2025 Urban
Water
Management
Plan
Public Draft
JUNE 2026 CITY OF FRESNO
CITY OF FRESNO
2025 Urban Water
Management Plan
Public Draft
JUNE 2026
Prepared by Water Systems Consulting, Inc
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Water Systems Consulting, Inc. would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of City of Fresno. The primary contributors are listed below.
Director of Public Utilities Paul Amico, PE
Water Resources Manager Dejan Pavic, PE
Utilities Planning & Engineering Division
Assistant Director Ahmed Aly, PE
Project Manager Debbie Khounsavath
Water Division
Assistant Director Paul Amico, PE (Acting)
Water System Manager (Certified)
Water System Manager (Certified)
Cynthia Fischer
Chad Colby
Water System Manager Russell Guilliams
Business Manager Juan Rios
Water Conservation Supervisor Anthony Quinn (Acting)
Wastewater Division
Assistant Director
Wastewater Manager
Cory Asher
Andrew Heckman
Reclamation Coordinator Anthony Quinn
The 2025 Urban Water Management Plan was prepared by Water Systems Consulting, Inc. The primary authors are listed below.
Heather Freed, PE
Rob Morrow, PE
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary ..............................................................................................................ES-1 1 Introduction...................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 California Water Code............................................................................................... 1-2
1.3 UWMP Organization ................................................................................................. 1-3
1.4 UWMPs in Relation to Other Efforts.......................................................................... 1-5
1.5 UWMPs and Grant or Loan Eligibility ........................................................................ 1-5
1.6 Demonstration of Consistency with the Delta Plan.................................................... 1-6 2 Plan Preparation .............................................................................................................. 2-1
2.1 Basis for Preparing a Plan ........................................................................................ 2-2
2.2 Coordination and Outreach....................................................................................... 2-2 3 System Description .......................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1 General Description .................................................................................................. 3-2
3.2 Service Area ............................................................................................................. 3-3
3.3 Service Area Climate ................................................................................................ 3-9
3.4 Service Area Population and Demographics........................................................... 3-10 4 Water Use Characterization ............................................................................................. 4-1
4.1 Non-Potable Versus Potable Water Use ................................................................... 4-2
4.2 Past, Current, and Projected Water Use ................................................................... 4-2
4.3 Water Use for Lower Income Households............................................................... 4-14
4.4 Climate Change Considerations.............................................................................. 4-16 5 SB X7-7 Baselines, Targets, and 2025 Compliance......................................................... 5-1
5.1 Baseline and Targets ................................................................................................ 5-2
5.2 2020 Compliance...................................................................................................... 5-3 6 Water Supply Characterization......................................................................................... 6-1
6.1 Water Supply Analysis Overview .............................................................................. 6-2
6.2 Groundwater............................................................................................................. 6-2
6.3 Surface Water......................................................................................................... 6-21
6.4 Stormwater ............................................................................................................. 6-25
6.5 Wastewater and Recycled Water............................................................................ 6-26
6.6 Desalinated Water .................................................................................................. 6-33
6.7 Water Exchanges and Transfers............................................................................. 6-34 City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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6.8 Future Water Projects ............................................................................................. 6-36
6.9 Summary of Existing and Planned Supplies............................................................ 6-37
6.10 Special Conditions............................................................................................... 6-38
6.11 Energy Intensity................................................................................................... 6-41 7 Water Service Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment.................................................. 7-1
7.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 7-2
7.2 Water Service Reliability Assessment....................................................................... 7-2
7.3 Drought Risk Assessment....................................................................................... 7-11 8 Water Shortage Contingency Plan ................................................................................... 8-1
8.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 8-2
8.2 Overview of WSCP Components .............................................................................. 8-2 9 Demand Management Measures ..................................................................................... 9-1
9.1 Introduction............................................................................................................... 9-2
9.2 Existing Demand Management Measures................................................................. 9-2
9.3 Implementation to Achieve Water Use Targets ......................................................... 9-8 10 Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Implementation ........................................................... 10-1
10.1 Completed Steps for UWMP and WSCP ............................................................. 10-2 References ........................................................................................................................ REF-1 Appendix A 2025 UWMP Checklist ...................................................................................... A Appendix B DWR Standardized Tables ................................................................................ B Appendix C City of Fresno’s Reduce Delta Reliance Reporting............................................C Appendix D AWWA Water Audits .........................................................................................D Appendix E North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Plan .................................................... E Appendix F 2019 Groundwater Budget ................................................................................ F Appendix G Central Valley Project Contract..........................................................................G Appendix H Fresno Irrigation District Agreements ................................................................H Appendix I Water Shortage Contingency Plan......................................................................... I Appendix J Notification Letters..............................................................................................J Appendix K Adopting Resolutions ........................................................................................ K City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure ES-1. City of Fresno Demand Projections...................................................... ES-5 Figure ES-2. Projected Water Supplies..................................................................... ES-8 Figure ES-3. Normal Year Supply vs. Demand ......................................................... ES-9 Figure ES-4. Single Dry Year Supply vs. Demand .................................................. ES-10 Figure ES-5. Multiple Dry Years Supply vs. Demand.............................................. ES-10 Figure ES-6. Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment ................................................. ES-11 Figure ES-7. City Service Area ............................................................................... ES-13 Figure 3-1. City Service Area .......................................................................................3-7 Figure 3-2. Water System ............................................................................................3-8 Figure 3-3. City of Fresno and Water Service Area Historic Population.....................3-11 Figure 4-1. Historical Consumption by Customer Type (2013-2025) ...........................4-4 Figure 4-2. Historic Recharge of City Surface Water....................................................4-5 Figure 4-3. Existing and Projected Land Use through Buildout ....................................4-9 Figure 6-1. Kings Subbasin ..........................................................................................6-5 Figure 6-2. Kings Groundwater Subbasin Conceptual Hydrogeologic Cross Section, Southwest-Northeast....................................................................................................6-6 Figure 6-3. Well Specific Capacity ...............................................................................6-7 Figure 6-4. Historic Groundwater Production ...............................................................6-8 Figure 6-5. Regional Groundwater Recharge System..................................................6-9 Figure 6-6. Historic Recharge and Projected Maximum Recharge Potential..............6-11 Figure 6-7. Time Series of Groundwater Levels at Representative Wells ..................6-14 Figure 6-8. Regional Groundwater Contamination .....................................................6-15 Figure 6-9. USBR Deliveries to City Since 2007 ........................................................6-23 Figure 6-10. Southwest Recycled Water System .......................................................6-31 Figure 6-11. Historical RWRF Groundwater Exchange Deliveries .............................6-35 City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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Figure 7-1. Normal Year Supply and Demand Assessment .........................................7-6 Figure 7-2. Single Dry Year Supply and Demand Assessment ....................................7-8 Figure 7-3. Five Consecutive Dry Year Supply and Demand Assessment.................7-11 Figure 7-4. Five Year (2026-2030) Drought Risk Assessment ...................................7-13 City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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LIST OF TABLES
Table ES-1. Existing and Future Water Service Area................................................ ES-3 Table 2-1. Agency Coordination and Outreach ............................................................2-3 Table 3-1. Current Service Area Characteristics ..........................................................3-5 Table 3-2. Average Monthly Climate Data....................................................................3-9 Table 3-3. Current and Projected Population (DWR Table 3-1R)...............................3-12 Table 4-1. 12 Month Water Loss Audit Reporting (DWR 4-5R)....................................4-6 Table 4-2. Progress Toward 2028 Water Loss Standard (DWR Table 4-6R)...............4-7 Table 4-3. 2025 Actual Water Use (DWR Table 4-1) ...................................................4-8 Table 4-4. Passive Conservation Savings Assumptions ............................................4-11 Table 4-5. Projected Future Savings for Potable Demands .......................................4-11 Table 4-6. Projected Demands for Potable and Non-Potable Water (DWR Table 4-2)..4- 12 Table 4-7. Water Efficiency Standard by Reporting Period ........................................4-13 Table 4-8. Characteristic Five-Year Water Use..........................................................4-14 Table 4-9. Lower Income Dwelling Units and Acres to be Developed through 2031 and Estimated Water Demand ..........................................................................................4-15 Table 4-10. Lower Income Household Projected Water Demands.............................4-16 Table 5-1. SB X7-7 2020 Target Progress (DWR Table 5-1) .......................................5-3 Table 6-1. Groundwater Yield Projection based on King’s Basin IGSM (AFY)...........6-17 Table 6-2. Representative Year (2019) Water Budget (AFY).....................................6-18 Table 6-3. Groundwater Projection for Normal Years (AFY) ......................................6-20 Table 6-4. Available USBR Simulated Allocation (1922-2003)...................................6-22 Table 6-5. FID Diversions by Water Year Type..........................................................6-25 Table 6-6. Historic Recycled Water Used Within Service Area (AFY)........................6-29 Table 6-7. Recycled Water Use within Service Area (DWR Table 6-4R) ...................6-32 City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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Table 6-8. 2025 Actual Water Supplies (DWR Table 6-8) (AFY)................................6-37 Table 6-9. Projected Water Supplies (DWR Table 6-9) (AFY) ...................................6-38 Table 6-10. Water System Energy Intensity in 2025 ..................................................6-41 Table 7-1. Normal Year Supply and Demand Comparison ..........................................7-6 Table 7-2. Single Dry Year Supply and Demand Comparison .....................................7-7 Table 7-3. Multiple Dry Years Supply and Demand Comparison .................................7-9 Table 7-4. Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment ........................................................7-12 Table 9-1. Current Water Rate Structure......................................................................9-4 Table 9-2. Interior and Exterior Surveys.......................................................................9-6 Table 9-3. Rebate Program Results.............................................................................9-6 City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS
°F degrees Fahrenheit
1,2,3-TCP 1,2,3-trichloropropane
AF acre-feet
AFY acre-feet per year
AMI advanced metering infrastructure
AWE Alliance for Water Efficiency
AWWA American Water Works Association
BP04 Booster Pump 4
CII Commercial, Institutional, and Industrial
CIMIS California Irrigation Management Information System City City of Fresno
COG Council of Governments
CSUF California State University Fresno
CVP Central Valley Project
CVPIA Central Valley Project Improvement Act
CVWAC Central Valley Water Awareness Committee
CWC California Water Code
CY Calendar Year
DAC Disadvantaged Community
DBCP 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane
DMM Demand Management Measures
DDW Department of Drinking Water
DPU Department of Public Utilities
DRA Drought Risk Assessment
DWR Department of Water Resources
ETo Evapotranspiration
FID Fresno Irrigation District
FMFCD Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District
GPCD gallons per capita per day
GPCSD gallons per service connection per day
GSA Groundwater Sustainability Agency
GSP Groundwater Sustainability Plan
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HCF hundred cubic feet
IGSM Integrated Groundwater and Surface Water Model
kWh Kilowatt-hours
LEF Landscape Efficiency Factor
Metro Plan Fresno Metropolitan Water Resource Management Plan mgd million gallons per day
NESWTF Northeast Surface Water Treatment Facility
NFWRF North Fresno Wastewater Reclamation Facility
NKGSP North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Plan
PCE perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene
PFAS per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
RHNA Regional Housing Needs Allocation
RWRF Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility
SB Senate Bill
SESWTF Southeast Surface Water Treatment Facility
SGMA Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
SOI Sphere of Influence
sq mi square miles
SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board
SWTF Surface Water Treatment Facility
T-3 SWTF T-3 Water Storage and Modular Surface Water Treatment Facility
TCE trichloroethylene
TDS total dissolved solids
TTDF Tertiary Treatment and Disinfection Facility
USBR United States Bureau of Reclamation
UV ultraviolet
UWMP Urban Water Management Plan
UWMP Act Urban Water Management Planning Act
UWUO Urban Water Use Objective
WSCP Water Shortage Contingency Plan
WSIP Water Storage Investment Program
WY Water Year
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Executive Summary
This section summarizes the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) for the City of Fresno (City). It provides a lay description of the 2025 UWMP in a manner that is accessible to non-technical readers. This summary describes the fundamental purposes of the UWMP, including water service reliability, future challenges, and strategies for managing water reliability risks.
UWMPs are updated every five years and outline each suppliers’ long-term water resource planning to ensure there is enough water to meet both existing and future demands. They set the roadmap for how the City will use water over the coming years.
The original Fresno water system began operations in 1876 as a non-profit organization established by a group of public-minded citizens. Today, the City covers approximately 117 square miles (sq mi) (75,100 acres) consisting largely of single-family residential, commercial, public, and industrial development. The City’s General Plan projects buildout of the 106,000 acres planning area in 2056. This UWMP addresses the City’s water service reliability, future challenges, and strategies for managing risks to water reliability through 2050.
Purpose and Organization of the Plan
This plan comprises the 2025 UWMP for the City, as required by the California Urban Water Management Planning Act, which requires all urban water suppliers with more than 3,000 connections or distributing more than 3,000 acre-feet per year (AFY) to complete an UWMP every five years. As of the close of the 2025 calendar year, the City has over 141,400 residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional water service connections and supplied nearly 115,000 acre-feet (AF) of water. As a result, the City is required to prepare and adopt an UWMP and submit it to the Department of Water Resources (DWR) by the July 1, 2026, due date.
Requirements for the UWMP include:
• Assessment of current and projected water supplies
• Evaluation of demand and customer types
• Evaluation of the reliability of water supplies
• Description of conservation measures implemented by the urban water supplier • Response plan, in the event of a water shortage
• Comparison of demand and supply projections
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The UWMP is a valuable planning document used for multiple purposes:
• Serves as a valuable resource to the community and other interested parties regarding water supply and demand, conservation, and water related information • Meets a statutory requirement of the California Water Code (CWC) • Provides a key source of information for water supply assessments and written verifications of water supply
• Supports regional long-range planning, including City and County General Plans • Provides a standardized methodology for water utilities to assess their water resource needs and availability
• Provides a resource for regional involvement in the California Water Plan • Provides for a plan during water drought situations
Outreach and Engagement
The City has coordinated the preparation of its 2025 UWMP with its water suppliers, Fresno County, the City of Clovis, nearby water agencies, and community members to develop a UWMP that adheres to the requirements of the CWC and plans for a resilient water future. In total, the City has coordinated preparation of the 2025 UWMP and solicited participation and comments with the following agencies:
• Bakman Water Company
• City of Clovis
• County of Fresno
• Fresno Irrigation District
• Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District
• Friant Water Authority
• Garfield Water District
• Malaga County Water District
• Pinedale County Water District
• North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency
• US Bureau of Reclamation
Service Area Description
The City’s General Plan planning area covers approximately 106,000 acres comprised of approximately 73,500 acres of incorporated land and 32,500 acres of unincorporated land. The City’s water service area covers 70,400 acres consisting largely of single-family residential, commercial, public, and industrial development, shown in Figure ES-7 (located at the end of the Executive Summary). The service area excludes areas served City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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by the Bakman Water Company, Pinedale County Water District, Park Van Ness Mutual Water Company, California State University Fresno, and private groundwater users located within Fresno County islands. The City will eventually serve out to the Sphere of Influence (SOI) boundary adopted in the 2014 General Plan and includes all lands planned to be annexed by the City at the projected 2056 buildout of the General Plan, summarized in Table ES-1.
Table ES-1. Existing and Future Water Service Area
Land Use Category
2025 Water
Service Area
2056 Water
Service Area
ACRES PERCENT ACRES PERCENT
Single-Family Residential 30,200 42.8% 40,000 47.4%
Multifamily Residential 3,400 4.8% 3,800 4.5%
Commercial 5,000 7.1% 8,600 10.2%
Public Facility 7,400 10.5% 7,200 8.5%
Industrial 6,700 9.5% 9,300 11.0%
Open Space/ Landscape
Irrigation 10,900 15.5% 11,000 13.0%
Mixed Use 30 0.04% 3,900 4.6%
Downtown 0 0% 600 0.7%
Vacant / Partially Vacant 6,900 9.8% 0 0%
TOTAL 70,530 100% 84,400 100%
Note: Acreage from City GIS Shapefile of Land Uses and aligns with the General Plan for buildout in year 2056. Percentages are rounded to the nearest tenth, except where greater precision is shown for small values.
Population Projections
The City experienced rapid growth since it was founded by the Central Pacific Railroad in 1872 up through the mid-1990s, when the City’s annual growth rate was typically greater than 2%. From 1995 to 2015, the annual growth rate has decreased to an average of
1.3%, and since 2015, the annual growth rate has averaged 0.7%. Achieving General Plan buildout population estimates requires an average annual growth rate of 1.6% from 2025 to 2056. The City’s water service area population is anticipated to continue to grow along with the City, with some slightly higher growth years anticipated in the next 10 years due to multiple large developments planned for completion in the near term. As a result, City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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population growth, shown in Figure ES-1, occurs at an annual rate of ranging from 1.1–
2.6% between 2025 and 2056.
Water Use
Water consumption in the City is characterized by the typical demand sectors of residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and landscape irrigation. The difference between production and consumption is losses, which may be attributed to system leaks, meter inaccuracies, fire flows, theft, unmetered use, or other factors.
As shown in Figure ES-1, the City’s water demand has decreased even as the City has grown over the past several decades, and demands are projected to grow slower than population growth. This trend is captured by the City’s daily per capita water use, measured as gallons per capita per day (GPCD). For 2020, the City’s water use averaged 198 GPCD, and was far below its 2020 daily per capita water use target of 247 GPCD due to the extensive conservation efforts implemented by the City in the past decade. For 2025, the City’s estimated per capita water use is 180 GPCD, based on 114,649 AF of water production and a service area population of 568,964, indicating the City continues to remain below its 2020 water use target.
The City also diverts raw surface water obtained from the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and the Fresno Irrigation District (FID) to recharge basins throughout the service area. The City coordinates with FID for the delivery of the recharge water, utilizing FID’s existing system of channels and pipelines to covey the raw water, and with Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District (FMFCD) to deliver water to FMFCD’s stormwater retention and recharge basins or the City’s own recharge basins. The raw surface water recharges the groundwater basin to sustain the groundwater supply for the City. The groundwater recharge volume can vary based on surface water supply availability and is represented as an addition to annual groundwater supplies. In addition, the City serves a limited number of customers secondary treated or tertiary treated and disinfected recycled water for agricultural irrigation or landscape irrigation, respectively.
The City’s per capita water usage is projected to continue to decline through 2045 due to more water efficiency in future construction and passive conservation; however, due to the increase in population the demand is expected to slowly increase in the next 25 years.
The potable demand projections for normal water use are based on land use where future land use areas are expected to be more water efficient than existing land uses and buildings due to the California Plumbing Code (CPC) and use of higher efficiency appliances and landscapes. Demand for existing land use is also expected to slowly reduce over time due to passive conservation, which includes the replacement of older water fixtures and appliances with more efficient types now required as part of the CPC.
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Figure ES-1. City of Fresno Demand Projections
Water Sources
The City relies on groundwater from the North Kings Subbasin; surface water from Central Valley Project (CVP), through a contract with the USBR; Kings River water, through a contract with FID; and recycled water. Water production in the City consisted of 100% groundwater prior to the commissioning of the City’s first surface water treatment facility (SWTF) in 2004. Since 2004, the City has invested in expanding its surface water treatment capabilities and now has three SWTFs that provide approximately half of all potable water demands in the service area.
Groundwater
The City overlies the Kings Subbasin, which is part of the greater San Joaquin Valley Groundwater Basin. The City is one of many water purveyors that use groundwater from the Kings Subbasin. The City has a network of over 250 municipal wells and currently operates approximately 194 municipal supply wells within the Kings Subbasin.
The City was a founding member of the North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency (North Kings GSA), which was formed following passage of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) of 2014. This legislation created a statutory framework for groundwater management in California that can be sustained during the planning and 296
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200,000
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GPCD
AFY or Population
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Actual Projections
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implementation horizon without causing undesirable results. SGMA requires governments and water agencies of “critically overdrafted” basins to reach sustainability by 2040. The Kings Subbasin was designated a critically overdrafted basin by DWR and the North Kings GSA is working within the SGMA framework to reach groundwater sustainability.
Due to the City’s investments in other supplies – surface water, recycled water, and conservation – groundwater levels beneath the City have already begun to recover from low levels experienced during the recent drought. The City plans to continue to use groundwater within a larger conjunctive use program that maximizes its existing water rights and surface water supply sources.
Surface Water
With the completion and operation of the Southeast Surface Water Treatment Facility (SESWTF), surface water is now a primary water supply used to meet potable demands within the City. The City contracts with FID for Kings River water and with USBR for CVP water from the Friant-Kern Canal. The surface water supply is used either for potable uses through treatment and distribution or delivery to recharge basins for groundwater recharge. The City has historically not used all its available FID allocation in any given year, although it pays a flat rate for its total allocation regardless of use. Water unused by the City is reallocated by FID to its other customers.
The City, through an agreement originally executed in 1961, secured a surface water supply from USBR CVP Friant Division for an annual water supply of 60,000 AF of Class 1 water. The agreement was last renewed in 2010 as a Section 9(d) contract that provides water from the San Joaquin River in perpetuity. Class 1 water has historically been very reliable until the 2006 San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Agreement, which ended an 18-year legal dispute over the operation of Friant Dam brought by a coalition of conservation and fishing groups. The projected surface water available for the City from USBR is based on USBR simulations for the 2006 Settlement Agreement. Average simulated delivery is 53,680 AFY and the median simulated delivery is 60,000 AFY.
However, very dry years have previously resulted in substantial reductions as demonstrated by the zero allocations that occurred in 2014 and 2015.
FID is one of 28 agencies that receives an entitlement of water from the Kings River through the Kings River Water Association. The City executed its most recent agreement with FID in 2016. The 2016 agreement identifies the City’s contracted percentage of FID’s Kings River water based on the City’s water service area located within FID service area as a percentage of the FID land area. FID land area varies slightly every year because it is dependent on the acreage receiving water deliveries for that year rather than the total acreage within FID’s service area, and is roughly 200,000 acres. As the City incorporates City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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new users and the water service area expands, the percentage of FID supply increases.
However, the 2016 FID Agreement sets the City’s maximum percentage of FID’s Kings River water as 29.0%, which is expected to be reached between by 2030.
The City’s potential supply from FID was projected using actual Kings River deliveries for 1964–2025. The average FID Kings River delivery over that time was 452,541 AF, which equates to an average potential City supply of 131,600 AF, assuming the maximum
29.0% City supply percentage. The projected City percentage of FID supplies was estimated based on City’s water service area growth projections through buildout in 2056.
Recycled Water
The Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (RWRF) has developed from what was once a sewer farm to what is now a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility. The RWRF treats flows from not only the City, but also sewered County areas (some county areas remain unsewered), the City of Clovis, Pinedale County Water District, and Pinedale Public Utility District. Flows received at this facility peaked at 81,100 AF in 2006 and have been steadily decreasing since, with the average influent flow about 62,400 AF over the last five years.
The City has three primary means of effluent disposal from the RWRF:
1. Undisinfected secondary effluent to on-site and off-site farmland for restricted irrigation
2. Undisinfected secondary effluent to percolation ponds
3. Disinfected tertiary effluent to the recycled water distribution system The percolated effluent has historically been considered equivalent to tertiary treated water by the State, and the City extracts this water for reuse in areas within and surrounding the RWRF, as well as to FID’s canals, through an exchange agreement for delivery to FID agricultural customers. The City constructed the Tertiary Treatment and Disinfection Facility (TTDF) at the RWRF in 2017 and completed construction of most of the southwest recycled water system, which is projected to deliver up to 1,150 AFY of tertiary treated recycled water to City customers. In addition, the City uses recycled water from the North Fresno Wastewater Reclamation Facility (NFWRF) to irrigate the golf course at Copper River Ranch.
Summary of Supplies
The City currently balances its surface water supplies and groundwater based on minimum production for operation of the SWTFs and minimum groundwater pumping to manage and control contamination plumes and prevent their spread. The minimum operation conditions typically occur in the low-demand winter months, and the City can increase surface water production during peak demand months when surface water is City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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available. In normal and wet years, the City intends to rely on more surface water supply and recharge raw surface water to replenish the groundwater basin and build storage for dry years. In dry years, when surface water is less available, the City will ramp up well production to meet demands. The City is expected to continue this supply management strategy in the future. Figure ES-2 shows the City’s annual average projected water supplies through 2050.
Figure ES-2. Projected Water Supplies
Water Supply Reliability
The City currently manages its surface water and groundwater supply by maximizing surface water for potable use and intentional recharge during wet and normal years, while relying on groundwater during dry years. The City is currently updating its Metro Plan, which will recommend projects and programs to optimize the use of its supply portfolio and further improve supply resilience. Supply management tools are an expected outcome of the Metro Plan update; however, the City’s ongoing supply management is intended to maximize local supplies and improve the groundwater basin storage. Current actions include enhanced groundwater management and intentional recharge, increased 109,710 113,000 115,090 115,490 115,590
60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000
131,600 131,600 131,600 131,600 131,600
980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
302,290 306,030 308,120 308,520 308,620
0 50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
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2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
AFY
Groundwater Surface Water – USBR
Surface Water – Kings River Recycled Water
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recycled water use, and continued conservation through the implementation of demand management measures.
Normal water year, single dry water year, and five-year consecutive drought period supply projections were made based on historic water allocations for surface water supplies, estimated groundwater yield, and projected utilization for recycled water. For surface water, the single dry year is based on 2015 allocations and the five-year drought is based on 2012 to 2016. Groundwater supplies, due to intentional recharge augmentation, remain reliable in all hydrologic conditions.
Despite severe reductions of surface water supplies during recent dry years, sufficient good-quality water was available to operate the SWTFs. The projected supplies and demands for a normal year, single dry year, and five-year consecutive drought are shown in Figure ES-3 through Figure ES-5 on the next page and in Table 7-1 through Table 7-3 in Section 7.2.4. The water supply reliability analysis demonstrates that the City is projected to have greater than 65,000 AF of available supply after meeting demands in normal years; the City’s surface water supplies are reduced in a single dry year, but the City can meet all potable demands with stored groundwater and maintain a 20% buffer of its potable water demand; and the City is projected to meet all demands during a fiveyear drought with its existing supplies by reducing groundwater recharge and pumping stored groundwater as needed to accommodate low surface water allocations.
Managed recharge of surface water is an essential component of the City’s groundwater supply. The projections assume the City will average 60,000 AFY to 70,000 AFY of surface water recharge in the future. This highlights the City’s priority of recharging available surface water in the coming years.
Figure ES-3. Normal Year Supply vs. Demand
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209,782 220,160 228,899 235,944 242,900
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Groundwater
Total Demand
Potable Demand
Supplies
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Figure ES-4. Single Dry Year Supply vs. Demand
Figure ES-5. Multiple Dry Years Supply vs. Demand
Drought Risk Assessment
The Water Code directs Suppliers to prepare a Drought Risk Assessment (DRA), assuming a drought period lasting five consecutive years, starting from the year following the year when the assessment is conducted. The DRA analysis allows the City to examine the management of its supplies during stressed hydrologic conditions and an opportunity to evaluate whether the City may need to enact its Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) during the next actual drought period lasting at least five years. Surface water supply availability is based on actual allocations during the 2012 to 2016 drought. The 177,982 186,746 195,073 203,407 211,754
147,502 154,430 161,369 168,314 175,270 148,482 155,860 162,799 169,744 176,700 0 50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
AFY
Recycled Water
Surface Water – Kings River
Surface Water – USBR
Groundwater- From Storage
Groundwater
Supplies
Total Demand
(Potable & Recharge)
Potable Demand
147,502 154,430 161,369 168,314 175,270
0 50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
AFY
Potable Demand
Year 1 Supply
Year 2 Supply
Year 3 Supply
Year 4 Supply
Year 5 Supply
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projected gross water use for the five-year DRA is based on unrestricted potable and recycled water demand, while water used for intentional recharge varies based on the available surface water supply.
Figure ES-6 compares the total projected supply and demand for the five-year DRA for 2026 through 2030. As shown, the City is projected to meet its unrestricted potable demand projections, and maintain a 20% potable demand buffer, for a five-consecutiveyear drought based on the reliability of the current supply portfolio and does not expect to enact its WSCP. Available surface water supplies during this period would be utilized for groundwater recharge to sustain the groundwater basin.
Figure ES-6. Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
This WSCP is a detailed plan for how the City intends to respond to foreseeable and unforeseeable water shortages. A water shortage occurs when the water supply is reduced to a level that cannot support typical demand at any given time.
The WSCP is used to provide guidance to the City’s governing body, staff, and the public by identifying response actions to allow for efficient management of any water shortage with predictability and accountability. Preparation provides the tools to maintain reliable supplies and reduce the impacts of supply interruptions due to extended drought and catastrophic supply interruptions.
230,812
205,695
193,778
169,843
284,208
121,220 127,790 134,361 140,931 147,502
206,568
180,137
166,906
141,657
254,708
0 50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
AFY
Recycled Water
Surface Water – Kings River
Surface Water – USBR
Groundwater- From Storage
Groundwater
Supplies
Total Demand
(Potable & Recharge)
Potable Demand
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The WSCP describes the following:
• Water Supply Reliability Analysis
• Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures
• Six Standard Shortage Stages
• Shortage Response Actions
• Communication Protocols
• Compliance and Enforcement
• Legal Authority
• Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation
• Monitoring and Reporting
• WSCP Refinement Procedures
• Special Water Features Distinctions
• Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability
The 2025 WSCP is a standalone document that can be modified as needed and is included as Appendix I in the 2025 UWMP.
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1 Introduction
This section provides a brief overview of the City of Fresno and the purpose of this 2025 Urban Water Management
Plan (UWMP). It also describes how the UWMP is
organized and its relationship to local and regional
planning efforts in which City of Fresno is involved.
IN THIS SECTION
• Introduction
• California Water Code
• UWMP Organization
• UWMPs in Relation to Other
Efforts
• Funding Eligibility
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1.1 Introduction
The City of Fresno (City) is responsible for delivering safe and reliable water service to almost 569,000 people within its service area. The City’s primary water supplies include groundwater and surface water from two sources: the Central Valley Project through a contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation and the Kings River through a contract with Fresno Irrigation District. This UWMP addresses the City’s water service reliability, future challenges, and strategies for managing risks to water reliability through 2050. The City’s Fresno Metropolitan Water Resource Management Plan (Metro Plan), which is currently being prepared, will address a 50-year horizon – through 2070.
1.2 California Water Code
In 1983, the State of California Legislature (Legislature) enacted the Urban Water Management Planning Act (UWMP Act). The law requires an urban water supplier providing water for municipal purposes to more than 3,000 customers or serving more than 3,000 acre-feet per year (AFY) to adopt an UWMP every five years. As of the close of the 2025 calendar year, the City had 141,447 residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional water service connections and produced nearly 115,000 acre-feet (AF) of water. As a result, the City is required to prepare and adopt an UWMP and submit it to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) by the July 1, 2026 due date. This UWMP must demonstrate water supply reliability under normal, dry, and multiple dry years. The UWMP Act applies to wholesale and retail water suppliers.
Since the original UWMP Act was passed, it has undergone significant expansion.
Prolonged droughts, groundwater overdraft, regulatory revisions, and changing climatic conditions affect the reliability of each water supplier as well as statewide water reliability overseen by DWR, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), and the Legislature. Accordingly, the UWMP Act has grown to address changing conditions. The current requirements are found in Sections 10610-10656 and 10608 of the California Water Code (CWC).
DWR provides guidance for urban water suppliers by preparing an Urban Water Management Plan Guidebook 2025 (Guidebook), conducting workshops, developing tools, and providing program staff to help water suppliers prepare comprehensive and useful water management plans, implement water conservation programs, and understand the requirements of the CWC. Suppliers prepare their own UWMPs and submit them to DWR. DWR then reviews the plans to make sure they have addressed the requirements. DWR also submits a report to the Legislature summarizing the status of the plans for each five-year cycle. The Guidebook, finalized in February 2026, was used to complete this 2025 UWMP.
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The purpose of this UWMP is for the City to evaluate long-term resource planning and establish management measures to ensure adequate water supplies are available to meet existing and future demands. The UWMP provides a framework to help water suppliers maintain efficient use of urban water supplies, promote conservation programs and policies, ensure that sufficient water supplies are available for future beneficial use, and provide a response mechanism during drought conditions or other water supply shortages.
The UWMP is a valuable planning tool used for multiple purposes, including:
• Providing a standardized methodology for water utilities to assess their water resource needs and availability.
• Serving as a resource to the community and other interested parties regarding water supply and demand, conservation, and other water-related information. • Providing a key source of information for cities and counties when considering approval of proposed new developments and preparing regional long-range planning documents, such as city and county General Plans. • Informing other regional and Statewide water planning efforts, such as Integrated Regional Water Management Plans and the California Water Plan.
CWC section 10632 also includes requirements for suppliers to prepare a Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) as part of their UWMP. The WSCP documents a supplier’s plans to manage and mitigate an actual water shortage condition, should one occur because of drought or other impacts on water supplies. The WSCP is a standalone document that can be updated independently of the UWMP but is referenced and attached to the 2025 UWMP. The WSCP is provided in Appendix I.
A checklist to document compliance of this 2025 UWMP with the UWMP Act and the CWC is provided in Appendix A. This 2025 UWMP includes all required DWR standardized tables compiled in Appendix B. A selection of these tables is also provided in the body of this Plan, as necessary to present supporting data.
1.3 UWMP Organization
The 2025 UWMP is organized as follows:
Section 1 – Introduction
This section provides background information on the UWMP process, new regulatory requirements, and an overview of the information covered throughout the remaining sections. Water suppliers that serve more than 3,000 customers or 3,000 AFY are required to prepare an UWMP. The UWMP is an important tool that details the City’s City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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system and service area, estimates supply and demand over a 25-year period, and analyzes reliability in drought and other shortages.
Section 2 – Plan Preparation
This section provides information on the processes used to develop the UWMP, including coordination and outreach efforts taken to prepare the City’s 2025 UWMP.
Section 3 – Service Area and System Description
This section describes the City’s water system, service area, population demographics, local climate, and land uses. The City serves water to over 568,000 people within its service area. That figure is projected to increase to about 861,000 through 2050. The land uses within the service area are majority residential with some commercial, municipal, and industrial land uses.
Section 4 – System Water Use
This section describes and quantifies the current and projected water uses through 2050 within the water service area. The City provides potable water to all its customers, which are comprised of about 90% residential and 10% commercial, institutional, industrial, and landscape accounts. The City’s 2025 potable water use was 114,649 AFY and is projected to increase to about 175,300 AFY by 2050 with projected growth. The City also delivers recycled water to customers in its service area and uses its untreated surface water for groundwater recharge and plans to continue to do so in the future.
Section 5 – SB X7-7 Baselines, Targets, and 2025 Compliances This section describes the City’s compliance with the requirements of Senate Bill (SB) X7-7. SBX7-7 required all water suppliers to increase water use efficiency and decrease per-capita water consumption by 20% by the year 2020. To meet this requirement, the City established a water use baseline and efficiency targets in its 2015 UWMP. This section confirms that the City met their 2020 water use target.
Section 6 – System Supplies
This section describes and quantifies the current and projected potable and non-potable water supplies. The City’s water supplies include groundwater from the North Kings Subbasin, surface water from the Central Valley Project through a contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation, surface water from the Kings River through a contract with Fresno Irrigation District, and recycled water produced at the City’s Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility and North Fresno Wastewater Reclamation Facility.
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Section 7 – Water Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment This section describes the water service reliability through 2050 and includes the Drought Risk Assessment for the next five years. Future demand and supply were analyzed to evaluate supply reliability over the planning horizon (2025–2050). The UWMP analyzed conditions for normal, or average, single-dry, and five-year consecutive dry periods. In all scenarios the City expects to meet customer demand with the available supply.
Section 8 – Water Shortage Contingency Plan
This section includes an overview of the standalone WSCP. The WSCP provides guidance on declaring a water shortage and how to mitigate water shortages. The WSCP defines levels of water shortage and outlines the actions that will be required of customers during each stage. The complete WSCP is included as Appendix I.
Section 9 – Demand Management Measures
This section describes the City’s efforts to promote conservation and reduce water demand, including discussions of specific demand management measures, water waste prohibitions, and conservation measures.
Section 10 – Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Implementation This section details the steps taken by the City to adopt the 2025 UWMP in accordance with the CWC, make it available to the public, and implement it.
1.4 UWMPs in Relation to Other Efforts
In addition to the 2025 UWMP, the City is presently updating its Fresno Metropolitan Water Resource Management Plan (Metro Plan) and Water Reuse Master Plan. The last Metro Plan was completed in 2014, and the current Metro Plan update will prepare a fresh look at the City’s water resources and consider new conditions and strategies for planning through 2070. The City completed a Recycled Water Master Plan in 2014, and the current Water Reuse Master Plan focuses on maximizing the benefit of the City’s recycled water supplies and recycled water system considering the City’s current water supply needs and constraints.
1.5 UWMPs and Grant or Loan Eligibility
For a water supplier to be eligible for a grant or loan administered by DWR, the supplier must have a current UWMP on file that meets the requirements set forth by the CWC. A current UWMP must also be maintained by the supplier throughout the term of any grants or loans received. The City has prepared the 2025 UWMP under guidance from DWR’s 2025 UWMP Guidebook.
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1.6 Demonstration of Consistency with the Delta
Plan
An urban water supplier that anticipates participating in or receiving water from a proposed project utilizing Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) Water or within the Jurisdiction of the Delta Stewardship Council (covered action) should provide information, beginning in 2015, in its UWMP to demonstrate consistency with Delta Plan Policy WR P1 — Reduce Reliance on the Delta through Improved Regional Water Self-Reliance.
Covered actions include, but are not limited to, projects such as multiyear water transfers, conveyance facilities, or new diversions that involve transferring water through, exporting water from, or using water in the Delta, per California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Section 5003.
The City of Fresno contracts with the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) Central Valley Project (CVP) Friant Division for an annual supply of 60,000 AF of Class 1 water. Although the Friant Division of the CVP does not directly divert or convey water from the Delta, the project was developed through an exchange with the Delta-Mendota supply. As restrictions on Delta exports have hindered USBR from making deliveries to the Delta-Mendota Canal, the Friant Division Class 1 allocations are reduced, and the water is transferred back to the users that would typically receive water from the DeltaMendota Canal. As such, the City is required to demonstrate consistency with the Delta Plan’s policy to reduce reliance on the Delta. Appendix C includes the reporting and calculations that demonstrate Fresno’s reduced reliance on supply from their USBR CVP water supply.
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2 Plan Preparation
This section provides information on the processes used to develop the UWMP, including efforts in coordination and outreach.
IN THIS SECTION
• Basis for Preparing a Plan
• Regional Planning
• Coordination and Outreach
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2.1 Basis for Preparing a Plan
The City of Fresno provides water service to a variety of customer sector types within the City limits, inclusive of several historic County Waterworks Districts (county islands) which have been incorporated into the City’s water system.
The City has approximately 141,447 service connections and supplied just under 115,000 AF of potable water and over 34,300 AF of non-potable water in 2025 (See DWR Table 2-1 R in Appendix B). The City meets the threshold identified in the CWC to be classified as an urban water supplier and in the California Health and Safety Code as a public water system. The City provides water directly to its customers and does not wholesale water to any other agencies for potable uses (defined as sales greater than 3,000 acre-feet per year). Therefore, the City is required to prepare and update a Retail UWMP every five years. This report was prepared on a calendar year basis and all reported numbers are in AF unless otherwise notes (See DWR Table 2-3 in Appendix B). As specified in DWR Table 2-2, the City has prepared an individual UWMP.
2.2 Coordination and Outreach
The City has water supply contracts with USBR and Fresno Irrigation District (FID). Each of these water suppliers has been notified of the plan update and provided water supply projections for the time period covered by this plan (See DWR Table 2-4 in Appendix B).
Additionally, the preparation of this 2025 UWMP was coordinated with other appropriate agencies to ensure regional stakeholders had the opportunity to provide input to this plan.
The City has coordinated preparation of the 2025 UWMP and solicited participation and comments with the agencies indicated in Table 2-1. The City has also published notices in local newspapers and encouraged the active involvement of the population within the water service area to provide feedback on the UWMP and the WSCP during the public review period, as discussed in Section 10.
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Table 2-1. Agency Coordination and Outreach
Agency
Notified 60 Days
Prior to Public
Hearing
Notified of Public
Draft 14 days
Prior to Public
Hearing
Bakman Water Company ✓ ✓
City of Clovis ✓ ✓
County of Fresno ✓ ✓
Fresno Irrigation District ✓ ✓
Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District ✓ ✓
Friant Water Authority ✓ ✓
Garfield Water District ✓ ✓
Malaga County Water District ✓ ✓
Pinedale County Water District ✓ ✓
North Kings Groundwater Sustainability
Agency ✓ ✓
US Bureau of Reclamation ✓ ✓
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3 System Description
This section describes the history of the City’s water
system, current service area, population, demographics, local climate, and land uses.
IN THIS SECTION
• Service Area
• Land Uses
• Water System
• Population and
Demographics
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3.1 General Description
The original Fresno water system began operations in 1876 as a non-profit organization inaugurated by a group of public-minded citizens. Initially, the water system consisted of one pumping station composed of small pumps and two storage tanks located above the second floor of one of the early store buildings. This building was located on Fresno Street between “J” and “K” Streets, presently known as Broadway and Fulton.
By 1888, the town had grown to a small city, which demanded an improved water distribution system. This was necessary because of several large fires, including the destruction of the first permanent courthouse. In 1888, the first pumping station and water tower were constructed at Fresno and "O" Street. These facilities were designed to be an integral part of a larger and continually expanding water system. This No. 1 station was in continuous use until 1959, when it was retired having served its useful purpose. Today, this building is known as the “Water Tower” and has been declared a historic structure.
Between the years of 1887 and 1890, 4-inch and 2½-inch cast iron pipe, as well as 4-inch wrought iron water mains were laid out. Most of these original “permanent pipes” have since been replaced in the present water supply system. The owner and operator of the system in 1888 was the Fresno Water Company. In 1904, the Fresno Water Company was purchased by Balch, Kerckhoff & Wishon, and was reorganized as the Fresno City Water Company. In 1926, the facilities were purchased by the California Water Service Company. This company then sold the water system to the City of Fresno in 1931, which operated the system as a municipal utility. It was first managed under an appointed water board, but currently is a division of the Department of Public Utilities.
Historically, the City’s supply of water consisted only of direct pumping from wells drilled into the underground aquifer. Today, groundwater remains one of the City’s primary water supply sources, including 194 active and 59 inactive groundwater wells. The production capacity from the active wells is approximately 315 million gallons per day (mgd) and the total production capacity is 420 mgd including inactive wells. The wells are located around the City to provide equitable distribution throughout the City’s water system, as described below. Most wells are connected directly into the transmission grid main system (14- to 20-inch diameter pipelines) to convey water throughout the system.
In the 1960s, the City secured a surface water contract with USBR for 60,000 AFY of Class 1 water from the Friant Division (Millerton Lake) and developed a system to recharge the groundwater basin by “intentional recharge,” percolating the imported surface water supplies in constructed recharge basins. The City’s USBR supplies are conveyed to the City via FID canals. In 1976, the City signed a contract with FID for delivery of surface water supplies from the Kings River based on the City’s pro rata share City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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of FID’s water entitlements. In 2016, the City and FID executed a Revised, Amended, and Restated agreement. The Kings River water is used for groundwater recharge and treated for potable use.
In 2004, the City also began treating surface water supplies for direct potable use at its first surface water treatment facility located in northeast Fresno (NESWTF). For the period of 2005–2014, this 30 mgd-rated facility provided 10–15% of the City’s potable water supplies. From 2016–2020, this facility produced 15% of the City’s potable water supply, an increase largely attributed to transmission system improvements, which permitted conveying water further into the City’s distribution system, and the City’s lower overall system demands. Also, in 2015, the City commenced operations of its new T-3 Water Storage and modular Surface Water Treatment Facility (T-3 SWTF) in southeast Fresno.
In January 2013, the City completed the installation of meters on all single-family residences.
In 2018, the City completed construction of its new 54 mgd surface water treatment facility in southeast Fresno (SESWTF) and large diameter water mains that serve nearly onehalf of the City. Production from this facility may ultimately be 80 mgd with the City demonstrating to the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) that the facility is capable of safely running at higher filter loading rates. With the SESWTF operational, along with the NESWTF and T-3 SWTF, the City provided greater than 50% of its potable supply through using surface water for the first time in 2019. Since 2020, the City’s potable demand has been met with an average of 45% groundwater and 55% surface water. The City expects to provide half or more of its potable demand using its surface water supply sources going forward.
3.2 Service Area
The City of Fresno presently covers approximately 117 square miles (sq mi) (75,100 acres) consisting largely of single-family residential, commercial, public, and industrial development. The City’s water service area presently covers several areas outside of the City limits (e.g., County islands), as shown in Figure 3-1. With the exception of the Bakman Water Company (Bakman), Pinedale County Water District (Pinedale), Park Van Ness, California State University Fresno (CSUF), and private groundwater users located within the City limits or County islands, the City currently serves water to the entire area encompassed by its City limits and will eventually serve out to the Sphere of Influence (SOI) boundary. The SOI is coincident with the City of Fresno General Plan Land Use and Circulation Map, which was adopted in the 2014 General Plan and therefore, includes all lands planned to be annexed by the City at the projected 2056 buildout of the General Plan (City of Fresno Planning and Development Department, 2022).
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3.2.1 Land Uses within the Service Area
According to the General Plan and the City’s Planning and Development Department, the City’s planning area covers approximately 106,000 acres (165.6 sq mi) comprised of approximately 73,500 acres (115 sq mi) of incorporated land and 32,500 acres (50.8 sq mi) of unincorporated land based on the City’s current Geographic Information System Shapefiles. The total 106,000-acre planning area includes approximately 84,300 acres of developed or planned to be developed land, approximately 18,500 acres of roads, highways, and railroads with no corresponding water demand, and about 2,500 acres outside of the SOI north of the City’s most northwesterly portion referred to as the North Area and shown on Figure 3-1.
Of the 106,000 acres within the City’s planning area, the City’s water service area currently covers 70,500 acres (110 sq mi) of land within the SOI, which includes most of the 73,500 acres of incorporated area and the unincorporated County Islands not within the City limits. As shown in Table 3-1, approximately 63,600 acres of the 70,500 acres within the water service area are developed and served water by the City. The remainder consists of vacant land that will be served by the City when it is developed. Residential units make up the largest portion of water demand served by the City, consisting of over 45% of the total served area and over 90% of the total service connections.
The remaining areas within the City’s SOI are served by other systems or are unserved by a water system, consisting of open space and agricultural land, land used by roads, highways, and railroads, as well as the North Area.
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Table 3-1. Current Service Area Characteristics
Land Use Type
Area
(Acres)
% of
Total Area1
Service
Connections
% of Total
Connections1
Single-Family Residential 30,200 42.8% 122,934 86.9%
Multifamily Residential 3,400 4.8% 6,156 4.4%
Commercial 5,000 7.1% 9,885 7.0%
Public 7,400 10.5% 2,358 1.7%
Industrial 6,700 9.5% 114 0.08%
Open Space/
Landscape Irrigation
10,900 15.5% Note 2
Mixed Use 30 0.04% Note 3
Total 63,630 141,447 100%
Vacant / Partially Vacant4 6,900 9.8% N/A
Total 70,530 100%
Source: Acreage from City of Fresno Geographic Information System Shapefile of Land Uses provided 2/13/26. Number of connections provided by the City for 2025.
Notes:
1. Percentages are rounded to the nearest tenth, except where greater precision is shown for small values.
2. Dedicated irrigation meters are included in commercial and public meter total.
3. Mixed Use meters are included in multi-family residential and commercial meter total.
4. For partially vacant land, half of the area is included in the zoned land use type and the other half is assumed vacant.
3.2.2 Water System
The City’s water system consists of about 1,917 miles of distribution and transmission mains, 194 active municipal groundwater wells, three surface water treatment facilities (SWTFs) with current rated capacities ranging from 4 to 54 mgd, five water storage facilities with pump stations, including one at each of the SWTFs plus two in the distribution system, and three booster pump facilities.
The City’s service area spans an approximate 120 feet of elevation difference, declining from northeast to southwest. To help regulate pressure throughout the water distribution system, the City utilizes five pressure zones, as shown on Figure 3-2: Highway 41, Shepherd, Sierra, Southwest, and Booster Pump 4 (BP04). The pressure zones are City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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separated by a series of closed or partially closed valves between each zone to prevent or impede flow from one zone to the next, referred to as gate systems. There are four gate systems — Shepherd, Sierra, Southwest, and BP04 — separating the five pressures zones. The Highway 41 Pressure Zone was previously split into two pressure zones divided by a series of 26 gate valves closely following the alignment along Highway 41.
However, these zones were combined into a single zone in 2015 by fully opening the Highway 41 gate valves, and as a result are not shown on Figure 3-2.
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3.3 Service Area Climate
The City’s service area is in California’s San Joaquin Valley in Fresno County along Highway 99. The climate of the area is best described as Mediterranean, characterized by hot dry summers and cool winters. Precipitation in the area averages around 11.5 inches per year, as shown in Table 3-2. However, rainfall can significantly vary year to year with almost 18 inches received in 2011 and less than 4 inches received in 2014. The 2012 to 2016 drought was marked by four consecutive years (2012 to 2015) of less than 10 inches of rainfall. As shown by the average evapotranspiration (ETₒ) and temperature values in Table 3-2, the City’s water use in the summer months is significantly higher than in the winter, reflecting increased water use for irrigation purposes during the hot, dry summers.
Table 3-2. Average Monthly Climate Data
Month
Average
Precipitation
(inches)
Average ETo
(inches)
Average High
Temp (˚F)
Average Low
Temp (˚F)
January 2.33 1.21 57.32 37.29
February 1.85 2.00 62.78 39.45
March 2.08 3.68 68.22 43.32
April 0.93 5.43 74.01 46.82
May 0.49 7.41 81.68 53.15
June 0.16 8.47 89.96 59.35
July 0.01 8.91 96.15 64.01
August 0.02 7.89 95.04 62.70
September 0.10 5.76 89.91 58.23
October 0.58 3.73 79.60 49.41
November 1.03 1.89 66.21 40.63
December 1.98 1.10 56.73 36.53
ANNUAL
AVERAGE: 11.56 57.48 76.47 49.24
Source: From the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) website http://www.cimis.water.ca.gov. Data shown is the average of the Fresno State 80 station from October 1988 through December 2025 (DWR, 2026).
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3.4 Service Area Population and Demographics
The City experienced rapid growth since it was founded by the Central Pacific Railroad in 1872 up through the mid-1990s, when the City’s annual growth rate was typically greater than 2%. From 1995 to 2015, the annual growth rate decreased to an average of 1.3%, and since 2015, the rate has not averaged less than 1.0% per year.
The population served by the City Water Division is slightly higher than the City’s population after adding unincorporated areas served by the City and removing areas within the City limits served by private water companies, special districts, or private wells.
The City acquired County service areas and facilities in 1989, which increased the service area population to slightly greater than the City population since 1990.
Figure 3-3 compares the historic City population to the water service area population since 1990. Water service area population estimates prior to 1990 were unavailable for comparison to the City’s population. The City Water Division’s methodology for calculating the population of the City’s water service area involves summing all the Census tract data for the City’s overall service area and subtracting out tracts not served by the City. These tracts included areas served by Pinedale, Bakman, and CSUF, as well as areas outside the City service area, unserved areas within County areas, unserved areas within City areas, and areas with only partial service (i.e., straddling City service areas).
The 2021 to 2025 population served by City was estimated using the annual water service connections and population estimates from the 2020 U.S. Census Bureau. The 2020 population and water service connections were used to derive a 2020 persons per connection factor that was applied to the 2021 to 2025 connections and used to estimate the water service area population. Based on this methodology, the water service area population is estimated at 568,964 in 2025, compared to 557,032 for the total City population in Jan 2025 (California Department of Finance, 2026). For comparison, in the 2020 UWMP, the City Water Division population served was estimated as 550,217 in 2020 compared to the total City population of 542,206 (California Department of Finance, 2026).
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Figure 3-3. City of Fresno and Water Service Area Historic Population The City’s General Plan and specific plans are the City’s primary growth planning documents from which the baseline water service area population projection for this UWMP was developed. The General Plan includes population estimates for the City planning area, which includes all areas within City limits and unincorporated areas outside of City limits within the City’s SOI, based on projections developed by the Fresno Council of Governments and estimates a buildout population of 921,057 in 2056. In 2017 the Fresno Council of Governments developed population projections in 5-year increments through 2050 for all cities within Fresno County (Applied Development Economics, Inc. and Mintier Harnish Associates, 2017). The Fresno Council of Governments’ 2017 report projects the City’s population will grow at an annual growth rate ranging from 0.92–1.44%, with an average annual growth rate between 2020 and 2056 (buildout) of 1.03% per year.
These population projections and growth rate have been incorporated in the City’s General Plan population projections.
Based on discussions with the City’s Planning and Development Department, the City’s water service area population is anticipated to continue to grow along with the City, with some slightly higher growth years anticipated within the next 10 years due to multiple large developments planned for completion in the near term. For planning purposes, this UWMP assumes the City will slowly incorporate areas served by others within the City’s City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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SOI by buildout in year 2056. As such, the long-term water service area population annual growth rate is expected to be 1.6% between 2025 and 2056 to account for absorbing these areas into the City’s water system.
The baseline population projection starts with the 2025 water service area population estimated from the 2020 Census population and water service connection data and grows based on areas anticipated to be developed by 2035, and then linearly beyond 2035 to meet the buildout population in 2056. The City’s 2025 population estimate includes the entire City planning area, including areas not served water by the City and areas currently outside the City limits but within the SOI, and is lower than the current water service area population. The water service area population projection assumes the City will incorporate all areas currently served by others and grow to provide water service to all areas within the SOI by buildout. Because the water service area has more growth potential than the City planning area, the annual average growth rate as calculated ranges from 1.1–2.6% between 2025 and 2056, with an average annual growth rate of approximately 1.8% between 2025 and 2050 that continues to slow through the buildout. Table 3-3 shows the water service area population projections through 2050 in five-year increments.
Table 3-3. Current and Projected Population (DWR Table 3-1R) Population Served 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
TOTAL: 568,964 644,146 719,327 765,278 812,529 861,080
3.4.1 Other Social, Economic, and Demographic Factors
Large portions of the City of Fresno are considered a disadvantaged community (DAC) due to high levels of poverty. According to the 2020 Census, approximately 20.1% of persons in the City are below the poverty line (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). The City remains cognizant of the potential impacts of water rates on customers and recognizes that income and poverty levels may influence the feasibility and effectiveness of certain water conservation strategies. These socioeconomic factors may limit the ability of some customers to participate in cost-based programs, such as rebate or incentive programs, and will be considered when evaluating and implementing future conservation measures.
Additionally, the City of Fresno includes a diverse population with multiple cultures that may include different water-use patterns or needs. According to the 2020 Census, approximately 42.7% of households have a language other than English spoken at home.
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4 Water Use Characterization
This section describes and quantifies the City’s past,
current, and future water use through 2050. The City
provides potable water to all its customers, which are
comprised of about 90% residential and 10% commercial,
institutional, industrial, and landscape accounts. In 2025, potable water uses were about 66% residential, 15%
commercial and institutional, 4% industrial, 10%
landscape, and 5% losses.
IN THIS SECTION
• Non-Potable Versus Potable
Water Use
• Past, Current, and
Projected Water Use
• Water Use for Lower
Income Households
• Climate Change
Considerations
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4.1 Non-Potable Versus Potable Water Use
The City serves its customers potable water for residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, and landscape irrigational demands through its potable water distribution system.
The City also diverts raw surface water obtained from USBR and FID to recharge basins throughout the service area. The raw surface water recharges the groundwater basin to sustain the groundwater supply for the City. The groundwater recharge volume can vary based on surface water supply availability and is represented as an addition to annual groundwater supplies as discussed in Section 6. The City coordinates with FID for the delivery of the recharge water, utilizing FID’s existing system of channels and pipelines to convey the raw water, and with Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District (FMFCD) to deliver water to FMFCD’s stormwater retention and recharge basins or City recharge basins.
In addition, the City serves a limited number of customers secondary treated and tertiary treated recycled water for agricultural irrigation and landscape irrigation, respectively. The recycled water demands are discussed in Section 6.5.
4.2 Past, Current, and Projected Water Use
The following sections document the past and current water use for each sector, and the projected water use through 2050.
4.2.1 Water Use Sectors
Records of historical water consumption serve as the basis for developing water demands by water use sector. Water consumption is the volume of water measured at each metered service.
The City tracks water consumption across different water use sectors listed in the CWC and listed in DWR Tables 4-1R and 4-2R in Appendix B:
• Single-Family Residential
• Multifamily Residential
• Commercial and Institutional / Governmental
• Industrial
• Landscape
• Distribution System Losses
In addition to the water uses listed in the CWC, the City participates in exchanges and transfers, provides temporary travel meters for temporary water use, and diverts non- City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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potable surface supplies for groundwater recharge, as described below. The City does not provide water for sales to other agencies, saline water intrusion barriers, or agricultural use.
4.2.1.1 Exchanges
Since 1976, the City has had a water exchange agreement with FID for delivery of the City’s percolated wastewater effluent — considered equivalent to tertiary recycled water treatment — to FID canals. This is not counted as a water use in this section and is discussed as a water supply in Section 6.7.2.
4.2.1.2 Other
A small, quantified water demand has been classified as “other” to account for temporary travel or construction meters for water used for dust control. This type of use typically accounts for less than one percent of total water use.
4.2.2 Past Water Use
Since 2013, all water services in the City’s water service area have been metered. Prior to 2013, the City estimated single-family residential water use, since these services were not equipped with meters, by subtracting all other metered uses (commercial, institutional, industrial, and irrigational), plus 10% assumed losses, from production data. Water consumption for the City’s water service area by customer type for 2013–2025 is shown on Figure 4-1.
As shown in the figure, single-family residential water use has decreased by about 20,000 AFY since the Single-Family Metering Program was completed in 2013, even with growth in single-family residential connections. Multi-family residential, commercial, and institutional services have historically been metered, and consumption has also decreased since 2013. Industrial and landscape irrigation uses are at similar levels to 2013 consumption, even as new customers have connected to the City’s water system.
Landscape irrigation demands did decrease in 2015 and 2016, likely due to the drought restrictions, but have now recovered after the drought ended in 2017.
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Figure 4-1. Historical Consumption by Customer Type (2013-2025) 76,029
67,179
54,189 53,805 57,842 57,314 54,719 60,065 59,231 57,908 55,506 58,311 57,816 20,901
19,807
17,522 17,774
18,393 18,448 17,922
18,842 19,443 19,104 18,099 18,458 18,040
20,062
20,047
17,469 17,887
19,008 19,089
17,938
16,971 18,059 18,113
17,042
17,988 17,251
5,747
5,800
5,618 5,533
5,698 5,561
5,554
5,729 6,085 6,016
5,712
5,066 4,672
10,666
9,130
7,358 7,726
9,021 9,872
10,019
10,478 11,114 11,274
10,292
11,385 11,325
133,692
122,191
102,308
103,045
110,525
110,725
106,500
112,426
114,287
112,837
107,079
111,660
109,500
0 20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Metered Consumption (AF)
Single-family Residential Multi-family Residential Commercial/Institutional Industrial Landscape Irrigation Travel Meters
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The City also uses its raw surface water for groundwater recharge within the City. Figure 4-2 shows the historic volume of the City’s raw surface water used for groundwater recharge since 2000. Over the last 25 years (2000–2025), the average annual intentional recharge of surface water was 46,117 AFY. Total recharge has ranged from a high of 82,933 AF in 2019 and a low of 2,031 AF in 2021 due to limited surface water supplies.
The four highest recharge years over the last 25 years occurred within the last ten years:
2016, 2017, 2019, and 2023. The increases in recharge volume were due to significant increases in recharge capacity at City basins with the addition of several basins (Nielsen, Fancher), proactive maintenance of basins to maximize percolation capacity, and a large surface water supply during the wet years of 2019 and 2023. The annual variability between years is caused by several factors, including basin availability, water delivery season, canals delivery capacity, pond maintenance, or length of wet seasons.
Historically FID has had the capacity to deliver all the City’s requested water for recharge during the irrigation season. However, during 2023, one of the wettest years on record, the City had additional supply that they were unable to recharge due to capacity constraints within FID’s conveyance system. The City’s recharge was also lower in 2024 and 2025 due to a shorter irrigation season where FID’s canals were operating and able to deliver the City’s water to recharge basins. The City’s ongoing Metro Plan update further explores these constraints and will include recommendations to maximize the City’s recharge potential.
Figure 4-2. Historic Recharge of City Surface Water 54,995 46,538 46,514 55,461 44,925 42,881 39,749 36,583 49,852 52,538 50,961 48,919 45,471 45,169 34,681 19,76265,650
72,11649,119
82,93342,686
2,031
31,82866,66237,47133,549
0 10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
AFY
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4.2.3 Distribution System Water Losses
Real losses, as defined in the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Audit tool are:
“Physical water losses from the pressurized system (water mains and customer service connections) and the utility’s storage tanks, up to the point of customer consumption. In metered systems, this is the customer meter; in unmetered situations, this is the first point of consumption (stop tap/tap) within the property.
The annual volume lost through all types of leaks, breaks, and overflows depends on frequencies, flow rates, and average duration of individual leaks, breaks, and overflows.”
The City’s system losses have many different possible causes such as hydrant flushing/testing, construction, firefighting, system leaks, water main breaks, and meter error. The past five years of distribution system losses are listed in Table 4-1 and the results of the 2021-2024 AWWA Water Audit Tool are provided in Appendix D. The AWWA Audit Worksheet was not completed for 2025 prior to the submittal of this plan, so water losses in 2025 were estimated based on the difference between metered water production and metered water use for the 2025 calendar year. The estimated loss in 2025 is 5,149 AF and is approximately 4.5% of the overall system production. Over the last five years, the City’s water losses ranged from about 4% to 8% of total demand.
As shown in Table 4-1, the City’s water loss volume was significantly reduced in 2024 and 2025 compared to previous years. This is because in 2024 the City began better tracking water used at fire hydrants for flushing and fire protection, irrigation use at the City’s wells, and water used for backwashing at certain well treatment sites. While the City continues to reduce water losses, the age of the existing water infrastructure makes it challenging to fully manage and eliminate all losses.
Table 4-1. 12 Month Water Loss Audit Reporting (DWR 4-5R) Report Period Start Date Volume of Water Loss,
AFY
Percentage Loss of
MM YYY Production
1 2021 8,601 7.0%
1 2022 8,975 7.3%
1 2023 9,524 8.1%
1 2024 4,364 3.8%
1 2025 5,149 4.5%
Note: For 2021 through 2024, volume of water loss is taken from the AWWA Water Audit Tool. For 2025, the volume of water loss is the difference in metered production and metered consumption.
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CWC Section 10631 (d)(3)(C) requires water suppliers to provide data to determine if the supplier will meet its State Water Board water loss performance standard. Table 4-2 compares the City’s Water Loss Performance Standard to the reported real and apparent water loss in the City’s 2024 AWWA Water Loss Audit (see Appendix D) in gallons per service connection per day (gpscd). As shown, the City met its real water loss standard in 2024. However, the City’s estimated apparent water losses, which include systematic data handling errors, customer metering inaccuracies, and unauthorized consumption, is higher than the City’s apparent water loss standard. The City plans to continue to manage and minimize water losses through its water loss reduction programs, discussed in Section 9.2.5.
Table 4-2. Progress Toward 2028 Water Loss Standard (DWR Table 4-6R) Real
Water Loss
Apparent
Water Loss
City Water Loss Performance Standard 15.5 gpscd 10.3 gpscd 2024 Actual Loss1 9.5 gpscd 17.6 gpscd
Difference 6 gpscd -7.3 gpscd
Note:
1. 2024 real and apparent water losses are calculated based on information provided on the City’s 2024 AWWA Water Loss Audit, provided in Appendix D.
4.2.4 Current Water Use
Table 4-3 provides the breakdown of actual potable and non-potable water use by sector type in 2025. As shown in Table 4-3, single-family residential water use is the largest use type in the City and accounted for about 50% of water use in 2025. Multifamily residential use was the second largest, accounting for approximately 16% of water use in 2025.
Together, residential water use accounts for about 66% of all potable water uses in the City’s service area. The remaining potable water uses consist of mainly commercial and institutional water use, which are tracked together and included only on the commercial use row on Table 4-3, followed by landscape irrigation and industrial usage. Distribution losses accounted for approximately 4.5% of potable water used in 2025 (perTable 4-1).
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Table 4-3. 2025 Actual Water Use (DWR Table 4-1)
Use Type
Additional
Description
Level of
Treatment 2025 Volume
Percent of
Total Potable
Demand1
Single Family
Residential Potable 57,816 50.4%
Multi-Family
Residential Potable 18,040 15.7%
Commercial Includes Institutional Potable 17,251 15.0%
Industrial Potable 4,672 4.1%
Landscape Primarily CII Potable 11,325 9.9%
Other Travel Meters Potable 396 0.3%
Losses Potable 5,149 4.5%
Total Potable Demand Potable 114,649 100%
Groundwater
Recharge
Raw Surface Water Non-Potable 33,962 N/A
Landscape Recycled Water CII Non-Potable 325 N/A
Total Non-Potable Demand 34,287 N/A
TOTAL 148,936
Note:
1. Percentages are rounded to the nearest tenth.
4.2.5 Projected Water Use
4.2.5.1 Land Use Projections
The potable demand projections through 2050 for normal water years (defined in Section
7.2.3) were developed for the City’s ongoing Metro Plan update and follow the methodology for land use-based projections described in Appendix K of the 2025 UWMP Guidebook. Under this methodology, existing land use and demand is accounted separately from future land use and demand. This allows different demand factors to be applied to current land use areas and future land use areas. Future land use areas represent future customers and developments that are expected to be more water efficient than existing land uses and buildings due to the California Plumbing Code and use of higher efficiency appliances and landscapes.
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The existing and future land use acreage was sourced from the City’s Geographic Information System database and the City’s General Plan. The existing land use shapefile and associated acreage for each land use classification were used to represent 2025 land use data. Areas not served by the City were excluded from the existing land use shapefile.
The future land use shapefile corresponds with the planned land use at buildout as described in the City’s General Plan representing the year 2056. Although the City does not have any plans to serve areas currently served by others within the City limits, all areas within the City SOI were assumed to be served by the City by buildout for conservative planning purposes.
The land use acreage between 2025 and 2056 was estimated in 5-year increments by defining areas planned to be developed by 2030 from the City’s Planning Department and then by linearly interpolating the remainder of the change in acreage for each land use category between 2030 and 2056. This results in a 1.6% annual growth rate from 2025 to 2030 and a 0.8% annual growth rate from 2030 to 2056. Figure 4-3 shows the existing and projected land use by customer class used to develop the projections.
Figure 4-3. Existing and Projected Land Use through Buildout Note: Acreage values for Mixed-use and Downtown land use types are not shown every year for clarity, but are included in the total acreage value. 30,200 32,387 33,849 35,312 36,774 38,237 39,699 39,992 3,400 3,747 3,762 3,777 3,792 3,807 3,822 3,825
5,000
6,018 6,505 6,992 7,479 7,966 8,453 8,551
7,400
6,133 6,335 6,537 6,740 6,942 7,144 7,184
6,700 6,384 6,944 7,504 8,064 8,624 9,184 9,296
10,900
12,863 12,501 12,139 11,776 11,414 2,293 11,052 10,980 2,783 3,274 3,764 3,862 63,630
69,012 71,952 74,891 77,831 80,770 83,710 84,298
0 10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
90,000
100,000
2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 2055 2056
Land Use Acreage
SFR MFR Commercial Public
Industrial Open Space Mixed Use Downtown
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4.2.5.2 Demand Factors
Land use-based water demand factors were developed using 2018 metered consumption data matched to 72 categories of land use data. These demand factors are applied to the land use acreage by category to develop the demand projection through 2050. Demand factors for land uses that grow over time and represent new developments were assigned a lower demand factor than existing developments. Additionally, demand factors were assumed to slowly reduce over time due to passive conservation, which includes the replacement of older water fixtures and appliances with more efficient types now required as part of the California Plumbing Code. The passive conservation savings are projected to be greater for existing customers than future customers because future customers are already assumed to have a lower water demand factor and meet the plumbing code.
Future savings due to passive conservation were developed using the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) Water Conservation Tracking Tool. The Tracking Tool is an Excel tool that can incorporate water service area-specific data to estimate natural replacement rates of fixtures and future savings based on the California Plumbing Code.
Table 4-4 lists the passive conservation savings assumption incorporated in the potable demand projections. Existing unit demand factors are reduced by the percentages listed to develop the future development unit demand factors. As shown in the table, this assumes future residential and non-residential units are 10% and 5% more water efficient, respectively, than existing units due to changes in the plumbing code and ever-increasing new water efficient technology. Table 4-5 compares the total potable demand projections without the estimated savings due to passive conservation through 2050.
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Table 4-4. Passive Conservation Savings Assumptions
Land Use Type
Future
Development Unit
Demand Factor
Reduction1
Existing
Development
Annual Passive
Conservation
Savings2
Future
Development
Annual Passive
Conservation
Savings3
Residential/Mixed Use 10% 0.20% per year 0.04% per year Commercial/Downtown 5% 0.05% per year 0.01% per year
Public 5% 0.05% per year 0.01% per year
Industrial 5% 0.05% per year 0.01% per year
Open Space/
Landscape Irrigation 0% 0% per year 0% per year
Notes:
1. Existing unit demand factors are reduced by the percentages listed to develop the future development unit demand factors.
2. Existing development annual passive conservation savings were developed using the AWE Water Conservation Tracking Tool.
3. Future development passive conservation savings are assumed to be one-fifth the rate of existing development passive conservation savings.
Table 4-5. Projected Future Savings for Potable Demands 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Total Potable Demand, No Conservation 149,508 157,424 165,341 173,258 181,175 Estimated Passive Conservation 2,006 2,994 3,974 4,944 5,905 Total Potable Demand 147,502 154,430 161,367 168,314 175,270
4.2.5.3 Demand Projections
Table 4-6 provides the projected potable demands by use type based on the methodology described above. The projected water losses are 8% of projected potable demand, and consistent with the historic water loss for the City. Potable demands are projected to increase by nearly 30% over the next 5 years due to planned development within the City.
If the development occurs at a slower pace than assumed, then the pace of demand increases would decrease.
Table 4-6 also includes the projected raw surface water used for groundwater recharge and recycled water demand through the planning period for normal years. The City intends to maximize recharge every year. The projected groundwater recharge water use is based on average recharge projected during a normal year. The actual volume City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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recharged would vary based on the available surface water supplies each year, as well as available basin capacity and other factors, and may be lower in dry years or higher in wet years. See Section 6.3 for more information on projected groundwater recharge using surface water supplies.
Recycled water use is projected to include the continued deliveries of recycled water for landscape irrigation and adding customers to the existing recycled water system. See Section 6.5 for more information on the recycled water system.
Table 4-6. Projected Demands for Potable and Non-Potable Water (DWR Table 4-2) Use Type
Additional
Description
Projected Water Use
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Single Family
Residential 80,429 82,934 85,437 87,936 90,434
Multi-Family
Residential 20,654 21,737 22,831 23,935 25,050
Commercial Includes Institutional 21,259 22,774 24,290 25,807 27,325 Industrial 9,003 9,922 10,841 11,758 12,675
Landscape Primarily CII 5,045 5,437 5,829 6,221 6,613
Other Travel Meters 201 202 203 204 205
Losses 10,911 11,424 11,938 12,453 12,968
POTABLE TOTAL 147,502 154,430 161,369 168,314 175,270
Groundwater
Recharge Raw Water 61,300 64,300 66,100 66,200 66,200
Landscape Recycled Water CII 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430 NON-POTABLE TOTAL 62,280 65,730 67,530 67,630 67,630
TOTAL 209,782 220,160 228,899 235,944 242,900
4.2.5.4 Future Conservation
In 2018, following the unprecedented drought, California Legislature established a framework centered on “Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life.” The goal was to help the State better prepare for droughts and climate change by establishing statewide water efficiency standards and incentivizing recycled water (DWR, SWRCB, 2018). The resulting legislation of Senate Bill 606 and Assembly Bill 1668 and the water use regulations officially adopted by the SWRCB on July 3, 2024 establishes unique water budget-based Urban Water Use Objectives (UWUO) for each urban retail water supplier in the State. The regulation requires suppliers to calculate an UWUO consisting of these core components:
• Residential Indoor Water Use Budget
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• Residential Outdoor Water Use Budget
• Commercial, Industrial, and Institutional (CII) Dedicated Irrigation Meters Outdoor Water Use Budget
• Real Water Loss Budget
Each component of the UWUO has associated water efficiency standards that become increasingly stringent through 2040 as shown in Table 4-7. The key standards are residential indoor water use in gallons per capita per day (GPCD), Landscape Efficiency Factors (LEF) for calculating the outdoor water use budget, and real water loss measured in gpscd. Annually updated supplier-specific input data is also required for population, climate, landscapes, and real water losses. The UWUO does not include some uses, such as CII indoor use or other uses that are considered “Excluded Demands.” Table 4-7. Water Efficiency Standard by Reporting Period Fiscal
Year
Residential
Indoor GPCD
Residential
Outdoor LEF
CII Dedicated
Irrigation Meters
Real Water Loss
Budget1
23/24 55 0.8 Actual Reported
“Landscape” Volume
Actual Reported or
Budget
25/26 47 0.8 Actual Reported
“Landscape” Volume
Actual Reported or
Budget
30/31 42 0.8 0.8 LEF
(starts July 1, 2028)
Budget
(starts July 1, 2027)
35/36 42 0.63 0.63 LEF Budget
40/41 42 0.55 0.45 LEF Budget
Note:
1. The Real Water Loss Budget is a supplier’s standard for real water loss (gpscd) applied to total service connections.
DWR and SWRCB have developed an annual reporting framework, tools, and guidance for calculating the UWUO and comparing it to the actual use for that year. The SWRCB’s “Water Use Objective Exploration Tool” allows users to enter varying efficiency standards and baseline year(s) of input data to calculate and visualize a comparison of historic demand to the UWUO with selected standards. The SWRCB’s “Annual UWUO and Water Use Report” tool pre-populates input data and standards for the given reporting year.
The City is currently working towards meeting their UWUO. Based on the City’s Annual UWUO Report for water use in Fiscal Year 2024, the City’s UWUO was 89,119 AF and the actual water use that contributes to the UWUO was 88,505 AF, therefore meeting the UWUO requirements for Fiscal Year 2024.
As water efficiency standards ramp down and depending on annual input data fluctuations, the City’s estimated UWUO reduction needed by 2040 may exceed projected City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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baseline usage by 30%. According to the regulations, suppliers who must achieve over a 30% reduction in their 2040 UWUO compared to baseline usage are permitted to follow an alternative compliance method. This alternative method requires an annual decrease of 2% in GPCD compared to the baseline usage. The SWRCB also recognizes equity considerations for disadvantaged communities in implementing conservation measures to comply with the UWUO. The SWRCB has indicated that suppliers serving disadvantaged communities, which includes the City, with an estimated UWUO reduction from baseline usage of 20% or greater by 2040 may be eligible to meet their UWUO with a 1% reduction in GPCD compared to the baseline usage.
While the City intends to ultimately meet its UWUO, it recognizes that water demands may initially continue to follow historic patterns and may take longer than anticipated to fully align with the UWUO targets. As a result, the City is evaluating the alternative compliance pathway as a potential means of demonstrating compliance during the transition period. The City is also looking into an updated residential land area measurement to reflect recent growth in their water budget. Higher conservation demand projections that align with UWUO targets are considered within a demand envelope as part of the ongoing Metro Plan update.
4.2.6 Characteristic Five-Year Water Use
In addition to past and projected uses, the UWMP more closely analyzes anticipated conditions for the next five years (2026 – 2030). In the next five years, City anticipates that demands may increase by nearly 30% from current conditions due to planned development withing the City’s service area. Details on an analysis for the next five years are discussed in Section 7.3.
Table 4-8. Characteristic Five-Year Water Use
Use Type
Projected Water Use (AF)
2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Potable Demand 121,220 127,790 134,361 140,931 147,502
Non-Potable Demand 56,460 57,920 59,380 60,840 62,300
TOTAL 177,680 185,710 193,741 201,771 209,802
4.3 Water Use for Lower Income Households
CWC Section 10631.1 requires demand projections to include projected water use for single-family and multi-family residential housing needed for lower income households.
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income, adjusted for family size. The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) determines the housing needs in each jurisdiction over the planning period.
The Fresno Council of Governments (COG) prepared an update to the Fresno MultiJurisdiction Housing Element and Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) to cover the period of December 31, 2023–December 31, 2031. On December 12, 2024, the Fresno City Council adopted the Fresno County Multi-Jurisdictional 2023-2031 Housing Element with Appendix 1E: Fresno City. The main body of the document takes a regional approach to housing across Fresno County, while Appendix 1E applies specifically to the City of Fresno.
The Fresno County Multi-Jurisdictional 2023-2031 Housing Element with Appendix 1E:
Fresno City specifies the City’s RHNA goals include 15,324 new housing units through 2031 for extremely low, very low, and low income levels (Fresno Council of Governments, 2024).
Table 4-9 includes the Housing Element identified available single-family and multifamily acres to be developed and dwelling units for Extremely Low, Very Low, Low, Moderate, and Above Moderate income levels (Fresno Council of Governments, 2024). This data was used to determine the number of acres of both single-family and multifamily land use that needs to be developed by 2031 to meet the 15,324 lower income units target for RHNA. The identified acres needed for low-income development by 2031 was applied to the average water demand factor for multifamily land uses to project the lower income water demands through 2031 to meet RHNA, shown in Table 4-9.
Table 4-9. Lower Income Dwelling Units and Acres to be Developed through 2031 and Estimated Water Demand
Fresno Housing Element (2023-2031) Total
Acres Available for Low-Income Development 573.9
Total Dwelling Units 17,095
Dwelling Unit per Acre 29.79
Dwelling Unit Needed to Meet RHNA 15,324
Acres to be developed to Meet RHNA 514.40
Average Water Demand Factor (AF/ Acre) 5.13
Low-Income Demand to meet RHNA
from years 2025 – 2031 (AF) 2,638
Annual Low-Income Demand to meet RHNA (AFY) 376
Note: All low-income housing units are slated as multifamily residential units.
Based on the estimated low-income water demand to meet the RHNA requirements by 2031, the annual projected low-income households demand is 376 AFY for multifamily City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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residential, or approximately 1.6% of the anticipated growth in potable demand through 2031. For the purposes of this plan, the current RHNA projected low-income growth and water demands was applied through the UWMP planning period of 2050 to estimate projected low income demand, presented in Table 4-10. However, lower income demands beyond 2031 will be based on the next Housing Element and RHNA Update expected in 2032 and may change in the future. All housing units and associated population are included in the adopted General Plan, and the demands for these units that occur within the water service area boundaries are included in the future water demands presented in this plan.
Table 4-10. Lower Income Household Projected Water Demands Low Income Demand 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Multifamily Residential Demand (AF) 2,419 2,533 2,646 2,760 2,874 Note: All projected low-income housing is estimated to be multifamily residential units.
4.4 Climate Change Considerations
California’s climate has always experienced frequent and sometimes prolonged droughts. Water users have developed major infrastructure and water management plans and strategies to largely dampen the effects of such droughts. Changes in climate, especially higher temperatures, are making these droughts deeper and longer, which will require additional preparations (Lund, 2022).
Concentrations of heat-trapping gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, are increasing in the atmosphere to cause climate change and contributing to global planet warming. The impacts of climate change in California have been studied and modeled in depth, and general trends and impacts of climate change can be predicted. Climate models differ on average annual precipitation projections but coincide on other hydrologic metrics relevant to water resources management, including (Persad, Inter-model agreement on projected shifts in California hydroclimate characteristics critical to water management, 2020):
o Snowpack declines
o Increased fraction of precipitation on extreme rainfall days o Shorter, sharper rainy season
o Increased evapotranspiration
o Higher frequency of extremely wet and extremely dry years o Higher incidence of extreme dry year followed by an extreme wet year or vice versa.
While these climate changes affect the availability, volume, and quality of California and the City’s water supplies, it will also impact the City’s water demand.
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Climate change impacts were considered in the North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Plan (NKGSP) based on DWR’s Guidance for Climate Change Data Use during Groundwater Sustainability Plan Development (Department of Water Resources, 2018) and the related Sustainable Groundwater Management Act climate change website. As documented in the NKGSP, the DWR climate change datasets were developed for the California Water Commission’s Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP), are consistent with other DWR programs, are based on the best available science, build on previous efforts, incorporate the latest advances in projections, and follow the Climate Change Technical Advisory Group guidance (Provost & Pritchard, 2022).
Changing precipitation and increased temperature and evapotranspiration (ETo) rates are expected to have the greatest impact on future demands, especially for outdoor water use. The WSIP climate change data sets estimate minimal changes to precipitation due to climate change from the historic period. The same datasets predict the ETo rate estimates with climate change will increase 3% by 2030 and up to 8% by 2070. More specifically, the ETo rate is predicted to increase the most in typically low ETo months (winter) and when irrigation is limited. The ETo rate is also predicted to be only slightly higher than historic in warmer months during the irrigation season. While higher ETo rates would increase irrigation demands, they are not anticipated to substantially impact the City’s urban water use. The City proactively tracks ETo within its service area to evaluate its changes and impacts on water use. The climate change impacts to supply sources are discussed in Section 6.10.1.
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5 SB X7-7 Baselines, Targets,
and 2025 Compliance
This section describes compliance with SBX7-7’s required 20% reduction of water use by 2020.
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5.1 Baseline and Targets
Senate Bill 7 of Special Extended Session 7 (SBX7-7) was incorporated into the UWMP Act in 2009 and requires that all water suppliers increase water use efficiency with the overall goal to decrease per-capita water consumption within the state by 20% by the year 2020.
SBX7-7 required DWR to develop certain criteria, methods, and standard reporting forms through a public process that water suppliers could use to establish their baseline water use and determine their water conservation targets. SBX7-7 and DWR's Methodologies for Calculating Baseline and Compliance Urban Per Capita Water Use (DWR, 2016) specify methodologies for determining the City’s baseline water demand, 2015 interim urban water use target, and the 2020 urban water use target, as described in the City’s 2020 UWMP. The selected procedures used to develop the City’s SBx7-7 baseline and targets are listed below:
• Calculate baseline water use, which is the average gross daily water use per capita, reported in gallons per capita per day (GPCD), based on gross water use and service area population for a continuous 10-year period ending no earlier than December 31, 2004.
• Calculate urban water use target using one of the four methods described below. • Check and confirm the urban water use target using the five-year running average. • Calculate the interim urban water use target (equal to the average of the baseline and confirmed urban water use target).
• Calculate the compliance daily per capita water use (equal to the gross daily water use per capita during the final year of the reporting period).
DWR allows the urban water supplier to choose one of four different methods to calculate the urban water use target in Step 2 above.
• Method 1 involves calculating the target based on 80% of baseline daily per capita water use and the interim target based on 90% of the baseline daily per capita water use.
• Method 2 involves calculating the per capita daily water use by using the sum of performance standards applied to indoor residential use, landscaped area water use, and commercial, industrial, and institutional uses. • Method 3 calculates the water use target as 95% of the applicable state hydrologic region target as stated in the draft 20x2020 Water Conservation Plan. • Method 4 is an approach developed by DWR that uses a spreadsheet to calculate estimated water savings factors to estimate targets.
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The City selected Method 1 for determining its 2015 Interim and 2020 Final urban water use targets during the preparation of its 2010 UWMP. This selection was made after reviewing the four alternative methods available. Rather than duplicating the evaluation for this plan update, the reader is directed to Appendix I of the City’s 2010 UWMP for details, as the previous City adopted evaluation is still applicable and results in the same target method selection.
The City’s 2015 UWMP reviewed and updated the 10-year and five-year Baseline Daily Per Capita Water Use and 2020 Target, included in Table 5-1. The continuous time period used in the 2015 UWMP for the 10-year baseline period is 1999–2008 and has an associated average daily per capita water use of 309 GPCD. The continuous time period that was used in the 2015 UWMP for the five-year target confirmation baseline period was 2003–2007, which has an associated average daily per capita water use of 304 GPCD. The confirmed 2020 target was established as a 20% reduction from the 10-year baseline per capita use and is 247 GPCD. Refer to Chapter 5 of the City’s 2015 UWMP for more information on how the baselines and targets were developed.
5.2 2020 Compliance
The City’s actual 2020 GPCD was used to determine if the City met its compliance target.
The City’s 2020 GPCD was calculated based on the 2020 population output of the DWR population tool (550,217 population) and the City’s 2020 gross water use (121,993 AF) based on metered water production at each of the City SWTFs and municipal groundwater wells. Using these values, the City’s 2020 per capita water use was 198 GPCD. Refer to Chapter 5 of the City’s 2020 UWMP for more information on how the 2020 per capita water use was calculated.
As shown in Table 5-1, the City met its target GPCD in 2020, meaning the City’s actual 2020 water use (198 GPCD) was below its maximum water use target (247 GPCD).
Ongoing implementation of the City’s conservation program, among other actions, will help the City prevent substantial increases to the current daily per capita water use going forward and stay in compliance with SB X7-7. In 2025, the City’s per capita water use was 180 GPCD based on 114,649 AF of potable water use (Table 4-3) with a 568,964 population (Table 3-3), indicating the City remains below its 2020 water use target. The City is also planning to implement additional conservation as needed to meet their UWUO as required by State Regulations, discussed in Section 4.2.5.4.
Table 5-1. SB X7-7 2020 Target Progress (DWR Table 5-1) 2020 Target GPCD 2020 Actual GPCD Did Supplier Achieve Target? 247 198 Yes
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6 Water Supply Characterization
This section describes and quantifies the City’s current and projected potable and non-potable water supplies. It
provides a narrative description of each supply source and quantifies the supply availability for each supply source identified.
IN THIS SECTION
• Water Supply
Characterization
• Future Water Project
• Energy Intensity
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6.1 Water Supply Analysis Overview
The City relies on water from the following sources:
• Groundwater from the North Kings Subbasin
• Surface water from Central Valley Project (CVP), through a contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
• Surface water from the Kings River, through a contract with Fresno Irrigation District (FID)
• Recycled water produced at the City’s Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (RWRF) and North Fresno Wastewater Reclamation Facility (NFWRF).
Water production in the City consisted of 100% groundwater prior to the commissioning of the City’s first surface water treatment facility (SWTF) in 2004. Since 2004, the City has invested in expanding its surface water treatment capabilities and now has three SWTFs that provide approximately half of all potable water demands in the service area.
This section provides a discussion of the City’s existing and planned supplies through 2050. This section also discusses supply availability and reliability under normal supply conditions (normal water year), during a single dry year, and for a drought lasting five years. Reliability under these conditions is also discussed in Section 7.
6.2 Groundwater
The City overlies the Kings Subbasin, which is part of the greater San Joaquin Valley Groundwater Basin. The City is one of many water purveyors that use groundwater from the Kings Subbasin. The City has a network of over 250 municipal wells and currently operates 194 municipal supply wells within the Kings Subbasin. Until 2004, the City relied solely on groundwater to meet water demands. The City’s desire is to continue to use groundwater within a larger conjunctive use program that maximizes its existing water rights and surface water supply sources.
6.2.1 Basin Description
DWR has partitioned the State into 10 major hydrologic regions (also referred to as “basins”) and then further divided each basin into subbasins. The City is located in the Kings Subbasin (DWR Groundwater Subbasin Number 5-22.08) and lies within the larger San Joaquin Valley Groundwater Basin in the Central Valley of California. The Kings Subbasin covers approximately 1,530 square miles (sq mi).
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6.2.1.1 Basin Location
The San Joaquin Valley Groundwater Basin is bounded to the north by the SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta and Sacramento Valley, to the east by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, to the south by the San Emigdio and Tehachapi Mountains, and to the west by the Coast Ranges. The Kings Subbasin, located within the southern half of the San Joaquin Valley Groundwater Basin, is bounded to the north by the San Joaquin River, to the east by the alluvium-granite rock interface of the Sierra Nevada foothills, to the south by the southern fork of the Kings River, and to the west by the Delta-Mendota and Westside Subbasins (DWR, 2006).
The Kings Subbasin is split into seven Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) management areas, with Fresno located in the North Kings GSA. Figure 6-1 illustrates the location of the City within the Kings Subbasin.
6.2.1.2 Area Geology
The upper several hundred feet of geology within the Kings Subbasin generally consists of highly permeable, coarse-grained deposits, which are termed older alluvium. Figure 6-2 presents an idealized hydrogeologic cross-section that illustrates the general depth of various lithologic features within the Kings Subbasin, near the City.
Coarse-grained stream channel deposits, associated with deposits by the ancestral San Joaquin and Kings Rivers, underlie much of northwest Fresno (Layer 3 and 4 in Figure 6-2). There is a laterally extensive clay layer, at an average depth of approximately 250 feet below the ground surface, beneath most of the south and southeastern portions of the City.
Below the older alluvium, to depths ranging about 600–1,200 feet below ground surface, the finer-grained sediments of the tertiary-quaternary continental deposits are typically encountered (Layer 5 in Figure 6-2). Substantial groundwater has been produced and utilized from these depths by the City. However, deeper deposits located in the southeastern and northern portions of the City have produced less groundwater.
There are also reduced deposits in the northern and eastern portions of the City, at depths generally below 700 or 800 feet, which are associated with high concentrations of iron, manganese, arsenic, hydrogen sulfide, and methane gas. Groundwater at these depths does not generally provide a significant source for municipal supply wells.
The aquifer beneath the City was characterized using data compiled during aquifer tests performed at the City’s production wells. Aquifer test data (pump tests) were reviewed to evaluate specific capacity, which indicates the ability of a particular well to produce water.
Figure 6-3 presents the estimated specific capacity of each active well from 2020 pump City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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test data. As shown in the figure, the northwestern and southwestern portions of the City have wells with higher specific capacities.
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Figure 6-2. Kings Groundwater Subbasin Conceptual Hydrogeologic Cross Section, Southwest-Northeast
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6.2.2 Historic Groundwater Pumping
The City has historically relied on groundwater as its main supply source prior to the construction of its SWTFs. With the recent investments in surface water infrastructure, the City has been able to drastically reduce its groundwater pumping. Figure 6-4 shows the historic groundwater pumping since 2003. As shown, pumping has dropped significantly since 2003, the City’s peak year for groundwater production.
Figure 6-4. Historic Groundwater Production
6.2.3 Groundwater Recharge
The City has long made efforts toward offsetting the decline of groundwater levels and minimizing overdraft conditions through an active intentional recharge program that started in 1971 (CH2MHill, 1992). Through cooperative agreements with FMFCD and FID, the City has access to not only City-owned basins, but also to basins owned by FMFCD and FID. Figure 6-5 shows active and proposed recharge basins as well as FID canals, which the City utilizes as part of groundwater recharge program. Flood control and recharge basins are used throughout the service area to recharge both stormwater and surface water.165,200
160,000 141,500 136,000 146,300 148,700 142,000 128,600 119,900 119,500
124,400 108,100
82,700 99,200
105,300
76,800 54,600 55,000 65,300 55,800 50,500 46,100 48,000 -
20,000
40,000
60,000
80,000
100,000
120,000
140,000
160,000
180,000
Groundwater Production (AF)
Year
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As described in Section 4, the City plans to continue its groundwater recharge program to protect the groundwater basin. Figure 6-6 presents the volume of water the City has historically recharged along with recharge projections. The volume of water recharged varies each year depending on several factors, including basin availability, water delivery season, canals delivery capacity, pond maintenance, or length of wet seasons. Historically FID has had the capacity to deliver all the City’s requested water for recharge during the irrigation season, until recent years when capacity constraints within FID’s conveyance system and a shorter irrigation season limited delivery of City surface water for recharge. The City’s ongoing Metro Plan update will further explore these constraints and will include recommendations to maximize the City’s recharge potential.
The City intends to maximize recharge every year, and gradually increase recharge through proactive basin maintenance, improvements to City owned basins, connecting more basins to FID’s conveyance system, and improved coordination with FMFCD and FID for recharge operations. The projected maximum volume of water the City could recharge based on hydrologic year type1is presented in Figure 6-6. As described in Section 4.2.5.3, the normal year groundwater recharge is based on the normal-wet year projected recharge volume but the actual volume recharged each year will be based on the available surface water supplies combined with available basin capacity and other factors. Recharge will be higher in wet years to build additional groundwater storage for dry years when recharge will be less than the projected normal year average. 1 Year types align with the 2006 San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Agreement six hydrologic year types described in Section 6.3.1.
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Figure 6-6. Historic Recharge and Projected Maximum Recharge Potential
6.2.4 Groundwater Management
In 2014, the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) was passed and is codified in CWC Section 10720 et seq. This legislation created a statutory framework for groundwater management in California that can be sustained during the planning and implementation horizon without causing undesirable results. SGMA requires governments and water agencies of “critically overdrafted” basins to reach sustainability by 2040. The Kings Subbasin was designated a high priority, critically overdrafted basin and the North Kings GSA is working within the SGMA framework to reach groundwater sustainability.
The City was a founding member of the North Kings GSA, which consists of the following public agencies and participating agencies:
• Fresno Irrigation District (member)
• City of Fresno (member)
• City of Clovis (member)
• City of Kerman (member)
• County of Fresno (member)
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• Bakman Water Company (participating agency)
• Biola Community Services District (member)
• Garfield Water District (member)
• International Water District (member)
• Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District (participating agency) The Kings Subbasin contains seven GSAs, including the North Kings GSA, as listed below and shown in Figure 6-1:
• Central GSA
• James Irrigation District GSA
• Kings River East GSA
• McMullin Area GSA
• North Kings GSA
• North Fork Kings GSA
• South Kings GSA
The seven GSAs operate cooperatively across the basin via a coordination agreement that ensures common approaches to sustainability items such as similarity of data usage and methodologies, consistent interpretations of the basin setting, and common assumptions and development of water budgets, monitoring networks, sustainable management criteria and data management systems.
The North Kings GSA prepared and submitted its Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) in January 2020 and resubmitted a revised GSP in July 2022 addressing DWR’s comments (Provost & Pritchard, 2022). DWR approved all seven Kings Basin GSPs with corrective actions, including the North Kings GSP, in August 2023. This was a significant milestone indicating the North Kings GSA can continue to locally carry out sustainability efforts. The North Kings GSA updated its GSP to incorporate DWR’s correction actions, which was resubmitted to DWR in January 2025 (Provost & Pritchard, 2025), enabling the GSA to maintain the approval granted by DWR in 2023 and proceed with implementing SGMA at a local level.
As required by SGMA, the North Kings considers six sustainability indicators:
• Chronic lowering of groundwater levels indicating significant and unreasonable depletion of supply
• Significant and unreasonable reduction of groundwater storage • Significant and unreasonable seawater intrusion
• Significant and unreasonable degraded water quality
• Significant and unreasonable land subsidence
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• Depletions of interconnected surface water that have significant and unreasonable adverse impacts on beneficial uses of the surface water Each indicator has an identified undesirable result, measurable objective, and minimum threshold. The measurable objective and minimum threshold allow the North Kings GSA to evaluate progress for the subject indicator and determine if conditions are improving, remaining stable, or degrading. The sustainability indicators of primary concern within the City are groundwater levels, groundwater storage, and groundwater quality. A link to the 2025 GSP is provided in Appendix E\ of this UWMP.
6.2.5 Overdraft Conditions
SGMA directs DWR to identify groundwater basins and subbasins in conditions of critical overdraft. As defined by SGMA, “A basin is subject to critical overdraft when continuation of present water management practices would probably result in significant adverse overdraft-related environmental, social, or economic impacts.” As mentioned, DWR classifies the Kings Basin as being in a state of critical overdraft, and the future of the groundwater basin has been projected to see continued overdraft conditions.
The Kings Subbasin groundwater aquifer supplies the City, other municipalities, agriculture, and rural residential areas with a consistent source of water. Like much of the Kings Subbasin, groundwater levels beneath the City were relatively shallow at 25 feet below ground surface in 1940, prior to the start of World War II (Fresno City Water, Engineering Department, 1940). After the war, the State, including the City, began growing at a rapid rate. For the period from 1959 to 1968 it was reported groundwater levels declined at a rate of 2.8 feet per year (John Carollo Engineers, 1969). The City continued to rely on the groundwater aquifer for decades, monitoring groundwater levels continuously. Groundwater levels since 1990 declined at a lower rate than previously.
Rates of decline slowed further starting in 2004 when the NESWTF started operations and the City renewed focus on increasing groundwater recharge. Since 2019, following startup of the SESWTF in late 2018, surface water has accounted for more than half of the total water supply in the City. With the reduced pumping due to higher reliance of surface water, the groundwater levels have begun to increase in certain areas of the City in the last few years. Figure 6-7 provides a depiction of the City’s depth to groundwater for six representative wells across the City service area since 1960.
The City expects to continue to operate its three SWTFs and pump groundwater at a lower rate than historically so that the groundwater basin can recover. One of the primary objectives for the City as described in its current Metro Plan is to maximize the use of available surface water treatment supplies to reduce overall reliance on groundwater.
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Figure 6-7. Time Series of Groundwater Levels at Representative Wells
6.2.6 Groundwater Quality
Groundwater within the North Kings Subbasin generally meets primary and secondary drinking water standards for municipal water use and is described as being bicarbonate type water, including calcium, magnesium, and sodium as the dominant ions (DWR, 2006). Total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations rarely exceed 600 mg/L and range from 200 to 700 mg/L (DWR, 2006). However, the groundwater basin has been impacted by chemical contaminants, to which the City has responded by installing wellhead treatment in certain areas to continue fully utilizing the groundwater basin resources.
Figure 6-8 presents the general location of regional plumes and certain point sources within the City. The primary contaminants in the basin are nitrate, manufactured chemicals 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane (DBCP), 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP), trichloroethylene (TCE), and perchloroethylene (PCE).
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The City has received settlements in lawsuits related to these contaminants and has constructed wellhead treatment systems and implemented blending plans for certain wells.
Approximately 39 City wells are being treated for these contaminants and an additional 20 wells include treatment for iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide removal or corrosion control.
As shown in the figure, most groundwater contamination occurs in the northeast portion of the City. Over 90 active wells are impacted by at least one contaminant, while some wells are impacted by multiple contaminants (overlapping plumes on the figure). The City also manages contamination by pumping specific wells to control contaminant plumes.
6.2.7 Estimated Groundwater Yield
6.2.7.1 Previous UWMP Projection
Previous UWMPs relied on information from a hydrologic groundwater and surface water model that was prepared for the Upper Kings Basin Integrated Regional Water Management Authority to estimate the City’s groundwater yield. The City contributed additional funding to the effort so the model would be more refined for its service area and capable of assisting in the development of the City’s previous Metro Plan. The Kings Basin Integrated Groundwater and Surface Water Model (IGSM) was completed in 2007 and provided outputs specific to the City SOI (WRIME, 2007). The IGSM was developed and calibrated utilizing data for the period of 1964–2004. Building off the calibrated IGSM, additional modeling was conducted in 2008 to evaluate the City’s proposed water supply plan and its ability to attain the balanced use of groundwater by the buildout year of 2025.
The estimated groundwater yield projection within the City’s SOI based on the IGSM is presented in Table 6-1. The projections consist of:
• Natural Recharge: Based on estimated deep percolation from rainfall and irrigation-applied water, which will increase as the City’s service area increases but is offset by decreased irrigation with increased urbanization. • Net Subsurface Inflow: Representing inflows from adjacent areas into groundwater underneath the City’s service area, which is projected to increase through build out based on the IGSM modeled conditions and results, which may not be representative of current and future conditions. • Intentional Groundwater Recharge: Refer to Section 6.2.3 for a discussion of intentional groundwater recharge projections.
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Table 6-1. Groundwater Yield Projection based on King’s Basin IGSM (AFY) 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 2056
Natural Recharge1 25,910 26,200 26,490 26,790 26,890 27,000 Net Subsurface Inflow1 52,320 54,720 57,120 59,530 61,930 64,800 Total 78,230 80,920 83,610 86,320 88,820 91,800
Intentional Recharge2 61,300 64,300 66,100 66,200 66,200 66,200 Total with Recharge 139,530 145,220 149,710 152,520 155,020 158,000 Note:
1. Based on the Kings Basin IGSM and projected City land growth to its SOI.
2. Based on Normal-Wet hydrologic year type. Refer to Section 6.2.3 for projection basis.
6.2.7.2 Water Budgets
Since development of the IGSM, the City has reduced groundwater pumping substantially but has not observed groundwater level increases that would be expected based on the IGSM model. Groundwater levels in some areas of the City have been increasing since the SESWTF came online in 2018 and groundwater levels are expected to continue to rise as surface water is predominantly used to meet demands. Currently, groundwater levels under the City create a gradient that draws underflow from the San Joaquin River and, in some sections, from surrounding areas. As groundwater levels rise due to reduced pumping and demands are met by the SWTFs, subsurface inflows are expected to decrease. However, projecting the change in net inflows is difficult because historic groundwater basin behavior when groundwater levels are low and/or declining may not be representative for future conditions when groundwater levels are higher and/or rising.
To develop a preliminary estimate of existing net inflows for the Metro Plan Update, a groundwater budget was developed for the City based on 2019 data to represent current conditions during a “normal” hydrologic year type. A detailed description of the 2019 groundwater budget is included in Appendix F, and is summarized below in Table 6-2.
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Table 6-2. Representative Year (2019) Water Budget (AFY) Item Volume (AFY)
INPUT
Surface Water for City Public Supply 74,200
Surface Water for Intentional Recharge 61,600
Surface Water to CSUF Farms 1,550
Urban Storm Water Runoff Recharge 11,200
Groundwater Inflow 29,100
Canal Seepage 10,000
Recycled Water 340
Rural Canal Seepage 11,550
SUBTOTAL 199,540
OUTPUT
Sewage Export 63,600
Residential Consumptive Use 50,100
Other Consumptive Use 9,750
Groundwater Outflow 7,650
Rural Crop Consumption 30,250
SUBTOTAL 161,350
CHANGE IN STORAGE
Change in Storage from Water Budget 38,190
Change in Storage from Water Level Change 41,100
AVERAGE CHANGE IN STORAGE 39,650
Source: Refer to Appendix F.
Note: All values are rounded to the nearest tenth.
For the water budget, sources of water inputs include:
• Historic surface water delivered to the City for treatment and potable use and for intentional recharge, and to irrigated lands. The metered surface water delivered to the treatment plants and Fresno State Farms is used, and surface water used for intentional recharge is based on the FID’s estimated recharge volume delivered to each recharge basin.
• Recharge of urban storm runoff in basins was estimated using annual rainfall data and the total acreage of residential, commercial, and industrial land uses by quadrant, multiplied by 0.15 runoff coefficient.
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• The groundwater inflow includes San Joaquin River seepage estimates and inflow estimates around the City and quadrant boundaries using annual measured groundwater levels and flow gradients.
• Canal seepage was estimated using canal length and lining statues by quadrant in the SOI, along with estimated canal flowrates. The volumes for the urban and rural are accounted separately.
• Historic recycled water used within the City’s urban areas.
For the water budget, sources of water output include:
• Historic sewage exports based on wastewater flows by quadrant developed using land use data, sewer flow factors by land use type, and the total wastewater flow generated in the City.
• Consumptive use was developed for residential use, other uses in the urban area, and for rural crop use:
o Residential consumptive use was developed using water delivered by quadrant and subtracting out the wastewater flows to estimate outdoor water use. This volume was multiplied by 0.7 to reflect an average irrigation efficiency of 70%.
o Other consumptive uses include golf courses, parks, cemeteries and schools that use their own irrigation well. The consumptive use was estimated by quadrant using the acreage of each identified site and the estimated irrigation volume incorporating an average irrigation efficiency of 70%.
o Rural crop consumptive use was estimated similar to the irrigable lands above with considerations of crop type and water usage. • Groundwater outflows are estimated at the City and quadrant boundaries using annual measured groundwater levels and flow gradients.
The difference between the inputs and outputs in Table 6-2 were used to calculate the change in groundwater storage for the water budget and are compared to the estimated change in storage using actual water-level changes for 2019. The 2019 water budget estimates a net groundwater inflow of 22,450 AF based on groundwater inflow of 29,000 AF and groundwater outflow of 7,650 AF.
6.2.7.3 Groundwater Projection
Groundwater levels in some areas of the City have been increasing since the SESWTF came online in late 2018 and groundwater levels are expected to continue to rise as surface water is predominantly used to meet demands. Currently, groundwater levels under the City create a gradient that draws underflow from the San Joaquin River and, in City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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some areas, from surrounding areas. As groundwater levels rise due to reduced pumping and demands are met by the SWTFs, subsurface inflows are expected to decrease.
However, projecting the change in net inflows is difficult because historic groundwater basin behavior when groundwater levels are low and/or declining may not be representative for future conditions when groundwater levels are higher and/or rising.
The groundwater projection used in this UWMP is included in Table 6-3 and is based on the 2019 groundwater budget estimates, summarized in Section 6.2.7.2 and detailed in Appendix F, to represent current groundwater conditions. The 2019 groundwater budget estimated 22,500 AFY of total net subsurface inflows, which is a significant decrease from the 2007 groundwater modeling, described in Section 6.2.7.1. The likely cause is reduced groundwater pumping causing rising groundwater levels. Natural recharge was not explicitly included in this projection so about 26,000 AFY was assumed based on the 2014 IGSM modeling for a total groundwater yield of 48,500 AFY.
The groundwater projection also includes projected normal groundwater recharge, discussed in Section 6.2.3. However, during wet years the City will recharge more water when it is available to allow to the City to draw on additional groundwater during dry years when surface water is not available. Intentional recharge is included in both demand projections as well as contributing to the estimated groundwater projection.
As groundwater levels rise in the City due to less groundwater production than historical use, the City is building local groundwater storage for use during dry periods to meet its customers’ demands. A groundwater storage evaluation will be included in the City’s Metro Plan Update.
Table 6-3. Groundwater Projection for Normal Years (AFY) 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Natural Recharge1 25,910 26,200 26,490 26,790 26,890
Net Subsurface Inflow2 22,500 22,500 22,500 22,500 22,500 Total 48,410 48,700 48,990 49,290 49,390
Intentional Recharge3 61,300 64,300 66,100 66,200 66,200 Total with Recharge 109,710 113,000 115,090 115,490 115,590 Notes:
1. Based on Kings Basin IGSM and projected City land growth (Table 6-1).
2. Based on 2019 water budget estimated subsurface inflow, described in Section
6.2.7.2 and Appendix F.
3. Projected normal year intentional recharge from Section 6.2.3.
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6.3 Surface Water
With the completion and operation of the SESWTF, surface water is now a primary water supply used to meet potable demands within the City. The City contracts with FID for Kings River water and with the USBR for CVP water from the Friant-Kern Canal. The surface water supply is used either for potable uses through treatment and distribution or delivery to recharge basins for groundwater recharge.
The Kings River water year (WY) is October through September while USBR uses a WY of March through February. The City has historically used a calendar year (CY) for its analysis, so monthly water supply information was compiled in CY format for this report.
6.3.1 USBR Friant Division Contract Supply
The City, through an agreement originally executed in January 1961, secured a surface water supply from USBR CVP Friant Division. This agreement, for an annual water supply of 60,000 AF of Class 1 water, was last renewed in 2010 as a Section 9(d) contract that provides water from the San Joaquin River in perpetuity. A copy of the renewed contract is provided in Appendix G of this UWMP. The USBR CVP Friant Division facilities generally include: Friant Dam (Millerton Reservoir), the Friant-Kern Canal, and the Madera Canal. The Friant-Kern Canal is maintained and operated by the Friant Water Authority. The USBR water supply is a wholesale supply.
Construction of Friant Dam was completed in 1947 and began making diversions to the Friant-Kern Canal in 1949. Full operations of the CVP Friant Division did not commence until the Madera Canal was completed in 1951. Class 1 water was intended to be a supply that would be dependable in practically every year, regardless of the type of hydrologic WY. Class 2 water is essentially excess water available as determined by USBR and less reliable than Class 1 water.
Class 1 water has historically been very reliable until the 2006 San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Agreement between the Departments of the Interior and Commerce, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Friant Water Users Authority (which is now the Friant Water Authority). The City is a member of the Friant Water Authority. The Settlement ended an 18-year legal dispute over the operation of Friant Dam brought by a coalition of conservation and fishing groups. The agreement characterized Class 1 deliveries by six hydrologic year types based on a recurrence over an 82-year simulation (1922–2003): wet, normal-wet, normal-dry, dry, critical-high, critical-low. The projected surface water available for the City from USBR during each hydrologic year defined by the 2006 Settlement Agreement is summarized in Table 6-4.
As shown in the table, the average simulated delivery is 53,680 AFY and the median simulated delivery, which is similar to normal year delivery, is 60,000 AFY. The median City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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value is higher than the average value because a 100% allocation of 60,000 AF is simulated in 50 of 82 years, but the dry and critical years result in substantial reductions which bring down the average allocation.
Table 6-4. Available USBR Simulated Allocation (1922-2003) Water Year Type
% of Years Over
Simulation
Period of
Deliveries1
Range of Allocation
to City (AF)
Average
Allocation to
City (AF)
Wet Highest 20% 60,000 60,000
Normal-Wet 50% to 80% 60,000 60,000
Normal-Dry 20% to 50% 47,500 to 60,000 57,060
Dry 5% to 20% 28,100 to 46,800 36,575
Critical2 Lowest 5% 13,900 to 24,700 19,025
Total
Average 53,680
Median 60,000
Source: 2006 Settlement Agreement
Notes:
1. As defined in 2006 Settlement Agreement
2. Includes both critical-high and critical-low, which are differentiated by the amount of unimpaired runoff. The simulation uses deliveries through 2006 and does not include the zero allocation years in 2014 and 2015.
The Settlement Agreement estimates the reduced supply available to the City compared to historic supplies, with the impacts most evident in dry years. Restrictions on exports from the Delta have hindered the USBR from making deliveries to the Exchange Contractors via the Delta-Mendota Canal. The Exchange Contractors allowed the formation of the CVP Friant Division by agreeing to not exercise their historic pre-1914 water rights to the San Joaquin and Kings Rivers if guaranteed water deliveries continued through the Delta-Mendota Canal or other facilities. If USBR is unable to deliver water to the Exchange Contractors, they have the right to receive their water from the San Joaquin River, which reduces the Class 1 water availability (History of SJRECWA Exchange Contractors, n.d.).
Reduced deliveries from the Delta to the Exchange Contractors resulted in the CVP Friant Division contractors with zero allocations of Class 1 water in USBR WY 2014 and 2015, though the City received USBR deliveries in CY 2014 (prior to the USBR WY starting in March). Annual USBR deliveries since 2007 are shown in Figure 6-9 for CY. The City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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availability and reliability of the City’s surface water supplies through its USBR contract are discussed further in Section 6.7.
Figure 6-9. USBR Deliveries to City Since 2007
In addition to the Class 1 water available to the City, the USBR contract also makes available water classified as: recovered water account water; Section 215 water; unreleased restoration flows, unreleased recirculation flows, and uncontrolled season flows. The complexities of each water type are beyond the scope of this report but are mentioned here to reflect the other water acquisition opportunities afforded to the City through this contract.
The San Joaquin River water supply has excellent water quality as it originates from snowmelt from the high Sierras and has not been detrimentally impacted.
6.3.2 Fresno Irrigation District Supply
FID is one of 28 agencies that receives an entitlement of water from the Kings River through the Kings River Water Association. Water entitlements for Kings River Water Association contract members is determined based on a methodology that was initially developed in 1917–1919 to established entitlements for early claimed rights holders. The methodology was based on historic mean daily natural flow conditions at Piedra, which is approximately three miles downstream from the then yet to be built Pine Flat Dam and “at the heart of Kings River uses, regulation, and stream control and storage” (Kings River Water Association and Kings River Conservation District, 2003). 39,342 59,450 59,794 60,861 59,625 24,492 7,902 12,954 0 47,67862,91958,22065,33937,30518,50728,85362,47260,32856,197 0 10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
AFY
Calendar Year
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In 2016, the Revised, Amended, and Restated Cooperative Agreement was executed between FID and the City for Water Utilization and Conveyance (2016 FID Agreement) (Appendix H). The 2016 FID Agreement replaces the 1976 Cooperative Agreement and ends in 2035. The Agreement identifies the City’s contracted percentage of FID’s Kings River water based on the City’s water service area located within FID service area as a percentage of the FID land area. FID land area varies slightly every year because it is dependent on the acreage receiving water deliveries for that year rather than the total acreage within FID (roughly 200,000 acres). As the City incorporates new land area into its service area, the percentage of FID supply increases. However, the 2016 FID Agreement sets the maximum percentage as 29.0%, although the City’s service area is anticipated to expand and encompass more than 29.0% of FID’s service area after 2030.
In 2025, the City’s percentage of overall FID Kings deliveries was approximately 26%.
The FID Agreement identifies that the 29.0% maximum was based on moderate growth in Growth Area 1 of the City’s SOI (shown in Exhibit C in the 2016 Agreement). As such, the supply projections in this plan limit the City’s FID supply with the 29.0% cap, but if the agreement were revised in the future the City’s FID allocation percentage could grow beyond 29.0% as the water service area expands.
The City has historically not used all of its available allocation in any given year, although it pays a flat rate for its total allocation regardless of use. Water unused by the City is reallocated by FID to its other customers.
The City’s potential supply from FID was summarized using actual Kings River deliveries for CYs 1964–2025, then categorized by the same WY types used for the USBR Friant supply. The range and average FID deliveries by WY type is shown in Table 6-5. The average of delivery totals of FID Kings River deliveries is 452,541 AF, which equates to an average potential City supply of about 131,600 AF, assuming the maximum 29.0% City supply percentage. Based on the City land use growth projections used to develop the City’s demand projections presented in Table 4-6, the City is expected to be at the
29.0% cap by 2030.
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Table 6-5. FID Diversions by Water Year Type
Water Year Type1
Total FID Deliveries (AF)2
City’s Kings River
Range Average Allocation at 29% Cap
Wet 563,500 to 644,600 590,679 171,300
Normal-Wet 452,800 to 563,500 513,680 149,000
Normal-Dry 362,600 to 448,000 415,000 120,400
Dry 253,700 to 362,000 315,674 91,500
Critical 158,100 to 253,300 210,195 61,000
Average 452,541 131,600
Notes:
1. As defined in 2006 Settlement Agreement
2. Assigned water year type defined in defined in 2006 Settlement Agreement to FID deliveries from 1964 to 2025
6.4 Stormwater
The Fresno-Clovis Metropolitan Area and surrounding rural vicinities are within the service area boundaries of the FMFCD, which has primary responsibility for managing the local stormwater flows. Most stormwater in the City drains to urban stormwater basins, where the water is retained to attenuate peak flow runoff and recharge stormwater, or is pumped to local irrigation canals for conveyance away from the municipal areas.
FMFCD’s operation of stormwater basins is predicated on maintaining storage capacity for rain events, which limits accessibility for recharge activities during the rainy season.
FMFCD estimates the amount of stormwater that is recharged each wet season.
However, recharge attained with the FMFCD basins largely occurs in May through October when limited storage capacity is required. Dry-season recharge is accomplished by diverting surface waters, from the Kings River and Millerton Reservoir, using Cityallocated surface water. It is difficult to estimate stormwater recharge volumes as there is no physical measurement of stormwater flows into the basins, and infiltration rates can vary with water elevation and degree of siltation in the basin. However, FMFCD estimates that stormwater recharge in urban basins during the winter months may range from 7,000 AFY to 22,200 AFY. Stormwater capture and infiltration are considered an integral component of natural groundwater recharge discussed in Section 6.2.7.
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6.5 Wastewater and Recycled Water
6.5.1 Recycled Water Coordination
The City owns and operates two water reclamation facilities: 1) the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility (RWRF) and 2) the North Fresno Wastewater Reclamation Facility (NFWRF), both of which can produce Title 22 recycled water (recycled water that meets California regulatory reuse standards) for use within the City’s service area. They are described further in Section 6.5.3.
Recycled water coordination with other water agencies and potential consumers within the planning area is inherently within the purview of the City’s Department of Public Utilities (DPU) as this department provides both water and wastewater services. DPU has been on the forefront of numerous water supply preservation, enhancement, and development projects and programs for decades. The concept of multiagency coordination is fully embraced by the department as is evident with the previously discussed joint agency agreements and the commitment to construct new infrastructure to further develop new resources. The endeavor to develop recycled water as a resource was a feature of a development in north Fresno.
As the City is the primary responsible agency for wastewater collection and treatment for its annexed areas and certain County islands, it has taken the lead role of developing and implementing recycled water facilities to serve the same area.
The City owned RWRF serves the City as well as a portion of the City of Clovis, Pinedale, and areas of Fresno County outside of City limits. Other wastewater collection agencies within and adjacent to the City include:
• City of Clovis: The RWRF was developed under a Joint Powers Authority agreement executed in 1977 among the City of Fresno, the City of Clovis, and the County of Fresno. Both of the cities contribute to the cost of operations, maintenance, and capital expenditures for the RWRF based on formulas in the agreement. Clovis maintains rights and capacity to discharge up to 9.3 mgd to the RWRF, which provides service for most of the Clovis’ sewer flows.
The City of Clovis also completed construction of its own wastewater treatment facility in 2009 that serves a portion of Clovis and produces tertiary level effluent that is distributed in a dedicated purple pipe system within portions of its service area. • The County of Fresno is a party to the RWRF Joint Powers Authority for treatment of flows from unincorporated areas encompassed by the City’s service area. • Malaga County Water District provides water and sewer service to an unincorporated county area of about 2.25 sq mi, which covers a small portion of the City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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City’s SOI. The district provides wastewater collection and treatment for residential and non-residential customers.
• Pinedale County Water District provides water, sewer, and solid waste service to an area of about 2 sq mi, which covers an unincorporated County island and a portion of the City. The district provides wastewater collection to an area of 699 acres and diverts the flow to the City’s collection system for treatment at the RWRF. • Pinedale Public Utility District currently provides street lighting, street sweeping, and landscape maintenance, and previously provided wastewater collection in its service area. Effective July 1, 2024, the City took over wastewater collection in the district service area, and wastewater from the district service area is conveyed to the RWRF for treatment. The district provides the remaining services to an area of 362 acres in the northern portion of the City, serving both an unincorporated County island and portions of the City.
6.5.2 Wastewater Collection, Treatment, and Disposal
The City’s wastewater collection system was originally developed in 1891 with the installation of a 24-inch outfall sewer that discharged to a 40-acre sewer farm located southwest of town. The amount of land and facilities at this location continued to be expanded as the City grew over the years. Today, the City’s wastewater collection system consists of about 1,630 miles of pipes ranging in size from 4 inches in diameter to 84 inches in diameter. This collection system also utilizes 15 lift stations throughout the City, ranging in pumping capacity from 0.25 mgd to 2.2 mgd.
The City is served by two wastewater treatment plants, briefly described below.
6.5.2.1 Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility The RWRF has developed from what was once a sewer farm to what is now a state-ofthe-art wastewater treatment facility. In 1966, the City of Fresno was appointed the sewering agency for the local metropolitan region and shortly after began long-range planning and construction of new facilities to handle increasing flows and regulatory requirements. The RWRF treats flows from not only the City, but also sewered County areas (some county areas remain unsewered), the City of Clovis, Pinedale County Water District, and Pinedale Public Utility District.
Flows received at this facility peaked at 81,100 AF in 2006 and have been steadily decreasing since, with the average influent flow about 62,500 AF over the last five years.
The RWRF includes preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment units with disinfection. Secondary treatment consists of three treatment trains with an annual average capacity of 87 mgd, consisting of 30 mgd for Train A and 57 mgd for Trains B City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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and C combined. In 2017, a 5-mgd tertiary recycled water treatment system — the Tertiary Treatment and Disinfection Facility (TTDF) — was completed. The system can be expanded to 15 mgd and ultimately to 30 mgd.
The City has three primary means of effluent disposal:
1. Undisinfected secondary effluent to on-site and off-site farmland for restricted irrigation
2. Undisinfected secondary effluent to percolation ponds
3. Disinfected tertiary effluent to the recycled water distribution system The percolated effluent has historically been considered equivalent to Title 22 tertiary treated water by the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW). The City has been extracting this water for reuse in areas within and surrounding the RWRF, as well as to FID’s canals, through an exchange agreement for delivery to FID agricultural customers.
The discharged effluent is within the City boundaries and located just southwest of the metropolitan area. The treated effluent percolation ponds are within the City’s SOI and hydrologic sphere that benefit the City’s overall regional water budget. See Figure 3-1 for a depiction of the facility’s location relative to the metropolitan area.
6.5.2.2 North Fresno Wastewater Reclamation Facility
The NFWRF was constructed as part of a residential, commercial master planned development located in the north eastern portion of the City. As a condition of the planned community, the developer was required to construct a wastewater treatment facility that would produce tertiary level effluent for use within the adjacent golf course to minimize the project’s impact on water resources. This facility is presently rated at 0.71 mgd (average monthly flow) and 1.07 mgd (maximum daily flow). However, the ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection system was only validated for 300 gpm (0.43 mgd), which is the current flow limit until the DDW approves a higher flow. This facility is expandable to 1.25 mgd (average monthly flow). The disinfected tertiary effluent from the plant is largely used to irrigate the golf course within Copper River Ranch. In 2025, the NFWRF treated 288 AF of wastewater, with approximately 26 AF applied to golf course irrigation. The City is currently implementing projects at the NFWRF to improve availability of recycled water for golf course irrigation in the future. Treated but unused effluent is diverted to the City’s collection system to the RWRF.
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6.5.3 Recycled Water System Description
The City is currently updating its Water Reuse Master Plan to evaluate the target volume of reuse in the City beyond the southwest system considering new conditions, regulations, and economics.
6.5.3.1 Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility As mentioned above, the RWRF produces undisinfected secondary effluent for restricted irrigation to on-site and off-site farmlands and disinfected tertiary treated effluent for the recycled water distribution system. Table 6-6 provides the annual quantities of recycled water applied to these crops for the period from 2021–2025.
Table 6-6. Historic Recycled Water Used Within Service Area (AFY) Recycled Water Facility 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
RWRF, Secondary Effluent
(Non-Food Crop Irrigation) 5,779 7,776 4,885 6,478 6,373 RWRF, Tertiary Effluent 878 219 283 253 298
NFWRF 109 131 37 35 26
TOTAL 6,766 8,126 5,205 6,766 6,697
Note: Historic recycled water volume is based on the metered recycled water pumped into the system.
The City’s RWRF diverts a portion of the undisinfected secondary effluent to irrigate nonfood crops grown adjacent to this facility. The practice of using secondary effluent to irrigate non-food crops has been carried-out for decades and is expected to continue for the foreseeable future. The City owns nearly 3,300 acres of land for and around the RWRF, consisting of percolation ponds (1,750 acres) and other land available to farm non-food crops.
Additionally, the RWRF produces Title 22 disinfected tertiary treated effluent through the TTDF, completed in 2017, and through tertiary equivalent soil aquifer treated recycled water recovered from the percolated secondary effluent.
A series of 15 groundwater wells located at the RWRF are used to extract previously percolated effluent groundwater from beneath the facility. The extracted groundwater has the potential to be used for higher beneficial use if it can be demonstrated this water has attained a level of treatment satisfactory to meet disinfected tertiary levels. The City embarked on a joint project with the WateReuse Research Foundation to demonstrate to State regulatory agencies the soil aquifer treated recycled water met Title 22 levels. The culmination of this study is presented in a final report entitled “Demonstration of Filtration City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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and Disinfection Compliance Through Soil-Aquifer Treatment,” which was completed in 2013 (WateReuse Research Foundation, 2013). This study concluded that, based on the documented sampled water quality data, the extracted groundwater met requirements for classification as disinfected tertiary level recycled water. The SWRCB DDW stated that the percolated effluent water meets the tertiary treatment classification, and the City is making plans for its use as part of its recycled water production and distribution system (California Regional Water Quality Control Board, 2018). The combined rated production yield of the 15 wells, if run year-round, would be approximately 32,000 AFY. The City plans to blend the recycled extraction well water with the disinfected tertiary level recycled water produced from the 5 mgd TTDF to feed the southwest recycled water distribution system. As new sales grow for the recycled water, additional recycled water from extraction wells will be utilized to feed the City’s southwest recycled water system.
The recovered groundwater is also used for on-site irrigation and transport to FID canals for delivery to customers during the irrigation season, as facilitated through an exchange agreement with FID. More information on the City’s FID RWRF Exchange Agreement is discussed in Section 6.7.
The City’s existing recycled water system is located in the southwest area of the City, expanding from the Fresno RWRF, as shown in Figure 6-10. The southwest recycled water system consists of a 3.2 million gallon recycled water reservoir located at the RWRF, a 6,000 gpm (8.64 mgd) recycled water pump station located at the RWRF, a 640-gpm booster pump station (Roeding Park Booster), and approximately 24 miles of 10-inch to 54-inch recycled water pipeline. The City is evaluating potential expansion of the recycled water system in its ongoing Water Reuse Master Plan update (WSC, 2026).
6.5.3.2 North Fresno Wastewater Reclamation Facility
As described earlier, the City has an existing wastewater plant in the north eastern portion of the City that receives and treats sewage from the residential and commercial master planned community. The NFWRF was constructed in 2008 but was not fully operational until 2009 due to the inability to properly run at extremely low flow conditions. Subsequent modifications to improve treatment at the plant were made in 2010 and again in 2014 to adopt UV disinfection. The disinfected tertiary effluent is conveyed in a dedicated pipeline to the golf course within Copper River Ranch for irrigation purposes. The quantities used for irrigation purposes are shown in Table 6-6 for the period of 2021–2025.
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6.5.4 Potential, Current, and Projected Recycled Water Uses The 2025 actual recycled water use and projected recycled water use through 2050 in the City’s service area is included in Table 6-7. Secondary undisinfected reuse is projected to continue to be used to irrigate non-food crops adjacent to the RWRF in the future. The projected secondary undisinfected use going forward is based on the average use from 2021 to 2025. The amount of tertiary recycled water from the RWRF is projected to increase by 850 AFY by 2035 (for a total use of about 1,150 AFY) for landscape irrigation and non-irrigation uses as the southwest recycled water system is built out.
Tertiary recycled water from the NFWRF is projected to increase to 280 AF by 2030.
The 2020 UWMP anticipated that 14,220 AFY of recycled water would be produced and utilized in 2025. The previous projected increases in recycled water were based on maximizing use tertiary recycled water at the RWRF and NFWRF. Since 2020, the City’s tertiary reuse declined as the City established recycled water rates to be paid by recycled water customers. The City is currently preparing a Water Reuse Master Plan that is evaluating recycled water alternatives in the City to serve as a new guiding planning document for recycled water use by the City.
Table 6-7. Recycled Water Use within Service Area (DWR Table 6-4R) Beneficial
Use Type
General
Description of
Uses
Level of
Treatment 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Agricultural
Irrigation1
Irrigate nonfood and limited
food crops
Secondary,
Undisinfected 6,373 6,300 6,300 6,300 6,300 6,300
Landscape
Irrigation
(excludes
golf
courses)
Distributed
through the
southwest
recycled water
distribution
system
Tertiary
298 700 1,150 1,150 1,150 1,150
Golf Course
Irrigation
Copper River
Golf Course
Tertiary 26 280 280 280 280 280
TOTAL 6,697 7,280 7,730 7,730 7,730 7,730
Note:
1. Recycled water for agricultural irrigation does not offset the City’s potable water demands, and as such, is excluded from projected recycled water in subsequent tables.
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6.5.5 Actions to Encourage and Optimize Future Recycled Water Use
The City is currently preparing a Water Reuse Master Plan to optimize future recycled water use. The City prepared a Recycled Water Master Plan in 2010 (Carollo, 2010), that identified the need for the City to adopt an ordinance to establish a recycled water policy and criteria for its use within the City’s SOI. On July 14, 2014, the Recycled Water Ordinance was adopted by the City Council, laying the foundation for the expanded use of recycled water within the City. The Recycled Water Ordinance was subsequently amended in 2021 (Ordinance 2021-026).
The focus of the ordinance includes the following:
• Establish the City Director of Public Utilities as the administrative authority for recycled water service.
• Define eligible service areas consistent with the Recycled Water Master Plan. • Provide a framework for voluntary recycled water use across user types. • Identify when new development may be required to install recycled water infrastructure.
• Establish requirements for user agreements, site supervision, and application procedures.
• Require preparation and implementation of Rules and Regulations governing recycled water use.
• Encourage voluntary retrofits of existing potable water customers. • Allow recycled water use for specific applications such as irrigation and construction (e.g., dust control).
• Establish pricing through user agreements.
• Provide enforcement, penalties, and severability provisions.
Efforts to further the use of recycled water include allowing the City to condition new developments located near planned major recycled water distribution mains to install recycled water “purple pipe” infrastructure. Then, as the City’s capital projects construct a distribution infrastructure, these segments will be in place to facilitate connections to new customers, reduce program costs by avoiding digging up new street improvements and reduce disruption to vehicular traffic.
6.6 Desalinated Water
The City is located in the central San Joaquin Valley; therefore, seawater desalination is not applicable to the City. Additionally, the groundwater that exists within the immediate area of the City is not brackish in nature and does not require desalination treatment.
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6.7 Water Exchanges and Transfers
6.7.1 USBR Supply
The Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) of 1992 authorized the transfer of all or a portion of a CVP contractor’s water supply to any other California water users or water agencies. The CVPIA allows water transfers as long as they are consistent with federal and state water laws. The primary component of the CVPIA that specifies water transfer provisions for federal water supplies is Section 3405(a), which includes provisions regarding maximum annual water transfer, beneficial use, and approvals.
As part of the City’s current Metro Plan update, the City is evaluating potential future water transfers and exchanges of its periodically available USBR water. Currently, the City does not have any plans to transfer its USBR water to other California water users.
6.7.2 FID / RWRF Groundwater Exchange
Since 1974, the City has had an agreement with FID to exchange recycled water for the delivery of surface water east of the City (Appendix H). The Agreement between FID and the City for Exchange of Recycled Water allows for water pumped from beneath the RWRF to be conveyed to FID’s Dry Creek and Houghton Canals for delivery to growers west of the City. In exchange for the water delivered to FID by the City, FID agreed to deliver 46% of the total from either its Kings River entitlement or USBR Class II supply to growers or basins in the eastern portion of FID “insofar as is feasible and practical.” The water is to be considered additional to the water that would have been delivered to the eastern portion of FID, such that the additional delivered water used by growers is assumed to offset groundwater pumping in the area and, therefore, provide a groundwater basin benefit. This is an indirect benefit to the City.
The agreement includes a minimum of 100,000 AF delivered over a 10-year period and no more than 30,000 AF in any given year. As shown in Figure 6-11, the City exceeded the maximum yearly delivery in 2003 and 2004 and has maintained more than 100,000 AF of deliveries over a 10-year period. Since 2016, the City has reduced RWRF groundwater exchange deliveries. This agreement had a twenty-year term, which has since expired. However, per the Agreement, “the contract shall continue in effect after the end of said terms except that” it can be terminated with a one-year notice written by either party. The City is currently discussing an update to the agreement with FID, and in the interim, the City and FID have agreed to a one-year pilot project that can be renewed each year until an amended and reinstated agreement is executed to continue groundwater exchange deliveries. The pilot project is currently in its third year of operation, with annual exchange volumes determined on a year-to-year basis and City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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changes FID’s point of delivery back to the City to provide real water benefits. The City’s Water Reuse Master Plan will identify and recommend other beneficial uses for the City’s percolated effluent.
Figure 6-11. Historical RWRF Groundwater Exchange Deliveries
6.7.3 Emergency Interties
In 2007, the cities of Fresno and Clovis executed an agreement for interconnection of their potable water systems to provide service during emergencies and other times of hardship in either community. The agreement covers interconnections, including apportionment of capital costs, at two locations: Leonard Avenue at the Gould Canal alignment and Behymer Avenue at Willow Avenue.
The agreement provided for temporary deliveries from Clovis to southeast Fresno through the Leonard connection through 2013. The Leonard interconnection was constructed and remains in place for emergency uses through manual operation.
The agreement also provided for temporary deliveries from Fresno to northern Clovis through the Behymer connection through 2015. However, the Behymer interconnection has yet to be constructed and, if constructed in the future, would serve only for emergency use.
15,63326,82428,90231,33832,32424,89517,70927,53223,06822,14311,096 5,150
22,32126,85325,51222,602
8,739
0 8,703
0 5,809
0 1,593
0 4,6754,866
0 5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
20002001200220032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202320242025 AFY
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6.8 Future Water Projects
The City is currently updating its Metro Plan and Water Reuse Master Plan, which will recommend programs and projects to improve the City’s water supply portfolio and continue providing a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply. While the outcomes of the Metro Plan update are currently being developed, the City’s ongoing and future projects to improve its supply portfolio include:
• Expansion of recycled water distribution system
• Expansion of groundwater recharge program
• Expansion of surface water treatment capacity
• Beneficial transfers and exchanges
6.8.1 Recycled Water
As mentioned in Section 6.5.5, the City has made significant improvements to the recycled water system over the last five years and is currently focused on connecting customers that are proximate to the existing recycled water distribution system. The City is currently working with 12 customers with roughly 400 AFY of demand, including Caltrans for irrigation along sides of highways, two schools, a public park and trail, and the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. The City has also identified another 20 potential irrigation customers with public owners (e.g., City, County, public school district) with roughly 450 AFY of demand (WSC, 2026). Larger recycled water system expansion alternatives will be considered in the future.
6.8.2 Groundwater Recharge
With the acknowledgement that the groundwater aquifer is and will remain an integral resource, the City is currently evaluating an expanded recharge program as part of the Metro Plan update, and has recently purchased property in the northwest area of the City that is being evaluated as a potential future recharge basin. Expanding intentional recharge may include the development of new dedicated intentional recharge facilities; joint projects with FMFCD and, potentially, FID for proactive basin maintenance and connecting additional basins to FID’s conveyance system; improvements at City owned recharge basins; and improved coordination with FMFCD and FID. The target for recharge expansion is to maximize storage within the groundwater basin and optimize use of available surface water supplies in normal years. The stored water will be used more in the single-dry year and consecutive dry years when surface water supplies are less available.
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The timing for groundwater recharge capacity expansion will be examined as part of the Metro Plan update and, for the UWMP it is assumed that recharge capacity will increase by about 6,700 AF by 2050 as described in Section 6.2.3.
6.8.3 Surface Water Treatment
A key component to the success of the City’s ability to reverse the long-time overreliance on groundwater is the construction of its surface water treatment facilities. These have allowed the City to optimize the use of available surface water supplies. The City’s NESWTF currently has a 30 mgd capacity and the capability to expand up to 60 mgd.
The SESWTF is currently permitted to produce up to 54 mgd but, with the subsequent rerating of the media filters, will be capable of operating at a rated capacity of 80 mgd.
The timing for the SWTF expansion will be examined as part of the Metro Plan update and determined based on need as the City grows and demands increase.
6.8.4 Transfers and Exchanges
As mentioned in Section 6.7.1, the City is evaluating future beneficial transfers and exchanges of the City’s USBR water in water years when available water supplies exceed demands.
6.9 Summary of Existing and Planned Supplies
Summaries of the existing and planned sources of water are provided in Table 6-8 and Table 6-9.
Table 6-8. 2025 Actual Water Supplies (DWR Table 6-8) (AFY) Water Supply Actual Volume (AFY) Water Type
Groundwater 47,976 Potable
USBR CVP 56,197 Potable
FID Kings River 44,438 Potable
Recycled Water, RWRF 298 Non-Potable
Recycled Water, NFWRF 26 Non-Potable
TOTAL 148,936
Note: Values rounded to the nearest whole number.
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Table 6-9. Projected Water Supplies (DWR Table 6-9) (AFY) Water Supply 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Groundwater 109,710 113,000 115,090 115,490 115,590
USBR CVP 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000
FID Kings River 131,600 131,600 131,600 131,600 131,600 Recycled Water, RWRF 700 1,150 1,150 1,150 1,150
Recycled Water, NFWRF 280 280 280 280 280
TOTAL 302,290 306,030 308,120 308,520 308,620
Note: Values rounded to the nearest tenth.
The City currently balances its surface water supplies and groundwater based on minimum production for operation of the SWTFs and minimum groundwater pumping to manage and control contamination plumes and prevent their spread. The minimum operation conditions typically occur in the low-demand winter months, and the City can increase surface water production during peak demand months when surface water is available. In normal and wet years, the City intends to rely on more surface water supply and recharge raw surface water to replenish the groundwater basin and build storage for dry years. In dry years, when surface water is less available, the City will ramp up well production to meet demands. The City is expected to continue this supply management strategy in the future.
6.10 Special Conditions
This section details climate change and future regulatory conditions that impact the City’s supply sources.
6.10.1 Climate Change Effects
Climate change is already impacting the City’s surface water supplies. The City’s surface water allocations from 2000-2020 were 15% below the allocations from 1970-2000.
Recent research has shown that 2000-2020 would have represented dry conditions, but climate change has caused it to be the driest period in 1,200 years (Williams A. C., 2022).
This study notes that increasing emissions have made the recent megadrought 72% worse.
The potential impacts of climate change on the City’s water resources in the future are described below:
Kings River and USBR Surface Water Supplies: Climate change is expected to have the largest impact on the City’s surface water supply allocations.
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• Increased temperatures increase reservoir evaporation and evapotranspiration within the watershed, especially at high elevations within the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, reduce soil moisture, and decrease stream baseflows in the summer and early fall, reducing reservoir yields and leaving less water available for delivery. (USBR, 2021) • Increased temperature will also lead to more precipitation falling as rainfall rather than snow. Reduced snowpack will stress reservoir operations during flood control season and lead to reduced reservoir yields. Climate models for the San Joaquin River Basin and Sierra Nevada Mountains predict decreasing snowpack throughout the century as temperatures rise. This will cause precipitation that typically falls as snow to fall as rain and shift the wet season runoff to earlier in the season, potentially by two to four months earlier by 2100. (Fernandez-Bou, 2022) (Siirila-Woodburn, 2021) • Changes in annual precipitation vary by climate model, but many predict little annual change to precipitation, but rather more intense rainfall during the winter months and a longer dry season. With limited surface water storage, this may result in more frequent flooding and lower annual yields from reservoirs. (USBR, 2021) • Climate change and global warming will contribute to deeper and longer droughts that result in low allocations for longer periods, causing a need for increased use of other sources (such as higher groundwater production). (Williams A. P., 2020) • Climate change will also impact the quality of surface water supplies and lead to potential water quality degradation:
o Warmer temperatures and lower reservoir levels can lead to algae blooms, impacting surface water treatment. Increased raising and lowering of reservoir levels can lead to plant growth on surfaces at low reservoir levels followed by plant death when reservoir levels increase, causing nutrient loading and algae bloom concerns. (Fernandez-Bou, 2022)
o Higher temperatures and reduced soil moisture lead to increasingly dry vegetation which means increased fuel for intense wildfires, as California has seen in recent years. (Ortiz-Partida, Weintraub, Fernadez-Bou, Maskey, & Mahesh, 2020) Wildfire occurrence in watersheds can lead to temporary higher runoff, but also leads to increased sediment in reservoirs, reducing overall storage capacity and resulting in long-term reduction in yields. (Fernandez-Bou, 2022) Groundwater Supply:
• Lower annual surface water supplies reduce the available water for intentional recharge, an important component of the City’s conjunctive-use strategy and for groundwater basin recovery. As described above, reduced snowpack will shift runoff to earlier in the season and rainfall events will be more intense in the future and fall during a shorter period. This could result in surface water supplies for recharge being City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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available in the rainy season and less available through the drier period. The City has historically used FMFCD basins for more than 50% of its annual intentional recharge, which are unavailable for City use in the winter when the basins are used for flood control and stormwater routing. The number of weeks the FMFCD basins are available for City recharge could become more limited in the future because of the shifting runoff patterns, further reducing the City’s capacity to recharge using the FMCFD basin. • Increased pumping to replace diminishing surface water supplies will increase groundwater overdraft (Fernandez-Bou, 2022). While the City is projected to have adequate supplies in the near-term, other pumpers in the North Kings Groundwater Basin will likely need to increase groundwater production as surface water supplies decline, which could impact groundwater gradients below the City and increase subsurface outflows away from the City, reducing the City’s overall groundwater yield. • Changing rainfall patterns, including more intense rainfall and longer dry periods, may reduce the natural recharge, or deep percolation, to the groundwater basin. Natural recharge, along with subsurface inflows, contribute to the basin’s sustainable yield.
Additionally, as pumping increases to supplement reduced surface water supplies, compactable soils may contribute to land subsidence in the basin and interrupt deep percolation (Fernandez-Bou, 2022). However, the City has not seen evidence of land subsidence in its service area.
• Over pumping and a lower groundwater table is generally linked to poorer water quality (Ortiz-Partida, Weintraub, Fernadez-Bou, Maskey, & Mahesh, 2020). Climate change impacts to groundwater quality degradation have already been seen during the last drought. As groundwater levels decreased during extended drought years, the number of wells impacted by carbon dioxide and arsenic in the groundwater had increased across the City. This is already causing additional groundwater treatment costs.
This plan considers water supply during a single-dry year or multi-dry year scenario, which may occur more often due to climate change, further in Section 7.
6.10.2 Regulatory Conditions
The City has existing contracts for surface water supplies with no known reductions that might result from future regulation. The City’s groundwater supply is from an unadjudicated basin that is considered reliable. The GSA is currently working toward determining a safe yield for the Kings Subbasin, which is the amount of water that can be pumped over a long-term period without producing undesirable results, such as overdraft.
The City is an active member of the GSA, working collaboratively to bring the basin into balance while protecting the City’s groundwater supply.
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Federal and California regulations for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have affected the City’s use and management of certain groundwater wells, and will likely do so in the future. The City monitors its groundwater wells for PFAS and other potential contaminants as required by federal and state regulations. Federal and state regulations for PFAS are expected to require substantial expenditures of funds for the City to treat groundwater wells to comply with the regulations.
6.11 Energy Intensity
Pursuant to CWC Section 10631.2(a), readily available information regarding energy intensity shall be reported in the 2025 UWMP. For the City, this includes the total energy usage at each production facility, including each well site and the three SWTFs. The electrical usage includes the energy to produce, treat, and pump the water into the distribution system. Because the City’s distribution system includes over 200 groundwater wells, Table 6-10 presents the total energy usage, water produced, and average energy intensity for all groundwater wells and for each SWTF following the methodology presented the Guidebook. The energy intensity varies significantly between groundwater wells depending on the depth to the groundwater table, if the well includes treatment beyond disinfection, and other local conditions. The total energy intensity for all production and treatment in the City’s distribution system in 2025 was 2,371 Kilowatt-hours per acre-foot (kWh/AF).
Table 6-10. Water System Energy Intensity in 2025
Electricity
(kWh)
Treated Water
Deliveries (AF)
Energy Intensity
(kWh/AF)
Wells 24,555,422 47,976 512
NESWTF 6,581,275 23,191 284
SESWTF 12,799,861 43,235 296
T-3 SWTF 316,224 247 1,279
TOTAL 44,252,782 114,649 2,371
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7 Water Service Reliability and
Drought Risk Assessment
This section describes the City’s water service reliability through 2050. As required by the UWMP Act, the
assessment must compare total projected water supply
and demands over the next 25 years in five-year
increments under normal, single dry water years, and
multiple dry water years. This section also includes the drought risk assessment, which provides a snapshot of the anticipated surplus or deficit if a drought were to occur in the next five years.
IN THIS SECTION
• Water Service Reliability
Assessment
• Drought Risk Assessment
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7.1 Introduction
Water service reliability is determined based on the security of water supply and water infrastructure security. The supply reliability assessment discusses factors (i.e., climatic, environmental, water quality, and legal) that could potentially limit the expected quantity of water available from City’s current and projected sources of supply through 2050.
Multiple drought scenarios are considered and the quantitative impacts of the aforementioned factors on water supply and demand are discussed, as well as possible methods for addressing these issues.
Evaluating the water service reliability is critical for water management as it can help identify potential problems before these happen. Water managers can then take proactive steps to mitigate shortages by encouraging water use efficiency, securing new water supplies and/or investing in infrastructure.
7.2 Water Service Reliability Assessment
This section describes the City’s 2025 UWMP water service reliability assessment through 2050 under normal, single dry water year, and five-year consecutive dry period.
The City’s 2025 UWMP water service reliability assessment results indicate that no water shortages are anticipated.
7.2.1 Constraints on Water Sources
7.2.1.1 Groundwater
Groundwater has long been the primary water supply source for the City. Before the City’s investments to increase its use of surface water with the construction of its NESWTF, T3 SWTF, and SESWTF, groundwater levels were declining, and the falling levels were a potential constraint. Groundwater levels in some areas of the City have increased over the last ten years as a result of the City’s using less groundwater and are expected to continue to increase as the City pumps less groundwater in the future.
The North Kings GSP has set sustainability indicators for chronic lowering of groundwater levels and reduction of groundwater storage in the basin. The current GSP defines minimum thresholds and measurable objectives for the basin to allow the North Kings GSA to evaluate its progress toward sustainability and determine whether conditions are improving, remaining stable, or degrading, consistent with SGMA requirements.
Another constraint to the use of groundwater stems from the negative impacts from contamination (see Section 6.2.6). To ensure the continued beneficial use of the groundwater supply, the City has set minimum pumping requirements for specific wells City of Fresno Public Utilities Public Draft
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to prevent the spread of existing groundwater plumes to other areas in the City and to protect the basin. The City will remain proactive in pursuing responsible parties so the proper remediation is conducted to preserve the groundwater system as a viable and sustainable resource in perpetuity. Largely, the City has been able to rely on the relatively good quality of this resource.
7.2.1.2 USBR
The City has a contract for 60,000 AFY of Class 1 water with the USBR. Analysis supporting the 2006 San Joaquin River Settlement is the basis for USBR supply projections. The settlement is based on ensuring flows downstream of Millerton Dam for varying hydrologic conditions, which can constrain surface water supplies available to the CVP Friant Division contractors, such as the City.
Another constraint that affects the consistency of this supply are the restrictions that have been imposed on water diversions from the Delta (see Section 6.3.1). The resulting impacts associated with the restrictions from the Delta have been more detrimental to water supplies for the CVP Friant Division contractors than the above-discussed settlement, as the latter resulted in two years of zero allocations for the CVP Friant Division contractors in 2014 and 2015.
The construction of a raw water pipeline in 2018 to convey USBR water from the FriantKern Canal to the NESWTF, referred to as the Friant-Kern Canal Pipeline, has improved the reliability and water quality of deliveries to the NESWTF. The NESWTF is now capable of year-round operation, and the original connection from FID’s Enterprise Canal still exists as a backup delivery system if needed.
Every three years, the Friant-Kern Canal is removed from service for maintenance, and during these shutdowns the City has the flexibility to deliver its Kings River supply to the NESWTF to allow for its continued use.
7.2.1.3 FID
The City has an agreement with FID to deliver a percentage of FID’s Kings River allocation to the City. The percentage varies year to year based on the City’s service area within FID’s service area, described in Section 6.3.2, and is currently about 26%. Water supplied from the FID contract is most susceptible to annual hydrologic conditions. The City’s annual FID supply allocation is dependent on annual precipitation, Sierra Nevada mountain snowpack, and natural river flow conditions. The annual variability of these sources results in variable allocations to the City. Based on the foregoing data, FID receives an annually adjusted entitlement, the delivery of which will fluctuate throughout the irrigation delivery season. The City in turn receives its pro rata allocation based on the foregoing entitlement determination.
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Another factor that may constrain the availability of Kings River water supply is scheduled maintenance of FID’s vast canal network. FID typically terminates water deliveries to the City’s water treatment facilities in the months of November and/or December so they can perform necessary infrastructure repairs and maintenance. However, the City constructed a dedicated 13-mile, 72-inch-diameter raw water pipeline to deliver Kings River water to the SESWTF to allow for year-round operations and prevent shutdowns due to FID maintenance. Deliveries to intentional recharge facilities will continue to be supplied through the FID canal system and constrained to the irrigation season.
7.2.1.4 Recycled Water
The City currently produces and delivers recycled water from its RWRF and NFWRF. The RWRF produces tertiary treated recycled water at its 5 MGD capacity TTDF. The largest constraint on this supply is the total demand for current and planned customers connected to the recycled water system. The City is currently preparing a Water Reuse Master Plan to evaluate future opportunities and recommendations for the recycled water system.
The NFWRF is rated for an average monthly flow of 0.71 mgd, but its recycled water production is constrained by its UV light disinfection system that was only validated for
0.43 mgd. This facility is expandable to 1.25 mgd (average monthly flow). The disinfected tertiary effluent from the plant is used to irrigate the golf course within Copper River Ranch. The City is currently implementing projects at the NFWRF to improve availability of recycled water for golf course irrigation in the future.
7.2.2 Description of Management Tools and Options
The City currently manages its surface water and groundwater supply by maximizing surface water for potable use and intentional recharge during wet and normal years, while relying on groundwater during dry years. The City is currently updating its Metro Plan, which will recommend projects and programs to optimize the use of its supply portfolio and further improve supply resilience. Supply management tools are an expected outcome of the Metro Plan update; however, the City’s ongoing supply management is intended to maximize local supplies and improve the groundwater basin storage. Current actions include enhanced groundwater management and intentional recharge, increased recycled water use, and continued conservation through the implementation of demand management measures.
7.2.3 Year Type Characterization
In accordance with CWC Section 10635(a), every urban water supplier must provide their expected water service reliability for a normal year, single dry year, and a drought lasting five consecutive years from 2030 through 2050.
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DWR defines these years as:
• Normal Year: This condition represents a single year or an averaged range of years that most closely represents the average water supply available. Average surface water and groundwater supplies to the City were used for this analysis. • Single Dry Year: The single dry year is recommended to be the year that represents the lowest water supply available. For the City, the single-dry year is based on 2015 hydrology.
• Five-Consecutive Year Drought: The driest five-year historical sequence for the supplier, which may be the lowest average water supply available for five years in a row. For the City, the driest five-year historical sequence is 2012 to 2016.
7.2.4 Supply and Demand Comparison
For the water service reliability assessment, supply projections are made based on historic water allocations for surface water supplies, historic municipal water well pumping for groundwater, and projected utilization for recycled water, as described below.
Kings River water supply data was obtained from the Kings River Water Association and FID. USBR CVP Friant Division data was obtained from the USBR website, the City of Fresno, and FID. Groundwater and recycled water supply data was obtained from the City of Fresno.
Results of the water supply and demand analysis for normal, single dry, and five-year consecutive drought are shown in the following sections.
7.2.4.1 Normal Year
Water supply for the normal-year condition is provided based on:
• Groundwater: Estimated groundwater yield from Table 6-3. • USBR: Long-term average allocation from Table 6-4.
• Kings River: Long-term average allocation from Table 6-5. • Recycled Water: Projected supply from Table 6-7, excluding agricultural irrigation demand that does not offset the City’s potable demand.
Table 7-1 and Figure 7-1 compare the projected normal year demand (potable customer demand and total demand with recharge) to the projected supply. As shown, the City has adequate supplies to meet customer demand and perform recharge operations during a normal year type.
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Table 7-1. Normal Year Supply and Demand Comparison
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Supplies
Groundwater 109,710 113,000 115,090 115,490 115,590
Surface Water – USBR 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 Surface Water – Kings River 131,600 131,600 131,600 131,600 131,600 Recycled Water 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Supply Totals 302,290 306,030 308,120 308,520 308,620
Demands
Potable Demand 147,502 154,430 161,369 168,314 175,270
Recycled Water Demand 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Groundwater Recharge Demand 61,300 64,300 66,100 66,200 66,200 Total Demand 209,782 220,160 228,899 235,944 242,900
Difference 92,508 85,870 79,221 72,576 65,720
Note: Values rounded to the nearest whole number.
Figure 7-1. Normal Year Supply and Demand Assessment
302,290 306,030 308,120 308,520 308,620
147,502 154,430 161,369 168,314 175,270
209,782 220,160 228,899 235,944 242,900
0 50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
AFY
Recycled Water
Surface Water – Kings River
Surface Water – USBR
Groundwater
Total Demand
(Potable & Recharge)
Potable Demand
Supplies
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7.2.4.2 Single-Dry Year
The single-dry-year supply availability is based on 2015 because this was the year the City had the lowest surface water supply. Water supply for the single-dry-year condition is based on:
• Groundwater: Estimated groundwater yield from Table 6-3, plus pumping of stored groundwater beyond its estimated normal groundwater yield during dry periods.
The City would balance out the pumping from storage with recharge during normal and wet periods.
• USBR: Actual allocation in 2015 (0 AF).
• Kings River: Actual FID Kings River entitlement in 2015 (158,109 AF) with the City’s projected 29.0% of FID supply for the future years (42,852 AF to the City). • Recycled Water: Projected supply from Table 6-7, excluding agricultural irrigation demand that does not offset the City’s potable demand.
Table 7-2 and Figure 7-2 compare the projected demand to the projected supply for a single-dry year. As shown, during a dry year the City would limit groundwater recharge due to limited surface water supplies and pump additional groundwater to meet customer demand as needed. The supply assessment demonstrates a 20% water supply buffer compared to projected potable demand.
Table 7-2. Single Dry Year Supply and Demand Comparison - 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Supplies
Groundwater 109,710 113,000 115,090 115,490 115,590
Groundwater- From Storage 21,441 26,464 32,701 40,635 48,882 Surface Water – USBR 0 0 0 0 0
Surface Water – Kings River 45,852 45,852 45,852 45,852 45,852 Recycled Water 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Supply Totals 177,982 186,746 195,073 203,407 211,754
Demands
Potable Demand 147,502 154,430 161,369 168,314 175,270
Recycled Water Demand 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Groundwater Recharge Demand 0 0 0 0 0
Total Demand 148,482 155,860 162,799 169,744 176,700
Difference 29,500 30,886 32,274 33,663 35,054
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Note: Values rounded to the nearest whole number.
Figure 7-2. Single Dry Year Supply and Demand Assessment
7.2.4.3 Five Consecutive Dry Years
Water supply for the five-year drought condition is based on:
• Groundwater: Estimated sustainable yield from Table 6-3, plus pumping of stored groundwater beyond its estimated normal groundwater yield during dry periods, if needed. The City would balance out the pumping from storage with recharge during normal and wet periods.
• USBR: Actual allocations in 2012 to 2016, which ranged from 0 to 45,000 AF. • Kings River: Actual FID Kings River entitlement in 2012 to 2016, which ranged from 158,109 to 433,932 AF, with the projected 29.0% City percentage of FID supply for the future years, resulting in 45,852 to 125,840 AF to the City. • Recycled Water: projected supply from Table 6-7, excluding agricultural irrigation demand that does not offset the City’s potable demand.
Table 7-3 and Figure 7-3 compare the projected demand to projected supplies during the five consecutive dry year scenario. Despite severe reductions of surface water supplies during dry years, the City has sufficient supplies to meet projected 177,982
186,746
195,073
203,407
211,754
147,502
154,430
161,369
168,314
175,270 148,482
155,860
162,799
169,744
176,700
0 50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
AFY
Recycled Water
Surface Water – Kings River
Surface Water – USBR
Groundwater- From Storage
Groundwater
Supplies
Total Demand
(Potable & Recharge)
Potable Demand
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demand and maintain a 20% water supply buffer. The City expects to build groundwater storage through in-lieu and intentional recharge and during normal and wet years for use during dry years when surface water supplies are limited.
Table 7-3. Multiple Dry Years Supply and Demand Comparison 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Year 1
Groundwater 109,710 113,000 115,090 115,490 115,590
Groundwater – From Storage 0 0 0 0 0
Surface Water – USBR 24,492 24,492 24,492 24,492 24,492 Surface Water – Kings River 104,974 104,974 104,974 104,974 104,974 Recycled Water 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Supply Totals 240,156 243,896 245,986 246,386 246,486
Potable Demand 147,502 154,430 161,369 168,314 175,270
Recycled Water Demand 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Groundwater Recharge Demand 62,174 57,150 50,913 42,979 34,732 Total Demand 210,656 213,010 213,712 212,723 211,432
Difference: 29,500 30,886 32,274 33,663 35,054
Year 2
Groundwater 109,710 113,000 115,090 115,490 115,590
Groundwater – From Storage 0 0 0 0 0
Surface Water – USBR 7,902 7,902 7,902 7,902 7,902
Surface Water – Kings River 93,426 93,426 93,426 93,426 93,426 Recycled Water 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Supply Totals 212,018 215,758 217,848 218,248 218,348
Potable Demand 147,502 154,430 161,369 168,314 175,270
Recycled Water Demand 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Groundwater Recharge Demand 34,036 29,012 22,776 14,842 6,594 Total Demand 182,518 184,872 185,575 184,586 183,294
Difference: 29,500 30,886 32,274 33,663 35,054
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Year 3
Groundwater 109,710 113,000 115,090 115,490 115,590
Groundwater – From Storage 0 0 0 0 8,212
Surface Water – USBR 12,954 12,954 12,954 12,954 12,954 Surface Water – Kings River 73,568 73,568 73,568 73,568 73,568 Recycled Water 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Supply Totals 197,212 200,952 203,042 203,442 211,754
Potable Demand 147,502 154,430 161,369 168,314 175,270
Recycled Water Demand 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Groundwater Recharge Demand 19,229 14,206 7,969 35 0
Total Demand 167,711 170,066 170,768 169,779 176,700
Difference: 29,500 30,886 32,274 33,663 35,054
Year 4
Groundwater 109,710 113,000 115,090 115,490 115,590
Groundwater – From Storage 21,441 26,464 32,701 40,635 48,882 Surface Water – USBR 0 0 0 0 0
Surface Water – Kings River 45,852 45,852 45,852 45,852 45,852 Recycled Water 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Supply Totals 177,982 186,746 195,073 203,407 211,754
Potable Demand 147,502 154,430 161,369 168,314 175,270
Recycled Water Demand 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Groundwater Recharge Demand 0 0 0 0 0
Total Demand 148,482 155,860 162,799 169,744 176,700
Difference: 29,500 30,886 32,274 33,663 35,054
Year 5
Groundwater 109,710 113,000 115,090 115,490 115,590
Groundwater – From Storage 0 0 0 0 0
Surface Water – USBR 47,678 47,678 47,678 47,678 47,678 Surface Water – Kings River 125,840 125,840 125,840 125,840 125,840 Recycled Water 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Supply Totals 284,208 287,948 290,038 290,438 290,538
Potable Demand 147,502 154,430 161,369 168,314 175,270
Recycled Water Demand 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
Groundwater Recharge Demand 106,226 101,202 94,965 87,031 78,784 Total Demand 254,708 257,062 257,764 256,775 255,484
Difference: 29,500 30,886 32,274 33,663 35,054
Note: Values rounded to the nearest whole number.
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Figure 7-3. Five Consecutive Dry Year Supply and Demand Assessment
7.3 Drought Risk Assessment
CWC Section 10635 (b) requires a drought risk assessment (DRA). The DRA provides a quick snapshot of the anticipated surplus or deficit if a five-consecutive year drought were to occur in the next five years. The DRA can be modified or updated outside of the UWMP five-year plan cycle, so a description of the data, methodology, and basis for shortage conditions are included here. The DRA evaluates each water supply’s reliability and compares available water supplies and projected demands during a five-consecutive dry years scenario. This short-term analysis can help water suppliers foresee undesired risks, such as upcoming shortages, and provide time to evaluate and implement the necessary response actions needed to mitigate shortages in a less impactful manner to the community and environment.
The projected gross water use for the five-year DRA is based on unrestricted potable demand presented in Table 4-8, unrestricted recycled water demand, and reduced groundwater recharge to maintain a 20% potable water demand buffer. 147,502 154,430 161,369 168,314 175,270
0 50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
350,000
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
AFY
Potable Demand
Year 1 Supply
Year 2 Supply
Year 3 Supply
Year 4 Supply
Year 5 Supply
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The reliability of supplies over a five-consecutive-year drought is described in Section
7.2.4.3 and summarized below for 2026 through 2030:
• Groundwater: Based on interpolating between 2025 and 2030 values in Table 6-3, plus pumping of stored groundwater beyond its estimated normal groundwater yield in 2029. The City would balance out the pumping from storage with recharge during normal and wet periods.
• USBR: Based on the actual supply allocations from these sources during the driest consecutive five-year drought (2012–2016).
• Kings River: Based on actual FID Kings River entitlement in 2012 to 2016, which ranged from 158,109 to 433,932 AF, with the projected City percentage of FID supply growing from 26% in 2026 to 29% by 2030, resulting in 44,903 to 125,840 AF to the City.
• Recycled Water: Based on interpolating between the 2025 and 2030 values in Table 6-7, excluding agricultural irrigation demand that does not offset the City’s potable demand.
Table 7-4 compares the total projected supply and demand for the five-year DRA for 2026 through 2030. As shown, the City does not expect to enact its WSCP for a fiveconsecutive-year drought based on the unrestricted potable demand projections and the current supply portfolio and reliability. Figure 7-4 compares the supply and demand in the five-year DRA. In year four, limited surface water results in the City reducing groundwater recharge and pulling additional groundwater from storage to meet customer demand and maintain a 20% water supply buffer.
Table 7-4. Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment
2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Groundwater 109,710 109,710 109,710 109,710 109,710
Groundwater – From Storage 0 0 0 14,505 0
Surface Water – USBR 24,492 7,902 12,954 0 47,678
Surface Water – Kings River 96,286 87,628 70,524 44,903 125,840 Recycled Water 324 455 590 726 980
Supply Totals 230,812 205,695 193,778 169,843 284,208
Potable Demand 121,220 127,790 134,361 140,931 147,502
Recycled Water Demand 324 455 590 726 980
Groundwater Recharge Demand 85,025 51,891 31,955 0 106,226 Total Demand 206,568 180,137 166,906 141,657 254,708
Difference: 24,244 25,558 26,872 28,186 29,500
Note: Values rounded to the nearest whole number.
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Figure 7-4. Five Year (2026-2030) Drought Risk Assessment 230,812
205,695
193,778
169,843
284,208
121,220 127,790 134,361 140,931 147,502
206,568
180,137
166,906
141,657
254,708
0 50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
AFY
Recycled Water
Surface Water – Kings River
Surface Water – USBR
Groundwater- From Storage
Groundwater
Supplies
Total Demand
(Potable & Recharge)
Potable Demand
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8 Water Shortage Contingency
Plan
The Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) is a
detailed plan for how the City intends to act in the case of an actual water shortage condition. This allows for
management of a shortage with predictability and
accountability. This section provides an overview of the contents of the City’s WSCP. The standalone WSCP is
included in Appendix I.
IN THIS SECTION
• Overview of WSCP
Components
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8.1 Introduction
CWC Section 10632 requires that every urban water supplier shall prepare and adopt a standalone WSCP as part of its UWMP. The City’s WSCP is included as Appendix I and will be separately submitted to DWR. The WSCP is developed independently of the 2025 UWMP and can be amended, as needed, without amending the UWMP.
The WSCP is a strategic plan that the City uses to prepare for and respond to foreseeable and unforeseeable water shortages. A water shortage occurs when the water supply available is insufficient to meet the normally expected customer water use at a given point in time. A shortage may occur due to a number of reasons, such as water supply quality changes, climate change, drought, regional power outage, and catastrophic events (e.g., earthquake). Additionally, the State may declare a statewide drought emergency and mandate that water suppliers reduce demands, as occurred in 2014. The WSCP serves as the operating manual that the City will use to prevent catastrophic service disruptions through proactive, rather than reactive, mitigation of water shortages.
The WSCP provides a process for an annual water supply and demand assessment and structured steps designed to respond to actual conditions. This level of detailed planning and preparation provides accountability and predictability and will help the City maintain reliable supplies and reduce the impacts of any supply shortages and/or interruptions.
The WSCP must be updated based on new requirements every five years and will be adopted as a current update for submission to DWR.
8.2 Overview of WSCP Components
The Water Code establishes several prescriptive elements that must be included in a retail water supplier’s WSCP. Each element and its location within the WSCP is described below.
Water Supply Reliability Analysis: Summarizes the City’s water supply analysis and reliability and identifies any key issues that may trigger a shortage condition.
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.
Shortage Stages: Establishes water shortage levels to clearly identify and prepare for shortages.
Shortage Response Actions: Describes the response actions that may be implemented or considered for each stage to reduce gaps between supply and demand.
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Communication Protocols: Describes communication protocols under each stage to ensure customers, the public, and government agencies are informed of shortage conditions and requirements.
Compliance and Enforcement: Defines compliance and enforcement actions available to administer demand reductions.
Legal Authorities: Lists the legal documents that grant City of Fresno the authority to declare a water shortage and implement and enforce response actions.
Financial Consequences of WSCP Activation: Describes the anticipated financial impact of implementing water shortage stages and identifies mitigation strategies to offset financial burdens.
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.
WSCP Refinement Procedures: Describes the factors that may trigger updates to the WSCP and outlines how to complete an update.
Special Water Feature Distinctions: Identifies exemptions for decorative features aside from pools and spas.
Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability: Describes the process for the WSCP adoption, submittal, and availability after each revision.
The WSCP was prepared in conjunction with the 2025 UWMP and is a standalone document that can be modified as needed. The document is compliant with the CWC Section 10632 and incorporates guidance from the DWR UWMP Guidebook.
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9 Demand Management
Measures
This section describes City’s efforts to promote water use efficiency, reduce demand on the water supply, and
prepare for future requirements.
IN THIS SECTION
• Existing Demand
Management
• Reporting Implementation
• Water Use Objectives
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9.1 Introduction
The City employs several water conservation programs, more than State-mandated water restrictions to promote conservation and manage water demand. These measures help reduce overdraft of the City’s groundwater basin and have aided the City in meeting its water use targets discussed in Section 5.
9.2 Existing Demand Management Measures
The following sections provide a description of the Demand Management Measures (DMMs), including the nature and extent of each.
9.2.1 Water Waste Prevention Ordinances
The City prohibits water waste through implementation of the Urban Water Conservation and Excessive Water Use ordinance (see Section 6-520 of the Fresno Municipal Code).
The ordinance includes such prohibitions as not washing hardscapes, using a nozzlecontrolled hose, and using irrigation practices. The WSCP, included in Appendix I, contains a more in-depth discussion of these prohibitions and consequences associated with them.
The City has a water waste hotline and a reporting form on the City website and keeps records of water waste violations. Communication to the City’s diverse customer base is always taken into consideration, and the City has personnel with Spanish and Hmong language proficiency. All Water Conservation Representatives use advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) to monitor and confirm excessive or negligent water waste incidents.
The Water Conservation staff can be reached at (559) 621-CITY for after-hours emergencies. Online forms are also available to the public at https://www.fresno.gov/publicutilities/.
9.2.2 Metering
In 2008, the City embarked on a project to install meters on all single-family residential service connections throughout the service area. The water meter project was completed in 2013. The City already had water meters on all existing multifamily residential, commercial, industrial, landscape irrigation, and fire services.
With completion of the metering project, the City can now monitor water use more closely and provide customers with an understanding of water use, which has led to reducing water consumption significantly since 2013. The City will continue to monitor water use through the metering data and use the data to analyze demand trends and plan for future water shortages.
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As part of the analysis of the meter data and through customer complaints or comments, the City is able to identify meters that are not working properly. Once identified, the City can have a maintenance crew visit the property and evaluate whether to repair or replace the meter.
The City also routinely tests and calibrates meters to ensure accuracy in reading and billing. Typically, meters are tested in place in the field or at a test bench in the meter shop. Field testing involves using calibrated flow meters to monitor the flow through a test port on or attached to the meter and comparing the measured flow to the meter reading.
The majority of large meters, three inches and above, have a bypass valve that will be turned on during the meter test so as not to disrupt water use to the property. In the case where a bypass valve is not in place, the customer is notified at least 48 hours before the test date.
With most meters being two inches or smaller, testing every meter is not logistically or economically feasible; therefore, a statistical sampling of each size is tested each year based on the following criteria:
• Meters six inches and above are tested annually.
• Meters three inches to four inches are tested at least once every two years. • Meters three-fourths of an inch to two inches are tested if a customer disputes the accuracy.
The City performs more frequent testing on larger meters on the basis that an error in their registration has a greater effect on customer equity and revenue issues. Meters registering larger volumes are given priority regardless of when they were last tested.
The City also shares meter data with the customers through its EyeOnWater tool available on its website or on a mobile app. This allows customers to monitor and better understand their hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly water usage, trends, and how they compare to average users.
9.2.3 Conservation Pricing
The City’s customers are subject to the water rate structure adopted by the City Council through the Proposition 218 process. The approved rate structure has a base price designated by meter size and a volumetric rate for water usage. Table 9-1 shows the rate structure. The City does not have conservation pricing.
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Table 9-1. Current Water Rate Structure
METER SIZE
BASE RATE USAGE CHARGES
DOMESTIC IRRIGATION 100 CUBIC FEET
(HCF)
1,000
GALLONS
¾” or smaller $13.50 $10.70
$1.74
(per each HCF)
$2.33
(per each 1,000
gallons)
1” $17.90 $13.40
1.5” $20.80 $15.20
2” $35.30 $24.10
3” $52.80 $34.90
4” $79.00 $51.00
6” $152.00 $96.00
8” $705.00 $436.00
10” $1,113.00 $687.00
12” $1,462.00 $901.00
9.2.4 Public Education and Outreach
The City has worked diligently to connect with and educate the community it serves.
Those efforts include an emphasis on water conservation techniques and the importance of reducing overall water demand, both specifically to the resident (in terms of fiscal impacts) and to the overall water supply.
The City’s varied programs to incentivize water savings are frequently discussed, including the following items:
• Water-wise landscape consultation
• EyeOnWater tool
• Irrigation efficiency audit
• Assistance with setting irrigation controllers
• Interior/exterior water leak surveys
• Water meter use information
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• Water use rebates, coupons, and permits
• Lawn-to-garden rebates
• Water conservation hotlines
9.2.4.1 Education and Outreach
The City's water conservation public information program is managed in-house with the assistance of Bodewell Group, formerly known as Southwest Strategies Group. Bodewell Group’s services include strategic communications and integrated planning, messaging frameworks and narrative development, community outreach, multicultural and multilingual engagement, traditional and public relations and media relations, and crisis communications and rapid response.
The City's public information program has many components, including multimedia campaigns (paid and public service advertising), customer billing inserts, literature, public outreach activities, a speaker’s bureau, and inter-agency partnerships. Many of the City’s water conservation materials are provided in three languages: English, Hmong, and Spanish.
The City is a member of the Central Valley Water Awareness Committee (CVWAC), which is composed of several cities, water utilities, irrigation districts, and other groups in the Central Valley. The CVWAC was created to increase the public’s understanding of how water is treated, managed, and delivered to customers. The City participates in Water Awareness Month activities through its affiliation with the CVWAC.
The City also conducts outreach events to the community, including:
• Setting up outreach booths providing water-saving info and rebate information at local festivals, parades, plant sales, home and garden shows, and fairs • Participating in Annual Water Wise Plant Exchanges, a large community event to share water-wise plants and information and participate in hands-on activities • Hosting Kids Water Camp, a large one-day event with hands-on activities for kids in third grade in all elementary schools in the service area • Hosting workshops and speaker events about water-wise plants, gardening, and landscaping
9.2.4.2 Water Surveys
The City conducted 9,860 interior and exterior water leak surveys and tutorials between 2021 and 2025. Table 9-2 quantifies the number and types of surveys conducted.
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Table 9-2. Interior and Exterior Surveys
Description/Year 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Total
Exterior Surveys
Exterior Audit 465 625 621 549 620 2,880
Landscape Consultation 134 251 621 55 171 1,232
Large Turf Survey 4 0 0 0 0 4
Timer Tutorial 687 758 898 895 741 3,979
Interior Surveys
Interior Audit 130 342 392 411 490 1,765
Totals 1,420 1,976 2,532 1,910 2,022 9,860
9.2.4.3 Rebate Programs
The City operates 12 rebate programs. Some of those that were active and used during the 2021–2025 reporting period are summarized in Table 9-3. The City also maintains a water conservation page on its website with links to its current rebates.
Table 9-3. Rebate Program Results
Measure 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Totals
Clothes Washer Rebate 469 182 173 150 156 1,130
Recirculating Hot Water Rebate 12 7 4 3 2 28
Smart Irrigation Controller
Rebate 116 114 98 87 68 483
Micro Irrigation Retrofit Rebate 15 70 83 36 37 241
Soil Moisture Sensor Rebate 0 0 0 0 0 0
Rain Sensor Rebate 1 2 0 1 1 5
Rainwater Harvesting Rebate 2 7 0 2 3 14
Commercial Toilet Rebate 4 8 0 0 1 13
Commercial Urinal Rebate 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sprinkler Nozzle Rebates 11 14 5 2 3 35
Evaporative Cooler Rebate 0 0 0 0 0 0
Lawn To Garden Rebate 26 78 87 34 5 230
Total 656 482 450 315 276 2,179
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9.2.5 Programs to Assess and Manage Distribution System Real Losses
As discussed in Section 4.2.3, the calculated loss was determined to be 4.5% in 2025 and is approximately 2.5% less than in 2021. With complete system metering, the City can track losses more closely and understand where possible losses are occurring and correct them as necessary. The City also recently started tracking water uses that were previously unmetered, such as water used at fire hydrants, wells sites for irrigation, and backwash water at some wellhead treatment facilities, resulting in a drop in water loss in 2024 and 2025 compared to historic water loss. The following measures are in place or are being developed to improve the system losses:
• The City has implemented meter testing frequency for 3-inch and larger meters. • The City has an online tool as well as a telephone hotline available for the public to report water leaks, either on their property or within the public rights-of-way. This helps reduce detection time and limits the water loss from leaks. • The City uses meter data to identify any meters not functioning correctly or any leaks in the system so that they can be replaced or repaired. This helps reduce unaccounted for water consumption.
Unauthorized consumption can be determined, at times, through the meter data also. If a meter shows no usage, the City can note the address and schedule a site visit to determine any possible issues.
9.2.6 Water Conservation Program Coordination and Staffing Support
The City employs a team of full‑time staff year‑round to administer and oversee its water conservation programs. Outreach to the City’s diverse customer base is a key consideration, and the City has personnel with Spanish and Hmong language proficiency.
All Water Conservation Representatives utilize AMIs to identify, monitor, and verify incidents of excessive or negligent water use.
9.2.7 Other Demand Management Measures
In addition to the water conservation programs, the City has also enacted watering schedules for the community that specify days and times customers are allowed to water, based on odd or even street addresses.
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9.3 Implementation to Achieve Water Use Targets
As discussed in Section 5, the City met and exceeded its 2020 water use target. However, the City also realizes a portion of the observed conservation is due to the strict water use restrictions imposed during the drought. If those restrictions are lifted, the City will be diligent in continuing use of the above described DMMs.
The extensive metering program, replacement of turf, and replacement of over 10,000 high-water-use appliances (toilets and washing machines) over the last several years has helped the City maintain overall lower water consumption.
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10 Plan Adoption, Submittal,
and Implementation
This section describes the steps taken to make the UWMP and WSCP publicly available as well as adopt and submit the UWMP and WSCP in accordance with the Water Code.
IN THIS SECTION
• Completed Steps for UWMP
and WSCP
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10.1 Completed Steps for UWMP and WSCP
The City has notified the County of Fresno, the only city or county in which the City provides water, of its intent to review the UWMP and consider changes to the plan. The City also notified the City of Clovis of plan preparation. Both of these governmental entities as well as a host of local water purveyors and agencies (Table 2-1) were notified of the preparation of the UWMP and public hearing and were encouraged to participate in the development of this plan update. Copies of the notification letters are included in Appendix J.
Consistent with the legislative requirements for public noticing, the City published two notices in the Fresno Bee, at least five days apart over a two-week period, providing the date and time of the public hearing. The notices were published on June 3, 2026, and June 10, 2026.
The City held a public hearing and adopted the 2025 UWMP and WSCP on June 25, 2026. A copy of the adopting resolution is included in Appendix K. Before the public hearing, notices were published notifying the public of the date and time of the hearing.
Once the 2025 UWMP and WSCP have been adopted, a copy of the 2025 UWMP and WSCP and any subsequent amendments will be submitted to DWR, the State Library, and the County of Fresno.
Once the plan has been adopted, a hard copy will be made available for public reference at the City of Fresno Department of Public Utilities office at City Hall (located at 2600 Fresno Street) and the Water Division office (located at 1910 E. University Avenue).
Additionally, an electronic copy will be uploaded to the City of Fresno website and made available for public reference.
If City identifies the need to amend this UWMP or WSCP, it will follow the same procedures used previously for notification to the County and the public and for initial adoption.
City of Fresno Public Utilities References
2025 Urban Water Management Plan | REF-1
References
Applied Development Economics, Inc. and Mintier Harnish Associates. (2017). Fresno County 2050 Growth.
California Department of Finance. (2020, May). E-4 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State. Retrieved from State of California Department of Finance:
http://www.dof.ca.gov/Forecasting/Demographics/Estimates/e-4/2010-20/ California Department of Finance. (2026, May). E-4 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2021-2025 with 2020 Census Benchmark. Retrieved from State of California Department of Finance:
https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/demographics/estimates/e-4-population-estimatesfor-cities-counties-and-the-state-2021-2025-with-2020-census-benchmark/ California Regional Water Quality Control Board. (2018). Order R5-2018-0080 Waste Discharge Requirements for Cities of Fresno and Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility.
Carollo. (2010). Recycled Water Master Plan. City of Fresno.
CH2MHill. (1992). City of Fresno Metropolitan Water Resources Management Plan, Phase 1 Report, Volume II or II, Appendix B Hydrogeologic Conditions in the FCMA.
City of Fresno Development and Resource Management Department. (2014). Fresno General Plan .
City of Fresno Development and Resource Management Department. (2017). Fresno General Plan 2015 - 2023 Housing Element.
City of Fresno Planning and Development Department. (2020). 2019 Housing Element Annual Progress Report.
City of Fresno Planning and Development Department. (2022). Official General Plan Land Use and Circulation Map.
Department of Water Resources. (2018). Guidance for Climate Change Data Use during Groundwater Sustainability Plan.
DWR. (2006). Bulletin 118 - San Joaquiv Valley Groundwater Basin, Kings Subbasin.
DWR. (2016). Methodologies for Calculating Baseline and Compliance Urban Per Capita Water Use.
DWR. (2026). CIMIS Station Reports. Retrieved from CIMIS.
City of Fresno Public Utilities References
2025 Urban Water Management Plan | REF-2
DWR, SWRCB. (2018). Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life.
Fernandez-Bou, A. S. (2022). California's Fourth Climate change Assessment, San Joaquin Valley Regional Report.
Fresno City Water, Engineering Department. (1940). Average of Groundwater Depth for City of Wells Log.
Fresno Council of Governments. (2024). Fresno County Multi-Jurisdictional 2023-2031 Housing Element with Appendix 1E: Fresno City.
History of SJRECWA Exchange Contractors. (n.d.). Retrieved 03 18, 2021, from San Joaquin River Exchange Contractrs Water Authority:
http://www.sjrecwa.net/about/history/
John Carollo Engineers. (1969). Report on Water Resources City of Fresno.
Kings River Water Association and Kings River Conservation District. (2003). The Kings River Handbook, pg. 7.
Lund, J. (2022). Drought Year Three in California, 2022. Retrieved March 20, 2022, from California Water Blog: https://californiawaterblog.com/2022/03/20/drought-yearthree-in-california/ Ortiz-Partida, J. P., Weintraub, C., Fernadez-Bou, A. S., Maskey, L., & Mahesh. (2020).
Climate Change in the San Joaquin Valley A Household and Community Guide to Taking Action.
Partida, C. K. (2020, November 15). Planning for a shorter rainy season and more frequent extreme storms in California. California WaterBlog. Retrieved from https://californiawaterblog.com/2020/11/15/planning-for-a-shorter-rainy-seasonand-more-frequent-extreme-storms-in-california/ Persad, G. G. (2020, October). Inter-model agreement on projected shifts in California hydroclimate characteristics critical to water management. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-020-02882-4
Persad, G. G. (2020, October). Inter-model agreement on projected shifts in California hydroclimate characteristics critical to water management. Climate Change.
Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-020-02882-4 Persad, G. G. (2020). Inter-model agreement on projected shifts in California hydroclimate characteristics critical to water management. Climate Change.
Persad, G. G. (2020, October). Inter-model agreement on projected shifts in California hydroclimate characteristics critical to water management. Climatic Change.
Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-020-02882-4 City of Fresno Public Utilities References
2025 Urban Water Management Plan | REF-3
Provost & Pritchard. (2022). North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Plan. North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
Provost & Pritchard. (2025). North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Plan, REvised and Approved January 16, 2025. North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
Siirila-Woodburn, E. R. (2021). A Low-to-No Snow Future and its Impacts on Water Resources in the Western United States. Nat Rev Earth Environ 2.
U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Population, Census, April 1, 2020.
USBR. (2021). Sacramento and San Joaquin River Basins SECURE Water Act Section 9503(c) Report to Congress.
WateReuse Research Foundation. (2013). Demonstration of Filtration and Disinfection Compliance Through Soil-Aquifer Treatment.
Williams, A. C. (2022). Rapid intensification of the emerging southwestern North American megadrought in 2020–2021. Nature Climate Change.
Williams, A. P. (2020). Large contribution from anthropogenic warming to a developing North American megadrought. 368.
WRIME. (2007). The Integrated Groundwater and Surface Water Model prepared for the Kings Basin Integrated Regional Water Management Authority.
WSC. (2026). Draft Water Reuse Master Plan. City of Fresno.
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP Checklist
2025 Urban Water Management Plan | A
Appendix A 2025 UWMP Checklist
A
City of Fresno
2025 UWMP
Appendix A - 2025 UWMP Checklist
Retail
(x = required)
Wholesale
(x = required) Order 2025 Guidebook Location Water Code Section Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject Relevant
Submittal
Table
2025 UWMP Location
x x 1 Chapter 1 10615 A plan shall describe and evaluate sources of supply, reasonable and practical efficient uses, reclamation and demand management activities. Introduction and overview n/a UWMP Executive Summary, Section 1 (Introduction), pp. 1‑1 to 1‑4 (TOC). x x 1 Chapter 1 10630.5
Each plan shall include a simple description of the Supplier’s plan including water availability, future requirements, a strategy for meeting needs, and other pertinent information. Additionally, a Supplier may also choose to include a simple description at the beginning of each chapter.
Plan preparation n/a UWMP Executive Summary, Section 1 (Intro) and “UWMP Organization” (Section 1.3), pp. 1‑1 to 1‑4.
x x 2.1 Section 2.1 10620(b) Every person that becomes a Supplier shall adopt UWMP within one year after it has become a Supplier. Plan preparation n/a UWMP Section 2.1 (Basis for Preparing a Plan), p. 2‑2 (TOC). x n/a 2.5 Section 2.5 10644 Supplier shall report the Public Water Systems number, volume of delivered water, and number of connections that are included in this UWMP. Plan preparation 2-1 Appendix B (DWR Standardized Tables); UWMP states “all required DWR standardized tables compiled in Appendix B.” x x 2.5 Section 2.5 10644 Supplier shall report if this UWMP is an individual UWMP and whether the Supplier belongs to a regional UWMP or regional alliance. Plan preparation 2-2 Appendix B (DWR Standardized Tables); also UWMP identifies this plan as a Retail UWMP and not a wholesale supplier. x x 2.5 Section 2.5 10644 Supplier shall report whether the data is in fiscal or calendar years and the units of measure used for reporting water volumes. Plan preparation 2-3 UWMP Section 2.1 notes plan prepared on calendar year basis and volumes in AF; also Appendix B. x x 2.4 Section 2.4 10642
Provide supporting documentation that the Supplier has encouraged active involvement of diverse social, cultural, and economic elements of the population within the service area prior to and during the preparation of the plan and contingency plan.
Plan preparation n/a UWMP Section 2.2 (outreach) + Section 10.1 (public notices/hearing; Appendix J letters).
x x 2.4 Section 2.4.2 10620(d)(3)
Coordinate the preparation of its plan with other appropriate agencies in the area, including other Suppliers that share a common source, water management agencies, and relevant public agencies, to the extent practicable.
Plan preparation n/a UWMP Section 2.2 + Table 2-1 (Agency Coordination and Outreach). x n/a 2.4 Section 2.4.1 10631(h) Retail Suppliers will include documentation that they have provided their Wholesale Supplier(s)—if any—with water use projections from that source. Plan preparation 2-4 R UWMP Section 2.2 states supply agencies (USBR, FID) were notified and provided projections; see Table 2-1.
n/a x 2.4 Section 2.4.1 10631(h)
Wholesale Suppliers will provide their Suppliers with identification and quantification of the existing and planned sources of water available from the Wholesale Supplier to the Supplier during various water year types.
Plan preparation 2-4 W Not applicable: UWMP states City “does not wholesale water to any other agencies” (Retail supplier).
x x 3 Chapter 3.0 10631(a) Describe the Supplier service area. System description n/a UWMP Section 3.1 (Service Area), pp. 3‑2+; Figures 3-1/3-2 in Chapter 3. x x 3.3 Section 3.3 10631(a) Describe the climate of the Supplier’s service area. System description n/a UWMP Section 3.2 (Service Area Climate), p. 3‑9; Table 3-2. x x 3.4 Section 3.4.1 10631(a) Provide the current and projected service area populations for 2030, 2035, 2040, 2045 and optionally 2050. System description 3-1 UWMP Section 3.3 (Population/Demographics), p. 3‑10; Table 3-3 includes 2030–2050. x x 3.4 Section 3.4.2 10631(a) Describe other social, economic, and demographic factors affecting the Supplier’s water management planning. System description n/a UWMP Section 3.3 – “Other Social, Economic, and Demographic Factors” (DAC/poverty discussion). x x 3.5 Section 3.5 10631(a)
Describe the land uses within the service area… include the current and projected land uses within the existing or anticipated service area affecting the Supplier’s water management planning. Describe the land uses within the service area.
System description and
baselines n/a UWMP Section 3.1 (Land Uses); Table 3-1; projected land use shown in Figure 4-3 (Chapter 4). x Optional 4.2 Sections 4.2.3 and 4.2.4 10631(d)(1) Quantify past, current, and projected water use, identifying the uses among water use sectors. System water use 4-1 and 4-2 UWMP Chapter 4: Table 43 (DWR 4‑1) and Table 4-6 (DWR 4‑2); also Appendix B standardized tables. x Optional 4.3 Section 4.3.1 10631(d)(3)(A) Report the distribution system water loss for each of the five years preceding the plan update. System water use 4-5 UWMP Chapter 4 – Distribution System Water Losses; Table 4-1 (DWR 4‑4R); supporting audits in Appendix D. x n/a 4.3 Section 4.3.2 10631(d)(3)(C) Retail Suppliers shall provide data to show the distribution loss standards were met. System water use 4-6 UWMP Chapter 4; Table 4-2 (Progress Toward 2028 Water Loss Standard). x n/a 4.2 Section 4.2.5.4 10631.1(a) Include projected water use needed for lower income housing projected in the service area of the Supplier. System water use 4-3 UWMP Section 4.3 (Water Use for Lower Income Households); Table 4-9 and Table 4-10. x n/a 4.2 Section 4.2.5.3 10631(d)(4)(A) In projected water use, include estimates of water savings from adopted codes, plans, and other policies or laws. System water use 4-3 UWMP Chapter 4 – Projected Water Use discussion of California Plumbing Code and passive conservation; Table 4-4 & Table 4-5. x n/a 4.2 Section 4.2.5.3 10631(d)(4)(B) Provide citations of codes, standards, ordinances, or plans used to make water use projections. System water use 4-3
UWMP Chapter 4 – Demand Factors / Projected Water Use references California Plumbing Code and methodology; tables 4-4 to 4-6 support projections.
x n/a 4.2 Section 4.2.5.3 10631(d)(4)(B)(ii)
To the extent that a Supplier reports the information described in subparagraph (A), an urban water Supplier shall… Indicate the extent that the water use projections consider savings from codes, standards, ordinances, or transportation and land use plans. Water use projections that do not account for these water savings shall be noted of that fact.
System water use 4-3 UWMP Chapter 4 – Demand Factors explicitly includes passive conservation linked to plumbing code; see Tables 4-4 and 4-5.
x x 4.2 Section 4.2.5.6 10635(b) Demands under climate change considerations must be included as part of the drought risk assessment. System water use n/a UWMP Section 4.4 (Climate Change Considerations) and Section 7.3 (Drought Risk Assessment). n/a x 5.1 Section 5.1 10608.36 Wholesale Suppliers shall include an assessment of present and proposed future measures, programs, and policies to help their Retail Suppliers achieve targeted water use reductions. Baselines and targets n/a Not applicable: UWMP identifies City as Retail and not a wholesaler. x n/a 5.2 Section 5.2 10608.4
Retail Suppliers shall report on their compliance in meeting their water use targets. Reporting requirements will vary depending on whether the Supplier:
- Was considered an urban retail water supplier in 2020, - Met its 2020 target in 2020, or
- Was part of a merger or consolidation since 2020.
Chapter 5 Subsections 5.2.1, 5.2.2, and 5.2.3 address each of these situations.
Baselines and targets 5-1 UWMP Chapter 5 (SBX7‑7 compliance); Table 5-1. x x 6.1 Section 6.1 10631(b)(2) When multiple sources of water supply are identified, describe the management of each supply in relationship to other identified supplies. System supplies n/a UWMP Section 6.1 (Water Supply Analysis Overview); conjunctive use described in UWMP overview and WSCP reliability summary. x x 6.1 Sections 6.1 and 6.2 10631(b)(1)
Provide a discussion of anticipated supply availability under a normal, single dry year, and a drought lasting five years, as well as more frequent and severe periods of drought, including changes in supply due to climate change.
System supplies n/a UWMP Chapter 7 (Reliability) for normal/single‑dry/multi‑dry; supplies described in Chapter 6.
City of Fresno
2025 UWMP
Appendix A - 2025 UWMP Checklist
Retail
(x = required)
Wholesale
(x = required) Order 2025 Guidebook Location Water Code Section Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject Relevant
Submittal
Table
2025 UWMP Location
x x 6.2 Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(C)
Indicate whether groundwater is an existing or planned source of water available to the Supplier. If groundwater is identified as an existing or planned source of water… (include) a detailed description and analysis of the location, amount and sufficiency of groundwater pumped by the Supplier for the past five years.
Water supplies and recycled
water 6-1 UWMP Section 6.2 (Groundwater); supporting figures/tables listed (e.g., historic groundwater production) and groundwater tables (Chapter 6). x x 6.2 Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(A)
Indicate whether a groundwater sustainability plan or groundwater management plan has been adopted by the Supplier or if there is any other specific authorization for groundwater management. Include a copy of the plan or authorization.
System supplies n/a Appendix E: North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Plan. x x 6.2 Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(B) Describe the groundwater basin. System supplies n/a UWMP Section 6.2 (Groundwater); basin figures listed (e.g., Kings Subbasin). x x 6.2 Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(B) Indicate if the basin has been adjudicated and include a copy of the court order or decree and a description of the amount of water the Supplier has the legal right to pump. System supplies n/a Not Applicable- Basin is not adjudicated and the City does not have a pumping allocation. x x 6.2 Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(B) For unadjudicated basins… (include) information as to whether DWR has identified the basin as a high- or medium-priority basin in the most current official departmental bulletin… Water supplies and recycled
water n/a UWMP Section 6.2 identifies basin as criticall overdrafted, and in Appendix E. x x 6.2 Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(B) For unadjudicated basins… describe efforts by the Supplier to coordinate with sustainability or groundwater agencies to achieve sustainable groundwater conditions.
Water supplies and recycled
water n/a
UWMP Section 2.2 shows coordination list includes North Kings Groundwater Sustainability Agency; groundwater coordination and management is described in Section 6.2.
x x 6.2 Section 6.2.2. 10631(b)(4)(C)
If groundwater is identified as an existing or planned source of water… (include) a detailed description and analysis of the location, amount and sufficiency of groundwater pumped by the Supplier for the past five years.
System supplies n/a UWMP Section 6.2 (Groundwater) (see groundwater tables/figures listed for historic production).
x x 6.2 Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(D) Provide a detailed description and analysis of the amount and location of groundwater that is projected to be pumped. System supplies 6-9 UWMP Section 6.2 (Groundwater) + supply projection tables listed in Chapter 6 (e.g., groundwater projection table). x x 6.1 Section 6.1 10631(b) Identify and quantify the existing and planned sources of water available for 2025, 2030, 2035, 2040, 2045 and optionally 2050. System supplies 6-8 and 6-9 UWMP Section 6.9 (Summary of Existing and Planned Supplies); Table 6-8 (DWR 6‑8) and Table 6-9 (DWR 6‑9) listed. x x 6.2 Section 6.2.7 10631(c) Describe the opportunities for exchanges or transfers of water on a short-term or long-term basis. System supplies n/a UWMP Section 6.7 (Water Exchanges and Transfers), p. 6‑34 (TOC). x n/a 6.2 Section 6.2.5 10633(a) Describe the wastewater collection and treatment systems in the Supplier’s service area with quantified amount of collection and treatment and the disposal methods.
System supplies (recycled
water) 6-2 UWMP Section 6.5 (Wastewater and Recycled Water), p. 6‑26 (TOC); recycled water tables listed in Chapter 6. x x 6.2 Section 6.2.5 10633(b) Describe the quantity of treated wastewater that meets recycled water standards, is being discharged, and is otherwise available for use in a recycled water project.
System supplies (recycled
water) 6-3 UWMP Section 6.5; recycled water tables listed (e.g., historic RW used). x x 6.2 Section 6.2.5 10633(c) Describe the recycled water currently being used in the Supplier's service area. System supplies (recycled water) 6-4 UWMP Section 6.5; Tables 6-6 to 6-7 listed.
x x 6.2 Section 6.2.5 10633(d) Describe and quantify the potential uses of recycled water and provide a determination of the technical and economic feasibility of those uses.
System supplies (recycled
water) 6-4 UWMP Section 6.5 (TOC indicates location).
x x 6.2 Section 6.2.5 10633(e)
Describe the projected use of recycled water within the Supplier's service area at the end of 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, and describe the actual use of recycled water in comparison to uses previously projected.
System supplies (recycled
water) 6-4 and 6-5 UWMP Section 6.5; Tables 6-6 to 6-7 listed. x x 6.2 Section 6.2.5 10633(f) Describe the actions that may be taken to encourage the use of recycled water and the projected results of these actions in terms of acre-feet of recycled water used per year.
System supplies (recycled
water) 6-6 UWMP Section 6.5 (TOC indicates location).
x x 6.2 Section 6.2.5 10633(g) Provide a plan for optimizing the use of recycled water in the Supplier's service area. System supplies (recycled water) n/a UWMP Section 6.5 and related planning references (e.g., Water Reuse Master Plan referenced in Section 1.4). x x 6.2 Section 6.2.6 10631(g) Describe desalinated water project opportunities for long-term supply. System supplies 6-7 UWMP Section 6.6 (Desalinated Water), p. 6‑33 (TOC). x x 6.2 Section 6.2.10 10631(f)
Describe the expected future water supply projects and programs that may be undertaken by the water Supplier to address water supply reliability in average, single-dry, and for a period of drought lasting five consecutive water years.
System supplies 6-7 UWMP Section 6.8 (Future Water Projects), p. 6‑36 (TOC). x x 6.3 Section 6.3 and Appendix
O
10631.2(a) The UWMP must include energy information, as stated in the code, that a Supplier can readily obtain.
System suppliers, energy
intensity
O-1A, O-1B, O1C, and O-2UWMP Section 6.11 (Energy Intensity), p. 6‑41; Table 6-10 (Water System Energy Intensity in 2025) listed.
x 7.1 Section 7.1 10634
Provide information on the quality of existing sources of water available to the Supplier and the manner in which water quality affects water management strategies and supply reliability.
Water supply reliability
assessment n/a UWMP Section 7.1 (Introduction to reliability) and water quality discussion expected in supplies/reliability chapters. x x 7.2 Section 7.2 10635(a)
Service Reliability Assessment: Assess the water supply reliability during normal, dry, and a drought lasting five consecutive water years by comparing the total water supply sources available to the Supplier with the total projected water use over the next 20 years.
Water supply reliability
assessment
7-2, 7-3, and 7-
4 UWMP Section 7.2; reliability tables/figures listed (Tables 7-1 to 7-3; Figure 7- 1 to 7-3).
x x 7.2 Section 7.2.3 10620(f) Describe water management tools and options to maximize resources and minimize the need to import water from other regions.
Water supply reliability
assessment n/a UWMP Section 7.2.3 (referenced in Chapter 4 demand projection narrative); overall strategy also summarized in Section 1 and 6. x x 7.3 Section 7.3 10635(b) Provide a drought risk assessment as part of information considered in developing the demand management measures and water supply projects.
Water supply reliability
assessment n/a UWMP Section 7.3 (Drought Risk Assessment), p. 7‑11 (TOC); Table 7-4. x x 7.3 Section 7.3 10635(b)(1)
Include a description of the data, methodology, and basis for one or more supply shortage conditions that are necessary to conduct a drought risk assessment for a drought period that lasts five consecutive years.
Water supply reliability
assessment n/a UWMP Section 7.3 includes DRA description; methodology language present in DRA narrative excerpt. x x 7.3 Section 7.3 10635(b)(2) Include a determination of the reliability of each source of supply under a variety of water shortage conditions.
Water supply reliability
assessment n/a UWMP Section 7.3 (DRA) and supply reliability discussion; Table 7-4. x x 7.3 Section 7.3 10635(b)(3) Include a comparison of the total water supply sources available to the Supplier with the total projected water use for the drought period.
Water supply reliability
assessment 7-5 UWMP Section 7.3 (DRA) and associated tables/figures (e.g., five‑year DRA figure/table listed). x x 7.3 Section 7.3 10635(b)(4)
Include considerations of the historical drought hydrology, plausible changes on projected supplies and demands under climate change conditions, anticipated regulatory changes, and other locally applicable criteria.
Water supply reliability
assessment n/a UWMP Section 7.3 (DRA) + Section 4.4 (Climate Change Considerations). x x 8 Chapter 8 10632(a) Provide a water shortage contingency plan (WSCP) with specified elements below. Water shortage contingency planning n/a UWMP Chapter 8 (WSCP overview) + Appendix I = standalone WSCP. x x 8 Chapter 8 10632(a)(1) Provide an analysis of water supply reliability (from Guidebook Chapter 7) in the WSCP. Water shortage contingency planning n/a WSCP Section 1.0 (Water Service Reliability Analysis) references UWMP Section 7 reliability findings. x x 8.2 Section 8.2 10632(a)(2)(A) Provide the written decision-making process and other methods that the Supplier will use each year to determine its water reliability.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 2.0 (Annual Assessment Procedures) including data inputs/criteria/steps. x x 8.2 Section 8.2 10632(a)(2)(B) Provide data and methodology to evaluate the Supplier’s water reliability for the current year and one dry year pursuant to factors in the code.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 2.0 (key inputs, evaluation criteria, annual assessment procedures).
City of Fresno
2025 UWMP
Appendix A - 2025 UWMP Checklist
Retail
(x = required)
Wholesale
(x = required) Order 2025 Guidebook Location Water Code Section Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject Relevant
Submittal
Table
2025 UWMP Location
x x 8.3 Section 8.3 10632(a)(3)(A)
Define six standard water shortage levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% shortage, and greater than 50% shortage. These levels shall be based on supply conditions, including percent reductions in supply, changes in groundwater levels, changes in surface elevation, or other conditions. The shortage levels shall also apply to a catastrophic interruption of supply.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 3.0 (Water Shortage Stages) + crosswalk to DWR standardized levels. x x 8.3 Section 8.3 10632(a)(3)(B) Suppliers with an existing WSCP that uses different water shortage levels must cross reference their categories with the six standard categories.
Water shortage contingency
planning 8-1 WSCP Section 3.0 + Table 2 (DWR 8‑1) and Figure 2 crosswalk. x x 8.4 Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(A) Suppliers with WSCPs that align with the defined shortage levels must specify locally appropriate supply augmentation actions.
Water shortage contingency
planning 8-2 WSCP Section 4.3 + Table 4 (DWR 8‑2R).
x x 8.4 Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(B) Specify locally appropriate demand reduction actions to adequately respond to shortages. Water shortage contingency planning 8-3 WSCP Section 4.2 + Table 3 (DWR 8‑3).
x x 8.4 Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(C) Specify locally appropriate operational changes. Water shortage contingency planning 8-2 WSCP Section 4.4 (Operational Changes).
x x 8.4 Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(D) Specify additional mandatory prohibitions against specific water use practices that are in addition to State-mandated prohibitions are appropriate to local conditions.
Water shortage contingency
planning Table 8-3 WSCP Section 4.1 (Year‑Round Measures) + restrictions described; enforcement linkages in WSCP. x x 8.4 Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(E) Estimate the extent to which the gap between supplies and demand will be reduced by implementation of the action.
Water shortage contingency
planning 8-2 and 8-3 WSCP Tables 3 & 4 include “How much is this going to reduce the shortage gap?” columns. x x 8.4 Section 8.4.6 10632.5 The UWMP shall include a seismic risk assessment and mitigation plan. Water shortage contingency plan n/a WSCP Section 4.6 (Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan). x x 8.5 Section 8.5 10632(a)(5)(A) Suppliers must describe that they will inform customers, the public and others regarding any current or predicted water shortages.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 5.0 (Communication Protocols) + Table 5. x x 8.5 Section 8.5 10632(a)(5)(B),
10632(a)(5)(C)
Suppliers must describe that they will inform customers, the public and others regarding any shortage response actions triggered or anticipated to be triggered and other relevant communications.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 5.0 + Table 5.
x n/a 8.6 Section 8.6 10632(a)(6) Retail Supplier must describe how it will ensure compliance with and enforce provisions of the WSCP.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 6.0 (Compliance and Enforcement) + Table 6 (Penalties). x x 8.7 Section 8.7 10632(a)(7)(A) Describe the legal authority that empowers the Supplier to enforce shortage response actions.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 7.0 (Legal Authority).
x x 8.7 Section 8.7 10632(a)(7)(B) Provide a statement that the Supplier will declare a water shortage emergency per Water Code Chapter 3. Water Shortage Emergencies .
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 7.0 references WC emergency authorities (e.g., 350 et seq.). x x 8.7 Section 8.7 10632(a)(7)(C) Provide a statement that the Supplier will coordinate with any city or county within which it provides water for the possible proclamation of a local emergency.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 7.0 states coordination with city/county for possible proclamation. x x 8.8 Section 8.8 10632(a)(8)(A) Describe the potential revenue reductions and expense increases associated with activated shortage response actions.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 8.0 (Financial Consequences). x x 8.8 Section 8.8 10632(a)(8)(B) Provide a description of mitigation actions needed to address revenue reductions and expense increases associated with activated shortage response actions.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 8.0 (mitigation strategies; reserves, rate structure discussion). x n/a 8.8 Section 8.8 10632(a)(8)(C) Retail Suppliers must describe the cost of compliance with Water Code Chapter 3.3, Excessive Residential Water Use During Drought .
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 8.0 discusses financial consequences/cost tracking; Chapter 3.3 compliance costs not explicitly labeled in excerpt. x n/a 8.9 Section 8.9 10632(a)(9)
Retail Suppliers must describe the monitoring and reporting requirements and procedures that ensure appropriate data are collected, tracked, and analyzed for purposes of monitoring customer compliance.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 9.0 (Monitoring and Reporting) (AMI monitoring/enforcement approach). x x 8.10 Section 8.10 10632(a)(10)
Describe reevaluation and improvement procedures for monitoring and evaluation the WSCP to ensure risk tolerance is adequate and appropriate water shortage mitigation strategies are implemented.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 10.0 (WSCP Refinement Procedures). x n/a 8.11 Section 8.11 10632(b) Analyze and define water features that are artificially supplied with water, including ponds, lakes, waterfalls, and fountains, separately from swimming pools and spas.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 11.0 (Special Water Feature Distinction). x x 8.12 Section 8.12 10632(c) Make available the WSCP to customers and any city or county where it provides water within 30 days after adoption of the plan.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a WSCP Section 12.0 (Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability). x n/a 9.1 Sections 9.1 10631(e)(1)
Retail Suppliers shall provide a description of the nature and extent of each demand management measure implemented over the past five years. The description will address specific measures listed in code.
Demand management
measures
n/a UWMP Chapter 9 (Demand Management Measures), p. 9‑1 (TOC). n/a x 9.2 Sections 9.2 10631(e)(2) Wholesale Suppliers shall describe specific demand management measures listed in code, their distribution system asset management program, and Supplier assistance program.
Demand management
measures
n/a Not applicable (Retail supplier; does not wholesale). x n/a 10 Chapter 10 10608.26(a) Retail Suppliers shall conduct a public hearing to discuss adoption, implementation, and economic impact of water use targets (recommended to discuss compliance).
Plan adoption, submittal, and
implementation n/a UWMP Section 10.1 documents public hearing/adoption (June 18, 2026) and notices; compliance discussion occurs in Chapter 5. x x 10.2 Section 10.2.1 10621(b)
Notify, at least 60 days prior to the public hearing, any city or county within which the Supplier provides water that the Supplier will be reviewing the UWMP and considering amendments or changes to the plan.
Plan adoption, submittal, and
implementation 10-1
UWMP Section 10.1 states County of Fresno was notified and letters in Appendix J. Section 2.2 describes coordination and notice of preparation more than 60-days before the public hearing.
x x 10.4 Section 10.4 10621(f) Each urban water Supplier shall update and submit its 2025 plan to DWR by July 1, 202 6. Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation n/a UWMP Section 1.2 states submittal due July 1, 2026. x x 10.2 Sections 10.2.2, 10.3, and
10.5 10642
Provide supporting documentation that the Supplier made the UWMP and WSCP available for public inspection, published notice of the public hearing, and held a public hearing about the UWMP and WSCP.
Plan adoption, submittal, and
implementation n/a UWMP Section 10.1 lists notice dates and hearing/adoption (June 18, 2026); Appendix J letters; Appendix K resolution. x x 10.2 Section 10.2.2 10642 The Supplier is to provide the time and place of the hearing to any city or county within which the Supplier provides water.
Plan adoption, submittal, and
implementation 10-1 UWMP Section 10.1: County notified; letters in Appendix J. x x 10.3 Section 10.3.2 10642 Provide supporting documentation that the UWMP and WSCP has been adopted as prepared or modified.
Plan adoption, submittal, and
implementation n/a UWMP Section 10.1: adoption stated; resolution in Appendix K. x x 10.4 Section 10.4 10644(a) Provide supporting documentation that the Supplier has submitted their UWMP to the California State Library.
Plan adoption, submittal, and
implementation n/a UWMP Section 10.1: states UWMP/WSCP will be submitted to DWR, State Library, and County after adoption (future action). x x 10.4 Section 10.4 10644(a)(1) Provide supporting documentation that the Supplier has submitted their UWMP to any city or county within which the Supplier provides water no later than 30 days after adoption.
Plan adoption, submittal, and
implementation n/a UWMP Section 10.1: states copy will be submitted to County after adoption. x x 10.4 Sections 10.4.1 and
10.4.2 10644(a)(2) The UWMP, or amendments to the UWMP, submitted to DWR shall be submitted electronically.
Plan adoption, submittal, and
implementation n/a UWMP Section 10.1: states copy will be submitted to DWR after adoption. x x 10.7 Section 10.7.2 10644(b) If revised, submit a copy of the WSCP to DWR within 30 days of adoption. Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation n/a UWMP Section 10.1 and WSCP Section 12.0 states revised UWMP and WSCP will be submitted to DWR within 30 days of adoption.
City of Fresno
2025 UWMP
Appendix A - 2025 UWMP Checklist
Retail
(x = required)
Wholesale
(x = required) Order 2025 Guidebook Location Water Code Section Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject Relevant
Submittal
Table
2025 UWMP Location
x x 10.5 Section 10.5 10645(a)
Provide supporting documentation that, not later than 30 days after filing a copy of its UWMP with DWR, the Supplier has or will make the plan available for public review during normal business hours.
Plan adoption, submittal, and
implementation n/a UWMP Section 10.1: after adoption, hard copy at City Hall and Water Division office; electronic copy on City website. x x 10.5 Section 10.5 10645(b)
Provide supporting documentation that, not later than 30 days after filing a copy of its WSCP with DWR, the Supplier has or will make the plan available for public review during normal business hours.
Plan adoption, submittal, and
implementation n/a WSCP Section 12.0: after adoption, hard copy availability and electronic upload; submission to DWR described. x x 10.6 Section 10.6 10621(c) If Supplier is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, include its plan and contingency plan as part of its general rate case filings.
Plan adoption, submittal, and
implementation n/a Not applicable: City is a municipal supplier (no PUC regulation mentioned in excerpt).
City of Fresno DWR Standardized Tables
2025 Urban Water Management Plan | B
Appendix B DWR Standardized
Tables
B
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Public Water
System Number
Public Water System
Name
Number of
Municipal
Connections 2025
Volume of
Water Supplied
2025
CA1010007 City of Fresno 141,447 148,936
141,447 148,936
Has there been a change in the number of affiliated Public Water Systems since the 2020 UWMP? (OPTIONAL)
Submittal Table 2-1 Retail: Public Water Systems
Add additional rows as needed
Total:
NOTES: Total water supplied include potable and non-potable water, including used for groundwater recharge.
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Name of RUWMP
Drop down list
If "Other" specify
name of RUWMP
Submittal Table 2-2: Plan Identification
NOTES:
Individual UWMP
Type of Plan
Regional Urban Water Management Plan
(RUWMP)
Select Only
One
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Supplier is a wholesale supplier
Supplier is a retail supplier
UWMP Tables are in calendar years
UWMP Tables are in fiscal years
Unit AF
NOTES:
Units of measure used in UWMP
(select from drop down)
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain
consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-
3. Submittal Table 2-3: Supplier Identification
Type of Supplier (select one or both)
Fiscal or Calendar Year (select one)
If using fiscal years provide month and date that the fiscal year begins (mm/dd)
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Submittal Table 2-4 Retail: Water Supplier Information Exchange The retail Supplier has informed the following wholesale supplier(s) of projected water use in accordance with Water Code Section 10631 (h).
Wholesale Water Supplier Name
United States Bureau of Reclamation
Fresno Irrigation District
NOTES:
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050(opt)
568,964 644,146 719,327 765,278 812,529 861,080
Submittal Table 3-1 Retail: Population - Current and Projected | Water Code Section 10631(a) Population
Served
NOTES:
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Use Type
Drop down list
May select each use multiple
times
These are the only use types that
will be recognized by the WUE
data online submittal tool
Potable or NonPotable
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Volume
Single Family Potable 57,816
Multi-Family Potable 18,040
Commercial Includes Institutional Potable 17,251
Industrial Potable 4,672
Landscape Potable 11,325
Other (optional) Travel Meters Potable 396
Distribution System Water Loss Potable 5,149
Groundwater recharge Non-Potable 33,962
Landscape Non-Potable 325
114,649
34,287
148,936
Subtotal Potable
Subtotal Non-Potable
Submittal Table 4-1 Retail: Total Uses for Potable and Non-Potable Water - 2025 Actual | Water Code Section 10631(d)(1)
Additional Description
(as needed)
2025 Actual
10633. The plan shall provide, to the extent available, information on recycled water and its potential for use as a water source in the service area of the urban water supplier... and shall include... (c) A description of the recycled water currently being used in the supplier’s service area, including, but not limited to, the type, place, and quantity of use
Total:
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
USER TESTING: For reporting of STORAGE, see guidance in email.
NOTES: Institutional/governmental is included in the Commercial use type.
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Use Type
Drop down list
May select each use
multiple times
These are the only Use
Types that will be
recognized by the
WUEdata online submittal
tool
Potable or
Non-Potable
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
(opt)
Single Family Potable 80,429 82,934 85,437 87,936 90,434 Multi-Family Potable 20,654 21,737 22,831 23,935 25,050 Commercial Includes Institutional Potable 21,259 22,774 24,290 25,807 27,325 Industrial Potable 9,003 9,922 10,841 11,758 12,675
Landscape Potable 5,045 5,437 5,829 6,221 6,613
Other (optional) Tavel Meters Potable 201 202 203 204 205 Distribution System Water Loss Potable 10,911 11,424 11,938 12,453 12,968 Groundwater recharge Non-Potable 61,300 64,300 66,100 66,200 66,200 Landscape Non-Potable 980 1,430 1,430 1,430 1,430
147,502 154,430 161,369 168,314 175,270
62,280 65,730 67,530 67,630 67,630
209,782 220,160 228,899 235,944 242,900
NOTES: Institutional/governmental is included in the Commercial use type.
Projected Water Use (Report To the Extent that Records are Available)
Submittal Table 4-2 Retail: Total Uses of Potable, and Non-PotableWater - Projected | Water Code Section 10631(d)(1) Total:
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
USER TESTING: For reporting of STORAGE, see guidance in email.
Additional
Description
(as needed)
Subtotal Potable
Subtotal Non-Potable
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Are Future Water Savings Included in Projections?
(Refer to Appendix K of UWMP Guidebook)
Drop down list (y/n)
Yes
If "Yes" to above:
State the section or page number, in the cell to the right, where citations of the codes, ordinances, or otherwise are utilized in demand projections are found.
OPTIONAL Suppliers may complete Optional Submittal Table 4- 4 R to quantify the expected savings.
Section 4.2.5.3
Are Lower Income Residential Demands Included In
Projections? (Refer to Appendix K of UWMP
Guidebook)
Drop down list (y/n)
Yes
OPTIONAL If the method for accounting Lower Income
Residential Demands has been included, provide page number where this accounting can be found. (An example is included in Appendix K.)
Section 4.3
Submittal Table 4-3 Retail: Inclusion in Water Use Projections | Water Code Section 10631 (a), 10631 (d)(4)(A), and 10631 (d)(4)(B)
NOTES:
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 (opt)
2,006 2,994 3,974 4,944 5,905
NOTES:
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
OPTIONAL Submittal Table 4-4 R: Passive Water Savings Projection | Water Code Section 10631(d)(4)(A)
Description
(Codes, Standards, Ordinances, or
Plans)
Passive Savings
Passive Conservation
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Public Water System ID #
Reported in Table 2-1 R Reporting Period
Submitted to DWR Water
Loss Audit Program
(yes/no)
CA1010007 2021 Yes
CA1010007 2022 Yes
CA1010007 2023 Yes
CA1010007 2024 Yes
CA1010007 2025 No
DWR NOTES: Suppliers will provide a reference to the WUEdata submittals of their Water Loss Audit Reports
Submittal Table 4-5 Retail: Water Loss Audit Reporting | Water Code Section 10631(d)(3)(A)
Report all five years for each Public Water System as available.
NOTES: The 2025 Water Audit is in progress and will be submitted once it is completed.
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
2028 Real
Water Loss
Standard per
Unit per day
(as calculated
by the Water
Board)
Units for Real
Water Loss
(as used by
the Water
Board)
Drop down list
Number of Units
(Connections or
Miles
corresponding
with units
selected.)
Volume of
Total Real
Loss (from
AWWA Water
Loss Audit)
2025 or
Most Recent
Year Real
Water Loss
Per Unit per
Day
2028 Apparent
Water Loss
Standard per
Unit per Day (as
calculated by
the Water Board
Units for
Apparent
Water Loss
Number of
Connections
Volume of Total
Apparent Loss
(from AWWA
Water Loss
Audit)
2025 or Most
Recent Year
Apparent Water
Loss Per Unit
per Day
CA1010007 Yes 15.5
Gallons per
Service
Connection per
Day (GPSCD)
141,623 1,525.90 9.6 10.3
Gallons per
Service
Connection per
Day (GPSCD)
141,623 2,837.96 17.9
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) for Water Loss MUST remain consistent with units reported in Submittal Table 2-3. The units reported in Submittal Table 2-3 are used in this table's calculations.
NOTES: 2024 AWWA Water Loss Audit is the most recent available audit. All data is pulled from the 2024 Water Loss Audit.
Add additional rows as needed.
Did the Water
Board Calculate a
Water Loss
Standard for this
Public Water
System? (y/n)
If no, Supplier will
not complete this
row.
Submittal Table 4-6 Retail: Progress Towards 2028 Water Loss Standard | Water Code Section 10631(d)(3)(C) Public Water
System ID #
Reported in
Submittal
Table 2-1 R
Real Water Loss Apparent Water Loss
Water Board's Calculated Water Loss Standards
Submittal Table 4-6 Retail: Progress Towards 2028 Water Loss Standard | Water Code Section 10631(d)(3)(C) Apparent Water Loss Did the Water Board
Calculate a Water Loss Real Water Loss Public Water System ID #
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Was Supplier
part of a
merger or
consolidation
since 2020?
Actual 2025
GPCD
(From SB X7-
7 Compliance
Form)
Did Supplier
meet the
2020 Target
in 2025?
Individual Target 247 198 Yes
DWR NOTES: Suppliers calculating a 2025 GPCD will need to complete and submit SB X 7-7 NOTES:
Submittal Table 5-1 Retail: SB X7-7 2020 Target Progress | Water Code Section 10608.40 Not an Urban Water Supplier in 2020. Supplier will not complete this table.
Regional
Alliance
Target or
Individual
Target?
Drop down list
2020
Target
Actual
2020
GPCD
Did
Supplier
Achieve
Targeted
Reduction
for 2020?
Only for suppliers that did not meet the
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Groundwater
Type
Drop Down List
May use each
category multiple
times
Water Type
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down
list
Location or Basin
Name 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Alluvial Basin Potable
San Joaquin
Groundwater Basin:
Kings Subbasin
65,347 55,835 50,537 46,117 47,976
65,347 55,835 50,537 46,117 47,976
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported NOTES:
Submittal Table 6-1 Retail: Groundwater Volume Pumped | Water Code Section 10631(4) and Supplier does not pump groundwater.
The supplier will not complete the table below.
All or part of the groundwater described below is desalinated. (OPTIONAL) Total:
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Name of
Wastewater
Collection Agency
Wastewater
Volume Metered
or Estimated?
OPTIONAL
Drop Down List
Volume of
Wastewater
Collected from
UWMP Service
Area 2025
Name of Wastewater
Treatment Plant
(WWTP)
Drop down list
Is WWTP Located
Within UWMP
Area?
Drop Down List
City of Fresno Metered 60,582
Fresno Regional
WWTF, Place ID
273115
Yes
City of Fresno Metered 288 North Fresno WWRF,
Place ID 215677 Yes
60,869
NOTES:
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Submittal Table 6-2 Retail: Wastewater Collected Within Service Area in 2025 | Water Code Section 10633(a)
Percentage of 2025 service area population covered by wastewater collection system (OPTIONAL)
Wastewater Collection Recipient of Collected Wastewater Total Wastewater Received from
UWMP Service Area in 2025:
There is no wastewater collection system. The supplier will not complete the table below.
Percentage of 2025 service area covered by wastewater collection system (OPTIONAL)
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Recycled
Water
Standard or
Treatment
Level
Drop down
list
Volume
Recycled
Water
Standard or
Treatment
Level
Drop down
list
Volume
Recycled
Water
Standard or
Treatment
Level
Drop down
list
Volume
Recycled
Water
Standard or
Treatment
Level
Drop down
list
Volume
Recycled
Water
Standard or
Treatment
Level
Drop down
list
Volume
Name of other
entity
Fresno Regional
WWTF, Place ID
273115
Yes 60,582 60,582 Tertiary 298 Secondary,
Undisinfected 6,373
Secondary,
Disinfected -
23 53,911
North Fresno
WWRF, Place ID
215677
No 288 288 Tertiary 26 Tertiary 262
60,869 60,869 324 6,373 54,172 0 0
Add additional rows as needed
Total:
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES:
Submittal Table 6-3 Retail: Wastewater Treatment and End Uses Within UWMP Service Area in 2025 | Water Code Section 10633(a) No wastewater is treated or disposed of within the UWMP service area.
The supplier will not complete the table below.
Wastewater
Treatment
Plant Name
and Place ID
Number
Drop down
list
Does This
Plant Treat
Wastewater
Generated
Outside the
UWMP Service
Area?
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
2025 Volume
of
Wastewater
Received
from UWMP
Service Area
(As Reported
in Submittal
Table 6-2 R )
Total 2025
Volume of
Water
Treated
2025 End Uses of Wastewater in UWMP Service Area
Recycled Water Within
UWMP Service Area
Recycled Water
Outside of UWMP
Service Area
Wastewater
Discharged
Instream Flow Permit
Requirements
Wastewater Delivered to Another
Entity
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Volume
Narrative
page
number
Agricultural
irrigation
Non-Potable Irrigate non-food and
limited food crops 6,373 6,300 6,300 6,300 6,300 6,300 6,300 6-33 Landscape
irrigation (exc
golf courses)
Non-Potable
Distributed through
the southwest
recycled water
distribution system
298 700 1150 1150 1150 1150 1150 6-33
Golf course
irrigation
Non-Potable Copper River Golf
Course 26 280 280 280 280 280 280 6-33
Total: 6,697 7,280 7,730 7,730 7,730 7,730 7,730
NOTES:
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Potential recycled water use - a description of the feasibility of these uses must be included in the narrative.
Submittal Table 6-4 Retail: Recycled Water Direct Beneficial Uses Within Service Area | Water Code Section 10633 (c)(d) Recycled water is not used and is not planned for use within the service area of the supplier. The supplier will only complete the column on "Potential Recycled Water Use" and submit an accompanying narrative on the feasibility of that potential recycled water use.
Source of 2025 Supplemental Water (OPTIONAL) :
Use Type
Drop down
list
Water Type
(after
treatment if
treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Additional
Information
(as needed)
2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
(opt)
Name of Supplier Operating the Recycled Water Distribution System City of Fresno Supplemental Water Added in 2025 (volume) Include units (OPTIONAL) : 0 Potential Recycled
Water Use
Name(s) of Facility/ies Producing (Treating) the Recycled Water (OPTIONAL) :
City of Fresno Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility and Northwest Fresno Water Reclamation Facility
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
2020 Projection for
2025 2025 Actual Use
Agricultural irrigation Non-food and limited
food crop irrigation 8,310 6373
Landscape irrigation (exc golf
courses)
Landscape irrigation,
distributed through
the southwest
recycled water
distribution system
5,800 298
Golf course irrigation Copper River Golf
Course 110 26
14,220 6,697
Submittal Table 6-5 Retail: 2020 UWMP Recycled Water Use Projection Compared to 2025 Actual | Water Code Section 10633
Recycled water was not used in 2025 nor projected for use in 2020.
The supplier will not complete the table below.
Use Type
Total:
DWR NOTES Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES:
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Name of Action Description Planned
Implementation Year
Expected Increase in
Recycled Water Use
0 DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) MUST remain consistent with units reported in Submittal Table 2-3. The units reported in Submittal Table 2-3 are used in this table's NOTES:
Total:
Total (AF):
Submittal Table 6-6 Retail: Methods to Encourage Future Recycled Water Use | Water Code Section 10633 (f)
Supplier does not plan to expand recycled water use in the future.
Supplier will not complete the table below but will provide narrative Provide page location of narrative in UWMP: Section 6.5.5.
Add additional rows as needed
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Section 6.8
Drop Down List
(yes/no)
If Yes, Supplier
Name
Add additional rows as needed
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES:
Submittal Table 6-7 Retail: Expected Future Water Supply Projects or Programs | Water Code Section 10631 (f) No expected future water supply projects or programs that provide a quantifiable increase to the agency's water supply.
Supplier will not complete the table below.
Some or all of the supplier's future water supply projects or programs are not compatible with this table and are described in a narrative format.
Provide page location of narrative in the UWMP
Joint Project with other
suppliers?
Additional
Description
(as needed)
Water Type
(after
treatment if
treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop Down list
Planned
Implementa
tion Year
Planned
for Use in
Year
Type
Drop
Down
List
Expected
Increase in
Water
Supply to
Supplier
(This may
be a range)
Name of Future
Projects or
Programs
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Water Supply
Drop down list
May use each category multiple
times.These are the only water
supply categories that will be
recognized by the WUEdata
online submittal tool
Actual
Volume
Water Type
(after treatment
if treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop Down list
Total Right or Safe
or Sustainable
Yield
(OPTIONAL)
Groundwater (not desalinated) 47,976 Potable
Surface water (not desalinated) USBR CVP 56,197 Potable Surface water (not desalinated) FID Kings River 44,438 Potable Recycled Water RWRF 298 Non-Potable
Recycled Water NFWRF 26 Non-Potable
Total: 148,936
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES:
Submittal Table 6-8 Retail: Water Supplies — 2025 Actual | Water Code Section 10631 (b) Additional
Description
(as needed)
2025
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Total: 0 0 0 0 0
Supplier does not reduce salinity in either groundwater or surface water prior to distribution.
Desalination
Facility (Drop
Down list)
Plant
Capacity
Intake Type
Drop down list
Source Water Type
Drop down list Influent TDS Brine DischargeDrop down list Volume of Water Desalinated Name(s) of Agencies
that Receive this
Water
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submital Table 2-3.
NOTES:
OPTIONAL Submittal Table 6-8DS: Source Water Desalination by Urban Water Supplier
City of Fresno 2025 UWMP - Required DWR Tables
Reasonably
Available
Volume
Total Right or
Safe or
Sustainable Yield
(OPTIONAL)
Reasonabl
y Available
Volume
Total Right or
Safe or
Sustainable Yield
(OPTIONAL)
Reasonably
Available
Volume
Total Right or
Safe or
Sustainable Yield
(OPTIONAL)
Reasonabl
y Available
Volume
Total Right or
Safe or
Sustainable Yield
(OPTIONAL)
Reasonably
Available
Volume
Total Right or
Safe or
Sustainable Yield
(OPTIONAL)
Groundwater (not desalinated) Potable 109,710 113,000 115,090 115,490 115,590 Surface water (not desalinated) USBR CVP Potable 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 Surface water (not desalinated) FID Kings River Potable 131,600 131,600 131,600 131,600 131,600 Recycled Water RWRF Non-Potable 700 1,150 1,150 1,150 1,150 Recycled Water NFWRF Non-Potable 280 280 280 280 280
302,290 - 306,030 - 308,120 - 308,520 - 308,620 -
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
USER TESTING: For reporting of STORAGE, see guidance in email.
NOTES:
Total:
Submittal Table 6-9 Retail: Water Supplies — Projected | Water Code Section 10631 (b) Water Supply Projected Water Supply (Report to the Extent Practicable) Drop down list
May use each category multiple
times.These are the only water supply
categories that will be recognized by the
WUEdata online submittal tool
Additional Detail
on Water Supply
Water Type
(after treatment if
treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop Down list
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 (opt)