Agenda Item
City Council
Item #: 3.30. 5/10/2022 File #: 22-0281
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THRU: Rob Houston, City Manager
FROM: Christopher Cash, Public Works Director
1. SUBJECT
Declaration of a Level 2 Water Supply Shortage. Resolution No. 11392.
2. SUMMARY
On March 28, 2022, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-7-22 proclaiming a state of emergency due to drought. The Order directs the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to adopt regulations requiring water suppliers to implement demand reduction actions for a shortage level of up to 20 percent (level 2) of their Water Shortage Contingency Plans (WSCP). Per the City of Orange Municipal Code, Chapter 7.02, the City Council has the authority to declare the water supply shortage level.
3. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Adopt Resolution No. 11392. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Orange declaring a Level 2 Water Supply Shortage.
4. FISCAL IMPACT
None.
5. STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
Goal 1: Provide for a safe community.
b: Provide and maintain infrastructure necessary to ensure the safety of the public.
Goal 2: Be a fiscally healthy community.
d: Effectively manage and develop City assets.
6. DISCUSSION AND BACKGROUND
On October 19, 2021, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency that continues today and exists across all counties in California due to extreme and expanding drought conditions. To comply with the State regulations, the City Council adopted Ordinance 16-21 updating Chapter 7.02 of the Municipal Code. Chapter 7.02 outlines the permanent water conservation requirements and procedures for determination of water supply shortage and level implementation.
On March 28, 2022, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-7-22 directing the SWRCB to adopt regulations requiring all water agencies to implement Level 2 water supply shortage as outlined in the WSCP. To comply with Governor Newsom’swater conservation mandate, the City needs to declare Level 2 Water Supply Shortage as described in the WSCP. This level will add additional City of Orange Printed on 5/5/2022Page 1 of 2
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Item #: 3.30. 5/10/2022 File #: 22-0281
declare Level 2 Water Supply Shortage as described in the WSCP. This level will add additional water conservation measures to the current permanent water conservation requirements as follow:
· Limiting landscape irrigation with potable water to three days per week from April 1 to October 31 and two days per week from November 1 to March 31.
· Requiring customers to repair leaks, breaks, and plumbing malfunctions in a timely manner. · Expanding community outreach and public information campaign.
These additional water conservation measures could reduce water use between 10-20% as specified in the WSCP. Staff is collaborating with our neighboring Orange County water agencies to provide consistent and effective water conservation measures to the public. Other agencies in different parts of Southern California may have different water restrictions depending on their water supply.
Additionally, Executive Order N-7-22 calls for the SWRCB to adopt regulations prohibiting the use of potable water for the irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional sites by May 25, 2022. The prohibition on irrigating turf at commercial, industrial, and commercial sites would be enforced by the SWRCB and has exemptions for turf that is used for recreational purposes or for civic or community events.
With the adoption of Resolution No. 11392 declaring Level 2 water supply shortage, the City Council empowers staff to implement demand reduction actions as defined in the WSCP. A post card will be sent to customers notifying them of the restrictions once approved. As soon as the State and/or Governor modifies or eliminates the drought condition, staff will return to City Council for removal of these additional water conservation restrictions.
7. ATTACHMENTS
· Resolution No. 11392
· Ordinance 16-21
· Executive Order N-7-22
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