731, ext. 23 to make an appointment. For general information on the program visit https://www.mswd.org/bill_assistance.aspx.
B. Alternative Payment Schedule: A customer who is in delinquency per Water Regulations and Service Ordinance and who meets the criteria in Section 12.07 of Ordinance 93-3, as amended, may request an Alternative Payment Schedule or request an extension of time to make payment to avoid termination of service for nonpayment. The District will consider all circumstances surrounding the request when approving or denying a request.
C. Approved amortization plans will be in writing and signed by Customers. Unpaid balances may be amortized over a period not to exceed 12 months from the original date of the bill. The amortized payments will be combined with, and subject to the due date of, the customer’s regular bill. The customer must comply with the terms of the amortization plan and remain current as charges accrue in each subsequent billing period. Failure to comply with the terms of an amortization plan will result in the issuance of a written discontinuation notice.
D. Disputed Bills: If the Customer appeals their bill and submits a request for account review, Domestic Water Service shall not be discontinued while the appeal is pending. The District will thereafter determine if Domestic Water Service shall be continued or terminated in accordance with applicable law.
E. Medical Provision: Service will not be terminated for non-payment if the Customer enters into an amortization agreement, alternative payment schedule, or a plan for deferred or reduced payment with respect to all delinquent charges and submits a certification from a primary care provider that the discontinuance of water service would be life threatening or pose a serious threat to the health and safety of a resident on the premises.
F. Service may be terminated regardless of an alternative payment schedule or amortization schedule if notice of disconnection is posted at the property at least five business days prior to the termination date and Customer fails to comply and is at least 60 days delinquent on the amortization agreement, alternative payment schedule or
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deferred or reduced payment plan.
G. Service May also be terminated if the Customer fails to pay current residential service charges for 60 days or more while participating in an amortization agreement, alternative payment schedule, or a deferral or a reduction in payment plan for delinquent charges.
(Ord. No. 2020-01, Attachment A, 1-21-2020)
Chapter 5.03 – WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN
The District hereby adopts the “2021 MSWD Water Shortage Contingency Plan,” a copy of which is on file at the office of the District and the District’s website, and is available for inspection by the public. (Ord. No. 2021-01, 7-19-2021)
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Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company
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Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Final Draft
prepared on behalf of
Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company
79050 Ave 42
Bermuda Dunes, California 92203
prepared by
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
2060 Knoll Drive
Ventura, California 93003
May 11, 2026
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Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Table of Contents
1 Introduction .........................................................................................................................................1 2 Water Supply Reliability Analysis .......................................................................................................2 3 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures ............................................................3
3.1 Decision Making Process .........................................................................................................3
3.2 Data and Methodologies ..........................................................................................................4
3.2.1 Evaluation Criteria.........................................................................................................4
3.2.2 Water Supply ................................................................................................................4
3.2.3 Current Year Unconstrained Customer Demand..........................................................4
3.2.4 Current Year Supply .....................................................................................................4
3.2.5 Infrastructure Considerations ........................................................................................4
3.2.6 Other Factors ................................................................................................................4 4 Six Standard Water Shortage Levels .................................................................................................4 5 Shortage Response Actions ...............................................................................................................5
5.1 Supply Augmentation ...............................................................................................................5
5.2 Demand Reduction Actions and Mandatory Use Restrictions ..................................................6
5.3 Operational Changes .............................................................................................................10
5.4 Additional Mandatory Restrictions..........................................................................................10
5.5 Emergency Response Plan....................................................................................................10
5.6 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan ......................................................................10
5.7 Shortage Response Action Effectiveness ..............................................................................11 6 Communication Protocols.................................................................................................................11 7 Compliance and Enforcement ..........................................................................................................13
7.1 Penalties.................................................................................................................................13
7.2 Appeals and Exemption Process............................................................................................13 8 Legal Authorities ...............................................................................................................................13
8.1 Declaration of Water Shortage...............................................................................................13
8.2 Proclamation of Local Emergency .........................................................................................13 9 Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation.........................................................................14
9.1 Financial Impacts and Mitigation Action.................................................................................14
9.2 Reporting Cost of Compliance with Excessive Water Use Prohibition During Drought Emergency .............................................................................................................................15 10 Monitoring and Reporting .................................................................................................................15 11 WSCP Refinement Procedures ........................................................................................................15 12 Special Water Feature Distinction ....................................................................................................16 13 Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability ........................................................................................16 14 References .......................................................................................................................................17
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Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Tables
Table 1. Annual Assessment Decision-Making Process ........................................................................3 Table 2. Water Shortage Contingency Plan Levels ................................................................................5 Table 3. Supply Augmentation and Other Actions..................................................................................6 Table 4. Demand Reduction Actions ......................................................................................................7 Table 5. Communication Plan Outline ..................................................................................................12 Table 6. Enforcement Actions ..............................................................................................................13 Table 7. City and County Coordination on Proclamation of Emergencies ............................................14 Attachments
Attachment A. Resolution of the Board of Directors of Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company to Adopt Mandatory Conservation Measures
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Water Shortage Contingency Plan
1 1 Introduction
This Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) describes how the Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company (MDMWC) intends to predict and respond to foreseeable and unforeseeable water shortages, which occur when available water supplies are reduced to a level that cannot support typical demand at any given time. The WSCP serves as a planning document to guide the MDMWC governing board, staff, and the public by identifying response actions that allow for efficient and accountable management of water shortages with predictability and transparency. While the WSCP does not provide absolute direction, it offers a range of response options to address varying water shortage conditions.
Water shortages may be triggered by hydrologic limitations in supply—such as prolonged periods of below-normal precipitation and runoff—failures or limitations in supply or treatment infrastructure, or a combination of both. Hydrologic or drought-related shortages typically develop and subside gradually, whereas infrastructure-related shortages tend to occur more suddenly and unpredictably. Water supplies may be interrupted or substantially reduced due to events such as drought, earthquakes that damage delivery or storage facilities, regional power outages, or toxic spills that affect water quality.
This WSCP describes the following:
1. Water Supply Reliability Analysis. Summarizes the MDMWC’s water supply analysis and reliability and identifies the key issues that may trigger a shortage condition.
2. Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures. Describes the key data inputs, evaluation criteria, and methodology for assessing the system’s reliability for the coming year and the steps to formally declare any water shortage levels and response actions.
3. Six Standard Shortage Stages. Establishes water shortage levels to clearly identify and prepare for shortages.
4. Shortage Response Actions. Describes the response actions that may be implemented or considered for each stage to reduce gaps between supply and demand as well as minimize social and economic impacts to the community.
5. Communication Protocols. Describes communication protocols under each stage to ensure customers, the public, and MDMWC governing board are informed of shortage conditions and requirements.
6. Compliance and Enforcement. Defines compliance and enforcement actions available to administer demand reductions.
7. Legal Authority. Lists the legal documents that grant MDMWC the authority to declare a water shortage and implement and enforce response actions.
8. Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation. Describes the anticipated financial impact of implementing water shortage stages and identifies mitigation strategies to offset financial burdens.
9. Monitoring and Reporting. Summarizes the monitoring and reporting techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of shortage response actions and overall WSCP implementation. Results are used to determine if additional shortage response actions should be activated or if efforts are successful and response actions should be reduced.
10. WSCP Refinement Procedures. Describes the factors that may trigger updates to the WSCP and outlines how to complete an update.
11. Special Water Features Distinctions. Identifies exemptions for ponds, lakes, fountains, pools, and spas, etc.
12. Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability. Describes the process for the WSCP adoption, submittal, and availability after each revision.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
2 MDMWC is one of six agencies in the Coachella Valley participating in the development of a 2025 Regional Urban Water Management Plan (RUWMP). Each agency is adopting the RUWMP to meet its reporting requirements under the Urban Water Management Planning Act (UWMP Act). Each agency is also adopting its own WSCP. The agencies have sought to align their shortage levels and shortage response actions to the extent possible, with the intent of reducing confusion for neighboring customers during a shortage. This document is compliant with the California Water Code (CWC) Section 10632 and incorporated guidance from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) 2025 UWMP Guidebook (DWR 2026)
2 Water Supply Reliability Analysis
This section provides a summary of the supply reliability analysis presented in Chapter 4 of the RUWMP and highlights key issues that could create a shortage condition.
The water supplies of the agencies in the Coachella Valley generally have a high degree of reliability.
The RUWMP participating agencies meet most of their urban demands with groundwater produced from the Indio and Mission Creek Subbasins of the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin. The groundwater basin is large enough to provide storage that allows continued production during dry periods. Because production exceeds the recharge provided by precipitation and return flows, the agencies use imported water to recharge the groundwater basin. These sources of imported water for recharge include:
• Colorado River water that CVWD receives primarily through the Coachella Canal for replenishment at Thomas E. Levy Groundwater Replenishment Facility (GRF) and Palm Desert GRF, and a small portion through Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s (MWD’s) Colorado River Aqueduct for replenishment at Whitewater River GRF.
• State Water Project (SWP) water that CVWD and Desert Water Agency (DWA) have rights to receive. Because the SWP infrastructure does not extend into the Coachella Valley, CVWD and DWA have an exchange agreement with MWD to receive Colorado River water from its Colorado River Aqueduct to for replenishment at Whitewater River GRF. In return, MWD receives SWP water through the SWP infrastructure based on the annual SWP allocations to CVWD and DWA.
Drought conditions are not expected to affect CVWD’s Colorado River water supply due to the agency’s high priority allocation. Colorado River water is not a direct source of urban water supply; it is used for groundwater replenishment and non-potable irrigation uses. If a reduction in Colorado River water supply occurred, CVWD would initially reduce deliveries to groundwater replenishment projects. Subsequent reductions in delivery would be applied by the CVWD Board of Directors as provided in CVWD’s Canal Water Shortage Contingency Plan, Chapter 3.10, Article XII of CVWD’s administrative code (CVWD 2026).
Drought conditions in the Sierra Nevada would influence the SWP water allocation; thus reducing the SWP Exchange water received by CVWD and DWA. Reductions in SWP allocations have occurred during prior droughts and SWP reliability is forecasted by DWR to continue declining with future climate changes (DWR 2025). SWP exchange water is used for replenishment of the Indio and Mission Creek Subbasins and is not a direct source of urban water supply. Consequently, water use restrictions due to drought involving the SWP water supply would likely be implemented only during a prolonged drought.
During dry periods when less imported water is available, groundwater production will exceed the amount of recharge, and the volume of groundwater in storage will be reduced. However, these reductions can be reversed in wet years when additional imported water is available. The Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin is a large basin which provides a buffer during dry periods, thus allowing the agencies to develop long-term plans and programs to manage regional water supplies. The Indio Subbasin Alternative Plan Update (Indio Subbasin GSAs 2021) and Mission Creek Subbasin Alternative Plan Update (Mission Creek Subbasin Management Committee 2021) both address groundwater sustainability considering hydrologic variability of replenishment supplies and other local water sources.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
3 The reliability analysis for MDMWC is presented in Section 9.7 of MDMWC’s chapter of the RUWMP.
Although that analysis demonstrates that the region’s urban water supply is reliable, there are potential issues that could create a shortage condition. These include:
• An extended drought more severe than historic events, possibly exacerbated by climate change. • A natural disaster or a malevolent act that leads to prolonged disruption of imported water delivery from the Colorado River or the SWP.
• Reductions in imported water supply due to environmental restrictions related to endangered species or habitat protection.
• Identification of a currently unregulated contaminant that has widespread effects on the region’s groundwater supply.
• Regulatory mandates to reduce water use.
Water shortage contingency planning provides a way to plan for these risks and anticipate actions that can be implemented to manage the impacts. This plan describes how MDMWC intends to respond to such shortage events. The responses have been aligned with those of other RUWMP participating agencies to the extent possible.
3 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures
MDMWC is required to prepare an Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment (Annual Assessment) and submit it to DWR each year. The Annual Assessment is intended to meet requirements of Water Code Section 10632.1 and present an assessment of the likelihood of a water shortage occurring during the next 12 months. This section of the WSCP outlines the procedures that MDMWC will use to prepare the Annual Assessment. The procedures defined in this section will allow MDMWC to follow a consistent annual procedure for making the determination of whether to activate the WSCP.
3.1 Decision Making Process
DWR requires a defined decision-making process for performing the Annual Assessment. The process and anticipated timeline are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Annual Assessment Decision-Making Process
Anticipated
Timeline of
Each Year Activities
February MDMWC staff review available data related to anticipated supplies and demands.
March The six agencies participating in the Coachella Valley RUWMP review the data and determine whether a consistent region-wide determination on water supply reliability can be made. If needed, individual agencies may elect to activate their WSCP at different shortage levels than other participating agencies.
April MDMWC staff will make a determination whether to recommend implementation of shortage response actions.
May If shortage response actions are to be implemented, MDMWC management will present the recommendation to the governing board for consideration.
If the governing board decides to implement the WSCP, it will provide public notice of a hearing to consider changes in the implementation of the shortage response actions.
June MDMWC staff prepares the Annual Assessment and submits to DWR by July 1.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
4 3.2 Data and Methodologies
This section describes the data and methodologies that will be used to evaluate water system reliability for the Annual Assessment.
3.2.1 Evaluation Criteria
MDMWC will rely on locally applicable criteria for each annual assessment. These criteria will include the findings of the annual reports prepared for the Indio Subbasin and the Mission Creek Subbasin for compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Findings from the annual Engineer’s Report on Water Supply and Replenishment Assessment will also be incorporated.
3.2.2 Water Supply
MDMWC’s anticipated supplies will be quantified for the near-term future, and descriptive text will be used to note any anticipated reductions in supply.
3.2.3 Current Year Unconstrained Customer Demand
MDMWC will prepare an estimate of unconstrained demand (as the term is used in Water Code Section 10632(a)(2)(B)(i)). The estimated demand will be calculated using the demand projection approach described in Section 4 of each agency’s chapter of the RUWMP, in combination with updated data for connections, climate, changes in land use, and recent water usage history.
3.2.4 Current Year Supply
MDMWC will describe the anticipated use of water supplies for the coming year, with the anticipation that the following year will be dry. The supplies will be characterized in a manner consistent with the RUWMP, in combination with updated data for climate and recent observations.
3.2.5 Infrastructure Considerations
MDWMC will describe any potential infrastructure constraints on the ability to deliver adequate supplies to meet expected customer demands in the coming year. MDMWC will verify that its system of wells, pipelines, pump stations, and storage tanks have adequate capacity to deliver the anticipated demands.
MDMWC will describe any anticipated capital projects that are intended to address constraints in production, treatment, or distribution.
3.2.6 Other Factors
MDMWC will describe any specific locally applicable factors that could influence or disrupt supplies.
MDMWC will also describe unique local considerations that are considered as part of the Annual Assessment.
4 Six Standard Water Shortage Levels
The RUWMP participating agencies have elected to use the six standard shortage levels included in guidance documents prepared by DWR. The six standard water shortage levels correspond to progressively increasing estimated shortage conditions (up to 10-, 20-, 30-, 40-, 50- percent, and greater than 50-percent shortage compared to the normal reliability condition). These levels are identified in Table 2.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
5 Table 2. Water Shortage Contingency Plan Levels
Shortage
Level
Percent Shortage
Range Description
Narrative Summary of Shortage Response
Actions
1 Up to 10% Normal water
supplies
Mandatory prohibitions defined by the state,
ongoing rebate programs
2 Up to 20% Slightly limited water
supplies
Outdoor water use restrictions on time of day,
increased water waste patrols
3 Up to 30% Moderately limited
water supplies
Outdoor water use restrictions on days per
week, restrictions on filling swimming pools
4 Up to 40% Limited water
supplies
Limits on new landscaping, expanded public
information campaign
5 Up to 50% Significantly limited
water supplies
Limits on watering of parks or school grounds
6 Greater than 50% Severe shortage or
catastrophic incident
No potable water use for outdoor purposes
Each level in Table 2 represents an anticipated reduction in the supplies that would normally be available to MDMWC. These supply reductions could be the result of a variety of potential causes including natural forces, system component failure or interruption, regulatory actions, contamination, or any combination of factors. MDMWC may need to activate shortage levels across its entire service area or within certain areas that are impacted by an event.
The levels involve voluntary and mandatory conservation measures and restrictions, depending on the causes, severity, and anticipated duration of the water supply shortage. The locally appropriate shortage response actions that would be taken at each level to address the resulting gap between supplies and demands are described in the following section.
5 Shortage Response Actions
This section describes the shortage response actions that would be taken by MDMWC at each shortage level. These actions have been grouped into categories including:
• Supply Augmentation Actions
• Demand Reduction Actions and Mandatory Use Restrictions • Operational Changes
5.1 Supply Augmentation
For long-range planning, MDMWC continues to evaluate opportunities for transfers, exchanges, and other purchases of imported water to increase supply reliability. CVWD and DWA collaborate to replenish the Indio and Mission Creek Subbasins with imported water, creating a stored supply that can be used for emergencies or longer-term shortages. CVWD and DWA are also making investments in increasing supply reliability from the SWP through the Delta Conveyance Facility and in securing new supplies like Sites Reservoir.
Additionally, the RUWMP participating agencies continue to implement water conservation measures and increase use of recycled water usage to reduce groundwater demand. MDMWC’s demand management programs are described in MDMWC’s chapter of the RUWMP.
In their WSCP, agencies have the option of identifying short-term supply augmentation actions that would be taken during a shortage. These actions are intended to be separate from the long-range planning efforts to sustainably manage the groundwater basin. The short-term supply augmentation measures that could be implemented are presented in Table 3.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
6 Table 3. Supply Augmentation and Other Actions
Shortage
Level
Supply
Augmentation
Methods and Other
Actions by Water
Supplier
How much is this going to
reduce the shortage gap?
Additional Explanation or
Reference
Volume or
Percentage
Shortage Gap
Reduction
Value
1 - 6 Exchanges Volume Medium Emergency connections with neighboring agencies could
be activated or constructed
to help exchange water with
adjoining systems.
5 Other Actions Volume Medium In areas where recycled
water or other non-potable
supply is available,
customers could be
mandated to use these
supplies and cease use of
potable water.
6 Other Actions Volume Medium Additional non-potable water sources such as new shallow
groundwater wells.
5.2 Demand Reduction Actions and Mandatory Use Restrictions The RUWMP participating agencies have aligned their demand reduction actions to the greatest extent possible, while allowing each agency to tailor its response to the unique characteristics of its service area.
The agencies conducted public workshops to gather input on actions that could be taken during a water shortage. The input from stakeholders was used to select and prioritize actions that reflected the values of the community. Key elements of the input included:
• The importance of recognizing the conservation efforts that many customers have already made and not imposing requirements for all customers to meet the same percentage reduction in water use.
• The importance of involving Homeowner Associations (HOAs) to help implement and communicate response actions to individuals.
• The benefits of tiered rates in allowing customers to pay less for their basic efficient use and more for excessive use.
• A balanced program should include incentives (such as expanded rebates for turfgrass removal) as well as penalties (such as drought rates).
• A range of approaches is needed to communicate with customers and end users, including social media, web sites, bill inserts, presentations, and virtual tours, ideally in multiple languages.
The demand reduction actions that could be implemented at each shortage level are shown in Table 4.
During a shortage, MDMWC may implement some or all of the actions as needed, depending on actual conditions. .As described in Section 9.9 of MDMWC’s chapter of the RUWMP, MDMWC implements demand management measures (DMMs) to increase water use efficiency. The RUWMP includes description of water waste prevention ordinances, metering, conservation pricing, and public education and outreach programs for conservation.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
7 Table 4. Demand Reduction Actions
Shortage
Level ID Demand Reduction Actions
How much is this going to
reduce the shortage gap?
Penalty or
Enforcement
Volume or
Percentage
Shortage
Gap
Reduction
Value
1 1.1 Applying any water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures is prohibited.
Volume Low No
1.2 Using any water in a fountain or other decorative water feature is prohibited, unless the water recirculates.
Volume Low No
1.3 Applying water to driveways, sidewalks, concrete or asphalt is prohibited unless to address immediate health and safety needs. Reasonable pressure washer or water broom use is permitted.
Volume Low No
1.4 Spray irrigation of outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after rainfall of
0.10 inches is prohibited.
Volume Low No
1.5 Using a hose to wash a vehicle, windows, or solar panels is prohibited unless an automatic shut-off nozzle or pressure washer is used.
Volume Low No
1.6 Broken sprinklers shall be repaired within five business days of notification by agency, and leaks shall be repaired as soon as practical.
Volume Low No
1.7 Draining and refilling of private swimming pools is discouraged, unless necessary for health and safety or leak repair.
Volume Low No
1.8 Hotels will provide guests the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily.
Volume Low No
1.9 Agency shall discourage overseeding. Volume Low No
1.10 Agency shall provide rebates for landscape efficiency. Volume High No
1.11 Agency shall offer water use surveys/audits. Volume Medium No
1.12 Agency shall provide rebates on plumbing fixtures and devices. Volume Medium No
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
8 Shortage
Level ID Demand Reduction Actions
How much is this going to
reduce the shortage gap?
Penalty or
Enforcement
Volume or
Percentage
Shortage
Gap
Reduction
Value
2 2.1 Outdoor water use is prohibited during daylight hours for spray irrigation except for leak checks or with an agency approved conservation alternative plan.
Volume Medium Yes
2.2 Restaurants can serve water only on request. Volume Low Yes
2.3 Agency shall encourage use of non-potable water for construction, if available. Volume Low No
2.4 Agency shall actively discourage overseeding. Volume Medium No
2.5 Agency shall reduce outdoor water budget by 10% Volume Medium Yes
2.6 Agency shall expand public information campaign. Volume Medium No
2.7 Agency shall increase water waste patrols. Volume Medium Yes
2.8 Agency shall reduce hydrant and dead-end line flushing. Volume Low No 3 3.1 Outdoor water use is allowed only three days a week for spray irrigation (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday).
Volume High Yes
3.2 Drip or subterranean irrigation is allowed seven days per week, during nondaylight hours.Volume Medium Yes
3.3 Commercial nurseries are to use water only on alternate days during non-daylight hours for outside operations.
Volume Low Yes
3.4 Decorative ponds, non-irrigation system golf course water hazards, fountains, and other waterscape features are not to be filled or replenished.
Volume Low Yes
3.5 No filling of swimming pools or landscaping ponds unless necessary for health and safety or leak repair.
Volume Low Yes
3.6 Commercial car washes must use recycled water or recirculating water systems. Volume Medium Yes
3.7 Spray irrigation of medians and parkways is prohibited. Volume Medium Yes
3.8 Agency shall encourage counties, cities, Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and other enforcement agencies to suspend code enforcement and fines for brown turfgrass areas and to otherwise comply with new State laws regarding limitations on such enforcement.
Volume Low No
3.9 Agency shall strengthen customer billing messages with use comparisons. Volume Medium No
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
9 Shortage
Level ID Demand Reduction Actions
How much is this going to
reduce the shortage gap?
Penalty or
Enforcement
Volume or
Percentage
Shortage
Gap
Reduction
Value
3.10 Agency shall implement water use audits targeted to key customers to ensure compliance with directives.
Volume Medium No
3.11 Agency shall expand rebate programs. Volume Medium No 4 4.1 Turfgrass landscapes may not be watered except where subterranean or nonpotable water systems are used.Volume High Yes
4.2 Agency shall implement or modify drought rate surcharge. Volume High Yes
4.3 Agency shall reduce outdoor water budget by up to 25%. Volume High Yes
4.4 Agency shall expand public information campaign. Volume Medium No 5 5.1 Watering turfgrass is prohibited. Volume High Yes
5.2 The use of misting systems is prohibited. Volume Medium Yes
5.3 Turfgrass at parks and school grounds are to be watered with recycled water, if available, or not at all.
Volume Medium Yes
5.4 Golf course greens and tees may be watered no more than two times per week during non-daylight hours with recycled water, or not at all.
Volume Medium Yes
5.5 Trees, desert plants and shrubs may be watered only with drip, subterranean or non-adjustable bubbler irrigation systems during non-daylight hours.
Volume High Yes
5.6 Agency shall reduce outdoor water budget by up to 50%. Volume High Yes
5.7 Agency shall impose moratorium or net zero demand on new connections. Volume N/A Yes
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
10 5.3 Operational Changes
MDMWC has identified potential operational changes that could be made to help address a short-term gap between demands and available supplies. These include improved monitoring and analysis of customer water usage, reductions in flushing of hydrants and dead-end lines, and use of emergency connections with neighboring water agencies. Some of the potential actions are included in Table 4.
MDMWC may also expedite planned system improvement projects that include reduction in water loss (e.g., replacement of water mains that are experiencing higher rates of leaks and breaks).
5.4 Additional Mandatory Restrictions
MDMWC has identified a series of restrictions that could be implemented at different shortage levels.
These restrictions are included in the demand reduction actions in Table 4.
5.5 Emergency Response Plan
The Water Code requires that an agency’s WSCP address catastrophic water shortages and plans to address them. This information can be addressed in the agency’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
MDMWC’s ERP contains sensitive information related to potential vulnerabilities or impacts of natural disasters or malevolent acts. Therefore, these documents are not typically made publicly available.
MDMWC’s ERP outlines specific disaster-related procedures to guide staff in responding efficiently to catastrophic interruptions of water supply.
Five of the RUWMP participating agencies collaborate on planning efforts, including emergency response, through the Coachella Valley Regional Water Management Group (CVRWMG). In addition, CVWD, DWA, Indio, and MSWD are members of the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN), which supports and promotes emergency preparedness. More information about CalWARN is available at their web site at www.calwarn.org.
The region’s imported water supplies from the Colorado River and the SWP could be disrupted by an earthquake. Because the agencies use local groundwater to meet urban demands, the agencies could continue to meet short term urban demands with groundwater production. The agencies have installed backup generators at key water production facilities to allow continued operation during a power outage.
DWR has plans in place to make emergency repairs to the SWP, and MWD has plans in place to make emergency repairs to the CRA. CVWD has plans to make emergency repairs to the Coachella Canal.
CVWD staff receives regular Incident Command System (ICS) training through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and drills are conducted routinely. CVWD remotely monitors the status of most key facilities at CVWD headquarters, which enables it to detect areas affected by disasters.
RUWMP participating agencies also participate in ICS training and regularly monitor key water facilities remotely.
If imported water supplies were disrupted for an extended period, it would reduce the water supply available for replenishment of the groundwater basin. It could also lead to increased groundwater pumping by non-urban users who normally use imported canal water. MDMWC would implement levels of this WSCP as needed if pumping needed to be decreased while imported water supplies were interrupted.
5.6 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan
Water Code Section 10632.5 requires agencies to assess seismic risk to water supplies as part of their WSCP. The code also requires a mitigation plan for managing seismic risks. In lieu of conducting their own seismic risk assessment, which can be a lengthy process, suppliers can comply with the Water Code requirement by submitting the relevant local hazard mitigation plan or multi-hazard mitigation plan.
The Riverside County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJLHMP) was updated in 2025 (Riverside County 2023). The Riverside County MJLHMP includes an assessment of the region’s vulnerability to a broad range of hazards, including earthquakes. It also describes mitigation strategies
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
11 and actions to reduce the impacts of a seismic event. The RUWMP participating agencies continue to include seismic risk assessment in their planning process for system improvements.
5.7 Shortage Response Action Effectiveness
As a standard operating procedure, water is tracked through the production, distribution, and billing systems. During water shortage conditions, water use can be measured in comparison to what is considered to be a normal year demand (i.e., current customer base with approximately average rainfall), or in reference to a specific base year as may be dictated by Statewide requirements.
The effectiveness of actions initiated at each shortage response is challenging to measure and can vary significantly. Effectiveness is also impacted by successful communication and outreach efforts. It is also difficult to assess the effectiveness of each activity separately as each stage implements several activities at once. For the purpose of WSCP implementation, it is assumed that the upper end of the water savings would come from the use of multiple demand reduction actions in a stage. Reduction in the shortage gap for Stages 2-6 assume all measures in the previous stage(s) are implemented and those savings are counted toward the total reduction in the shortage gap. 6 Communication Protocols
Timely and effective communication is a key element of WSCP implementation. MDMWC will need to inform customers, the general public, and other government entities of WSCP actions taken during a water shortage (either one determined by the Annual Assessment, an emergency, catastrophic, or other event). An overview of planned communication approaches is provided in Table 5. These protocols have been aligned between the RUWMP participating agencies where possible, but some are tailored to the needs of MDMWC’s service area. MDMWC will adjust its communication strategy as needed to address issues that are impacting the entire service area or limited areas.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
12 Table 5. Communication Plan Outline
At all times
Level 1
Up to 10% Voluntary
Conservation
Level 2
Up to 20% Mandatory
Conservation
Levels 3 and 4
Up to 30% or 40%
Mandatory Conservation
Levels 5 and 6
Up to 50% or Over 50%
Mandatory Conservation
Standard outreach efforts
in effect (media relations,
social media, website)
Update message platform
to reflect conditions,
District response, and
needed actions from public
Update campaign and
messages to generate
immediate
actions/behaviors by
public, include information
on enforcement actions
Update campaign and
messages to raise
awareness for more
severe water-saving
actions/behaviors by
public, highlight need for
reduced outdoor water use
Update campaign and
messages to reflect
extreme or emergency
condition and likely need to
focus water use on
health/safety needs
Promote ongoing Water
Use Efficiency (WUE)
programs and tools and
partnerships designed to
achieve long-term water
management goals
Announce status change
to key stakeholders and
general public (e.g., News
release, social media, etc.)
Announce status change
to key stakeholders and
general public (e.g., News
release, social media, etc.)
Announce status change
to key stakeholders and
general public (e.g., News
release, social media, etc.)
Announce emergency
status to key stakeholders
and general public (e.g.,
News release, social
media, etc.)
Standard coordination with
MWD and regional
partners
Include increased
conservation messages on
website and in standard
outreach efforts; provide
regular condition updates
to stakeholders/media
Supplement Level 1
activities with additional
tactics as needed; provide
regular condition updates
to stakeholders/media
Supplement Level 2
outreach with additional
tactics as needed; provide
regular updates to
stakeholders/media on
conditions
Supplement Level 3-4
outreach with additional
tactics as needed; provide
regular condition updates
to stakeholders/media on
conditions
Board reports on public
communication and wateruse efficiency outreach
activities at least annually.
Enhance promotion of
ongoing WUE
programs/tools; deploy
targeted advertising
Conduct issue briefings
with elected officials, other
key civic and business
leaders
Conduct specialized
outreach to HOAs and
local organizations
Suspend promotion of
long-term WUE
programs/tools to focus on
imminent needs
Initiate regular Board
reports on campaign efforts
Increase promotion of
ongoing WUE
programs/tools
Promote available water
assistance resources for
vulnerable populations;
specialized outreach to
impacted industries
Continue enhanced
coordination with neighbor
agencies and
local/state/federal policy
makers as needed (e.g.,
daily or weekly briefings or
email updates, etc.)
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
13 7 Compliance and Enforcement
This section describes how MDMWC will ensure compliance with and enforce provisions of the WSCP.
The RUWMP participating agencies have worked together to align their policies where possible, but each agency implements its compliance and enforcement actions within its service area.
7.1 Penalties
The penalties that could be imposed for non-compliance are summarized in Table 6.
Table 6. Enforcement Actions
Water
Shortage
Level
First
Violation
Second
Violation
(within 12
months)
Third
Violation
(within 12
months)
Subsequent
Violations Additional Information
1-6 Written
warning
$100
surcharge
$200
surcharge
$400
surcharge
Fifth violation: $500
surcharge and
discontinuance of service
7.2 Appeals and Exemption Process
This section describes the appeals and exemption processes.
Any water user violating the regulations and restrictions on water use may receive a written notice for the violation. The water user shall have seven days from receipt of the notice to submit a written request for a hearing. If no hearing is requested, or at the hearing it is determined that the water user has committed a violation, a civil penalty may be levied.
The government codes and ordinances that are used to implement these policies and processes are discussed in Section 7.
8 Legal Authorities
This section describes the legal authorities that MDMWC relies upon to implement the shortage response actions and the associated enforcement actions.
MDMWC is a mutual water company that can enforce the WSCP through a resolution of its Board of Directors. MDMWC’s Resolution No. 2015-1 implemented mandatory conservation measures. A copy of the resolution is included in Attachment A.
8.1 Declaration of Water Shortage
In accordance with Water Code Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 350) of Division 1 general provisions regarding water shortage emergencies, MDMWC shall declare a water shortage emergency in the event of a catastrophic interruption in supply.
8.2 Proclamation of Local Emergency
MDMWC shall coordinate with any city or county within which it provides water supply services for the possible proclamation of a local emergency under California Government Code, California Emergency Services Act (Article 2, Section 8558). Table 7.contains a list of contacts for all cities or counties for which the RUWMP participating agencies provide service in the WSCP. Along with developed coordination protocols, this can facilitate compliance with this section of the Water Code in the event of a local emergency as defined in subpart (c) of Government Code Section 8558.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
14 Table 7. City and County Coordination on Proclamation of Emergencies City or County Contact CVWD CWA DWA Indio MDMWC MSWD
Imperial County Office of Emergency
Services
X
Riverside County Emergency
Management
Department
X X X X X X
City of La Quinta Emergency
Management
Division
X X X
City of Indio Emergency Services
Coordinator
X X X
City of Coachella Emergency Services
Coordinator
X X X
City of Palm Desert Emergency Services
Coordinator
X
City of Cathedral
City
Emergency
Manager
X X
City of Indian Wells Emergency Services
Coordinator
X
City of Rancho
Mirage
Emergency Services
Coordinator
X
City of Palm Springs Emergency
Management
Coordinator
X X
City of Desert Hot
Springs
Emergency Services
Coordinator
X X
9 Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation
This section describes the anticipated financial consequences to MDMWC of implementing the WSCP.
The description includes potential reductions in revenue due to lower water sales and increased expenses associated with implementing the shortage response actions.
9.1 Financial Impacts and Mitigation Action
Potential financial impacts of implementing the WSCP could include:
• Reduced revenue from reduced water use
• Increased staff costs for tracking, reporting, patrolling, and enforcing restrictions • Economic impacts associated with water-dependent businesses in the service area Potential mitigation measures include:
• Triggering of drought rate structures or surcharges
• Using financial reserves
• Reducing operation and maintenance expenses (expenses related to source of supply and pumping will fall due to reduced water production)
• Deferring capital improvement projects
• Reducing future projected operation and maintenance expenses • Increasing fixed readiness-to-serve charge
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
15 • Increasing commodity charge and water adjustment rates to cover revenue shortfalls • Seeking alternative source of funding, such as state or federal grants or loans • Other financial management mechanisms
MDMWC will monitor financial conditions during a water shortage and take appropriate actions as needed. MDMWC maintains financial reserves that can be used to continue operations during a period of reduced water sales. MDMWC has the ability to increase water rates or implement surcharges or penalties to increase revenues from water sales.
9.2 Reporting Cost of Compliance with Excessive Water Use Prohibition During Drought Emergency
To ensure customers comply with the restrictions implemented in a water shortage emergency, additional costs may be incurred to monitor and enforce response actions. The incurred cost may vary depending on the shortage stage and duration of the water shortage emergency. The cost of compliance may be tracked when a shortage is declared. MDMWC may track staff time and resources used to implement the WSCP, including reduced revenue, implementing and enforcing shortage response actions, and communication and outreach efforts.
10 Monitoring and Reporting
This section describes how MDMWC will monitor and report on implementation of the WSCP. MDMWC will gather data on key water use metrics and use the data to evaluate the effectiveness of response actions in achieving their intended water use reduction purposes. MDMWC will also gather data on customer compliance to evaluate the effectiveness of enforcement actions. MDMWC will gather and report data at frequencies adequate to meet reporting requirements established by the State Water Resources Control Board and other government agencies, as needed.
MDMWC will monitor water use by customers using billing systems and operational control systems to monitor production and consumption. Each customer is metered, and billing records will be compiled and used to observe trends in water consumption. Each groundwater well and water connection point is also metered, and production records will be used to observe trends in water production. Levels in reservoirs can be monitored using the operational control systems to help identify potential high usage or leaks.
MDMWC staff may also perform field visits and record observations to monitor water use and identify potential issues for follow-up.
For agencies that have budget-based rates, the consumption by customers will be compared to the water budgets to determine effectiveness of response actions. For agencies without defined water budgets for each customer, the consumption records will be aggregated by customer class to evaluate response actions and identify potential additional measures.
11 WSCP Refinement Procedures
MDMWC will monitor the implementation of this plan to evaluate its effectiveness as an adaptive management tool. The monitoring and reporting program described in Section 9 will provide information on the effectiveness of the shortage response actions during any shortage levels that may be invoked. If MDMWC determines that the shortage response actions are not effective in producing the desired results, MDMWC will initiate a process to refine the WSCP. MDMWC will consider the addition of new shortage response actions, or changing the levels when shortage response actions are implemented. Suggestions for refinements will be collected from agency staff, customers, industry experts, and the general public.
The RUWMP participating agencies will share data and suggestions for refinement to identify opportunities to increase the effectiveness of the WSCP while maintaining alignment with other agencies in the region when possible.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
16 12 Special Water Feature Distinction
The RUWMP participating agencies have distinguished swimming pools and spas as recreational water features, while non-pool and non-spa water features are considered decorative water features. This distinction is used in the shortage response actions because decorative water features have the potential to use recycled water, while most pools and spas (recreational water features) use potable water for health and safety considerations.
13 Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability
This 2025 WSCP was presented for adoption at the MDMWC public meeting on June 11, 2026.
Notifications were sent to the cities and counties as described in the 2025 RUWMP. To comply with the notice to the public, MDMWC published notices in the local newspaper at least two weeks in advance with five days between publications. The WSCP was also made available prior to the public hearing.
The WSCP was formally adopted on June 11, 2026, by MDMWC Resolution 2026-03, included in the 2025 UWMP. The WSCP was made available to all staff, customers, and any affected cities, counties, or other members of the public at MDMWC’s office and online within 30 days of the adoption date.
The WSCP was submitted to DWR via the Water Use Efficiency Data Portal at the same time as the 2025 UWMP, but no later than July 1, 2026. A hard copy of the 2025 UWMP and WSCP were submitted to the California State Library within 30 days of adoption. Electronic and/or hard copies were provided to all cities and counties within MDMWC’s service area within 30 days of adoption.
Based on DWR’s review of the WSCP, MDMWC will make any amendments in its adopted WSCP, as required and directed by DWR. If MDMWC revises its WSCP, then an electronic copy of the revised WSCP will be submitted to DWR within 30 days of its adoption.
Item 19.
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
17 14 References
California Department of Water Resources (DWR). 2025. The State Water Project Draft Delivery Capability Report 2025. Available: https://s3.amazonaws.com/og-production-open-data-cnra892364687672/resources/5d238ff5-899b-4357-8835- 5b043f61f5da/draft_dcr25_mainreport_final_2025-12-17.pdf?X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMACSHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIAJJIENTAPKHZMIPXQ%2F20260326%2Fus-east1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20260326T153526Z&X-Amz-Expires=86400&X-AmzSignedHeaders=host&X-AmzSignature=e566cc11139e9b5f7a637211d7d4c9398103a10178af68066d0fce98ee10b431.
Accessed: March 2026.
_____. 2026. 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Guidebook. Available: water.ca.gov/-/media/DWRWebsite/Web-Pages/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/UrbanWater-Management-Plans/Final-2025-UWMP-Guidebook/Final-2025-UWMP-GuidebookAccessible.pdf. Accessed: February 2026.Indio Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs). 2021. 2022 Indio Subbasin Water Management Plan Update: Sustainable Groundwater Management Act Alternative Plan. Available: https://www.indiosubbasinsgma.org/alternative-planupdate/. Accessed: February 2026.
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). 2024. 2024 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Update. Available:
https://www.cvwd.org/611/Local-Hazard-Mitigation-Plan. Accessed: March 2026. _____.2026. Coachella Valley Water District Code, Chapter 3.10 Canal Irrigation and Drainage System Rules and Regulations. Available: https://cvwd.district.codes/CVWDC/3.10. Accessed: March 2026.
Mission Creek Subbasin Management Committee. 2021. 2022 Mission Creek Subbasin Alternative Plan Update. Available: http://www.missioncreeksubbasinsgma.org/alternative-plan-update/.
Accessed: February 2026.
Riverside County, Emergency Management Department. 2023. County of Riverside Operational Area, Multi‑Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJLHMP). Revised May 2025. Available:
https://rivcoready.org/sites/g/files/aldnop181/files/users/user41/MJLHMP%205.1.25a.pdf.
Accessed: March 2026.
Item 19.
Attachment A. Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company Water Efficient Landscape Requirement Ordinance
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Appendix D
Agreements Related to Water Management
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Appendix E
AWWA Water Loss Audits
Item 19.
Coachella Valley Water District
Item 19.
Water Audit Report for:
Reporting Year:
All volumes to be entered as: MILLION GALLONS (US) PER YEAR Master Meter and Supply Error Adjustments
WATER SUPPLIED Pcnt: Value:
Volume from own sources: 9 32,816.420 MG/Yr 3 MG/Yr
Water imported: n/a 0.000 MG/Yr MG/Yr
Water exported: n/a 0.000 MG/Yr MG/Yr
Enter negative % or value for under-registration
WATER SUPPLIED: 32,807.530 MG/Yr Enter positive % or value for over-registration .
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION
Billed metered: 9 29,178.000 MG/Yr
Billed unmetered: n/a 0.000 MG/Yr
Unbilled metered: 10 263.550 MG/Yr Pcnt: Value:
Unbilled unmetered: 5 82.040 MG/Yr 1.25% 24061 MG/Yr
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION: 29,523.590 MG/Yr
WATER LOSSES (Water Supplied - Authorized Consumption) 3,283.940 MG/Yr Apparent Losses Pcnt: Value:
Unauthorized consumption: 82.019 MG/Yr 0.25% MG/Yr
Customer metering inaccuracies: 9 1,641.167 MG/Yr 5.28% MG/Yr Systematic data handling errors: 5 72.945 MG/Yr 0.25% MG/Yr Apparent Losses: 1,796.131 MG/Yr
Real Losses (Current Annual Real Losses or CARL)
Real Losses = Water Losses - Apparent Losses: 1,487.809 MG/Yr WATER LOSSES: 3,283.940 MG/Yr
NON-REVENUE WATER
NON-REVENUE WATER: 3,629.530 MG/Yr
= Water Losses + Unbilled Metered + Unbilled Unmetered
SYSTEM DATA
Length of mains: 9 2,008.9 miles
Number of active AND inactive service connections: 9 109,691 Service connection density: 55 conn./mile main
Yes
Average length of customer service line: ft
Average operating pressure: 5 84.0 psi
COST DATA
Total annual cost of operating water system: 10 $101,791,149 $/Year Customer retail unit cost (applied to Apparent Losses): 10 $1.69 Variable production cost (applied to Real Losses): 7 $774.66 $/Million gallons WATER AUDIT DATA VALIDITY SCORE:
PRIORITY AREAS FOR ATTENTION:
1: Volume from own sources
2: Unauthorized consumption
3: Systematic data handling errors
Based on the information provided, audit accuracy can be improved by addressing the following components:
$/100 cubic feet (ccf)
<----------- Enter grading in column 'E' and 'J' ----------> Default option selected for unauthorized consumption - a grading of 5 is applied but not displayed *** YOUR SCORE IS: 86 out of 100 ***
A weighted scale for the components of consumption and water loss is included in the calculation of the Water Audit Data Validity Score
8.890
Default option selected for Systematic data handling errors - a grading of 5 is applied but not displayed Average length of customer service line has been set to zero and a data grading score of 10 has been applied Are customer meters typically located at the curbstop or property line? AWWA Free Water Audit Software:
Reporting Worksheet
82.040
2021 7/2020 - 6/2021
Coachella Valley Water District Cove (CA3310001 & CA1310011) ?
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Please enter data in the white cells below. Where available, metered values should be used; if metered values are unavailableplease estimate a value. Indicate your confidence in the accuracy of the input data by grading each component (n/a or 1-10) using the drop-down list to the left of the input cell. Hover the mouse over the cell to obtain a description of the grades ?
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?
?
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(length of service line, beyond the property
boundary, that is the responsibility of the utility)
Use buttons to select
percentage of water
supplied
OR
value
Click here: ?
for help using option
buttons below
?
?
?
?
+
+ Click to add a comment
WAS v5.0
+
+
+
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+
+
American Water Works Association.
Copyright © 2014, All Rights Reserved.
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+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
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+ Use Customer Retail Unit Cost to value real losses
?
To select the correct data grading for each input, determine the highest grade where the utility meets or exceeds all criteria for that grade and all grades below it.
AWWA Free Water Audit Software v5.0 Reporting Worksheet 1
Item 19.
Water Audit Report for:
Reporting Year:
All volumes to be entered as: MILLION GALLONS (US) PER YEAR Master Meter and Supply Error Adjustments
WATER SUPPLIED Pcnt: Value:
Volume from own sources: 9 32,391.380 MG/Yr 3 MG/Yr
Water imported: n/a 0.000 MG/Yr MG/Yr
Water exported: n/a 0.000 MG/Yr MG/Yr
Enter negative % or value for under-registration
WATER SUPPLIED: 32,388.030 MG/Yr Enter positive % or value for over-registration .
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION
Billed metered: 9 29,323.000 MG/Yr
Billed unmetered: n/a 0.000 MG/Yr
Unbilled metered: 10 250.010 MG/Yr Pcnt: Value:
Unbilled unmetered: 5 80.970 MG/Yr 1.25% 24061 MG/Yr
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION: 29,653.980 MG/Yr
WATER LOSSES (Water Supplied - Authorized Consumption) 2,734.050 MG/Yr Apparent Losses Pcnt: Value:
Unauthorized consumption: 80.970 MG/Yr 0.25% MG/Yr
Customer metering inaccuracies: 9 1,075.772 MG/Yr 3.51% MG/Yr Systematic data handling errors: 5 73.308 MG/Yr 0.25% MG/Yr Apparent Losses: 1,230.050 MG/Yr
Real Losses (Current Annual Real Losses or CARL)
Real Losses = Water Losses - Apparent Losses: 1,504.000 MG/Yr WATER LOSSES: 2,734.050 MG/Yr
NON-REVENUE WATER
NON-REVENUE WATER: 3,065.030 MG/Yr
= Water Losses + Unbilled Metered + Unbilled Unmetered
SYSTEM DATA
Length of mains: 9 2,012.8 miles
Number of active AND inactive service connections: 9 110,966 Service connection density: 55 conn./mile main
Yes
Average length of customer service line: ft
Average operating pressure: 5 84.0 psi
COST DATA
Total annual cost of operating water system: 10 $101,303,247 $/Year Customer retail unit cost (applied to Apparent Losses): 10 $1.69 Variable production cost (applied to Real Losses): 7 $889.24 $/Million gallons WATER AUDIT DATA VALIDITY SCORE:
PRIORITY AREAS FOR ATTENTION:
1: Volume from own sources
2: Unauthorized consumption
3: Systematic data handling errors
Based on the information provided, audit accuracy can be improved by addressing the following components:
$/100 cubic feet (ccf)
Default option selected for unauthorized consumption - a grading of 5 is applied but not displayed *** YOUR SCORE IS: 86 out of 100 ***
A weighted scale for the components of consumption and water loss is included in the calculation of the Water Audit Data Validity Score Default option selected for Systematic data handling errors - a grading of 5 is applied but not displayed Average length of customer service line has been set to zero and a data grading score of 10 has been applied Are customer meters typically located at the curbstop or property line? AWWA Free Water Audit Software:
Reporting Worksheet
80.970
2022 7/2021 - 6/2022
Coachella Valley Water District Cove (CA3310001)
<----------- Enter grading in column 'E' and 'J' ---------->
3.350
?
?
?
?
?
? Click to access definition
?
?
?
?
?
?
Please enter data in the white cells below. Where available, metered values should be used; if metered values are unavailableplease estimate a value. Indicate your confidence in the accuracy of the input data by grading each component (n/a or 1-10) using the drop-down list to the left of the input cell. Hover the mouse over the cell to obtain a description of the grades ?
?
?
?
?
?
(length of service line, beyond the property
boundary, that is the responsibility of the utility)
Use buttons to select
percentage of water
supplied
OR
value
Click here: ?
for help using option
buttons below
?
?
?
?
+
+ Click to add a comment
WAS v5.0
+
+
+
+
+
+
American Water Works Association.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
?
To select the correct data grading for each input, determine the highest grade where the utility meets or exceeds all criteria for that grade and all grades below Use Customer Retail Unit Cost to value real losses
AWWA Free Water Audit Software v5.0 Reporting Worksheet 1
Item 19.
Water Audit Report for:
Audit Year:
All volumes to be entered as: MILLION GALLONS (US) PER YEAR WATER SUPPLIED choose entry option:
VOS Volume from Own Sources: n g 7 29,574.630 MG/Yr n g 8 0.02% volume MG/Yr over-registration VOSEA WI Water Imported: n g n/a 0.000 MG/Yr n g n/a percent MG/Yr select….. WIEA WE Water Exported: n g n/a 0.000 MG/Yr n g n/a percent MG/Yr select….. WEEA 29,569.060 MG/Yr
.
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION
BMAC Billed Metered: n g 8 26,797.910 MG/Yr
BUAC Billed Unmetered: n g n/a MG/Yr
UMAC Unbilled Metered: n g 10 56.880 MG/Yr choose entry option:
UUAC Unbilled Unmetered: n g 10 66.995 MG/Yr 0.25% custom MG/Yr 24061 26,921.785 MG/Yr
WATER LOSSES 2,647.275 MG/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 66.995 MG/Yr 0.25% default MG/Yr CMI Customer Metering Inaccuracies: n g 7 531.290 MG/Yr 1.94% percent MG/Yr under-registration UC Unauthorized Consumption: n g 3 66.995 MG/Yr 0.25% default MG/Yr Default option selected for Unauthorized Consumption, with automatic data grading of 3 665.280 MG/Yr
Real Losses
1,981.995 MG/Yr
2,647.275 MG/Yr
NON-REVENUE WATER
2,771.150 MG/Yr
SYSTEM DATA
Lm Length of mains: n g 10 2,012.8 miles (including fire hydrant lead lengths) Nc Number of service connections: n g 10 112,084 (active and inactive) Service connection density: 56 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 84.0 psi
COST DATA
CRUC Customer Retail Unit Charge: n g 7 $1.66
VPC Variable Production Cost: n g 10 $932.59 $/Million gallons $/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: Volume from Own Sources (VOS) Unit Total Losses: gal/conn/day 2: Billed Metered (BMAC) Unit Apparent Losses: 44.2 gal/conn/day 3: Unauthorized Consumption (UC) Unit Real LossesA
: 44.0 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
66.995
Coachella Valley Water District (Cove)
5.570
Jul 01 2022 - Jun 30 2023
Water Supplied Error Adjustments
2023 Fiscal
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)
$136,215,888
Total Annual Operating Cost
go to start page
NON-REVENUE WATER:
If entering an
Error Adjustment,
select under- or overregistration
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