Business Agenda Item 5d
STAFF REPORT
Business Agenda Item
______________________________________________________________________________ DATE: June 15, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Brian Issa, Public Works Director
THROUGH: Amy Nilsen. City Manager
SUBJECT: Review and Approval of the 2026 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Review and adopt Resolution 2026-27, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fortuna Adopting the 2026 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) has been prepared in compliance with the California Urban Water Management Planning Act (Water Code §10610 et seq.). The UWMP evaluates long-term water supply reliability, demand projections, conservation measures, and drought preparedness over a 25-year planning horizon. The draft plan was noticed for public comment as required by statute. No comments were received.
Key Findings:
• Reliable Groundwater Supply (Water Code §10631(b)) – The City relies on five groundwater wells that have demonstrated long-term reliability and are projected to meet demand through 2050.
• Adequate Supply vs. Demand (Water Code §10635(a)) – Current demand (~385 MGY) is well below available supply (~658 MGY), indicating a long-term surplus. • Service Area & Demand (Water Code §10631(a)) – The system serves approximately 4,657 connections (~12,500 population), with residential usage comprising the majority of demand.
• Conservation Compliance (Water Code §10608.40) – The City met the State’s 2020 conservation targets and continues implementing conservation measures. • Water Loss (Water Code §10631(d)(3)) – System loss averages 12–14%, with minor reductions needed to meet State standards.
Business Agenda Item 5d
• Drought Resilience (Water Code §10635(b)) – Groundwater supply remains stable and sufficient during drought conditions.
• Limited Alternative Supplies (Water Code §10631(f)) – The City does not rely on imported or recycled water; future improvements include Well #5 replacement. • Water Shortage Contingency Plan (Water Code §10632) – Includes staged response levels, demand reduction actions, annual assessments, and enforcement provisions.
Conclusion:
The UWMP demonstrates that the City of Fortuna has a reliable groundwater-based water supply that exceeds projected demand under all planning scenarios.
COMMUNITY VISION ALIGNMENT:
Adoption strongly supports community priorities around public health and safety, long-term resilience, regulatory compliance, and fiscal stability. The plan is conservative in its assumptions and leaves future policy flexibility intact through amendment provisions. Non-adoption or delay would create compliance risk without delivering a corresponding public benefit.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Adoption ensures continued eligibility for state funding. Failure to adopt the plan would impact future funding opportunities.
RECOMMENDED COMMISSION ACTION:
1. Receive staff presentation
2. Open Public Comment
3. Close Public Comment
4. Motion to adopt Resolution 2026-27 and read by title only. Roll Call vote.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A. Draft 2026 UWMP
Attachment B. Resolution 2026-27, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Fortuna Adopting the 2026 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan