Properties in Violation of Ordinance EXHIBIT A
116 009-621-013 115 OLIVE ST HILLTOP ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION INC A CA CO 117 009-641-033 747 ROLLING HILLS RD COYKENDALL IVAN & RUTH REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST 118 009-641-034 745 ROLLING HILLS RD COYKENDALL IVAN & RUTH REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST 119 009-641-035 743 ROLLING HILLS RD BERNARD FAMILY TRUST 120 009-641-048 BEJAR RICO LLC A CA LLC
121 009-664-018 826 RED CLOUD RD ROUSH CATHERINE A
122 009-671-032 447 JANICE ST DART ENTERPRISES LLC
123 009-671-045 1102 NANETTE LN LESSI TARYN
124 009-671-049 437 HELEN ST ACKHART WENDY
125 009-671-063 1148 PATRICIA LN STEINEKE DAVID L & CAROLINA A MORILLO TRUST 126 009-671-080 419 MELODY DR AVILA ARIANNA
127 009-671-081 413 MELODY DR DISHNO NICHOLAS T
128 009-671-083 349 MELODY DR MCMULLIN JUSTIN
129 009-681-038 1104 LINDA CIR SOTO KATI
130 009-699-008 329 QUARTERHORSE LN RENZ TRUST
131 009-711-001 320 MELODY DR GARD ERIC B
132 009-711-049 1023 TANYA DR LARSEN NATHANIEL A
133 009-750-043 2301 ASHWOOD PL DOMINGUEZ ALEJANDRA
134 009-753-003 370 SCOTT ST MAGANDA ISAIAS
135 009-754-052 1949 TULIPWOOD DR BUCKINGHAM FAMILY TRUST 136 009-754-055 1955 TULIPWOOD DR MANNING CARIN L (AKA 1) 137 009-758-018 2463 BEECHWOOD DR MILBURN CAROL E
138 009-759-019 210 WARBLER CT MCKINNEY WILLIAM L FAMILY TRUST 139 009-766-013 1645 SUMMER CREEK LN NOBRIGA KRISTINA L 140 009-766-015 1649 SUMMER CREEK LN JONES DANIELLE P
141 009-781-016 1026 TURTLE CREEK RD BURBANK KELLIE A (AKA 1) 142 009-781-021 1004 TURTLE CREEK RD KONOPA CHRISTIAN P 143 009-782-044 1509 POPPY LN SHIER MARIAH (AKA 1)
144 009-784-034 1056 PIONEER TRAIL RD JAMISON PETER A
Properties in Violation of Ordinance EXHIBIT A
145 009-785-019 910 RUNNING STAG WY IRWIN BRETT
146 009-785-058 814 SYCAMORE CANYON RD GIANNINI ELAINE G TRUST 147 009-795-007 3045 LINNE RD SH AA VINEDO LLC A DE LLC 148 009-795-008 3161 LINNE RD SH AA VINEDO LLC A DE LLC 149 009-796-026 1557 SWEETHEART LN OUR TOWN REALTY INC
150 009-796-043 601 LINNE RD VINEDO II LLC A DE LLC
151 009-797-006 1557 SILVERY MOON LN OUR TOWN REALTY INC 152 009-797-014 1557 BLUE HEAVEN LN OUR TOWN REALTY INC 153 009-801-026 3045 LINNE RD STG VINEDO LLC A DE LLC
154 009-831-021 211 ALEXA CT PATEL FAMILY TRUST
155 009-851-023 65 NUTWOOD CIR DRA COMMERCIAL LLC A CA LLC 156 025-015-017 1205 MARIAH LN DANIELS LIVING TRUST
157 025-151-011 924 OSOS WY GARCIA ERNEST & LINDA M 2023 REVOCABLE TRUST 158 025-281-020 736 IVY LN CHUTE FAMILY TRUST
159 025-291-005 746 ORCHARD DR BARTON TYLER J 2020 REVOCABLE TRUST 160 025-291-007 742 ORCHARD DR PEGUERO NICOLE
161 025-362-004 2940 UNION RD PASO HIGHWAY HOTEL PARTNERS LP A CA LTD PTP 162 025-362-013 2914 ARDMORE RD HONZEL PATRICIA REVOCABLE TRUST 163 025-364-014 1316 PINNACLE CT GALLAGHER FAMILY TRUST 164 025-365-024 1325 CROWN WY HIGGINS ALISHA M
165 025-371-040 3051 UNION RD THIESSEN GARRETT A
166 025-372-004 1927 CATAHOULA CT ALVAREZ HECTOR
167 025-382-002 1500 FONTANA RD OLSEN RANCH 212 LLC A CA LLC 168 025-402-075 1644 KLECK RD HARROD HOMES ONE LP A CA LTD PTP 169 025-402-077 1644 KLECK RD HARROD HOMES ONE LP A CA LTD PTP 170 025-403-059 2230 PROSPECT AV CEPHAS INVESTMENTS LLC A CA LLC 171 025-407-016 1733 MESA RD BELL RICHARD H JR
172 025-410-004 2800 BUENA VISTA DR SLO CO COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT 173 025-410-009 1520 EXPERIMENTAL STATION RD HARVEST GOLD INVESTMENT GROUP LLC A CA LLC
Properties in Violation of Ordinance EXHIBIT A
174 025-410-011 2615 BUENA VISTA DR ARCIERO & SONS INC A CA CORP 175 025-423-011 2510 GOLDEN HILL RD MULLAHEY MICHAEL J TRUST (TR 1) 176 025-423-012 2105 TRACTOR ST MULLAHEY MICHAEL J TRUST (TR 1) 177 025-423-013 2125 TRACTOR ST MULLAHEY MICHAEL J TRUST (TR 1) 178 025-423-019 2107 TRACTOR ST MULLAHEY MICHAEL J TRUST (TR 1) 179 025-423-020 2127 TRACTOR ST MULLAHEY MICHAEL J TRUST (TR 1) 180 025-424-001 2709 GERMAINE WY SCOTT & BRIAN INC 401K PROFIT SHARING PLAN 181 025-424-002 2711 GERMAINE WY SCOTT & BRIAN INC 401K PROFIT SHARING PLAN 182 025-424-003 2713 GERMAINE WY SCOTT & BRIAN INC 401K PROFIT SHARING PLAN 183 025-424-004 2715 GERMAINE WY SCOTT & BRIAN INC 401K PROFIT SHARING PLAN 184 025-425-034 2650 DANLEY CT MULLAHEY MICHAEL & DIANE FAMILY TRUST (TR 1) 185 025-431-087 4735 AIRPORT RD STATE OF CALIFORNIA
186 025-434-013 5050 AIRPORT RD AMERICAN WAY LLC A CA LLC 187 025-436-019 3490 AIRPORT RD DIDONNA ANTHONY & MAXINE TRUST 188 025-437-035 3556 COMBINE ST CAMPOS DAVID
189 025-481-021 4380 TARSUS CIR JONES LIVING TRUST
190 025-501-006 1751 RIVER RD TROESH READY MIX INC A CA CORP 191 025-501-007 1741 RIVER RD TROESH READY MIX INC A CA CORP 192 025-501-015 1801 RIVER RD TROESH READY MIX INC A CA CORP 193 025-523-072 1710 VIA LANTANA LISA'S PASO DREAM VACATIONS LLC A CA LLC 194 025-530-003 329 WILD MUSTARD LN BRAVO UZZIEL FT
195 025-533-044 509 GRAND CANYON DR DELACRUZ CELERINO
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Council Agenda Report
From: Christopher Alakel, Utilities Director
Robert Devaney, Water Utility Manager
Subject: Public Hearing and Adoption of 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Re-adoption of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan
CEQA Determination: The City finds that this action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 10652 of the California Water Code which provides that the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code) (CEQA) does not apply to the preparation and adoption of a UWMP or WSCP.
Date: June 16, 2026
Facts
1. Urban water suppliers providing service to more than 3,000 customers or supplying more than 3,000 acre-feet of water annually are required to adopt and submit an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) to the Department of Water Resources every five years. The City’s 2020 UWMP was adopted in 2021 in compliance with the California Water Code (CWC).
2. The Public Draft 2025 UWMP has been prepared to meet requirements of the Urban Water Management Planning Act and the 2009 Water Conservation Act (CWC sections 10608 – 10657).
3. The UWMP documents sources of water supply and the planned use of available supplies, estimates water demand and water use targets, documents the City’s water shortage contingency plan, and describes the implementation of demand management measures needed to meet the requirements of the 2009 Water Conservation Act (SB X7-7).
4. To comply with SB X7-7 provisions, the City’s gross water use should be no more than 193 gallons per person per day. The City’s gross water use in 2025 was 159 gallons per person per day, significantly lower than the target. The City also met all interim water conservation targets established by the legislation.
5. Since the last update of the Urban Water Management Plan in 2020, the City has continued to implement a comprehensive water conservation program and has complied with all State requirements pertaining to water conservation.
6. The City must adopt a UWMP in compliance with the CWC for the City to remain eligible for State grants, low interest loans, and other assistance.
7. The Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) provides a framework for responding to water supply shortages through graduated levels of water use reduction and management actions. As required by Water Code Section 10632, the WSCP is included as part of the Urban Water Management Plan update process. No amendments to the City’s existing WSCP are proposed at this time, and the current WSCP is proposed for readoption. Any future amendments to the WSCP may be considered independently of the UWMP.
Community Outreach
The Public Draft of the 2025 UWMP was made available for input from the public on May 15, 2026 (available on the City’s website and at the City Library), and a Public Notice was published regarding the public hearing and plan adoption schedule.
Options
1. Take no action;
2. Re-adopt the Water Shortage Contingency Plan and adopt the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan with the proposed changes;
3. Amend, modify, or postpone adoption of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan and 2025 Urban Water Management Plan according to City Council’s direction;
4. Provide alternative direction to staff.
Analysis and Conclusions
The WSCP and UWMP help guide the City’s water resource management by documenting water use targets and demands, describing available water supplies and supply utilization, outlining water demand management programs, and demonstrating compliance with applicable water use requirements.
Development of the UWMP included public notice regarding preparation of the plan and solicitation of input from local agencies and the public.
Key findings of the 2025 UWMP include the following:
• The City has achieved all applicable water conservation targets through 2025. • The City’s diversified water supply portfolio contributes to long-term supply reliability. • Available water supplies are projected to be sufficient to meet existing and planned future water demands.
• Continued implementation of water conservation and demand management programs will support ongoing compliance with State requirements.
• Adoption of the 2025 UWMP and readoption of the WSCP will maintain the City’s compliance with State planning requirements and preserve eligibility for State funding opportunities.
The Public Draft 2025 UWMP was made available for public review and comment on May 15, 2026.
Following release of the draft, staff identified several minor corrections and clarifications. These revisions, summarized in Attachment 3, are proposed for incorporation into the final UWMP. Any additional modifications directed by the City Council following consideration of public comments will also be incorporated prior to submittal to the Department of Water Resources.
Fiscal Impact
No fiscal impact is anticipated from adoption of the 2025 UWMP and WSCP.
CEQA
The City finds that this action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 10652 of the California Water Code which provides that the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code) (CEQA) does not apply to the preparation and adoption of a UWMP or WSCP.
Recommendation (Option 2)
Approve Resolution 26-XXX adopting the Water Shortage Contingency Plan and Resolution 26-XXX adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan.
Attachments
1. Resolution 26-XXX - Adoption of the WSCP
2. Resolution 26-XXX - Adoption of the 2025 UWMP
3. 2025 Urban Water Management Plan including the WSCP attached as Exhibit X
4. Changes to the Public Draft 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
Attachment 1
RESOLUTION 26-XXX
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES
READOPTING THE WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN
WHEREAS, the California Urban Water Management Planning Act (“Act”) (California Water Code Sections 10610 et. seq.) requires urban water suppliers providing municipal water directly or indirectly to more than 3,000 customers or supplying more than 3,000 acre-feet of water annually to prepare and adopt, in accordance with prescribed requirements, a Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) as part of its Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP); and
WHEREAS, the Act specifies the requirements and procedures for adopting such WSCPs; and WHEREAS, pursuant to recent amendments to the Act, urban water suppliers are required to update and electronically submit their WSCP to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) by July 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City of Paso Robles is an urban supplier of water providing to over 10,400 connections, and is required to prepare and adopt a WSCP as part of its 2025 UWMP; and WHEREAS, the City has reviewed its WSCP as part of the preparation of its 2025 UWMP and determined that the WSCP remains consistent with the Act and the factual analyses and conclusions contained in the 2025 UWMP, including but not limited to the 2025 UWMP’s water supply reliability assessment, and that the WSCP reflects the City’s process for preparing for and responding to water shortages; and WHEREAS, the WSCP was prepared by City staff, with assistance from consulting professionals, in coordination with other governmental agencies, and with reference to the relevant California Water Code sections; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with applicable law, including Water Code sections 10608.26 and 10642, and Government Code section 6066, a Notice of a Public Hearing regarding the City’s 2025 UWMP was published within the jurisdiction on May 21, 2026and May 28; and WHEREAS, a Public Draft 2025 Urban Water Management Plan has been prepared and circulated for public review; and all comments received have been reviewed and considered; and, in accordance with applicable law, including but not limited to Water Code sections 10608.26 and 10642 a properly noticed public hearing was held by the City Council on June 16, 2025, prior to adoption of the Final Urban Water Management Plan, in order to provide members of the public and other interested entities with the opportunity to be heard in connection with proposed adoption of the 2025 UWMP and issues related thereto; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to said public hearing on the City’s WSCP, the City, among other things, encouraged the active involvement of diverse social, cultural, and economic members of the community within the City’s service area and encouraged community input regarding the City’s WSCP; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed and considered the purposes and requirements of the Act, the contents of its WSCP, and the documentation contained in the administrative record in support of the WSCP, and has determined that the factual analyses and conclusions set forth in the WSCP are legally sufficient; and
Attachment 1
WHEREAS, Section 10652 of the California Water Code provides that the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code) (CEQA) does not apply to the preparation and adoption of a WSCP as part of Plan pursuant to California Water Code section 10632; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to readopt the WSCP as its 2025 WSCP and incorporate the 2025 WSCP into its 2025 UWMP prior to July 1, 2026, in order to comply with the Act.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. The City hereby adopts the WSCP as amended by changes incorporated by the City Council for the City of El Paso de Robles as a result of input received (if any) at the public hearing and authorizes the City Manager to make any minor, technical, or non-substantive changes as approved by the City Manager and the City Attorney.
Section 2. The City hereby adopts the WSCP orders the plan to be filed with the City Clerk.
Section 3. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to include a copy of this Resolution in the City ’s 2025 UWMP.
Section 4. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to submit the WSCP as a part of the 2025 UWMP to the California Department of Water before July 1, 2021, in accordance with AB 797.
Section 5. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed, in accordance with Water Code section 10644(a), to submit a copy of the WSCP as a part of the 2025 UWMP to the California State Library, and any city of county within which the City provides water supplies no later than thirty (30) days after this adoption date.
Section 6. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed, in accordance with Water Code section 10645, to make the WSCP as a part of the 2025 UWMP available for public review at the City’s offices during normal business hours or on its website no later than thirty (30) days after filing a copy of the UWMP with DWR.
Section 7. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed, in accordance with Water Code Section 10635(c), to provide that portion of the WSCP as a part of the 2025 UWMP prepared pursuant to Water Code Section 10635(a)-(b) to any city or county within which the City provides water supplies no later than sixty (60) days after submitting a copy of the UWMP with DWR.
Section 8. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to implement the WSCP as a part of the 2025 UWMP in accordance with the Act and to provide recommendations to the City Council for the City of El Paso de Robles regarding the necessary budgets, procedures, rules, regulations, or further actions to carry out the effective and equitable implementation of the 2025 UWMP.
Section 9. The City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles finds and determines that this resolution is not subject to CEQA pursuant to Water Code Section 10652 because CEQA does not apply to the preparation and adoption of an urban water management plan or to the implementation of the actions taken pursuant to such plans. No CEQA review is required.
Attachment 1
Section 10. Pursuant to CEQA, the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles directs staff to file a Notice of Exemption with the San Luis Obispo County Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within five (5) working days of adoption of this resolution.
Section 11. The document and materials that constitute the record of proceedings on which this resolution and the above findings have been based are located at City Hall, 1000 Spring St 2nd floor, Paso Robles, CA 93446. The custodian for these records is the City Clerk of the City of El Paso de Robles.
APPROVED this 16th day of June, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
John R. Hamon, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
Melissa Martin, City Clerk
Attachment 2
RESOLUTION 26-XXX
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES ADOPTING THE 2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, the California Urban Water Management Planning Act (“Act”) (California Water Code Sections 10610 et. seq.) requires urban water suppliers providing municipal water directly or indirectly to more than 3,000 customers or supplying more than 3,000 acre-feet of water annually to develop an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP); and;
WHEREAS, the Act requires that an urban water management plan be updated every five years and submitted to the California Department of Water Resources by July, in the years ending in 1 and 6; and WHEREAS, pursuant to recent amendments to the Act, urban water suppliers are required to update and electronically submit their 2025 UWMP to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) by July 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the City of Paso Robles is an urban supplier of water providing to over 10,400 connections, and has therefore, prepared and circulated for public review a Draft Urban Water Management Plan, in compliance with requirements of AB 797; and
WHEREAS, the City’s 2025 Urban Water Management Plan must be adopted, after public review and hearing, and filed with the California Department of Water Resources; and WHEREAS, in accordance with applicable law, including Water Code sections 10608.26 and 10642, and Government Code section 6066, a Notice of a Public Hearing regarding the City’s 2025 UWMP was published within the jurisdiction on May 21, 2026and May 28, 2026; and WHEREAS, a Public Draft 2025 Urban Water Management Plan has been prepared and circulated for public review; and all comments received have been reviewed and considered; and, in accordance with applicable law, including but not limited to Water Code sections 10608.26 and 10642 a properly noticed public hearing was held by the City Council on June 16, 2025, prior to adoption of the Final Urban Water Management Plan, in order to provide members of the public and other interested entities with the opportunity to be heard in connection with proposed adoption of the 2025 UWMP and issues related thereto; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to said public hearing on the City’s 2025 UWMP, the City, among other things, encouraged the active involvement of diverse social, cultural, and economic members of the community within the City’s service area with regard to the 2025 UWMP and encouraged community input regarding City’s 2025 UWMP; and
WHEREAS, Section 10652 of the California Water Code provides that the California Environmental Quality Act (Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code) (CEQA) does not apply to the preparation and adoption UWMP; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has examined and reviewed said Urban Water Management Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL PASO DE ROBLES DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Attachment 2
Section 1. The City hereby adopts the Urban Water Management Plan as amended by changes incorporated by the City Council for the City of El Paso de Robles as a result of input received (if any) at the public hearing and authorizes the City Manager to make any minor, technical, or nonsubstantive changes as approved by the City Manager and the City Attorney.
Section 2. The City hereby adopts the Urban Water Management Plan orders the plan to be filed with the City Clerk.
Section 3. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to include a copy of this Resolution in the City ’s 2025 UWMP.
Section 4. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to submit the 2025 UMWP to the California Department of Water before July 1, 2021, in accordance with AB 797.
Section 5. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed, in accordance with Water Code section 10644(a), to submit a copy of the 2025 UWMP to the California State Library, and any city of county within which the City provides water supplies no later than thirty (30) days after this adoption date.
Section 6. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed, in accordance with Water Code section 10645, to make the 2025 UWMP available for public review at the City’s offices during normal business hours or on its website no later than thirty (30) days after filing a copy of the UWMP with DWR.
Section 7. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed, in accordance with Water Code Section 10635(c), to provide that portion of the 2025 UWMP prepared pursuant to Water Code Section 10635(a)-(b) to any city or county within which the City provides water supplies no later than sixty (60) days after submitting a copy of the UWMP with DWR.
Section 8. The City Manager is hereby authorized and directed to implement the 2025 UWMP in accordance with the Act and to provide recommendations to the City Council for the City of El Paso de Robles regarding the necessary budgets, procedures, rules, regulations, or further actions to carry out the effective and equitable implementation of the 2025 UWMP.
Section 9. The City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles finds and determines that this resolution is not subject to CEQA pursuant to Water Code Section 10652 because CEQA does not apply to the preparation and adoption of an urban water management plan or to the implementation of the actions taken pursuant to such plans. No CEQA review is required.
Section 10. Pursuant to CEQA, the City Council of the City of El Paso de Robles directs staff to file a Notice of Exemption with the San Luis Obispo County Clerk of the Board of Supervisors within five (5) working days of adoption of this resolution.
Section 11. The document and materials that constitute the record of proceedings on which this resolution and the above findings have been based are located at City Hall, 1000 Spring St 2nd floor, Paso Robles, CA 93446. The custodian for these records is the City Clerk of the City of El Paso de Robles.
APPROVED this 16th day of June, 2026, by the following vote:
Attachment 2
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
John R. Hamon, Jr., Mayor
ATTEST:
Melissa Martin, City Clerk
City of El Paso de Robles
2025 Urban Water
Management Plan
Public DraŌ
May 15, 2026
1301 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 320
Alameda, CA 94501
510.747.6920
www.toddgroundwater.com
Attachment 3
Attachment 3
Paso Robles 2025 UWMP i TODD GROUNDWATER
Table of Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................. 1
1. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW .......................................................................... 1
1.1. Background and Purpose ................................................................................. 1
1.2. Urban Water Management Plan Changes ........................................................ 1
1.3. UWMPs in RelaƟon to Other Planning Efforts .................................................. 2
1.4. UWMP OrganizaƟon ......................................................................................... 4
1.5. DescripƟons and DefiniƟons............................................................................. 5
2. PLAN PREPARATION ............................................................................................ 11
2.1. Basis for Preparing a Plan and Plan Compliance ............................................. 11
2.2. CoordinaƟon and Outreach ............................................................................ 11
3. WATER SYSTEM DESCRIPTION ............................................................................ 14
3.1. General DescripƟon ........................................................................................ 14
3.2. Service Area and Land Use ............................................................................. 14
3.3. Climate ........................................................................................................... 15
3.4. PopulaƟon ...................................................................................................... 16
3.5. Other Social, Economic, and Demographic Factors ........................................ 18
4. WATER USE ......................................................................................................... 19
4.1. City Water Use ................................................................................................ 19
4.1.1. Current Water Use .................................................................................. 19
4.1.2. Projected Water Use ............................................................................... 21
4.2. DistribuƟon System Water Losses .................................................................. 22
4.3. Future Water Savings ..................................................................................... 24
4.4. Water Use for Lower Income Households ...................................................... 27
4.5. Climate Change .............................................................................................. 27
5. BASELINES, TARGETS, AND 2025 COMPLIANCE .................................................. 29 Attachment 3
Paso Robles 2025 UWMP ii TODD GROUNDWATER
5.1. Baseline and Targets ....................................................................................... 29
5.1.1. 10- or 15-year Baseline Period ................................................................ 29
5.1.2. 5-year Baseline Period ............................................................................. 30
5.1.3. Service Area PopulaƟon .......................................................................... 30
5.1.4. Gross Water Use ...................................................................................... 30
5.1.5. Baseline Daily Per Capita Water Use ....................................................... 30
5.2. 2015 and 2020 Targets ................................................................................... 31
5.3. 2015 Compliance Daily per Capita Water Use ................................................ 32
5.4. 2020 Compliance Daily Per Capita Water Use ................................................ 32
5.5. 2025 Compliance Daily Per Capita Water Use ................................................ 32
6. WATER SUPPLIES ................................................................................................ 33
6.1. Purchased or Imported Water ........................................................................ 33
6.2. Surface Water ................................................................................................. 35
6.3. Groundwater .................................................................................................. 36
6.3.1. Paso Robles Area Subbasin ...................................................................... 36
6.3.2. Atascadero Area Subbasin ....................................................................... 39
6.3.3. Groundwater Basin Monitoring and Management ................................. 39
6.4. Other Water Supplies ..................................................................................... 44
6.5. Wastewater and Recycled Water .................................................................... 44
6.5.1. Wastewater ............................................................................................. 44
6.5.2. Water Recycling ....................................................................................... 45 AcƟons to Encourage and OpƟmize Recycled Water Use ...................................... 47
6.5.3. Other Supply OpportuniƟes .................................................................... 47
6.6. Future Water Projects .................................................................................... 48
6.7. Summary of ExisƟng and Planned Sources of Water ...................................... 48
6.8. Climate Change Impact to Supply ................................................................... 50
6.9. Energy Use ..................................................................................................... 52
7. WATER SERVICE RELIABILITY AND DROUGHT RISK ASSESSMENT ....................... 54 Attachment 3
Paso Robles 2025 UWMP iii TODD GROUNDWATER
7.1. Water Service Reliability Assessment ............................................................. 54
7.1.1. Constraints on Water Supply ................................................................... 54
7.1.2. Year Type CharacterizaƟon ...................................................................... 58
7.1.3. Supply and Demand Comparison ............................................................ 60
7.1.4. DescripƟon of Management Tools and OpƟons ...................................... 62
7.2. Drought Risk Assessment ............................................................................... 63
7.2.1. Data, Methods, and Basis for Water Shortage CondiƟons ....................... 63
7.2.2. Water Source Reliability .......................................................................... 65
7.2.3. Total Water Supply and Use Comparison ................................................ 66
8. WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLANNING .................................................... 67
8.1. Water Supply Reliability Analysis .................................................................... 68
8.2. Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures .......................... 69
8.2.1. Shortage Levels ....................................................................................... 69
8.3. Shortage Response AcƟons ............................................................................ 71
8.4. Other WSCP Requirements ............................................................................ 71
9. DEMAND MANAGEMENT MEASURES ................................................................ 73
9.1. DescripƟon of Demand Management Measures ............................................ 73
9.2. ReporƟng ImplementaƟon ............................................................................. 81
9.2.1. ImplementaƟon Over the Past Five Years ................................................ 81
9.2.2. ImplementaƟon to Achieve Water Use Targets ....................................... 82
9.3. Water Use ObjecƟves ..................................................................................... 83
10. PLAN ADOPTION, SUBMITTAL, AND IMPLEMENTATION ..................................... 85
10.1. Public Hearing and AdopƟon ...................................................................... 85
10.2. Plan SubmiƩal and Availability .................................................................... 85
10.3. UWMP Checklist ......................................................................................... 86
11. REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 97 Attachment 3
Paso Robles 2025 UWMP iv TODD GROUNDWATER
List of Tables (in body of text)
Table 1. CoordinaƟon Summary ............................................................................... 12 Table 2. Climate Summary ....................................................................................... 16 Table 3. Current and Future PopulaƟon ................................................................... 18 Table 4. Past and Current Water Use by Water Sector ............................................. 19 Table 5. Water Use ProjecƟons ................................................................................ 21 Table 6. Water Loss Audit ReporƟng ........................................................................ 23 Table 7. Baselines and Targets Summary .................................................................. 32 Table 8. Past and Current Water Supplied ................................................................ 33 Table 9. Nacimiento Water Project EnƟtlements ..................................................... 34 Table 10. NWP Water Turned-Out to Salinas River ..................................................... 35 Table 11. Current and Projected Recycled Water Use ................................................ 46 Table 12. Water Supplies Used to Meet Demands in 2025 ......................................... 48 Table 13. Projected Supply Sources to Meet Demands .............................................. 49 List of Figures (follow text)
Figure 1. Paso Robles LocaƟon and Groundwater Basins
Figure 2. Paso Robles Recent AnnexaƟons
Figure 3. Paso Robles Annual Rainfall
List of Tables (follow text – DWR Required Tables)
Table 2-1: Public Water Systems
Table 2-2: Plan IdenƟficaƟon
Table 2-3: Supplier IdenƟficaƟon
Table 2-4: Water Supplier InformaƟon Exchange
Table 3-1: PopulaƟon - Current and Projected
Table 4-1: 2025 Actual Total Uses for Potable and Non-Potable Water Attachment 3
Paso Robles 2025 UWMP v TODD GROUNDWATER
Table 4-2: Total Uses of Potable and Non-Potable Water – Projected Table 4-3: Inclusion in Water Use ProjecƟons
Table 4-4: [This opƟonal table on passive water savings projecƟons was not completed] Table 4-5: Water Loss Audit ReporƟng
Table 4-6: Progress Towards 2028 Water Loss Standard
Table 5-1: SB X7-7 2020 Target Progress
Table 6-1: Groundwater Volume Pumped
Table 6-2: Wastewater Collected Within Service Area in 2025 Table 6-3: Wastewater Treatment and Discharge within Service Area in 2025 Table 6-4: Recycled Water Direct Beneficial Uses within Service Area Table 6-5: 2025 UWMP Recycled Water Use ProjecƟon Compared to 2025 Actual Table 6-6: Methods to Encourage Future Recycled Water Use Table 6-7: Expected Future Water Supply Projects or Programs Table 6-8: Water Supplies — 2025 Actual
Table 6-9: Water Supplies — Projected
Table O-2: Recommended Energy ReporƟng - WASTEWATER AND RECYCLED WATER Table 7-1: Basis of Water Year Data (Reliability Assessment) Table 7-2: Normal Year Supply and Use Comparison
Table 7-3: Single Dry Year Supply and Use Comparison
Table 7-4: MulƟple Dry Years Supply and Use Comparison
Table 7-5: Five Year Drought Risk Assessment
Table 8-1: Cross-reference for Standard vs Supplier Shortage Levels Table 8-2: Supply AugmentaƟon and Other AcƟons
Table 8-3: Demand ReducƟon AcƟon
Table 10-1: NoƟficaƟon to CiƟes and CounƟes
(Note: there are no DWR-required tables for SecƟon 1 or SecƟon 9) Appendices
A. AdopƟon ResoluƟons, Public Hearing NoƟce, and NoƟficaƟons B. 2020 to 2024 AWWA Water Audits
C. Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP ES-1 TODD GROUNDWATER
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This 2025 City of Paso Robles Urban Water Management Plan (Plan or UWMP) has been prepared for the City to help guide the City’s water management efforts for the next 20 years and beyond. It has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Urban Water Management Planning Act (California Water Code secƟons 10608 – 10657) and the Water ConservaƟon Act of 2009, commonly referred to as SB X7-7 (California Water Code secƟons 10608 – 10608.64). This Plan builds on and updates the City’s 2020 UWMP, accounƟng for changes in the California Water Code and local planning and water management efforts.
This Plan documents the City’s sources of water supply, defines water demands, presents a water shortage conƟngency plan, and describes implementaƟon of water demand management measures. The Plan also projects supply and demand to buildout, includes a drought risk assessment, and includes water loss reporƟng and energy use informaƟon.
SUMMARY
The City’s water service area generally coincides with City boundaries. The City currently provides water to approximately 11,104 residenƟal and non-residenƟal acƟve service connecƟons. Currently, much of the City’s water demand is for single-family residenƟal uses; in the future, it is expected that commercial demands and other nonresidenƟal demands will increase relaƟve to single-family residenƟal demand. Table ES1 summarizes projected populaƟon and water demands to 2050 and the supplies projected to be used to meet those demands.
Demands. Demand projecƟons were developed using representaƟve water demand factors, anƟcipated future conservaƟon, and City General Plan growth assumpƟons and buildout condiƟons. Projected water savings are included in these demand projecƟons.
The buildout populaƟon of 44,000 is currently projected to occur in 2050 or later (Paso Robles, 2014a). The esƟmated buildout populaƟon and water demand values remained the same as those in the 2020 UWMP. At buildout, residenƟal and non-residenƟal demand projecƟons assume full development of available parcels. Projected nonrevenue water is esƟmated at about seven percent of total water use based on the City's historical data. The 2028 Real and Apparent Water Loss Standards are 8.1 and 8.6 Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP ES-2 TODD GROUNDWATER
gallons per service connecƟon per day (gpscd). The 2024 water loss audit showed the real and apparent water loss values were 7.4 and 18.3 gpscd, respecƟvely.
Table ES-1 City of Paso Robles Water Use ProjecƟons
2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Buildout
(2050 or
later)
Population 31,151 33,150 35,850 38,550 41,250 44,000
Water Demands
(AFY) 5,563 6,341 7,119 7,897 8,675 9,451
Water Supply Sources to Meet Demands (AFY)
Basin Wells 1,909 1,300 1,350 1,400 1,491 2,127
River Wells 2,642 3,647 4,188 4,456 4,588 4,588
Nacimiento Water
from Water
Treatment Plant
939 1,120 1,132 1,522 2,017 2,017
Nacimiento Water
from the Recovery
Well
67 269 269 269 269 269
Recycled Water for
Potable Offset
6 5 180 250 310 450
Total Supply 5,563 6,341 7,119 7,897 8,675 9,451
Note: Supply amounts in Table ES-1 do not reflect total supply available to the City from each source, nor do they reflect any limits on the City’s groundwater rights, but instead the water planned to supply projected demand.
Supplies. The City of Paso Robles has historically relied on the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin and the Salinas River for its municipal water supply. This has been supplemented in recent years with water from Lake Nacimiento, and recycled water is planned for the future.
• Basin Groundwater – The City operates deep wells that pump percolaƟng groundwater from DWR Basin Number 3-004.06 (Paso Robles Area Subbasin).
The Paso Robles Area Subbasin has been designated as high priority and Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP ES-3 TODD GROUNDWATER
criƟcally overdraŌed by the State, requiring management under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). As further noted in this Plan, the City plays a key role in carrying out the requirements of SGMA to ensure sustainable management of the Basin. DWR approved the Revised Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) for the Paso Robles Subbasin (Paso Robles Subbasin GSAs, 2022) in 2023 and the Atascadero Areas Subbasin GSP (GEI, 2022) in 2025. The supply amounts in Table ES-1 do not reflect the total groundwater supply available to the City from basin wells but the water planned to supply projected demands and account for balancing and management of supplies.
UƟlizaƟon of basin groundwater may vary from amounts shown depending on a variety of demand and operaƟonal factors.
• Salinas River – Salinas River water is used pursuant to appropriaƟve surface water rights and permits issued by the State Water Resources Control Board.
The City’s Permit number 5956, as amended on November 6, 1981, allows the City to extract up to eight cubic feet per second (3,590 gallons per minute (gpm)) with a maximum extracƟon of 4,600 AFY.
• Nacimiento Water Project (NWP) – The City holds a 6,488 AFY delivery enƟtlement with the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water ConservaƟon District. The City currently uƟlizes Nacimiento water in three ways that diversify the City’s water supply porƞolio and improve supply reliability. First, the City treats Nacimiento water at its water treatment plant for direct delivery to customers. Second, water can be turned into the Salinas River channel and recovered through a specially designed well. Finally, in Ɵmes of drought, the City can augment surface water supplies with Nacimiento water to maintain producƟvity of the City’s river wells.
Direct delivery of Nacimiento water requires treatment before introducƟon into the City’s drinking water system. As such, the City completed the construcƟon of a 2.4 million gallon per day (mgd) treatment plant in late 2015. The plant is typically operated five to nine months out of the year to saƟsfy peak season demands (providing 939 AFY to 2,017 AFY). If operated year-round at full capacity, the treatment plant can provide up to 2,688 AFY.
In addiƟon to direct deliveries, Nacimiento water can be uƟlized through the use of a dedicated recovery well. This operaƟon allows Nacimiento water to be turned into the Salinas River channel and recaptured. It is esƟmated that the Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP ES-4 TODD GROUNDWATER
recovery well will be pumped at a rate of 400 gpm for five months out of the year, averaging 269 AFY.
Finally, in Ɵmes of drought Nacimiento water can be used to augment surface water supplies and improve water supply reliability. Similar to the operaƟon of the recovery well, Nacimiento water can be turned into the Salinas river channel adjacent to City’s river wells. This allows the river wells to operate when naƟve supplies are low.
Lake Nacimiento water is a reliable and stable source of water as jurisdicƟons in San Luis Obispo County have a contractual first priority to 17,500 AFY of the reservoir yield which has averaged 180,000 AFY between 1959 and 2025.
Modeling of the Nacimiento project indicates that even during historical drought periods, the total annual enƟtlement to San Luis Obispo County can be delivered (Boyle, 2002 and Paso Robles, 2014b). This drought resilience has been demonstrated during recent dry years as the project has and conƟnues to saƟsfy most delivery requests from project parƟcipants. While the NWP water is a reliable source of supply, there have been interrupƟons in its transmission from Lake Nacimiento. These pipeline problems are being resolved and it is anƟcipated that NWP water use will be more consistent and dependable moving forward.
• Recycled Water. The City’s wastewater treatment plant is producing terƟary quality recycled water that will be distributed via the recycled water distribuƟons system in the future. The distribuƟon system is currently in the design phase and near compleƟon. The recycled water distribuƟon system will deliver recycled water to the east side of the City for golf course, park, and vineyard irrigaƟon. Surplus water may be discharged to Huerhuero Creek that could benefit the groundwater basin (Paso Robles, 2021).
The recycled water amounts shown in Table ES-1 are the amounts that would offset potable water demand. AddiƟonal recycled water that is not needed within City boundaries will be available for use outside City boundaries. Such uses could include agricultural and vineyard irrigaƟon and groundwater recharge. Agricultural and vineyard irrigaƟon uses provide opportuniƟes to maximize recycled water use while minimizing costs associated with transmission and distribuƟon, and reducing groundwater pumping from the groundwater basin for irrigaƟon purposes.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP ES-5 TODD GROUNDWATER
Senate Bill 7 Baseline and Targets. In accordance with SB X7-7, retail urban water suppliers must determine a baseline water use and target water use for years 2015 and 2020 to help achieve the goal of a 20 percent statewide reducƟon in urban water use by the year 2020. As reflected in the City’s 2010 UWMP, the City’s average base daily per capita water use over the selected 10-year Base Period (1999-2008) was 241 gallons per capita per day (gpcd). This is the average of the total annual water use divided by the populaƟon served for the years 1999 through 2008. Four methods are provided in SB X7-7 for calculaƟng the 2020 water use reducƟon targets. Target Method 1 was selected by the City, in which the per capita daily water use target for 2020 is 80 percent of the base daily per capita water use, or 193 gpcd, which the City will conƟnue to use as its water use target beyond 2020. As further detailed in this Plan, the City has achieved remarkable success with its water conservaƟon efforts. The City’s 2025 per capita water use is 159 gpcd, which is below the City’s 2020 water use target of 193 gpcd.
Water demand management measures (including both acƟve and passive conservaƟon, and recycled water use to offset potable demands) are anƟcipated to maintain water use at 193 gpcd or less in the future.
Supply Reliability and Drought Impacts. The City has a diverse water supply porƞolio, which increases overall City water supply reliability. However, there are many water supply reliability challenges, including legal, environmental, water quality, climaƟc, or a combinaƟon of these. Use of Nacimiento water by Paso Robles increases supply reliability. In addiƟon, the City has developed policies that regulate non-City wells within City limits. These policies outline permit requirements for the development and use of private wells within City boundaries, establish policies for recycled water use, and extend the City’s Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan to these private wells.
The Urban Water Management Planning Act requires tabulaƟon of available water supply volumes in normal (average), single dry, and mulƟple dry years in five-year increments over a period of at least 20 years. In addiƟon, the City has prepared a Drought Risk Assessment (DRA) to assess the City’s ability to supply water to meet demands during a five-consecuƟve-year drought assuming it occurs in the next five years. The DRA is based on supply condiƟons during five dry consecuƟve years taking into account other consideraƟons such as climate change, regulaƟons, and other factors. The City’s DRA determined that the City will have enough supply to meet demands if a five-year drought were to occur over the next five years.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP ES-6 TODD GROUNDWATER
The City has maintained its Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan (WSCP), developed in the 2020 UWMP. The WSCP provides a guide for acƟons the City can take during water shortages and improves the City’s readiness to address supply shortages through various levels of water management requirements to conserve water. Included in the WSCP are measures to prevent waste and unreasonable use of water to ensure that water will be used in a reasonable and beneficial manner. In accordance with procedures detailed in the WSCP, the City has submiƩed Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment (Annual Assessment) to DWR each year since 2022.
Several factors enhance the City’s resilience to drought condiƟons. These include use of Nacimiento water to supplement the City’s groundwater and Salinas River supplies, permanent prohibiƟons on water waste, a proven WSCP, ongoing conservaƟon acƟviƟes, and future use of recycled water. The City’s water system and infrastructure also provide reliability. For example, City wells (river and basin) are dispersed throughout the service area protecƟng against a single catastrophe (such as groundwater contaminaƟon), and thus disrupƟon of more than four of the City’s 17 wells is unlikely. The West and East Zones of the City water system are linked so that water is conveyed from one zone to another, as needed.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 1 TODD GROUNDWATER
1. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
1.1. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
This Urban Water Management Plan (Plan or UWMP) has been prepared for the City of Paso Robles to help guide the City’s water management efforts for the next 20 years and beyond. It has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Urban Water Management Planning Act (California Water Code secƟons 10608– 10657) and the Water ConservaƟon Act of 2009, commonly referred to as SB X7-7 (California Water Code secƟons 10608 – 10608.64).
Urban water suppliers that provide over 3,000 acre-feet of water per year or serve more than 3,000 connecƟons are required to prepare an UWMP to support their long-term resource planning and to ensure that adequate water supplies are available to meet exisƟng and future water demands. The plans must be prepared every five years and submiƩed to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). The City of Paso Robles (City) has over 3,000 connecƟons and has prepared UWMPs at five-year intervals for over 30 years.
This Plan documents the City’s sources of water supply, defines water demands, presents a drought risk assessment and water shortage conƟngency plan, and describes implementaƟon of water demand management measures. The Plan also projects supply and demand to buildout and documents compliance with water use reducƟons required by SB X7-7. This is an individual UWMP, and the City does not belong to a regional UWMP.
1.2. URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN CHANGES
This Plan builds on and updates the City’s 2020 UWMP (Todd, 2021). DWR made only minor changes to the Water Code for UWMP reporƟng requirements between the 2020 and 2025 reporƟng cycles and none of these change reporƟng requirements for 2025 UWMPS.
However, DWR did update the UWMP guidance for several topics. Changes that relate to retail water suppliers and affect water supply planning are summarized below. Most guidebook changes were not applicable to Paso Robles.
1. Stored Water AccounƟng. DWR updated the guidance around stored water accounƟng to prevent double-counƟng of water use. Short-term/pass Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 2 TODD GROUNDWATER
through storage is not reported as groundwater recharge or conjuncƟve use.
This change does not alter Paso Roble’s reporƟng.
2. Direct Potable Reuse. New regulaƟons allow the reporƟng of direct potable reuse. This is not applicable to Paso Robles’ water supplies at this Ɵme.
3. Water Loss in UWMPs. Suppliers must report compliance with the 2028 Water Loss Standards in the 2025 UWMPs. These standards were not available for the 2020 UWMPs.
Suppliers are sƟll required to report on their progress meeƟng 2020 SB X7-7 requirements in the 2025 UWMPs. Pursuant to SB X7-7, the 2010 UWMP included the City’s baseline per capita water use and developed specific water use targets to meet the 2020 goal of 20 percent water use reducƟon. The City met its 2015 Interim Urban Water Use Target as documented in its 2015 UWMP. The City also met its 2020 Urban Water Use Target and maintained per capita water use below this target in the 2025 reporƟng cycle, as documented in SecƟon 5, Baselines and Targets, of this Plan. To be eligible for State water grants or loans, retail water suppliers are required to comply with the SB X7-7 water conservaƟon requirements.
1.3. UWMPS IN RELATION TO OTHER PLANNING EFFORTS
The UWMP’s focus is to provide informaƟon on water management specific to the City. This Plan integrates regional planning efforts when appropriate. The City parƟcipates acƟvely in regional groundwater basin monitoring, management and planning in cooperaƟon with San Luis Obispo County, groundwater sustainability agencies, and other basin stakeholders. Listed below are recent key water management documents that pertain to the water resources of the area. • Paso Robles Subbasin Revised Groundwater Sustainability Plan (Paso Robles Subbasin GSAs, 2022)
• Public DraŌ Paso Robles Subbasin Water Year 2025 Annual Report (Confluence, 2026)
• Paso Robles Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan 5-Year Periodic EvaluaƟon (GSI, 2025)
• Atascadero Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Atascadero Groundwater Basin (GEI, 2022)
• DRAFT Annual Report for the Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Atascadero Basin (GEI, 2026)
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 3 TODD GROUNDWATER
• Regional Water Infrastructure Resiliency Plan for the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control & Water ConservaƟon District (WSC, 2021)
AddiƟonal informaƟon regarding regional water supply planning is presented in SecƟon 6, Water Supplies. In addiƟon to its regional efforts, the City has established the following water resource goals for its water system:
• Maintain and improve water quality and water supply reliability where feasible,
• Reduce salt loading into the basin and thereby comply with regulatory mandates, and
• AnƟcipate regulatory requirements.
To aƩain these goals, the City recently:
• ConƟnued conservaƟon and demand reducƟon.
• Together with four other GSAs overlying the Paso Robles Area Subbasin, adopted a revised Groundwater Sustainability Plan in 2022 that was approved by DWR in 2023 (Paso Robles Subbasin GSAs, 2022). • Completed a 2022 Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Atascadero Area Subbasin GSA (GEI, 2022). This plan was adopted in 2022 and approved by DWR in 2025.
• Completed a 5-Year Periodic EvaluaƟon for the Paso Robles Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSI, 2025).
• Published Annual Reports for the Paso Robles Subbasin and the Atascadero Area Subbasin GSAs. These Annual Reports detail groundwater condiƟons, compliance with sustainable management criteria under SGMA, projects and management acƟons, and other progress towards sustainability. • ConƟnued efforts to ensure a robust water supply porƞolio. • Completed the design of the recycled water distribuƟon system and completed construcƟon of several pipeline segments.
• Began delivering recycled water to Caltrans for irrigaƟon along US Highway 101 in 2023.
The Urban Water Management Plan documents advancement towards the City's water resources goals. Most notably, the Plan documents the quanƟty and reliability of the City’s water supplies, both current and future. The Plan also provides specific Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 4 TODD GROUNDWATER
consideraƟon of the reliability of City water supplies during normal and drought years and in emergencies and includes an updated Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan.
1.4. UWMP ORGANIZATION
While fulfilling California Water Code requirements, this UWMP is organized to be easily read and understood. It follows the recommended outline presented in the 2025 UWMP Guidebook (DWR, 2026). Electronic submiƩal of standardized forms is required. Consequently, this UWMP presents all the required retail water supplier tables even if a table is not applicable to the City. It also preserves the DWRdesignated table numbers. The required tables follow the text in this UWMP.
AddiƟonal informaƟonal tables are embedded in the text along with a simplificaƟon of some of the more important DWR-required tables. The tables embedded in the text have been numbered in a sequenƟal order. The UWMP standardized tables extend to 2045, with 2050 being opƟonal. This UWMP includes projecƟons to 2050.
Buildout is projected to occur in 2050 or later.
A completed checklist indicaƟng where specific UWMP requirements are addressed in this Plan is included at the end of SecƟon 10. The Plan is laid out as follows:
• SecƟon 1, IntroducƟon and Overview, provides an introducƟon to UWMP requirements and provides an overview of related City water management planning efforts.
• SecƟon 2, Plan PreparaƟon, provides informaƟon on the City’s process for developing the UWMP and outlines coordinaƟon and outreach acƟviƟes. • SecƟon 3, Water System DescripƟon, describes the City’s service area, climate, and populaƟon.
• SecƟon 4, Water Use, describes and quanƟfies the City’s current and projected water use.
• SecƟon 5, Baselines, Targets and 2025 Compliance, documents methods for calculaƟng baseline and target water use and demonstrates compliance with the 2025 water use target pursuant to SB X7-7.
• SecƟon 6, Water Supplies, describes and quanƟfies current and projected water supply sources. The City currently relies on surface water, groundwater, imported Lake Nacimiento water, and recycled water. • SecƟon 7, Water Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment, describes the reliability of the water supply and projects the reliability out to 2050 for Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 5 TODD GROUNDWATER
normal, single dry, and mulƟple dry years. It also contains a drought risk assessment.
• SecƟon 8, Water Shortage ConƟngency Planning, presents the City’s staged plan for dealing with water shortages. The complete Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan is in Appendix C.
• SecƟon 9, Demand Management Measures, summarizes the City’s efforts to promote and implement water conservaƟon and reduce water demand through demand management measures.
• SecƟon 10, Plan AdopƟon, SubmiƩal, and ImplementaƟon, outlines the steps for Plan adopƟon and submiƩal as well as providing a discussion of the City’s plan to implement the UWMP.
1.5. DESCRIPTIONS AND DEFINITIONS
Presented below are descripƟons of terms and units discussed in the UWMP. It includes explanaƟons of terms and definiƟons of units that can be used as a reference when reviewing the UWMP.
DescripƟon of Terms
Annual Assessment. Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment that is to be submiƩed to DWR by July 1 of each year starƟng in 2022. It will include documentaƟon of the projected supply and demand for the upcoming year and determinaƟon that supply will be sufficient, even during a dry year.
Apparent Water Losses. Nonphysical losses that occur when water is successfully delivered to the customer but is not measured or recorded accurately. It can include unauthorized use, meter inaccuracies, and data handling errors.
Climate Change. A significant and lasƟng change in the weather paƩerns over extended periods of Ɵme ranging from decades to millions of years.
Daily Per-Capita Water Use. The amount of water used per person per day. In the UWMP calculaƟons, this is total water use within a service area, divided by populaƟon, and it is measured in gallons. It is also called gallons per capita per day (gpcd).
DistribuƟon System Losses/Water Losses. Physical potable water losses from the pressurized water distribuƟon system and the Supplier’s storage faciliƟes up to the point of delivery to the customer’s system (e.g., up to the residenƟal water meter) Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 6 TODD GROUNDWATER
calculated using the American Water Works AssociaƟon (AWWA) Method (see Appendix B). This is the sum of AWWA real losses and apparent losses.
Gross Water Use. A measure of water that enters the City’s distribuƟon system over a 12-month period (calendar year).
Nacimiento Water Project (NWP). A water project operated by the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water ConservaƟon District to deliver untreated water from Lake Nacimiento to communiƟes in San Luis Obispo County. The City of Paso Robles holds a 6,488 AFY delivery enƟtlement for Lake Nacimiento water.
Non-Potable Water. Water that does not meet Title 22 Drinking Water Standards such as recycled water, remediated groundwater, or possibly untreated surface or groundwater supplies.
Non-Revenue Water. Difference between total water supplied and billed consumpƟon. Typically includes:
• unbilled authorized consumpƟon (e.g., water used for system maintenance) • apparent losses (e.g., meter error), and
• real losses (e.g., leaks and theŌ).
Potable Offset. The amount of recycled water the City will provide that will replace potable water use.
Potable Water. Water that meets Title 22 Drinking Water Standards.
Recycled Water. Recycled water is wastewater that has been treated to a specified quality to enable it to be used again. As defined in Water Code SecƟon 13050(n), recycled water means “water which, as a result of treatment of waste, is suitable for a direct beneficial use or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur and is therefore considered a valuable resource.”
TerƟary Treated Water. Municipal wastewater that can be beneficially reused is classified by its level of treatment. TerƟary wastewater treatment uses a combinaƟon of physical and chemical processes to remove residual nutrients, pathogens, heavy metals, and fine parƟculates to produce high-quality effluent. The process usually involves filtraƟon followed by addiƟonal disinfecƟng treatment.
Water Energy Intensity. Water energy intensity is the total amount of energy, calculated on a whole-system basis, required for the use of a given amount of water in a specific locaƟon.
Water Use Sectors (as defined in the DWR UWMP Guidebook) The following water use sectors are applicable to the City of Paso Robles.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 7 TODD GROUNDWATER
• Single-Family ResidenƟal. A single-family dwelling unit. A lot with a freestanding building containing one dwelling unit that may include a detached secondary dwelling.
• MulƟ-Family ResidenƟal. MulƟple dwelling units contained within one building or several buildings within one complex.
• Commercial. A water user that provides or distributes a product or service. • Industrial. A water user that is primarily a manufacturer or processor of materials as defined by the North American Industry ClassificaƟon System (NAICS) code sectors 31 to 33, inclusive, or an enƟty that is a water user primarily engaged in research and development.
• InsƟtuƟonal and Governmental. A water user dedicated to public service.
This type of user includes, among other users, higher-educaƟon insƟtuƟons, schools, courts, churches, hospitals, government faciliƟes, and nonprofit research insƟtuƟons.
• Landscape. Water connecƟons supplying water solely for landscape irrigaƟon. Such landscapes may be associated with mulƟ-family, commercial, industrial, or insƟtuƟonal/governmental sites, but are considered a separate water use sector if the connecƟon is solely for landscape irrigaƟon. • Other. Any water demand that is not adequately described by the water sectors defined above. In this UWMP, the Other category could include unbilled, authorized consumpƟon, such as water used for firefighƟng, line flushing, or other unbilled uses.
The following water use sectors are not currently applicable to the City of Paso Robles.
• ConjuncƟve Use. A management strategy where surface water is managed in conjuncƟon with an underground aquifer.
• Groundwater Recharge. The managed and intenƟonal replenishment of natural groundwater supplies using man-made conveyances such as infiltraƟon basins or injecƟon wells.
• Saline Water Intrusion Barriers. InjecƟon of water into a freshwater aquifer to prevent the intrusion of saltwater.
• Agricultural. Water used for commercial agricultural irrigaƟon. • Exchanges. Water exchanges are typically water delivered by one water user to another water user, with the receiving water user returning the water at a specified Ɵme, or when the condiƟons of the parƟes’ agreement are met.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 8 TODD GROUNDWATER
• Surface Water AugmentaƟon. The planned placement of recycled water into a surface water reservoir that is used as a source of domesƟc drinking water supply.
• Transfers. A temporary or long-term change in the point of diversion, place of use, or purpose of use due to a transfer, sale, lease, or exchange of water or water rights.
• Sales to Other Agencies. These are water sales made to another agency. • Wetlands or Wildlife Habitat. Water used for a managed environmental use to improve an environmental condiƟon.
DefiniƟon of Units
AF = acre-foot or acre-feet
Volume of water in acre-feet. One acre-foot = 325,851 gallons. Amount of water that covers one acre area in one foot of water.
AFY = acre-feet per year
Volume of water in acre feet used in one year. In 2025, a typical single-family home in the City used about 0.24 AFY.
AMI = advanced metering infrastructure
Electronic meters that collect and transmit water use data in real Ɵme. This allows more detailed informaƟon and the ability to idenƟfy suspected leaks and other issues.
gpcd = gallons per capita (person) per day
Volume of treated water delivered in one year divided by the total service area populaƟon. This is the daily per-capita water use measured in gallons. gpd = gallons per day
Volume of water in gallons used in one day. A typical single-family home in the City used about 218 gpd in 2025.
gpm = gallons per minute
Volume of water in gallons used in one minute.
gpscd = gallons per service connecƟons per day
Total volume of water divided by the total number of connecƟons. This is used in the Water Loss Standards.
HCF or Unit = one hundred cubic feet, typical customer billing units 1 unit = 100 cubic feet (HCF) = 748 gallons.
kWh = KilowaƩ hour
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 9 TODD GROUNDWATER
A measure of electrical energy equivalent to a power consumpƟon of 1,000 waƩs for 1 hour.
Milligrams per liter (mg/L)
Unit of mass concentraƟon that shows how many grams of a certain substance are present in one liter of a usually liquid or gaseous mixture.
Million gallons per day (mgd)
Volume of water in millions of gallons used per day.
Commonly used AbbreviaƟons and Acronyms (in addiƟon to those above) AWWA = American Water Works AssociaƟon
CCR = California Code or RegulaƟons
CDOF = California Department of Finance
CIMIS = California IrrigaƟon Management InformaƟon System CII = commercial, industrial, and insƟtuƟonal
DMM = Demand Management Measure
DRA = Drought Risk Assessment
DWSAs = Drinking Water Source Assessments
DWR = California Department of Water Resources
ETo = evapotranspiraƟon
GWMP = Groundwater Management Plan
HET = High Efficiency Toilet
GAMA = Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment
GSA = Groundwater Sustainability Agency
GSP = Groundwater Sustainability Plan
IRWMP = Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
LAFCO = San Luis Obispo County Local Agency FormaƟon Commission msl = mean sea level
MWC = Mutual Water Company
MWELO = Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
NAICS = North American Industry ClassificaƟon System
NPDES = NaƟonal Pollutant Discharge EliminaƟon System
NWP = Nacimiento Water Project
Plan = 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
PRAGA = Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority
PWS = Public Water System
RMS = San Luis Obispo County Resource Management System Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 10 TODD GROUNDWATER
RSR = Resource Summary Report
RWIRP = Regional Water Infrastructure Resiliency Plan
SB X7-7 = Senate Bill X7-7, Water ConservaƟon Bill of 2009 SLOFC&WCD = San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water ConservaƟon District
SGMA = Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
SNMP = Salt Nutrient Management Plan
SWRCB = State Water Resources Control Board
TCSD = Templeton Community Services District
TDS = Total Dissolved Solids
USGS = United States Geological Survey
UWMP = Urban Water Management Plan
WDR = Waste Discharge Requirements
WMOs = Water Management ObjecƟves
WRCC = Western Regional Climate Center
WSCP = Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan
WUE = Water Use Efficiency
WWTP = Wastewater Treatment Plant
WY = Water Year
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 11 TODD GROUNDWATER
2. PLAN PREPARATION
This secƟon summarizes the City’s process for developing an UWMP, provides required tables, and outlines coordinaƟon and outreach acƟviƟes.
2.1. BASIS FOR PREPARING A PLAN AND PLAN COMPLIANCE
The City is required to prepare an UWMP because it provides over 3,000 acre-feet of water per year (AFY) and serves more than 3,000 connecƟons for municipal purposes. The City has prepared UWMPs every five years for at least the last 25 years. The City water system falls into the public water system (PWS) category because it provides drinking water for human consumpƟon through pipes to 15 or more service connecƟons. The City’s service area generally coincides with City boundaries and, accordingly, this UWMP reports specifically on water use and supply available to the City. The City provides retail water only and does not wholesale water to other service providers.
Throughout the 2025 UWMP, units are in acre-feet and data are presented in calendar years, unless otherwise stated. Water volumes and other data are shown to the nearest acre-foot (AF). These values are accurate to one to three significant digits (depending on the measurement). All digits are retained in the text to maintain as much accuracy as possible during subsequent calculaƟons, but results should be rounded appropriately. General agency and plan informaƟon is provided in the required DWR Tables 2-1, 2-2, 2-3 and 2-4 that follow the text.
2.2. COORDINATION AND OUTREACH
The City has provided for agency coordinaƟon and community parƟcipaƟon in its urban water management planning efforts. In accordance with UWMP requirements, San Luis Obispo County was noƟfied on April 17, 2026, 60 days prior to the public hearing, that the UWMP would be revised. The City will hold a public hearing aŌer the circulaƟon of the Public DraŌ Plan and prior to adopƟon of the Plan. In accordance with the UWMP Act, public noƟces will be published before the public hearing. DocumentaƟon of the public noƟces and public hearing are summarized in Table 1 and included in Appendix A.
The DraŌ Plan was available to the public on May 15, 2026 for comment with a public presentaƟon at a public hearing on June 16, 2026 at a regular City Council Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 12 TODD GROUNDWATER
meeƟng. Plan copies were made available at City Hall and the City Library. An electronic version is available on the City’s website (hƩp://www.prcity.com).
In addiƟon to preparaƟon of the Plan, coordinaƟon with other agencies is ongoing in the Paso Robles area. For example, the City was one of five agency members of the Paso Basin CooperaƟve CommiƩee that managed the preparaƟon of annual reports for the GSP for the Paso Robles Area Subbasin. More recently, the Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority (PRAGA) is a Joint Powers Authority formed in 2025 to lead sustainable management of the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin in compliance with California's Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). PRAGA is currently comprised of four member agencies: the City of Paso Robles, the County of San Luis Obispo, the Shandon-San Juan Water District, and the Estrella-El Pomar-Creston Water District. The City also is a member of the Atascadero Area Subbasin GSA and meets regularly with the GSP parƟcipants.
The City also parƟcipates acƟvely in the Water Resources Advisory CommiƩee, which provides advice to the County Board of Supervisors on water policy.
Table 1. CoordinaƟon Summary
CoordinaƟng Agencies
Sent NoƟce of
IntenƟon to
Adopt the Plan
Provided DraŌ and
Final Plans
San Luis Obispo County
Public Works Department Yes Via City Website
California Regional Water
Quality Control Board –
Central Coast
Yes Via City Website
Atascadero Mutual Water
Company
Yes Via City Website
City of Atascadero Yes Via City Website
Templeton Community
Services District
Yes Via City Website
San Miguel Community
Services District
Yes Via City Website
Paso Robles Public
Library/City Hall - Hard Copy of Final
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 13 TODD GROUNDWATER
Paso Robles Chamber of
Commerce Yes Via City Website
Paso Robles Subbasin
Groundwater Sustainability
Agencies
Yes Via City Website
Paso Robles Area
Groundwater Authority
(PRAGA)
Yes Via City Website
Atascadero Basin
Groundwater Sustainability
Agency
Yes Via City Website
General Public Posted to City
Website
Via City Website
DWR - Final via WUE Data
Portal
California State Library - Mailed CD of Final
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 14 TODD GROUNDWATER
3. WATER SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
3.1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The City of Paso Robles is located in northern San Luis Obispo County (North County), on the eastern, inland side of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Paso Robles is situated on the upper Salinas River, which flows north toward Monterey County.
Incorporated in 1889, the City now encompasses a total area of 12,739 acres. As illustrated in Figure 1, other communiƟes near Paso Robles include Santa Margarita, Atascadero, Templeton, San Miguel and Shandon. The City is situated on the western margin of the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin, which is the water-bearing porƟon of the upper Salinas River drainage area.
The City has been serving water to City customers since the early 1900s. Since incorporaƟon over 135 years ago, the City has grown considerably to its current area.
Its water system number is 4010007. There has been one annexaƟon to the City since the 2020 UWMP. The Gateway AnnexaƟon was approved by the City Council in 2020 and by the San Luis Obispo County Local Agency FormaƟon Commission (LAFCO) in 2021. It is anƟcipated that any addiƟonal future annexaƟons will be minimal and most City growth will occur as infill development.
3.2. SERVICE AREA AND LAND USE
The City’s water service area generally coincides with City boundaries. The City provides water to approximately 9,603 residenƟal, 954 commercial, industrial, and insƟtuƟonal, 457 irrigaƟon customers, and 90 other customers within the City of Paso Robles through approximately 185 miles of waterlines, four storage faciliƟes, and seven booster staƟons. It also has 17 wells, two micro-filtraƟon water treatment plant, and two arsenic removal treatment systems. Currently, approximately 50% of the City’s water demand is for single-family or mulƟfamily residenƟal uses; in the future, it is expected that commercial and industrial demands will increase relaƟve to residenƟal demand. Figure 2 shows service area changes from the beginning of the City’s SB X7-7 baseline period (1999).
A proposed development called the Gateway Project was approved by the City in 2020 and LAFCO in 2021. The 170-acre site is northwest of the US Highway 101 and State Route 46 West interchange. As proposed at the Ɵme of this report, the project has not been completed but is anƟcipated to include two or three hotels, three Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 15 TODD GROUNDWATER
commercial centers, a conference center, and up to 80 resort residenƟal units. This area is shown in Figure 2.
Private groundwater wells are esƟmated to serve approximately 30 homes plus some agricultural and golf course land within City boundaries. On January 6, 2016, the City adopted the Private Well Policy Ordinance (Ordinance No. 1021 N.S. RelaƟng to Recycled Water Service and Private Wells within the City) that provides restricƟons on future use of water from private groundwater wells within City boundaries. It also encourages the use of recycled water when it becomes available. The populaƟon associated with homes served by private wells is minimal and thus were not excluded when calculaƟng the populaƟon for purposes of SB X7-7 compliance.
3.3. CLIMATE
Climate has a notable influence on water availability and demand on a seasonal and annual basis. During drought, influences include greater water demand for outdoor uses, specifically landscape irrigaƟon, and less supply availability because of reduced precipitaƟon and greater evaporaƟon.
RepresentaƟve climate data for the Paso Robles area are summarized below, including average monthly rainfall, temperature, and evapotranspiraƟon (ETo). The area has a Mediterranean climate, with moderate temperatures year-round, dry summers and weƩer winters. Most of the rainfall occurs between November and April.
Figure 3 shows annual rainfall for the 1930 to 2025 period with average annual rainfall at 14.77 inches. SecƟons 4.5 and 6.8 discuss potenƟal climate change impacts on City water demand and supplies.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 16 TODD GROUNDWATER
Table 2. Climate Summary
Month
Average
Rainfall1
(inches)
Average
ETo2
(inches)
Average
Temperature3
(°F)
January 3.22 1.73 46.96
February 3.03 2.25 50
March 2.41 3.61 52.93
April 1.00 4.83 56.69
May 0.27 6.05 61.78
June 0.05 6.67 67.54
July 0.05 7.02 71.66
August 0.03 6.41 71.41
September 0.16 4.96 68.27
October 0.56 3.65 61.36
November 1.32 2.12 52.66
December 2.67 1.46 46.87
Average Calendar
Year Total
14.77 50.76 -
Monthly Average 1.23 4.23 59.01
1. PrecipitaƟon at Paso Robles StaƟon 046730 (Jan 1930-Dec 2025) (WRCC, 2026).
2. ETo=Average EvapotranspiraƟon at CIMIS StaƟon 163 Atascadero (CIMIS, 2026). For comparison, Title 23 Chapter 2.7 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance has a value of 49.0 inches for Paso Robles based on earlier data.
3. Temperature at Paso Robles StaƟon 046730 (Jan 1894-Dec 2025) (WRCC, 2026).
3.4. POPULATION
The first major commercial acƟvity in the North County was caƩle grazing, followed by development of almond groves and most recently, extensive planƟng of vineyards. In addiƟon to its agricultural base, Paso Robles also has a long history of tourism, based historically on development of local hot springs and more recently on wine touring. Other major factors affecƟng historical growth of the City included development of Camp Roberts (a large military base) during World War II and Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 17 TODD GROUNDWATER
improvement of US Highways 101 and State Route 46. Paso Robles remains the major service center for ranching and agriculture in the North County.
Three reservoirs have been developed in the area for flood control, water supply, and recreaƟon; these are Santa Margarita Lake (Salinas Dam) on the upper Salinas River, Lake Nacimiento on the Nacimiento River near the San Luis Obispo-Monterey County line, as well as San Antonio Lake in Monterey County. These lakes are popular vacaƟon desƟnaƟons, and along with wineries and Mid-State Fairgrounds events, have contributed significantly to tourism in Paso Robles. Paso Robles also has aƩracted numerous reƟrees from Southern California metropolitan areas.
Table 3 shows the City’s populaƟon in 2025 along with projecƟons to buildout in five-year intervals. The populaƟon is expected to increase 41 percent between 2025 and 2050, a rate of about 1.39 percent annually. The 2025 populaƟon esƟmate is from the Department of Finance (CDOF, 2026). The City’s Amended General Plan buildout populaƟon threshold is 44,000 residents and is projected to occur by 2050 or later0F
1. For the UWMP, populaƟon was assumed to linearly increase from 2025 to buildout at 2050. The average household size from 2020-2024 was 2.60 (US Census, 2026). The General Plan assumes that each dwelling unit will be occupied with an average of 2.66 persons.
Future growth will be mainly infill development with the raƟo of mulƟfamily dwelling units to single family dwelling units increasing, addiƟonal accessory dwelling units, and the raƟo of commercial and industrial to residenƟal increasing. 1 When the General Plan Update was adopted in December 2003, based on the pace of development acƟvity at that Ɵme, it was anƟcipated that residenƟal build-out of the City, resulƟng in a populaƟon of 44,000, would occur by 2025. However, the naƟonal economic slowdown that began in 2007, coupled with the history of periodic slowdowns over prior decades, has caused the City to consider that buildout and an aƩendant populaƟon of 44,000 may take more than 20 addiƟonal years:
to 2045 or longer, to aƩain.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 18 TODD GROUNDWATER
Table 3. Current and Future PopulaƟon
Population
Served
2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Buildout
(2050 or later)
31,151 33,150 35,850 38,550 41,250 44,000
Same as DWR Table 3-1 following text
3.5. OTHER SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS
Other factors that could impact water management and planning include changes in City demographics, businesses and industry, income levels, unemployment, economic vitality and/or non-residenƟal uses. A slight populaƟon decrease occurred from 2020 to 2025 (31,221 to 31,151 people). The COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home orders and business shutdowns since March 2020 have had some impact on water demands. Between 2019 and 2020, commercial water use decreased by 87 AF, a 13 percent decline, while residenƟal use increased by 229 AF, an increase of about 7 percent. Commercial use rebounded in 2021 and remained higher through 2023.
Industrial use decreased from 2020 to 2025. Recent demand changes in the wine industry may impact commercial and industrial water use. ResidenƟal and nonresidenƟal demands returned to roughly pre-COVID-19 levels as residents return to convenƟonal work schedules. The City has a diverse water supply porƞolio and can respond to and adjust its water management strategies when needed. The process of updaƟng its UWMP every five years will assist in idenƟfying and planning for changes in economic, social, or demographic factors. Despite recent populaƟon decreases, this plan assumes full buildout so the City can best prepare for potenƟal demands.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 19 TODD GROUNDWATER
4. WATER USE
This secƟon summarizes current and projected water use for the City of Paso Robles.
The subsecƟons below describe the factors affecƟng total water use, including system losses (non-revenue water) and climate change. Current water demand is provided by water use sector and projected to 2050 in five-year increments. City buildout is projected to occur by 2050 or later.
4.1. CITY WATER USE
4.1.1. Current Water Use
Recent historical water use is summarized below by customer type. Customer water use was organized according to the DWR-designated water use sectors (single family, mulƟ-family, commercial, industrial, insƟtuƟonal/governmental, landscape, and other) using current billing system categories. The number of mulƟ-family accounts is not the same as the number of mulƟ-family units; in many cases, one connecƟon supplies water to mulƟple units. Table 4 summarizes water use by water sector for the last five years and also includes 2015 for comparison.
Table 4. Past and Current Water Use by Water Sector
Water Use (AFY) 2015 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Single Family 2,536 2,727 2,731 2,556 2,420 2,385 2,236 Multi-family 540 638 672 607 578 557 538
Commercial 589 580 681 681 691 638 601
Institutional/Governmental 218 288 330 109 97 121 104
Industrial 294 508 480 404 365 365 320
Parks, Landscape Irrigation 508 690 739 954 857 914 912 Other 38 39 28 116 71 66 45
Non-Revenue Water 431 276 242 434 282 509 807
Total Water Use 5,154 5,745 5,903 5,860 5,361 5,555 5,563 Total Number of Connections 10,627 10,766 10,788 10,819 10,875 10,922 11,104 Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 20 TODD GROUNDWATER
Note: The City does not supply water to addiƟonal DWR-designated water use sectors (other agencies, exchanges, transfers, saline water barriers, direct groundwater recharge, and conjuncƟve use) at this Ɵme or planned in the future and thus have not been included in the UWMP tables. Also note, Table 4 landscape irrigaƟon amounts include recycled water delivered (2023-2025). Non-revenue water is the difference between total supplied water and billed consumpƟon. This includes unbilled authorized consumpƟon (e.g. water used for system maintenance), apparent losses (meter error), and real losses (leaks and theŌ).
Between 2020 and 2025, the City has seen an increase of 338 connecƟons, but total water use has decreased by 182 AF. During the 2020 to 2025 Ɵme period, water use was the highest from 2021 to 2022, reflecƟve of increased residenƟal use during the COVID-19 pandemic and below average rainfall in 2022. Despite the increased connecƟons and relaƟvely stable populaƟon, the decrease in water use from 2021 to 2025 reflects, in part, increased conservaƟon efforts, parƟcularly in single family homes. Water use decrease occurred across almost every category. The City recognized that the increased non-revenue water in 2025, calculated as the difference between total supplied water and total billed water, may be due to source meter errors and will idenƟfy opportuniƟes to improve the metering accuracy.
The City Council had declared a Level 2 CondiƟon under the City’s Water ConservaƟon and Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan in 2015 that required mandatory conservaƟon in response to emergency State-mandated conservaƟon requirements, despite the City having adequate water supply. In May 2017, the Council declared a Level 1 CondiƟon under the City's Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan that removed the limits on landscape-watering schedules but did not end the City's permanent prohibiƟons on water waste, or long-term water conservaƟon goals and programs. In 2022, the City declared level two condiƟons in response to state requirements, but the City itself did not experience water shortages. This Level 2 restricƟon ended in March of 2023.
The number and type of water service connecƟons provide insight into different customers’ water use, which can be useful in defining effecƟve water conservaƟon measures and making future projecƟons. The Landscape category in Table 4 includes commercial, school, park, and mulƟ-family landscape irrigaƟon that is metered separately; there are no significant agricultural customers for City water. Landscaping water use summarized in Table 4 also includes the recycled water supplied to Caltrans in 2023 through 2025 for landscaping irrigaƟon along the US Highway 101.
The Other category consists of demands that do not fit descripƟons for other use sectors; in the City’s case, hydrant and construcƟon water use are included in the Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 21 TODD GROUNDWATER
Other category. The Non-revenue category in Table 4 is the difference between metered producƟon and metered consumpƟon. SecƟon 4.2 provides further details on water losses.
4.1.2. Projected Water Use
Water use projecƟons are shown in Table 5 in five-year increments to buildout at 2050. These include the projected recycled water use that is discussed in SecƟon
6.5.2. The projecƟons were developed using representaƟve water demand factors, anƟcipated future conservaƟon, and City General Plan growth assumpƟons and buildout condiƟons. Projected water savings are included in these demand projecƟons.
Table 5. Water Use ProjecƟons
Water Use (AFY) 2030 2035 2040 2045
Buildout
(2050 or
later)
Single Family 2,659 2,816 2,973 3,130 3,287
Multi-family 755 924 1,093 1,261 1,430
Commercial 736 836 936 1,037 1,137
Industrial 410 641 872 1,103 1,334
Institutional/Governmental 410 433 457 480 503
Parks, Landscape Irrigation 827 863 899 936 972
Other 71 86 100 114 126
Non-Revenue Water 473 520 567 614 662
Total Water Use 6,341 7,119 7,897 8,675 9,451
Derived from DWR Tables 4-2 and 4-3 following text. IrrigaƟon totals include recycled water that offsets potable use.
Water demand factors were calculated for the City’s various land use categories using metered consumpƟon data that is representaƟve of use within each customer category. These were then reduced to account for projected water savings. Future water conservaƟon mechanisms will affect exisƟng and future development within each use category to varying degrees. Therefore, unique projecƟons of water savings were used to develop specific duty factors for each customer category.
Future water savings in exisƟng development are projected to result from improvements to indoor plumbing fixtures, conservaƟon from the installaƟon of Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 22 TODD GROUNDWATER
advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), outdoor landscape irrigaƟon systems, and landscape planƟngs from natural replacements of fixtures and landscapes, etc.
Water savings in future development will result largely from water efficient plumbing fixture and appliance standards, and from water efficient landscape standards. These projected water savings mechanisms and assumpƟons are described in SecƟon 4.3.
DescripƟons of conservaƟon measures are provided in SecƟon 9. Demand factors for residenƟal categories where then applied to the number of housing units projected at buildout and demand factors for non-residenƟal categories were applied to projected acreage served at buildout.
Land use projecƟons are based on City planning documents, including the 2003 update to the City’s General Plan and subsequent updates to the Land Use Element and Housing Element (Paso Robles, 2014a and 2020). The buildout populaƟon of 44,000 is projected to occur in 2050 or later. At buildout, residenƟal and nonresidenƟal demand projecƟons assume full development of available developable parcels and assume that future vacancy rates will be similar to 2025. Projected nonrevenue water is esƟmated to be approximately seven percent of total water use for 2030 through 2050. SecƟon 4.2 provides addiƟonal discussion of non-revenue water and water losses.
Water conservaƟon measures and other factors have reduced current per capita water use to 164 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) in 2020 and 159 gpcd in 2025, below the City’s SB X7-7 2020 water use target of 193 gpcd. SecƟon 5 of this UWMP discusses the City’s per capita water use and water use targets developed for compliance with SB X7-7. Future water conservaƟon (including acƟve and passive conservaƟon) and use of recycled water to offset potable demand are expected to maintain the per capita use at the 193 gpcd target or less in the future. Per capita use at buildout (2050 or later) it is projected to be 192 gpcd. The moderate increase in per capita water use (from 159 gpcd in 2025) is parƟally due to the projected increase in non-residenƟal development (mainly industrial) in relaƟon to the increase in populaƟon growth.
4.2. DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM WATER LOSSES
For the 2025 UWMP, water suppliers are required to quanƟfy distribuƟon system losses for each of the five years preceding the plan update using the American Water Works AssociaƟon (AWWA) water audit method. This water audit tracks all sources and uses of water within a water system over a specified period of Ɵme. The water Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 23 TODD GROUNDWATER
audit provides a method to understand non-revenue. This understanding can guide strategies to reduce these losses. InformaƟon from the water loss audits will also be used to compare to State Water Board water loss performance standards.
Several different types of water loss are esƟmated and reported in the AWWA water loss audits (Appendix B). AWWA “water losses” must be included in UWMPs. AWWA water losses (Table 6) are the difference between water supplied and the sum of authorized consumpƟon and include adjustments for meter inaccuracies. Water supplied is the total amount of water produced and distributed by the City.
Authorized consumpƟon is the metered and/or unmetered water taken by customers, the water supplier, and others authorized to do so (e.g., firefighƟng, flushing). It represents the beneficial, intended use of water, forming part of the "Revenue Water" or "Unbilled Authorized ConsumpƟon" in a water balance.
The City’s water losses from its AWWA Water Audits are listed in Table 6 for 2020 through 2024 and range from 128 AF (2020) to 398 AF (2022). Table 6 also includes the percentage of water lost compared to the supply for each year. The loss percentages have been below 7 percent since 2016, indicaƟng that the City’s water losses are below average on an annual basis. Unaccounted for urban water use in California generally ranges from 6 to 15 percent (DWR, 1994). SecƟon 9.1.5 discusses methods the City is applying to assess and manage distribuƟon system losses.
Table 6. Water Loss Audit ReporƟng
Year
AWWA Water Loss Percent of Losses to Total
Water ProducƟon (AF)
2020 128 2.22%
2021 209 3.55%
2022 398 6.79%
2023 153 2.86%
2024 354 6.38%
From AWWA Water Audits (Appendix B, DWR Tables 4-4 through 4-6 following text). AWWA Water Loss is apparent losses (water not properly accounted for due to meter inaccuracies, data errors, or theŌ) plus real losses (physical water lost from the system through leaks, main breaks, and tank overflows).
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 24 TODD GROUNDWATER
This 2025 UWMP is the first year where annual water loss can be compared to the distribuƟon water loss standards enacted by the State Water Board (pursuant to SecƟon 10608.34). Each water system was assigned a 2028 Real Water Loss Standard and a 2028 Apparent Water Loss Standard. Apparent losses include unauthorized consumpƟon, metering inaccuracies, and data handling errors. Real losses are the difference between total water losses and apparent losses (WSO, 2016). The 2028 Real Water Loss Standard for the City is 8.1 gallons per service connecƟons per day (gpscd) and the 2028 Apparent Loss Standard for the City is 8.6 gpscd. The 2024 Water Audit showed that the real loss was 7.4 gpscd (102.3 AF in 2024) and the apparent loss was 18.3 gpscd (251.7 AF in 2024). Note that these calculaƟons use a total of 12,295 acƟve and inacƟve connecƟons, consistent with AWWA Water Audit requirements. The 2025 water loss audit was not available at the Ɵme of this report.
Retail Suppliers have met their Real Water Loss Performance Standards if their 2025, 2026, or 2027 water loss audits show actual real water loss at or below the standard.
The Non-revenue water category in Table 4 (Past and Current Water Use by Water Sector) is the difference between metered producƟon and metered consumpƟon and could include main flushing, firefighƟng, water quality tesƟng, water treatment plant losses, and fire flow tests.
4.3. FUTURE WATER SAVINGS
The City’s water demand projecƟons, summarized in Table 5, contain future water savings. In addiƟon to permanent prohibiƟons on water waste and mandatory use restricƟons during periods of supply shortage or water conservaƟon mandates, the City promotes water conservaƟon through a variety of programs, which are discussed in depth in SecƟon 9. To meet the per capita demand targets, the City has focused efforts on several demand management measures (DMMs). The following measures are projected to be the City’s greatest opportuniƟes for water savings.
1. 2015 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance / Landscape and IrrigaƟon System Ordinance - The City’s Landscape and IrrigaƟon System Ordinance was updated in December 2015 to achieve water conservaƟon at least as effecƟvely as the State’s 2015 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The updated City ordinance is projected to reduce typical landscape water demands for new residenƟal development by more than 20 percent relaƟve to development that occurred under the 2010 ordinance and approximately 33 percent relaƟve to the esƟmated base residenƟal landscaping demands in 2013, which were largely from Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 25 TODD GROUNDWATER
landscapes installed prior to the 2010 MWELO requirements. ReducƟons in nonresidenƟal water demands for new development are projected to be approximately 50 percent relaƟve to esƟmated base non-residenƟal landscaping demands in 2013.
2. California Energy Commission Title 20 appliance standards for toilets, urinals, faucets, and showerheads – The appliance standards determine what can be sold in California and therefore will affect both new construcƟon and replacement fixtures in exisƟng homes. The City has assumed that indoor water savings in exisƟng residenƟal and non-residenƟal development from Title 20 standards will be 3 percent relaƟve to esƟmated indoor water demands for these uses in the base year.
3. CALGreen Building Code - The CALGreen Building Code requires residenƟal and non-residenƟal water efficiency and conservaƟon measures for new buildings and structures that will reduce the overall potable water use inside each building and structure by 20 percent. The 20 percent water savings can be achieved in one of the following ways: (1) installaƟon of plumbing fixtures and fiƫngs that meet the 20 percent reduced flow rate specified in the CAL Green Code, or (2) by demonstraƟng a 20 percent reducƟon in water use from the building “water use baseline.” The pracƟcal representaƟon of the savings in unit water demands from this code would be to reduce indoor baseline unit demands for recently constructed residenƟal units downward by 2 to 5 percent, although this may be redundant with any reducƟon already represented by the Title 20 appliance standards. The City has assumed indoor water savings in new residenƟal and non-residenƟal development from CALGreen Building Code requirements will be 3 percent relaƟve to esƟmated indoor water demands for these uses in the base year.
4. Public InformaƟon Programs - One of the cornerstones of an effecƟve water conservaƟon program is effecƟve public outreach and educaƟon. Public informaƟon and outreach—which convey the need for efficient water use and show how customers can reduce water use—support all other elements of the program. While the benefits of public outreach are difficult to quanƟfy in terms of water savings, the City recognizes that public outreach promotes water conservaƟon by informing customers of the needs and benefits of conservaƟon, and recommended methods of conserving water. Outreach can also foster understanding regarding how water conservaƟon fits into the overall water management for the City. The City’s public informaƟon and educaƟon programs consist of the following.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 26 TODD GROUNDWATER
Direct Customer Outreach – the City provides direct customer outreach and water conservaƟon assistance through the following:
Leak assistance and direct outreach to customers when a leak is suspected Customer leak alerts and water use monitoring via AMI customer portal UƟliƟes Department direct outreach for abnormally high water use and leaks.
School EducaƟon Programs – the City sponsors a school educaƟon program consisƟng of interacƟve class presentaƟons and field trips, which correlate to the California school science standards. PresentaƟons and experiences are available to grades K – 6 and are tailored to varying age groups, keeping children engaged in lessons and acƟviƟes.
Water-wise Landscaping InformaƟon and Resources - The City offers a "Lawn-toLandscape" workshop instrucƟonal DVD for check out from the City's Water ConservaƟon Division at City Hall. It provides guidance in planning and execuƟng a Water-wise landscape project by offering Ɵps on landscape design, plant selecƟon, drip irrigaƟon, planƟng, and establishing plants. The City also parƟcipates in workshops promoƟng water efficient landscaping and provides materials for events.
The City’s website also provides water-wise landscaping resources to assist customers with converƟng grass lawns to drought tolerant landscapes.
5. Rebates and IncenƟves - The City offers rebates to homeowners or business owners who replace irrigated lawns with drought-tolerant plants on drip irrigaƟon, arƟficial turf, or permeable paving. Between 2014 and 2024, the City offered rebates of up to $125 to homeowners or business owners who replace an older high flow toilet with new High Efficiency Toilet (HET) that uses 1.28 gallons per flush or less.
During inspecƟons for the landscape rebate, the City provides educaƟonal materials and resources to rebate program parƟcipants to assist them with plant selecƟon, irrigaƟon system improvements, ideas for reducing runoff, and related topics.
DMMs employed by the City are presented in SecƟon 9.
In addiƟon to DMMs, the City rouƟnely updates water rates so that revenue from sales and service fees are sufficient to cover operaƟons and maintenance costs associated with producƟon, treatment, conveyance, and delivery of potable water.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 27 TODD GROUNDWATER
4.4. WATER USE FOR LOWER INCOME HOUSEHOLDS
Local water agencies are to include any esƟmated passive savings expected to occur in their water-use projecƟons pursuant to Water Code SecƟon 10631(d)(4)(A) and future water projecƟons needed for lower-income residenƟal water use pursuant to Water Code SecƟon 10631.1. The City’s General Plan Housing Element (Paso Robles, 2020) addresses the City’s housing needs for the 2021 to 2028 planning period, including the need for low-income housing. The City will conƟnue to support lowincome housing development. Future projected water use for lower income households is included in projected water demands summarized in Table 5.
4.5. CLIMATE CHANGE
PotenƟal climate change impacts relevant to water demand in Paso Robles may include:
• Increased water demand
• Increased air and water temperatures
• Decreased annual precipitaƟon
• Increased drought frequency
• Increased storm severity
• Increased risk of wildfires
• Increased evapotranspiraƟon (San Luis Obispo County, 2020b).
Notable potenƟal climate change impacts relevant to water demands and water resources management include:
• Increased agricultural water demands due to reduced surface flows, reduced soil moisture, increased evapotranspiraƟon rates, and longer growing seasons
• Increased seasonal water demand due to increased drought frequency and increased air temperatures
• Increased cooling and process water demand due to increased air and water temperatures and increased energy demands
• Decreased crop yields due to changes in growing seasons and heat paƩerns • Increased difficulty meeƟng water curtailments due to increased drought frequency and increased water demands (San Luis Obispo County, 2020b).
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 28 TODD GROUNDWATER
A more detailed discussion of the impacts of climate change on demands and supplies is presented in SecƟon 6.8.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 29 TODD GROUNDWATER
5. BASELINES, TARGETS, AND 2025 COMPLIANCE
As discussed above, SB X7-7 requires retail urban water suppliers to determine a baseline water use and establish water use reducƟon targets for years 2015 and 2020 to help achieve a 20 percent statewide reducƟon in urban water use by the year 2020. This secƟon presents the City’s baseline water use and 2015 and 2020 water use targets that were first established in the 2010 UWMP. It also demonstrates compliance with the 2015 and 2020 targets in 2025.
Compliance with SB X7-7 is verified by DWR based on its review of the SB X7-7 VerificaƟon Form submiƩed with the 2015 UWMP. The SB X7-7 VerificaƟon Form is a set of tables that presents the steps taken and data used to determine the City’s baseline and water use targets. A set of tables called the SB X7-7 2020 Compliance Form was required for the 2020 UWMP and was a condensed version of the SB X7-7 VerificaƟon Form to show 2020 compliance calculaƟons. Because the City met its 2020 SB X7-7 target in 2020, SB X7-7 VerificaƟon and Compliance forms are not required in the 2025 UWMP.
5.1. BASELINE AND TARGETS
5.1.1. 10- or 15-year Baseline Period
The first step in determining the City’s 2015 and 2020 water use targets was to select a 10- or 15-year Baseline Period ending between December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2010. The longer baseline period applied to a water suppliers that met at least 10 percent of their 2008 retail water demand through recycled water. The City did not use recycled water in 2008, so a 10-year Baseline Period was selected. A representaƟve period was used, namely, 1999 through 2008. Water use in 2009 and 2010 was atypically low because of Level 2 City-wide mandatory outdoor water use restricƟons. The City has expanded in area over the base period; Figure 2 shows land that was annexed into the City between 1999 and 2005. No addiƟonal land was annexed between 2005 and 2010. Only a small area (1.4 acres) was annexed between 2010 and 2015. In 2021, the Gateway Project, encompassing 170 acres, was annexed into the City as shown on Figure 2. This project has not been built yet.
The Baseline Period is used to calculate a base daily per capita water use using the basic equaƟon below. For each year of the Baseline Period:
Annual Total Water Use/PopulaƟon Served = Daily Per Capita Water Use (gross) Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 30 TODD GROUNDWATER
Components of these calculaƟons are discussed below.
5.1.2. 5-year Baseline Period
In addiƟon to the 10- or 15-year Baseline Period, a water suppliers also were required to select a 5-year Baseline Period that ended no earlier than December 31, 2007 and no later than December 31, 2010. Water use during the 5-year baseline period was used to determine a minimum required reducƟon in water use by 2020.
The 2020 water use target was required to be at least 5 percent less than the 5-year Baseline Period per capita water use. The 2004 through 2008 period was used for the 5-year Baseline Period.
5.1.3. Service Area PopulaƟon
Water suppliers were required to determine the populaƟon served for each baseline year and for the 2015 compliance year. DWR offered several opƟons for calculaƟng the populaƟon. Use of California Department of Finance (CDOF) numbers was the most straighƞorward for ciƟes if service area boundaries correspond by 95 percent or more with city boundaries. This method was selected because City boundaries and the City service area are within 95 percent of one another. The other methods involved detailed persons-per-connecƟon calculaƟons, an online populaƟon tool, or other methods proposed by the water agency if those methods are at least as accurate as the methods recommended by DWR. CDOF populaƟon esƟmates were used for 1999 through 2008 and 2015 with the excepƟon of 2000, when census data were used as required by DWR.
5.1.4. Gross Water Use
Gross water use is the amount of water entering the distribuƟon system. It includes not only direct residenƟal water use, but also indirect water uses that benefit residents such as firefighƟng, park and school irrigaƟon, commercial and industrial uses, and other municipal uses. Gross water use for the baseline years is shown in SB X7-7 VerificaƟon Table 4 in the 2020 UWMP.
5.1.5. Baseline Daily Per Capita Water Use
The final step of the baseline calculaƟon was the determinaƟon of the base daily per capita water use for each of the baseline years. The average base daily per capita water use over the selected 10-year Base Period (1999-2008) was 241 gpcd. Annual Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 31 TODD GROUNDWATER
daily per capita water use varied between 230 gpcd (2006) and 255 gpcd (2002) over the 1999 through 2008 Base Period depending upon weather and other factors. The 241 gpcd base daily per capita water use was used to calculate the 2015 and 2020 targets.
The average base daily per capita water use over the compliance 5-year Base Period (2004-2008) was 242 gpcd. This value was used to confirm that the City’s capita water use targets meet minimum reducƟon requirements of 95 percent of the 5-year Baseline Period per capita water use. The City’s 2015 and 2020 water use targets (217 and 193 gpcd) met minimum reducƟon requirements as they are less than 95 percent of the 5-year Base Period (0.95 x 242 = 230 gpcd).
5.2. 2015 AND 2020 TARGETS
Four methods were provided in SB X7-7 for calculaƟng the 2015 and 2020 water use reducƟon targets, and SB X7-7 authorized retail urban water suppliers to select which method to use in their sole discreƟon.
• Method 1: Eighty percent of the baseline per capita water use. • Method 2: Per capita daily water use esƟmated using the sum of performance standards applied to indoor residenƟal use, landscaped area water use, and commercial, industrial, and insƟtuƟonal (CII) uses. • Method 3: Ninety-five percent of the applicable state hydrologic region target as stated in the 20 x 2020 Water ConservaƟon Plan. The City of Paso Robles is in the Central Coast Hydrologic Region which has a Regional Target of 123 gpcd and a Method 3 Regional Target (95%) of 117 gpcd.
• Method 4: Savings by water sector in accordance with guidance developed by DWR.
Target Method 1 was selected, in which per capita daily water use in 2020 is 80 percent of the base daily per capita water use. This method was the most applicable to available data as well as the water use and demographics of the City. Target water use in 2015 should be 90 percent of the base daily per capita water use or 217 gpcd (241 x 0.90 = 217). Target 2020 water use per capita per day should be 80 percent of the base daily per capita water use or 193 gpcd (241 x 0.80 = 193 gpcd). For planning purposes, the City also applies the 2020 per capita water use target of 193 gpcd to 2025 period and beyond. These values are developed for the enƟre service area. The baselines and target water use numbers are summarized in Table 7.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 32 TODD GROUNDWATER
Table 7. Baselines and Targets Summary
Baseline
Period
Start
Year
End Year
Average
Baseline
GPCD
Confirmed
2020
Target
GPCD
10-15
year
1999 2008 241
193
5 Year 2003 2007 242
Derived from DWR Table 5-1 following text.
5.3. 2015 COMPLIANCE DAILY PER CAPITA WATER USE
The City achieved its interim water use reducƟon target for 2015. Water use restricƟons reduced 2015 per capita water use to 151 gpcd, well below the City’s 2015 interim water use target of 217 gpcd and also below the 2020 compliance water use target of 193 gpcd.
5.4. 2020 COMPLIANCE DAILY PER CAPITA WATER USE
The City also achieved its 2020 water use target of 193 gpcd. Water use per capita was 164 gpcd, well below the target of 193 gpcd. It was anƟcipated that water use would increase above 2015 levels when drought condiƟons ceased and mandatory water use restricƟons were no longer in place. However, water use did not rebound to past levels because some of the reducƟons in water use resulted from permanent changes in water use and permanent requirements prohibiƟng water waste; the City’s demand management measures (SecƟon 9) and increases in water rates have also contributed to reducƟons in water use.
5.5. 2025 COMPLIANCE DAILY PER CAPITA WATER USE
The City maintained its low per capita water use and achieved its water use target of 193 gpcd in 2025. In 2025 the water use per capita was 159 gpcd. The consistent low water use shows that the City’s conservaƟon efforts are sustainable and will likely be maintained into the future.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 33 TODD GROUNDWATER
6. WATER SUPPLIES
The City of Paso Robles has relied on groundwater, Salinas River water, Nacimiento Water Project and, most recently, recycled water for its municipal water supply as shown in Table 8.
Table 8. Past and Current Water Supplied
Water Source (AFY) 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Paso Robles Area Subbasin
Wells 954 1,035 1,297 814 730 1,909
Salinas River – River Wells 3,609 3,382 3,010 2,918 3,182 2,642 Nacimiento Water ProjectWater Treatment Plant 968 1,305 1,154 1,448 1,409 939 Nacimiento Water ProjectRecovery Well
214 181 400 178 231 67
Recycled Water 0 0 0 3 3 6
Total 5,745 5,903 5,860 5,361 5,555 5,563
Note: Supply amounts shown above do not reflect total supply available to the City from each source, nor do they reflect any limits on the City’s groundwater rights, but instead the water uƟlized by the City to supply projected demand.
This secƟon describes the current and projected water supplies available to the City, including a descripƟon of its Salinas River supplies, the groundwater basin, groundwater quality, and groundwater monitoring and management. This secƟon also discusses Nacimiento Water Project (NWP) supply and recycled water.
Water volumes presented in SecƟon 6 generally reflect average annual condiƟons.
The impact of drought and other water supply constraints on the City’s water supply are discussed in SecƟon 7.
6.1. PURCHASED OR IMPORTED WATER
The City of Paso Robles holds a 6,488 AFY delivery enƟtlement for Lake Nacimiento water with the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water ConservaƟon District (SLOFC&WCD or District). In 1959, SLOFC&WCD signed an agreement with what is now Monterey County Water Resources Agency. The agreement enƟtles the District to no less than 17,500 AFY from Lake Nacimiento for uses in San Luis Obispo County. Of this amount, 1,750 AFY is set aside for lakeside uses. The NWP, completed Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 34 TODD GROUNDWATER
in 2010, consists of approximately 45 miles of pipeline to deliver untreated water from Lake Nacimiento to communiƟes in San Luis Obispo County. Lake Nacimiento and the NWP pipeline are shown on Figure 1. Each parƟcipant in the NWP holds a contract with the SLOFC & WCD to receive annual deliveries as listed in Table 9. The District acts as a wholesaler of this supply.
Table 9. Nacimiento Water Project EnƟtlements
ParƟcipant
Total Delivery
EnƟtlements
(AFY)
City of Paso Robles 6,488
City of San Luis 0bispo 5,482
Atascadero MWC 3,244
Templeton CSD 406
County Service Area 10A (CSA 10A) 40
Bella Vista Mobile Home Park 10
Santa Margarita Ranch Mutual Water
Company
80 Subtotal 15,750
Reserve Capacity -
Lakeside Use 1,750
Total 17,500
NWP water is a supplemental water supply for the City and will not replace other water sources. By maintaining its NWP supply separately from its Salinas River supplies and local groundwater supplies, the City is able to further diversify its water supply porƞolio and increase overall water supply reliability. The 2.4 million gallon per day (mgd) surface water treatment plant came online in 2015 and became fully operaƟonal in 2016. NWP water use for 2020 through 2025 is shown in Table 8 and ranged from a low of 939 AF in 2025 to a high of 1,448 AF in 2023. The treatment plant came online in late 2015 and water delivery issues (conveyance pipeline shutdowns) have periodically limited deliveries.
In addiƟon to direct deliveries, NWP water also can be uƟlized by the City through a recovery well. This operaƟon allows NWP water to be turned into the Salinas River channel and captured through the recovery well. The recovery well typically operates Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 35 TODD GROUNDWATER
at a rate of approximately 400 gallons per minute (gpm) for about five months out of the year. Annual turnout amounts are shown in Table 10. Turnout amounts were greater in 2015, prior to compleƟon of the Nacimiento Water Treatment Plant.
Between 2020 and 2025, 4,565 AF of water have been turned-out into the river.
Some of the NWP water turned-out to the Salinas River is directly recovered and some remains in the river. In Ɵmes of drought, NWP water can be used to augment surface water and improve water supply reliability. This allows the river wells to operate when naƟve supplies are low.
Table 10. NWP Water Turned-Out to Salinas River
NWP Water Turned Out
to Salinas River
(AF)
Recovery of Turned-Out NWP
Water
(AF)
2020 806 214
2021 865 181
2022 1314 400
2023 366 178
2024 628 231
2025 586 67
Total 4,995 1,271
Note that Recovery of Turned-out NWP Water amounts shown are water produced through the City’s recovery well only, and does not include NWP water captured by other wells in the Thunderbird well field.
Use of Lake Nacimiento water confers water quality benefits to the City. Lake Nacimiento water has lower total dissolved solids (TDS) and hardness as compared to groundwater. Nacimiento water TDS concentraƟons are in the range of 150 to 300 milligrams per liter (mg/L), while TDS concentraƟons in City wells average over 300 mg/L.
6.2. SURFACE WATER
The City currently pumps Salinas River water from river wells pursuant to appropriaƟve surface water rights and a permit issued by the State Water Resources Control Board. The City’s Permit number 5956, as amended on November 6, 1981, Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 36 TODD GROUNDWATER
allows the City to take up to eight cubic feet per second (3,590 gpm) with a maximum diversion of 4,600 AFY (January 1 to December 31).
The City has eight river wells, with one of these also acƟng as a Nacimiento water recovery well. Approximately 55 percent of the City’s current water supply (2020- 2025) comes from its shallow Salinas River wells in the Atascadero Area Subbasin.
Annual pumping totals for the City’s river wells between 2020 and 2025 have ranged between 2,642 AF (2025) to 3,609 AF (2020).
6.3. GROUNDWATER
Groundwater has been and will conƟnue to be an important component of the City’s water supply. In 2016, the Atascadero Area Subbasin was subdivided from the Paso Robles Area Subbasin of the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin (Figure 1). The City operates 9 deep wells that pump percolaƟng groundwater from the Paso Robles Area Subbasin (DWR Basin No. 3-004.06). The Paso Robles Area Subbasin has not been adjudicated but it has been designated as high priority and criƟcally overdraŌed by the State, requiring management under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The City also has shallow river wells in the Atascadero Area Subbasin (DWR Basin No. 3-004.11) (see SecƟon 6.2).
6.3.1. Paso Robles Area Subbasin
The Paso Robles Area Subbasin is the water-bearing porƟon of the upper Salinas River drainage area. The Salinas River system flows through the basin area and surrounding uplands and flows north along the western edge of the drainage area.
The Subbasin is the southernmost porƟon of the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin and had previously been defined by DWR as extending into San Luis Obispo and Monterey counƟes. The northern boundary was modified to coincide with the San Luis Obispo-Monterey county line during the 2019 DWR basin boundary modificaƟon process.
Geology
The major aquifers (or water-bearing units) in the basin include alluvial deposits and the Paso Robles FormaƟon. The alluvial deposits are up to 100 feet in depth and include recent stream-laid sands and gravels along the floodplains of the Salinas River and its tributaries, and older finer-grained terrace deposits along the Salinas Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 37 TODD GROUNDWATER
River and Estrella River. Wells in alluvium typically produce in excess of 1,000 gpm (Fugro, 2002).
The Paso Robles FormaƟon is the most extensive aquifer and consists of sedimentary layers extending from the surface to depths of more than 2,000 feet. It is typically unconsolidated and generally poorly sorted. The water bearing sediments in the basin are 700 to 1,200 feet thick and typically extend to sea level. Paso Robles FormaƟon sediments are relaƟvely thin, oŌen disconƟnuous sand and gravel layers interbedded with thick layers of silt and clay. Wells generally produce several hundred gpm (Fugro, 2002).
Groundwater ElevaƟons and Flow
In Spring 2025, groundwater elevaƟons within the Paso Robles FormaƟon ranged from about 475 Ō above mean sea level (msl) in the northeast corner to about 725 Ō msl in the northwest corner. Spring 2025 groundwater elevaƟons in the Alluvial deposits along the Salinas River ranged from about 650 Ō msl to above 675 Ō msl (Confluence, 2026). Groundwater elevaƟons are generally lower in the fall than spring. Groundwater flow is generally to the northwest and west over most of the Subbasin, except in the area north of the City of Paso Robles where groundwater flow is to the northeast toward a pumping depression between the City of Paso Robles and the communiƟes of San Miguel and Whitley Gardens (Montgomery, 2020).
The 2025 Paso Robles Subbasin Annual Report shows that groundwater levels observed at several wells near Paso Robles have increased between 2015 and 2025, aŌer declining since the 1990s (Confluence, 2026).
Groundwater Quality
A general measure of groundwater quality is total dissolved solids (TDS). For drinking water purposes, water with a TDS concentraƟon of 500 mg/L or less is recommended but can be usable up to 1,000 mg/L. TDS concentraƟons range between 350 and 1,560 mg/L in the area of the basin that the City overlies (referred to as the Estrella Subarea) (Paso Robles Subbasin GSAs, 2022).
A survey of local groundwater quality was conducted by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) as part of its Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program (USGS, 2007). The USGS sampled eleven randomly-selected wells located along the major river valleys, including four in or near the City. While trace Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 38 TODD GROUNDWATER
amounts of pesƟcides, arsenic, and boron were reported, no consƟtuents of concern were detected above regulatory thresholds.
In general, City water quality is good, but has relaƟvely high TDS and hardness. In response to the hardness, many residents use home water soŌeners. However, use of water soŌeners results in addiƟon of salts to the City’s wastewater. Nacimiento water is lower in hardness and TDS than groundwater and may reduce the use of residenƟal water soŌeners. Reducing or eliminaƟng the use of water soŌeners will help preserve the quality of local groundwater and advance the use of recycled water for irrigaƟon.
The Paso Robles Subbasin Revised GSP (Paso Robles Subbasin GSAs, 2022) includes eight consƟtuents of concern (COCs): Salinity (indicated by electrical conducƟvity), TDS, sodium, chloride, nitrate, sulfate, boron, and gross alpha. Groundwater quality trends are reported in GSP Annual Reports which use publicly available data from the Geotracker GAMA database. In the Water Year 2025 Annual Report and 5-year GSP Update, no significant changes to water quality have been observed since 2016 (Confluence, 2026).
City Groundwater Wells and City Pumping
The City currently operates 9 deep wells that are dispersed across the City east of the Salinas River. Each of the 9 deep wells pump groundwater from the Paso Robles Subbasin. These wells are screened in the Paso Robles FormaƟon as are the many nearby rural residenƟal and agricultural wells surrounding the City. A groundwater depression (with an elevaƟon below 450 Ō above mean sea level in Spring 2025) is centered north of the Estrella River and east of San Jacinto Creek, reflecƟng pumping from agriculture, golf courses, municipal, and rural wells (Confluence, 2026). In some cases, groundwater levels have declined more than 100 feet since 1997. The Paso Robles Subbasin Revised GSP (Paso Robles Subbasin GSAs, 2022) and Water Year 2025 Annual Report (Confluence, 2026) idenƟfy project and management acƟons that address chronic declines in groundwater levels to help achieve groundwater sustainability in the Subbasin by 2040.
Annual pumping totals for the City’s basin wells between 2020 and 2025 are shown on Table 8. Because of the mandatory water use restricƟons and successful conservaƟon, the City’s overall water use has reduced since 2009. Amounts shown in Table 8 do not reflect the total supply available to the City from each source, nor do Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 39 TODD GROUNDWATER
they reflect any limits on the City’s groundwater rights, but instead the water that the City used to meet demands under specific circumstances.
Groundwater CondiƟons
The most recent study of groundwater condiƟons are the Paso Robles Area Subbasin Revised GSP and the 5-year GSP Update (Paso Robles Subbasin GSAs, 2022; GSI, 2025). The GSP esƟmated that the historical sustainable yield of the Subbasin was 59,800 AFY (1981-2011) and the future sustainable yield was esƟmated to be 61,100 AFY. This value is the same as in the original GSP (Montgomery, 2020). Groundwater use is greater than groundwater recharge and groundwater levels are declining in some parts of the Subbasin. The water budget developed for the Paso Robles FormaƟon aquifer indicates that the amount of groundwater in storage is in decline and will conƟnue to decline in the near future if there is no net decrease in groundwater demand on the aquifer (GSI, 2021). Projects and management acƟons have been idenƟfied to address these declines and to help achieve groundwater sustainability by 2040. The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act subsecƟon in SecƟon 6.3.3 provides more informaƟon on SGMA and projects and management acƟons.
6.3.2. Atascadero Area Subbasin
The Atascadero Area Subbasin was subdivided from the Paso Robles Area Subbasin of the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin in 2016. It has not been adjudicated and was reprioriƟzed as very low priority basin by the State. The Atascadero Area Subbasin is a narrow northwest-trending trough that extends from the Santa Margarita area in the south to the City of Paso Robles in the north (GEI, 2022). Principal aquifers in the Subbasin are the Alluvium and the Paso Robles FormaƟon. The City has wells in the Alluvium which is a relaƟvely conƟnuous aquifer of sand and gravel that underlies the Salinas River and tributary streams. Groundwater quality is relaƟvely good in the Alluvium and Paso Robles FormaƟon (GEI, 2022). The City pumps Salinas River water pursuant to appropriaƟve surface water rights and permits issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (see SecƟon 6.2).
6.3.3. Groundwater Basin Monitoring and Management
The City is an acƟve parƟcipant in groundwater basin monitoring and management planning and acƟviƟes, in cooperaƟon with San Luis Obispo County and other water users.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 40 TODD GROUNDWATER
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which became effecƟve on January 1, 2015, provides a framework for sustainable management of groundwater resources by local agencies, defined as a local public agency with water supply, water management, or land use responsibiliƟes within a groundwater basin.
SGMA establishes a process and Ɵmelines for local agencies to achieve sustainable groundwater management in basins designated as medium or high priority by the DWR. The Paso Robles Groundwater Basin is on the following accelerated Ɵmeline because it is designated by DWR as criƟcally overdraŌed:
• Local agencies must form local groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) by 2017;
• GSAs must prepare and adopt groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs) by 2020; and
• Once GSPs are adopted, GSAs must implement them and achieve sustainability within 20 years.
In January 2015, the County of San Luis Obispo and Flood Control District Board adopted a SGMA Strategy to “establish community focused Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSA) based on cooperaƟve interagency and stakeholder relaƟonships in order to comply with SGMA requirements.” Subsequently, four overlying GSAs were formed and the GSAs entered into a Memorandum of Agreement to prepare the Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Paso Robles Area Subbasin. The overlying GSAs, called the Paso Robles Basin CooperaƟve CommiƩee, are:
• City of Paso Robles
• County of San Luis Obispo (Paso Basin)
• San Miguel Community Services District
• Shandon - San Juan Water District.
The original GSP (Montgomery, 2020) was submiƩed to DWR in January 2020. DWR determined it to be incomplete. DWR idenƟfied correcƟve acƟons related to two areas: sustainability management criteria for groundwater levels and depleƟons in interconnected surface waters related to groundwater use. DWR required the GSAs to describe the specific undesirable results they plan to avoid by implemenƟng the GSP. DWR also instructed the GSAs to provide more informaƟon, using the best Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 41 TODD GROUNDWATER
available science, about the existence of interconnected surface waters. If they could not jusƟfy their absence, they were required to develop sustainable management criteria for the depleƟon of interconnected surface waters.
The GSAs were required to submit a revised GSP to DWR 180 days aŌer receiving the incomplete determinaƟon. The Revised GSP (Paso Robles Subbasin GSAs, 2022) was submiƩed to DWR in 2022, and it was approved in 2023.
In 2025 the Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority (PRAGA) (hƩps://www.pasoroblesaga.org/) was formed under as joint powers authority. This included:
• City of Paso Robles
• County of San Luis Obispo (Paso Basin)
• Estrella-El Pomar-Creston Water District
• Shandon - San Juan Water District.
The development of PRAGA allows the agencies to efficiently implement the GSP and fund basin-wide projects and management acƟons.
Annual Reports for WY 2020 through 2025 have been completed and are available on the San Luis Obispo County website:
hƩps://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/groundwater-sustainability/formsdocuments/paso-robles-groundwater-basin/annual-reports AddiƟonal informaƟon on the Paso Robles Groundwater Sustainability Plan can be found on the County’s website: hƩps://www.slocounty.ca.gov/Departments/PublicWorks/CommiƩees-Programs/Sustainable-Groundwater-Management-Act- (SGMA)/Paso-Robles-Groundwater-Basin.aspx. To comply with SGMA, sustainability should be achieved by 2040.
As menƟoned previously, the Atascadero Area Subbasin was subdivided from the Paso Robles Area Subbasin. The Atascadero Area Subbasin is idenƟfied by DWR as a very low priority basin and therefore not required to comply with SGMA. However, the Atascadero Area Subbasin GSA, of which the City of Paso Robles is a member, developed a GSP in 2022 (GEI, 2022). The GSP was approved by DWR in April 2025.
More informaƟon can be found here:
hƩps://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/groundwatersustainability/groundwater-basins/atascadero-groundwater-basin Monitoring
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 42 TODD GROUNDWATER
A comprehensive monitoring program was developed for the Paso Robles Area Subbasin GSP. The GSP also includes a detailed descripƟon of exisƟng groundwater monitoring efforts in the Subbasin. An exisƟng network of 23 wells was idenƟfied for groundwater elevaƟon monitoring with 22 wells screened in the Paso Robles FormaƟon and 1 well screened in the Alluvial Aquifer well (GSI, 2021). These wells have been monitored biannually, in April and October, for various periods of record (GSI, 2021). In 2023 an Expanded Monitoring Network Technical Advisory CommiƩee was formed to lead the expansion and refinement of the monitoring network. In October 2023, they proposed expanding the water level monitoring network to 151 wells, including 26 proposed new wells. Outreach in 2025 and monitoring well installaƟon led to the addiƟon of 75 wells to the Subbasin water level monitoring network.
The lack of a monitoring network for groundwater-surface water interacƟon in the Alluvial Aquifer was idenƟfied as a data gap in the GSP. In response, GSAs and local stakeholders idenƟfied an expanded monitoring network in the Alluvial Aquifer (GSI, 2025). This network will be added to the representaƟve monitoring network once the network is fully established and one to two years of data have been collected.
Water quality is monitored in 41 public water supply wells in the Subbasin. In addiƟon, water quality is also monitoring in 28 agricultural supply wells under the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (GSI, 2021).
Other Water Management Documents and Policies
Most groundwater management has been consolidated under SGMA. Previous water management documents and policies are detailed below.
Groundwater Management Plan. A Groundwater Management Plan (GWMP) was completed in March 2011 (GEI, 2011), prior to SGMA. It provided an overview of the water balance of the basin and idenƟfied basin management objecƟves (BMOs) and groundwater management acƟviƟes focused on stabilizaƟon or maintenance of groundwater levels.
Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP). The 2019 San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Update (IRWMP) (San Luis Obispo County, 2020b) is a collaboraƟve effort to manage all aspects of water resources in the region and focuses on sustainability. The IRWMP was first developed and adopted by mulƟple agencies in the County in 2005 and is updated and revised about every five years to keep the plan current by incorporaƟng new informaƟon as Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 43 TODD GROUNDWATER
it becomes available. It includes performance measures and a monitoring program to document progress towards meeƟng its specific goals and objecƟves.
Resource management strategies were defined related to water resources planning and management and a set of projects, programs, or policies were idenƟfied that local agencies can implement to manage water and related resources to meet the IRWMP objecƟves. The IRWMP has a 2019 IRWMP Project List that includes both planned projects and programs.
County Resource Management System and Resource Summary Report. The San Luis Obispo County Planning and Building Department is responsible for the County Resource Management System (RMS), which provides informaƟon to the County Board of Supervisors to guide decisions about balancing land development with needed resources (e.g., water, schools, and roads). Under the Resource Management System, County staff collects available informaƟon, idenƟfies resource problems, and recommends soluƟons to 1) expand the resource, 2) conserve the resource, or restrict/redirect development. The Resource Summary Report (RSR) provides a comprehensive biennial summary of the County’s natural and human-made resources and recommends acƟons to address resource use by exisƟng development and recommend improvements to resource infrastructure and efficiencies (San Luis Obispo County, 2020a).
City’s Private Well Policy. On January 6, 2016, the City passed and adopted the Private Well Policy ordinance (Ordinance No. 1021 N.S. RelaƟng to Recycled Water Service and Private Wells within the City). The ordinance outlines permit requirements for the development and use of private wells within City boundaries, establishes policies for recycled water use, and extends the City’s Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan to these private wells.
NWP and Recycled Water. As discussed above, the City also has taken various other acƟons to diversify its water supply porƞolio and add overall reliability to the City’s current and projected water supplies. Those acƟons include construcƟon of a water treatment plant enabling direct delivery of treated NWP water to customers, joining in full subscripƟon of the NWP thereby securing more reliability for the City, and beginning the recycled water program.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 44 TODD GROUNDWATER
6.4. OTHER WATER SUPPLIES
Currently the City does not rely or plan to rely on long-term water supply projects for potable use not detailed in this UWMP, such as potenƟal development of desalinaƟon water. There are no ocean water, brackish surface water, or brackish groundwater sources near the City. The City also has no planned or potenƟal future water exchanges or transfers.
6.5. WASTEWATER AND RECYCLED WATER
This secƟon discusses the volume of wastewater generated and treated by the City and the amount of recycled water proposed for beneficial use within the City’s service area.
6.5.1. Wastewater
The City of Paso Robles owns and operates a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), located at the northern end of the City along the Salinas River and releases the treated wastewater via a polishing channel into the Salinas River system. The WWTP service area currently coincides with City boundaries. The City’s WWTP used to also treat wastewater from the northern porƟons of the Templeton Community Services District (TCSD) but by 2019, TCSD completed construcƟon of a new sewer infrastructure to convey these flows to the Templeton wastewater treatment plant (WSC, 2019). The TCSD wastewater had accounted for about nine percent of the wastewater entering the City’s WWTP.
The City’s WWTP is classified as a Class IV TerƟary Treatment wastewater treatment and operates under NaƟonal Pollutant Discharge EliminaƟon System (NPDES) Permit No. CA0047953 and Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) Order No. R3-2021-0001.
It has a design and permiƩed average monthly flow of 4.9 million gallons per day (mgd). In 2025, the average dry weather flow was 2.27 mgd and a total of 2,544 AF of wastewater effluent was produced.
The WWTP was first built in 1954 and was expanded and upgraded with addiƟonal clarifiers and rock trickling filters in 1972. In the mid-1980s, the WWTP was expanded to include addiƟonal trickling filter and clarifier capacity and chlorinaƟon faciliƟes. In 2015, the City completed a comprehensive upgrade to comply with updated State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) discharge requirements.
Improvements included replacement of the trickling filter treatment process with Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 45 TODD GROUNDWATER
acƟvated sludge process configured for biological nutrient removal; improvements to ancillary processes; generaƟon of electricity with biogas; equipment and faciliƟes for the receipt of septage; and construcƟon of an effluent polishing channel mimicking a creek that flows into the Salinas River. In May of 2019, the City completed construcƟon of the new TerƟary Treatment Project which included the addiƟon of flow equalizaƟon, cloth media filtraƟon, and Ultraviolet (UV) light disinfecƟon faciliƟes to the treatment process. The plant has biogas engine generators that produce enough clean renewable energy to power nearly 29 homes for a year (Paso Robles, 2021).
The plant produced 2,464 AF of wastewater effluent in 2020 and 2,544 AF in 2025.
Wastewater flows per capita in 2010 and 2015 were 0.11 and 0.09 AF, respecƟvely. In both 2020 and 2025, wastewater flow per capita were 0.08 AF. This slight decrease in the past decade may reflect that TCSD wastewater (esƟmated to be about nine percent of the total flow into the WWTP 2015) is now treated at the TCSD facility and not by the City. In addiƟon, indoor water conservaƟon measures have been effecƟve, and a rebound of indoor water use did not occur aŌer mandatory water use restricƟons were liŌed in 2017. Wastewater flows at buildout are projected to be
0.09 AFY per capita based on an average annual flow of 3.35 mgd and a populaƟon of 44,000 at buildout.
6.5.2. Water Recycling
The City’s WWTP produces terƟary quality recycled water that is distributed to customers. Beginning in 2019, this water was only used at the WWTP facility for irrigaƟon, sewer cleaning, and treatment process washing. Caltrans became the first recycled water customer in 2022, using 3 to 5.7 AFY in 2023 through 2025 along US Highway 101.
The City’s potenƟal customers and demands are outlined in their Engineering Report for Recycled Water (Carollo, 2024). IniƟal customers will primarily use recycled water for turf and landscape irrigaƟon, commercial, and industrial use, but the City intends to provide recycled water for vines and agriculture in the future. PotenƟal customers are inside and outside of the city limits. Most of the potenƟal customers are exisƟng potable water customers. However, use of recycled water for irrigaƟon of agriculture outside of City limits remains the largest recycled water use opportunity for the City’s recycled water program.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 46 TODD GROUNDWATER
The City’s WWTP is producing terƟary quality recycled water that may be distributed via the recycled water distribuƟon system. The distribuƟon system design has been completed. The proposed recycled water distribuƟon system, once fully constructed, would deliver recycled water to the east side of the City for golf course, park, and vineyard irrigaƟon. Surplus water will be discharged to Huerhuero Creek to benefit groundwater (Paso Robles, 2021). The implementaƟon and Ɵmeline of the recycled water distribuƟon depends on several factors, including agricultural market and SGMA implementaƟon impacts beyond the City. The potenƟal buildout of the recycled water distribuƟon system is not anƟcipated to begin unƟl aŌer 2030. In a 2024 study, the sum of esƟmated demands for all potenƟal customers, in and out of city limits, was 1,600 AFY (Carollo, 2024). Within the City, 450 AFY of wastewater is esƟmated to offset potable demand at buildout.
Current and projected recycled water use is shown in Table 11. This is the amount of recycled water that would offset potable water demand. AddiƟonal recycled water that is not needed within City boundaries may be available for use outside City boundaries. Such uses could include agricultural and vineyard irrigaƟon and potenƟally groundwater recharge by other enƟƟes. Agricultural and vineyard irrigaƟon uses provide opportuniƟes to maximize recycled water use while minimizing costs associated with transmission and distribuƟon, and reducing groundwater pumping for irrigaƟon purposes.
Table 11. Current and Projected Recycled Water Use
Recycled Water Use
(AFY)
2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Buildout
(2050 or
later)
Landscape IrrigaƟon
(potable offset)
6 5 180 250 310 450
Derived from DWR Table 6-4 following text. This table only shows potable offset of recycled water use.
AddiƟonal recycled water use will offset private groundwater pumping within the City and outside the City boundaries.
As required, this UWMP includes a comparison of earlier projected use of recycled water to actual use (DWR Table 6-5 following text). The City’s 2025 UWMP projected that recycled water use expansion would begin in 2035.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 47 TODD GROUNDWATER
AcƟons to Encourage and OpƟmize Recycled Water Use
AcƟons to encourage water recycling include compleƟon of the Recycled Water Master Plan (AECOM, 2014), and passage of City Ordinance No. 1021 N.S. RelaƟng to Recycled Water Service and Private Wells within the City. The TerƟary Treatment Project was completed in May of 2019, and deliveries of recycled water to Caltrans began in 2023 and is anƟcipated to conƟnue. The City also promotes its future water recycling through a variety of educaƟonal acƟviƟes, including a page dedicated to the City’s recycled water program on its website.
The City supports school educaƟon, offering a water conservaƟon program for elementary school children, which includes a field trip to the recycled water treatment plant.
DWR Table 6-6 (following text) summarizes the methods the City is planning to increase and encourage recycled water use. These include public outreach and potenƟal building code modificaƟons and new ordinances such as a mandatory use ordinance for future projects within the City limits. This table includes some uses that would not offset potable demand within the city, and therefore are not included in Table 11.
Urban non-irrigaƟon uses may represent addiƟonal opportuniƟes for beneficial use of recycled water; however, these uses are expected to have more stringent water quality requirements and if scaƩered across mulƟple city areas, could be very costly to serve. Because very few non-irrigaƟon uses were idenƟfied by the City, the recycled water expansion focuses on serving large irrigaƟon demands, including golf course, agricultural, and other irrigaƟon.
6.5.3. Other Supply OpportuniƟes
As noted above, the City currently has no plans or opportuniƟes to develop desalinated water within the Ɵmeframe of this UWMP. There are no nearby desalinated water treatment plants and the cost of transporƟng it to the City or construcƟng a treatment plant is prohibiƟve.
Apart from stormwater contribuƟng to local surface water and possible groundwater supplies, the City is not currently planning to collect stormwater for direct potable use.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 48 TODD GROUNDWATER
6.6. FUTURE WATER PROJECTS
The City has no other expected future water supply projects or programs that will provide a quanƟfiable increase to the City’s water supply within the Ɵme frame of this UWMP. The City has diversified its water supply porƞolio to provide a long-term, sustainable supply for its planned populaƟon.
6.7. SUMMARY OF EXISTING AND PLANNED SOURCES OF WATER
The City’s current (2025) and planned use of available water supplies are shown in Table 12 and Table 13, respecƟvely.
Amounts shown in Table 12 and Table 13 do not reflect the total supply available to the City from each source, nor do they reflect any limits on the City’s groundwater rights, but instead the water that the City used or projects using to meet demands under specific circumstances. In 2025, 5,563 AFY was used, supplied primarily by the City’s river and groundwater wells.
Table 12. Water Supplies Used to Meet Demands in 2025
Water Supply DescripƟon
Actual
Volume
(AF)
Water
Quality
Total Right or
Sustainable Yield
Groundwater
Paso Robles Area Subbasin
of the Salinas Valley
Groundwater Basin (3-
004.06)
1,909 Drinking
Water
61,100 AFY
(Sustainable Yield
from GSP)
Surface water Salinas River water through
river wells 2,642 Drinking Water
4,600 AFY SWRCB
Permit
Purchased or
Imported Water
Nacimiento Water from
Water Treatment Plant
939 Drinking
Water
6,488 AFY
Contract
Purchased or
Imported Water
Nacimiento Water via
Recovery Well
67 Drinking
Water
Included in above
Recycled Water Recycled Water 6
TerƟary
Quality
2,544 AF
Wastewater
Treated
Total 5,563
Derived from DWR Table 6-8 following text.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 49 TODD GROUNDWATER
In the future, the City’s total water supply is projected to include four primary sources: groundwater through the basin wells, Salinas River water through the river wells, NWP water, and recycled water. Surface water and groundwater use will increase to meet future increasing demands while the other supply sources are projected to remain relaƟvely constant. The projected 2050 demand is 9,451 AFY.
This demand forecast is based on historical usage paƩerns for average years, projected usage paƩerns, and conservaƟon measures to aƩain per capita water use targets developed for compliance with SB X7-7. Discussion of these supply sources is provided throughout SecƟon 6.
Table 13. Projected Supply Sources to Meet Demands
Project Supply Use
(AFY)
2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
Buildout
(2050 or
later)
Groundwater - Basin
Wells 1,909 1,300 1,350 1,400 1,491 2,127
Surface Water -
River Wells
2642 3,647 4,188 4,456 4,588 4,588
Nacimiento Water
from Water
Treatment Plant
939 1,120 1,132 1,522 2,017 2,017
Nacimiento Water
from the Recovery
Well
67 269 269 269 269 269
Recycled Water
(Potable Offset)
6 5 180 250 310 450
Total Supply 5,563 6,341 7,119 7,897 8,675 9,451
Derived from DWR Table 6-9 following text. Supply amounts shown above do not reflect total supply available to the City from each source, nor do they reflect any limits on the City’s groundwater rights, but instead the water planned to supply projected demand.
As discussed in SecƟon 6.5.2, recycled water use is currently anƟcipated to increase from approximately 5 AFY in 2030 to 450 AFY by buildout to offset potable uses.
AddiƟonal recycled water use in City limits would replace private well pumping for irrigaƟon. AddiƟonal recycled water would also be available for uses outside City boundaries. These addiƟonal recycled water deliveries could include irrigaƟon of golf Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 50 TODD GROUNDWATER
courses, medians, vineyards, and other agricultural uses, offseƫng groundwater pumping.
Table 13 does not reflect the total groundwater supply (basin wells) available to the City nor does it reflect any limits on the City’s groundwater rights, but rather the water planned to be used by the City to supply projected demands and account for balancing and management of available supplies and ensuring long-term water supply reliability for the City. Pumping could increase or otherwise vary depending on factors that may influence the availability and use of other supplies. In past years, basin wells have provided as much as 4,103 AFY (in 2007), but the City has taken steps to conserve groundwater to support groundwater sustainability in the Paso Robles Subbasin.
6.8. CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT TO SUPPLY
Climate change factors having the potenƟal to affect the City and its water supply include:
• Increased air and water temperatures
• Decreased annual precipitaƟon
• Increased drought frequency
• Increased storm severity
• Increased risk of wildfires
• Increased evapotranspiraƟon (San Luis Obispo County, 2020b).
PotenƟal impacts relevant to water demands are presented in SecƟon 4.5. PotenƟal notable climate change impacts to water supplies and water quality are listed below, recognizing that some are not directly applicable to Paso Robles.
PotenƟal Water Supply Impacts:
• Decreased groundwater recharge due to decreased precipitaƟon and increased storm severity
• Increased water supply shortages due to decreased precipitaƟon and increased water demands
• Increased seawater intrusion of coastal aquifers due to sea level rise (not applicable)
• Increased drought frequency and severity
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 51 TODD GROUNDWATER
• Decreased reliability of imported water supplies due to decreased snowmelt and increased water demands (not applicable)
• Increased difficulty meeƟng instream flow requirements due to decreased groundwater levels and precipitaƟon (San Luis Obispo County, 2020b).
PotenƟal Water Quality Impacts:
• Increased eutrophicaƟon and harmful algal blooms due to increased air and water temperatures
• Decreased assimilaƟve capacity due to declining low flows • Increased turbidity and other contaminaƟon concerns due to increased storm severity
• Increased risk of contaminaƟon due to increased wildfire frequency • Increased sedimentaƟon and erosion
• Increased saltwater intrusion due to sea level rise and declining low flows (not applicable) (San Luis Obispo County, 2020b).
Climate change is indicated to potenƟally intensify droughts in California. While drought is primarily a consequence of natural variability in global weather paƩerns (e.g., El Nino/La Nina), droughts in California apparently are intensifying because of climate change. A study esƟmated that between 8 to 27 percent of the soil moisture deficit associated with 2012 to 2014 drought can be aƩributed to climate change (Williams et al., 2015). According to the study, “there is widespread consensus that warmth has intensified the effects of the recent precipitaƟon shorƞall by enhancing potenƟal evapotranspiraƟon.” Temperature increases are expected to conƟnue and result in further warming-induced drying. Increased water surface and soil moisture evaporaƟon and plant evapotranspiraƟon will exacerbate future droughts though the amount is unknown.
The 2019 San Luis Obispo County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan Update (IRWMP) (San Luis Obispo County, 2020b), is a collaboraƟve effort to manage all aspects of water resources in the region and focusses on sustainability. It focuses on strategies to improve the sustainability of current and future needs of San Luis Obispo County. The IRWMP was first developed and adopted by mulƟple agencies in the County in 2005, and then updated in 2007, 2014, and 2019.
As part of the IRWMP process, the County was divided into three IWRMP subregions and Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments were completed for the subregions.
The Paso Robles area is in the North County subregion. A total of 35 water resourcesAttachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 52 TODD GROUNDWATER
related vulnerabiliƟes were idenƟfied and separated into four priority categories:
very high, high, medium, and low. Six very high priority vulnerabiliƟes were idenƟfied:
• Declining seasonal low flows
• Drought-sensiƟve groundwater basins
• Drought-sensiƟve water systems
• Increased flood risk due to wildfires
• Insufficient instream flows, and
• Water supply from coastal aquifers.
In addiƟon, an evaluaƟon determined that the exisƟng IRWMP objecƟves sufficiently captured the need to address the region’s very high priority vulnerabiliƟes (San Luis Obispo County, 2020b).
The City has developed a Climate AcƟon Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from City and community acƟviƟes that also achieves other benefits such as lowering energy costs, reducing air polluƟon, supporƟng local economic development, and improving public health and quality of life (Rincon, 2013).
The Paso Robles Subbasin GSP (Paso Robles Subbasin GSAs, 2022) incorporated future climate change esƟmates into the future water budget using DWR-provided change factors represenƟng potenƟal climate condiƟons in 2030 and 2070. The future sustainable yield for the Subbasin was esƟmated to be approximately 61,100 AFY, which is similar to the esƟmated sustainable yield of 59,800 AFY for the historical base period (1981-2011). The GSP concluded that the sustainable yield similariƟes indicate that potenƟal future changes in climate are not projected to have a substanƟal impact on the amount of groundwater that can be sustainably used compared to historical condiƟons.
6.9. ENERGY USE
Beginning in 2020 UWMPs are required to include readily available informaƟon on the energy used for providing water and wastewater to its customers. This includes the energy for pumping, diversion, conveyance, storage, treatment, and distribuƟon of water and the energy for collecƟon, conveyance, treatment and discharge of wastewater.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 53 TODD GROUNDWATER
At this Ɵme, only esƟmated energy use in wastewater conveyance and treatment are available. While the City has tracked its overall energy use in recent years, it has not systemically parsed out all energy uses specifically related to the City’s water supply systems. Other available data are incomplete or include other energy uses and does not accurately represent the City’s energy use related to water at this Ɵme. When feasible, the City will collect data about the energy used in the water supply system and will report energy use in future UWMPs as the data becomes available.
In 2025, the City conveyed and treated 2,183 AF (711.42 MG) of wastewater influent at the treatment plant. Conveyance, across 13 liŌ staƟons, used 313,426 kilowaƩhours (kWh). All water received terƟary treatment, and treatment used 2,914,877 kWh. Energy use for wastewater is reported in DWR Table O-2.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 54 TODD GROUNDWATER
7. WATER SERVICE RELIABILITY AND DROUGHT RISK ASSESSMENT
7.1. WATER SERVICE RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT
7.1.1. Constraints on Water Supply
The City has a diverse water supply porƞolio that increases overall City water supply reliability. However, various factors have the potenƟal to affect the City’s water supply, including legal, environmental, water quality, and climaƟc factors, or a combinaƟon thereof.
Legal
The City is taking steps to increase the reliability of its surface water and groundwater supplies. For example, and in addiƟon to other efforts described herein, the City is key member of the Paso Robles Area Groundwater Authority, which is responsible for implemenƟng the GSP. The City is also a member of the Atascadero Area Subbasin GSA and meets regularly with the GSP parƟcipants (see SecƟon 6.3.3).
In addiƟon, the City has developed policies that apply to the management of nonCity wells within City limits. These policies outline permit requirements for the development and use of private wells within City boundaries, establish policies for recycled water use, and include private wells in the City’s Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan. The policies also require that private wells be maintained and operated in a manner to prevent cross-connecƟon with the City water system and be properly abandoned to prevent migraƟon of surface contaminants to groundwater.
In 2013, a quiet Ɵtle water rights lawsuit was filed by a small group of North County property owners in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court who argued that their overlying groundwater rights and right to conƟnue pumping from the basin is equal or superior to the rights of the County and other governmental enƟƟes that also pump from the basin. The case was moved to the Santa Clara County Superior Court because of the court’s experience with complex water law. A jury trial in 2018 found that the City and other public water suppliers had acquired prescripƟve groundwater rights. The case is ongoing.
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DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 55 TODD GROUNDWATER
Environmental
Environmental factors that could affect City’s water supply may arise from increased pumping by other groundwater basin users. As noted above, DWR already has designated the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin as a criƟcally overdraŌed basin.
SGMA regulaƟon through the GSP (Montgomery, 2020), Revised GSP (Paso Robles Subbasin GSAs, 2022) and subsequent annual reports (Confluence, 2026) will guide the use of groundwater in the Paso Robles Area Subbasin with the goal of sustainable management of groundwater resources to prevent SGMA-defined undesirable results (e.g., chronic lowering of groundwater levels, reducƟon of groundwater storage, seawater intrusion, degraded water quality, land subsidence, and surface water depleƟons with adverse impacts on beneficial uses.) The GSP establishes Sustainable Management Criteria and subsequent projects and management acƟons to avoid significant and unreasonable undesirable results related to chronic lowering of groundwater levels, reducƟon of groundwater storage, degradaƟon of groundwater quality, land subsidence affecƟng land use and depleƟon of interconnected surface affecƟng beneficial use.
Catastrophic
Catastrophic events such as earthquakes, power outages, or transmission pipeline interrupƟons could affect supply in the short term as repairs are made to potenƟally damaged faciliƟes (e.g., storage tanks, pipelines, wells). Heat waves and risk of wildfire have resulted in power outages in Paso Robles that can temporarily disrupt water supply. The City has backup generators at some but not all City wells. In the past, the City has rented addiƟonal generators during power failures. AddiƟonally, the City maintains approximately 12 million gallons of water storage in its distribuƟon system.
In addiƟon to the Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan (SecƟon 8 and Appendix C), the City has a MulƟ-Hazard Emergency Response Plan (Paso Robles, 2019a) to respond to emergencies affecƟng water system operaƟon. The City also has a Local Hazard MiƟgaƟon Plan (Wood, 2019) that assesses risks posed by natural and human-caused hazards and includes a miƟgaƟon strategy for reducing the City’s risks. These documents are appendices to the City’s Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan (Appendix C). The City has also prepared a Community Wildfire ProtecƟon Plan (Paso Robles, 2019b) that addresses City fire protecƟon planning efforts to minimize wildfire risk to watershed lands, assets, firefighters, and the public.
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DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 56 TODD GROUNDWATER
Water Quality
It is not anƟcipated that the current or projected quality of surface water, groundwater, NWP water, or recycled water will affect the volume of water available for use by the City. Nacimiento water improves the quality of the City’s water supply with respect to lowering the total dissolved solids (TDS) content of the supply (see SecƟon 6.1 for discussion).
The City has improved its wastewater quality through delivery of high-quality NWP water, programs for reduced use of water soŌeners, source control for industrial dischargers, and upgrades to the City’s wastewater and water recycling plant.
While all but one of the Salinas River wells are clustered in two well fields, the remaining City wells are distributed widely. Accordingly, the response to contaminaƟon of a well field or one or more wells would be cessaƟon of pumping in the affected wells and greater temporary reliance on the remaining wells (as well as NWP water and recycled water supply as applicable). Wellhead treatment is also an alternaƟve that could be implemented in response to a specific water quality issue.
Currently, the Ronconi Well Field has a microfiltraƟon wellhead treatment system and Sherwood 9 and Sherwood 11 wells have treatment systems to remove arsenic and hydrogen sulfide.
The City’s water supplies are potenƟally vulnerable to water quality degradaƟon from agricultural sources (including irrigaƟon return flows and animal operaƟons), urban and industrial contaminant sources, and wastewater sources including on-site sepƟc systems. Despite these potenƟal vulnerabiliƟes, all water supplied by the City consistently meets all applicable drinking water standards.
The potenƟal for contaminaƟon of City wells is reduced through preparaƟon of a Drinking Water Source Assessment and ProtecƟon Program (DWSAP), a federallymandated program being coordinated by the California State Department of Health Services. The City has prepared Drinking Water Source Assessments (DWSAs) for all of its wells. For each well, the DWSAs:
• Delineate source protecƟon areas for both surface water and groundwater; • IdenƟfy all potenƟal sources of significant contaminaƟon in source protecƟon areas; and
• Determine the suscepƟbility of water sources to contaminaƟon within protecƟon areas.
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DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 57 TODD GROUNDWATER
AddiƟonally, the City has employed several protecƟon measures to reduce potenƟal for contaminaƟon which have included increased monitoring, and abatement or remediaƟon of idenƟfied sources of potenƟal contaminaƟon. These acƟviƟes, and the regional policies and ongoing programs listed below, directly or indirectly reduce the vulnerability of the City’s supplies to contaminaƟon or the potenƟal for contaminaƟon:
• City and County ordinances prohibiƟng discharge of contaminants and pollutants
• City and County code enforcement
• City’s industrial waste, and pretreatment and source control programs • Stormwater polluƟon prevenƟon programs
• Strict adherence to DWR well abandonment procedures for public and private wells.
The City’s Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan (SecƟon 8 and Appendix C) can be used if unforeseen water supply interrupƟons occur due to water quality problems. Water supply wells are dispersed throughout the City and it is unlikely that more than one cluster of wells would be impacted at the same Ɵme. As menƟoned before, the City's diverse water supply porƞolio greatly bolsters overall water supply reliability.
With regard to regional groundwater quality, the Salt/Nutrient Management Plan (SNMP) for the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin (RMC, 2015) characterized groundwater basin condiƟons, documented salt and nutrient sources, and esƟmated loading with a focus on TDS, chloride and nitrate. The SNMP indicated that overall groundwater quality was generally stable and could be improved with addiƟonal use of NWP supply. ReducƟon of salt loading has been a long-term goal of the City, which has pursued the reducƟon of home water soŌener use, strategic use of City wells with lower salt concentraƟons, and implementaƟon of an industrial waste discharge ordinance. The GSP 5-year update indicated that groundwater degradaƟon has not occurred between 2020 and 2024 (GSI, 2025).
ClimaƟc
The climaƟc events most likely to affect water supply are droughts, which are addressed in other secƟons of this UWMP by examining historical droughts and considering their potenƟal impact on current and future water supply and demand.
Future climate change can bring addiƟonal challenges to water supply management, Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 58 TODD GROUNDWATER
which have been explored through the 2019 IRWMP Climate Change Vulnerability Assessments (see SecƟon 6.8 for a detailed discussion).
While the City’s surface water supplies are not dependent on snowmelt (which is most likely to be affected by climate change and global warming), effects of climate change may include evaporaƟon from Lake Nacimiento and increased evapotranspiraƟon losses, including increased irrigaƟon water demand. Effects on the water system of increased irrigaƟon demand can be minimized through water conservaƟon measures and provision of recycled water.
7.1.2. Year Type CharacterizaƟon
The Urban Water Management Planning Act requires that each water supplier provide an assessment of the reliability of its water supply during normal, dry, and mulƟple dry years. This secƟon considers the impact on water supplies of two types of drought, a single extreme drought year and a mulƟple dry year drought (defined as a drought lasƟng five consecuƟve years). In addiƟon, a catastrophic water shortage could occur, for example, as a result of earthquake damage, regional power outage, or water quality emergency. This secƟon presents the City’s response to potenƟal water shortages, including catastrophic water supply interrupƟon and drought.
As detailed above, the City overlies a large groundwater basin. All of this water cannot be pracƟcally extracted, but the volume that can be used during drought is sizable. This is predicated on available well capacity to extract the water and also on replenishment of groundwater during wet years and stabilizaƟon of water levels over the long term in response to SGMA regulaƟon. The key issue with regard to shortterm shortages is not the absolute availability of supply. Instead, drought issues involve the available pumping capacity of wells and the impact on wells of water level declines during the shortages. For example, long-term regional water level declines amplified by increased pumping for irrigaƟon during drought could result in gradual reducƟon of well producƟon or exposure of the well screens causing loss of pumping efficiency and/or loss of saturated thickness in the aquifer resulƟng in reduced well yield.
Average Year
Rainfall has averaged 14.77 inches during the 1930 to 2025 period (Figure 3 - StaƟon 046730). The year 2018 was selected to represent an average year in the UWMP Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 59 TODD GROUNDWATER
because its rainfall was 14.91 inches, and it is representaƟve of current water supply and demand condiƟons.
Single-Year Drought
Area rainfall is variable, and since calendar year 1950 has ranged from 2.78 inches (2013) to 27.95 inches (1995). Since 1950, six years have been marked by rainfall at or less than 50 percent of normal or about 7.4 inches (1953, 1984, 1985, 1989, 1990, 2013, and 2020). As reported in past UWMPs, basic review of groundwater hydrographs for City wells suggests that one or even two consecuƟve extreme dry years did not have a discernable impact on groundwater levels in the City’s groundwater wells. Hydrographs from the City’s river wells along the Salinas River also showed liƩle change in response to single-year droughts, probably reflecƟng recharge from the Salinas River that occurs even in drought years plus some limited groundwater storage in the alluvial aquifer along the river. Water levels in some of the City’s groundwater wells have been dropping due to regional water level declines in the basin. The impact of single year or mulƟ-year droughts can amplify the effects of regional groundwater level declines, resulƟng in further lowering of well producƟon levels. Single year droughts have not significantly affected the City’s wells. However, droughts with duraƟons of 3, 4, or 5 years may have more noƟceable effects.
In response to conƟnuing groundwater level declines the City must regularly rehabilitate exisƟng wells in order to maintain producƟon capacity. In addiƟon, in June 2009 the City adopted a Water ConservaƟon and Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan (Ordinance No. 957 N.S.) which has been updated several Ɵmes since and is in Chapter 14.02 of the City’s municipal code. This plan establishes mandatory and permanent water management measures to promote efficient use of water and to prevent waste. The plan outlines a staged approach to dealing with potenƟal water supply shorƞalls from 10 to 50 percent. In June 2009, the City iniƟated mandatory Level 2 outdoor water use restricƟons during the summer months. In 2015, the City amended its Water ConservaƟon and Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan in response to the State Board’s statewide emergency conservaƟon regulaƟons and kept Level 2 water use restricƟons in place to comply with the state-mandated conservaƟon requirements. In 2017, the City declared a Level 1 CondiƟon that removed the limits on landscape-watering schedules but did not end the City's permanent prohibiƟons on water waste, or long-term water conservaƟon goals and programs. In 2022, the City declared Level 2 condiƟons in response to state requirements, but the City itself Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 60 TODD GROUNDWATER
did not experience water shortages. That Level 2 restricƟon ended in March of 2023.
The Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan is discussed in SecƟon 8 and is in Appendix C.
Peak monthly demands have declined approximately 36% between 2006 and 2025.
Seasonal peaks may conƟnue to decline as the City conƟnues to implement its conservaƟon and recycled water programs.
MulƟ-Year Drought
DWR guidelines suggest that a mulƟple dry year period should represent the lowest average water supply availability for a consecuƟve mulƟple year period (now defined as five or more consecuƟve dry years). The five-year period between 2012 and 2016 was marked by below-average rainfall in the City, averaging 9.8 inches overall (67 percent of normal) (see Figure 3).
Hydrographs from the 2025 Paso Robles Subbasin Annual Report (Confluence, 2026) indicate that groundwater levels declined during this Ɵme period. The GSP (Montgomery, 2020) analyzed the change in groundwater elevaƟons between 1997 and 2017 and determined that more than 80 feet of decline occurred in some places during this period with the largest decline east of Paso Robles, near Creston, and in the southeastern porƟon of the basin.
The City has been able to withstand droughts like that of 1987-1991 and 2013-2015; however, prior to NWP water being available to the City there was liƩle margin for operaƟonal problems or for notable growth in water demand. As discussed above, water use in the City during the 2013 to 2016 period decreased substanƟally due to mandatory water use restricƟons. NWP water (and increased recycled water in the future) is now available to the City to diversify its supply and reduce the impacts of drought on its supply.
7.1.3. Supply and Demand Comparison
The Urban Water Management Planning Act requires tabulaƟon of available water supply volumes in normal (average), single dry, and mulƟple dry years over a minimum 20-year projecƟon. The City has relied on groundwater from the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin, water from the Salinas River, NWP, and most recently recycled water to saƟsfy water demands that have included both extreme dry years (such as 2013) and prolonged severe droughts such as the 1984 to 1990 drought and the more recent 2012 to 2016 drought. The City adopted a revised Water ConservaƟon and Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan in 2009. During prolonged Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 61 TODD GROUNDWATER
drought condiƟons, the City has imposed mandatory conservaƟon measures, parƟcularly during summer months, to manage peak season demands or saƟsfy State-mandated conservaƟon. In 2015, the City amended the Water ConservaƟon and Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan in response to the State Board’s statewide emergency conservaƟon regulaƟons and kept Level 2 water use restricƟons in place to comply with the state-mandated conservaƟon requirements. In 2017, the City declared a Level 1 CondiƟon that removed the limits on landscape-watering schedules but did not end the City's permanent prohibiƟons on water waste, or longterm water conservaƟon goals and programs. The City again updated its WSCP in 2021 in response to new legislaƟon to have response acƟons align with six standard water shortage levels based on water supply condiƟons, as well as shortages resulƟng from catastrophic supply interrupƟons. The WSCP also included procedures for conducƟng an Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment (Annual Assessment) that is to be submiƩed to DWR by July 1 of each year starƟng in 2022.
In 2022, Level 2 water use restricƟons were in place in response to state requirements, but there was not a shortage of the City’s water resources. In sum, the City’s mandatory use restricƟons and conservaƟon programs have reduced gross per capita demand from 230 gpcd in 2007 to 151 gpcd in 2015. Gross per capita demand was 159 gpcd in 2025, indicaƟng that per capita water demand has remained low, even during Ɵmes without special water use restricƟons.
DWR Table 7-1 (following text) lists the year(s) used in this Plan to represent normal, single-year, and mulƟple-dry year periods. As indicated in DWR Table 7-1 (also see Figure 3), 2018 was considered an average precipitaƟon year, 2013 was a representaƟve single-dry year, and 2012 through 2016 were mulƟple dry years as discussed above. Water producƟon in 2012 through 2016 was reduced in response to the mandatory water use restricƟons.
On an annual basis, the City has been able to provide sufficient supplies to meet demand during normal, single-dry, and mulƟple-dry year periods. Because historical annual pumping has not been greatly affected by drought, the percentage of supply is considered 100 percent of normal.
DWR Table 7-2 (following text) compares water supply to water demand in five-year increments between 2030 and 2050 for a normal year. Supply totals are the supply that will be used to meet demands.
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DWR Table 7-3 (following text) shows supply and demand for single year droughts in five-year increments between 2030 and 2050. Though customer water use in drought years generally increases as a result of increased irrigaƟon, water use in a drought year was assumed to be the same as a normal year because water use restricƟons would limit addiƟonal water use, especially for landscape irritaƟon.
Supply totals are the supply that will be used to meet demands. For the reasons explained above, the amount of water supply available in Ɵmes of drought is considered to be the same as that available during normal years, and within historical pumping volumes (DWR Table 7-2 following text). Historically, during dry periods, the City had faced challenges in meeƟng peak summer demands. However, several factors reduce the potenƟal for these issues to occur in the future and add resilience to drought condiƟons. These include use of NWP water for direct potable uses (when treated) and augmentaƟon of Salinas River supplies, permanent mandatory water use restricƟons, ongoing conservaƟon acƟviƟes and lower community water use despite growth, and future use of recycled water, all of which are discussed throughout this UWMP.
DWR Table 7-4 (following text) shows supply and demand during mulƟple-dry year periods for five-year periods between 2025 and 2050. In this table, supply values were kept the same as those for normal years (DWR Table 7-2 following text).
Demand values were assumed the same as those in normal and single dry years (DWR Tables 7-2 and 7-3 following text) for the same reasons discussed in the previous paragraph for a single year drought.
7.1.4. DescripƟon of Management Tools and OpƟons
An urban supplier is to describe water management tools and opƟons used to maximize resources and minimize the need to import water from other regions. The City maximizes use of its porƞolio of supplies through several means. It has upgraded its wastewater treatment plant to provide terƟary treatment to allow delivery of recycled water which will reduce the reliance on other water resources. It has several ongoing and planned demand management projects and programs that are summarized in Chapter 9. Public outreach and educaƟon, coupled with demand reducƟon programming like rebates and home surveys, can decrease long-term demand and increase reliability. The City does not import water from other regions but does use NWP water collected from a watershed in both San Luis Obispo and Monterey counƟes.
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DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 63 TODD GROUNDWATER
The City will conƟnue to increase its overall supply reliability by remaining acƟvely involved in local and regional groundwater management efforts, improving its ability to access and uƟlize NWP water, and planning for the increased use of recycled water both within and outside the City. The City also conƟnues to pursue its many water conservaƟon efforts, including the acƟons and measures discussed in SecƟon
9. 7.2. DROUGHT RISK ASSESSMENT
The City has prepared a Drought Risk Assessment (DRA) in accordance with Water Code SecƟons 10612 and 10635. The purpose of the DRA is to assess the City’s ability to supply water to meet demands during a five-consecuƟve-year drought assuming it occurs in the next five years. The DRA is based on supply condiƟons during five dry consecuƟve years taking into account other consideraƟons such as climate change, regulaƟons, and other factors. These supply condiƟons are then assumed to occur over the next five years.
The DRA analysis can provide informaƟon to assist with water supply management during drought condiƟons; it also provides insight on the degree of response needed in the City’s Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan (WSCP) to address potenƟal supply shortages. The evaluaƟon allows proacƟve steps to be taken to reduce risks during the next actual mulƟyear drought.
The DRA evaluaƟon is to be based on the five-year drought between 2012 and 2016 and examine the use and supply over the next five years. It is summarized on DWR Table 7-5 (following text).
7.2.1. Data, Methods, and Basis for Water Shortage CondiƟons The data used to complete the DRA are documented in this UWMP and briefly summarized below along with assumpƟons and limitaƟons of the DRA.
Demand ProjecƟons. Demand projecƟons are based on projected water use assumpƟons discussed in SecƟon 4.2.1 that were developed from representaƟve water demand factors, anƟcipated future conservaƟon, and City General Plan growth assumpƟons and buildout condiƟons. Water use between 2025 (known) and 2050 (projected to buildout) was esƟmated using a linear extrapolaƟon. Water use from 2025 to 2030 (DWR SubmiƩal Table 7-5) is also linearly extrapolated.
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Supply ProjecƟons. Supply condiƟons during the most recent five-year drought of 2012 to 2016 were iniƟally selected as the basis for the DRA. Rainfall was below average during this Ɵme period, averaging 9.8 inches overall (67 percent of normal) (see Figure 3). This Ɵme period also includes the driest year of record, 2013, which had only 2.78 inches of rain. However, these supply projecƟons represent water used to meet demands, not the amount of supply available. Water producƟon in 2012 through 2016 was reduced in response to mandatory water use restricƟons.
In late 2015, the City began directly treaƟng NWP water and using it as a new supply source. Over the past five years direct treatment and use has ranged from 939 AF to 1,448 AF. The City anƟcipates directly using 1,120 AF of treated NWP water by 2030.
AddiƟonal NWP water will be turned out into the Salinas River for recovery. During 2021 through 2025, an average of 211 AFY of NWP water was produced from the City’s recovery well, and 269 AFY is anƟcipated to be recovered in future years. The City can pump addiƟonal groundwater during droughts if needed. In recent years, basin wells have provided as much as 4,103 AF (in 2007) but, due to reduced reliance on groundwater, the City producƟon is projected to range between 1,300 AFY and 2,127 AFY between 2025 and buildout (2050 or later) (Table 13).
Because groundwater can provide addiƟonal supply, reducƟons in supplies due to climate change or other factors were not incorporated into the DRA for the next five years. While the NWP water is a reliable source of supply, there have been interrupƟons in its transmission from Lake Nacimiento. These pipeline problems are being resolved and it is anƟcipated that NWP water availability and use by the City will be more consistent and dependable moving forward.
WSCP Use ReducƟons. The supply projecƟons were compared to the use projecƟons to determine supply shortage condiƟons on a monthly basis during a five-year drought. A monthly shorƞall due to drought was not noted since addiƟonal supplies could be used (such as groundwater) to make up the difference. In the event that a shorƞall would occur, the City could acƟvate a WSCP shortage level to reduce use to meet available supplies. No changes from the 2020 WSCP are anƟcipated.
DRA LimitaƟons. Several assumpƟons were made in this DRA. First, it is based on unique drought condiƟons (2012-2016) and future drought condiƟons may exhibit different monthly paƩerns of water supply and use. It assumes that groundwater producƟon can be increased during droughts. In recent years, basin wells have provided as much as 4,103 AF (in 2007). The GSP (Montgomery, 2020) concluded Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 65 TODD GROUNDWATER
that potenƟal future changes in climate are not projected to have a substanƟal impact on the amount of groundwater that can be sustainably used compared to historical condiƟons. The City has reduced its groundwater use over the past ten years, largely because of reduced consumpƟon, use of NWP water and maximizing use of its Salinas River water. As future demand increases, the City will conƟnue to maximize use of NWP and Salinas River water.
7.2.2. Water Source Reliability
As described, the City has a diverse water supply porƞolio that increases the overall reliability of the City's water supply. While all but one of the Salinas River wells are clustered in two well fields, the remaining City wells are distributed widely throughout the City. Four water sources are included in the DRA: groundwater, Salinas River water, NWP water, and recycled water. Detailed informaƟon on each of these supplies is in SecƟon 6. As menƟoned before, groundwater producƟon and availability were assumed to not be impacted if a five-year drought occurred during the next five years.
Between 2012 and 2016, use of Salinas River supplies ranged from 2,448 AFY (2016) to 3,814 AFY (2012). In 2013, a very dry year, the City used 3,743 AF of Salinas River water. On an annual basis, the Salinas River supply available to the City does not appear to be greatly impacted by drought condiƟons due to the City’s seasonal use of NWP water to augment naƟve underflow in the Salinas River. If monthly availability of Salinas River supply fluctuates, the City can make up shortages with groundwater use.
NWP water is a reliable and stable source of water as jurisdicƟons in San Luis Obispo County have a contractual first priority to 17,500 AFY of the reservoir yield which has averaged 180,000 AFY between 1959 and 2025 (County of Monterey, 2026).
Modeling of the Nacimiento project indicates that even during historical drought periods, the total annual enƟtlement to San Luis Obispo County can be delivered (Boyle, 2002 and Paso Robles, 2014b). This drought resilience has been demonstrated during recent dry years, including 2021 and 2022, as the project conƟnues to saƟsfy all delivery requests from project parƟcipants. While the NWP water is a reliable source of supply, there have been interrupƟons in its transmission from Lake Nacimiento. These pipeline problems are being resolved and it is anƟcipated that NWP water use will be more consistent and dependable moving Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 66 TODD GROUNDWATER
forward. If monthly availability of NWP water supply fluctuates, the City can make up shortages with groundwater use.
The DRA in this UWMP includes the use of recycled water. Recycled water use began in 2023 for landscape irrigaƟon along US Highway 101 by Caltrans. More significant recycled water use for landscape irrigaƟon is anƟcipated in 2035 (180 AFY) increasing to 450 AFY by 2050, at buildout. The total annual wastewater volume is more than four Ɵmes the maximum anƟcipated recycled water supply. The total volume of recycled water available for use is not expected to decrease in Ɵmes of drought.
7.2.3. Total Water Supply and Use Comparison
The DRA total water supply and use comparison is summarized in DWR Table 7-5 (following text). It was developed using the informaƟon described in SecƟons 7.2.1 and 7.2.2. The table indicates that the City is capable of providing adequate supplies if a five-year drought occurred during the next five years. On an annual and monthly basis, the comparison of supply and use indicates no shortage condiƟon. The City has NWP water to saƟsfy summer peaks in demand during drought years and can also rely on groundwater.
The DRA shows that the City has a reliable supply, even without drought acƟons to reduce demand. Even without facing water shortages, the City will encourage conservaƟon during Ɵmes of drought and adhere to state guidelines regarding mandatory conservaƟon acƟons. While groundwater is one of several reliable water sources during Ɵmes of drought, groundwater demand conservaƟon during dry periods helps support the GSA’s groundwater sustainability goals.
City’s WSCP provides guidelines for City procedures and acƟons to take during any type of water shortage (see SecƟon 8 and Appendix C).
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DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 67 TODD GROUNDWATER
8. WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLANNING
The City updated its Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan (WSCP) in 2021 in response to new legislaƟon in 2018. The Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan provides a guide for acƟons the City can take during water shortages and improves the City’s readiness to address supply shortages through various levels of water management requirements to conserve water. Included in the WSCP are measures to prevent waste and unreasonable use of water to ensure that water will be used in a reasonable and beneficial manner. The City’s previous WSCP1F
2 was updated to include response
acƟons that align with six standard water shortage levels based on water supply condiƟons, as well as shortages resulƟng from catastrophic supply interrupƟons. The WSCP also includes procedures for conducƟng an Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment (Annual Assessment) that is to be submiƩed to DWR by July 1 of each year starƟng in 2022. The WSCP is in Appendix C. No changes were made to the WSCP since its adopƟon in 2021.
The WSCP is a separate document from the UWMP so that it can be amended, as needed, without amending the UWMP. The WSCP must be included as part of the UWMP and updates to it must be approved at a public hearing. However, the same public hearing can be used for approval of the UWMP and WSCP. The WSCP has not been amended since its adopƟon in 2021. It has been reviewed in light of the City’s current water supply reliability analysis and has been determined to adequately enable the City to prepare for and respond to various levels of shortage. For these reasons, readopƟon of the current 2021 WSCP is not warranted.
InformaƟon required for the WSCP includes:
• Water Supply Reliability Analysis
• Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures
• Shortage Levels
• Shortage Response AcƟons
• CommunicaƟon Protocols
• Compliance and Enforcement
• Legal AuthoriƟes
2 City municipal code Chapter 14.02 Water ConservaƟon and Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 68 TODD GROUNDWATER
• Financial Consequences of WSCP AcƟvaƟon
• Monitoring and ReporƟng
• WSCP Refinement Procedures
• Special Water Feature DisƟncƟon
• Plan AdopƟon, SubmiƩal and Availability.
This informaƟon is provided in detail in Appendix C and select informaƟon is summarized below.
8.1. WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY ANALYSIS
Water supply reliability analyses conducted by the City (SecƟon 7.1) idenƟfied constraints on water supply sources and evaluated each source’s availability during a normal year, a single dry year, and a 5-year drought period. These analyses showed that supply resources are sufficient to meet demands on an annual basis during Ɵmes of shortages, but short-term shortages could result from catastrophic occurrences such as the loss of power or the complete loss of one of its supply sources. The City has a porƞolio of supplies that include Salinas River water, groundwater, and NWP water. Recycled water is expected to be available within approximately five years.
The Drought Risk Assessment (SecƟon 7.2) showed that during mulƟple dry years the City has enough supply to meet demands. It may need to rely on increased groundwater use as a reserve, if necessary, or increased surface water use. This short-term use of groundwater is acceptable if the groundwater is managed to restore reserves in wet years. Causes of a water shortage may include prolonged drought, the sudden presence of an unforeseen toxin, or infrastructure damage due to earthquakes or other natural disasters.
A Regional Water Infrastructure Resiliency Plan (RWIRP) (WSC, 2021) was prepared for the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control & Water ConservaƟon District. The DraŌ RWIRP includes an analysis of regional water supply vulnerabiliƟes, idenƟfies projects and/or transfer/exchange/water sales opportuniƟes to improve water supply resiliency, and develops a framework to facilitate inter-agency collaboraƟon among San Luis Obispo County water purveyors. The City of Paso Robles was idenƟfied in the RWIRP to have a limited vulnerability and one of the lowest risk ranks of the 41 San Luis Obispo County agencies analyzed in the RWIRP.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 69 TODD GROUNDWATER
8.2. ANNUAL WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES In 2022, DWR began requiring urban water suppliers to prepare and submit an Annual Assessment and submit an Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report by July 1 of each year.
The Annual Assessment includes documentaƟon of the projected supply and demand for the upcoming year and determinaƟon that supply will be sufficient, even during a dry year. The Annual Assessment is a near-term forecast of water supply condiƟons (next 12 months) to determine if shortage response acƟons should be declared allowing Ɵme for water use and supplies to be adjusted to lessen the shortage impact. The DRA (SecƟon 7.2) has a mulƟyear longer-term focus.
The City submiƩed annual Water Shortage Reports to DWR in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025, in compliance with DWR (DWR, 2026b). Each report summarizes projected retail demands, supplies, assessment, and acƟons for the upcoming year. All four Water Shortage Reports projected a surplus without WSCP acƟon. Although there was not a water shortage in the City in 2022, the WSCP was implemented in response to a state order.
The WSCP included in this 2025 UWMP contains specific procedures the City plans to use to complete the Annual Assessments. These procedures are outlined in the WSCP in Appendix C. There have been no changes to the Water Code related to the WSCP requirements since 2020.
8.2.1. Shortage Levels
DeclaraƟon of a water shortage is dependent on many factors because the City has a suite of available water supplies. The first step is to determine if one or more of the City’s supplies has the potenƟal to be available in limited quanƟƟes in the near future. Six water shortage levels have been established corresponding to shortages of up to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and greater than 50 percent. The four levels idenƟfied in the City’s previous WSCP were subdivided into the six levels as shown in DWR Table 8-1 (following text).
Beyond permanent water use restricƟons and prohibiƟons on water waste, six increasing levels of acƟons are defined to be implemented in Ɵmes of possible shortage, including a shortage of over 50 percent of water supply. Level 1 is voluntary while Levels 2 through 6 are mandatory and violators are subject to civil and administraƟve penalƟes. The City Council is authorized to declare the Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 70 TODD GROUNDWATER
appropriate water shortage condiƟon. DWR Table 8-1 (following text) shows the designated shortage levels and corresponding requirements for conservaƟon or mandatory use reducƟons.
Level 1 water use reducƟon measures are voluntary and request water users to reduce use by 10 percent in response to a reasonable probability that there will be a supply shortage (either peak or longer-term) when a savings of 10 percent of supply is needed to meet demands. Public educaƟon and awareness measures will increase to noƟfy water users. Water conservaƟon measures include restricƟons on irrigaƟon, repair and prevenƟon of leaks, and use of recycled, non-potable, or non-City water for construcƟon.
A Level 2 CondiƟon may be declared when there is a reasonable probability of a supply shortage requiring consumers to reduce use by 20 percent to ensure sufficient supplies. All Level 1 measures are implemented as well as addiƟonal irrigaƟon restricƟons. The City may also restrict addiƟonal water connecƟons and/or implement a water allocaƟon per customer account with per unit penalty for use exceeding the water allocaƟon.
During a Level 3 CondiƟon, there is a reasonable probability of a supply shortage requiring consumers to reduce use by 30 percent. All Level 1 and Level 2 measures are implemented as well as further irrigaƟon restricƟons. Filling of ornamental lakes and ponds is prohibited. All leaks, breaks, and other plumbing malfuncƟons must be repaired upon discovery or within 48 hours of noƟficaƟon by the City. Washing down of vehicles and paved areas is prohibited. New water services will only be allowed under certain circumstances and all annexaƟons will be suspended.
A Level 4 CondiƟon may be declared upon a reasonable probability of a supply shortage requiring consumers to reduce use by 40 percent. All Level 1, 2 and 3 measures are mandatory. Leaks, breaks, and other plumbing malfuncƟons must be repaired upon discovery or within 24 hours of City noƟficaƟon. Filling or refilling of residenƟal pools and spas is prohibited.
A Level 5 CondiƟon may be declared when there is a reasonable probability of a supply shortage requiring consumers to reduce use by 50 percent to ensure sufficient supplies. All Level 1, 2, 3 and 4 measures are mandatory measures.
Landscape irrigaƟon is prohibited. Only net zero demand connecƟons may be approved.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 71 TODD GROUNDWATER
The highest level, Level 6, may be declared upon a reasonable probability of a supply shortage requiring consumers to reduce over 50 percent. All Level 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 measures are mandatory. The City may also restrict addiƟonal water connecƟons and/or implement a water allocaƟon per customer account with per unit penalty for use exceeding the water allocaƟon. This measure is introduced in Level 3 but repeated in Level 6 for the purpose of gaining addiƟonal reducƟons under these emergency water shortage condiƟons. The City will not enter into any new agreements to provide water to new customers.
8.3. SHORTAGE RESPONSE ACTIONS
The WSCP (Appendix C) contains mechanisms to ensure the City can provide adequate water supplies during Ɵmes of shortages, and to ensure the City is able to maintain and provide a minimum supply of water for public health, safety, and welfare.
The City’s responses to a water shortage require specific acƟon by the City Council.
Stages of acƟon for many water agencies are defined by available storage in a surface water reservoir or by the annual allotment provided by a water wholesaler. In contrast, the City overlies vast groundwater storage that can be uƟlized by the City for its drought or emergency supply. The City’s response to shortage will depend on the magnitude of the projected shorƞall in supply and/or other needs for conservaƟon. Once a water shortage level has been declared, measures will need to be implemented to meet water conservaƟon goals.
DWR Table 8-3 (following text) lists demand reducƟon acƟons to take during various shortage levels. The table includes esƟmates of how much the acƟon is anƟcipated to reduce the shortage gap and if there would be any penalty or enforcement associated with each acƟon. At this point in Ɵme, the City has no supply augmentaƟon or other acƟons planned to secure addiƟonal supplies in emergencies or droughts.
8.4. OTHER WSCP REQUIREMENTS
The WSCP (Appendix C) also includes informaƟon on communicaƟon protocols, compliance and enforcement, legal authoriƟes and financial consequences of WSCP acƟvaƟon or the discouragement of excessive water use. Procedures for monitoring and reporƟng and WSCP refinement are also included in the WSCP. Once a WSCP shortage level has been acƟvated, water use and supply will be monitored to see if Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 72 TODD GROUNDWATER
actual responses match anƟcipated responses. This informaƟon can be used to reevaluate and improve the WSCP.
The WSCP has been made available and adopted in conjuncƟon with the 2020 UWMP (see SecƟon 10). In the future, the WSCP can be amended independently from the UWMP, as needed.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 73 TODD GROUNDWATER
9. DEMAND MANAGEMENT MEASURES
This secƟon provides a descripƟon of the water conservaƟon programs that the City has implemented, is currently implemenƟng, and anƟcipates implemenƟng.
9.1. DESCRIPTION OF DEMAND MANAGEMENT MEASURES
The UWMP Act was significantly modified in 2014 to streamline the required demand management measures (DMMs) to six general requirements and an ‘other’ category. These are described below.
9.1.1. Water Waste PrevenƟon Ordinances
In 2009, the City enacted Ordinance No. 09-957 N.S., the Water ConservaƟon and Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan. The City subsequently updated the plan with several ordinances which clarify the original ordinance and include addiƟonal mandatory water conservaƟon measures in response to the State’s 2014 drought emergency water conservaƟon requirements. Water waste prevenƟon requirements from these ordinances are incorporated into the revised Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan (Appendix C) which outlines permanent water waste prohibiƟons that are in effect at all Ɵmes and addiƟonal water use restricƟons that are implemented in six levels according to increasing levels of water supply shorƞalls.
As part of the City’s comprehensive water conservaƟon program and water waste prevenƟon acƟviƟes during Ɵmes of water shortage and mandatory water use restricƟons, the City has implemented a water conservaƟon enforcement program consisƟng of regular neighborhood patrols, outreach and/or issuance of noƟces of violaƟon (NOVs), and responses to reports of violaƟons received by members of the public and City departments. Water customers found to be in repeat violaƟon of the City’s water conservaƟon requirements within the same year are issued two formal wriƩen warning noƟces (first and second NOVs serve as warnings) before NOVs with administraƟve penalƟes are imposed. The City’s formal enforcement acƟviƟes are summarized below.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 74 TODD GROUNDWATER
Summary of Waste PrevenƟon Enforcement AcƟviƟes
Enforcement Action 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Total NOVs 0 1 4 2 3
First Warning 0 1 3 2 3
Second Warning 0 0 1 0 0
$100 First Violation 0 0 0 0 0
Amounts do not include direct outreach of observed or reported non-compliance that did not result in formal enforcement.
Changes to the City’s water conservaƟon requirements (e.g., changes to water day schedule) are publicized through the City’s website, newspapers, direct mailings to customers and bill announcements. NoƟficaƟons have also included radio spot announcements and other media, and message-specific signage placed at highly visible locaƟons in the City.
The City plans to conƟnue periodic outreach and enforcement acƟviƟes to support waste prevenƟon while water use restricƟons are in place.
9.1.2. Metering
In June 2025, the City completed its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) retrofit project. Nearly all customer water meters have been converted to AMI meters. The AMI meters transmit water meter reading data several Ɵmes per day instead of the previous system, where contracted staff collected meter readings monthly. More frequent meter data collecƟon allows easier leak detecƟon and the idenƟficaƟon of unintended water use. This update allows customers to more easily review their recent water use data relaƟve to historical usage and compare recent usage to conservaƟon targets and other metrics.
All of the City’s water services are metered and billed by volume used and the City installs new meters on all new services within its service area. The City has procedures in place for tesƟng, repairing and replacing meters.
The City has billed all new connecƟons volumetrically since 2011 and has supported submetering of non-residenƟal accounts to allow domesƟc and outdoor use to be separately accounted. Landscape meters are typically required for new nonresidenƟal projects. Limited submetering has been implemented and submeters are tracked in the City’s billing system.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 75 TODD GROUNDWATER
9.1.3. ConservaƟon Pricing
ConservaƟon pricing provides a price signal to customers to use water efficiently.
Since 2011, the City has had in place a uniform volumetric water rate structure, which promotes water conservaƟon.
The City conducted a water rate study in 2022 (Bartle Wells Associates, 2022). In 2023, the City adopted a revised water rate structure (ResoluƟon 22-167; Paso Robles, 2022). This updated rate structure includes a flat service charge based on meter size, and a flat volumetric rate per unit of water used. The update rates aim to have approximately 20 percent of revenue come from fixed fees and eighty percent come from volumetric charges, while keeping the fixed fees lower for customers with low water demand. The proposed rate structure incenƟvizes customers to conserve water while also ensuring that the City is able to serve the community, even in Ɵmes of drought when water use is significantly lowered.
The City has also evaluated establishing water use allocaƟons for water customers in response to emergency drought condiƟons and State-mandated conservaƟon requirements. The City’s Water Shortage ConƟngency Plan was updated in conjuncƟon with this 2025 UWMP and allows the City to establish a penalty pricing structure, if determined necessary.
9.1.4. Public EducaƟon and Outreach
PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAMS
One of the cornerstones of an effecƟve water conservaƟon program is effecƟve public outreach and educaƟon. Public informaƟon and outreach—which convey the need for efficient water use and show how customers can reduce water use— support all other elements of the program.
Paso Robles is currently engaged in all these acƟviƟes:
• Ongoing public outreach and direct assistance programs • Contacts with the media mulƟple Ɵmes per year
• AcƟvely maintained website
• Recurring annual budget for the public outreach program and assistance programs.
Since the City began its comprehensive water conservaƟon program in 2009, the City has had an acƟve public informaƟon program and has increased outreach acƟviƟes Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 76 TODD GROUNDWATER
in response to increasing drought severity. The following acƟviƟes are used to convey water conservaƟon messages and to adverƟse other program elements to customers. Some acƟviƟes listed are employed only when increased levels of water conservaƟon are required.
• Radio adverƟsing
• Bill inserts
• Water use and conservaƟon bill messaging
• Landscape water conservaƟon media messaging
• Newspaper editorials
• Water conservaƟon brochures made available at the City library and at some funcƟons
• ParƟcipaƟon in workshops on water-wise landscaping and conversion of lawns to water-wise landscapes
• Landscape watering schedule made available on the City’s website, through direct customer contact for the landscape rebate program and home water surveys, and upon request
• Customer noƟficaƟon when runoff or water waste is reported • Leak assistance when a leak is suspected by City or customer • IrrigaƟon Ɵmer assistance upon request by residenƟal customers • Water bill informaƟon showing monthly use compared to historical use • Consistent conservaƟon program “branding” with slogans, graphics, etc. • Customer in-home water surveys which include review of historical water use data, inspecƟons of indoor and outdoor water systems, providing replacement shower heads, aerators, and toilet flap valves, and recommendaƟons for correcƟng issues with fixtures or irrigaƟon systems including a summary of findings and customer checklist.
The City’s outreach and educaƟon acƟviƟes support other program acƟviƟes by communicaƟng the need for water conservaƟon and educaƟng customers on how to conserve water.
SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAMS
This DMM covers classroom presentaƟons promoƟng efficient water use and supplementaƟon of presentaƟons with grade level-appropriate educaƟon materials.
The City has an ongoing program, working through a local consultant specializing in presentaƟons to grades K through 6. The consultant coordinates with the Paso Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 77 TODD GROUNDWATER
Robles school district and markets the program directly to teachers throughout the school district. A 45-minute interacƟve presentaƟon Ɵtled “The Story of Your Water,” teaches students about the water cycle, water treatment, water conservaƟon in the home and yard, and water reclamaƟon. These presentaƟons meet state educaƟon framework standards and are age appropriate.
The City also provides age-appropriate water educaƟon material to children at community events (e.g. conservaƟon coloring books, workbooks, and other promoƟonal items).
9.1.5. Programs to Assess and Manage DistribuƟon System Real Loss This DMM focuses on minimizing lost and unaccounted-for water (non-revenue water) through system leak detecƟon and repair, and through comprehensive audits of the water producƟon and water distribuƟon system. Procedures for conducƟng a system water audit have been developed by the American Water Works AssociaƟon (AWWA). To comply with this DMM, uƟliƟes are expected to use this methodology.
The City has prepared distribuƟon system water loss audits in accordance with AWWA water audit method since 2015. The City tracks water system leaks, repairs, and overall water losses on an annual basis.
Water loss in the AWWA audit is the difference between water supplied and authorized consumpƟon. It is apparent losses (e.g., meter error) plus real losses (e.g., leaks and theŌ) from the AWWA Annual Water Audits (Appendix B). Apparent losses are nonphysical losses that occur when water is successfully delivered to the customer but is not measured or recorded accurately. It can include unauthorized use, meter inaccuracies, and data handling errors. Real losses are the physical water losses from the water distribuƟon system and storage faciliƟes (i.e., leaking pipes and service connecƟons, and leakage and overflows at faciliƟes).
The City’s water losses from its AWWA Water Audits are listed in Table 6 for 2020 through 2024 and range from 128 AF (2020) to 398 AF (2022). Table 6 also includes the percentage of water lost compared to the supply for each year. The loss percentages have been below 7 percent since 2016, indicaƟng that the City’s water losses are minimal. DWR recently set 2028 Water Loss Standards for retail providers, calculated as gallons per service connecƟons per day (gpscd). The Real Water Loss standard for the City is 8.1 gpscd. The Apparent Water Loss standard is 8.6 gpscd. In 2024, the most recent water audit, the real water loss volume was 7.4 gpscd and the Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 78 TODD GROUNDWATER
apparent water loss volume was 18.3 gpscd. The 2025, 2026, or 2027 annual water loss audits can count towards this 2028 Water Loss Performance Standard.
A small porƟon of water produced in any water system is called non-revenue water.
It is the difference between total water supplied and billed consumpƟon and includes water losses plus unbilled metered and unmetered water uses such as water used for system maintenance. Unbilled metered and unmetered water usage would include main flushing, firefighƟng, water quality tesƟng, water treatment plant losses, and fire flow tests. The City’s 2020 through 2025 non-revenue water is also listed in Table 5 and ranged from 276 (2020) AF (2018) to 807 AF (2025).
Maintenance acƟviƟes, including system flushing, in 2025 contributed to a higher non-revenue water total.
The City will conƟnue to monitor the unaccounted-for percentage and begin to develop the data required to complete this audit. The City regularly checks the accuracy of the City’s well producƟon meters, performs calibraƟons, and/or replacements. On-going programs to reduce unaccounted-for water include a replacement program for customer meters based on billing record analysis.
Currently, customer meters are replaced when billing data discrepancies indicate a zero read, an extremely slow meter, or a certain amount of flow has been metered through an individual meter. The City has also implemented a tesƟng, repair, and replacement program for customer meters.
The City assesses non-revenue water annually using the AWWA methodology and will evaluate water system programs and modificaƟons to supplement the City’s management of distribuƟon system losses.
9.1.6. Water ConservaƟon Program CoordinaƟon and Staffing Support This requirement has been met since 2009 through staffing posiƟons responsible for implementaƟon of the City’s conservaƟon programs as part of the roles of full-Ɵme staff. The City’s water conservaƟon program also periodically uƟlizes part-Ɵme assistance with water conservaƟon acƟviƟes including customer assistance, enforcement of mandatory conservaƟon requirements, and inspecƟons for rebate programs. The City also partners with other local agencies and organizaƟons to deliver water conservaƟon educaƟon and outreach.
The City has maintained full-Ɵme staff posiƟons responsible for planning and implemenƟng the City’s conservaƟon program and will supplement staffing, as Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 79 TODD GROUNDWATER
required to provide further assistance with conservaƟon programs, depending on need.
9.1.7. Other Demand Management Measures
Other water conservaƟon program elements have been implemented by the City to assist customers in detecƟng and addressing water waste and incenƟvize water efficiency improvements in the City’s service area. Although it is difficult to quanƟfy water savings from these acƟviƟes, the following conservaƟon program elements have a significant effect on water conservaƟon. InformaƟon and updates on these programs are communicated to the public through a variety of methods which oŌen include newspaper announcements, print adverƟsing, noƟficaƟons on the City’s website, direct mailings to customers and bill announcements, radio adverƟsing, and brochures and signage at the City uƟliƟes billing office and City Hall. ImplementaƟon of these addiƟonal conservaƟon program elements is described below.
LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION SYSTEM ORDINANCE
In 2009 the City adopted a water efficient landscape ordinance in response to the requirements of AB 1881 and in 2015 updated the ordinance in response to the State’s 2015 Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. The ordinance applies to all new and retrofiƩed landscapes that are subject to the development review process and/or building permiƫng. The City’s 2015 Ordinance, No. 15-1020 N.S., applies primarily to landscape water use efficiency in new development and rehabilitated landscape projects. In addiƟon to including many of the State’s model water efficient landscape ordinance requirements for efficient landscape and irrigaƟon system design, the City limits turf landscaping in new developments as follows:
• Single Family residenƟal - turf grass irrigated with spray irrigaƟon shall be prohibited in residenƟal front yard and street side yards, and shall be limited to 25 percent of the landscaped area in back and side yards. • MulƟ-family residenƟal - turf grass shall be limited to 20 percent of the landscaped area. The 20 percent limitaƟon shall be exclusive of areas designed as acƟve play surfaces (e.g., ballfields, playgrounds, picnic areas). • Commercial development - water conserving plant species irrigated with a drip irrigaƟon system shall be used for 100% of the development’s landscaped area, excluding edibles and areas using recycled water.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 80 TODD GROUNDWATER
The City plans to conƟnue to monitor the effecƟveness of the landscaping ordinances and will adapt city policies or ordinances to improve effecƟveness of this demand management measure.
HOME WATER SURVEYS AND LEAK CHECKS
The City has offered in-home water surveys to water customers during periods of extended drought and depending on staffing. During customer water surveys, City water conservaƟon staff reviews historical water use and customer observaƟons; and assesses home plumbing fixtures, appliances, and landscape irrigaƟon systems for opportuniƟes to improve water use efficiency. Upon request, the City provided replacement shower heads, aerators, and toilet flap valves to water customers.
Following the survey, the City provides a summary of findings and makes recommendaƟons for correcƟng issues observed with fixtures and irrigaƟon systems including a correcƟon checklist for customers. Customers are also alerted to other City programs that are available to assist with recommended water efficiency improvements. The City also provides leak check assistance to customers who suspect they may have a water leak or are suspected by the City to have a water leak or abnormally high water use. Water Department staff meets with customers to discuss their observaƟons, review recent historical usage, and check for leaks at the property using a meter check.
The availability of in-home water surveys and leak checks depends on staffing and drought condiƟons and, when offered, parƟcipaƟon varies annually depending on customer interest, climate condiƟons, conservaƟon requirements in place, and other factors.
LANDSCAPE AND HIGH EFFICIENCY TOILET REBATES
The City’s landscape rebate program, iniƟated in 2010, incenƟvizes customer replacement of grass lawns with drought-tolerant landscapes using drip irrigaƟon.
The landscape rebate program reduces water demand year-round, especially during the peak demand season when irrigaƟon demands are highest. The City offers $0.50 per square-foot of exisƟng lawn that is converted to a drought-tolerant landscape and limits landscapes rebates to a maximum of $500 per property. To date, the City has incenƟvized conversion of approximately 27.9 acres of lawn to drought-tolerant landscaping (approximately 1,174 landscape rebates).
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 81 TODD GROUNDWATER
The City’s high efficiency toilet (HET) rebate program began in 2010 and ran through 2024. The HET rebate program offers a rebate of up to $125 per HET installed (1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) or less, or dual flush toilet) which replaces an exisƟng 3.5 gpf (or higher) model. Approximately 692 toilets were rebated. The City also provides resources for PG&E rebates for efficient clothes washers.
The recurring annual budget for the rebate programs has ranged from $50,000 to $74,000 for the City’s two rebate programs. During years when parƟcipaƟon has or is expected to exceed available budget, the City has allocated addiƟonal annual funding to allow increased parƟcipaƟon. For example, in 2015, the City allocated a total of $105,000 to the rebate programs.
The City plans to conƟnue offering water conservaƟon rebates and incenƟves to water customers through 2021.
9.2. REPORTING IMPLEMENTATION
9.2.1. ImplementaƟon Over the Past Five Years
ImplementaƟon of current demand management measures is described above with descripƟons of each measure.
Below is a brief summary of acƟvity on each DMM during the 2021 through 2025 Ɵme period.
Water Waste PrevenƟon Ordinances. The City has water waste prevenƟon ordinances and as part of the City’s water waste prevenƟon acƟviƟes, has implemented a water conservaƟon enforcement program consisƟng of regular neighborhood patrols, outreach and/or issuance of noƟces of violaƟon, and responses to reports of violaƟons received by members of the public and City departments. SecƟon 9.1.1 contains a summary of waste prevenƟon enforcement acƟviƟes for the 2021 to 2025 Ɵme period.
Metering. All of the City’s water services are metered and billed by volume used and the City installs new meters on all new services within its service area. The City has procedures in place for tesƟng, repairing and replacing meters and proacƟvely replaces specific meters, once individual meters reach a certain cumulaƟve amount metered. In 2025, the City completed its installaƟon of AMI meters for all customers.
This is discussed in SecƟon 9.1.2.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 82 TODD GROUNDWATER
ConservaƟon Pricing. Since 2011, the City has had in place a uniform volumetric water rate structure, which promotes water conservaƟon. In 2016 a flat fee component was introduced. This flat fee was adjusted in 2023 to be based on meter size, but the large majority of revenue conƟnues to come from volumetric charges.
SecƟon 9.1.3 provides further details on conservaƟon pricing.
Public EducaƟon and Outreach. The City has a comprehensive public educaƟon and outreach program that includes media contacts (such as radio and newspaper), update informaƟon on the City’s website, bill inserts, signage, workshops, and school educaƟon. AcƟviƟes that occurred during the 2021 through 2025 Ɵme period are discussed in SecƟon 9.1.4.
Programs to Assess and Manage DistribuƟon System Real Loss. SecƟons 4.2 and
9.1.5 provide details in the City’s distribuƟon system losses and programs to address those losses. The City regularly checks the accuracy of the City’s well producƟon meters, performs calibraƟons, and/or replacements. On-going programs to reduce unaccounted-for water include a replacement program for customer meters based on billing record analysis. Currently, customer meters are replaced when billing data discrepancies indicate a zero read, an extremely slow meter, or a certain amount of flow has been metered through an individual meter. The City conƟnues to implement a formalized replacement program for customer meters and is evaluaƟng rouƟne tesƟng and repair for large meters rather than replacement based on volume read.
Water ConservaƟon Program Coordinator. Currently, the City’s Water UƟliƟes Engineer handles the planning and implemenƟng of the City’s conservaƟon program with other staff support, as needed. This is discussed in more detail in SecƟon 9.1.6.
Other Demand Management Measures. Other implemented demand management measures include a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, home water surveys and leak checks, and landscape and high efficiency toilet rebates. SecƟon 9.1.7 includes a summary of acƟvity on these during the 2021 to 2025 Ɵme period.
9.2.2. ImplementaƟon to Achieve Water Use Targets
The DMMs that were the main drivers of the reducƟon in water use include the water waste prevenƟon ordinance and the City’s public outreach and educaƟon efforts. ReducƟons in water use resulƟng from conservaƟon rebates and increases in water rates have also contributed to long-term conservaƟon and achieving water use targets.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 83 TODD GROUNDWATER
In response to the State Board’s statewide emergency conservaƟon regulaƟons in 2015, the City increased its public educaƟon and outreach. The increased public outreach, especially focusing on reducing water waste outdoors, and the permanent prohibiƟons on water waste has had noƟceable impacts on water use.
ConservaƟon programs have been successful. The average water use per single family residenƟal connecƟon has decreased from 0.31 AFY in 2021 to 0.24 AFY in 2025, and the demand per connecƟon for mulƟ-family residenƟal connecƟons declined from 1.53 AFY in 2021 to 1.22 AFY in 2025. While residenƟal water demand did slightly increase in 2020 and 2021, commercial residenƟal use per connecƟon has decreased from 0.91 AFY in 2021 to 0.79 AFY in 2025. The City’s 2025 water use was 159 gpcd, well below the City’s 2020 water use target of 193 gpcd.
Although gross per capita water use is expected to increase relaƟve to actual 2025 use due to increased non-residenƟal development, it is anƟcipated that conƟnued implementaƟon of the DMMs will ensure that water use per capita will remain below the target established for 2020.
9.3. WATER USE OBJECTIVES
The City has developed water management objecƟves (WMOs) to improve long-term planning and resiliency, adapt to climate change, and improve regional self-reliance.
These are listed below.
• Encourage more efficient water use at the customer level • OpƟmize conjuncƟve management of Salinas River water, NWP water, groundwater, and future recycled water
• Assist with implemenƟng Paso Robles Area Subbasin projects and management acƟons applicable to the City and operate within the established Paso Robles Area Subbasin GSP sustainable management criteria • Assist with implemenƟng Atascadero Area Subbasin projects and management acƟons, when idenƟfied, applicable to the City and operate within the established Atascadero Area Subbasin GSP sustainable management criteria.
More efficient water use is being encouraged through implementaƟon of the DMMs, especially though Public EducaƟon and Outreach DMM.
ConjuncƟve use of available water is a key component of sustainable water supplies.
The City is opƟmizing conjuncƟve management of its water supply porƞolio and Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 84 TODD GROUNDWATER
augmenƟng that with recycled water. Through the Annual Assessments, the City will monitor supply and demand condiƟons and adjust supply management as needed.
In addiƟon, the City parƟcipates acƟvely in regional water management, monitoring, and planning in cooperaƟon with San Luis Obispo County, groundwater sustainability agencies, and other regional stakeholders.
The Paso Robles Area Subbasin GSP (Montgomery, 2020) and the Revised GSP (Paso Robles Subbasin GSAs, 2022) idenƟfied sustainable management criteria for applicable sustainability indicators under SGMA (chronic lowering of water levels, reducƟon of groundwater in storage, degraded water quality, inelasƟc land subsidence, and depleƟon of interconnected surface water2F 3 ). It characterized
undesirable results and established minimum thresholds and measurable objecƟves for each sustainability indicator. A monitoring network is in the process of being refined to support the Paso Robles Area Subbasin GSP Sustainability Goal by providing the ability to detect undesirable results. The GSP Sustainability Goal is to sustainably manage the groundwater resources of the Paso Robles Subbasin for longterm community, financial, and environmental benefit of Subbasin users. The Revised GSP was approved in 2023.
The most recent Paso Robles Area Subbasin GSP and Annual Report (Confluence, 2026) idenƟfied several projects and management acƟons that are in process or have been recently implemented in the Subbasin to aƩain sustainability. The City is an ongoing parƟcipant in this process and is leading the effort of one project: City of Paso Robles Recycled Water Program.
The GSP for the Atascadero Area Subbasin was submiƩed in 2022 and approved by DWR in 2025 (GEI, 2022). The City is also an acƟve parƟcipant of this GSP and will support the idenƟfied projects and management acƟons.
3 A sixth sustainability indicator for seawater intrusion is not applicable to condiƟons in the inland Paso Robles Area Subbasin.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 85 TODD GROUNDWATER
10. PLAN ADOPTION, SUBMITTAL, AND IMPLEMENTATION
10.1. PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION
In accordance with the UWMP Act, San Luis Obispo County was given proper noƟficaƟon that the UWMP would be revised (DWR Table 10-1 following text). Other enƟƟes outside of the City’s water service area were also noƟfied that the UWMP would be revised. These are listed in SecƟon 2.2. The noƟficaƟon included locaƟon where the UWMP can be viewed, Ɵme and place of the public hearing, and contact informaƟon. Copies of the noƟficaƟon emails sent to the County and other enƟƟes are in Appendix A.
Public noƟces were published before the public hearing in accordance with Government Code 6066. The City will hold a public hearing on June 16, 2026 to consider and adopt the UWMP. DocumentaƟon of the public noƟces and public hearing are also included in Appendix A.
The DraŌ Plan was available to the public on May 15, 2026 for comment with a public presentaƟon on June 16, 2026 at a regular City Council meeƟng. The UWMP will be considered for adopƟon on June 16, 2026. No changes to the WSCP are required at this Ɵme, therefore, no revisions to the WSCP are proposed or require adopƟon at the June 16, 2026 public hearing for adopƟon of the 2025 UWMP. Copies of the adopƟon resoluƟons will be included in Appendix A.
10.2. PLAN SUBMITTAL AND AVAILABILITY
The adopted 2025 UWMP will be submiƩed to the California Department of Water Resources within 30 days of adopƟon. The submiƩal will occur electronically through WUE (Water Use Efficiency) Data Portal, an online submiƩal tool. A CD of the UWMP will be sent to the California State Library within 30 days of adopƟon.
San Luis Obispo County will be sent an electronic copy of the adopted UWMP and WSCP. Plan copies will be available at City Hall and the City Library. An electronic version will be available on the City’s website (hƩp://www.prcity.com).
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 86 TODD GROUNDWATER
10.3. UWMP CHECKLIST
The following table is a mulƟ-page checklist developed from the Urban Water Management Planning Act and SB X7-7 to support preparaƟon of the UWMP and provide DWR with the UWMP locaƟon where required elements can be found. 2025
Guidebook
Location
Water Code Section Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject
2025 UWMP
Location
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 Sections 4, 6, 9
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 Sections 1, 6, 8, 9
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 Section 2.1
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
Section 3.1,
Section 4.1, Table
2-1
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 Section 1.1, Table
2-2
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 Section 2.1, Table
2-3
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 Section 2.2
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 87 TODD GROUNDWATER
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 Sections 2.2, 10.1
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 Section 2.2
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 Not Applicable
Chapter 3.0 10631(a) Describe the Supplier service area. System description
Section 3.2
Section 3.3 10631(a) Describe the climate of the Supplier’s service area.
System
description
Section 3.3
Section 3.4.1 10631(a)
Provide the current and projected
service area populations for 2030,
2035, 2040, 2045 and optionally 2050.
System
description
Section 3.4
Section 3.4.2 10631(a)
Describe other social, economic, and
demographic factors affecting the
Supplier’s water management
planning.
System
description
Section 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
Section 3.2
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
Section 4.1,
Tables 4, 5, Tables
4-1, 4-2, 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
Section 4.2, Table
7, Table 4-4
Section 4.3.2 10631(d)(3)(C)
Retail Suppliers shall provide data to
show the distribution loss standards
were met.
System water
use
Section 4.2, Table
6, Table 4-6
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 88 TODD GROUNDWATER
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
Section 4.4, Table
4-3
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
Sections 4.1.2,
4.3, Table 4-3
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 Section 4.3
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
Sections 4.1, 4.3,
Table 4-3
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 Sections 4.5, 7.2
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 Not Applicable
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
Sections 5.3, 5.4,
DWR Table 5-1
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 Sections 6, 7
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 89 TODD GROUNDWATER
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 Sections 6, 7
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
Section 6.3, Table
8, Table 6-1
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 Sections 1.3, 6.3.3
Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(B) Describe the groundwater basin. System supplies Section 6.3 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 Section 6.3
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
Section 6.3
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
Section 6.3
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 Section 6.3, Table
8, Table 6-1
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 90 TODD GROUNDWATER
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 Section 6.7, Table
14, Table 6-9
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
Section 6,Tables
8, 12, 13, Tables
6-8, 6-9
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 Section 6.4
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)
Section 6.5.1
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)
Section 6.5, Table
11, Tables 6-2, 6-
3, 6-4
Section 6.2.5 10633(c)
Describe the recycled water currently
being used in the Supplier's service
area.
System supplies
(recycled water)
Section 6.5, Table
11, Table 6-4
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)
Section 6.5.2
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)
Section 6.5.2,
Table 11, Tables
6-4, 6-9
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)
Section 6.5.2,
Table 6-6
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)
Section 6.5.2,
Table 6-6
Section 6.2.6 10631(g) Describe desalinated water project opportunities for long-term supply. System supplies Section 6.5.3 Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 91 TODD GROUNDWATER
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 Sections 6.6, 7.1.4
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
Section 6.9, Table
O-2
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
Sections 6.1,
6.3.1, 7.1.1
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
Section 7.1.3
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
Section 7.1.4
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
Section 7.2
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
Section 7.2.1
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
Section 7.2.2
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
Section 7.2.3
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 92 TODD GROUNDWATER
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
Section 7.2
Chapter 8 10632(a)
Provide a water shortage contingency
plan (WSCP) with specified elements
below.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Section 8,
Appendix C
Chapter 8 10632(a)(1)
Provide an analysis of water supply
reliability (from Guidebook Chapter 7)
in the WSCP.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Sections 7, 8.1
and Appendix C
(Section 1.2)
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
Appendix C
(Section 1.3)
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
Appendix C
(Section 1.3)
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
Section 8.2.1,
Appendix C
(Section 1.4)
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
Not Applicable
since WSCP was
updated to 6
categories
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
Appendix C
(Section 1.5.2)
Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(B)
Specify locally appropriate demand
reduction actions to adequately
respond to shortages.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Appendix C
(Section 1.5.1)
Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(C) Specify locally appropriate operational changes.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Appendix C
(Section 1.5)
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 93 TODD GROUNDWATER
Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(D)
Specify additional mandatory
prohibitions against specific water use
practices that are in addition to Statemandated prohibitions are appropriate to local conditions.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Appendix C
(Section 1.5.1)
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
Appendix C
(Section 1.5.5)
Section 8.4.6 10632.5
The UWMP shall include a seismic risk
assessment and mitigation plan.
Water shortage
contingency
plan
Appendix C
(Section 1.5.4)
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
Appendix C
(Sections 1.5.1,
1.6)
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
Appendix C
(Sections 1.5.1,
1.6)
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
Appendix C
(Section 1.7)
Section 8.7 10632(a)(7)(A)
Describe the legal authority that
empowers the Supplier to enforce
shortage response actions.
Water shortage
contingency
planning
Appendix C
(Section 1.8)
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
Appendix C
(Section 1.5)
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
Appendix C
(Section 1.5)
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
Appendix C
(Section 1.9)
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
Appendix C
(Section 1.9)
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 94 TODD GROUNDWATER
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
Appendix C
(Section 1.9)
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
Appendix C
(Section 1.10)
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
Appendix C
(Sections 1.10,
1.11)
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
Appendix C
(Sections 1.5 and
1.12)
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
Section 10.2
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
Section 9
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
Not Applicable
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
Section 10.1
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
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
Section 2.2
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 95 TODD GROUNDWATER
reviewing the UWMP and considering
amendments or changes to the plan.
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
Section 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
Section 2.2
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
Section 2.2
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
Section 2.2
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
Sections 2.2, 10.2
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
Section 10.2
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
Section 10.2
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
Section 10.2,
Revised WSCP is
Appendix C to the
UWMP
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
Section 10.2
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
Plan adoption,
submittal, and
implementation
Section 10.2
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 96 TODD GROUNDWATER
available for public review during
normal business hours.
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
Not Applicable
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 97 TODD GROUNDWATER
11. REFERENCES
AECOM, 2014, City of Paso Robles Recycled Water Master Plan Update, March. hƩp://www.prcity.com/government/departments/publicworks/wastewater/index.as p
Bartle Wells Associates, 2022, Water Rate Study, Prepared for the City of Paso Robles, October, hƩps://www.prcity.com/DocumentCenter/View/35463/Water-RateStudy-October-2022pdf , Accessed April 10.
Boyle Engineering CorporaƟon, 2002, Nacimiento Reservoir-Reliability as a Water Source.
California Department of Finance (CDOF), 2026, E-1 PopulaƟon EsƟmates for CiƟes, CounƟes, and the State — January 1, 2025 and 2026, Tables of January 2026 City PopulaƟon Ranked by Size, Numeric, and Percent Change,
hƩps://www.dof.ca.gov/ForecasƟng/Demographics/EsƟmates/E-1/, accessed May 2026.
California Department of Water Resources (DWR), 1994, Urban Water Use in California, BulleƟn 166-4, August 1994.
California Department of Water Resources (DWR), 2026a, 2025 Urban Water Management Plans Guidebook for Urban Water Suppliers, Final, January, 2026.
California Department of Water Resources (DWR), 2026b, WUEdata- 2023 Water Shortage Report hƩps://wuedata.water.ca.gov/wsda_plans.asp?cmd=2023.
Accessed April 9.
California IrrigaƟon Management InformaƟon System, (CIMIS), 2026, CIMIS Weather StaƟon: 163 – Atascadero, hƩp://www.cimis.water.ca.gov/WSNReportCriteria.aspx, accessed April 9, 2026.
Carollo, 2024, Engineering Report for the DistribuƟon and Use of Recycled Water:
Overview and Caltrans Site (Revision 1), Final, Prepared for City of El Paso de Robles, December.
Confluence, 2026, Paso Robles Subbasin Water Year 2025 Annual Report Public DraŌ, March 6, 2026.
County of Monterey, 2026, 2025 Reservoir Release Schedule, hƩps://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/government-links/waterAttachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 98 TODD GROUNDWATER
resources-agency/projects-faciliƟes/dams-and-reservoirs/historical-data , accessed April 9.
Fugro and Cleath and Associates, 2002, Final Report, Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Study, Phase I, prepared for County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department, August.
GEI Consultants (GEI), 2011, Paso Robles Groundwater Basin Management Plan, March 2011.
GEI ConsulƟng Engineers and ScienƟsts (GEI), 2022, Atascadero Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan, January 2022.
GEI ConsulƟng Engineers and ScienƟsts (GEI), 2026, DRAFT Annual Report for the Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Atascadero Basin, February 2026.
GSI Water SoluƟons, Inc. (GSI), 2021, Public DraŌ Paso Robles Subbasin Water Year 2020 Annual Report, prepared for the Paso Basin CooperaƟve CommiƩee and the Groundwater Sustainability Agencies, February 17.
GSI Water SoluƟons, Inc. (GSI), 2025, Paso Robles Basin Groundwater Sustainability Plan 5-Year Periodic EvaluaƟon, January 30, 2025.
Montgomery & Associates, 2020, Paso Robles Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan.
Paso Robles, 2014a, Land Use Element Update for the City of El Paso de Robles General Plan 2003, March 2014 revision.
Paso Robles, 2014b, Nacimiento Water Project, an Available and Reliable Water Supply, prepared for the Nacimiento Water Project by the City of Paso Robles, May 1.
Paso Robles, 2019a, MulƟ-Hazard Emergency Response Plan, May.
Paso Robles, 2019b, Community Wildfire ProtecƟon Plan, City of Paso Robles, July.
Paso Robles, 2020, City of Paso Robles 2021-2028 Housing Element, Adopted December 1, 2020.
Paso Robles, 2021, City of El Paso De Robles Wastewater Treatment Plant 2020 Annual Report, January 25.
Paso Robles, 2022, ResoluƟon 22-167, December,
hƩps://www.prcity.com/DocumentCenter/View/35463/Water-Rate-Study-October2022pdf, Accessed April 10.
Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 99 TODD GROUNDWATER
Paso Robles Subbasin GSAs, 2022, Paso Robles Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan.
Rincon Consultants Inc., 2013, City of Paso Robles Climate AcƟon Plan, November.
RMC, 2015, Salt/Nutrient Management Plan for the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin, May.
San Luis Obispo County, 2020a, 2016-2018 Resource Summary Report, adopted by the Board of Supervisors, August.
San Luis Obispo County, 2020b, Final 2019 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP), August.
Todd Groundwater, 2021, City of Paso Robles 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, July.
United States Geological Survey (USGS), 2007, Ground-Water Quality Data in the Monterey Bay and Salinas Valley Basins, California, 2005, Results from the California GAMA Program, JusƟn T. Kulongoski and Kenneth Belitz, prepared in cooperaƟon with the California State Water Resources Control Board.
United States Census Bureau, 2026, El Paso de Robles City, California. hƩps://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/elpasoderoblespasoroblescitycaliforni a,US/PST045225 . Accessed April 9, 2026.
Water Systems ConsulƟng, Inc. (WSC), 2019, City of Paso Robles 2019 Wastewater CollecƟon System Renewal Strategy and Master Plan, October.
Water Systems ConsulƟng, Inc. (WSC), 2021, Regional Water Infrastructure Resiliency Plan for the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control & Water ConservaƟon District Water Systems OpƟmizaƟon (WSO), 2016, California Department of Water Resources: Water Audit Manual, February.
Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC), 2026, Paso Robles StaƟon 046730 Monthly PrecipitaƟon and Temperature Data, hƩp://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgibin/cliMAIN.pl?ca6730, accessed April 9, 2026.
Williams, A. P., R. Seager, J. T. Abatzoglou, B. I. Cook, J. E. Smerdon, and E. R. Cook, 2015, ContribuƟon of Anthropogenic Warming to California Drought During 2012– 2014, Geophys. Res. LeƩ., 42, 6819–6828, doi:10.1002/2015GL064924. hƩp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/2015GL064924/full Wood Environnent & Infrastructure SoluƟons Inc. (Wood), 2019, San Luis Obispo County MulƟ-JurisdicƟonal Hazard MiƟgaƟon Plan 2019 Update, Public Review DraŌ, Attachment 3
DRAFT Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 100 TODD GROUNDWATER
October. [Paso Robles Local Hazard MiƟgaƟon Plan is included in Appendix E of this plan and approved by City ResoluƟon No. 20-077]
Attachment 3
Figures
Attachment 3
"J
#7
KÍ
KÍ
?c
?h
Kern
Kings
San Luis Obispo
Monterey
Kings
Fresno
PASO ROBLES
AREA
UPPER
VALLEY
AQUIFER
CHOLAME
VALLEY
CARRIZO
PLAIN
ATASCADERO
AREA
LOCKWOOD
VALLEY
Paso
Robles
Nacimiento
Reservoir
Santa
Margarita
Lake
Avenal
Cayucos
Shandon
Cholame
Bradley
Los Osos
San Ardo
Coalinga
Morro Bay
Templeton
Parkfield
Atascadero
San Miguel
Pismo Beach
San Luis Obispo
Santa Margarita
Lake Nacimiento
March 2026 Figure 1
Paso Robles Location
and Groundwater
Basins
#7 Paso Robles Precipitation Station 046730
"J CIMIS Atascadero Station 163
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Nacimiento Pipeline
County Line
DWR Groundwater Basin
Path: T:\Projects\Paso Robles 2020 UWMP 30739\GIS\Maps\Figure 1.mxd 0 8
Scale in Miles
(
"N
Attachment 3
May 2026 Figure 2
Paso Robles
Recent Annexations
Paso Robles City Limits 2026
Gateway Annexation (2021)
1999-2015 Annexations
Path: T:\Projects\Paso Robles 2025 UWMP 30742\GIS\Figure 2.mxd 0 1
Scale in Miles
(
"N
Attachment 3
Tables
Attachment 3
Volume of
Water Supplied
2025
(AF)
4010007 Paso Robles Water
Department 11,104 5,563
11,104 5,563
NOTES:
Submittal Table 2-1 Retail: Public Water Systems
Total
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. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Table 2-3.
Has there been a change in the number of affiliated Public Water Systems since the 2020 UWMP? (OPTIONAL)
Public Water System
Number
Public Water System
Name
Number of Municipal
Connections 2025
Attachment 3
Water Supplier is also a member of a SB
X7-7 Regional Alliance
NOTES:
Name of Regional Alliance or
RUWMP (Drop Down List)
Submittal Table 2-2: Plan Identification
Select
One or
Both
Type of Plan
Individual UWMP
Regional Urban Water Management Plan
(RUWMP)
Attachment 3
Supplier is a wholesale supplier
Supplier is a retail supplier
UWMP Tables are in calendar years
UWMP Tables are in fiscal years
Unit AF
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)
Units of measure used in UWMP
(Select from the drop down list).
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent
throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES:
Attachment 3
Submittal Table 2-4 Retail: Water Supplier Information Exchange Water Code Section 10631(h)
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
Add additional rows as needed
None-not applicable
NOTES:
Attachment 3
2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050(opt)
31,151 33,150 35,850 38,550 41,250 44,000
Submittal Table 3-1 Retail: Population - Current and Projected Water Code Section 10631(a)
Population
Served
NOTES:
Attachment 3
Use Type
Volume
(AF)
Single Family Potable 2,236
Multi-Family Potable 538
Commercial Potable 601
Industrial Potable 320
Institutional/Governmental Potable 104
Landscape Potable 906
Landscape Caltrans irrigation Non-Potable 6
Losses Potable 807
Other Potable 45
5557
6 Total 5,563
Submittal Table 4-1 Retail: 2025 Actual Total Uses for Potable and Non-Potable Water Water Code Section 10631(d)(1)
NOTES:
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3. 2025 Actual Water Use
Add additional rows as needed
Level of Treatment
When Delivered
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Additional Description
(as needed)
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
Subtotal Potable
Subtotal Non-Potable
Attachment 3
Use Type
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 (opt)
(AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF)
Single Family Potable 2,659 2,816 2,973 3,130 3,287
Multi-Family Potable 755 924 1,093 1,261 1,430
Commercial Potable 736 836 936 1,037 1,137
Industrial Potable 410 641 872 1,103 1,334
Institutional/Governmental Potable 410 433 457 480 503
Landscape Potable 822 683 649 626 522
Landscape Non-Potable 5 180 250 310 450
Other (optional) Potable 71 86 100 114 126
Distribution System Water Loss Potable 473 520 567 614 662 6,336 6,939 7,647 8,365 9,001
5 180 250 310 450
6,341 7,119 7,897 8,675 9,451
NOTES:
Total
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Subtotal Non-Potable
Subtotal Potable
Add additional rows as needed.
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
Additional Description
(as needed) Level of Treatment
When Delivered
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Submittal Table 4-2 Retail: Total Uses of Potable, and Non-PotableWater - Projected Water Code Section 10631(d)(1)
Projected Water Use
(Report To the Extent that Records are Available)
Attachment 3
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.
4.1.2 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.)
4.4 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:
Attachment 3
Public Water System ID #
Reported in Table 2-1 R Reporting Period Submitted to DWR Water Loss Audit Program (yes/no) 2020 Yes
2021 Yes
2022 Yes
2023 Yes
2024 Yes
Submittal Table 4-5 Retail: Water Loss Audit Reporting
Water Code Section 10631(d)(3)(A)
DWR NOTES: Suppliers will provide a link to the WUEdata submittals of their Water Loss Audit Reports.
NOTES:
Report submittal status for all five years for each Public Water System as available.
Add rows as needed
Attachment 3
Volume
of Total
Real Loss
(from
AWWA
Water
Loss
Audit)
Volume of
Total
Apparent
Loss
(from
AWWA
Water
Loss
Audit)
(AF) (AF)
4010007
Yes 8.1
Gallons
per
Service
Connectio
n per Day
(GPSCD) 12295 102.329
7.4 8.6
Gallons
per
Service
Connectio
n per Day
(GPSCD) 12295 251.7133
18.3 Add additional rows as needed.
Water Board's Calculated Water Loss Standards
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) for Water Loss MUST remain consistent with units reported in Submittal Table 2-3. The units NOTES: Connections include active and inactive connections Apparent
Water
Loss Per
Unit per
Day
2028 Real
Water
Loss
Standard
per Unit
per day
Units for
Real
Water
Loss
Drop down
list
Number
of Units
(Connecti
ons or
Miles
correspon
ding with
units
selected)
2028
Apparent
Water
Loss
Standard
per Unit
per Day
Units for
Apparent
Water
Loss
Number
of
Connectio
ns
Submittal Table 4-6 Retail: Progress Towards 2028 Water Loss Standard Public
Water
System ID
#
Reported
in
Submittal
Table 2-1
R
Did the Water
Board Calculate a
Water Loss
Standard for this
Public Water
System? (y/n)
If no, Supplier
will not complete
this row.
Real Water Loss Apparent Water Loss
State Water Board
Standard
Most Recent
AWWA Water Loss
Audit
Real
Water
Loss Per
Unit per
Day
State Water Board
Standard
Most Recent
AWWA Water Loss
Audit
Attachment 3
Actual 2025 GPCD
(From SB X7-7
Compliance Form)
Did Supplier meet
the 2020 Target in
2025?
Yes Individual Target 193 164 Yes 159 Yes
DWR NOTES:
Suppliers calculating a 2025 GPCD will need to complete and submit SB X 7-7 Compliance Tables to verify the use of SB X7-7 Methodologies.
Suppliers that were part of a merger or consolidation since 2020 see Chapter 5 and Appendix P for guidance.
NA=Not Applicable
NOTES:
Submittal Table 5-1 Retail: SB X7-7 2020 Target Progress Water Code Section 10608.40
Check the box if the Supplier was not an Urban Water Supplier during or before the 2020 UWMP reporting cycle.
Proceed to the next table.
Was Supplier part of
a merger or
consolidation since
2020?
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
Target in 2020
See DWR NOTES below.
Attachment 3
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
(AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF)
Alluvial Basin Paso Robles Area Subbasin of
the Salinas Valley Groundwater
1035 1297 814 730 1909
1,035 1,297 814 730 1,909
Add additional rows as needed
Submittal Table 6-1 Retail: Groundwater Volume Pumped
Water Code Section 10631(4) and 10631(4)(c)
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
NOTES
Total
Check the box if the Supplier does not pump groundwater.
Proceed to the next table.
Check the box if all or part of the groundwater described below is desalinated. (OPTIONAL) Groundwater Type
Drop Down List
May use each category
multiple times
Water Type
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Location or Basin Name
Attachment 3
100%
100%
Volume of
Wastewater
Collected from
UWMP Service
Area 2025
(AF)
City of Paso Robles Metered 2,544 Paso Robles WWTP, Place ID 247750
Yes
2,544
Check the box if there is no wastewater collection system.
Proceed to the next table.
NOTES:
Submittal Table 6-2 Retail: Wastewater Collected Within Service Area in 2025 Water Code Section 10633(a)
Percentage of 2025 service area population served by wastewater collection system (OPTIONAL)
Percentage of 2025 service area served by wastewater collection system (OPTIONAL) DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Additional Guidance. See Appendix M, Section M.21 for detailed guidance on this table.
Wastewater Collection Recipient of Collected Wastewater Total Wastewater Received from UWMP
Service Area in 2025:
Wastewater
Volume Metered
or Estimated?
OPTIONAL
Drop Down List
Name of Wastewater
Treatment Plant (WWTP) and
Place ID Number
Drop down list
Is WWTP Located
Within UWMP
Area?
Drop Down List
Add additional rows as needed
Name of Wastewater
Collection Agency
Attachment 3
Volume Volume Volume Volume Volume
(AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF)
Paso Robles WWTP,
Place ID 247750 No 2544 2,544 Tertiary 6 Tertiary - Tertiary 2539 Tertiary 0 Tertiary 0 2,544 2,544 6 0 2,539 0 0
2025 Outcomes of Treated Wastewater
Check the box if no wastewater is treated or disposed of within the UWMP service area.
Proceed to the next table.
Does This Plant
Treat
Wastewater
Generated
Outside the
UWMP Service
Area?
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Wastewater Treatment
Plant Name and Place
ID Number
Drop down list
Treatment Level
Drop down list
Treatment Level
Drop down list
Treatment Level
Drop down list
Treatment Level
Drop down list
Treatment Level
Drop down list
Name of other
entity
Total 2025
Volume of
Water
Treated
NOTES:
Total
2025 Volume
of Wastewater
Received from
UWMP Service
Area
(As Reported in
Submittal Table
6-2 R )
Water Recycled Within
UWMP Service Area
(enter data as applicable)
Submittal Table 6-3 Retail: Wastewater Treatment and Outcomes Within UWMP Service Area in 2025 Water Code Section 10633(a)
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
IPR: Indirect Potable Reuse would have the treatment level of its end use requrement in the Level of Treatment drop-down.
Additional Guidance. See Appendix M, Section M.21 for detailed guidance on this table.
Water Recycled Outside
of UWMP Service Area
(enter data as applicable)
Effluent Discharge that is
not a Permitted Recycled
Water Use
(enter data as applicable)
Required Discharge for
Instream Flow
(enter data as applicable)
Delivered to Another Entity for Additional
Treatment
(enter data as applicable)
Add additional rows as needed
Attachment 3
2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 (opt)
(AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) Volume Narrative page number (OPTIONAL)
Landscape irrigation (exc golf
courses) Non-Potable Potable offset only 6 5 180 250 310 450 450 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Name of Supplier Operating the Recycled Water Distribution System (OPTIONAL) :
Supplemental Water Added in 2025 (volume) Include units (OPTIONAL) :
Source of 2025 Supplemental Water (OPTIONAL) :
Check box if 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.
Submittal Table 6-4 Retail: Recycled Water Direct Beneficial Uses Within Service Area Water Code Section 10633 (c)(e)
Total
Use Type
Drop down list
Water Type
(after treatment if
treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Additional Information
(as needed)
Potential Recycled Water Use
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. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Additional Guidance. See Appendix M, Section M.21 for detailed guidance on this table.
Potential recycled water use - a description of the feasibility of these uses must be included in the narrative.
Multiple Producers: If you have multiple recycled water producers, submit a separate table for each.
NOTES:
Name(s) of Facility/ies Producing (Treating) the Recycled Water (OPTIONAL) :
Attachment 3
2020 Projection
for 2025
2025 Actual
Use
(AF) (AF)
0 6
0 6
Submittal Table 6-5 Retail: 2020 UWMP Recycled Water Use Projection Compared to 2025 Actual
Water Code Section 10633 (e)
Check the box if recycled water was not used in 2025 nor previously projected for use in 2020.
Proceed to the next table.
Add additional rows as needed
Landscape irrigation (exc golf courses)
NOTES:
Total
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure reported in Submittal Table 2-3 Additional Guidance. See Appendix M, Section M.21 for detailed guidance on this table.
Use Type
Drop Down list
Attachment 3
Expected Increase in Recycled Water Use
(AF)
Master Planning Master Plan for use of recycled water. Included in estimates below Treatment system upgrade Construction of the new Tertiary Treatment Project Included in estimates below Distribution system design Design report submitted to DDW in 2022 following 90 percent design completion. Modified in 2024. Included in estimates below Private Well Policy Ordinance No. 1021 N.S. Encourages use of recycled water when it becomes available 750
Contracts with water users in
City limits Contracts with high water users inside of City limits 520 Public Outreach
Notify/inform public on City development of
recycled water supply, recycled water uses and
safety, financial aspects of recycled water program,
and promote recycled water use in the community
Not quantified but partially included in
above estimate
Building Code Modifications
and new ordinances
Incorporate CCR and other applicable requirements
by reference Not quantifiable at this time
Contracts with water users
outside of City limits
Potential for large irrigators outside of City limits to secure base demand during final planning stages of
distribution system
Not quantifiable at this time
SGMA-related Actions
The Paso Robles Recycled Water Program is part of
the GSP-designated projects to reduce groundwater
use and is supported by GSP participants. In 2022
received 3.5 million dollars from the SGM Grant
Program to construct a 1,900 lineal foot segment of
the distribution system under the Salinas River. This
project was completed in 2024.
Included in estimates above
Blended Water Project
Blended Water Project is in the conceptual stages for
a pipeline system to connect to the City’s Recycled
Water Program and convey recycled water into the
agricultural areas east of the City for irrigation use.
The recycled water could be blended with surplus
Nacimiento Water Project water, when available to
reduce groundwater use.
Not quantifiable at this time
(AF) 1,270
1,270
Submittal Table 6-6 Retail: Methods to Encourage Future Recycled Water Use Water Code Section 10633 (f)
Check the box if the Supplier does not plan to expand recycled water use in the future. Supplier will not complete the table below but will provide narrative explanation.
Provide page location of narrative in the UWMP
Name of Action Description Planned Implementation Year
Add additional rows as needed
Completed 2014
Completed May 2019
Ongoing
Completed May 2019
Unit Conversion to AF
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 calculations.
The unit conversion to Acre Feet addresses the Water Code's requirement that this value be provided in acre-feet.
NOTES:
Completed in 2022, updated in 2024
Ordinance passed in 2016
Unknown
Ongoing
Unknown
Unknown
Total
Attachment 3
(AF)
Planned for Use in
Year Type
Drop Down List
NOTES:
Submittal Table 6-7 Retail: Expected Future Water Supply Projects or Programs Water Code Section 10631 (f)
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Check the box if 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.
Check the box if there are no expected future water supply projects or programs that provide a quantifiable increase to the agency's water supply.
Procees to the next table.
Planned
Implementation
Year
Add additional rows as needed
Joint Project with other suppliers? Expected
Increase in
Water Supply
to Supplier
(This may be a
range)
Provide page location of narrative in the UWMP
Name of Future Projects
or Programs Drop Down
List
(yes/no)
If Yes, Supplier Name
Additional Description
(as needed)
Water Type
(after treatment if
treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop Down list
Attachment 3
Water Supply
Actual Volume
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See "DWR Notes" below
(AF) (AF)
Groundwater (not desalinated)
Paso Robles Area Subbasin of the
Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin (3-
004.06)
Potable 1909 61,100 AFY (Sustainable
Yield from GSP)
Surface water (not desalinated) Salinas River water through river wells Potable 2,642 4,600 AFY SWRCB Permit
Purchased or Imported Water Nacimiento Water from water treatment plant Potable 939 6,488 AFY Contract
Purchased or Imported Water Nacimiento Water from Recovery Well Potable 67 Included in above
Recycled Water For CalTrans Non-Potable 6
5,557 0
6 0
5,563 0
Submittal Table 6-8 Retail: Water Supplies — 2025 Actual Water Code Section 10631 (b)
2025
NOTES:
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Total Entitlement: e.g. Water Right, Groundwater Allocation, Contracted Amount.
Add additional rules as needed
Total
Subtotal Potable
Subtotal Non-Potable
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 Description
(as needed)
Water Type
(after treatment if
treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop Down list
Attachment 3
Water Supply
Reasonably
Available
Volume
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See "DWR Notes"
below
Reasonably
Available
Volume
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See "DWR Notes"
below
Reasonably
Available
Volume
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See "DWR Notes"
below
Reasonably
Available
Volume
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See "DWR Notes"
below
Reasonably
Available
Volume
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See "DWR Notes"
below
(AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF) (AF)
Groundwater (not
desalinated)
Paso Robles
Area
Subbasin of
the Salinas
Valley
Groundwate
r Basin (3-
004.06)
Paso Robles
Area Subbasin of
the Salinas
Valley
Groundwater
Basin (3-004.06)
1,300
61,100 AFY
(Sustainable Yield
from GSP)
1,350
61,100 AFY
(Sustainable Yield
from GSP)
1,400
61,100 AFY
(Sustainable Yield
from GSP)
1,491
61,100 AFY
(Sustainable Yield
from GSP)
2,127
61,100 AFY
(Sustainable Yield
from GSP)
Surface water (not
desalinated)
Salinas River
water
through
river wells
Salinas River
water through
river wells
3,647 4,600 AFY
SWRCB Permit 4,188 4,600 AFY SWRCB Permit 4,456 4,600 AFY SWRCB Permit 4,588 4,600 AFY SWRCB Permit 4,588 4,600 AFY SWRCB Permit Purchased or Imported
Water
Nacimiento
Water from
water
treatment
plant
Nacimiento
Water from
water treatment
plant
1,120 6,488 AFY
Contract 1,132 6,488 AFY Contract 1,522 6,488 AFY Contract 2,017 6,488 AFY Contract 2,017 6,488 AFY Contract Purchased or Imported
Water
Nacimiento
Water from
Recovery
well
Nacimiento
Water from
Recovery well
269 Included in above 269 Included in above 269 Included in above 269 Included in above 269 Included in above Recycled Water Potable
Offset Potable Offset 5 More recycled water available 180 More recycled water available 250 More recycled water available 310 More recycled water available 450 More recycled water available 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
6,341 0 7,119 0 7,897 0 8,675 0 9,451 0
2050 (opt)
Add additional rows as needed
Total
NOTES:
2030 2035 2040 2045
Subtotal Non-Potable
Subtotal Potable
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Total Entitlement: e.g. Water Right, Groundwater Allocation, Contracted Amount.
Submittal Table 6-9 Retail: Water Supplies — Projected
Water Code Section 10631 (b)
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
Attachment 3