CITY OF SIGNAL HILL
STAFF REPORT
2175 Cherry Avenue • Signal
Hill, California 90755-3799
7/12/2022
AGENDA ITEM
TO:
HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:
THOMAS BEKELE
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUBJECT:
RESOLUTION ADOPTING WATER CONSERVATION EMERGENCY REGULATIONS Summary:
On March 28, 2022, Governor Newsom signed Executive Order N-7-22 directing the California State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) to adopt emergency regulations to increase water conservation. On May 24, 2022, the Water Board adopted emergency regulations to reduce water demand and improve water conservation. These regulations went into effect on June 10, 2022. The City of Signal Hill must now comply with the State mandate and implement all demand reduction measures identified in Level II of the City’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan. To do so, the City Council will consider adopting a resolution enacting Level II Water Conservation Measures.
Recommendation:
Adopt a resolution, entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIGNAL HILL, CALIFORNIA,
DECLARING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF LEVEL II WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES
PURSUANT TO REGULATIONS IMPOSED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action. Sufficient funds are available within the Water Department Budget for public outreach and education.
Strategic Plan Objectives:
Goal No. 5: Ensure an enhanced quality of life for the residents.
CITY OF SIGNAL HILL Page 1 of 3 Printed on 7/8/2022
powered by Legistar™
7/12/2022
Background and Analysis:
Since the 2012-2016 California Drought, the City has been operating at Level 1 water conservation efforts as approved by City Council in July 2016. Level 1 restrictions limit watering of non-functioning turf to three days per week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) and establish an obligation to fix leaks within 72 hours of notification.
Over the last three years, California has experienced drought conditions throughout the State, highlighted by the proclaimed drought states of emergency on April 11, 2021, May 10, 2021, July 8, 2021 and October 19, 2021. On March 28, 2022, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-7-22 directing the Water Board to consider adopting emergency regulations for urban water conservation that included the following:
1. That each urban water supplier submit to the Department of Water Resources a preliminary annual water supply and demand assessment no later than June 1, 2022.
2. That each urban water supplier that has submitted a water shortage contingency plan to the Department of Water Resources implement, at minimum, the water shortage response actions for a shortage level up to 20% (Level 2) by the date set.
3. That the Water Board define "non-functional" turf (turf that is ornamental and not used for human recreation purposes) and ban all irrigation of "non-functional" turf in the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors.
The Water Board’s adopted emergency regulations that went into effect on June 10, 2022. In order to remain in compliance with the state-mandated water conservation efforts, the City Council must adopt a resolution moving the City into Level 2 status as defined under the City’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan adopted December 2021 and implement all demand reduction measures identified for Level 2.
Level 2 water conservation restrictions include the following:
1. Limits on Watering Hours: Watering or irrigating any lawn or landscape with potable water is prohibited between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pacific Time except under certain conditions. Watering or irrigating is only allowed two days per week on Tuesday and Saturday.
2. Use of automated outdoor irrigation is prohibited within 48 hours following measurable rainfall.
3. Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks, or Malfunctions: Excessive use, loss, or escape of water through leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the water user's plumbing must be repaired within 48 hours unless arrangements have been made with the City.
4. Limits on Washing Vehicles: Using potable water to wash vehicles is prohibited except by use of a handheld bucket or similar container and hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
5. Limits on Filling Residential Swimming Pools and Spas: Initial Filling of residential swimming pools or outdoor spas with potable water is prohibited. Re-filling a residential pool or spa more than one-foot is prohibited.
6. Limits on Filling Ornamental Lakes or Ponds: Filling or re-filling ornamental lakes or ponds is prohibited, except to the extent needed to sustain aquatic life that has been actively managed within the water feature prior to declaration of a supply shortage level under this ordinance.
In addition to Level 2 conservation efforts, the Water Board implemented a new requirement prohibiting commercial, industrial, and institutional sites from watering non-functional turf with potable CITY OF SIGNAL HILL Page 2 of 3 Printed on 7/8/2022 powered by Legistar™
7/12/2022
prohibiting commercial, industrial, and institutional sites from watering non-functional turf with potable water. Non-Functional Turf is defined as ground cover surface of mowed grass that is solely ornamental and not otherwise used for human recreation purposes or for civic or community events and excludes sports and school fields. A violation of this ban could result in a fine by the Water Board of up to five hundred dollars ($500) for each day in which the violation occurs.
Based on the Governor’s Executive Order and the emergency regulations, these restrictions will remain in effect for at least one year or until the drought state of emergency is rescinded or otherwise amended. If statewide drought conditions persist, movement to higher conservation levels may have to be adopted by the City.
The City is also required to enforce the Emergency Drought Regulations. Enforcement actions by the City will be consistent with Signal Hill Municipal Code 13.03.100 as follows:
1. First Violation - The City will issue a written warning and deliver a copy of the regulation by certified mail.
2. Second Violation - A second violation within a 12-month period is punishable by a fine not to exceed $100.
3. Third Violation - A third violation within a 12-month period is punishable by a fine not to exceed $200.
4. Fourth and Subsequent Violation - A fourth and any subsequent violation within a 12-month period is punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.
The Water Board may assess a separate fine or penalty based on the nature of violation.
The City will continue actively seeking rebate programs and other grant opportunities provided by the California Water Board, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Metropolitan Water District, and other agencies that may provide financial assistance. Residents and business are encouraged to visit the City’s website in the coming weeks for more information regarding grants and rebates.
Approved:
_________________________
Hannah Shin-Heydorn
Attachment
CITY OF SIGNAL HILL Page 3 of 3 Printed on 7/8/2022
powered by Legistar™