City of Gonzales
PUBLIC WORKS / CITY ENGINEER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: June 20, 2023
FROM: Patrick Dobbins, Public Works Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Carmen Gil, Acting City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2023-42 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2023-42, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving a Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
BACKGROUND
In September 2021, Senate Bill 552 was signed into law and requires small water suppliers serving 1,000 to 2,999 connections and non-transient noncommunity schools to have a Water Shortage Contingency Plan. The required Water Shortage Contingency Plan is an abridged version of the Urban Water Management Plans mandated by Urban Water Suppliers (3,000 or more connections) every 5 years.
The minimum requirements for the abridged water shortage contingency plan for small water suppliers are provided in California Water Code §10609.60. This Water Shortage Contingency Plan discusses the city’s compliance with new regulations, as outlined in §10632 (a)(2) and §10632.1 of the CWC, and steps taken by the City.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
The City encourages its water customers to use water wisely, and Chapter 10.04.130 in the City’s Municipal Code formalizes our Emergency Water Regulations (see below paragraph):
AGENDA
ITEM
15 10.04.130 SHORTAGE OF SUPPLY AND SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS:
A. Notify Consumers of Service Interruptions: The city shall exercise reasonable diligence to provide continuous and adequate water service to consumers and to avoid any shortage or interruption of delivery of water; provided, that the city shall have the right to suspend water service temporarily to make necessary repairs or improvements to the municipal water system. In each case of temporary suspension of service, the city shall notify the consumers affected as soon as circumstances permit and will prosecute the work or repair or improvement with due diligence and with the least possible inconvenience to consumers.
B. Water Shortage: During any period of threatened or actual water shortage, the city shall have the right to apportion its available water supply among consumers in such manner as appears most equitable under the circumstances then prevailing and with due regard to public health and safety. Such apportionment shall grant priority to housing with units affordable to lower income housing.
The Water Shortage Contingency Plan provides guidelines to follow in the event of a drought along with measures to be taken in the event of a water shortage emergency.
The Water Shortage Contingency Plan improves water conservation and water shortage planning and enables the city to prioritize mitigation actions to implement should water shortage conditions occur, such as drought, earthquakes, fires, or other catastrophic events.
Staff recommends that the Council approve the attached Water Shortage Contingency Plan How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small town charm.
Explain: By having a Water Shortage Contingency Plan in place, the city will be able to respond to a water shortage emergency and support the well-being of our residents, businesses and visitors.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment, and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ____ No____ N/A
Explain: Having a contingency plan for a water shortage enables the city to act efficiently in the event of a shortage, thereby continuing to provide this vital resource to our community.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ___ No ___ N/A Explain: See Vision explanation above.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety Yes X No N/A
• Housing X Yes No N/A
• Recreation Yes X No N/A
• Environment X Yes No N/A
• Education Yes X No N/A
Explain: See Vision above.
ALTERNATIVES
Amend or modify Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
BUDGET IMPACT
This Water Shortage Contingency Plan does not have an impact on the city budget.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2023-42, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Gonzales Approving a Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2023-42
2. Water Shortage Contingency Plan