Agenda — Santa Maria City Council, October 8, 2026 (part 2 of 2)

1. SWP Reasonably Available Volume is based on the Draft DCR 2025 and information provided by CCWA, see 2025 UWMP.

2. Groundwater supplies are comprised of return flows, prescriptive rights, and Twitchell rights. a) Pursuant to the Stipulation, the City is entitled to recapture 65 percent of its SWP use in the Basin as Return Flows. Return flows are calculated as 65% of the Reasonably Available Volume of SWP water, see 2025 UWMP. b) The City's prescriptive rights are defined pursuant to the Court’s Phase 5 Statement of Decision, in which the City has been assigned 5,100 AF/YR of prescriptive right. c) Further details regarding Twitchell supply can be found in Exhibit “F” of the Stipulation and are accounted as 14,360 AF/YR.
d) Groundwater entitlement has been reduced by 900-AF to account for long-term groundwater leases to the Orcutt Area.
e) Groundwater reasonably available volume is limited by well capacity. Total well capacity is estimated at 13,830 AF/YR in 2025, 19,480 AF/YR in 2030 and 21,740 AF/YR in 2035.

3. “Total Entitlement” does not account for SWP reliability or groundwater pumping limitations but does subtract 900- AF to account for Orcutt Area groundwater leases.

2.3 Supply Availability
The City’s water supply portfolio reliability for 2045 under various drought scenarios is presented in Table 3. This table shows projected 2045 normal water year supply as well as potential impacts of single-year and multi-year drought on the 2045 reasonably available water supply.

Table 3: City of Santa Maria Water Supply – Projected Reliability for 2045 Source
Normal
Water
Year
(AFY)
SingleDry Water
Year
(AFY)
Multiple-Dry Water Years (AFY)
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5
Available SWP Water 8,554 891 2,495 2,495 2,495 2,495 2,495 Groundwater(1) 21,740 21,740 21,740 21,740 21,740 21,740 21,740 Total 30,294 22,631 24,235 24,235 24,235 24,235 24,235
Notes:
1: (a) Groundwater pumping is limited by projected well capacity not groundwater entitlements (i.e., variable return flow availability). Refer to Chapter 6 of 2025 UWMP for groundwater entitlements and reliably available supply discussion. (b) Groundwater return flows are based on five-year rolling average of imported water. Impacts to singledry year SWP imports will not affect availability of return flows for previous five-year average. (c) Multiple-dry year reliability of groundwater return flows considers the previous five-year rolling average of SWP imports. These projections assume five years of normal water years before the beginning of the multiple-dry year period.

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The Stipulation requires that the Management Area Engineer prepare an annual report that summarizes the results of the Monitoring Program, changes in groundwater supplies, and any threats to groundwater supplies. The report indicates whether there is a shortage of groundwater in the Santa Maria Valley Management Area. The 2024 Annual Report of Hydrogeologic Conditions, Water Requirements, Supplies and Disposition Santa Maria Valley Management Area was prepared by Luhdorff and Scalmanini Consulting Engineers. The report found that the Basin did not meet the conditions as required in the Stipulation to declare a condition of severe water shortage. Refer to Section 3.1 of this WSCP for more information.

2.4 Improvements in Supply and Reliability
The City has installed a fixed base meter reading system. This meter reading system can help identify customer side leaks and thereby reduce demand on the system.

The City continues to work with the community to encourage water conservation on a voluntary basis.

Water conservation activities include advertisements, water conservation kits, soil moisture meters, shower timers, low-flow shower heads, toilet tank banks, and other promotional items.

The City is working to increase groundwater pumping capability to manage supply reliability and meet City needs in the event that the SWP is unavailable either from drought or system failure.

These projects and programs improve water management, reduce demands, and assist the City in meeting municipal water needs in acute or chronic water shortage conditions.

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Chapter 3 – Annual Water Supply and
Demand Assessment Procedures

3.1 Decision Making Process
Chronic Water Shortages
Chronic water shortages can be determined by calculating the difference between anticipated demand and available supply. Groundwater rights and Twitchell yield are considered to be 100 percent available in years when the annual report of hydrogeologic conditions indicates that there is no water shortage in the Santa Maria Valley Management Area. In years when the annual report indicates a shortage, a percentage of available supply will be determined for all groundwater pumpers based on the annual report findings. The City will determine anticipated demand and compare the demand to the available water supply to determine the necessary level of reduction to ensure sufficient City water supply for the demand. If the anticipated City demand is less than the available supply, then no chronic water shortage exists, and no demand reduction is necessary. Otherwise, the City Council will declare a chronic water shortage and implementation of this Water Shortage Contingency Plan.

Short-term Water Shortages
Short-term water shortages occur when water supplies cannot be delivered to meet demand, because of electrical or mechanical failures of production or delivery equipment, excess demand such as fire flows, or because of water quality issues. These can be caused by equipment failure, as a result of a catastrophic event, such as an earthquake, windstorm, rainstorm, fire, terrorist activity, or water quality issues. To determine if a short-term watershortage exists, the City will calculate the difference between the capacity of the available production facilities and the latest water demand projections. Available supply capacity will need to consider blended water nitrate concentration, available reservoir storage, and the anticipated equipment outage duration, to determine if the water demand can be met.

Chronic Water Shortages are declared by the City Council. Short-term Water Shortages can be declared by the City Manager if time is of the essence and City Council approval is not possible.

Severe Groundwater Shortages
The Stipulation includes provisions to avoid Severe Groundwater Shortages and a procedure to deal with such conditions. Given the historic reliability of Basin supplies, a Severe Groundwater Shortage will be found to exist only when the Management Area Engineer, based on ongoing monitoring, finds the following:

1. Groundwater levels in the Management Area are in a condition of chronic decline over a period greater than five years;

2. The groundwater decline has not been caused by drought;

3. There has been material increase in groundwater use during the five-year period; and

4. Monitoring wells indicate that groundwater levels in the Santa Maria Valley Management Area are below the lowest recorded levels.

The procedure for addressing Severe Groundwater Shortages is described in the Stipulation, which may include limitations on groundwater use.

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3.2 Data Inputs and Assessment Methodology
Water Demand
Water demand can be estimated as the average of the last three years of unconstrained demand, or in other words, the last three years of demand with no major water use restrictions. If more detailed information is available, then the projected current year demand can be calculated differently.

The Governor’s 20 by 2020 initiative included a per capita water use target for 2020 of 118 gallons per capita per day (gpcd). In 2020, gross water use was about 13,107 AF for a population of 107,353 resulting in a demand of 109 gpcd1. In 2025, City water demand was 11,158 AF for a population of 112,208 resulting in a demand of 89 gpcd. Future demands are calculated in the 2025 UWMP and include the use of 89 gpcd gross water demand as well as savings due to conservation required to meet future Urban Water Use Objectives established in SB 606 and AB 1668 (Making Conservation a California Way of Life legislation). Table 4 showsthe anticipated potable water demand through 2050.

This value includes retail demands and does not include water Santa Maria delivers to Nipomo Community Services District (NCSD) or Golden State Water Company (GSWC).

Table 4: City of Santa Maria Projected Population and Water Demand Year 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Population 112,208 117,482 122,768 128,047 129,968 131,788 Potable Demand, AF 11,158 11,662 12,135 12,599 12,773 12,939 Potable Demand, gpcd 89 89 88 88 88 88
Other impacts to the City’s water portfolio include water rights leases for use in the Orcutt area, interagency potable water exchanges with GSWC, and water sales to the NCSD. Orcutt water rights leases do not negatively impact the City’s water supply. Except for the first 20 AF/YR, GSWC’s potable water exchanges involve an exchange of GSWC’s SWP allocation for the City’s potable water supply. NCSD water sales, however, involve potable water delivery and utilize the City’s water supply infrastructure. The agreement between NCSD and the City requiresthat the City deliver 1,000 AF/YR with an increase to 2,500 AF/YR until 2085. Using these numbers, Table 5 shows the water demand taking into account all of the obligations of the City for potable water supply.

Table 5: Total City of Santa Maria Demand
Year 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
City of Santa Maria Demand 11,158 11,662 12,135 12,599 12,773 12,939 NCSD Demand 1,511 2,500 2,500 2,850 3,200 3,200
GSWC Demand 20 20 20 20 20 20
Orcutt Water Leases 315 800 900 900 900 900
Total 12,689 14,182 14,655 15,469 15,993 16,159
1 The 109 gpcd figure is as reported in SB X7-7. However, the SB X7-7 calculations appear to calculate gross water demand with the inclusion of water transferred to others. This will overestimate the per capita demand of the City in 2020. Actual City per capita demand in 2020 was less than 109 gpcd.

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Supply and Demand Assessment
The City’s water supply portfolio is sufficient to meet projected demands through 2050, although restrictions may be needed in the case of a severe drought or catastrophic emergency.

A review of water use by customer class shows a consistent seasonal demand by industrial customers, a slight increase in summer months by multi-family customers, and a large seasonal difference between summer and winter months for both commercial and single-family customers. Meters dedicated to landscape irrigation also show higher water demand during warmer months. Landscape irrigation would be considered less critical than other water uses, including public health and safety, basic sanitation, and domestic supply, and would be a target for water conservation programs.

Quantification of Water Supply
Surface Water (via SWP): SWP supplies are provided by the CCWA and are generally limited to SWP allocations. However, opportunities for additional SWP purchases are available.

SWP Return Flows: The City has a right to Return Flows from SWP water, which are equal to 65 percent of the previous five-year rolling average of SWP imports.

Twitchell Reservoir: The City has a reliable yield of 14,360 AF/YR yield from recharge that occurs from Twitchell Reservoir granted under the Stipulation.

Groundwater: As a part of the Stipulation, the City, along with GSWC and City of Guadalupe, has preferential appropriative rights to surplus native groundwater. Therefore, these parties may pump groundwater without limitation unless a Severe Water Shortage Condition exists, as discussed above.

In the event of a Severe Water Shortage, the Court may order GSWC, along with the City of Santa Maria and the City of Guadalupe, to limit their pumping to their respective shares of groundwater derived from the Twitchell Yield, return flows, and any assigned rights. The Court granted the City 5,100 AF/YR of prescriptive rights in the Basin.

3.3 Infrastructure Capabilities and Constraints
Plausible constraints include operational problems or damage to wells, pipelines, or SWP facilities.

With the delivery of SWP water, the City has excess well capacity. If the SWP is not operational, the City is unable to meet its short-term summertime or peak demands solely with groundwater supplies.

The City is actively working to increase groundwater pumping capacity to access the City’s water rights and allow the well field to meet summer demands if State Water is unavailable.

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Chapter 4 – Water Shortage Stages
As outlined in the Water Code requirements (10632 a & b.), Water Shortage Contingency Plans must include or be adapted to the six standard water shortage levels, which correspond to the progressive ranges of <10%, 10-20%, 20-30%, 30-40%, 40-50% and >50%. These six levels are described in Table 6. The various Response Actions that correspond with these levels are addressed in Chapter 5 of this plan.

Table 6: Water Shortage Stages
Response Levels Description Conservation Target
Level 1 Water Shortage Less than 10%
Level 2 Moderate Water Shortage 10% - 20%
Level 3 Severe Water Shortage 20% - 30%
Level 4 Critical Water Shortage 30% - 40%
Level 5 Extreme Water Shortage 40% - 50%
Level 6 Emergency Water Shortage Greater than 50%
These water shortage stages each include specific water use restrictions that will be adopted and enforced. Detailed descriptions of each water shortage stage and their associated water use restrictions are provided in the following chapter.

This policy establishes water management requirements necessary to conserve water, enables effective water supply planning, assures reasonable and beneficial use of water, prevents waste of water, and prevents unreasonable use of water within the City. It establishes six levels of response actions to be implemented in times of shortage with increasing restrictions on water use in response to worsening drought conditions and decreasing available supplies.

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Chapter 5 – Shortage Response Actions

5.1 Response Actions by Water Shortage Stage
The City Council adopted §8-10.33 Water Waste: Outdoor Water Use Restrictions in the Santa Maria Municipal Code consistent with Water Code §10608.14 and §10632a.4 and describes outdoor water use restrictions and prohibitions to promote water conservation and prevent water waste.

The following Shortage Response Actions may also be implemented by the City Council as deemed necessary to address water shortages. If the State mandates other response actions during a drought, they will be added to the list below. The City Council has the flexibility to modify response actions for each stage during a water shortage, but the list below includes recommended guidelines for each stage. Each stage can be used during a long-term water shortage (drought) or during a short-term catastrophic interruption of water supply.

Stage 1 – Water Shortage (Reduce Water Use by 10%)
This stage represents a minor water shortage and will be handled with the following response actions:
• Increase public awareness, public media campaigns, and water conservation education. • Require that all use of water be for beneficial purposes only; all unnecessary and wasteful use of water is prohibited.
• Monitor users of construction water meters and fire hydrant meters for efficient water use.

Stage 2 – Moderate Water Shortage (Reduce Water Use by 20%) This stage represents a moderate water shortage and will include the response actions in previous stages plus the following:
• Evaluate metered water use for leak detection and potential non-compliance with conservation requirements.
• Increase monitoring through AMI and enforcement of water waste. • Limit outdoor watering/irrigation to two days per week: even numbered addresses on Sunday and Wednesday and odd numbered addresses on Tuesday and Saturday. • City Council may enact emergency/drought surcharges.

Stage 3 – Severe Water Shortage (Reduce Water Use by 30%) This stage represents a severe water shortage and will include the response actions in previous stages plus the following:
• Suspend City water main flushing unless required for water quality.

Stage 4 – Critical Water Shortage (Reduce Water Use by 40%) This stage represents a critical water shortage and will include the response actions in previous stages plus the following:
• Prohibit outdoor watering/irrigation.
• Place moratorium on new construction meters.
• City Council may consider a moratorium on any new water connection.

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Stage 5 – Extreme Water Shortage (Reduce Water Use by 50%) This stage represents an extreme water shortage and will include the response actions in previous stages plus the following:
• Discontinue use of existing construction meters.

Stage 6 – Emergency Water Shortage (Reduce Water Use by Over 50%) This stage represents an emergency water shortage and will include the response actions in previous stages plus the following:
• Prohibit use of potable water for street sweeping.

Demand Management Measures
The City also implements numerous Demand Management Measures that are described in the Urban Water Management Plan. These include programs such as distribution system leak detection, customer water audits, low flow device giveaways, etc. These programs are implemented year-round but could be expanded during a water shortage to help further reduce water use.

5.2 Catastrophic Supply Interruption
A catastrophic supply interruption would occur if the City were to lose one or both of the main water supplies. The likelihood of experiencing a loss of both supplies simultaneously is low. For instance, local power outages may limit use of groundwater but it does not affect imported water delivery.

If supply is insufficient to meet demand and water quality requirements, an emergency notification will be sent to all water customers, following the City’s Emergency Water Quality Notification procedures which include using the City’s mass notification telephone system. The message will include the expected duration and restrictions until the issue is resolved. For instance, a public safety power shutoff that disrupts power for two days may include a request to forego landscape irrigation until power is restored.

The City can supply State Water to its distribution system in the event of a local power outage. If State Water is not available, the City has sufficient generator power to operate six water wells, which is sufficient to meet essential water demands. The City will evaluate the amount of storage available, the production with available supplies, and the projected demand to determine length of time the existing demands can be met while the outage persists. The City can contact the largest water users to request they reduce water use during the outage. The City can also call all City water customers using its mass notification telephone system to request all non-essential water use be curtailed.

5.3 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan
Seismic risk and mitigation for Santa Maria is discussed in the City of Santa Maria Local Hazard Mitigation Plan [1], which is an Annex to the Santa Barbara County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. According to the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan:

The City is in Seismic Zone 4, which is the highest potential status for an earthquake in California.

Many potential quake faults have been mapped in the Santa Maria Valley, as well as some areas that may be subject to liquefaction. However, there is a high likelihood that there are unidentified faults and unidentified areas of potential liquefaction in the area.

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The City lies within a moderate liquefaction potential zone. When liquefaction of the soil does occur, buildings and other objects on the ground surface may tilt or sink, and lightweight buried structures (such as pipelines) may float toward the ground surface. Liquefied soil may be unable to support its weight or that of structures, which could result in loss of foundation bearing or differential settlement.

Damage to water infrastructure, such as pipes, reservoirs, and wells, is possible from earthquakes. The Twitchell Dam has only a remote likelihood of catastrophic failure due to an earthquake, and it is used as a flood control and recharge tool rather than as a reservoir for water supply to the City.

An earthquake can cause structural or mechanical failure, or chemical release at a treatment facility due to containment failure or a rupture of a pipeline. Mechanical failures or pipeline rupture could lead to a drop in water system pressure and create the potential for localized flooding or contamination. The City has some seismic shut-off valves to help isolate problem areas during an earthquake. However, while isolating severed pipelines minimizes flooding risk, water supply is a critical element of earthquake response, both for maintaining positive pressure to control contamination and for fire control. To keep the water system operational after an earthquake, if possible, the Utilities Department will perform the general actions listed below following an earthquake.
• Distribution system integrity will be checked, starting with the largest transmission lines. • Water main breaks will be isolated to the smallest area as soon as possible. • Breaks on lines that feed larger areas will be prioritized. • Isolations will be mapped, along with known fires, to track how to best maintain operation.

To the greatest extent possible, water supply will be provided to customers in affected regions. Water can be pumped from one location and delivered to central areas for distribution by container if the distribution system has failed or is contaminated. Regular communication with the community on the status of its water supply will be necessary to ensure that essential water needs are met.

5.4 Locally Appropriate Supply Augmentation Actions
Surface Water
Several mechanisms exist for augmenting the State Water supply, including dry year water purchases from local purveyors in the Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo area or from other State Water Contractors, and groundwater banking programs operated by CCWA project participants. The City maintains a dry-year water reserve fund for State Water purchases to be used when the State Water allocation is low.

Groundwater
The City relies on groundwater for a portion of its water supply. Should groundwater quality decline in a particularwell, the City will rehabilitate the well to reduce the contaminant(s), blend the contaminants with other water supplies to meet standards, or develop groundwater treatment facilities to continue to provide water from the well.

The local groundwater basin is adjudicated, and therefore, already managed. The City’s rights to rely on Basin water resources for both pumping and storage are governed by a judgement and settlement agreement (“Stipulation”) signed by a majority of the parties (Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District vs. City of Santa Maria, et al., Case No. 770214, commonly known as the “Santa Maria City of Santa Maria Water Shortage Contingency Plan
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Groundwater Adjudication.”
The Santa Maria Groundwater Adjudication provides the City with quantifiable and certain water rights. The Stipulation also establishes a framework for both permanent and temporary transfers of water rights within the Basin. Because the City has obtained quantifiable water rights, the City has greater flexibility in facilitating transfers and exchanges. The Stipulation allows permanent or temporary transfer of the developed groundwater yield associated with the operation of the Twitchell Project. The Stipulation also allows temporary transfers of agricultural pumping rights (fallowing programs) during Severe Water Shortage Conditions.

5.5 Locally Appropriate Operational Changes
In times of significant water shortage, operational changes may be implemented to adapt the City’s system to account for added stress or to decrease overall demand.

The City has an interconnection with GSWC, which serves the Orcutt community south of the City.

In emergencies, the City can request water from GSWC to address a short-term water shortage or water quality issue.

5.6 Gap Between Supply and Demand
Each Water Shortage Stage has been established to directly reflect conceivable gaps between supply and demand during moderate, severe, and emergency drought conditions and supply shortages. If one stage is not successful in achieving water use reduction, then the next stage will be enacted. The City also maintains flexibility and authority to adjust these Stages and Response Actions if deemed necessary.

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Chapter 6 – Community Outreach
The City utilizes the following media outlets and platforms for general outreach and education and will also use these outlets to communicate current or predicted shortages:
• The City’s website (www.cityofsantamaria.org)
• Newspaper articles
• Customer mailers
• Social media
• News releases
• Direct customer contact
The City Council may choose to enhance or adapt these communication methods during a drought or shortage event if deemed necessary.

The City maintains a “Water Conservation” webpage which explains current programs and restrictions and from which the below graphic was obtained. (https://www.cityofsantamaria.org/services/ departments/utilities-department/water-conservation)
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Chapter 7 – Customer Compliance and Enforcement
The City can set water use violation fines, charges for removal of flow restrictors, as well as establishing mandatory conservation and rationing measures. The penalties consist of a written warning and a surcharge for the violation. A flow-restrictor or possible shutoff may be imposed after three violations.

Refer to the City website for more details on fines and penalties since they may change over time.

Section 8-1.07 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code states:
“In the event that any user or consumer is aggrieved by any ruling of the Director of Utilities made pursuant to any of the provisions of this chapter [Ch. 8 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code] and Chapters 8-9, 8-10, 8- 11 and 8-13, such consumer or user may appeal from such ruling to the City Manager within the time and in the manner set forth in Section 8-12.1406. The City Manager's action on such appeal shall likewise be made and become final pursuant to the provisions of Section 8-12.1406.” This space is intentionally blank.

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Chapter 8 – Legal Authority of the Plan
Water use prohibitions and enforcement mechanisms must be approved by City Council resolution.

This WSCP was adopted jointly with the 2025 UWMP. Water code requirements for public noticing and holding a public hearing were followed. Refer to the City’s 2025 UWMP for more details on the adoption process.

8.1 Declaring a Water Shortage Emergency
The City will follow the protocols outlined in this Plan should it become necessary to declare a water shortage emergency. The process will follow the pertinent sections of the California Water Code and be noticed for a public hearing, which will be initiated by the City Manager and Council. The City Council will typically declare a Water Emergency based on recommendations from staff. A shortterm Water Emergency can be declared by the City Manager if time is of the essence and City Council approval is not possible.

8.2 Coordination with other Cities and Counties
The City is required to coordinate and inform an appropriate wholesale supplier of projected water use in accordance with the Water Code. The City receives surface water from the CCWA and will communicate with them on any water use restrictions or changes in water demand. The City also provides water supplies to NCSD and GSWC and will keep them informed of any water shortages, water emergencies, or changes in water supplies.

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Chapter 9 – Revenue Reductions and Expense Increases

9.1 Potential Revenue Reductions and Expense Increases
Revenue reduction due to reduced water usage will cut into reserves during a water shortage and will be reflected in future rate setting discussions in order to re-establish acceptable fund reserve levels.

The City’s current rate structure anticipates future use based on continued conservation with consistent per capita water use. In addition, the Water Resources Fund budgets for dry year water purchases, including such expenses in the current water rate structure.

Since additional water supplies are either purchased or pumped and require only disinfection or fluoridation, there are little additional operations and maintenance costs to augment water supplies.

9.2 Mitigation Actions
The City’s rate structure includes a fixed component regardless of water use. This allows for steadier revenue during times of increased conservation. In addition, minimum fund reserves are maintained to address short-term operational needs in times of reduced revenue.

9.3 Cost Compliance
The City has its standard policies that address penalties for wasteful use or overuse of water during a Shortage Stage. Declaring a water shortage and enforcing response actions can be performed by existing staff with no significant increases in cost.

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Chapter 10 – Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
The City maintains compliance with State reporting requirements, including the use of meters. Fixed base meter reading facilitates monitoring water use. Hourly meter readings for each account are stored in a database. Reports can be produced and reviewed to observe trends and identify potential water waste. Electronic notification of accounts using the City’s mass notification telephone system allows for a cost-effective and labor efficient mechanism for informing the customer regarding water use.

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Chapter 11 – Monitoring and Evaluating the Plan
This WSCP is an update to a previous WSCP prepared by the City. This update satisfies new State requirements for WSCPs and reflects the refinements and improvements deemed necessary to adequately address the City’s needs. The WSCP will be re-evaluated at least every five years and at the end of each major drought period to assess its performance. If deemed necessary, it will be modified and improved at any time.

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Chapter 12 - References
City of Santa Maria Municipal Code.

Luhdorff and Scalmanini Consulting Engineers. April 2025. 2024 Annual Report of Hydrogeologic Conditions, Water Requirements, Supplies, and Disposition, Santa Maria Valley Management Area Santa Clara County Superior Court. Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District vs. City of Santa Maria, et al., Case no. 770214. Commonly known as the “Santa Maria Groundwater Adjudication.” State of California Department of Water Resources. January 2026. Urban Water Management Plan Guidebook 2025.

State of California Department of Water Resources. August 2020. The Final State Water Project Delivery Capability Report 2019.

State of California Department of Water Resources. February 2010. 20x2020 Water Conservation Plan
State of California Department of Water Resources Office of Water Use Efficiency and Transfers. 2008. Urban Drought Guidebook, 2008 Updated Edition.

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CITY OF SANTA MARIA

URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Appendix I – Ordinances, Resolutions, and Municipal Code Sections

APPENDICES
Ordinance No. 2014-07
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria Amending Santa Maria Municipal Code Section 8-10.33 Regarding Water Waste and Conservation

APPENDICES
Resolution No. 2007-46
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, Approving and Adopting the Urban Water Management Plan 2005 Update

APPENDICES
Resolution No. 2014-131
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, Modifying and Implementing Stage 1 of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan

APPENDICES
Resolution No. 2015-46
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, Modifying Stage 1 of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan

APPENDICES
Resolution No. 2022-70
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, Enacting Stage 2 of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan
RESOLUTION NO. 2022- 70

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA, ENACTING STAGE 2 OF THE CITY -S

WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN
WHEREAS, in 2014, the Santa Maria City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2014- 07 amending Municipal Code Section 8- 10. 33 to add specific water waste prohibitions and adopted Resolution No. 2014- 131 to enact Stage 1 of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan which required implementation of specific water conservation measures; and
WHEREAS, due to ongoing drought conditions since 2014, these conservation measures have remained in place; and
WHEREAS, with the increased severity of the drought, the State Water Resources Control Board (" Water Board") requires that urban water suppliers take further action to preserve critical water supplies and mitigate the effects of drought to ensure the protection of health, safety, and the environment; and
WHEREAS, on May 24, 2022, the Water Board adopted an emergency regulation for urban water conservation requiring urban water suppliers to implement the demand reduction actions identified in their Water Shortage Contingency Plans for a Stage 2 Water Shortage; and
WHEREAS, the City must implement Stage 2 of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan, which includes all water conservation measures required in a Stage 1 Water Shortage, and adds additional conservation measures and reporting requirements.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:

1. Stage 2 of the City of Santa Maria Water Shortage Contingency Plan, incorporated by reference, is hereby enacted and shall remain in place until such time as rescinded or amended by the City Council; and

2. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary. 111
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a
regular meeting of the City Council of the City of
Santa Maria held on this 21st day of June 2022.

ATTEST:

Chief Deputy City Clerk
City Attorney
f
Ci y Manager
I

STATE OF CALIFORNIA
COUNTY OF SANTA BARBARA ) ss.

CITY OF SANTA MARIA
I, M. Beth Cleary. Deputy City Clerk of the City of Santa Maria and ex officio Clerk of the City Council DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a full, true and correct copy of Resolution No. 2022- 70 which was duly and regularly introduced and adopted by said City Council at a
regular meeting held June 21, 2022, and
carried on the following vote:

AYES: Councilmembers Cordero, Escobedo, Soto,
Waterfield, and Mayor Patino.

NOES: None.

ABSENT: None.

ABSTAIN: None.

Deputy City Clerk
City of Santa Maria

APPENDICES
City of Santa Maria Municipal Code Sections
8-10.32 Waste: Leaking facilities
8-10.33 Water Waste: Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
9-32.110 Section 423 Added: Car Washes

CITY OF SANTA MARIA

MUNICIPAL CODE
SECTIONS 8-10.32-.33 AND 9-32.110
Section 8-10.32. Waste: Leaking facilities.
(a) Each and every consumer shall maintain in good repair all his water pipes, faucets, valves, plumbing fixtures or any other appliances, at all times to prevent waste of water. (b) Where any consumer willfully neglects to make such necessary repairs, the water shall be shut off and sealed by the Utilities Department and shall not be turned on again until repairs have been made to the satisfaction of the Department, and a turn-on fee as provided in the Schedule of Fees and Charges within this Code is paid by the consumer to the City. (Prior Code § 20-47; Ord. 2005- 01, eff. 3/3/05)
Section 8-10.33. Water Waste: Outdoor Water Use Restrictions. (a) To promote water conservation and prevent water waste, each of the following actions is prohibited, except where necessary to address an immediate health and safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a state or federal agency:
(i) The application of potable water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff such that water flows onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures.
(ii) The use of a hose that dispenses potable water to wash a motor vehicle, except where the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle or device attached to it that causes it to cease dispensing water immediately when not in use.
(iii) The application of potable water to driveways and sidewalks. (iv) The use of potable water in a fountain or other decorative water feature, except where the water is part of a recirculating system.
(b) Where any consumer willfully and negligently wastes water through the misuse of sprinklers or any other outdoor watering facilities, the water may be shut off and sealed by the Utilities Department, and shall not be turned on again until a turn-on fee as provided in the Schedule of Fees and Charges within this Code is paid by the consumer. (Prior Code § 20-48; Ord. 2005-01, eff. 3/3/05; Ord. 2014-07, eff. 10/2/2014)
Section 9-32.110. Section 423 Added: Car Washes.

Chapter 4 to the California Plumbing Code, 2019 Edition, is amended to add new Section 423.0 to read as follows:
423.0 Car Washes. All commercial car wash facilities, including self-wash, shall have water recycling systems and the design installations of these systems shall be comply with Section 10950 through 10953 of California Health and Safety Code and be approved by the administrative authority.
(Ord. 2019-10, eff. 1/1/20)

CITY OF SANTA MARIA

URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Appendix J – Supporting Documentation: Adoption,
Submittal, Implementation

CITY OF SANTA MARIA

URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Appendix K – UWMP Checklist
2025 Urban Water Management Plan Appendix K - UWMP Checklist Retail
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Guidebook
Location
Water Code
Section Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject
Relevant
Submittal
Table
2025 UWMP
Location
x Chapter 1 10615
A plan shall describe and evaluate sources of supply,
reasonable and practical efficient uses, reclamation and demand management activities.

Introduction and overview n/a Chapters 6 and 9
x Chapter 1 10630.5
Each plan shall include a simple description of theSupplier’s plan including water availability, future requirements, a strategy for meeting needs, and other pertinent information. Additionally, a Supplier may also choose to include a simple description at the beginning of each chapter.

Plan preparation n/a Lay Description, Section 1.2
x Section 2.1 10620(b)
Every person that becomes a Supplier shall adopt UWMP within one year after it has become a Supplier.

Plan preparation n/a n/a
x Section 2.5 10644
Supplier shall report the Public Water Systems number, volume of delivered water, and number of connections that are included in this UWMP.

Plan preparation 2-1 Section 2.1
x Section 2.5 10644
Supplier shall report if this UWMP is an individualUWMP and whether the Supplier belongs to a regional UWMP or regional alliance.

Plan preparation 2-2 Section 2.1
x Section 2.5 10644
Supplier shall report whether the data is in fiscal or calendar years and the units of measure used for reporting water volumes.

Plan preparation 2-3 Section 2.1
x Section 2.4 10642
Provide supporting documentation that the Supplier has encouraged active involvement of diverse social, cultural, and economic elements of the population
within the service area prior to and during the
preparation of the plan and contingency plan.

Plan preparation n/a Sections 9.4, 9.6, & 9.7 and Chapter 10 x Section 2.4.2 10620(d)(3)
Coordinate the preparation of its plan with other appropriate agencies in the area, including other Suppliers that share a common source, water management agencies, and relevant public agencies, to the extent practicable.

Plan preparation n/a Chapter 10
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Location
x Section 2.4.1 10631(h)
Retail Suppliers will include documentation that they have provided their Wholesale Supplier(s)—if any—with water use projections from that source.

Plan preparation 2-4 R Sections 2.2 and 6.2
n/a Section 2.4.1 10631(h)
Wholesale Suppliers will provide their Suppliers with identification and quantification of the existing and planned sources of water available from the
Wholesale Supplier to the Supplier during various water year types.

Plan preparation 2-4 W Section 6.2
x Chapter 3.0 10631(a) Describe the Supplier service area. System description n/a Chapter 3x Section 3.3 10631(a) Describe the climate of the Supplier’s service area. System description n/a Section 3.5 x Section 3.4.1 10631(a)
Provide the current and projected service area populations for 2030, 2035, 2040, 2045 and optionally 2050.

System description 3-1 Section 3.4
x Section 3.4.2 10631(a)
Describe other social, economic, and demographic factors affecting the Supplier’s water management planning.

System description n/a Sections 3.2, 3.4, 4.2, & 4.3
x Section 3.5 10631(a)
Describe the land uses within the service area… include the current and projected land uses within the existing or anticipated service area affecting the Supplier’s water management planning. Describe the land uses within the service area.

System description and baselines n/a Section 3.2
x
Sections 4.2.3 and 4.2.4 10631(d)(1) Quantify past, current, and projected water use, identifying the uses among water use sectors. System water use 4-1 and 4-2 Section 4.2 x Section 4.3.1 10631(d)(3)(A) Report the distribution system water loss for each of the five years preceding the plan update. System water use 4-5 Section 4.5 x Section 4.3.2 10631(d)(3)(C) Retail Suppliers shall provide data to show the distribution loss standards were met. System water use 4-6 Section 4.5 x Section 4.2.5.4 10631.1(a)
Include projected water use needed for lower income housing projected in the service area of theSupplier.

System water use 4-3 Section 4.3
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x Section 4.2.5.3 10631(d)(4)(A)
In projected water use, include estimates of water savings from adopted codes, plans, and other policies or laws.

System water use 4-3 Section 4.2
x Section 4.2.5.3 10631(d)(4)(B) Provide citations of codes, standards, ordinances, or plans used to make water use projections. System water use 4-3 Sections 4.2 and 4.6 x 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 andland use plans. Water use projections that do not account for these water savings shall be noted of that fact.

System water use 4-3 Sections 4.2 and 4.6
x Section 4.2.5.6 10635(b) Demands under climate change considerations must be included as part of the drought risk assessment. System water use n/a Section 4.7 n/a 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 achievetargeted water use reductions.

Baselines and targets n/a n/a
x Section 5.2 10608.4
Retail Suppliers shall report on their compliance in meeting their water use targets. Reporting requirements will vary depending on whether the Supplier:- Was considered an urban retail water supplier in 2020,- Met its 2020 target in 2020, or- Was part of a merger or consolidation since 2020.Chapter 5 Subsections 5.2.1, 5.2.2, and 5.2.3 address each of these situations.

Baselines and targets 5-1 Chapter 5
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2025 UWMP
Location
x Section 6.1 10631(b)(2)
When multiple sources of water supply are
identified, describe the management of each supply in relationship to other identified supplies.

System supplies n/a Chapter 6
x
Sections 6.1 and 6.2 10631(b)(1)
Provide a discussion of anticipated supply availability under a normal, single dry year, and adrought lasting five years, as well as more frequent and severe periods of drought, including changes insupply due to climate change.

System supplies n/a Chapter 7
x 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 plannedsource of water… (include) a detailed description and analysis of the location, amount and sufficiency of groundwater pumped by the Supplier for the past five years.

Water supplies and recycled water
6-1 Sections 6.1 and 6.4
x Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(A)
Indicate whether a groundwater sustainability plan or groundwater management plan has been adopted by the Supplier or if there is any other specific authorization for groundwater management. Include a copy of the plan or authorization.

System supplies n/a Section 6.4.2
x Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(B) Describe the groundwater basin. System supplies n/a Section 6.4x 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 hasthe legal right to pump.

System supplies n/a Section 6.4.2
x Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(B)
For unadjudicated basins… (include) information as to whether DWR has identified the basin as a highor medium-priority basin in the most current official departmental bulletin…
Water supplies and recycled water n/a n/a
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x Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(B)
For unadjudicated basins… describe efforts by the Supplier to coordinate with sustainability or groundwater agencies to achieve sustainable groundwater conditions.

Water supplies and recycled water n/a n/a
x Section 6.2.2. 10631(b)(4)(C)
If groundwater is identified as an existing or planned source of water… (include) a detailed description and analysis of the location, amount and sufficiency of groundwater pumped by the Supplier for the past five years.

System supplies n/a Section 6.4.3
x Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(D)
Provide a detailed description and analysis of the amount and location of groundwater that is projected to be pumped.

System supplies 6-9 Section 6.4 and 6.12
x Section 6.1 10631(b)
Identify and quantify the existing and planned sources of water available for 2025, 2030, 2035, 2040, 2045 and optionally 2050.

System supplies 6-8 and 6-9 Sections 6.1 and 6.12
x Section 6.2.7 10631(c)
Describe the opportunities for exchanges or transfers of water on a short-term or long-term basis.

System supplies n/a Section 6.5
x 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 disposalmethods.

System supplies (recycled
water) 6-2 Section 6.7
x Section 6.2.5 10633(b)
Describe the quantity of treated wastewater that meets recycled water standards, is being discharged, and is otherwise available for use in a recycled water project.

System supplies (recycled
water) 6-3 Section 6.7
x Section 6.2.5 10633(c) Describe the recycled water currently being used in the Supplier's service area. System supplies (recycled water) 6-4 n/a x Section 6.2.5 10633(d)
Describe and quantify the potential uses of recycled
water and provide a determination of the technical
and economic feasibility of those uses.

System supplies (recycled
water) 6-4 Section 6.7
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Location
x Section 6.2.5 10633(e)
Describe the projected use of recycled water within
the Supplier's service area at the end of 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, and describe the actual use of recycled water in comparison to uses previously projected.

System supplies (recycled
water) 6-4 and 6-5 Section 6.7
x Section 6.2.5 10633(f)
Describe the actions that may be taken to encouragethe use of recycled water and the projected resultsof these actions in terms of acre-feet of recycled water used per year.

System supplies (recycled
water) 6-6 Section 6.7.2
x Section 6.2.5 10633(g) Provide a plan for optimizing the use of recycled water in the Supplier's service area. System supplies (recycled water) n/a Section 6.7.2 x Section 6.2.6 10631(g) Describe desalinated water project opportunities for long-term supply. System supplies 6-7 Section 6.6 x Section 6.2.10 10631(f)
Describe the expected future water supply projects and programs that may be undertaken by the water Supplier to address water supply reliability in average, single-dry, and for a period of drought lasting five consecutive water years.

System supplies 6-7 Section 6.9
x
Section 6.3 and
Appendix O 10631.2(a) The UWMP must include energy information, as stated in the code, that a Supplier can readily obtain. System suppliers, energy intensity O-1A, O-1B, O-1C, and O-2 Section 6.11 x Section 7.1 10634
Provide information on the quality of existing sources of water available to the Supplier and the manner in which water quality affects water management strategies and supply reliability.

Water supply reliability
assessment n/a Section 7.6
x Section 7.2 10635(a)
Service Reliability Assessment: Assess the water supply reliability during normal, dry, and a drought lasting five consecutive water years by comparing the total water supply sources available to the Supplier with the total projected water use over the next 20 years.

Water supply reliability
assessment
7-2, 7-3, and 7-4 Chapter 7
x Section 7.2.3 10620(f)
Describe water management tools and options to maximize resources and minimize the need to import water from other regions.

Water supply reliability
assessment n/a Section 7.6
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2025 UWMP
Location
x Section 7.3 10635(b)
Provide a drought risk assessment as part of information considered in developing the demand management measures and water supply projects.

Water supply reliability
assessment n/a Section 7.5
x Section 7.3 10635(b)(1)
Include a description of the data, methodology, and
basis for one or more supply shortage conditions that are necessary to conduct a drought risk assessment for a drought period that lasts five consecutive years.

Water supply reliability
assessment n/a Section 7.5
x Section 7.3 10635(b)(2)
Include a determination of the reliability of each source of supply under a variety of water shortage conditions.

Water supply reliability
assessment n/a Sections 7.1 to 7.4
x Section 7.3 10635(b)(3)
Include a comparison of the total water supply sources available to the Supplier with the total projected water use for the drought period.

Water supply reliability
assessment
7-5 Sections 7.3 and 7.4
x Section 7.3 10635(b)(4)
Include considerations of the historical drought hydrology, plausible changes on projected supplies and demands under climate change conditions, anticipated regulatory changes, and other locally applicable criteria.

Water supply reliability
assessment n/a Section 7.7
x Chapter 8 10632(a) Provide a water shortage contingency plan (WSCP) with specified elements below. Water shortage contingency planning n/a Chapter 8 and Appendix H x Chapter 8 10632(a)(1) Provide an analysis of water supply reliability (from Guidebook Chapter 7) in the WSCP. Water shortage contingency planning n/a Appendix H x Section 8.2 10632(a)(2)(A)
Provide the written decision-making process and
other methods that the Supplier will use each year to determine its water reliability.

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
x Section 8.2 10632(a)(2)(B)
Provide data and methodology to evaluate the Supplier’s water reliability for the current year and one dry year pursuant to factors in the code.

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
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x 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 supplyconditions, including percent reductions in supply,changes in groundwater levels, changes in surface elevation, or other conditions. The shortage levelsshall also apply to a catastrophic interruption of supply.

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
x Section 8.3 10632(a)(3)(B)
Suppliers with an existing WSCP that uses different
water shortage levels must cross reference their
categories with the six standard categories.

Water shortage contingency
planning 8-1 Appendix B and H
x Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(A)
Suppliers with WSCPs that align with the defined shortage levels must specify locally appropriate supply augmentation actions.

Water shortage contingency
planning 8-2 Appendix B and H
x Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(B) Specify locally appropriate demand reduction actions to adequately respond to shortages. Water shortage contingency planning 8-3 Appendix B and H x Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(C) Specify locally appropriate operational changes. Water shortage contingency planning 8-2 Appendix B and H x Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(D)
Specify additional mandatory prohibitions against specific water use practices that are in addition to State-mandated prohibitions are appropriate to local conditions.

Water shortage contingency
planning Table 8-3 Appendix B and H
x Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(E)
Estimate the extent to which the gap between supplies and demand will be reduced by implementation of the action.

Water shortage contingency
planning 8-2 and 8-3 Appendix B and H
x Section 8.4.6 10632.5 The UWMP shall include a seismic risk assessment and mitigation plan. Water shortage contingency plan n/a Chapter 8 and Appendix H x Section 8.5 10632(a)(5)(A)
Suppliers must describe that they will inform customers, the public and others regarding any current or predicted water shortages.

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
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x Section 8.5 10632(a)(5)(B), 10632(a)(5)(C)
Suppliers must describe that they will inform customers, the public and others regarding any shortage response actions triggered or anticipated to be triggered and other relevant communications.

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
x Section 8.6 10632(a)(6)
Retail Supplier must describe how it will ensure compliance with and enforce provisions of the WSCP.

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
x Section 8.7 10632(a)(7)(A) Describe the legal authority that empowers the Supplier to enforce shortage response actions. Water shortage contingency planning n/a Appendix H x Section 8.7 10632(a)(7)(B)
Provide a statement that the Supplier will declare a
water shortage emergency per Water Code
Chapter 3. Water Shortage Emergencies .

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
x Section 8.7 10632(a)(7)(C)
Provide a statement that the Supplier will coordinate
with any city or county within which it provides water for the possible proclamation of a local emergency.

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
x Section 8.8 10632(a)(8)(A)
Describe the potential revenue reductions and expense increases associated with activated shortage response actions.

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
x Section 8.8 10632(a)(8)(B)
Provide a description of mitigation actions needed
to address revenue reductions and expense increasesassociated with activated shortage response actions.

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
x Section 8.8 10632(a)(8)(C)
Retail Suppliers must describe the cost of compliance with Water Code Chapter 3.3, Excessive Residential Water Use During Drought .

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
x Section 8.9 10632(a)(9)
Retail Suppliers must describe the monitoring and reporting requirements and procedures that ensure appropriate data are collected, tracked, and analyzed for purposes of monitoring customer compliance.

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
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x Section 8.10 10632(a)(10)
Describe reevaluation and improvement procedures for monitoring and evaluation the WSCP to ensure risk tolerance is adequate and appropriate water shortage mitigation strategies are implemented.

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
x Section 8.11 10632(b)
Analyze and define water features that are artificially supplied with water, including ponds, lakes,
waterfalls, and fountains, separately from swimming
pools and spas.

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Appendix H
x Section 8.12 10632(c)
Make available the WSCP to customers and any city or county where it provides water within 30 days after adoption of the plan.

Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Chapter 10 and Appendix H
x Sections 9.1 10631(e)(1)
Retail Suppliers shall provide a description of the
nature and extent of each demand management measure implemented over the past five years. The description will address specific measures listed in code.

Demand management measures n/a Chapter 9
n/a Sections 9.2 10631(e)(2)
Wholesale Suppliers shall describe specific demand
management measures listed in code, their distribution system asset management program, and Supplier assistance program.

Demand management measures
n/a n/a
x Chapter 10 10608.26(a)
Retail Suppliers shall conduct a public hearing to discuss adoption, implementation, and economic impact of water use targets (recommended to discuss compliance).

Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation n/a Chapter 10 x Section 10.2.1 10621(b)
Notify, at least 60 days prior to the public hearing, any city or county within which the Supplier provides water that the Supplier will be reviewing the UWMP and considering amendments or changes to the plan.

Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation 10-1 Chapter 10 x Section 10.4 10621(f) Each urban water Supplier shall update and submit its 2025 plan to DWR by July 1, 202 6. Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation n/a Chapter 10 City of Santa Maria Utilities Department K - 10
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x
Sections 10.2.2, 10.3, and 10.5 10642
Provide supporting documentation that the Supplier made the UWMP and WSCP available for public inspection, published notice of the public hearing,and held a public hearing about the UWMP and WSCP.

Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation n/a Appendix J x Section 10.2.2 10642
The Supplier is to provide the time and place of the
hearing to any city or county within which the Supplier provides water.

Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation 10-1 Chapter 10 and Appendix J x Section 10.3.2 10642
Provide supporting documentation that the UWMP and WSCP has been adopted as prepared or modified.

Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation n/a Chapter 10 and Appendix J x Section 10.4 10644(a)
Provide supporting documentation that the Supplier has submitted their UWMP to the California State Library.

Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation n/a Chapter 10 and Appendix J x Section 10.4 10644(a)(1)
Provide supporting documentation that the Supplier has submitted their UWMP to any city or county within which the Supplier provides water no later
than 30 days after adoption.

Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation n/a Chapter 10 and Appendix J x
Sections 10.4.1 and 10.4.2 10644(a)(2) The UWMP, or amendments to the UWMP, submitted to DWR shall be submitted electronically. Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation n/a Chapter 10 and Appendix J x Section 10.7.2 10644(b) If revised, submit a copy of the WSCP to DWR within 30 days of adoption. Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation n/a noted x Section 10.5 10645(a)
Provide supporting documentation that, not later than 30 days after filing a copy of its UWMP with DWR, the Supplier has or will make the plan available for public review during normal business hours.

Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation n/a Chapter 10 x Section 10.5 10645(b)
Provide supporting documentation that, not later than 30 days after filing a copy of its WSCP with DWR, the Supplier has or will make the plan available for public review during normal business hours.

Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation n/a Chapter 10 City of Santa Maria Utilities Department K - 11
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x Section 10.6 10621(c)
If Supplier is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission, include its plan and contingency plan as part of its general rate case filings.

Plan adoption, submittal, and implementation n/a n/a
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City of Santa Maria
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
2026 Update
September 2026

ATTACHMENT D
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City of Santa Maria Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Purpose of Plan ........................................................................................................ 2 Chapter 2 – Water Supply Reliability Analysis......................................................................... 3

2.1 Background................................................................................................................... 3

2.2 Sources of Supply ......................................................................................................... 3

2.3 Supply Availability....................................................................................................... 4

2.4 Improvements in Supply and Reliability....................................................................... 5 Chapter 3 – Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures.............................. 6

3.1 Decision Making Process.............................................................................................. 6

3.2 Data Inputs and Assessment Methodology ................................................................... 7

3.3 Infrastructure Capabilities and Constraints ................................................................... 8 Chapter 4 – Water Shortage Stages............................................................................................ 9 Chapter 5 – Shortage Response Actions................................................................................... 10

5.1 Response Actions by Water Shortage Stage................................................................ 10

5.2 Catastrophic Supply Interruption................................................................................ 11

5.3 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan............................................................ 11

5.4 Locally Appropriate Supply Augmentation Actions................................................... 12

5.5 Locally Appropriate Operational Changes................................................................. 13

5.6 Gap Between Supply and Demand.............................................................................. 13 Chapter 6 – Community Outreach............................................................................................ 14 Chapter 7 – Customer Compliance and Enforcement ............................................................ 15 Chapter 8 – Legal Authority of the Plan .................................................................................. 16

8.1 Declaring a Water Shortage Emergency...................................................................... 16

8.2 Coordination with other Cities and Counties............................................................... 16 Chapter 9 – Revenue Reductions and Expense Increases....................................................... 17

9.1 Potential Revenue Reductions and Expense Increases................................................ 17

9.2 Mitigation Actions ...................................................................................................... 17

9.3 Cost Compliance......................................................................................................... 17 Chapter 10 – Monitoring and Reporting Requirements......................................................... 18 Chapter 11 – Monitoring and Evaluating the Plan.................................................................. 19 Chapter 12 - References ............................................................................................................. 20 ii | P a g e
List of Tables
Table 1: Water Shortage Contingency Plan Requirements..............................................................2 Table 2: Planned Water Supplies for the City of Santa Maria.........................................................4 Table 3: City of Santa Maria Water Supply – Projected Reliability for 2045.................................4 Table 4: City of Santa Maria Projected Population and Water Demand .........................................7 Table 5: Total City of Santa Maria Demand....................................................................................7 Table 6: Water Shortage Stages.......................................................................................................9 City of Santa Maria Water Shortage Contingency Plan
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Definitions
The following words and phrases whenever used in the Water Shortage Contingency Plan will have the meaning defined in this Section:
“Customer” means any person, business, corporation, public or private entity, public or private association, public or private agency, government agency or institution, school district, college, or any other user of water provided by the City of Santa Maria. “Days” are defined as calendar days, unless otherwise indicated. “City” means the City of Santa Maria.
“Water Conservation” means the efficient management of water resources for beneficial uses, preventing waste or accomplishing additional benefits with the same amount of water. “Water” will refer to potable water, unless otherwise specified. “WSCP” refers to this City of Santa Maria Water Shortage Contingency Plan as readopted or amended from time to time.

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Chapter 1 – Purpose of Plan
Water shortage contingency planning is a strategic planning process to prepare for and respond to water shortages. Effective planning and preparation helps the City of Santa Maria (City) maintain reliable supplies and reduce the impacts of supply interruptions.

The City first adopted its 2005 Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) in 2007 and updated that plan over time to reflect new requirements and water supply conditions. This update to the WSCP was prepared in conjunction with the City’s 2025 Urban Water Management Plan.

The purpose of the City’s WSCP is to provide a methodology for analyzing water supply reliability, to establish water shortage levels, identify appropriate response actions, and document protocols for enforcing the WSCP. The City’s policy is to maximize efficient use of its water resources and adequately maintain water supply under varying levels of availability, with a focus on ensuring public health and safety.

This WSCP was prepared according to requirements in Sections 10632 & 10635 of the California Water Code. Table 1showsthe required components of a WSCP, the relevant water code section, and where they are found in this document.

Table 1: Water Shortage Contingency Plan Requirements
Topic CA Water Code Section WSCP Section
Water Supply Reliability Analysis WC 10632 (a.1) Section 2 Annual Assessment Procedures WC 10632 (a.2) Section 2
Water Shortage Levels WC 10632 (a.3) Section 3
Shortage Response Actions WC 10632 (a.4) Section 4
Communication Protocols WC 10632 (a.5) Section 5
Compliance and Enforcement WC 10632 (a.6) Section 6
Legal Authority WC 10632 (a.7) Section 7
Financial Consequences of WSCP WC 10632 (a.8) Section 8 Monitoring and Reporting WC 10632 (a.9) Section 9
WSCP Refinement Procedures WC 10632 (a.10) Section 10
City of Santa Maria Water Shortage Contingency Plan
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Chapter 2 – Water Supply Reliability Analysis

2.1 Background
The City of Santa Maria is located in the Santa Maria Valley of Santa Barbara County, approximately 180 miles north of Los Angeles. The City has cool winters and mild summers with an average annual rainfall of about 13 inches. The rainy season is from November to March and low humidity occurs from the months of May to October. The moderately hot and dry weather during the summer months typically results in moderately high-water demand during this time.

The City provides water distribution services to Santa Maria and some nearby areas outside of city limits. The City’s population that is served within the boundaries is estimated at 112,208 in 2025 and is expected to reach 131,788 by 2050. The service area boundary includes developed and undeveloped land to the west, south, and east of the City’s center. A portion of the City’s service area lies outside the Santa Maria city limits, within unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County. The service area is primarily characterized by residential and commercial land use.

2.2 Sources of Supply
Historically, the City has pumped water from the Santa Maria Valley Groundwater Basin (Basin), DWR Basin No. 3-12, as its primary water supply. The City began receiving State Water Project (SWP) water from the Central Coast Water Authority (CCWA) in 1997. The SWP water augments local groundwater supplies and is generally higher quality water.

The City’s rights to rely on Basin water resources for pumping and recharge are governed by a judgement and settlement agreement (Stipulation) finalized before the Santa Clara County Superior Court (Santa Maria Valley Water Conservation District vs. City of Santa Maria, et al., Case no. 770214).

Groundwater supply information is based on this case, commonly known as the “Santa Maria Groundwater Adjudication”.

Under the Santa Maria Groundwater Adjudication, the City derives its water supply from: (1) imported water from the SWP and the associated return flows that may be recaptured from the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin; (2) assigned rights to groundwater from the Santa Maria Groundwater Basin; and (3) a share of the yield of Twitchell Reservoir operations. The imported water supply is obtained from the SWP through a contract with CCWA. Groundwater is currently pumped from a total of seven active groundwater wells in the Basin. The City’s usable wells have a total normal year active capacity of about 13,830 acre-feet per year (ac-ft/yr). The average production between 2021 and 2025 was 8,780 ac-ft/yr. The City is actively working to increase groundwater pumping capacity to access the City’s water rights and allow the well field to meet summer demands if State Water is unavailable.

Water supply availability has not been affected by season of the year, nor is it expected to be impacted by season in the future. There is no evidence of decreased well field production in the summer months.

For State Water, allocation is based on the calendar year. Early predictions of the final allocation are released around the start of the calendar year and tend to be conservative estimates. The final allocation may not be issued until June; however, careful balancing of water resources, groundwater, carryover water, and State Water allow for the water use to be spread throughout the year.

City of Santa Maria Water Shortage Contingency Plan
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Table 2: Planned Water Supplies for the City of Santa Maria Source Total AFY
Entitlement(3)
Reasonably Available Volume (AFY)
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Available SWP Water(1) 17,820 9,445 9,088 8,910 8,554 8,197 Groundwater(2) 30,143 19,480 21,740 21,740 21,740 21,740 Total 47,963 28,925 30,828 30,650 30,294 29,937
Notes: