RESOLUTION NO. 1255
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES RECOMMENDING THAT THE
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA ROSA REQUEST CUSTOMERS REDUCE WATER USE BY 20% THROUGH VOLUNTARY CONSERVATION MEASURES
WHEREAS, California is experiencing record low rainfall and extremely dry conditions throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, the historical dry conditions have resulted in unprecedented low storage levels in Lake Mendocino (43% of capacity) for this time of year, despite a Temporary Urgency Change Order being issued in February 2021 by the State Water Resources Control Board enabling lower in stream releases to the Upper Russian River to preserve lake storage; and WHEREAS, storage levels in Lake Sonoma on Dry Creek (62% of capacity) are significantly below normal and it will be necessary to file a Temporary Urgency Change Petition to address Lake Sonoma storage conditions; and
WHEREAS, on April 21, 2021, the Governor of the State of California proclaimed a regional drought emergency for the Russian River Watershed in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties related to the drought conditions affecting the Russian River Watershed; and WHEREAS, the Water Advisory Committee to Sonoma Water, on May 3, 2021, adopted a resolution requesting residents to increase water use efficiency by fixing leaks and eliminating unnecessary outdoor irrigation and to voluntarily reduce water use by 20% due to lingering drought conditions in the entire Russian River Watershed; and WHEREAS, Santa Rosa Water has had a more than 30 year long standing commitment to water conservation, achieving sustainable savings of over 7,100 acre-feet per year; and WHEREAS, Santa Rosa Water is a partner in the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership which has embarked upon a regional water efficiency outreach campaign entitled “Drought is Here. Save Water.” The campaign is designed to increase water awareness and reduce water use; and
WHEREAS, Santa Rosa Water Use Efficiency Program has developed a series of water use efficiency recommendations to reduce water use through voluntary conservation measures targeting elimination of water waste and increased water use efficiency.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Public Utilities recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution requesting that all potable water customers of the City of Santa Rosa use water efficiently, eliminate water waste, and reduce less essential uses of water to achieve a 20% reduction in water use through voluntary conservation.
Attachment 1
DULY AND REGULARLY ADOPTED by the City of Santa Rosa Board of Public Utilities this 6th day of May, 2021.
AYES: (5) GALVIN, BADENFORT, GRABILL, WALSH AND WRIGHT
NOES: (0)
ABSENT: (2) ARNONE AND WATTS
ABSTAIN: (0)
APPROVED: _______/S/__________________________
Daniel J. Galvin III
Chairman
ATTEST:________/S/________________________
Roberta Atha, Recording Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
____/S/___________________
City Attorney