Water Supply Update and Recommended Change in City’s Water Shortage Declaration GROVERBEACH.ORG
Greg Ray, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Water Supply Update
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Water Shortage Declaration
Update on the City’s current water supply conditions and recommended stage of action May 10, 2021, Council enacted Stage 1 water shortage declaration with voluntary water conservation compliance for all customers May 9, 2022, Council enacted Stage 2 water shortage declaration with a 10% mandatory reduction requirement September 26, 2022, Council enacted Stage 3 water shortage declaration and a 20% mandatory reduction requirement along with penalties
Water Supply Update
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Water Shortage Declaration
WSCP includes five stages of action corresponding to five shortage declaration levels Stage 1 declaration triggers a voluntary reduction in water demand from 0% to 10% mandatory reduction Stages 2 through 5 increase the reduction percentage by 10% for each stage 4 Triggering conditions are considered in determining the appropriate water shortage declaration
Water Supply Update
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Water Shortage Declaration
Lopez Lake storage volume currently 32,500 Acre-Feet with ongoing rain Storage above 25,000 Acre-Feet does not indicate a shortage declaration.
Last four quarterly sentry well readings: 10.58 feet, 5.88 feet, 5.34 feet and 7.98 feet Less than 4 readings below 7.5 feet indicates a Stage 1 declaration Status of State mandated water use reductions remain in place Mandate in place since 2010 indicates a Stage 2 declaration Approximately 35 inches of rain so far
Above-Average rainfall does not indicate a shortage declaration
Water Supply Update
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Water Shortage Declaration
Triggering Conditions vary from no declaration to Stage 2 Staff is recommending reducing the shortage declaration to Stage 1 and rescinding penalties Stage 1 recommends between 0% and 10% voluntary conservation Staff anticipates returning to the Council this fall with another update and potential recommendation in the water shortage declaration stage
Water Supply Update
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Detailed Water Supply Status
Lopez Lake levels have rebounded to over 39,532 Acre-Feet or 80% full 3-year projections show two possible outcomes (now delayed) Lake levels fall below 20,000 Acre-Feet in mid 2026*
Lake levels do not fall below 15,000 Acre-Feet in the 3-year projection* *Continuing rainfall could further delay these projections
Water Supply Update
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Water Supply Update
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Detailed Water Supply Status
Low Reservoir Response Plan enacted at 20,000 Acre-Feet
Water Supply Update
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Detailed Water Supply Status
City has additional storage that will delay possible 10% reduction in deliveries until beyond 2025 Groundwater elevations have been historically low for 3 years Levels have rebounded due to recent rains but remain relatively low (approximately 9 feet above sea level) Regional cooperation and conservation should allow the City to continue to pump full supply for 3-year outlook
Water Supply Update
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Supply Versus Demand
The City’s two supplies, Lopez Lake and Groundwater are anticipated to range between 1,300- and 1,220 acre-feet per year for the next 3 years Supply and demand are expected to be at a balance beyond the 3-year projection but could require addition measures in five years Possible future shortages could be addressed through additional water conservation or procurement of a short-term supplemental water supply
Water Supply Update
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Water Supply Options
Central Coast Blue
City partnership with Pismo Beach and Arroyo Grande for recycled water project Treatment facility in Grover Beach to provide supply reliability during extended drought and minimize the risk of seawater Joint Powers Authority agreement approved in 2022
Project is expected to be operational by mid-2026 with additional groundwater supply available by late-2026 Short-Term Supplemental Water Supply
Option for short-term supplemental water supply from another agency Several nearby agencies and the County share water infrastructure that would allow water to be delivered to Grover Beach if needed Staff is continuing to pursue but with less urgency given the recent rainfall
Water Supply Update
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Fiscal Impact
Reduction in recommended conservation will likely increase water use Results in increased water revenues
Alternatives
Receive information on the City’s water supply and approve reducing the current shortage declaration to a Stage 1 declaration and rescinding penalties; or Do not approve a reduction of the current water shortage declaration and penalties; or Provide alternative direction to staff.
Water Supply Update
GROVERBEACH.ORG
Questions?