Resolution No. XX-2022 1
RESOLUTION NO. XX – 2022
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO
DECLARING A WATER SHORTAGE EMERGENCY, IMPLEMENTING MANDATORY WATER USE RESTRICTIONS AND LEVEL 2 OF THE CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO WATER SHORTAGE
CONTINGENCY PLAN, AND AUTHORIZING CITY STAFF TO IMPLEMENT MODIFICATIONS TO
THE EMERGENCY REGULATIONS AS UPDATED BY THE STATE WATER RESOURCE BOARD WHEREAS, on March 28, 2022, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order directing the California State Water Resources Control Board and local water agencies to enact shortage response actions consistent with local drought contingency plans; and WHEREAS, on May 24, 2022, the California State Water Resources Control Board adopted emergency regulations for each urban water supplier that has submitted a water shortage contingency plan to the Department of Water Resources to implement, at a minimum, the shortage response actions adopted under Section 10632 of the Water Code for a shortage level of up to twenty percent (Level 2) by June 10, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan was adopted June 15, 2021; and WHEREAS, in accordance with the adopted Water Shortage Contingency Plan, a declaration by the City Council that a water shortage condition exists is required to formally authorize staff to implement these water reduction measures; and
WHEREAS, the California State Water Resources Control Board emergency regulation includes a drought response action that prohibits the use of potable water for the irrigation of “non-functional turf” at large commercial, industrial, and institutional sites. “Non-functional turf” is defined as turf that is solely ornamental and not regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events. Non-functional turf does not include sports fields and turf that is regularly used for human recreational purposes or for civic or community events. Exceptions to this rule include residential lawns, parks, and irrigation as necessary to ensure the health of trees and other perennial non-turf plantings or to the extent necessary to address an immediate health and safety need; and WHEREAS, staff will further increase the public outreach efforts to ensure that water conservation targets are met.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST PALO ALTO HEREBY:
1. Declares a Water Shortage Emergency.
2. Implements mandatory water use restrictions consistent with the SWRCB emergency regulations and Level 2 of the City of East Palo Alto Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
3. Authorizes City staff to implement modifications to the emergency regulations as updated by State Water Resource Board from time to time to address the water conservation needs.
Resolution No. XX-2022 2
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 21st day of June 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Rubin Abrica, Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
James Colin, Acting City Clerk Valerie J. Armento, Interim City Attorney