Agenda packet — Soledad City Council, June 17, 2026 (part 2 of 3)

and streambed alteration regulatory authority (Fish and Game Code, § 1600 et seq.).

Likewise, to the extent implementation of the Plan as proposed may result in “take” as defined by State law of any species protected under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) (Fish & G. Code, § 2050 et seq.), related authorization as provided by the Fish and Game Code may be required.

Unlisted Species: Species of plants and animals need not be officially listed as Endangered, Rare, or Threatened (E, R, or T) on any State or federal list to be considered E, R, or T under CEQA. If a species can be shown to meet the criteria for E, R, or T, as specified in the CEQA Guidelines section 15380, CDFW recommends it be fully considered in the environmental analysis for the Project.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Proponent: Nino Homes at Almond Acres Inc
Objective: The Project proposes to subdivide three parcels (A, B, and C), and a 55-lot single-family subdivision. A new 12-unit, multi-family apartment building would be constructed on Parcel B (0.38 acres), and stormwater improvements would be constructed on Parcel C (0.41 acres). As part of the Project, a 55-lot single-family subdivision would be constructed on the balance of the site (5.31 acres). Forty-seven of the single-family lots would be 4,250 square feet or less, with the remaining eight lots ranging from 4,500 to 7,358 square feet. A total of 67 units are planned. New internal roads would be constructed within the Project site to access all parcels and individual lots.

Location: The Project is located at 315 Orchard Lane, within Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 022-281-005.

COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
CDFW offers the following comments and recommendations to assist the City of Soledad in adequately identifying and/or mitigating the Project’s significant, or potentially significant, direct and indirect impacts on fish and wildlife (biological) resources. Editorial comments or other suggestions may also be included to improve the DEIR prepared for this Project.

CDFW originally commented on the Project’s Notice of Preparation (NOP) on April 22, 2025, and provided recommendations pertaining to the State candidate Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), the State species of special concern American badger (Taxidea taxus), and the California Rare Plant Rank (CRPR) 1B.1 Congdon’s Tarplant (Centromadia parryi ssp. Congdonii), and federally threatened and CRPR 1B.2 Monterey spineflower (Chorizanthe pungens var. pungens). After a review of the DEIR, CDFW has concerns about the ability of some the proposed mitigation measures to Docusign Envelope ID: 5189B80A-C357-4052-82BC-2B722EE7288F ___________________________ 1 293
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reduce impacts to less than significant and avoid unauthorized take for several specialstatus species, including Crotch’s bumble bee and Congdon’s Tarplant.

Crotch’s Bumble bee
CDFW previously recommended a habitat assessment be conducted as part of the biological studies to inform the DEIR. The DEIR notes that a reconnaissance-level biological survey was conducted on October 11, 2024, after most floral resources had senesced. No additional surveys were performed beyond the October 11, 2024, survey.

Appendix C of the DEIR concludes a low probability of Crotch’s Bumble Bee (CBB) presence due to marginal habitat—open undeveloped areas and urban landscaping— with few nectar plants and minimal nesting sites such as burrows, vegetation tufts, and construction debris. However, since the survey occurred after most floral resources would have senesced, the availability of nectar resources may not accurately reflect onsite conditions during peak bloom. As such, CDFW recommends the following:

Recommended Mitigation Measure 1: CBB Habitat Assessment CDFW recommends a qualified biologist conduct a habitat assessment during the appropriate time of year to determine if the entire Project site and the immediate surrounding vicinity contain habitat suitable to support CBB. Potential nesting sites, which include all small mammal burrows, perennial bunch grasses, thatched annual grasses, brush piles, old bird nests, dead trees, and hollow logs would need to be documented as part of the assessment.

Recommended Mitigation Measure 2: CBB Surveys Prior to Construction If potentially suitable habitat is identified, regardless of what time of year Project activities will be conducted, CDFW recommends that a qualified biologist conduct focused surveys for CBB and their requisite habitat features following the methodology outlined in the Survey Considerations for California Endangered Species Act Candidate Bumble Bee Species (CDFW 2023).

Recommended Mitigation Measure 3: CBB Avoidance
If CBB is detected, CDFW recommends that all small mammal burrows and thatched/bunch grasses be avoided by a minimum of 50 feet to avoid take and potentially significant impacts. If ground-disturbing activities will occur during the overwintering period (October through February), consultation with CDFW is warranted to discuss how to implement Project activities and avoid take. Any detection of CBB prior to or during Project implementation warrants consultation with CDFW to discuss how to avoid take.

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Recommended Mitigation Measure 4: CBB Take Authorization If take cannot be avoided, CDFW recommends acquiring an Incidental Take Permit (ITP) pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 2081(b), prior to initiating ground-disturbing activities.

Congdon’s Tarplant
Appendix C of the DEIR states there’s a low probability of Congdon’s tarplant presence within the Project site but notes the site contains suitable habitat. Appendix C notes that there is low probability for Congdon’s tarplant as no individuals were observed during the reconnaissance-level biological survey on October 11, 2024.

The blooming period for Congdon’s tarplant is generally considered to be from May to October. The peak blooming period would be in late summer, and as the reconnaissance survey was timed near the end of the species bloom period, CDFW recommends conducting additional botanical surveys prior to construction. CDFW recommends these surveys be timed during the Congdon’s tarplant’s appropriate bloom period (May to October), with at least one survey conducted during the peak bloom period (July) and that nearby reference populations be utilized to facilitate the likelihood of field investigations occurring during the appropriate floristic period. CDFW also recommends the following:

Recommended Mitigation Measure 5: Special-Status Plant Avoidance CDFW recommends special-status plant species be avoided whenever possible by delineation and observing a no-disturbance buffer of at least 50 feet from the outer edge of the plant population(s) or specific habitat type(s) required by special-status plant species. If buffers cannot be maintained, then consultation with CDFW is warranted to determine appropriate minimization and mitigation measures for impacts to special-status plant species.

Recommended Mitigation Measure 6: Special-Status Plant Take Authorization If a State-listed plant species is identified during botanical surveys, consultation with CDFW is warranted to determine if the Project can avoid take. If take cannot be avoided, take authorization would need to occur through issuance of an ITP, pursuant to Fish and Game Code section 2081 subdivision (b), or Fish and Game Code section 1900 and California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 786.9.

EDITORIAL NOTES AND SUGGESTIONS
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California Natural Diversity Database
Please note that the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) is populated by and records voluntary submissions of species detections. As a result, species may be present in locations not depicted in the CNDDB but where there is suitable habitat and features capable of supporting species. A lack of an occurrence record in the CNDDB does not mean a species is not present. In order to adequately assess any potential Project-related impacts to biological resources, surveys conducted by a qualified biologist/botanist during the appropriate survey period(s) and using the appropriate protocol survey methodology are warranted in order to determine whether or not any special-status species are present at or near the Project site.

ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
CEQA requires that information developed in environmental impact reports and negative declarations be incorporated into a database, which may be used to make subsequent or supplemental environmental determinations (Pub. Resources Code, § 21003, subd. (e)). Accordingly, please report any special-status species and natural communities detected during Project surveys to the CNDDB. The CNDDB field survey form can be found at the following link: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data.

The completed form can be mailed electronically to CNDDB at the following email address: [email protected]. The types of information reported to CNDDB can be found at the following link: https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Plants-and-Animals.

FILING FEES
The Project, as proposed, would have an impact on fish and/or wildlife, and assessment of filing fees is necessary. Fees are payable upon filing of the Notice of Determination by the Lead Agency and serve to help defray the cost of environmental review by CDFW. Payment of the fee is required in order for the underlying project approval to be operative, vested, and final (Cal. Code Regs, tit. 14, § 753.5; Fish & G. Code, § 711.4; Pub. Resources Code, § 21089).

CONCLUSION
CDFW appreciates the opportunity to comment on the DEIR to assist the City of Soledad in identifying and mitigating this Project’s impacts on biological resources.

More information on survey and monitoring protocols for sensitive species can be found at CDFW’s website (https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Survey-Protocols). Please see the enclosed, Attachment 1, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) table, which corresponds with recommended mitigation measures in this comment letter. Questions regarding this letter or further coordination should be directed to Evelyn Docusign Envelope ID: 5189B80A-C357-4052-82BC-2B722EE7288F ______________________ 3 ______________________
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Barajas-Perez, Environmental Scientist, at (805) 503-5738 or evelyn.barajas[email protected].

Sincerely,
Julie A. Vance
Regional Manager

ATTACHMENT
ec: State Clearinghouse
Governor’s Office of Planning and Research
[email protected]
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REFERENCES
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2023. Survey considerations for California Endangered Species Act (CESA) candidate bumble bee species. Sacramento, California, USA.

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Attachment 1

CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM (MMRP)
PROJECT: Almond Acres
SCH No.: 2025030381

RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURE STATUS/DATE/INITIALS
Before Disturbing Soil or Vegetation
Crotch’s bumble bee (CBB)
Recommended Mitigation Measure 1:

CBB Habitat Assessment
Recommended Mitigation Measure 2:

CBB Surveys Prior to Construction
Recommended Mitigation Measure 4:

CBB Take Authorization
Congdon’s Tarplant
Recommended Mitigation Measure 6:

Special-Status Plant Take Authorization
During Construction
Crotch’s bumble bee (CBB)
Recommended Mitigation Measure 3:

CBB Avoidance
Congdon’s Tarplant
Recommended Mitigation Measure 5:

Special-Status Plant Avoidance
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Section 2.0 Draft EIR Comments and Responses 2-17 EMC Planning Group Almond Acres Final EIR April 2026
Letter 3 – California Department of Fish and Wildlife

1. CDFW recommends additional discussion and mitigation for the potential presence of Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii).

The initial study in Appendix A of the draft EIR includes a section on biological resources. A site visit was conducted on October 11, 2024, to document existing plant communities/wildlife habitats and assess the suitability of the site to support special-status species. A second site visit was conducted on September 17, 2025, to address this comment letter.

Although this species is a generalist and, if present, could utilize non-native bur clover (Medicago polymorpha), sweet clover (Melilotos sp.), or native California poppies (Eschscholzia californica) present in small quantities at the site, habitat quality at the site is considered low to very low.

Potential nesting habitat is limited and no bumble bees of any species were observed during the site visits. The nearest historical observation of Crotch’s bumble bee recorded in the California Natural Diversity Database is from 1964 with a general location of “near the Salinas River,” approximately 1.4 miles from the project site (Occurrence No. 38, CDFW 2025). According to Bumble Bee Watch, a citizen science project documenting observations of bumble bee species throughout the country, the closest recent observations of Crotch’s bumble bee are found in Paicines and Tres Piños, more than twenty miles from the project site.

The project site is located in an urban area, with the nearest non-developed habitats (agricultural fields) located 1,200 feet to the east, the Salinas River located 1.4 miles to the southwest and foothill grassland located 1.5 miles to the east. The urban nature of the project area, combined with the distance to recent observations of the species and potential contiguous habitats, indicate this species is unlikely to occur within the project area. Additional mitigation measures are not recommended.

2. CDFW recommends additional discussion and mitigation for the potential presence of Congdon’s tarplant (Centromadia parryi spp. congdonii).

Congdon’s tarplant is a low-growing annual herb that typically blooms May to October, with peak blooming from late summer to early fall. It is found on a range of substrates and is tolerant of disturbed and ruderal (weedy) areas, often occurring in patches of non-native grassland. The closest documented occurrence was recorded in 1998 approximately four miles northeast of the project site (Occurrence No. 30, CDFW 2025). Both the site visit in 2024 and the follow up site 300
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visit in 2025 occurred during the blooming period for this species. The site was systematically searched for Congdon’s tarplant and none were observed. Additional mitigation measures are not recommended.

3. CDFW notes that a lack of an occurrence record in the California Natural Diversity Database does not mean a species is not present.

This comment is acknowledged. Please see the responses to comments 1 and 2 above regarding biologists site investigations and conclusions.

4. CDFW notes that CEQA requires that information developed in environmental impact reports and negative declarations be incorporated into California Natural Diversity Database, which may be used to make subsequent or supplemental environmental determinations.

No observations of special-status species were identified during either of the site investigations, and therefore, there is no information to incorporate into the database.

5. CDFW notes that the project would have an impact on fish and/or wildlife and an assessment of filing fees is necessary.

This comment is acknowledged.

Sources
Bumble Bee Watch. 2025. Bumble Bee Maps. Accessed September 2025. https://www.bumblebeewatch.org/
California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 2025. California Natural Diversity Database.

Accessed September 2025.
https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/rarefind/view/RareFind.aspx 301
CEQA Findings
Almond Acres
SCH# 2025030381
November 25, 2025
Prepared by
EMC Planning Group
Exhibit B
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This document was produced on recycled paper.

CEQA FINDINGS

ALMOND ACRES
SCH# 2025030381

PREPARED FOR
City of Soledad
Ariana Mora, Senior Planner
248 Main Street
Soledad, CA 93960
Tel 831.223.5020
[email protected]

PREPARED BY
EMC Planning Group Inc.
601 Abrego Street
Monterey, CA 93940
Tel 831.649.1799
Fax 831.649.8399
Ron Sissem, Senior Principal
[email protected]
www.emcplanning.com
November 25, 2025
304
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Table of Contents

CEQA FINDINGS OF FACT AND STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING
CONSIDERATIONS – ALMOND ACRES EIR.............................................................. 1 I. Environmental Review Process............................................................................................... 1 II. Project Description ................................................................................................................... 2 III. Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations Background................................. 4 IV. Findings for Significant Environmental Impacts Mitigated to a Less-thanSignificant Level......................................................................................................................... 6 V. Findings for Environmental Impacts that are Significant and Unavoidable .................. 15 VI. Findings Regarding Alternatives to the Proposed Project and the City Council’s Decision to Reject the Alternatives ...................................................................................... 16 VII. Statement of Overriding Considerations ............................................................................. 18 VIII. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program.................................................................. 21 IX. Record of the Proceedings..................................................................................................... 21 306
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CEQA Findings of Fact and
Statement of Overriding Considerations –
Almond Acres EIR
I. Environmental Review Process
CEQA (PRC Section 21000 et seq.) requires state and local government agencies to consider the environmental consequences of projects for which they have discretionary authority. This document, which has been prepared in compliance with the requirements of CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations Title 14 Section 15000 et seq.), sets forth the findings of the City of Soledad (hereafter referred to as “City”), the lead agency under CEQA, regarding the Almond Acres Project (also referred to as the “project” or “proposed project”).

The primary source of information for this document is the Final Environmental Impact Report (Final EIR; SCH #2025030381) for the proposed project, and the documents that have been incorporated into the Final EIR directly or by reference. Full descriptions of the proposed project, its associated environmental impacts, mitigation measures, project alternatives, and other information required under CEQA are contained in the Final EIR. The Final EIR consists of the Draft EIR and the responses to comments on the Draft EIR.

To determine the scope of the Draft EIR, the City prepared an initial study. The initial study can be found as Appendix A to the Draft EIR. The initial study identified several potentially significant impacts of the project and includes mitigation measures to reduce those impacts to less than significant. However, the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) impact was found to be significant and unavoidable. Thus, the initial study was used to focus the Draft EIR on the topic of VMT. The determinations of impact significance for project are, therefore, found in both the initial study in Appendix A of the Draft EIR and in the body of the Draft EIR for VMT. The City then prepared a Notice of Preparation (NOP). On March 10, 2025, the NOP was distributed to trustee and responsible agencies, members of the public, other interested parties, and the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (formerly named the California State Clearinghouse). This began the 30-day public review period, which ended on April 10, 2025. Written responses to the NOP were received from the following:

1. Native American Heritage Commission, March 11, 2025;

2. Monterey-Salinas Transit, March 25, 2025;

3. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, April 2, 2025;
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4. Pacific Gas and Electric Company, April 8, 2025;

5. California Department of Transportation – District 5, April 8, 2025;

6. Monterey Bay Air Resources District, April 9, 2025; and

7. California Department of Fish and Wildlife, April 22, 2025.

Comments received in response to the NOP were considered during preparation of the Final EIR and are included in their entirety in that document.

The Draft EIR, with an accompanying Notice of Completion (NOC), was circulated to the State Clearinghouse, trustee agencies, responsible agencies, other government agencies, and interested members of the public for a 45-day review period, extending from June 27, 2025 through August 11, 2025.

Comments on the Draft EIR, a list of commenters, and the City’s responses to comments are contained in the Final EIR, dated November 5, 2025. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section15088(b), the Final EIR was made available for review by agencies and interests that provided written comments on the Final EIR for at least 10 days prior to the City Council public hearing at which the City Council considered certifying the Final EIR.

The Final EIR consists of the following:

A. Draft Environmental Impact Report (“Draft EIR”), dated June 9, 2025; B. All appendices to the Draft EIR;
C. Final EIR, dated November 2025, containing all written comments and responses on the Draft EIR and refinements and clarifications to the Draft EIR; D. All comments and City responses entered into the record in writing, as well as accompanying technical memoranda or evidence entered into the record; and The Final EIR did not provide any significant new information regarding the proposed project or cumulative impacts or mitigation measures beyond that contained in the Draft EIR.

II. Project Description
For the complete project description, refer to Draft EIR Section 4.0, Project Description. Key elements of the project description are summarized below to inform review of these CEQA findings.

Project Location
The Almond Acres project site is located in the eastern portion of the City of Soledad on 12.48 acres. The project site fronts Orchard Lane and is located between Cedar Lane and Calle Valverde, 309
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consisting of undeveloped non-native annual grassland and ruderal vegetation. Eighteen mobile homes are located in the southwestern portion of the property that would remain. Three on-site houses from Orchard Lane – these homes would be removed. The site slopes mildly from northeast to southeast, with ranges in elevation from approximately 234 feet in the northeast to approximately 224 feet in the southwest.

The project site is bordered by residences to the north and east, San Vicente Elementary School to the south, and Gabilan Elementary School and the Soledad Community Center to the west.

Project Objectives
The underlying purpose of the project is to support the City’s projected growth needs consistent with the General Plan. The objectives are based on the applicant’s vision for developing the site as anticipated by the General Plan and consistent with the zoning designation of the site. The objectives are as follows:
 Design the project using the development standard flexibility allowed per the City’s Planned Unit Development regulations to maximize compatibility of new development with existing adjacent land uses;
 Utilize the City’s Planned Unit Development regulations to enable developing a portion of the site as multi-family residential (senior/affordable housing) to meet the City’s inclusionary housing requirements and deliver housing in critical need;  Develop market rate single-family housing consistent with the General Plan land use designation for the site; and
 Reduce environmental impacts of development by building new housing on a degraded infill site that is centrally located in the city.

Project Characteristics
The applicant has submitted an application for a vesting tentative subdivision map (TSM 2024-01) to subdivide the site into three parcels (A, B, and C), and a 55-lot single-family subdivision. The existing mobile home park would be retained on Parcel A (3.32 acres). A new 12-unit, multi-family affordable housing apartment building is planned on Parcel B (0.38 acres), and stormwater improvements would be installed on Parcel C (0.41 acres). The single-family subdivision would be constructed on 5.31 acres, with the 3.06-acre balance of the site comprised of new internal roadways.

Forty-seven of the single-family lots would be 4,250 square feet or less, with the remaining eight lots ranging from 4,500 to 7,358 square feet. A total of 67 units are planned.

A Planned Unit Development approval is also required to allow for the site planning flexibility being proposed.
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Roadway and Stormwater Facilities
New internal roads would be constructed to access all parcels and individual lots. Existing Cardena Drive would be extended west into the site to terminate in a cul-de-sac. Streets A and B would extend south from Cardena Drive with a Street C cul-de-sac constructed east from Street B. Cedar Lane is an existing street that traverses about half of the southern site boundary from. It would be improved to City standards to provide a second access to Orchard Lane. All new streets would be 50 feet wide, with two 12-foot travel lanes, two 8-foot parking lanes and 5-foot sidewalks on both sides.

A bio-retention facility is planned on Parcel C to be consistent with stormwater management and water quality control requirements. Underground stormwater chambers would be placed here and sized to retain greater than the 95th percentile rain events and runoff to predevelopment levels for a 100-year storm event.

III. Findings and Statement of Overriding Considerations Background
The content of sections IV through IX of this finding and statement of overriding considerations document generally follow direction provided in CEQA Guidelines Section 15091, Findings:
15091. FINDINGS
(a) No public agency shall approve or carry out a project for which an EIR has been certified which identifies one or more significant environmental effects of the project unless the public agency makes one or more written findings for each of those significant effects, accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale for each finding. The possible findings are:
(1) Changes or alterations have been required in, or incorporated into, the project which avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the final EIR.
(2) Such changes or alterations are within the responsibility and jurisdiction of another public agency and not the agency making the finding. Such changes have been adopted by such other agency or can and should be adopted by such other agency.
(3) Specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other considerations, including provision of employment opportunities for highly trained workers, make infeasible the mitigation measures or project alternatives identified in the final EIR.
(b) The findings required by subdivision (a) shall be supported by substantial evidence in the record.
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(c) The finding in subdivision (a)(2) shall not be made if the agency making the finding has concurrent jurisdiction with another agency to deal with identified feasible mitigation measures or alternatives. The finding in subdivision (a)(3) shall describe the specific reasons for rejecting identified mitigation measures and project alternatives.
(d) When making the findings required in subdivision (a)(1), the agency shall also adopt a program for reporting on or monitoring the changes which it has either required in the project or made a condition of approval to avoid or substantially lessen significant environmental effects. These measures must be fully enforceable through permit conditions, agreements, or other measures. (e) The public agency shall specify the location and custodian of the documents or other material which constitute the record of the proceedings upon which its decision is based.
(f) A statement made pursuant to Section 15093 does not substitute for the findings required by this section.

The findings and statement of overriding considerations provide the written analysis and conclusions of the City Council regarding the environmental impacts of the project, the mitigation measures for those impacts, and alternatives to the proposed project.

In consideration of making these findings and determinations, the City Council has considered the opinions of other agencies and members of the public, including opinions that disagree with some of the analysis and, to the extent they are indirectly implicated, the significance thresholds used in the Final EIR. The City Council finds that the determination of significance thresholds is a judgment within the discretion of the City Council; the significance thresholds used in the Final EIR are supported by substantial evidence in the record, including the expert opinion of the Final EIR preparers and City of Soledad staff; and the significance thresholds used in the Final EIR provide reasonable and appropriate means of assessing the significance of the adverse environmental effects of the project.

The initial study in Appendix A of the Draft EIR, which is incorporated into the Final EIR, identified the potential for the project to cause significant environmental impacts in the areas of: air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, and noise. The City Council finds that the feasible mitigation measures for these impacts identified in the initial study, with the exception of the unmitigable VMT impact discussed in Section V of this document, reduce the project impacts to a less-than-significant level. The City Council adopts all of the feasible mitigation measures for the project described in the Final EIR as conditions of approval of the project and incorporates those into the project.

The information in Sections IV and V of this document summarizes the environmental determinations of the Final EIR about the project environmental impacts before and after mitigation. This information does not describe the full analysis of each environmental impact 312
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contained in the Final EIR. Instead, each environmental impact is listed, along with the applicable mitigation measure(s) described in the Final EIR, and the City Council’s findings on the significance of each environmental impact after imposition of the applicable mitigation measure(s) are described.

A full explanation of the environmental impacts and significance conclusions can be found in the Final EIR and this findings document hereby incorporate by reference the discussion and analysis in the Final EIR supporting the determinations regarding the environmental impacts and mitigation measures designed to address those impacts.

Accordingly, the City Council approves the findings herein as its findings regarding the project’s environmental impacts before and after mitigation. In making these findings, the City Council ratifies, adopts, and incorporates the analysis and explanations in the Final EIR, and ratifies, adopts, and incorporates in these findings the determinations and conclusions of the Final EIR relating to environmental impacts and mitigation measures, except to the extent any such determinations and conclusions are specifically and expressly modified by these findings.

The City Council adopts, and incorporates as conditions of approval of the project, the mitigation measures set forth in the Mitigation Monitoring Program (MMRP) to reduce or avoid the potentially significant and significant impacts of the project. In recommending adoption of these mitigation measures, the City Council adopts each of the mitigation measures identified by the Final EIR. In the event a mitigation measure recommended in the Final EIR has inadvertently been omitted from the MMRP, the City Council hereby adopts such mitigation measures by reference. In addition, in the event the language describing a mitigation measure set forth in the MMRP fails to accurately reflect the mitigation measures in the Final EIR due to a clerical error, the language of the mitigation measure as set forth in the Final EIR shall control, unless the language of the mitigation measure has been specifically and expressly modified by these findings.

IV. Findings for Significant Environmental Impacts
Mitigated to a Less-than-Significant Level
This section includes the significant impacts identified in the initial study (Appendix A of the Draft EIR) that can be mitigated to less than significant, the mitigation measure(s) that would reduce the impacts to less than significant, and findings and facts in support of the findings for each impact.

A. Air Quality
The project impacts on air quality are discussed in Section 3.0, Air Quality, of the initial study (Appendix A of the Draft EIR).
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Impact – Operation of Construction Equipment Could Expose Sensitive Receptors to Toxic Air Contaminants
Findings
Changes or alterations have been required in the project that avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the initial study. Specifically, the following mitigation measure imposed upon the project mitigates the impact to a less-than-significant level:

Mitigation Measure AQ-1. The applicant shall prepare a construction management plan that shall specify best management practices for reducing toxic air contaminants from diesel powered equipment used during construction activities. The plan shall include the following measures, which shall be included in all bid documents, grading and construction plans and implemented by the project contractor during construction.
a. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles will have 2010 or newer model year engines, in compliance with the California Air Resources Board’s Truck and Bus Regulation, and will not be staged within 500 feet of occupied residences.
b. Idling of construction equipment and heavy-duty diesel trucks will be avoided where feasible, and if idling is necessary, it will not exceed three minutes. c. All construction equipment will be maintained and properly tuned in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and will be checked by a certified visible emissions evaluator. d. All non-road diesel construction equipment will, at a minimum, meet Tier 3 emission standards listed in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 40, Part 89, Subpart B, §89.112. Further, where feasible, construction equipment will use alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, propane, electricity or biodiesel.

Facts in Support of the Findings
The dust control measures identified in Mitigation Measure AQ-1 have been recommended by the air district over time as best management measures for reducing emissions from diesel equipment used during construction activities. Diesel particulate matter contained in those emissions can be a health risk to nearby sensitive receptors. Imposition of the measures as contractor specifications is a common CEQA mitigation approach. The measures will sufficiently reduce diesel emissions from construction activities such that this potentially significant impact will be reduced to less than significant.

B. Biological Resources
The project impacts on biological resources are discussed in Section 4.0, Biological Resources, of the initial study (Appendix A of the Draft EIR).
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Impact. Disturbance of Roost and/or Natal Sites Occupied by Special-Status Bats Could Results in the Loss or Harm to Species
Findings
Changes or alterations have been required in the project that avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the initial study. Specifically, the following mitigation measure imposed upon the project mitigates the impact to a less-than-significant level:

Mitigation Measure BIO-1. Special-Status Bat Species. The following measures shall be implemented to avoid loss of or harm to special-status bat species:

1. Prior to issuance of tree removal, demolition, and grading permits, approximately 14 days prior to tree removal or any construction activities, a qualified biologist shall conduct a habitat assessment for bats and potential roosting sites in trees or buildings within 50 feet of the construction easement. These surveys shall include a visual inspection of potential roosting features (bats need not be present) and a search for presence of guano within the project site, construction access routes, and 50 feet around these areas. Cavities, crevices, exfoliating bark, and bark fissures that could provide suitable potential nest or roost habitat for bats shall be surveyed. Assumptions can be made on what species is present due to observed visual characteristics along with habitat use, or the bats can be identified to the species level with the use of a bat echolocation detector such as an “Anabat” unit. Potential roosting features found during the survey shall be flagged or marked.

2. If no roosting sites or bats are found, a letter report shall be prepared by the biologist and submitted to City of Soledad, where it shall be kept on file, and no further measures are required.

3. If bats or roosting sites are found, bats shall not be disturbed without specific notice to and consultation with California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

4. The nursery season is typically from May 1 to October 1. If bats are found roosting outside of the nursery season, California Department of Fish and Wildlife shall be consulted prior to any eviction or other action. If avoidance or postponement is not feasible, a Bat Eviction Plan shall be submitted to California Department of Fish and Wildlife for written approval prior to project implementation. A request to evict bats from a roost includes details for excluding bats from the roost site and monitoring to ensure that all bats have exited the roost prior to the start of activity and are unable to re-enter the roost until activity is completed. Any bat eviction shall be timed to avoid lactation and young-rearing. If bats are found roosting during the nursery season, they shall be monitored to determine if the roost site is a maternal roost. This could occur by either visual inspection of the roost bat pups, if possible, or by monitoring the roost after the adults leave for the night to listen for bat pups. Because bat pups cannot leave the roost until they are mature enough, eviction of a maternal roost cannot occur during the nursery season. Therefore, if a maternal roost is present, a 50-foot buffer zone (or different size if determined in 315
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consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife) shall be established around the roosting site within which no construction activities including tree removal or structure disturbance shall occur until after the nursery season.

Mitigation Measure BIO-2. Worker Environmental Awareness Program. Prior to the project commencement, a qualified biologist shall conduct a training session for all construction personnel.

At a minimum, the training shall include a description of special-status species potentially occurring in the project vicinity, including, but not limited to roosting bats and nesting birds. Their habitats, general measures that are being implemented to conserve species as they relate to the project, and the boundaries within which construction activities will occur will be explained. Informational handouts with photographs clearly illustrating the species’ appearances shall be used in the training session. All new construction personnel shall undergo this mandatory environmental awareness training. The project applicant shall document evidence of completion of this training by a letter report prepared by the biologist and submitted to the City of Soledad, where it will be kept on file.

Facts in Support of the Findings
If special-status bat species are present during construction activities, including tree or building removal, the project could result in the disturbance of roost and/or natal sites occupied by specialstatus bat species if the activities were to occur on or adjacent to the project site. Implementation of this mitigation measure would reduce potential impacts to special-status bat species to less than significant by requiring a habitat assessment for bats and potential roosting sites in trees or buildings within 50 feet of the construction easement prior to issuance of tree removal, demolition, and grading permits and approximately 14 days prior to tree removal or any construction activities. If bats or roosting sites are found, bats shall not be disturbed without specific notice to and consultation with California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Therefore, this impact is less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

Impact. Disturbance to Nesting Birds During Construction Could Results in the Loss or Harm to Species
Findings
Changes or alterations have been required in the project that avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the initial study. Specifically, the following mitigation measure imposed upon the project mitigates the impact to a less-than-significant level:

Mitigation Measure BIO-3. Nesting Birds. To avoid impacts to nesting birds during the nesting season (January 15 through September 15), all construction activities should be conducted between September 16 and January 14, which is outside of the bird nesting season. If construction or projectrelated work is scheduled during the nesting season (February 15 to August 30 for small bird species such as passerines; January 15 to September 15 for owls; and February 15 to September 15 for other raptors), a qualified biologist shall conduct nesting bird surveys. 316
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1. Two surveys for active bird nests will occur within 14 days prior to start of ground disturbance, with the final survey conducted within 48 hours prior to ground disturbance. Appropriate minimum survey radii surrounding each work area are typically 250 feet for passerines, 500 feet for smaller raptors, and 1,000 feet for larger raptors. Surveys will be conducted at the appropriate times of day to observe nesting activities. Locations off the site to which access is not available may be surveyed from within the site or from public areas. If no nesting birds are found, a letter report confirming absence will be prepared and submitted to the City of Soledad and no further mitigation is required.

2. If the qualified biologist documents active nests within the project site or in nearby surrounding areas, an appropriate buffer between each nest and active construction shall be established. The buffer shall be clearly marked and maintained until the young have fledged and are foraging independently. Prior to construction, the qualified biologist shall conduct baseline monitoring of each nest to characterize “normal” bird behavior and establish a buffer distance, which allows the birds to exhibit normal behavior. The qualified biologist shall monitor the nesting birds daily during construction activities and increase the buffer if birds show signs of unusual or distressed behavior (e.g., defensive flights and vocalizations, standing up from a brooding position, and/or flying away from the nest). If buffer establishment is not possible, the qualified biologist or construction foreman shall have the authority to cease all construction work in the area until the young have fledged and the nest is no longer active. Once the absence of nesting birds has been confirmed, a letter report will be prepared and submitted to the City of Soledad.

Facts in Support of the Findings
If nesting birds protected by state and federal regulations are present during soil-disturbing or construction activities including vegetation removal and site preparation, the proposed project may directly result in loss of active nests, or indirectly result in nest abandonment and thereby cause loss of fertile eggs or nestlings. Implementation of this mitigation measure would reduce potential impacts to nesting birds and raptors to less than significant by requiring a preconstruction survey prior to construction in and adjacent to the project site. A previously presented measure (BIO-2) also requires preconstruction training to inform workers at the construction site that nesting birds may be found and steps to follow if any nesting activity is observed. If nesting activity is observed, measures to protect the nest(s) shall be implemented. Therefore, this impact is less than significant with mitigation incorporated.

C. Cultural Resources
The project impacts on cultural resources are discussed in Section 5.0, Cultural Resources, of the initial study (Appendix A of the Draft EIR).
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Impact. Potential Adverse Change to Historic Resources and/or Unique Archaeological Resources During Construction
Findings
Changes or alterations have been required in the project that avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the initial study. Specifically, the following mitigation measure imposed upon the project mitigates the impact to a less-than-significant level:

Mitigation Measure CUL-1. In the event that archaeological resources are encountered during ground disturbing activities, the contractor shall temporarily halt or divert excavations within a 50 meter (165 feet) of the find until it can be evaluated. All potentially significant archaeological deposits shall be evaluated to demonstrate whether the resource is eligible for inclusion on the California Register of Historic Resources, even if discovered during construction. If archaeological deposits are encountered, they will be evaluated and mitigated simultaneously in the timeliest manner practicable, allowing for recovery of materials and data by standard archaeological procedures. For prehistoric archaeological sites, this data recovery involves the hand‐excavated recovery and non‐destructive analysis of a small sample of the deposit. Historic resources shall also be sampled through hand excavation, though architectural features may require careful mechanical exposure and hand excavation.

Any previously undiscovered resources found during construction activities shall be recorded on appropriate California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) forms and evaluated for significance by a qualified Archaeologist. Significant cultural resources consist of but are not limited to stone, bone, glass, ceramics, fossils, wood, or shell artifacts, or features including hearths, structural remains, or historic dumpsites.

Facts in Support of the Findings
A pedestrian survey was conducted at the project site, but no resources were found. Mitigation Measure CUL-1 is designed to ensure that, if cultural resources are uncovered during construction activities, appropriate measures are taken to protect and treat the resources. This is standard mitigation that ensures the potential impact on cultural resources, if present, are reduced to less than significant.

Impact. Potential to Disturb Native American Human Remains During Construction Findings
Changes or alterations have been required in the project that avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the initial study. Specifically, the following mitigation measure imposed upon the project mitigates the impact to a less-than-significant level:
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Mitigation Measure CUL-2. In the event that human remains (or remains that may be human) are discovered at the project site, Public Resource Code Section 5097.98 must be followed. All grading or earthmoving activities shall immediately stop within 50 meters (165 feet) of the find. The Monterey County Coroner will be notified immediately, and the coroner shall be permitted to examine the remains as required by California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5(b).

Section 7050.5 requires that excavation be stopped in the vicinity of discovered human remains until the coroner can determine whether the remains are those of a Native American. If human remains are determined as those of Native American origin, the project proponent shall comply with the state relating to the disposition of Native American burials that fall within the jurisdiction of the NAHC (Public Resource Code [PRC] § 5097). The coroner shall contact the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC) to determine the most likely descendant(s) (MLD). The MLD shall complete his or her inspection and make recommendations or preferences for treatment within 48 hours of being granted access to the site. The MLD will determine the most appropriate means of treating the human remains and associated grave artifacts, and shall oversee the disposition of the remains. In the event the NAHC is unable to identify an MLD or the MLD fails to make a recommendation within 48 hours after being granted access to the site, the landowner or his/her authorized representative shall rebury the Native American human remains and associated grave goods with appropriate dignity within the project area in a location not subject to further subsurface disturbance if: a) the Native American Heritage Commission is unable to identify the MLD or the MLD failed to make a recommendation within 48 hours after being allowed access to the site; b) the descendent identified fails to make a recommendation; or c) the landowner or his authorized representative rejects the recommendation of the descendent, and the mediation by the Native American Heritage Commission fails to provide measures acceptable to the landowner.

Facts in Support of the Findings
A pedestrian survey was conducted at the project site, but no resources were found. Mitigation Measure CUL-2 is designed to ensure that if cultural resources, including human remains, are uncovered during construction activities, that appropriate measures are taken to protect and treat the resources. Mitigation Measure CUL-2 is designed specifically to provide direction for actions to be taken if human remains, rather than other cultural resource artifacts, are uncovered during construction. This is standard mitigation that will ensure potential impacts on human remains, if present, are reduced to less than significant.

D. Geology and Soils
The project impacts related to geology and soils are discussed in Section 7.0, Geology and Soils, of the initial study (Appendix A of the Draft EIR).
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Impact. Directly or Indirectly Destroy a Unique Paleontological Resource During Construction
Findings
Changes or alterations have been required in the project that avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the initial study. Specifically, the following mitigation measure imposed upon the project mitigates the impact to a less-than-significant level:

Mitigation Measure GEO-1. The following language shall be included on all grading permits: “If paleontological resources are discovered during demolition and earthmoving activities, work shall stop within 100 feet of the find until a qualified paleontologist can assess if the find is unique and, if necessary, develop appropriate treatment measures in consultation with the City of Soledad Community and Economic Development Department.”
Facts in Support of the Findings
Mitigation Measure GEO-1 is designed to ensure that, if paleontological resources are uncovered during construction activities, appropriate measures are taken to protect and treat the resources. This is standard mitigation that ensures the potential impact on paleontological resources, if present, are reduced to less than significant.

E. Hazards and Hazardous Materials
The project impacts regarding hazards and hazardous materials are discussed in Section 9.0, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, of the initial study (Appendix A of the Draft EIR).

Impact. Demolition Activities Could Release Hazardous Materials into the Environment Findings
Changes or alterations have been required in the project that avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the initial study. Specifically, the following mitigation measure imposed upon the project mitigates the impact to a less-than-significant level:

Mitigation Measure HAZ-1. Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Survey Report. The project developer shall conduct an Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Survey Report on the existing singlefamily home at 315 Orchard Lane prior to its demolition to identify the potential presence of asbestos and lead-based paint. The survey report shall be submitted for review and approval by the City Building and Safety Division prior to issuance of a demolition permit. The survey report shall include, but is not limited to:
 Visual inspection;
 Collection of samples;
 Testing of samples;
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 Consolidating data and findings into a written report; and  Recommendations provided, as necessary.

If no asbestos or lead-based paint is detected, demolition of the single-family home may commence with no additional precautions. If asbestos and/or lead-based paint is detected, the recommendations provided within the survey report shall be implemented.

Facts in Support of the Findings
Mitigation Measure HAZ-1 is designed to ensure that if asbestos or lead-based paint is found on the existing home, the appropriate measures will be taken to protect the potential for its release into the environment. This is standard mitigation that will ensure potential impacts associated with the release of hazardous materials into the environment, if present, are reduced to less than significant.

F. Noise
The project noise impacts are discussed in Section 13.0, Noise, of the initial study (Appendix A of the Draft EIR).

Impact. Construction Activities Would Cause a Substantial Temporary Noise Increase Findings
Changes or alterations have been required in the project that avoid or substantially lessen the significant environmental effect as identified in the initial study. Specifically, the following mitigation measure imposed upon the project mitigates the impact to a less-than-significant level:

Mitigation Measure N-1. The following best management practices shall be applied during project construction. The management practices shall be included in all construction documents, subject to review and approval by the City Engineer, prior to issuance of a demolition or grading permit:
 Per the City of Soledad Municipal Code, construction activities shall not occur outside the hours of 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM;
 All construction equipment shall be properly maintained and muffled as to minimize noise generation at the source;
 Noise‐producing equipment shall not be operating, running, or idling while not in immediate use;
 All noise‐producing construction equipment shall be located and operated, to the extent possible, at the greatest possible distance from any noise‐sensitive land uses;  Locate construction staging areas, to the extent possible, at the greatest possible distances from any noise‐sensitive land uses; and
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 Signs shall be posted at the construction site and near adjacent sensitive receptors displaying hours of construction activities and providing the contact phone number of a noise disturbance coordinator to be identified by the construction contractor. The coordinator shall be responsible for addressing construction noise issues that may be raised by residents or other affected parties.

Concerns that cannot be resolved by the coordinator may then be raised with the Community and Economic Development Director, who has final authority to resolve such concerns.

Facts in Support of the Findings
The noise reduction measures in Mitigation Measure N-1 are common best management practices for reducing short-term noise from such activities. They represent a common strategy for ensuring the individual sources of noise are reduced, that periods of construction be limited to reduce noise generation during hours at which noise receptors are most sensitive to noise, and providing a means for noise nuisances, if any, to be addressed and reduced. Together, these measures would reduce construction noise impacts to less than significant.

V. Findings for Environmental Impacts that are Significant and Unavoidable
This section includes the significant impact identified in the Final EIR that cannot be mitigated to less than significant because of the absence of project design features or mitigation that would reduce VMT. This section also includes findings and facts in support of the findings for the impact.

A. Transportation (VMT)
The project VMT impact is discussed in Section 5.0, Transportation (VMT) and Section 6.0, Significant and Unavoidable Impacts, of the Final EIR.

Impact 5-1. Conflict with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3 by Exceeding the Applicable Threshold for VMT
Findings
A VMT reduction of 11.7 percent would be required to reduce the impact to a less-than-significant level. Project design features would reduce VMT, but not to less than significant and no feasible, measurable and/or implementable mitigation measures were identified to reduce VMT to less than significant.

Facts in Support of the Findings
The multi-family housing component of the project would generate approximately 3.5 percent fewer daily trips compared to a single-family project, but even with this design feature, the project would still exceed the VMT threshold by 8.2 percent.
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A range of other VMT reduction measures were considered to further reduce VMT (primarily transit-related), but their implementation is deemed to be infeasible or uncertain. Therefore, the VMT impact is significant and unavoidable.

VI. Findings Regarding Alternatives to the Proposed
Project and the City Council’s Decision to Reject the
Alternatives
The Final EIR evaluated three alternatives to the proposed project:

1. Alternative 1: No Project;

2. Alternative 2: All Affordable Housing; and

3. Alternative 3: Increased Multi-Family Housing.

The Final EIR compared the environmental impacts of each alternative to the proposed project and the relative ability of each alternative to meet project objectives. The Final EIR also summarized the criteria used to identify a reasonable range of alternatives for review in the EIR and briefly discussed other alternatives considered, but not selected for detailed analysis.

A. Discussion and Findings for Alternatives
Alternative 1: No Project
Under CEQA, a “no project alternative” must be evaluated. This alternative must discuss the existing conditions, as well as what would be reasonably expected to occur in the foreseeable future if the project were not approved, based on current plans and consistent with available infrastructure and community services. The “No Project” alternative is based on a single-family residential land use designation that applies to the site. Development under this designation would be reasonably foreseeable in the absence of the proposed project. Under this alternative, development capacity for the site is assumed to be 67 detached single-family units on small lots. This alternative also assumes the area of disturbance on the project site is the same as for the proposed project.

This alternative would worsen the unavoidable VMT impact of the proposed project because the trip generation rate for single-family detached housing is greater than for multi-family units. Thus, it would generate a greater number of average daily vehicle trips. Refer to Section 8.0, Alternatives, of the Final EIR for more discussion about this alternative and its relative impacts compared to the proposed project.

The No Project alternative would meet only two of the project objectives - it would enable singlefamily housing consistent with the General Plan on a biologically degraded infill site centrally located in Soledad. However, this alternative would not include multi-family units (senior/affordable housing) and would not implement the City’s Planned Unit Development regulations. 323
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Because of its failure to meet two fundamental project objectives, the City Council hereby rejects the No Project alternative.

Alternative 2: All Affordable Housing
The California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation recommends presuming that residential development that is 100 percent affordable and constructed on an infill parcel would have a less than significant VMT impact. The project site is an infill parcel. This alternative evaluates the impacts of a project comprised of 100 percent affordable housing, which would reduce the VMT impact to less than significant. With the addition of the 12 multi-family units already included in the project design, this all-affordable housing alternative would consist of constructing 118 multi-family units. Refer to Section 8.0, Alternatives, of the Final EIR for more discussion about this alternative and its relative impacts compared to the proposed project.

This alternative would meet three of the four project objectives. It would not meet the objective to develop single-family housing consistent with the General Plan. However, this alternative would reduce the significant and unavoidable VMT impact to less than significant.

While this alternative would be superior to the proposed project from an environmental impact perspective, it would not accomplish the project objective of consistency with the General Plan.

Further, the Housing Element already identifies enough development capacity for higher residential densities sufficient to meet affordable housing cost criteria – there is no need to identify additional capacity for higher density residential uses for this purpose. In addition, the small-lot/small singlefamily residential uses proposed are considered to be affordable to moderate income households in Soledad. This housing product type is in high demand in Soledad and would provide housing that meets an important goal of the Housing Element. Eliminating this product type from the project would eliminate this important benefit. Therefore, City Council hereby rejects the All Affordable Housing alternative.

Alternative 3: Increased Multi-Family Housing
The purpose of this alternative is to increase the number of multi-family units and reduce the number of single-family units as a basis to reduce daily vehicle trip volume and associated daily VMT. Residential development capacity under this alternative is assumed to be the same as the proposed project at 67 units and the project site area of disturbance would be the same as for the proposed project.

One possible variation in the ratio of multi-family to single-family unit types that would reduce VMT is to construct 23 multi-family units and 44 single-family units (a change from 12 multi-family units and 55 single-family units as proposed). With this change, daily VMT/capita would be reduced by 12 percent, which is greater than the 8.2 percent reduction needed for VMT to be reduced to or below the threshold of significance of 11.2 VMT/capita. This results from the lower daily vehicle trip rate for multi-family units relative to single-family units. Refer to Section 8.0, Alternatives, of the Final EIR for more discussion about this alternative.
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This alternative would reduce the significant and unavoidable VMT impact to less than significant.

This alternative would meet three of the four project objectives, and would partially meet the fourth objective, constructing single-family housing consistent with the General Plan, but to a lesser degree than the proposed project.

While this alternative would be superior to the proposed project from an environmental impact perspective, it would not accomplish the project objective of consistency with the General Plan.

As also described for Alternative 2, the Housing Element already identifies enough development capacity for higher residential densities sufficient to meet affordable housing cost criteria – there is no need to identify additional capacity for higher density residential uses for this purpose. In addition, the small-lot/small single-family residential uses proposed are considered to be affordable to moderate income households in Soledad. This housing product type is in high demand in Soledad and would provide housing that meets an important goal of the Housing Element. Eliminating this product type from the project would eliminate this important benefit. Therefore, City Council hereby rejects the Increased Multi-Family Housing alternative.

Findings Regarding Adequacy of Range of Alternatives
The City Council finds that the range of alternatives evaluated in the EIR reflects a reasonable attempt to identify and evaluate various types of alternatives that would be capable of avoiding or substantially lessening the environmental impacts of the proposed project, while accomplishing most of the project objectives. The City Council finds that the alternatives analysis is sufficient to inform the City Council and the public regarding the tradeoffs between the degree to which alternatives to the project could avoid or lessen environmental impacts and the corresponding degree to which the alternatives would hinder the ability to achieve project objectives.

VII. Statement of Overriding Considerations
Before adopting a Statement of Overriding Considerations, the City Council, as the lead agency or decision-making agency, must meet the following provisions set forth in section 15093 of the CEQA Guidelines:
a) CEQA requires the decision-making agency to balance, as applicable, the economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits, including regionwide or statewide environmental benefits, of a proposed project against its unavoidable environmental risks when determining whether to approve the project. If the specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits, including regionwide or statewide environmental benefits, of a proposed project outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects, the adverse environmental effects may be considered “acceptable.”
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b) When the lead agency approves a project that will result in the occurrence of significant effects identified in the final EIR but are not avoided or substantially lessened, the agency shall state in writing the specific reasons to support its action based on the final EIR and/or other information in the record. The statement of overriding considerations shall be supported by substantial evidence in the record. c) If an agency makes a statement of overriding considerations, the statement should be included in the record of the project approval and should be mentioned in the notice of determination. This statement does not substitute for, and shall be in addition to, findings required pursuant to Section 15091.

The City Council finds and determines that its approval of the proposed project would result in one significant adverse environmental effect that cannot be avoided because of the absence of project design features or mitigation that would reduce Impact 5-1, Conflict with CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.3 by Exceeding the Applicable Threshold for VMT, to less than significant.

This impact is both individually and cumulatively significant. In light of the considerations described below, this City Council chooses to approve the proposed project because in its view, the benefits resulting from the proposed project will render the significant VMT impact acceptable. Each of the overriding considerations set forth below constitutes a separate and independent ground for finding that the benefits of the proposed project outweigh its significant adverse environmental effects and is an overriding consideration warranting approval.

Findings Regarding the Proposed Project and Statement of Overriding Considerations
The City finds and determines that the benefits of the proposed project are sufficient to make a finding that the environmental effect that is not reduced to a level of less than significant is acceptable and justify the adoption of a Statement of Overriding Considerations. The following Findings cite substantial evidence in the record and state the City of Soledad’s specific reasoning (CEQA Guidelines Section 15093(b).). The record materials cited in Section IX are representative of materials in the record; additional evidence in the record supports these findings. In the event that any finding is declared unenforceable or inadequate as a matter of law, such finding will be considered deleted, and the remaining findings shall remain in full force and effect.

The proposed project as set forth in the City’s Findings would feasibly and inclusively achieve all of the specific economic, legal, social, technological, or other benefits identified below. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15093, the City Council finds that the benefits of the proposed project outweigh the unavoidable adverse environmental effects that would result from its implementation, and that the adverse environmental effect listed above is considered acceptable, for the specific reasons set forth below:
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 The project is consistent with General Plan land use and zoning designations for the project site;  The project implements the Housing Element by providing residential uses, including multifamily housing at a density considered to meet affordable housing criteria, and including smalllot/unit size single-family residential units considered to be affordable by design. Both product types are in high demand in Soledad, with the latter type particularly beneficial for its affordability to moderate income buyers.
 The project is proposed on an infill parcel, which yields benefits that include:
• Efficient use of existing water, sewer and transportation infrastructure; • Reduced pressure to convert agricultural land at the margins of the city to urban residential uses to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Assessment requirements; and • Reduces vehicle trip length and associated transportation source criteria air emissions and GHGs relative to growth at the margins of the city.
 The project site is located on a new MST bus route, which may help reduce vehicle trip volume with the co-benefit of reducing transportation-source air emissions and GHGs. As a condition to consult with MST, the project may include constructing a new bus stop that could further enhance transit use by project and nearby residents.

Benefits of the Proposed Project Outweigh the Potentially Significant Environmental Impacts
The proposed project is located in a rural setting with a limited transit network, a discontinuous pedestrian network, and in an area of the city where a mixed-use project would be inconsistent with the land use designation for the site adjoining land uses. This locational and land use context makes it challenging for any substantially single-family residential project in Soledad that is consistent with the General Plan to achieve a 15 percent reduction in average VMT/capita. The benefits of the project as discussed here are, therefore, set against the backdrop that its significant and unavoidable VMT impact is not likely to be unique to the proposed project. It is possible that any future predominantly lower-density residential project proposed in Soledad could result in a significant unavoidable VMT impact.

As set forth above, the proposed project provides significant benefits to the City and the community of Soledad as a whole. The City Council has weighed the benefits of the proposed project against the significant and unavoidable impacts of the proposed project identified in the Final EIR and listed above. The City Council hereby determines that the benefits of the proposed project outweigh the adverse VMT impact of the proposed project, and further determines that the significant and unavoidable VMT impact is acceptable.
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Accordingly, the City Council adopts the Statement of Overriding Considerations, recognizing that a significant and unavoidable impact will result from implementation of the proposed project. Having adopted all feasible mitigation measures as discussed in the Draft EIR, Final EIR, and Findings; rejected infeasible alternatives to the proposed project as discussed in the Draft and Final EIR, the Findings, and this Statement of Overriding Considerations; and recognized the significant and unavoidable impact of the proposed project, the City Council hereby finds that each of the separate benefits of the proposed project, as stated herein, is determined to be unto itself an overriding consideration, independent of other benefits, that warrants approval of the proposed project and outweighs and overrides its significant and unavoidable impact, and thereby justifies the approval of the proposed project.

VIII. Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
The City Council recognizes that any approval of the proposed project requires adoption and implementation of a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP), which ensures performance of identified mitigation measures. The MMRP must identify the entity responsible for monitoring and implementation, and the timing of such activities. The City will use the MMRP to track compliance with proposed project mitigation measures. The MMRP will remain available for public review during the compliance period. The City Council will also be asked to adopt the MMRP after project approval.

IX. Record of the Proceedings
The documents and other materials that constitute the record of proceedings on which the City Council bases the Findings are located at the City of Soledad Community and Economic Development Department office, 248 Main Street Soledad, California 93960. The custodian for these documents and materials that constitute the record is the City of Soledad Community and Economic Development Director’s office. This information is provided in compliance with Public Resources Code Section 21081.6(a)(2) and Title 14 California Code of Regulations (CEQA Guidelines) Section 15091(e).

The environmental analysis provided in the Final EIR and these findings are based on and are supported by the following documents, materials and other evidence, which constitute the administrative record for the approval of the project:

A. All project plans and materials for the project.

B. The NOP, comments received on the NOP, as well as the initial study attached to the NOP, and all other public notices issued by the City in relation to the Draft and Final EIR (e.g., Notice of Availability).
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C. The Draft EIR, the Final EIR, all appendices to any part of the Final EIR; all technical materials; plans; comment letters; and responses to comments.

D. All non-draft and/or non-confidential reports and memoranda prepared by the City and consultants related to the Final EIR, its analysis and findings.

E. Minutes and transcripts of the discussions regarding the project and/or project components at public hearings held by the Planning Commission and/or City Council.

F. Staff reports associated with Planning Commission and/or City Council meetings on the project and supporting technical memoranda and any letters or other material submitted into the record by any party.

G. Matters of common knowledge to the Planning Commission and/or City Council which they consider, such as the City of Soledad General Plan and City of Soledad General Plan EIR. 329
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Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program

1.1 Introduction
CEQA Guidelines section 15097 requires public agencies to adopt reporting or monitoring programs when they approve projects subject to an environmental impact report or a negative declaration that includes mitigation measures to avoid significant adverse environmental effects. The reporting or monitoring program is to be designed to ensure compliance with conditions of project approval during project implementation in order to avoid significant adverse environmental effects.

The law was passed in response to historic non-implementation of mitigation measures presented in environmental documents and subsequently adopted as conditions of project approval. In addition, monitoring ensures that mitigation measures are implemented and thereby provides a mechanism to evaluate the effectiveness of the mitigation measures.

A definitive set of project conditions would include enough detailed information and enforcement procedures to ensure the measure's compliance. This monitoring program is designed to provide a mechanism to ensure that mitigation measures and subsequent conditions of project approval are implemented.

1.2 Monitoring and Reporting Program
This monitoring program incorporates the mitigation measures included in the project environmental impact report and the initial study attached to the environmental impact report. The mitigation measures are designed to eliminate or reduce significant adverse environmental effects to less than significant levels. The mitigation measures will be conditions of project approval, which the project proponent is required to complete before, during and after project implementation.

The attached checklist is a tool to be used for monitoring implementation of the mitigation measures. The checklist contains all mitigation measures in the environmental impact report and the initial study attached to the environmental impact report.

1.3 Monitoring and Reporting Program Procedures
The City of Soledad shall use the attached monitoring checklist for the proposed project. The monitoring program should be implemented as follows:

Exhibit C
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Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 2 EMC Planning Group Almond Acres EIR November 2025

1. The Soledad Community and Economic Development Department should be responsible for coordination of the monitoring program, including the monitoring checklist. The Soledad Community and Economic Development Department should be responsible for completing the monitoring checklist and distributing the checklist to the responsible individuals or agencies for their use in monitoring the mitigation measures.

2. Each responsible individual or agency will then be responsible for determining whether the mitigation measures contained in the monitoring checklist have been complied with. Once all mitigation measures have been complied with, the responsible individual or agency should submit a copy of the monitoring checklist to the Soledad Community and Economic Development Department to be placed in the project file. If the mitigation measure has not been complied with, the monitoring checklist should not be returned to the Soledad Community and Economic Development Department.

3. The Soledad Community and Economic Development Department will review the checklist to ensure that appropriate mitigation measures have been complied with at the appropriate time, e.g. prior to issuance of a use permit, etc.

4. If a responsible individual or agency determines that a non-compliance has occurred, a written notice should be delivered by certified mail to the project proponent within 10 days, with a copy to the Soledad Community and Economic Development Department, describing the noncompliance and requiring compliance within a specified period of time. If non-compliance still exists at the expiration of the specified period of time, construction may be halted and fines may be imposed at the discretion of the City of Soledad.

1.4 Monitoring and Reporting Checklist
Step 1 - Prior to Issuance of Demolition or Tree Removal Permits BIO-1 Special-Status Bat Species. The following measures shall be implemented to avoid loss of or harm to special-status bat species:

Potential roosting features found during the survey shall be flagged or marked. 331
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 3 EMC Planning Group Almond Acres EIR November 2025

2. If no roosting sites or bats are found, a letter report shall be prepared by the biologist and submitted to City of Soledad, where it shall be kept on file, and no further measures are required.

3. If bats or roosting sites are found, bats shall not be disturbed without specific notice to and consultation with California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Therefore, if a maternal roost is present, a 50-foot buffer zone (or different size if determined in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife) shall be established around the roosting site within which no construction activities including tree removal or structure disturbance shall occur until after the nursery season.

Party Responsible for Implementation: Applicant/Project Developer Party Responsible for Monitoring: Soledad Community and Economic Development Department Monitoring Notes:
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ BIO-2 Worker Environmental Awareness Program. Prior to the project commencement, a qualified biologist shall conduct a training session for all construction personnel. At a minimum, the training shall include a description of special-status species potentially occurring in the project vicinity, including, but not limited to roosting bats and nesting birds. Their habitats, general measures that are being implemented to conserve species as they relate to the project, and the boundaries within which construction activities will 332
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 4 EMC Planning Group Almond Acres EIR November 2025
occur will be explained. Informational handouts with photographs clearly illustrating the species’ appearances shall be used in the training session. All new construction personnel shall undergo this mandatory environmental awareness training. The project applicant shall document evidence of completion of this training by a letter report prepared by the biologist and submitted to the City of Soledad, where it will be kept on file.

2. If the qualified biologist documents active nests within the project site or in nearby surrounding areas, an appropriate buffer between each nest and active construction shall be established. The buffer shall be clearly marked and maintained until the young have fledged and are foraging independently. Prior to construction, the qualified biologist shall conduct baseline monitoring of each nest to characterize “normal” bird behavior and establish a buffer distance, which allows the birds to exhibit normal behavior. The qualified biologist shall monitor the nesting birds daily during construction activities and increase the buffer if birds show signs of unusual or distressed behavior (e.g., defensive flights and vocalizations, standing 333
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 5 EMC Planning Group Almond Acres EIR November 2025
up from a brooding position, and/or flying away from the nest). If buffer establishment is not possible, the qualified biologist or construction foreman shall have the authority to cease all construction work in the area until the young have fledged and the nest is no longer active. Once the absence of nesting birds has been confirmed, a letter report will be prepared and submitted to the City of Soledad.

Party Responsible for Implementation: Applicant/Project Developer Party Responsible for Monitoring: Soledad Community and Economic Development Department Monitoring Notes:
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ HAZ-1 Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Survey Report. The project developer shall conduct an Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Survey Report on the existing single-family home at 315 Orchard Lane prior to its demolition to identify the potential presence of asbestos and lead-based paint. The survey report shall be submitted for review and approval by the City Building and Safety Division prior to issuance of a demolition permit. The survey report shall include, but is not limited to:
 Visual inspection;
 Collection of samples;
 Testing of samples;
 Consolidating data and findings into a written report; and  Recommendations provided, as necessary.

Party Responsible for Implementation: Applicant/Project Developer Party Responsible for Monitoring: Soledad Building and Safety Division 334
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 6 EMC Planning Group Almond Acres EIR November 2025
Monitoring Notes:
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ N-1 The following best management practices shall be applied during project construction.

The management practices shall be included in all construction documents, subject to review and approval by the City Engineer, prior to issuance of a demolition or grading permit:
 Per the City of Soledad Municipal Code, construction activities shall not occur outside the hours of 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM;
 All construction equipment shall be properly maintained and muffled as to minimize noise generation at the source;
 Noise‐producing equipment shall not be operating, running, or idling while not in immediate use;
 All noise‐producing construction equipment shall be located and operated, to the extent possible, at the greatest possible distance from any noise‐sensitive land uses;  Locate construction staging areas, to the extent possible, at the greatest possible distances from any noise‐sensitive land uses; and
 Signs shall be posted at the construction site and near adjacent sensitive receptors displaying hours of construction activities and providing the contact phone number of a noise disturbance coordinator to be identified by the construction contractor.

The coordinator shall be responsible for addressing construction noise issues that may be raised by residents or other affected parties. Concerns that cannot be resolved by the coordinator may then be raised with the Community and Economic Development Director, who has final authority to resolve such concerns.

Party Responsible for Implementation: Applicant/Project Developer Party Responsible for Monitoring: Soledad Engineer
Monitoring Notes:
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ 335
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 7 EMC Planning Group Almond Acres EIR November 2025
Step 2 - Prior to Issuance of a Grading Permit
AQ-1 The applicant shall prepare a construction management plan that shall specify best management practices for reducing toxic air contaminants from diesel powered equipment used during construction activities. The plan shall include the following measures, which shall be included in all bid documents, grading and construction plans and implemented by the project contractor during construction. a. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles will have 2010 or newer model year engines, in compliance with the California Air Resources Board’s Truck and Bus Regulation, and will not be staged within 500 feet of occupied residences. b. Idling of construction equipment and heavy-duty diesel trucks will be avoided where feasible, and if idling is necessary, it will not exceed three minutes. c. All construction equipment will be maintained and properly tuned in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and will be checked by a certified visible emissions evaluator.
d. All non-road diesel construction equipment will, at a minimum, meet Tier 3 emission standards listed in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 40, Part 89, Subpart B, §89.112. Further, where feasible, construction equipment will use alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, propane, electricity or biodiesel.

Party Responsible for Implementation: Applicant/Project Developer Party Responsible for Monitoring: Soledad Director of Public Works Monitoring Notes:
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ GEO-1 The following language shall be included on all grading permits: “If paleontological resources are discovered during demolition and earthmoving activities, work shall stop within 100 feet of the find until a qualified paleontologist can assess if the find is unique and, if necessary, develop appropriate treatment measures in consultation with the City of Soledad Community and Economic Development Department.” Party Responsible for Implementation: Applicant/Project Developer Party Responsible for Monitoring: Soledad Community and Economic Development Department 336
Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program 8 EMC Planning Group Almond Acres EIR November 2025
Monitoring Notes:
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Step 3 – During Ground-Disturbing Activities
CUL-1 In the event that archaeological resources are encountered during ground disturbing activities, the contractor shall temporarily halt or divert excavations within a 50 meter (165 feet) of the find until it can be evaluated. All potentially significant archaeological deposits shall be evaluated to demonstrate whether the resource is eligible for inclusion on the California Register of Historic Resources, even if discovered during construction.

If archaeological deposits are encountered, they will be evaluated and mitigated simultaneously in the timeliest manner practicable, allowing for recovery of materials and data by standard archaeological procedures. For prehistoric archaeological sites, this data recovery involves the hand‐excavated recovery and non‐destructive analysis of a small sample of the deposit. Historic resources shall also be sampled through hand excavation, though architectural features may require careful mechanical exposure and hand excavation.

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDAD

ANNOUNCING FINDINGS AND APPROVING A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD-24002) AND VESTING TENTATIVE SUBDIVISION MAP (TM-24003) FOR A

12.48-ACRE SUBDIVISION LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE OF ORDCHARD LANE AND CEDAR LANE (APN 022-281-005) IN THE R-1 ZONING DISTRICT WHEREAS, the applicant, “Nino Homes LLC” has submitted applications for Planned Unit Development (PUD-24002) and Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map (TM-24003) for the Almond Acres Subdivision (“Project”), located on approximately 12.48 acres on the west side of Orchard Lane between Cedar Lane and Calle Valverde (APN 022-281-005); and WHEREAS, the proposed project includes approximately 55 single-family residential units, a 12-unit affordable multi-family housing component located on Parcel B, retention of an existing 18-unit mobile home park on Parcel A, stormwater improvements on Parcel C, internal roadway improvements, utility infrastructure, and associated site improvements; and WHEREAS, the proposed Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map would subdivide the property into residential lots, infrastructure parcels, roadway improvements, and related public and private improvements necessary to serve the development; and WHEREAS, the Planned Unit Development is requested to allow flexibility in site planning, lot configuration, housing types, setbacks, and development standards in accordance with the intent of the Soledad Municipal Code, including SMC §17.38.230; and WHEREAS, the proposed Planned Unit Development and Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map includes the Parcel B as a multi-family housing component to facilitate the development of a 12-unit affordable housing project consistent with the City’s inclusionary housing requirements and Housing Element goals; and
WHEREAS, the proposed project is an appropriate site for future residential and affordable housing development due to its infill location, access to existing infrastructure, proximity to schools, parks, public transportation, and community services, and the proposed project advances the City’s efforts to provide housing opportunities for a range of income levels; and
WHEREAS, the project has been reviewed for consistency with the City’s General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and applicable development standards related to circulation, utilities, drainage, grading, parking, open space, emergency access, and compatibility with surrounding land uses; and
WHEREAS, the City of Soledad, as Lead Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”), prepared an Initial Study for the project, which identified potentially significant impacts associated with the project; and
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WHEREAS, with implementation of mitigation measures, all impacts identified in the Initial Study were determined to be less than significant except for vehicle miles traveled (‘VMT”), which was determined to be significant and unavoidable; and WHEREAS, a Focused Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) (SCH# 2025030381) was prepared to analyze VMT impacts, project alternatives, and feasible mitigation measures in accordance with CEQA and the State CEQA Guidelines; and WHEREAS, a Notice of Preparation (“NOP”) was circulated on March 10, 2025, for a 30- day public review period ending April 10, 2025, and the Draft EIR was subsequently circulated for a 45-day public review period from June 27, 2025, through August 11, 2025; and WHEREAS, the Final EIR includes the Draft EIR, all technical appendices, comments received during the public review period, and written responses to comments, and does not identify any significant new information requiring recirculation pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15088.5; and
WHEREAS, the Final EIR concludes that the project would result in a significant and unavoidable VMT impact that cannot be fully mitigated, thereby requiring adoption of CEQA Findings, a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP); and
WHEREAS, on June 1, 2026, during a Special Planning Commission meeting, the Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed project and reviewed the staff report, Final EIR, project plans, proposed findings, conditions of approval, and all supporting documentation; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council certify the Final EIR and approve the associated project entitlements; and WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on June 17, 2026, at which it considered the Final EIR, CEQA Findings, Statement of Overriding Considerations, MMRP, project plans, staff report, public testimony, and all documentary evidence submitted for the Almond Acres Project; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 6375, the City Council certified the Final EIR (SCH# 2025030381) and adopted the associated CEQA Findings, Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the Almond Acres Project; and
WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a subsequent duly noticed public hearing on July 1, 2026, for formal consideration and adoption of this ordinance approving Planned Unit Development (PUD-24002) and Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map (TM-24003).

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDAD DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
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Section 1. Environmental Review
The City Council has certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH# 2025030381) and adopted the associated CEQA Findings, Statement of Overriding Considerations, and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program pursuant to Resolution No. 6375.

Section 2. Planned Unit Development Approval (PUD-24002) The City Council hereby approves Planned Unit Development (PUD-24002), as shown on “Exhibit B”, is hereby approved, subject to the Conditions of Approval included in “Exhibit A”.

The City Council finds that the Planned Unit Development:
 Promotes efficient land use and coordinated site planning;  Provides a mix of housing opportunities, including affordable housing;  Ensures adequate infrastructure, circulation, and emergency access;  Is compatible with surrounding residential and institutional uses; and  Advances the housing and planning goals of the City.

Section 3. Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map (TM-24003) The City Council hereby approves Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map (TM-24003), as shown in “Exhibit C”, subject to the Conditions of Approval included as “Exhibit A”, finding that the proposed subdivision is consistent with the City’s General Plan, Subdivision Ordinance, and applicable provisions of the Soledad Municipal Code. The proposed map provides for orderly development of the site through coordinated lot design, roadway circulation, utility infrastructure, drainage improvements, and public access, while supporting the development of residential housing consistent with the goals and policies of the City.

Section 4. Conditions of Approval
The project shall be subject to all Conditions of Approval included in “Exhibit A”, which are necessary to ensure compliance with applicable City standards related to zoning, subdivision design, infrastructure, circulation, parking, landscaping, drainage, utilities, and public safety.

Section 5. Severability
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase thereof irrespective of the fact that any one or more portions be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

Section 5. Effective Date.

This ordinance shall take effect and be in force 30 days after its adoption, and a summary of this ordinance shall be published once with the names of the 341
members of the council voting for and against the ordinance in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Soledad.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Soledad at a duly noticed public hearing held on ____________
AYES, and in favor thereof Councilmembers:

NOES, Councilmembers:

ABSENT, Councilmembers:

ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:
________________________________
ANNA M. VELAZQUEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
MEGAN HUNTER, City Clerk
Exhibits
A- Conditions of Approval
B- Planned Unit Development Entitlement Packet
C- Vesting Tentative Map Packet
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EXHIBIT A

PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AND VESTING TENTATIVE MAP

CITY OF SOLEDAD

APPROVAL DATE AND REFERENCE
PUD-24002 & TM-24003
PERMIT NOS.

APN: 022-281005
ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NO.

Planned Development Permit No. PUD-24002 and TM-24003 authorizing the Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map (TM-24003) for the 12.48-acre “Almond Acres” project located on the west side of Orchard Lane and Cedar Lane (APN 022- 281-005), consistent with the Soledad Municipal Code. The project proposes 55 single-family homes and a 12-unit multi-family inclusionary housing complex, while retaining the existing 18-unit mobile home park. The PUD also includes a proposed multi-family component within the development. A Focused Environmental Impact Report has been prepared in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which identifies significant Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) impacts that require adoption of CEQA findings, a Statement of Overriding Considerations, and a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program certified and adopted through Resolution No. XXXX.

FINDINGS:

Section 1: General Plan Consistency
A. The proposed project is consistent with the City of Soledad General Plan:

1. The project site is designated as “Single Family Residential” on the General Plan Land Use Plan Map and the proposed project uses are consistent and within the allowable density range: General Plan and Zoning Ordinance, provisions 4-16 and Section 17.14.040, respectively.

2. The project site is designated as a planned unit development, the project using the development standard flexibility allowed per the City’s Planned Unit Development regulations to maximize compatibility of new development with existing adjacent land uses. The City’s Planned Unit Development regulations to enable developing a portion of the site as multi-family residential (senior/affordable housing) to meet the City’s inclusionary housing requirements and deliver housing in critical need;

3. The project is consistent with the Circulation Element of the General Plan – the 343

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project site location has convenient and improved access from Orchard Lane, an improved public street in the City of Soledad;

4. The project is consistent with General Plan policies promoting the provision of safe and decent affordable multi-family housing; and

5. Conditions of approval require design adherence to appropriate Community Design Guideline and Standards, and the proposed site plan and buildings, as conditioned, have been found to be in substantial conformance with said provisions.

Section 2: Planned Development Ordinance
The proposed use is consistent with the City of Soledad Planned Unit Development (SMC §17.38.230):

1. Population Density: The project calculates density on gross acreage, less public streets, and proposes a unit count consistent with the R-1 and R-3 Residential Density standards.

2. Utilities: The project has adequate public sewer and water services, and all infrastructure is designed to meet City requirements for water and sewer systems, allowing the City to access and maintain them.

3. Design Compatibility: The project design as proposed, including building placement, setbacks, height, architecture, off-street parking, open space, screening, and landscaping, ensures compatibility with existing and planned adjacent uses. Off-street parking is provided per SMC §17.36.020 and integrated to minimize impacts on neighboring properties.

4. Maintenance of Common Areas: The applicant has committed to perpetual maintenance of all common land and facilities through a mechanism acceptable to the City.

5. Conservation of Natural Features: Natural site features, including topography, vegetation, and watercourses, are considered in the project design to minimize environmental impacts.

6. Energy and Sustainability: As conditioned, energy conservation measures and use of renewable energy sources are incorporated where feasible.

7. Streets and Circulation: Streets serving the development provide adequate circulation for residents, visitors, and emergency vehicles. As conditioned, on-street parking on the cul-de-sacs will be prohibited to maintain emergency access. 344

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8. Common Open Space: The project provides accessible and usable common open space and leverages proximity to Orchard Lane Park, Rotary Park, and other recreation centers to enhance recreational opportunities.

Section 3: Zoning Ordinance Consistency
A. The proposed use is consistent with the City of Soledad Zoning Ordinance:

1. The project site is primarily zoned R-1 (Single-Family Residential District), and the proposed single-family residential component is consistent with the permitted uses and density standards of the district.

2. The proposed subdivision and Planned Unit Development include the rezoning of Parcel B from the R-1 zoning district to the R-3 (Residential High Density) zoning district to facilitate the development of a 12-unit multi-family affordable housing component. The proposed rezoning is consistent with the City’s Housing Element goals and supports the development of affordable housing on a site identified for future residential development.

3. The proposed site plan, as conditioned, complies with the applicable development standards of the R-1 and R-3 zoning districts. Requested modifications to lot configuration, setbacks, open space, and related development standards are permitted through the Planned Unit Development process and support a cohesive and efficient residential neighborhood design.

B. The establishment of the use on the site will not be detrimental to the health, safety, comfort, convenience, or general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood, or detrimental to property and improvements in the neighborhood, or to the general welfare of the city, because:

1. The proposed project, as conditioned, is compatible with the surrounding mix of residential uses and will promote and further the achievement of community design standards for small lot Single- Family Dwellings and Multi-Family Residential Development;

2. The site has adequate services including water, sanitary sewer and storm drainage;

3. The subject project is located on a designated arterial street designed to accommodate the type of infill development as proposed and will have no significant effect in the area;

4. The facility has adequate on-site parking adequately screened from view of surrounding residential areas;

5. No nuisance-causing uses, or uses generating unusual noise, odor, light or 345

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vibration or otherwise detrimental to the neighborhood are authorized by this permit.

D. The proposed Planned Development Permit has been processed per the City's Zoning Ordinance requirements per Chapter 17.42 to wit:

1. An application has been received and accepted by the Planning Department for processing.

2. A Public Hearing Notice was published in the Salinas Californian on April 29, 2026 and public notices were mailed to all property owners within a 300-foot radius of the subject property. Hearing notices were posted at City Hall in accordance with Government Code.

THE FOLLOWING APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS AND ANY SPECIAL CONDITIONS SHALL BE APPLIED THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL PROCESS.

PROJECT MITIGATION MEASURES
The Project Proponent shall be subject to compliance with the mitigation measures of the project’s adopted Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. The following measures shall be included with all building permit, grading, or improvement plans.

Air Quality

1. MM AQ-1: The applicant shall prepare a construction management plan that shall specify best management practices for reducing toxic air contaminants from diesel powered equipment used during construction activities. The plan shall include the following measures, which shall be included in all bid documents, grading and construction plans and implemented by the project contractor during construction. a. Heavy-duty diesel vehicles will have 2010 or newer model year engines, in compliance with the California Air Resources Board’s Truck and Bus Regulation, and will not be staged within 500 feet of occupied residences; b. Idling of construction equipment and heavy-duty diesel trucks will be avoided where feasible, and if idling is necessary, it will not exceed three minutes; c. All construction equipment will be maintained and properly tuned in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications and will be checked by a certified visible emissions evaluator; and,
d. All non-road diesel construction equipment will, at a minimum, meet Tier 3 emission standards listed in the Code of Federal Regulations Title 40, Part 89, Subpart B, §89.112. Further, where feasible, construction equipment will use alternative fuels such as compressed natural gas, propane, electricity or biodiesel. 346

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Biological Resources

2. MM BIO-1: Special-Status Bat Species. The following measures shall be implemented to avoid loss of or harm to special-status bat species:
a. Prior to issuance of tree removal, demolition, and grading permits, approximately 14 days prior to tree removal or any construction activities, a qualified biologist shall conduct a habitat assessment for bats and potential roosting sites in trees or buildings within 50 feet of the construction easement. These surveys shall include a visual inspection of potential roosting features (bats need not be present) and a search for presence of guano within the project site, construction access routes, and 50 feet around these areas. Cavities, crevices, exfoliating bark, and bark fissures that could provide suitable potential nest or roost habitat for bats shall be surveyed. Assumptions can be made on what species is present due to observed visual characteristics along with habitat use, or the bats can be identified to the species level with the use of a bat echolocation detector such as an “Anabat” unit.

Potential roosting features found during the survey shall be flagged or marked; b. If no roosting sites or bats are found, a letter report shall be prepared by the biologist and submitted to City of Soledad, where it shall be kept on file, and no further measures are required;
c. If bats or roosting sites are found, bats shall not be disturbed without specific notice to and consultation with California Department of Fish and Wildlife; and, d. The nursery season is typically from May 1 to October 1. If bats are found roosting outside of the nursery season, California Department of Fish and Wildlife shall be consulted prior to any eviction or other action. If avoidance or postponement is not feasible, a Bat Eviction Plan shall be submitted to California Department of Fish and Wildlife for written approval prior to project implementation. A request to evict bats from a roost includes details for excluding bats from the roost site and monitoring to ensure that all bats have exited the roost prior to the start of activity and are unable to re-enter the roost until activity is completed. Any bat eviction shall be timed to avoid lactation and young-rearing.

If bats are found roosting during the nursery season, they shall be monitored to determine if the roost site is a maternal roost. This could occur by either visual inspection of the roost bat pups, if possible, or by monitoring the roost after the adults leave for the night to listen for bat pups. Because bat pups cannot leave the roost until they are mature enough, eviction of a maternal roost cannot occur during the nursery season. Therefore, if a maternal roost is present, a 50-foot buffer zone (or different size if determined in consultation with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife) shall be established around the roosting site within which no construction activities including tree removal or structure disturbance shall occur until after the nursery season. 347

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3. MM BIO-2: Worker Environmental Awareness Program. Prior to the project commencement, a qualified biologist shall conduct a training session for all construction personnel. At a minimum, the training shall include a description of special-status species potentially occurring in the project vicinity, including, but not limited to roosting bats and nesting birds. Their habitats, general measures that are being implemented to conserve species as they relate to the project, and the boundaries within which construction activities will occur will be explained. Informational handouts with photographs clearly illustrating the species’ appearances shall be used in the training session. All new construction personnel shall undergo this mandatory environmental awareness training. The project applicant shall document evidence of completion of this training by a letter report prepared by the biologist and submitted to the City of Soledad, where it will be kept on file.

4. MM BIO-3: Nesting Birds. To avoid impacts to nesting birds during the nesting season (January 15 through September 15), all construction activities should be conducted between September 16 and January 14, which is outside of the bird nesting season. If construction or project-related work is scheduled during the nesting season (February 15 to August 30 for small bird species such as passerines; January 15 to September 15 for owls; and February 15 to September 15 for other raptors), a qualified biologist shall conduct nesting bird surveys.
a. Two surveys for active bird nests will occur within 14 days prior to start of ground disturbance, with the final survey conducted within 48 hours prior to ground disturbance. Appropriate minimum survey radii surrounding each work area are typically 250 feet for passerines, 500 feet for smaller raptors, and 1,000 feet for larger raptors. Surveys will be conducted at the appropriate times of day to observe nesting activities. Locations off the site to which access is not available may be surveyed from within the site or from public areas. If no nesting birds are found, a letter report confirming absence will be prepared and submitted to the City of Soledad and no further mitigation is required; and, b. If the qualified biologist documents active nests within the project site or in nearby surrounding areas, an appropriate buffer between each nest and active construction shall be established. The buffer shall be clearly marked and maintained until the young have fledged and are foraging independently. Prior to construction, the qualified biologist shall conduct baseline monitoring of each nest to characterize “normal” bird behavior and establish a buffer distance, which allows the birds to exhibit normal behavior. The qualified biologist shall monitor the nesting birds daily during construction activities and increase the buffer if birds show signs of unusual or distressed behavior (e.g., defensive flights and vocalizations, standing up from a brooding position, and/or flying away from the nest). If buffer establishment is not possible, the qualified biologist or construction foreman shall have the authority to cease all construction work in 348

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the area until the young have fledged and the nest is no longer active. Once the absence of nesting birds has been confirmed, a letter report will be prepared and submitted to the City of Soledad.

Cultural Resources

5. MM CUL-1: In the event that archaeological resources are encountered during ground disturbing activities, the contractor shall temporarily halt or divert excavations within 50 meters (165 feet) of the find until it can be evaluated. All potentially significant archaeological deposits shall be evaluated to demonstrate whether the resource is eligible for inclusion on the California Register of Historic Resources, even if discovered during construction. If archaeological deposits are encountered, they will be evaluated and mitigated simultaneously in the timeliest manner practicable, allowing for recovery of materials and data by standard archaeological procedures. For prehistoric archaeological sites, this data recovery involves the hand‐excavated recovery and non‐destructive analysis of a small sample of the deposit. Historic resources shall also be sampled through hand excavation, though architectural features may require careful mechanical exposure and hand excavation.

6. MM CUL-2: In the event that human remains (or remains that may be human) are discovered at the project site, the provisions of Public Resource Code Section 5097.98 must be followed. All grading or earthmoving activities shall immediately stop within 50 meters (165 feet) of the find. The Monterey County Coroner will be notified immediately, and the coroner shall be permitted to examine the remains as required by California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5(b).

CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
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American human remains and associated grave goods with appropriate dignity within the project area in a location not subject to further subsurface disturbance if: a) the Native American Heritage Commission is unable to identify the MLD or the MLD failed to make a recommendation within 48 hours after being allowed access to the site; b) the descendent identified fails to make a recommendation; or c) the landowner or his authorized representative rejects the recommendation of the descendent, and the mediation by the Native American Heritage Commission fails to provide measures acceptable to the landowner.

Geology and Soils

7. MM GEO-1: The following language shall be included on all grading permits: “If paleontological resources are discovered during demolition and earthmoving activities, work shall stop within 100 feet of the find until a qualified paleontologist can assess if the find is unique and, if necessary, develop appropriate treatment measures in consultation with the City of Soledad Community and Economic Development Department.”
Hazards and Hazardous Materials

8. MM HAZ-1: Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Survey Report. The project developer shall conduct an Asbestos and Lead-Based Paint Survey Report on the existing singlefamily homes at 315 Orchard Lane prior to its demolition to identify the potential presence of asbestos and lead-based paint. The survey report shall be submitted for review and approval by the City Building and Safety Division prior to issuance of a demolition permit. The survey report shall include, but is not limited to:
 Visual inspection;
 Collection of samples;
 Testing of samples;
 Consolidating data and findings into a written report; and  Recommendations provided, as necessary.

Noise

9. MM N-1: The following best management practices shall be applied during project construction. The management practices shall be included in all construction documents, subject to review and approval by the City Engineer, prior to issuance of a demolition or grading permit:
 Per the City of Soledad Municipal Code, construction activities shall not occur outside the hours of 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday;  All construction equipment shall be properly maintained and muffled as to minimize noise generation at the source;
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 Noise‐producing equipment shall not be operating, running, or idling while not in immediate use;
 All noise‐producing construction equipment shall be located and operated, to the extent possible, at the greatest possible distance from any noise‐sensitive land uses;  Locate construction staging areas, to the extent possible, at the greatest possible distances from any noise‐sensitive land uses; and
 Signs shall be posted at the construction site and near adjacent sensitive receptors displaying hours of construction activities and providing the contact phone number of a noise disturbance coordinator to be identified by the construction contractor.

CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL

STANDARD CONDITIONS

1. Hold Harmless and Indemnification. Applicant/Project Developer shall indemnify and hold harmless the City, its elective and appointive boards, commissions, officers, agents and employees from all damages, injuries, claims and any and all liability and costs arising from or about the site or in connection with the conduct of business thereon.

Applicant/Owner agrees to, and shall, defend City, its elective and appointive boards, commissions, officers, agents and employees, from any suits or actions at law or equity from damages caused, or alleged to have been caused, by reason of the aforesaid design, construction and uses of the involved site pursuant to this Use Permit. Except as provided above, the terms of this paragraph shall apply to all damages and claims for damages of every kind suffered, or alleged to have been suffered, by reason of the aforesaid design or operations referred to herein, regardless of whether or not City has prepared, supplied or approved of plans and or specifications for use of the proposed site. To the extent that Applicant is required to indemnify and hold harmless the parties listed above, it shall have the right to control the litigation, including but not limited to contracting for counsel of its choice, and accepting or rejecting any settlement offer.

2. VTM Term. The Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map approval granted pursuant to this Resolution and shown in Exhibit C, shall remain in effect for two years to XXXX, 2028.

Failure to apply for a Final Map approval with the City Engineer within this term shall result in expiration of approval unless an extension of time is granted by the Community Development Department prior to the expiration date. The expiration of the tentative map shall terminate all proceedings, and no final map of all or any portion of the real property shall be filed without first processing a new tentative map. Extensions of time shall be considered pursuant to the City of Soledad Subdivision Ordinance and the State Subdivision Map Act.
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3. Final Map Requirement and Dedications. The Project Developer shall prepare, process, and record a Final Map in compliance with the California Subdivision Map Act and Title 16 of the Soledad Municipal Code. The Final Map shall include any dedication to the City of Soledad of all required public rights-of-way and easements, including but not limited to: Public streets and associated sidewalks, parkways, and landscaping areas; Public utility easements (PUEs) for water, sewer, storm drainage, electrical, and other utilities; Pedestrian access easements and/or open space easements as shown on the tentative map; and any additional easements determined necessary by the City Engineer or Public Works Director. No building permits shall be issued, and no lots shall be sold or transferred, until the Final Map has been approved by the City Engineer and recorded with the Monterey County Recorder.

4. Tentative Map Improvements Only Conceptual. The Project Developer agrees that the improvements shown on the tentative map are only conceptual and that the final configuration of the improvements will be determined during review and approval of the final map, improvement plans, and supporting design calculations reviewed by the City, or other agents of the City, before recordation of the final map. All improvements as described in Chapter 16.24 of the Soledad Municipal Code, and as required by these conditions and any subsequent improvement agreement or development agreement, shall be designed and installed to the satisfaction of the City. With the exception of landscaping plans, all improvements shall be designed by a Civil Engineer licensed in the State of California. The City reserves the right to make changes to the Project to comply with public health and safety requirements and any Federal, State and local regulations and requirements.

5. Subdivision Improvement Agreement. The Project Developer shall enter into a subdivision improvement agreement with the City prior to approval of the final subdivision map for the Project. Said agreement shall set forth the necessary public service improvements to serve the proposed project, including grading, street improvements, temporary secondary access, water service, sewer service and storm drainage, refuse collection service, gas, electric, telephone and cable services, and any other necessary appurtenances and/or services, and shall include provisions requiring security for performance and materials and labor associated with said improvements in accordance with Government Code Sections 66499-66499.10. All security shall be in the amount to cover 100 percent of the cost of such improvements, based on an engineer’s estimate provided to the City by the Project Developer, plus an amount necessary for the guarantee and warranty of the work for a period of one year following completion and acceptance of said improvements.

6. Conditions to Run with the Land. The terms and conditions of this approval shall run with the land and shall be binding upon and be to the benefit of the heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns of the Permittee. 352

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7. Mitigation Monitoring Plan. The Project Proponent shall be responsible for carrying out all duties set forth in the mitigation monitoring program adopted for the proposed project. The Project Proponent’s compliance with said mitigation monitoring program shall be subject to review and approval by those agencies and officials designated in the program. The mitigation monitoring program is attached hereto as Exhibit “B” and is made a part of these conditions by reference.

8. Applicability to Site. This permit approval applies only to the physical site, structures and uses shown on the site plans and architectural drawings submitted by Nino Development dated June 2024 attached hereto as Exhibit B, which are made a part of this permit except as may be modified by these conditions. Notwithstanding this requirement, minor changes in site design and elevations from those shown on the approved site plan may be made, subject to review and approval of modified site plan by the City Community Development Director or designee.

9. Completion of Infrastructure Improvements. All infrastructure improvements required to serve the development pursuant to these conditions and City standards (e.g., streets, sidewalks, fire hydrant(s), storm drainage, sanitary sewer, water, undergrounding of gas, electric, telephone and cable, utilities, landscaping and other improvements and appurtenances) shall be designed and installed or constructed to the satisfaction of the City prior to the issuance of any building permit(s) or certificate of occupancy, as applicable. Landscaping shall be installed by the Project Developer and inspected and approved by the City and/or by the Planning Department, prior to occupancy.

10. Offers of Dedication. Any offers of dedication, and bonding or other financial security, or development agreement(s) concerning same and as specified in the project conditions below shall be prepared by the Project Developer, and reviewed as to form, accuracy, and sufficiency by the City Attorney.

11. Compliance with Project Conditions. All project conditions as set forth herein shall be placed on the top sheet of the building plan sets for all building construction on the project site. Unless otherwise provided for as a project condition to this use permit, all conditions must be completed to the satisfaction of the City prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy and commencement of the activities allowed by this permit.

12. Code Compliance. All construction, improvements and uses shall be in accordance with zoning, building, fire, and all other codes and ordinances of the City of Soledad or agencies that have regulatory jurisdiction over the project. All such requirements shall be met and any outstanding fees paid prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, except for those items agreed to by the owner and the Building Official.

13. Grounds for Permit Revocation. Failure to establish the use authorized by this Permit within two years from the date of issuance, unless otherwise extended, shall be grounds 353

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for revocation of this Permit. Failure to comply with the conditions specified herein as the basis for approval of this application and issuance of this approval constitutes cause for the revocation of the Permit in accordance with the procedures set forth in the Soledad Municipal Code Section 17.42.070.

14. Cost Reimbursement. The Project Developer shall reimburse the City of Soledad for all engineering, inspection, legal, and administrative expenses incurred or to be incurred by the City in connection with this development, including expenses incurred through the use of outside consultants and additional inspectors, where necessary. At the time of submission of improvement plans for the project, the Project Developer shall continue a Reimbursement Agreement and deposit not less than twenty thousand dollars ($25,000) into a developer account set up by the City for the purpose of providing the City with said reimbursement. The City shall account to Project Developer for all expenses for which reimbursement is claimed, providing copies of all back-up materials promptly, and shall return any portion of said deposit in excess of the actual amount of expenses incurred. If, in the judgment of the Community and Economic Development Director or designee, it appears that the amount deposited shall not be sufficient to cover all expenses, Project Developer shall, within fifteen (15) days after written request from City, make an additional deposit of funds in an amount determined by the Director to be sufficient to make up the deficiency. At no time after submission of improvement plans shall the balance of the deposit fund be less than five thousand dollars ($5,000). The need for the maintenance of this account shall cease upon compliance with all project conditions and code requirements.

PLANNING DIVISION

PROJECT-SPECIFIC PLANNING CONDITIONS

15. Affordability Covenants. The development shall satisfy the inclusionary affordable housing requirements set forth in SMC Title 17, Zoning-Chapter 17.41- Inclusionary Housing and the City’s Housing Element. Developer has initially proposed to satisfy these requirements by dedicating Parcel B, as identified on the VTM, for the development of a 12-unit multi-family affordable housing rental project. Key requirements of this proposal would include, but are not limited to construction of at least twelve (12) 100% affordable multifamily units designated for moderate, very low, or low income households , developed concurrently with market rate units, and preparation, execution and recordation of an Affordable Housing Agreement, approved by the City Council, prior to the issuance of any building permit for the project. City will not issue certificates of occupancy for any unit in the entire project until Developer has demonstrated compliance with the Affordable Housing Agreement. However, modifications to timing requirements for the project may be considered by City in order to accommodate the needs of an involved affordable housing developer. In the event Developer’s development plans for Parcel B do not come to fruition, Developer shall not be relieved of its obligation to comply with SMC Title 17, Zoning-Chapter 17.41- Inclusionary Housing and the City’s Housing Element. 354

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16. Final Site Development Plans: Final site development plans for the single-family residential development shall be reviewed for conformance with PUD24-02 and in accordance with the City of Soledad Municipal Code and approved by the Community and Economic Development Director prior to issuance of a building permit.

17. Architectural Relief for Same Plan. When the same plan is repeated along a street, acceptable architectural treatments will be employed to give the appearance of at least three different designs, and front yard setbacks will be varied, to the extent feasible in compliance with City regulations, to provide a more pleasing and attractive appearance to the neighborhood. Provisions include but are not limited to, driveways will be located on the side of the lot farthest from the intersection if the lot is a corner lot. The pairing of driveways (i.e., Siamese driveways) shall be avoided whenever possible.

18. Architectural Design Approval. Construction drawings submitted for building permit approval shall include architectural elevations with the design detail noted on the elevation sketches included as part of Exhibit B as modified by these conditions. Drawings shall show all proposed exterior lighting fixtures. A building permit application will not be accepted by the City unless building plans include a site plan and elevations with sufficient design detail for review and approval by the City Building Official and/or Public Works Director (or Designee).

19. Minor Architectural Changes. Following Architectural Design Approval by the Planning Commission, minor site plan or architectural changes may be approved by the Community & Economic Development Director or designee.

20. Site Plan Review: Prior to issuance of a building permit for the 12-unit, Multi-family Affordable Housing site (Parcel B), a Site Plan Review application shall be submitted to and approved by the Community and Economic Development Director in accordance with Chapter 17.44 (Site Plan Review) of the Soledad Municipal Code.

21. Planting and irrigation working drawings: Detailed landscape planting and irrigation working drawings shall be submitted to the Community and Economic Development Director for approval prior to issuance of a building permit. Landscape plans for streets and landscape easements shall be part of the improvement plan submittal. All landscaping and irrigation working drawings shall comply with Chapter 15.10 (Landscape) of the Soledad Municipal Code and shall include the following:
a. Landscaped areas of the subdivision shall include common areas, pedestrian corridors, intersections, entrances, as denoted on the tentative map and residential front yards.
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b. Landscaping plans shall also require the installation of street trees along all street frontages.
c. All landscaping appurtenant to the development shall be installed, complete and accepted by the City prior to final City acceptance of the subdivision. All landscaping, not including grass or turf or similar plantings, shall be underlain by weed control fabric acceptable to the City. All landscaped areas shall be maintained free of weeds, trash and debris, and all plant material shall be continuously maintained in a healthy, growing condition.
d. All front yards of all lots shall be landscaped at the time of construction and shall utilize low water use “xeriscape” landscaping as defined by the City of Soledad Water Conservation Ordinance. Turf grass shall be limited to a maximum of 15 percent of the entire landscape for all lots. Turf area may be increased to 25 percent of the entire landscape if a drought-tolerate species is used.

22. Street Trees. Each residential lot shall have at least one street tree (two per corner lot) planted in the public right-of-way, in accordance with City standards. All landscaped areas shall be maintained free of weeds, trash and debris and all plant material shall be continuously maintained in a healthy growing condition. Automatic irrigation systems shall be installed for landscaping that can be seen from the public right-of-way. Prior to occupancy, the Project Proponent shall complete all landscaping. All planting areas not consisting of turf or grass shall be underlain by weed control fabric acceptable to the City.

23. Walls. The Project Proponent shall provide wall locations depicted on the final improvement plans. The final improvement plans shall show a masonry wall consistent with the existing wall on Orchard Lane. The design of all walls and relevant landscaping shall remain consistent and shall be designed to be attractive and create visual interest. The final subdivision map and final improvement plans shall be reviewed and approved by the City Public Works Director and CityEngineer prior to the recordation of the finalsubdivision map. The Project Proponentshall use its best efforts to obtain permission from the adjacent property owners to install the required walls and fences on the common property line (with wall pilasters extending into each owner’s respective property as necessary) and shall provide conforms from side yard fences to the new fences/walls. Architectural plans showing all wallsshall be submitted for review and approval before the construction of said walls, before building permit issuance.

PUBLIC WORKS - ENGINEERING DIVISION

PROJECT-SPECIFIC ENGINEERING CONDITIONS

24. Final Map: The Project Proponent shall have a Final Map prepared by a registered engineer or licensed land surveyor delineating all parcels and easements created. There 356

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shall be concurrence in writing by PG & E, Telephone, Cable TV and any other affected agencies to all improvements and easements which are applicable to them. The number and locations of monuments shall be set as required by the City Engineer. The project final map shall be approved by the City Council and recorded before issuance of a grading permit.

25. Encroachment Permit and Right-of-Way Improvements. An encroachment permit shall be obtained from the City for any construction work that will be performed within the public right-of-way, and a contractor licensed in the State of California shall be responsible for construction of any such future work. Any improvements in the public right of way shall be designed by a Civil Engineer licensed in the State of California and installed to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director or City Engineer.

26. Engineering Studies/Calculations. All engineering design work, including, but not limited to, design of storm sewers and appurtenances, sanitary sewers and appurtenances, storm drainage facilities, and water systems and appurtenances; street improvements and sidewalks, including geometrics, sight distances, lighting, retaining walls, signing and striping; and landscape irrigation and appurtenances, shall be supported by applicable engineering studies/calculations completed by a licensed civil engineer or qualified licensed professional in the State of California, subject to the review and approval of the City.

27. Improvement Plans: The Project Proponent shall submit as part of the improvement plans for the project, profiles of all improvements in the subdivision and typical cross-sections of all streets and details of curbs, gutters, and sidewalks, to be accomplished to the satisfaction of the City Engineer prior to submittal of Final Map. Improvement plans are to show water lines, sanitary sewer, storm drain system, pavement widths, curve radius, and existing utilities.

28. Timing of Infrastructure Installation. All subdivision improvement infrastructure required to serve the development shall be in place prior to occupancy of any homes. The main water system shall be in place, operational, and subject to use approved by the City prior to the beginning of combustible construction or other arrangements made acceptable to the Fire Chief and Fire Marshall for adequate fire protection. Additionally, all-weather emergency access shall be in place prior to the issuance of building permits for the project.

29. Street Frontage Improvements. The Project Developer shall be responsible for constructing any improvements to Orchard Lane along the project frontage needed to accommodate project traffic.

30. Condemnation Costs. Unless otherwise specified, the Project Proponent shall be responsible and agreesto pay all land costs and related legal fees should it be necessary for 357

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the City to use its condemnation powers to obtain land that is under separate ownership or leasehold in order to implement the conditions of project approval contained herein.

31. Subdivision Guarantee. The Project Proponent shall submit a subdivision guarantee disclosing any and all easements, deed restrictions, dedications, and changes in ownership in a form acceptable to the City Staff. The subdivision guarantee and tax clearance letter shall be submitted and approved by the City Engineer prior to approval of the final subdivision map by the City Council.

32. Geotechnical Investigation. All recommendations identified in the geotechnical investigation of the project site prepared for the site, and supplements thereto, shall be incorporated into improvement plans for the proposed project and shall be reviewed and approved by the City Public Works Director and City Engineer prior to recordation of the final subdivision map.

33. Geotechnical Engineer on Site Monitoring. A qualified professional geotechnical engineer shall perform on-site monitoring of all grading and excavation activities on the project site. Evidence of an agreement with a geotechnical engineer shall be submitted for review and approval of the City Public Works Director and City Engineer prior to commencement of any grading activities or any underground work. The geotechnical engineer shall submit evidence that grading and excavation were performed consistent with the recommendations of the geotechnical investigation. Evidence shall be submitted prior to issuance of building permits for each individual lot.

34. Dust Control. The Project Proponent shall be required to prepare and submit a Dust Emission Control Plan for Project Grading. The Plan shall require that contractor work specifications shall include provisions for adequate water to be applied during construction in order to control dust disturbance resulting from grading operations. The Plan and related contractor work specifications shall be reviewed and approved by the City prior to issuance of a grading permit. Dust control measures shall be applied in accordance with all ordinances, rules and regulations of the Monterey County Water Resources Agency regarding use of reclaimed or other sub-potable water for compaction or dust control purposes. Additionally, the Plan will be reviewed to assure compliance with applicable air quality programs, such as those related to particulate emissions, overseen by the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District, and for compliance with the City’s obligations under the City’s Storm Water Quality Ordinance.

STORM DRAIN SYSTEM

35. Required Onsite/Offsite Improvements. Proposed onsite and off-site improvements shall be constructed in conformance with applicable City of Soledad Design Standards and Specifications to the satisfaction of the Public Works Director and as further stipulated herein:
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a. Storm Water Management. In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 13.52 of the Soledad Municipal Code, a storm water permit shall be obtained prior to the issuance of any grading or building permit for the project. The proposed project shall comply with the most recent Phase II Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit (Order No. 2013-0001-DWQ) and the PostConstruction Stormwater Management Requirements for Development Projects in the Central Coast Region (Resolution No. R3-2013-0032).

Due to the project type and size for development, a Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) will need to be prepared and proper documentation submitted to the State Water Board to register under the Construction General Permit. This will cover the full development site so another SWPPP will not need to be required for Phase 2 Development. The applicant is required to provide a Waste Discharge Identification (WDID) number prior to issuance of a grading permit.

A Stormwater Control Plan (SCP) shall be prepared to document the PostConstruction Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs). The SCP must include an Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Plan that addresses the maintenance procedures and intervals for each SCM and identifies the responsible party to conduct maintenance. If applicable, a maintenance covenant will be required to ensure on-going maintenance for the life of the facility. The covenant shall include, at a minimum:
- The project owner’s signed statement accepting responsibility for the O&M of the installed onsite and/or offsite structural treatment and flow control SCMs until such responsibility is legally transferred to another entity; and either
- Written conditions in the sales or lease agreements or deed for the project that require the buyer or lessee to assume responsibility for the O&M of the onsite and/or offsite structural treatment and flow control SCM until such responsibility is legally transferred to another entity; or - Any other legally enforceable agreement or mechanism, such as recordation in the property deed, that assigns responsibility for the O&M of the onsite and/or offsite structural treatment and flow control SCM to the project owner(s) or the City.
- The proposed project must be designed to not increase the peak flow to the downstream system. Therefore, a drainage report will need to be prepared demonstrating compliance. Refer to the City’s Design Standards and Standard Specifications for the specific flood control requirements. - During construction, the Project Developer shall conform to the City’s pollution prevention requirementsfor construction contracts, including but not limited to, proper clean-up and disposal of spills, regular maintenance of all construction vehicles and heavy equipment, and proper storage of 359

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stockpiled materials, chemicals, paints, etc.
b. Storm Drainage Improvements. Project Developer shall prepare and implement a storm drainage improvement plan supported by storm drain calculations, consistent with the requirements of the 2008 Public Works Design Standards and Chapter 13.52 of the Soledad Municipal Code—Storm Water Quality. All drainage improvements shall be constructed consistent with the improvement plan as approved by the City, and Project Developer shall be responsible for the continued maintenance of onsite drainage facilities consistent with the Soledad Municipal Code.
- Prior to approval of Improvement plans, the applicant shall revise the stormwater control facility design to demonstrate compliance with applicable City of Soledad and Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board Stormwater requirements. Submittal shall identify the facility type and shall provide supporting calculations demonstrating the facility achieves drawdown time within 72 hours as well as meeting all other applicable stormwater requirements
c. Water Mains and Appurtenances. Project Developer shall construct adequate onsite water system improvements for commercial, fire and landscape irrigation purposes in accordance with Public Works Design Standards and Fire Code fire flow requirements. The water system shall be looped and water meters clustered wherever possible on-site to serve each use. Back-flow preventers on the State Approved List shall be installed where required by the City Engineer. d. Sanitary Sewer Improvements. Project Developer shall construct the necessary connections to the existing sanitary sewer system within the project frontages in accordance with the Public Works Design Standards. In addition, a clean-out shall be installed at the street right-of-way for each connection to the City’s sewer mains.

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS
Water System

36. Water Mains and Appurtenances. The Project Proponent shall cause the design and construction to be undertaken of a domestic water system to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. The water system improvements shall be constructed within public easements or street rights-of-way to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and dedicated to the City. a. Water main sizes shall be determined by the City through modification of the Citywide water model and shall provide 40 pounds per square inch minimum residual pressure with a fire demand at any fire hydrant of 2,500 gallons per minute; 360

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b. The Project Proponent shall reimburse the City for any and all costs for water main sizing and water model/system map modifications; and,
c. The Project Proponent shall provide meter box lids suitable for installation of automatic meter reading sensors and shall pay the additional cost for remote reading meters over and above the current hook-up fee for regular water meters.

37. Water Meters. The Project Proponent shall provide separate water services and meters for each lot. These shall be installed by the developer.

Sanitary Sewer System

38. Design of Sewer Improvements. The Project Proponent shall cause to be undertaken the design and construction of sanitary sewer improvements including but not limited to installation of sewer line extension on the proposed public street(s) or private street(s)/drive aisle(s). The sanitary collection system shall include but not be limited to manholes with manhole frames and covers, cleanouts, wye-branches and laterals, and separate sewer taps to each lot. These are to be installed by the developer.

39. Sewer Connection. All existing and future sewer lines shall be tied into the City’s system and existing septic systems shall be abandoned in accordance with City requirements.

40. Under-Grounding Utilities. All new utilities on the project site, and associated with the proposed subdivision, including gas, electricity, telephone, cable T.V. and electrical transformers, shall be placed underground. All existing overhead utilities adjacent to any site boundary or along any street frontage of the site shall be placed underground in accordance with City standards and affected utility company guidelines.

41. Street Lights. Street light plans shall be submitted and approved prior to issuance of a building permit. Street lights shall be installed in a number and at locations sufficient to provide adequate lighting levels for public safety as determined by the City Engineer and the Public Works Director prior to occupancy.

42. Engineering Studies/Calculations. All engineering design, including, but not limited to storm sewers and appurtenances, sanitary sewers and appurtenances, streets including but not limited to geometrics, sight distances, lighting and sound walls, water systems and appurtenances, signing and striping, landscaping and appurtenances, shall be supported by applicable engineering studies/calculations and any changes to the tentative map due to the findings and subsequent review of these studies/calculations shall be incorporated into the final plans subject to the review and approval of the City Engineer and Director of Public Works.

43. Damages to Existing Facilities. Prior to commencement of any grading or other 361

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subdivision improvements, the Project Proponent shall provide proposed trucking routes for all equipment and material deliveries. The City shall video document the routes to establish preconstruction conditions. The Project Proponent shall repair or replace any public improvements damaged by Proponent’s operations.

44. As-Built Infrastructure Costs. The Project Proponent shall provide City with an estimate of “as- built” costs of infrastructure improvements that meet GASB 34 compliance requirements, before final acceptance of the subdivision by the City.

TRAFFIC/CIRCULATION DEDICATION AND IMPROVEMENTS

45. Street Improvements. All street improvements shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and City standards. The Project Proponent shall evaluate traffic safety impacts associated with project access to the public right-of-way, including ingress and egress points. Documentation prepared, signed, and stamped by a California Registered Traffic Engineer shall be provided, identifying any required traffic safety or traffic control improvements. Required improvements may include, but are not limited to, signage, striping, curb regulations (including red curb/daylighting), intersection control measures, and improvements necessary to support safe pedestrian access and mobility.

Such improvements may extend beyond the project frontage where necessary to address project-related impacts, subject to review and approval by the City Engineer. All improvements shall conform to the most current edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), applicable State regulations, including California Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413), and City standards. If no improvements are recommended, the Traffic Engineer shall provide written confirmation. The Project shall also comply with the City of Soledad Public Works Requirements for any additional applicable conditions.

FEES AND MITIGATION FEE ACT

46. Impact Mitigation Fees and Funding of Public Improvements Maintenance. The Project Developer shall pay all applicable impact fees, including but not limited to water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, parks, public safety (police and fire), general government, and local and regional transportation (TAMC) fees, in accordance with the fee schedules established by ordinance or resolution and in effect at the time of approval of the VTM.

All required fees, per unit, shall be paid in full on the date of final inspection or on the date a certificate of occupancy is issued, whichever occurs later.

47. Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District. The Project Proponent and the City shall work together to establish an identified parks and open spaces maintenance assessment district for the maintenance, operation and servicing of public improvements, including landscaping. To the extent allowed by law, the district shall include maintenance and operation of all public amenities of benefit to the future 362

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residents of the project site, including but not limited to public landscaping and irrigation improvements on adjacent parks, landscaped strips of land adjacent to curbs, planter walls, retention ponds and bank protection, appurtenant irrigation systems, ornamental plantings including lawns,shrubs, and trees, including necessary repairs, replacements, water, electric current, spraying, care, supervision, debris removal and any and all other items of work necessary and incidental for the proper maintenance and operation thereof. The park and open space maintenance district shall be established prior to recordation of the final subdivision map for the proposed project.

48. Benefit Assessment District. The Project Proponent and the City shall work together to establish a benefit assessment district for public areas of the project site provided for community benefit. To the extent allowed by law, the benefit assessment district shall include maintenance and operation of all public amenities of benefit to the future residents of the project site, including but not limited to sweeping, street lights, street striping, lighting costs, storm drain lines, cleaning, repairs, replacement, electric current, supervision, debris removal and any and all other items of work necessary and incidental for the proper maintenance and operation thereof, retention basins and percolation ponds, common on-site landscaping, on-site fences and walls, and streetlights. The benefit assessment district shall be established prior to recordation of the final subdivision map of the proposed project.

49. Improvement Assessment District. An improvement assessment district shall be formed by the City, to fund public improvements required to be provided to serve the project.

Mutual agreement shall be reached by the Project Proponent, and the City, as to the improvements to be included and those improvements shall be deemed eligible in accordance with all applicable laws.

BUILDING DIVISION

PROJECT SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

50. California Building Standards Code. All construction shall be in accordance with the provisions of the California Building Standards Code, as set forth in Tittle 24 of the California Code of Regulations, subject to any modifications thereto set forth in the Soledad Municipal Code, in effect at the time of construction.

51. Earthquake Resistance. All structures shall be designed and constructed to resist a major earthquake as required by the latest edition of the California Building Standards Code . All recommendations regarding seismic concerns identified in the geotechnical investigation prepared for the site, and supplements thereto, shall be incorporated into the final building and improvement plans for the proposed project. The final map shall be approved, and the final improvement plans shall have received City approval prior to issuance of a grading permit.
363

CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
TSM NO. 2024-03
PUD NO. 2024-02

Page 22 of 22 ends

FIRE DIVISION

PROJECT SPECIFIC CONDITIONS

52. Automatic Fire Sprinklers. The Project Proponent shall submit plans for review and approval of the Fire Marshall and shall install automatic fire sprinklers in all units in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 15.08 (Adoption of California Building Code ) of the Soledad Municipal Code.

53. Fire Hydrants. The Project Proponent shall install fire hydrants pursuant to City specifications, and according to the requirements of the California Fire Code. Fire hydrant locations shall be approved by the Fire chief, Public Works Director and City Engineer. The curb/curb and gutter 7.5 feet each side of the centerline of the proposed hydrants shall be constructed utilizing integral red colored concrete. All hydrants shall be painted “Neon Grass” and all visible components between the fire hydrant and fire hydrant concrete pad shall be painted flat black, unless otherwise directed by the City.

54. No Parking Allowed. The Project Proponent shall indicate within the improvement plans that the cul-de-sacs will be appropriately marked for “NO Parking”. All “NO Parking" striping, as required by the Fire chief shall be installed prior to certificate of occupancy.

I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that I have read the foregoing conditions and that they are, in fact, the conditions which were imposed upon the granting of this permit. I agree to abide fully by these conditions.

Applicant Signature Date
Community Development Director Date
NOTE: Issuance of this Permit does not waive obtaining any applicable Building Permits before starting construction or initiating the use, nor does it waive any other applicable requirements of law.
364
June 19, 2024
City of Soledad
Planning Division
248 Main St.

Soledad, CA 93960
Re: Application for Almond Acres to be a Planned Development Dear Kao Nou:

Using the application information provided, this is our application for a Planned Development for Nino Homes at Almond Acres
Justification:

The plan for Almond Acres is to build 55 single family homes and a 12-unit multi-family inclusionary housing complex. The existing 18-unit Mobile Home Park will stay intact.

There will be four plans varying in size from 1,201 to 1,900 square feet: two single story layouts and two two-story plans with two elevations for each plan. They will have three to four bedrooms with two or three baths. We will use a variety of materials on the exteriors including batt and board, shutters, iron work and brick. We use 12 designer selected paint standards. Our designer specs the color application for each house individually so very few homes will look the same. Our standard interior finishes include carpet, vinyl, and LVP flooring with wood cabinets, granite counters in the kitchen and cultured marble in the baths. Solar panels to be installed for purchase or lease with each home.

This Planned Development permit includes the request for inclusion of 12 units of rental affordable housing to be located on the 0.38-acre Parcel C of the Vesting Tentative Map. This component of the project, which has been previously reviewed by the City Council Ad-Hoc Housing Subcommittee, has specifically been designed to result in a benefit to the community to maximize the affordable housing opportunities on the property and would result in the construction of new for-rent housing, which has been severely underbuilt in the City of Soledad over the last 25 years and remains a great need.

The lot sizes and setbacks for the single-family units are similar to what was used at the recent Liberty Court project and is consistent with the principles of promoting affordability by design that current State housing policy and the City of Soledad have consistently encouraged in building at the higher end of the allowed density range. In order to continue to provide this specific housing type to more families in Soledad, the development is requesting the following necessary deviations to the strict subdivision standards for the following items:
• Lot Size: The minimum lot size is 3,825 square feet.
• Lot Width: Minimum of 45 feet in width, 85 feet in depth Exhibit B
365
• Setbacks: 15' Front porch/dwelling setbacks, 15' rear setback, 10' side street setback • Maximum Lot Coverage: 50% lot coverage
• Minimum Backyard: 650 square feet minimum
Open space – 0.41 Acre Detention Basin
Plan Set
The Tentative Map plan is included with this application which is our Master Plan for the Development. The applications are running simultaneously.

We would like to defer the Site/Improvement Plans until there is a decision on the lot sizes/standard lot deviations.

Architectural Elevations will be included with the final plans for approval. We have included artist’s renderings of the front elevations and Preliminary Floor Plans.

Preliminary Landscape/Grading/Drainage plans to be deferred until there is a decision on the lot sizes/standard lot deviations.

Tree Protection plan –not applicable.

Color Board is included with our 12 Paint schemes. We use a three-color exterior system on our homes. Each lot receives individual paint callouts with a mix two of the color and then an accent color – very few homes will have the same callouts. Roof color are included. Exterior Light fixtures to be determined.

Public Hearing Notification Materials.

The Assessor’s Information, stamped envelopes and property owner’s list have been included with the Tentative Map application.
366
367
368
369
54x44
54x44
54x44 ORCHARD LANE
STUDIO
398 SF.

STUDIO
398 SF.

STUDIO
398 SF.
1 BR.
549 SF.
1 BR.
549 SF.
1 BR.
549 SF.

A1.1

SITE PLAN
2333
07/13/2024
THE P

PARTNERSHIP AUL DAVIS ARCHITECTS &PLANNERS
The Paul Davis Partnership, LLP
286 Eldorado Street
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 373-2784 FAX (831) 373-7459
EMAIL: [email protected]
ML

SOLEDAD, CA
CHISPA
Almond Acres
Soledad Housing
Apartments

S I T E P L A N
SCALE: 1" = 10'-0"
SCALE: 1" = 10'-0" 0 5 10 20
NORTH
Z:\Projects\Projects 2023\2333_CHISPA Soledad Almond Acres\Plot sheets\A1.1.dwg, 8/8/2024 8:06:22 AM, achua 370
3'-812" 9'-0" 20'-0" 25'-0" 20'-0" 6 8

DRIVEWAY
266.56' 84.02' R50.0'
TRASH ORCHARD LANE 13'-1112" 11'-012"
STUDIO
398 SF.

STUDIO
398 SF.

STUDIO
398 SF.
1 BR.
549 SF.
1 BR.
549 SF.
1 BR.
549 SF.
54x44
54x44
54x44
6" 1
A1.2

SITE PLAN
2333
07/13/2024
THE P

PARTNERSHIP AUL DAVIS ARCHITECTS &PLANNERS
The Paul Davis Partnership, LLP
286 Eldorado Street
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 373-2784 FAX (831) 373-7459
EMAIL: [email protected]
ML

SOLEDAD, CA
CHISPA
Almond Acres
Soledad Housing
Apartments
S I T E P L A N - 2 N D. F L O O R
SCALE: 1" = 10'-0"
SCALE: 1" = 10'-0" 0 5 10 20
NORTH

R O O F P L A N
SCALE: 1" = 10'-0"
SCALE: 1" = 10'-0" 0 5 10 20
NORTH
Z:\Projects\Projects 2023\2333_CHISPA Soledad Almond Acres\Plot sheets\A1.2.dwg, 8/8/2024 8:06:23 AM, achua 371
Roof Plate
19'-4 3/4"
1st. Floor
0'-0"
2 nd. Floor
10'-4 3/4"
A3.1

ELEVATIONS
2333
07/13/2024
THE P

PARTNERSHIP AUL DAVIS ARCHITECTS &PLANNERS
The Paul Davis Partnership, LLP
286 Eldorado Street
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 373-2784 FAX (831) 373-7459
EMAIL: [email protected]
ML

SOLEDAD, CA
CHISPA
Almond Acres
Soledad Housing
Apartments

E L E V A T I O N S
SCALE: 1/8" = 1'-0"
NORTH 0 2 4 8 16
SCALE: 1/8" = 1'-0"

S O U T H E L E V A T I O N S E A S T E L E V A T I O N S

N O R T H E L E V A T I O N S W E S T E L E V A T I O N S Z:\Projects\Projects 2023\2333_CHISPA Soledad Almond Acres\Plot sheets\A3.1.dwg, 8/8/2024 8:06:25 AM, achua 372
Roof Plate
19'-4 3/4"
1st. Floor
0'-0"
2 nd. Floor
10'-4 3/4"
A3.2

SECTIONS
2333
07/13/2024
THE P

PARTNERSHIP AUL DAVIS ARCHITECTS &PLANNERS
The Paul Davis Partnership, LLP
286 Eldorado Street
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 373-2784 FAX (831) 373-7459
EMAIL: [email protected]
ML

SOLEDAD, CA
CHISPA
Almond Acres
Soledad Housing
Apartments

S E C T I O NS
SCALE: 1/8" = 1'-0" 0 2 4 8 16
SCALE: 1/8" = 1'-0"

S E C T I O N B
S E C T I O N A Z:\Projects\Projects 2023\2333_CHISPA Soledad Almond Acres\Plot sheets\A3.2.dwg, 8/8/2024 8:06:32 AM, achua 373
374
375
376
377
378
379
380
381
Almond Acres Model 1
All renderings and square footages are Artist’s conceptions and approximate. Final Architectural Plans will detail final elements. 382
Layout of Model 1 3 Bedroom, 2 bath, approximately 1200 sf All renderings and square footages are Artist’s conceptions and approximate. Final Architectural Plans will detail final elements. 383
Almond Acres Model 2
All renderings and square footages are Artist’s conceptions and approximate. Final Architectural Plans will detail final elements. 384
Layout of Model 2 3 Bedroom, 2 bath, approximately 1430 sf All renderings and square footages are Artist’s conceptions and approximate. Final Architectural Plans will detail final elements. 385
Almond Acres Model 3
All renderings and square footages are Artist’s conceptions and approximate. Final Architectural Plans will detail final elements. 386
Layout of Model 3 4 Bedroom, 2.5 bath, approximately 1685 sf All renderings and square footages are Artist’s conceptions and approximate. Final Architectural Plans will detail final elements. 387
Almond Acres Model 4
All renderings and square footages are Artist’s conceptions and approximate. Final Architectural Plans will detail final elements. 388
Layout of Model 4 4 Bedroom, 3 bath, approximately 1900 sf All renderings and square footages are Artist’s conceptions and approximate. Final Architectural Plans will detail final elements. 389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
50' PUBLIC STREET TYP. SECTION
CEDAR LANE PUBLIC STREET TYP. SECTION A STREET PUBLIC STREET TYP. SECTION

VESTING TENTATIVE MAP
FOR

ALMOND ACRES

SOLEDAD, CALIFORNIA

GENERAL NOTES

RESIDENTIAL
(55 SFR LOTS)

PURPOSE / USE PARCEL ACREAGE
LOTS 1 - 55 5.31

EX MOBILE HOME PARK PARCEL A

TOTAL TENTATIVE MAP
ACREAGE 12.48

PARCEL SUMMARY

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
SHEET
OF
SCALE:

DRAWN:

JOB No.: SUBMITTAL / REVISION Civil Engineering Land Surveying 6 Harris Court
Monterey, California
831.649.52
whitsonenginers.com
NONE
BDE
4478.01
C-14 VESTING TENTATIVE MAP ALMOND ACRES TITLE SHEET SOLEDAD, CALIFORNIA APN: 022-281-005

NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION
7/12/2024BDE

CITY SUBMITTAL
3/13/2026ML

CITY SUBMITTAL

3.32 APARTMENTS (12 UNITS) PARCEL B 0.38

PARCEL C PUBLIC OPEN SPACE /
STORMWATER FACILITIES 0.41
PUBLIC STREET R/W 3.06

CITY DEDICATION
IN FEE
IN FEE

VICINITY MAP

PROJECT SITE
Exhibit C
402

ORCHARD VILLAS
(VOL 24 - C&T - PG 67)

GABILAN ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
(VOL 9 - SURV - PG 17)

SOLEDAD MISSION

RECREATION DISTRICT
(VOL 19 - PM - PG 7)

CITY OF SOLEDAD
(VOL 19 - PM - PG 7)

NINO HOMES AT

LIBERTY COURT

SAN VICENTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
(VOL 4 - SURV - PG 84)

DIEGO PARK

C A L L E V A L V E R D E
AROMAS
PLACE

CAMBRIA
DRIVE
CADENA

DRIVE O R C H A R D L A N E

EXISTING MOBILE

HOME PARK

CEDAR LANE (PRIVATE)

NINO FAMILY LIMITED

PARTNERSHIP
VOL 4 - SURV - PG 84
APN: 022-281-005
(12.48±AC)
SHEET
OF
SCALE:

DRAWN:

JOB No.: SUBMITTAL / REVISION Civil Engineering Land Surveying 6 Harris Court Monterey, California 831.649.5225 whitsonengineers.com 1" = 40'
BDE
4478.01
C-24 VESTING TENTATIVE MAP ALMOND ACRES BOUNDARY AND EXISTING CONDITIONS MAP SOLEDAD, CALIFORNIA APN: 022-281-005 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION 7/12/2024 BDE CITY SUBMITTAL 3/13/2026 ML CITY SUBMITTAL I N E E S ON W E N IT H S G R NOTES: “ ”
403
45 20 21 40
22 23
24 25
26 27
28 29 30
31 32
33 34
35 36
37 38 39
44 41 42
43 46
47 48 49 50
51 52 53
54 55
18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 19
45 40
18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 19
20 21
22 23
24 25
26 27
28 29 30
31 32
33 34
35 36
37 38 39
44 41 42
43 46
47 48 49 50
51 52 53
54 55

ORCHARD VILLAS
(VOL 24 - C&T - PG 67)

GABILAN ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
(VOL 9 - SURV - PG 17)

SOLEDAD MISSION

RECREATION DISTRICT
(VOL 19 - PM - PG 7)

CITY OF SOLEDAD
(VOL 19 - PM - PG 7)

NINO HOMES AT

LIBERTY COURT

SAN VICENTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
(VOL 4 - SURV - PG 84)

PARCEL B

APARTMENTS

0.38 AC

PARCEL C

OPEN SPACE

0.41 AC

DIEGO PARK

C A L L E V A L V E R D E
AROMAS
PLACE

CAMBRIA
DRIVE
CADENA
DRIVE

PARCEL A

MOBILE HOME PARK

3.32 AC

CEDAR LANE

CADENA DRIVE A STREET

C STREET

PEPPER LANE B STREET O R C H A R D L A N E
SHEET
OF
SCALE:

DRAWN:

JOB No.: SUBMITTAL / REVISION Civil Engineering Land Surveying 6 Harris Court Monterey, California 831.649.5225 whitsonengineers.com 1" = 40'
BDE
4478.01
C-34 VESTING TENTATIVE MAP ALMOND ACRES LOT AND BOUNDARY MAP SOLEDAD, CALIFORNIA APN: 022-281-005 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION 7/12/2024 BDE CITY SUBMITTAL 3/13/2026 ML CITY SUBMITTAL I N E E S ON W E N IT H S G R 404
45 20 21 40
22 23
24 25
26 27
28 29 30
31 32
33 34
35 36
37 38 39
44 41 42
43 46
47 48 49 50
51 52 53
54 55
18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 19

ORCHARD VILLAS
(VOL 24 - C&T - PG 67)

GABILAN ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
(VOL 9 - SURV - PG 17)

SOLEDAD MISSION

RECREATION DISTRICT
(VOL 19 - PM - PG 7)

CITY OF SOLEDAD
(VOL 19 - PM - PG 7)

NINO HOMES AT

LIBERTY COURT

SAN VICENTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
(VOL 4 - SURV - PG 84)

PARCEL B

DIEGO PARK

C A L L E V A L V E R D E
AROMAS
PLACE

CAMBRIA
DRIVE
CADENA
DRIVE

PARCEL A

MOBILE HOME PARK

3.32 AC

CEDAR LANE

CADENA DRIVE A STREET

C STREET

PEPPER LANE B STREET O R C H A R D L A N E

PARCEL C
SHEET
OF
SCALE:

DRAWN:

JOB No.: SUBMITTAL / REVISION Civil Engineering Land Surveying 6 Harris Court Monterey, California 831.649.5225 whitsonengineers.com 1" = 40'
BDE
4478.01
C-44 VESTING TENTATIVE MAP ALMOND ACRES GRADING AND UTILITY PLAN SOLEDAD, CALIFORNIA APN: 022-281-005 NOT FOR CONSTRUCTION 7/12/2024 BDE CITY SUBMITTAL 3/13/2026 ML CITY SUBMITTAL I N E E S ON W E N IT H S G R 405

ALMOND ACRES

PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
& VESTING TENTATIVE MAP
City of Soledad
Planning Division
June 17, 2026
406
 Planned Unit Development (PUD-24002)
 Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map (TM-24003)
 Focused Environmental Impact Report
(SCH#2025030381)
 Planning Commission- Recommendation to City Council for the following:
 Certify EIR, Adopt CEQA Findings, Statement of Overriding Consideration and MMRP  Approve PUD and VTM
OVERVIEW 2
407
 Planned Unit Development (PUD)
 Vesting Tentative Map (VTM)
 Creates 55 Single-family Homes
 12 Multi-family Apartments
 California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA)
 Certification of Final Environmental Impact
Report (EIR)
 Adoption of CEQA Findings
 Adoption of Statement of Overriding
Considerations (SOC)
 Adoption of Mitigation Monitoring and
Reporting Program (MMRP)

PROJECT

REQUESTS
3 408
PROJECT LOCATION 4
 12.48 Acre Site (APN 022-281-005)
 West side of Orchard Lane – between Cedar Lane and Calle Valverde  Vacant/Degraded Infill
Site
 Existing 18-unit mobile
home park remains
 Existing Single-Family
Home to be demolished
 Adjacent to:
 Residential
Neighborhoods
 Schools
 Community Center
 Parks
409
5 To Remain
Modulars in Yellow are no
longer on the site
Single Family Home in
Orange to be
Demolished
410
PROPOSED PROJECT 6
Single-Family Component
 55 single-family homes
Affordable Housing Component
 Compliance with 20% inclusionary
requirement
 12-unit multi-family affordable housing
project
 Parcel B to be created through PUD and
VTM
Existing Uses
 Retention of 18-unit mobile home park
Other Improvements
 Internal Streets
 Stormwater Improvements
 Sidewalks & Utilities
411
7 412
SINGLE-FAMILY COMPONENT 8
Requirement Provided Min Max
Lot Area 3,825- 7,296 5,000 sq ft N.A
Lot Dimensions 100 x 40- varies 100 x 50 N.A
Lot Coverage 48% 40% N.A.

Density 10.36 du/ac = 55 units 7.26 du/ac = 39 units
Open Space
650 sq ft per unit + 0.41
acres for open space/storm
water requirements
650 sq ft per home N.A.

Building Height 14 - 30ft (two-stories) 14 ft 30 ft
Front Yard 15 ft 15 ft 20 ft
Side Yard 5 ft and 10ft street setback 5 ft N.A
Rear Yard 15 10 ft N.A
413
SITE PLAN 9
414
10 415
11 416
12 417
MULTI-FAMILY COMPONENT 13
Requirement Provided Min Max
Lot Area 0.38 acres 6,000 sq ft N.A
Lot Dimensions 138ft x 233 ft 100ft x 50ft N.A
Lot Coverage 50% N.A 60%
Open Space 12 units x 200 sf = 2,400 sq ft
Recreational Space = ~350 sq ft
12 units x 300 sf = 3,600 sq ft
Additional Recreational Space =
12 units x 200 sf = 2,400 sq ft
N.A
Density 31.58 du/a = 12 units 1 unit 22 du/ac = 8 units Building Height 26.9 FT 14 ft 30 ft
Front Yard 15 ft 15 ft 20 ft
Side Yard 5 ft and 10ft street setback 5 ft N.A
Rear Yard 15 10 ft N.A 418
14 419
15 420
PROPOSED PROJECT 16
Why a Planned Unit Development (PUD)?
 Flexible lot sizes
 Coordinated neighborhood design
 Integration of affordable housing
 Improved circulation and connectivity
 Efficient Infill Development
Housing Type Units
Single-Family 55
Multi-Family Affordable 12
Existing Mobile Homes 18
Total 85
421
OPEN SPACE & CONNECTIVITY 17
Open Space and Recreation
Exemption for 100% Affordable Projects
Project Condition for Pedestrian
Path:
 Proximity to Orchard Lane Park
 Adjacent to Rotary Park
 New Pedestrian Connectivity
 Access to:
 Soledad Community Center
 Mission Rec Center
Soledad
Community Center
Mission
Rec Center Rotary Park
422
CIRCULATION AND PARKING 18
Project
Component Number of Units Required Parking Parking Provided Single-Family
Residential (SFD) 55 Units 220 Spaces 220 Spaces
Multi-Family
Affordable
Housing
12 Units Up to 12 spaces 14 Spaces
On-Street Parking N/A N/A Approx. 100
Spaces
Total 67 Units 232 Spaces 334 Spaces
Streets will be built per Public Street Standards & dedicated and maintained by the City As a condition, a traffic evaluation for ingress and egress is required to accommodate traffic 423
CIRCULATION AND PARKING 19
The project is
conditioned to
have red curb culde-sacs to help
with Emergency
Vehicle Access
424
CEQA

PROCESS
What is CEQA?
20 California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
The purpose of CEQA is to ensure that
environmental impacts are:
 Studied
 Disclosed to the public
 Considered by decision-makers before a
project is approved
For Almond Acres
 Initial Study prepared
 EIR prepared
 Public Review and Agency comments
 Mitigation measures incorporated
 Statement of Overriding Considerations (SOC)
required due to unavoidable VMT Impacts
City Role
The City of Soledad serves as the Lead Agency
for overseeing the environmental review
process
425
Initial Study
 Identified Potential Impacts
Focused EIR
 Focused on Vehicles Miles Traveled
(VMT)
Review Process
 Notice of Preparations (NOP) issued
March 10, 2025
 Draft EIR circulated June 27-August 11,
2025
CEQA

PROCESS
Environmental
Review
21 426
Environmental Conclusions
 Most impacts mitigated to less-thansignificant
 VMT impact remains significant &
unavoidable
Therefore required:
 Final EIR certification
 CEQA Findings
 Statement of Overriding Considerations
 MMRP adoption
CEQA

PROCESS
Environmental
Review
22 427
• Under CEQA, if a project has environmental impacts that cannot be fully avoided, the City must evaluate those
impacts along with the project’s overall public benefits before making a final decision
• The Planning Commission and City Council will
independently review the environmental analysis,
mitigation measures, and project benefits before taking action.
• The environmental review evaluated impacts to streets, utilities, and public services.
• The project includes proposed public street and
infrastructure improvements designed to support the
development and connect it to the City’s existing systems. • Based on technical studies and environmental analysis, identified infrastructure impacts are addressed through required improvements, project conditions, or disclosed in the EIR in accordance with CEQA requirements.

CEQA

PROCESS
Environmental
Review
23 428
Agencies Providing Comments
 Native American Heritage Commission
 Monterey-Salinas Transit
 PG&E
 Caltrans
 Monterey Bay Air Resources District
 California Department of Fish & Wildlife
Resulting Coordination:
 Transit Coordination with MST
 Additional Project Conditions
CEQA

PROCESS
Public Agency
Comments
24 429
Policy L13 requires that residential projects consider their relationship to surrounding uses.

Policy L18 encourages infill of existing residential lots.

Policy L19 directs higher-density housing to areas served by a wide range of urban services and located near schools, parks, transit, and collector or arterial streets.

Policy H9 requires that development standards and review procedures not unreasonably constrain the provision of
housing.

Housing Element: Housing Element Policy 1.2 and Program

1.2.1, which encourage the availability of adequate sites for residential development and the provision of a variety of housing types to meet the City’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA). The project develops an infill housing opportunity site and includes a 12-unit multi-family affordable housing component through the rezoning of Parcel B to the R3 Residential High-Density District.

GENERAL PLAN
& HOUSING

ELEMENT

COMPLIANCE
25 430
Public Comments were addressed during the
hearing
Planning Commission favored the housing
development for the needed affordable
housing component
Clarified that this is not a private
development, streets and open space areas
will be dedicated to the City therefore streets
meet City standards
Conditions are in place to accommodate
ingress and egress

PLANNING

COMMISSION

DISCUSSION
26 431
Action #1 – Environmental Review
Approve Resolution No. 6375
 Certify EIR
 Adopt CEQA Findings
 Adopt SOC
 Adopt MMRP
Action #2 – Project Entitlements
Approve Ord No. 781 :
 PUD – 24002
 TM – 24003
 Conditions of Approval and associated
exhibits

CITY COUNCIL
ACTION
27 432

ALMOND ACRES

PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT
& VESTING TENTATIVE MAP
City of Soledad
Planning Division
Thank you!
433
SUBJECT: Resolution Nos. 6387 and 6388, Resolutions of the City Council of the City of Soledad Adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (2025 UWMP), and Separately, Adopting the 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan (2025 WSCP), and Ordering Both the 2025 UWMP and 2025 WSCP to be Filed with the California Department of Water Resources by July 1, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor Velazquez and City Council
FROM: Don Wilcox, Public Works Director, and Carla James, Water Resources Manager
MEETING DATE: June 17, 2026

CITY OF SOLEDAD

STAFF REPORT
THROUGH: Megan Hunter, City Manager
AGENDA ITEM NO. 1.

Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council of the City of Soledad:
1) Receive Staff Report
2) Open Public Hearing
3) Close Public Hearing
4) Council Discussion
5) Council Action
a. Consider and Adopt Resolution No. 6387, Adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (2025 UWMP), and Ordering the 2025 UWMP to be Filed with the California Department of Water Resources by July 1, 2026.
b. Consider and Adopt Resolution No. 6388, Adopting the 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan (2025 WSCP), and Ordering the 2025 WSCP to be Filed with the California Department of Water Resources by July 1, 2026.

Executive Summary
California Urban Water Management Plans (UWMPs) are mandatory, five-year outlooks required by the California Department of Water Resources (CA DWR) to support water suppliers’ long-term resource planning to ensure that adequate water supplies are available to meet existing and future growth. The City of Soledad has been required to submit UWMPs since 2005, in accordance with the Urban Water Management Planning Act (California Water Code §§10610–10657). The 2025 UWMP is the fifth UWMP prepared by the City of Soledad.

The 2025 UWMP evaluates available water resources (supplies) and forecasts community demands on 434
the water system over a 25-year planning horizon. Water availability under normal year, single-dry year, and multiple-dry year scenarios are examined, as well as demand management measures that are used to achieve water use targets.

The 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan (2025 WSCP) outlines drought responses and shortage response actions the City may take for each of six standard water shortage levels. Each shortage level corresponds to progressively increasing estimated shortage conditions (up to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and greater than 50% water shortages). The 2025 WSCP provides communication protocols for community awareness, education, and outreach, as well as compliance and enforcement provisions.

Background
In response to the Urban Water Management Planning Act (Act), California Water Code, Division 6, Part 2.6, Sections 10610 through 10656, the City of Soledad solicited proposals for development of the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP). Rincon Consultants, Inc. (Rincon) was selected to assist in the preparation of the 2025 UWMP. As outlined in their proposal, Rincon offered the City “a fresh, technically rigorous perspective grounded in deep hydrogeologic expertise, strong Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) program knowledge, and a fully integrated environmental and water-resources team.”
The Act, which became effective in 1984 and has since had several amendments, requires that, "Every urban water supplier shall prepare and adopt an Urban Water Management Plan." An urban water supplier is defined by the Act as a, "Supplier, either publicly or privately owned, providing water for municipal purposes either directly or indirectly to more than 3,000 customers or supplying more than 3,000 acre-feet of water annually."
The City met the 3,000-customer threshold in 2005, and the 2005 UWMP was the City’s first, followed by UWMPs in 2010, 2015, and 2020. The 2025 UWMP is an update to the City’s 2020 UWMP. The City is also required to update its Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP). Updated UWMPs and WSCPs will continue to be submitted each year ending in a 6 or 1 (every five years).

Public participation in UWMP and WSCP development are required by the California Water Code. A 60-Day Notice of Plan Preparation was sent to neighboring cities, agencies, and local entities on April 13, 2026. On June 2, 2026, the City of Soledad made the Public Review Draft 2025 UWMP and Public Review Draft 2025 WSCP available on its website at https://www.cityofsoledad.com/2025-uwmpwscp/. Public Notices announcing the availability of the Public Review Drafts and the Public Hearing date of June 17, 2026 were published on June 3 and June 10, 2026 in the Salinas Valley Tribune.

Review & Analysis
2025 Urban Water Management Plan (2025 UWMP)
The 2025 UWMP serves to provide the California Department of Water Resources (CA DWR) with a detailed summary of the present and future water resources and demands that the City anticipates. The 2025 UWMP provides the City’s water supply planning for a 25-year period in five-year increments that identify water supplies that will be used to meet existing and future demands.

Since the UWMP Act was passed, it has undergone significant expansion and revision. Prolonged droughts, groundwater overdraft, regulatory revisions, and changing climatic conditions not only affect each supplier’s water reliability determinations, but also the broad picture of statewide water reliability overseen by CA DWR, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), and the Legislature.

Accordingly, the UWMP Act has grown to address changing conditions as it guides California’s water 435
resource management. In February 2026, CA DWR published the 2025 UWMP Guidebook (CA DWR 2026).

No substantive changes to UWMP statutory requirements occurred, however the following key updates are summarized:

Improved clarity and organization, including refined explanations of California Water Code requirements, narrative guidance, and updated references to related State planning and reporting programs.

Enhanced water supply reliability guidance, emphasizing clear differentiation among average year, single dry year, and multiple consecutive dry year (five-year drought) conditions, consistent with statutory reliability assessment requirements.

Refined demand forecasting guidance promoting greater consistency among population, land use, water use efficiency, and demand assumptions, and clarifying how documented passive and active water use efficiency savings may be incorporated into long-term demand projections.

Expanded discussion of water use efficiency regulatory context, recognizing the continued relevance of SB X7-7 for historical reporting purposes and the role of the Urban Water Use Objective framework in informing UWMP demand assessments.

Updated Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) guidance, reinforcing alignment with recent California Water Code amendments and State Water Resources Control Board water shortage and conservation reporting requirements.

Updated recycled water discussion, consistent with advances in potable reuse regulations adopted by the SWRCB in 2023, and reinforcing California Water Code requirements to describe current and planned recycled water use.

Streamlined and standardized UWMP submittal tables, including improved formatting, ADA accessibility, and internal consistency across tables to reduce ambiguity and improve comparability across suppliers.

The City’s 2025 UWMP has been prepared in compliance with the requirements of the UWMPAct and included in the CWC. The City’s 2025 UWMP is organized as follows:

Executive Summary: Includes a lay description summary of key information regarding the fundamental determinations of the UWMP, particularly water service reliability, challenges ahead, and strategies for management of reliability risks.

Chapter 1 – Introduction: Introduces the importance and extent of the City’s water management planning efforts and this Plan organization.

Chapter 2 – Plan Preparation: Includes the City’s process for developing this UWMP, including efforts in coordination and outreach.

Chapter 3 – System Description: Presents a description and map of the City’s water service area, the City’s history and organizational structure, the Public Water System, climate data and potential effects of climate change, and population and demographics.

Chapter 4 – Water Use Characterization: Describes and quantifies the current and projected water uses in normal conditions within the City’s service area.

Chapter 5 – SB X7-7 Baselines, 2025 Targets and 2025 Reporting: Addresses the Water Conservation Act of 2009 (SB X7-7), including established baseline, conservation targets, and 2025 436
compliance reporting.

Chapter 6 – Water Supply Characterization: Describes and quantifies the current and projected water sources available to the City, including water volumes for average year conditions, origin of water supply, water quality, issues unique to the supply, management actions and projects that are anticipated to meet future water demand, and climate change impacts on supply.

Chapter 7 – Water Service Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment: Describes the reliability of the City’s water supply, and projects water reliability for a 25-year planning horizon for normal, singledry years, and five consecutive dry years. Includes an analysis of the City’s water reliability risk to drought.

Chapter 8 – 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan: Provides a summary of the City’s staged plan for responding to water shortages, including a catastrophic supply interruption. Includes shortage response actions, communication protocols, enforcement, reporting, and refinement procedures. The full 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan (2025 WSCP) is provided in Appendix D.

Chapter 9 – Demand Management Measures: Demonstrates the City’s efforts to promote water conservation and to reduce demand on its water supply, specifically detailing efforts for designated demand management measures. The demand management measures include those the City has implemented or is considering implementing pursuant to the requirements of the Act.

Chapter 10 – Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Implementation: Describes the City’s actions taken to provide notification to agencies, adopt and submit the 2025 UWMP to CA DWR, and make it available to the public and the process to amend the adopted 2025 UWMP, if needed.

The chapters in the 2025 UWMP correspond to the outline of the UWMPAct and the recommendations in the 2025 UWMP Guidebook for urban water suppliers. Further, the tables included in the 2025 UWMP are required by CA DWR and are in the format presented in the 2025 UWMP Guidebook. They are both inclusive in the UWMP and submitted to CA DWR as a separate Excel file through the online Water Use Efficiency Data (WUE Data) Portal. The CA DWR UWMP checklist form from the Guidebook has been completed and is included in Appendix A. The checklist identifies the location in the 2025 UWMP where required elements can be found.

The 2025 UWMP is intended to serve as a general, flexible, and open-ended document that periodically can be updated to reflect changes in regional water supply trends and water use efficiency policies. The City’s 2025 UWMP, along with other City planning documents, will be used by City staff to guide water use and management efforts through the year 2030, when the UWMP is required to be updated. 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan (2025 WSCP)
The City has developed the 2025 WSCP in accordance with California Water Code §10632, which is part of the UWMP Act regulatory requirements and in alignment with the CA DWR 2025 UWMP Guidebook.

The City is responsible for conserving available water supply, protecting the integrity of water supply facilities and infrastructure, and implementing a contingency plan in times of drought, supply reductions, failure of water distribution systems, or emergencies. Particular emphasis is placed on use of domestic (potable) water, sanitation, fire protection, and preservation of public health, welfare, and safety, in addition to minimization of the adverse impacts of water supply shortage or other water supply emergency conditions that do not include recycled water. 437
The 2025 WSCP provides the strategic responses the City may take if a water shortage is declared to conserve and manage water resources essential to maintain public health and community vitality. The 2025 WSCP is included as an appendix to the 2025 UWMP, but is considered a separate document, and can be amended, as needed, without amending the 2025 UWMP.

The 2025 WSCP describes the following:

Water Supply Reliability Analysis. Summarizes the City’s water supply analysis and reliability and identifies the key issues that may trigger a shortage condition.

Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures. Describes the key data inputs, evaluation criteria, and methodology for assessing the system’s reliability for the coming year and the steps to formally declare any water shortage levels and response actions.

Six Standard Water Shortage Levels. Establishes water shortage levels to clearly identify and prepare for shortages.

Shortage Response Actions. Describes the response actions that may be implemented or considered for each stage to reduce gaps between supply and demand as well as minimize social and economic impacts to the community.

Communication Protocols. Describes communication protocols under each stage to ensure customers, the public, and City Council are informed of shortage conditions and requirements.

Compliance and Enforcement. Defines compliance and enforcement actions available to administer demand reductions.

Legal Authority. Lists the legal documents that grant the City the authority to declare a water shortage and implement and enforce response actions.

Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation. Describes the anticipated financial impact of implementing water shortage stages and identifies mitigation strategies to offset financial burdens. Monitoring and Reporting. Summarizes the monitoring and reporting techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of shortage response actions and overall WSCP implementation. Results are used to determine if additional shortage response actions should be activated or if efforts are successful and response actions should be reduced. WSCP Refinement Procedures. Describes the factors that may trigger updates to the WSCP and outlines how to complete an update.

Special Water Features Distinctions. Identifies exemptions for ponds, lakes, fountains, pools, and spas, etc.

Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability. Describes the process for the WSCP adoption, submittal, and availability after each revision.

Financial Considerations
The City contracted with Rincon to prepare these reports at for just under $50,000 paid for through Water Enterprise Funds.

The 2025 UWMP and 2025 WSCP are required by the California Water Code. For a water supplier to be eligible for a grant or loan administered by CA DWR, and potentially other agencies, the supplier must have a current UWMP on file that meets the requirements set forth by the California Water Code.

A current UWMP must also be maintained by the supplier throughout the term of any grants or loans received.

The 2025 UWMP contains demand management measures that, if enacted, could affect Water 438
Resolution No. 6387
Exhibit A - 2025 Urban Water Management Plan - Public Review Draft Resolution No. 6388
Exhibit A - 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan - Public Review Draft Enterprise Funds. The 2025 WSCP includes Water Shortage Response Actions that, if enacted, could also affect Water Enterprise Funds.

Strategic Plan Alignment
The approval of Resolution Nos. 6387 and 6388 align with the City Council’s 2025 Strategic Plan by supporting continued progress toward one of the City’s key goals and priorities of the Environmental Justice and Equity Pillar by advancing Goal 3.4 – Promote Sustainable Infrastructure and Environmental Resiliency, specifically, Objective 3.4.3 Expand water reuse and conservation systems.

Alternatives
Adopt the 2025 UWMP and Order its filing with CA DWR (Resolution No. 6387) Adopt the 2025 WSCP and Order its filing with CA DWR (Resolution No. 6388) Do not adopt the attached resolutions. This is not recommended, as the City is required to file an adopted 2025 UWMP and an adopted 2025 WSCP with CA DWR by July 1, 2026.

Planning/CEQA
A Public Notice is required and was published in the Salinas Valley Tribune on June 03 and June 10, 2026.

Public Notice Requirements
The preparation and adoption of UWMPs is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to California Water Code Section 10652, which provides that CEQA does not apply to the preparation and adoption of plans pursuant to this part or to the implementation of actions taken pursuant to Section 10632.

Attachment(s):
439
RESOLUTION NO. 6387

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDAD ADOPTING THE 2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN (2025 UWMP) AND ORDERING THE 2025 UWMP TO BE FILED WITH THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES BY JULY 1, 2026
WHEREAS, the California Urban Water Management Planning Act, (Water Code Section §§10610–10657 (the Act)), mandates that every urban supplier of water providing water for municipal purposes to more than 3,000 customers or supplying more than 3,000 acre-feet of water annually, prepare and adopt, in accordance with prescribed requirements an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), the primary objective of which is to plan for the conservation and efficient use of water, and
WHEREAS, the City of Soledad meets the definition of an “Urban Water Supplier” due to the fact that the City provides water to more than 3,000 customers; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act, urban water suppliers are required to update, adopt and electronically submit UWMPs to the California Department of Water Resources following specific guidelines and procedures; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 UWMP is the fifth UWMP developed by the City; and WHEREAS, the UWMP shall be periodically reviewed at least once every five years, and the City of Soledad shall make any amendments or changes that are indicated by the review; and WHEREAS, the City of Soledad has therefore prepared in cooperation with other governmental agencies, and has utilized and relied on industry standards and professionals in preparing the 2025 UWMP, including but not limited to Rincon Consultants, Inc., and made available a Public Review Draft 2025 UWMP; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with applicable law, including California Water Code §10642 and §10608.26, a properly noticed public hearing regarding the 2025 UWMP was held by the City of Soledad on June 17, 2026, to provide members of the public and other interested entities with the opportunity to be heard in connection with the proposed adoption of the 2025 UWMP and issues related thereto; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Soledad has reviewed and considered the purposes and requirements of the Act, the contents of the 2025 UWMP, and the documentation contained in administrative record in support of the 2025 UWMP, and has determined that the factual analyses and conclusions set forth in the 2025 UWMP are legally sufficient; and WHEREAS, the City of Soledad desires to adopt and file the 2025 UWMP with the Department of Water Resources within thirty (30) days of the date of adoption; 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 of the 2025 UWMP. 440
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Soledad as follows:

SECTION 1: The 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (2025 UWMP), a copy of which is attached hereto and marked as Exhibit A, is hereby adopted and ordered filed with the City Clerk.

SECTION 2: The City Manager, or his/her designee, is hereby authorized and directed to file the 2025 UWMP with the California Department of Water Resources.

SECTION 3: The City Manager, or his/her designee, is further authorized, in accordance with California Water Code section 10621(d) and 10644(a)(I)(2), to make the adopted 2025 UWMP available for public review on the City of Soledad website, and to submit a copy of the 2025 UWMP to the California State Library, and to any city or county within which the City of Soledad provides water supplies no later than thirty (30) days after adoption.

SECTION 4. The City Manager, or his/her designee, is further authorized to implement the Water Conservation Programs as set forth in the 2025 UWMP with recommendations to the City Council regarding necessary procedures, rules, and regulations to carry out effective and equitable water conservation and water recycling programs.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Soledad at a regular meeting duly held on the 17th day of June 2026 by the following vote:

AYES, and in favor thereof, Councilmembers:

NOES, Councilmembers:

ABSENT, Councilmembers:

ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:

ANNA M. VELAZQUEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________
MEGAN HUNTER, City Clerk
441
City of Soledad 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
Public Review Draft
prepared by
City of Soledad
Public Works Department
248 Main Street
Soledad, California 93960
Contact: Carla James, Water Resources Manager
prepared with the assistance of
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
80 Garden Court
Monterey, California 93940
June 2026
442
Table of Contents
Public Review Draft i
Table of Contents
Acronyms and Abbreviations............................................................................................................................ vii Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... ES-1 Overview................................................................................................................................................. ES-1 Urban Water Management Act ............................................................................................................. ES-1 Purpose and Objectives ........................................................................................................................ ES-2 Service Area Overview........................................................................................................................... ES-2 Demand and Conservation.................................................................................................................... ES-4 Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment................................................................................ ES-5 Water Shortage Contingency Plan........................................................................................................ ES-5 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. ES-5 1 Introduction...............................................................................................................................................1-1

1.1 Setting...........................................................................................................................................1-1

1.2 California Water Code ..................................................................................................................1-1

1.1.1 New Requirements......................................................................................................1-2

1.3 Plan Organization.........................................................................................................................1-2

1.4 UWMPs in Relation to other Efforts ............................................................................................1-3

1.5 UWMPs and Grant or Loan Eligibility ..........................................................................................1-4 2 Plan Preparation .......................................................................................................................................2-1

2.1 Basis for Preparing a Plan ...........................................................................................................2-1

2.2 Individual or Regional Planning ...................................................................................................2-1

2.3 Type of Agency, Calendar Year, and Units of Measure..............................................................2-1

2.4 Coordination and Outreach..........................................................................................................2-2 3 Service Area Description..........................................................................................................................3-1

3.1 Setting...........................................................................................................................................3-1

3.2 General Description......................................................................................................................3-1

3.2.1 Water Service Area......................................................................................................3-1

3.2.2 Wastewater Service Area............................................................................................3-1

3.2.3 Recycled Water Service Area......................................................................................3-2

3.3 Service Area Climate....................................................................................................................3-7

3.4 Service Area Population and Demographics ..............................................................................3-9

3.4.1 Population....................................................................................................................3-9

3.4.2 Other Social, Economic, and Demographic Factors................................................3-10

3.4.3 Land Use ....................................................................................................................3-12 4 Water Use Characterization .....................................................................................................................4-1

4.1 Non-Potable Versus Potable Water Use .....................................................................................4-1

4.1.1 Water Use Sectors Listed in Water Code...................................................................4-1 443
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2025 Urban Water Management Plan
ii

4.2 Past, Current, and Projected Water Use......................................................................................4-2

4.2.1 Water Use for Lower Income Households.................................................................4-6

4.2.2 Climate Change Considerations.................................................................................4-6

4.2.3 Codes and Other Considerations Used in Projections..............................................4-7

4.3 Distribution System Water Loss..................................................................................................4-8

4.3.1 Previous Five Years Distribution System Losses......................................................4-9

4.3.2 Progress Toward Meeting the Water Loss Performance Standard.........................4-9 5 SB X7-7 Baselines and Targets................................................................................................................5-1

5.1 SB X7-7 Baselines and 2020 Targets..........................................................................................5-1

5.1.1 Calculating Population and Gross Water Use ...........................................................5-1

5.2 Reporting Requirements for Retail Suppliers .............................................................................5-1

5.2.1 Supplier Met 2020 Target in 2020..............................................................................5-1 6 Water Supply Characterization ................................................................................................................6-1

6.1 Water Supply Analysis .................................................................................................................6-1

6.2 Water Supply Characterization....................................................................................................6-3

6.2.1 Purchased or Imported Water ....................................................................................6-3

6.2.2 Groundwater................................................................................................................6-3

6.2.3 Surface Water..............................................................................................................6-9

6.2.4 Stormwater..................................................................................................................6-9

6.2.5 Wastewater and Recycled Water ...............................................................................6-9

6.2.6 Recycled Water System ............................................................................................6-14

6.2.7 Recycled Water Beneficial Uses...............................................................................6-14

6.3 Desalinated Water Opportunities ..............................................................................................6-17

6.4 Water Exchanges and Transfers ...............................................................................................6-17

6.5 Future Water Projects ................................................................................................................6-17

6.6 Summary of Existing and Planned Sources of Water ..............................................................6-20

6.7 Climate Change ..........................................................................................................................6-24 7 Water Service Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment .......................................................................7-1

7.1 Water Service Reliability Assessment.........................................................................................7-1

7.1.1 Constraints on Water Sources....................................................................................7-1

7.1.2 Year Type Characterization ........................................................................................7-3

7.1.3 Water Service Reliability .............................................................................................7-3

7.1.4 Description of Management Tools and Options .......................................................7-6

7.2 Drought Risk Assessment ...........................................................................................................7-6

7.2.1 Data, Methods, and Basis for Water Shortage Condition .........................................7-6

7.2.2 Water Source Reliability ..............................................................................................7-7

7.2.3 Total Water Supply and Use Comparison..................................................................7-7 8 Water Shortage Contingency Plan...........................................................................................................8-1

8.1 Updates Since 2020 .....................................................................................................................8-1

8.2 Water Supply Reliability Assessment..........................................................................................8-2 444
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Public Review Draft iii

8.3 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment........................................................................8-2

8.4 Six Standard Water Shortage Levels...........................................................................................8-2

8.5 Shortage Response Actions ........................................................................................................8-3

8.5.1 Demand Reduction......................................................................................................8-3

8.5.2 Supply Augmentation..................................................................................................8-7

8.5.3 Operational Changes...................................................................................................8-7

8.5.4 Additional Mandatory Restrictions.............................................................................8-7

8.5.5 Emergency Response Plan.........................................................................................8-7

8.5.6 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan.........................................................8-7

8.6 Communication Protocols...........................................................................................................8-7

8.7 Compliance and Enforcement.....................................................................................................8-8

8.8 Legal Authorities ..........................................................................................................................8-8

8.9 Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation ..................................................................8-8

8.10 Monitoring and Reporting ............................................................................................................8-9

8.11 WSCP Refinement Procedures....................................................................................................8-9

8.12 Special Water Feature Distinction...............................................................................................8-9

8.13 Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability ..................................................................................8-9 9 Demand Management Measures ............................................................................................................9-1

9.1 Water Waste Prevention Ordinances ..........................................................................................9-1

9.2 Metering........................................................................................................................................9-2

9.3 Conservation Pricing....................................................................................................................9-2

9.4 Public Education and Outreach ...................................................................................................9-4

9.4.1 Public Messaging........................................................................................................9-4

9.4.2 Water Awareness Committee of Monterey County...................................................9-4

9.5 Programs to Assess and Manage Distribution System Real Loss............................................9-5

9.6 Water Conservation Program Coordination and Staffing Support............................................9-5

9.7 Implementation Over the Past Five Years ..................................................................................9-5 10 Plan Adoption and Submittal .................................................................................................................10-1

10.1 Notice of Plan Preparation ........................................................................................................10-1

10.2 Notice of Public Hearing............................................................................................................10-1

10.3 Public Hearing and Adoption.....................................................................................................10-2

10.4 Plan Submittal ............................................................................................................................10-2

10.5 Public Availability .......................................................................................................................10-2

10.6 Amending the Adopted UWMP or WSCP..................................................................................10-2 11 References ..............................................................................................................................................11-1 445
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2025 Urban Water Management Plan
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Tables
Table 2-1 Retail Only – Public Water System..............................................................................................2-1 Table 2-2 Plan Identification ........................................................................................................................2-1 Table 2-3 Supplier Identification ..................................................................................................................2-2 Table 2-4 Agency Coordination....................................................................................................................2-2 Table 3-1 CIMIS Station 252 Average Monthly Climate Data Based on 2016-2025 Data ........................3-9 Table 3-2 Population – Current and Projected..........................................................................................3-10 Table 3-3 AMBAG 2026 Growth Forecast Variables within Service Area................................................3-12 Table 4-1 Historical and Current Water Use by Customer Class, AFY.......................................................4-3 Table 4-2 Actual Demands for Water, AFY..................................................................................................4-3 Table 4-3 Total Uses of Potable and Non-Potable Water – Projected, AFY..............................................4-5 Table 4-4 Inclusion in Water Use Projections .............................................................................................4-6 Table 4-5 Passive Water Savings Projections, AFY ....................................................................................4-8 Table 4-6 Last Five Years’ Water Loss Audit Reporting .............................................................................4-9 Table 4-7 Progress Towards 2028 Water Loss Standard ........................................................................4-10 Table 5-1 SB X7-7 2020 Target Progress ....................................................................................................5-2 Table 6-1 Groundwater Volume Pumped Past Five Years, AFY.................................................................6-7 Table 6-2 Wastewater Collected within the Service Area in 2025, AF.....................................................6-10 Table 6-3 Wastewater Treatment and Discharge Within the Service Area in 2025, AF..........................6-12 Table 6-4 Recycled Water Direct Beneficial Uses within the Service Area, 2025–2050 (AF) ................6-15 Table 6-5 2020 UWMP Recycled Water Use Projection Compared to 2025 Actual, AF .........................6-15 Table 6-6 Methods to Encourage Future Recycled Water Use, AFY........................................................6-16 Table 6-7 Expected Future Water Supply Projects or Programs, AFY.....................................................6-19 Table 6-8 Water Supplies – 2025 Actual, AF.............................................................................................6-21 Table 6-9 Water Supplies – Projected to 2050, AFY.................................................................................6-22 Table 6-10 Groundwater Budget for Projected Climate Change Conditions.............................................6-24 Table 6-11 Projected Sustainable Yields.....................................................................................................6-24 Table 7-1 Basis of Water Year Data (Reliability Assessment) ...................................................................7-3 Table 7-2 Normal Year Supply and Use Comparison, AFY.........................................................................7-4 Table 7-3 Single Dry Year Supply and Use Comparison, AFY.....................................................................7-4 Table 7-4 Multiple Dry Years Supply and Use Comparison........................................................................7-5 Table 7-5 Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment, AF.....................................................................................7-7 Table 8-1 Water Shortage Contingency Plan Levels...................................................................................8-3 Table 8-2 Demand Reduction Actions .........................................................................................................8-5 Table 9-1 Demand Management Measures................................................................................................9-1 Table 9-2 Residential Tiered and Non-tiered Water Rates for Potable Water...........................................9-3 Table 9-3 City Water Awareness Kit Customer Deliveries, 2021-2025......................................................9-5 Table 10-1 Notification to Cities and Counties ...........................................................................................10-1 446
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Figures
Figure ES-1 City Water Service Area ............................................................................................................ ES-3 Figure ES-2 Percent of Total Water Uses by Customer Class (2020–2024)............................................. ES-4 Figure ES-3 City Historic Demand vs. Climate (2011-2025)....................................................................... ES-4 Figure 3-1 City of Soledad Boundary Limits ................................................................................................. 3-3 Figure 3-2 Water Facilities............................................................................................................................. 3-4 Figure 3-3 Sanitary Sewer Collection and Wastewater Facilities................................................................ 3-5 Figure 3-4 Recycled Water Facilities – Construction in Progress (Completion Expected December 2026)........................................................................................................................... 3-6 Figure 3-5 CIMIS Station 252 Annual Precipitation from 2016-2025 ......................................................... 3-8 Figure 3-6 2025 US Census Data By Race.................................................................................................. 3-11 Figure 3-7 2025 US Census Top Five Employment.................................................................................... 3-11 Figure 4-1 Percent of Total Water Uses by Customer Class, 2020–2024.................................................. 4-1 Figure 6-1 City’s Historical Water Production (2021 – 2025) ..................................................................... 6-2 Figure 6-2 Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin and Forebay Aquifer Subbasin........................................... 6-4 Figure 6-3 City of Soledad Groundwater Well Locations............................................................................. 6-8 Appendices
Appendix A 2025 DWR Checklist
Appendix B Public Hearing Notices
Appendix C AWWA Water Loss Audit Forms (2020-2024)
Appendix D 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Appendix E Adopted Resolutions
Appendix F 2025 DWR Standardized Tables
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Acronyms and Abbreviations
Public Review Draft vii
Acronyms and Abbreviations
°F Fahrenheit
AB Assembly Bill
ACT Urban Water Management Planning Act
AF Acre-Feet
AFY Acre-Feet per Year
AMBAG Association of Monterey Bay Area of Governments
ASGSA Arroyo Seco Groundwater Sustainability Agency
AWWA American Water Works Association
CalWEP California Water Efficiency Partnership
CASGEM California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring CDCR California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation CDPH California Department of Public Health
CII Commercial/Industrial/Institutional and Governmental CIMIS California Irrigation Management Information System City City of Soledad
CY Calendar Year
CUWCC California Urban Water Conservation Council
CWC California Water Code
CWP California Water Plan
DAC Disadvantaged Community
DMM Demand Management Measures
DOF State Department of Finance
DRA Drought Risk Assessment
DWR Department of Water Resources
ET Evapotranspiration
ETo Reference Evapotranspiration
GMP Groundwater Management Plan
GPCD Gallons Per Capita Per Day
GPD Gallons Per Day
GPM Gallons Per Minute
GSA Groundwater Sustainability Agency
GSP Groundwater Sustainability Plan
IRWM Integrated Regional Water Management
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ISP Integrated Sustainability Plan
IWA International Water Association
JPA Joint Powers Agreement
kWh Kilowatt Hours
Legislature State of California Legislature
MCL Maximum Contaminant Level
MCWRA Monterey County Water Resources Agency
MG Million Gallons
mgd Million Gallons Per Day
mg/l Milligrams Per Liter
MHI Median Household Income
MWELO Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
NO3 Nitrate
NO3-N Nitrate as Nitrogen
RNHA Regional Housing Needs Assessment
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SB Senate Bill
SGMA Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
SFR Single Family Residential
SVBGSA Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency SVIHM Salinas Valley Integrated Hydrologic Model
SVOM Salinas Valley Operations Model
SWP State Water Project
SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board
USBR United States Bureau of Reclamation
US EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
USGS United States Geological Survey
UWMP Urban Water Management Plan
Water Code California Water Code
WRF Water Reclamation Facility
WSCP Water Shortage Contingency Plan
WUE Water Use Efficiency
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Executive Summary
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Executive Summary
The Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) is the City of Soledad’s (City) long‑range planning document that evaluates the reliability of water supplies and the City’s ability to meet current and future water demands under a range of hydrologic and operational conditions. Prepared in accordance with the California Urban Water Management Planning Act (California Water Code Division 6, Part 2.6), the UWMP is updated every five years and submitted to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). The City’s 2025 UWMP incorporates these updated requirements and demonstrates the City’s continued commitment to delivering reliable, sustainable, and resilient water service.

Overview
The Executive Summary gives a comprehensive overview of the primary UWMP components and to provide clarity for the role each element plays within the City’s long‑term water management framework.

These core components include:
• Regulatory foundation and planning requirements, which establish the legal basis for UWMP preparation and summarize recent legislative updates that guide the content of the 2025 Plan. • Purpose and objectives of the UWMP, outlining why the Plan is prepared and how it supports long‑term water reliability and compliance with statewide conservation mandates. • Description of the City’s water service area, providing the land use, customer characteristics, and system context that influence both water demand and supply planning. • Water demand analysis, presenting historical and projected demands through 2050 and evaluating the role of conservation, efficiency standards, and demographic factors. • Water supply characterization, documenting existing and planned water sources, including local, regional, and recycled water supplies, and describing the City’s investments to maintain a diversified and resilient supply portfolio.
• Supply reliability and drought risk assessment, assessing how the City’s supplies perform under normal, dry, and extended multi‑year drought conditions and meeting the statutory requirement for a 5‑Year Drought Risk Assessment.
• Water Shortage Contingency Plan, summarizing the City’s updated shortage stages, triggers, actions, and annual assessment procedures that support rapid response to drought or emergencies.

Together, these components provide a complete picture of the City’s long‑term water management strategy, demonstrate compliance with State requirements, and document the City’s continued commitment to reliable and sustainable water service.

Urban Water Management Act
The Urban Water Management Act (Act) became part of the California Water Code (CWC) with the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 797 during the 1983-1984 regular session of the California Legislature. The CWC requires every urban water supplier providing water for municipal purposes either directly or indirectly to more than 3,000 customers or supplying more than 3,000 acre-feet per year (AFY) to adopt and submit a UWMP every five years to DWR.

Since the adoption of the 2020 UWMP, State Legislature has updated or expanded several planning requirements, including enhanced drought risk assessments, expanded Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) elements, and additional reporting on energy intensity and water use efficiency. 451
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The core requirements for the UWMP include:
• Description of the water service area
• Estimates of past, present, and projected water use
• Estimates of existing and planned supply sources
• Analysis and target compliance per Senate Bill (SB) X7-7 • Description of existing and planned Demand Management Measures and other conservation measures • Dry year supply estimates, including 5-Year Drought Risk Assessment • WSCP
The 2025 UWMP must submit data in specific tables to DWR. DWR has provided these tables and this UWMP utilizes the provided tables with minor changes to format or organization where applicable. This 2025 UWMP presents each required element per DWR’s 2025 UWMP Guidebook.

Purpose and Objectives
This UWMP serves to:
• Document the City’s long-term water demand projections through 2050 • Describe existing and planned water supply sources and their reliability • Evaluate supply‑demand conditions under normal, single dry, and multi‑year drought conditions • Demonstrate compliance with SB X7‑7 water use targets • Identify existing and future demand management measures and conservation programs • Present the City’s updated WSCP, including annual assessment procedures and staged response actions
This 2025 UWMP follows DWR’s required structure and includes all required standardized tables. A completed DWR checklist is provided in Appendix A and DWR standardized tables will be available in the Final document version in Appendix G.

Service Area Overview
The City provides potable water services to approximately 18,931 customers within its water service area as shown in Figure ES-1.

To deliver water to its approximately 4,481 potable connections, The City operates and maintains five existing active municipal groundwater wells located throughout the water service area.

The City’s also provides wastewater services within the water service area which is conveyed to the City’s Wastewater Reclamation Facility (WRF). Additional wastewater is collected from two state prison facilities, under the umbrella of the California Department of Corrections (CDCR), a small housing complex south of the CDCR outside of the City limits, and a nearby agricultural processing facility on Camphora-Gloria Road outside the City limits.

City provides water service to a diverse customer base spanning residential, commercial, and industrial users (Figure ES-2) and plans to deliver disinfected tertiary recycled water to parks and school sites within the City boundary limits by December 2026. The City’s customer mix, land use patterns, and regional growth trends influence both projected demands and the strategies used to ensure long‑term supply reliability. Major drivers of future demand include planned development, ongoing conservation, and continued improvements in water‑use efficiency.
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Figure ES-1 City Water Service Area
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Figure ES-2 Percent of Total Water Uses by Customer Class (2020–2024) Demand and Conservation
The City’s water demands are offset through a combination of Demand Management Measures (DMMs) which include water waste prevention ordinances, metering, customer‑driven conservation, and other City programs which support achievement of efficiency standards and contribute to meeting the City’s Urban Water Use Objective (UWUO) over time. This has reflected the City’s per‑capita water use which has generally continued to decline over the last two decades as reflected in Figure ES-3.

Figure ES-3 City Historic Demand vs. Climate (2011-2025) 60%
12%
6%
9%
4%
8% 1%
Single Family Residential Multi-Family Residential Commercial and Industrial Institutional/Governmental Landscape Irrigation Losses
Other
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The 2025 UWMP updates demand forecasts through 2050, incorporating:
• Historical consumption trends
• Planned land use and development projections
• Passive and active conservation savings
• Economic and demographic conditions influencing demand Overall demands are expected to remain stable or experience modest growth over time.

The 2025 UWMP documents existing and planned supplies, planned reliability improvements, and potential new investments. The City’s continued investment in recycled water, system upgrades, and regional partnerships for conservation measures enhance supply reliability.

Supply Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment
The UWMP evaluates water supply reliability under:
• Normal hydrologic years
• Single dry years
• Five‑year consecutive droughts
Preliminary analysis indicates that the City has sufficient supplies to meet projected demands during normal and single dry years through 2050. During extended multi-year droughts, supply shortages may occur depending on regional conditions. The UWMP identifies staged demand reduction measures that may be needed to address shortages during extreme, prolonged drought scenarios. The City also completed its Five‑Year Drought Risk Assessment required for 2025 UWMPs, evaluating worst-case water supply conditions through 2030.

Water Shortage Contingency Plan
The City’s updated WSCP (Appendix D) provides a structured, adaptive framework for responding to supply shortages identified through the City’s annual water supply and demand assessment. Key elements include:
 Six standard water shortage stages
 Triggers for progression through each stage
 Demand reduction actions
 Communication protocols and enforcement mechanisms
 Financial impact mitigation actions
The WSCP ensures the City can respond quickly and effectively to supply interruptions, drought, or other emergencies.

Conclusion
Based on the information presented in the 2025 UWMP, the City is well‑positioned to meet customer water needs through 2050 under a range of operational and hydrologic conditions. Ongoing investments in recycled water, system reliability, regional partnerships, and customer conservation measures continue to support the City’s long‑term resilience.
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The 2025 UWMP reflects the City’s commitment to responsible water resource planning and sustainable management in support of the community’s public health, economic stability, and environmental stewardship.
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Introduction
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1 Introduction

1.1 Setting
The City of Soledad's (City) 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) establishes the planning framework for ensuring reliable and sustainable water service in coordination with local and regional water management efforts.

The City is in central Monterey County within the Salinas Valley, approximately 20 miles southeast of the City of Salinas. The City was incorporated in 1921, when local voters elected the first governing officials; today, it covers approximately 4.65 square miles. The City’s water service area is smaller than the incorporated City limits, as shown in Figure 3-1.

The City provides water service to a population of about 19,809 (DOF, 2025), with approximately 4,481 potable connections within the City’s water service area, meeting the California Water Code (CWC) definition of an urban water supplier. This 2025 UWMP provides a framework for long-term water planning and informs the public of the City’s plans for long-term resource planning to ensure adequate water supplies for existing and future demands. The UWMP documents the availability of an appropriate level of reliability of water service sufficient to meet the needs of the City’s customers during normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry years. This 2025 UWMP also identifies if the City has met its 2025 water use efficiency target. A long-term, reliable supply of water is essential to protect the productivity of the City’s and State’s businesses and economic climate.

1.2 California Water Code
Originally enacted in 1983, the UWMP Act ensures that urban water suppliers are proactively reviewing and managing water reliability and also requires and provides the substance for the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) reporting to the State of California Legislature (Legislature) on the status of water supply planning in California. The drought of 1976–1977 created severe water supply shortages throughout California. With several cities and water districts/agencies witnessing reduction in their water supplies and having to look for additional water sources elsewhere, an immediate need arose for a statewide, local-level, long-term water management planning platform. To address and reduce the potential for future emergencies caused by inadequate water resource planning, the UWMP Act was proposed and adopted in 1983.

The UWMP is the legal and technical water management foundation for water suppliers throughout California. The UWMP gathers, characterizes, and synthesizes water-related information from numerous sources into a plan with local, regional, and Statewide practical utility.

California Water Code (CWC) Sections 10608–10657 are directly relevant to the preparation of the UWMP. CWC Section 10644 requires each urban water supplier providing water for municipal purposes to more than 3,000 customers or supplying more than 3,000 acre-feet per year (AFY) to update its UWMP at least every five years on or before July 1 in years ending in six and one, incorporating updated and new information from the five years preceding each update. The 2025 UWMP update is due to DWR by July 1, 2026.

The purpose of the UWMP is to integrate water supply and demand in a methodical planning platform to address short- and long-term water reliability. Specifically, the UWMP provides water supply planning for a 25-year planning period in five-year increments and identifies water supplies needed to meet existing and future demands. The analysis must identify supply reliability under three hydrologic conditions: a normal year, a single-dry year, and multiple-dry years. Enhanced water reliability planning encompasses the following:
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• Changes in natural hydrology, climate, and groundwater conditions • Implications of regional, state, and federal regulations • Supply conditions and water use variability
• Regional constraints on or opportunities for shared water resources • Local land use changes, development, plans, and population growth • Water shortages and unforeseen calamities
• Infrastructure improvements
• Project funding needs and opportunities

1.1.1 New Requirements
Since the UWMP Act was passed, it has undergone significant expansion and revision. Prolonged droughts, groundwater overdraft, regulatory revisions, and changing climatic conditions not only affect each supplier’s water reliability determinations, but also the broad picture of statewide water reliability overseen by DWR, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), and the Legislature. Accordingly, the UWMP Act has grown to address changing conditions as it guides California’s water resource management. In February 2026, DWR published the Final 2025 UWMP Guidebook (DWR 2026). No substantive changes to UWMP statutory requirements occurred, however the following key updates are summarized:
• Improved clarity and organization, including refined explanations of CWC requirements, narrative guidance, and updated references to related State planning and reporting programs. • Enhanced water supply reliability guidance, emphasizing clear differentiation among average‑year, single dry‑year, and multiple consecutive dry‑year (five‑year drought) conditions, consistent with statutory reliability assessment requirements.
• Refined demand forecasting guidance promoting greater consistency among population, land use, water use efficiency, and demand assumptions, and clarifying how documented passive and active water use efficiency savings may be incorporated into long‑term demand projections. • Expanded discussion of water use efficiency regulatory context, recognizing the continued relevance of SB X7‑7 for historical reporting purposes and the role of the Urban Water Use Objective framework in informing UWMP demand assessments.
• Updated Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) guidance, reinforcing alignment with recent California Water Code amendments and State Water Resources Control Board water shortage and conservation reporting requirements.
• Updated recycled water discussion, consistent with advances in potable reuse regulations adopted by the SWRCB in 2023, and reinforcing CWC requirements to describe current and planned recycled water use.
• Streamlined and standardized UWMP submittal tables, including improved formatting, ADA accessibility, and internal consistency across tables to reduce ambiguity and improve comparability across suppliers.

1.3 Plan Organization
The City’s 2025 UWMP has been prepared in compliance with the requirements of the UWMP Act and included in the CWC. The City’s UWMP is organized as follows:
• Executive Summary: Includes a lay description summary of key information regarding the fundamental determinations of the UWMP, particularly water service reliability, challenges ahead, and strategies for management of reliability risks. This is a go-to synopsis for anyone desiring a quick overview of the 2025 UWMP.
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• Chapter 1 – Introduction: Introduces the importance and extent of the City’s water management planning efforts and this Plan organization.
• Chapter 2 – Plan Preparation: Includes the City’s process for developing this UWMP, including efforts in coordination and outreach.
• Chapter 3 – System Description: Presents a description and map of the City’s water service area, the City’s history and organizational structure, the Public Water System, climate data and potential effects of climate change, and population and demographics.
• Chapter 4 – Water Use Characterization: Describes and quantifies the current and projected water uses in normal conditions within the City’s service area. • Chapter 5 – SBx7-7 Baselines, 2025 Targets and 2025 Reporting: Addresses the Water Conservation Act of 2009 (SBx7-7), including established baseline, conservation targets, and 2025 compliance reporting.
• Chapter 6 – Water Supply Characterization: Describes and quantifies the current and projected water sources available to the City, including water volumes for average year conditions, origin of water supply, water quality, issues unique to the supply, management actions and projects that are anticipated to meet future water demand, and climate change impacts on supply. • Chapter 7 – Water Service Reliability and Drought Risk Assessment: Describes the reliability of the City’s water supply, and projects water reliability for a 25-year planning horizon for normal, single-dry years, and five consecutive dry years. Includes an analysis of the City’s water reliability risk to drought. • Chapter 8 – Water Shortage Contingency Plan: Provides a summary of the City’s staged plan for responding to water shortages, including a catastrophic supply interruption. Includes shortage response actions, communication protocols, enforcement, reporting, and refinement procedures. The full Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) is provided in Appendix D. • Chapter 9 – Demand Management Measures: Demonstrates the City’s efforts to promote water conservation and to reduce demand on its water supply, specifically detailing efforts for designated demand management measures. The demand management measures include those the City has implemented or is considering implementing pursuant to the requirements of the Act. • Chapter 10 – Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Implementation: Describes the City’s actions taken to provide notification to agencies, adopt and submit the UWMP to DWR, and make it available to the public and the process to amend the adopted UWMP, if needed.

The chapters in this UWMP correspond to the outline of the UWMP Act and as recommended in the 2025 UWMP Guidebook for urban water suppliers. Further, the tables included are required by DWR and in the format presented in the 2025 UWMP Guidebook. They are both inclusive in the UWMP and submitted to DWR as a separate Excel file through the online WUEdata Portal. The DWR UWMP checklist form from the Guidebook has been completed and is included in Appendix A. The checklist identifies the location in this UWMP where required elements can be found.

The UWMP is intended to serve as a general, flexible, and open-ended document that periodically can be updated to reflect changes in regional water supply trends and water use efficiency policies. The City’s UWMP, along with other City planning documents, will be used by City staff to guide water use and management efforts through the year 2030, when the UWMP is required to be updated.

1.4 UWMPs in Relation to other Efforts
Development of the City’s UWMP has been prepared in coordination with other planning efforts and agencies. Documents that were leveraged in preparation of this UWMP are:
• 2019 City of Soledad Water Master Plan
• 2020 City of Soledad UWMP
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• 2020 City of Soledad WSCP
• 2022 City of Soledad General Plan
• 2024 City of Soledad 2023-2031 Housing Element
These documents have been used to incorporate information that supports the City’s urban water management planning in the City and to ensure a holistic and consistent planning process in the region.

1.5 UWMPs and Grant or Loan Eligibility
For a water supplier to be eligible for a grant or loan administered by DWR, and potentially other agencies, the supplier must have a current UWMP on file that meets the requirements set forth by the CWC. A current UWMP must also be maintained by the supplier throughout the term of any grants or loans received. The City has prepared the 2025 UWMP under guidance from DWR’s 2025 UWMP Guidebook. 460
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2 Plan Preparation
The UWMP Act requires that a description be provided for the process that was used for the preparation of the UWMP. This chapter provides the legal requirement to prepare this UWMP, the option of regional planning, and the coordination and outreach related to this UWMP.

2.1 Basis for Preparing a Plan
The City serves more than 3,000 water connections and qualifies as an urban water supplier subject to the legislated requirements to prepare an UWMP. The City first prepared its UWMP in 2006, has updated it every five years, and is now required to update its 2025 UWMP and submit it to DWR by July 1, 2026.

Table 2-1 shows the City’s 2025 water system information and size.

Table 2-1 Retail Only – Public Water System
DWR Submittal Table 2-1 Retail: Public Water Systems
Public Water
System Number
Public Water
System Name
Number of Municipal
Connections 2025
Volume of Water
Supplied 2025 (Acre-Feet)
CA2710011 Soledad, City of 4,481 2,113
Total 4,481 2,113

2.2 Individual or Regional Planning
An urban water supplier may elect to submit an individual UWMP or may work with other entities to provide a regional plan. The City communicates regularly with related water supply stakeholders; however, for the purposes of the UWMP, the City reports solely on the City’s service area and is not a part of a regional alliance or regional UWMP, as shown in Table 2-2.

Table 2-2 Plan Identification
DWR Submittal Table 2-2: Plan Identification
Select One or Both Type of Plan
Name of Regional
Alliance or RUWMP
☒ Individual UWMP
☐ Water Supplier is also a member of a SB X7-7 Regional Alliance ☐ Regional Urban Water Management Plan (RUWMP)

2.3 Type of Agency, Calendar Year, and Units of
Measure
Table 2-3 identifies the City as a retail urban water supplier, reports its UWMP data in calendar years (CY), and measures its water in acre-feet (AF).
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Table 2-3 Supplier Identification
DWR Submittal Table 2-3: Supplier Identification
Type of Supplier (select one or both)
☐ Supplier is a wholesale supplier
☒ Supplier is a retail supplier
Fiscal or Calendar Year (select one)
☒ UWMP Tables are in calendar years
☐ UWMP Tables are in fiscal years
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).

Unit AF

2.4 Coordination and Outreach
To prepare the 2025 UWMP and WSCP, the City coordinated with neighboring water agencies and stakeholders. Coordination efforts were conducted to: 1) inform the agencies of the City’s activities; 2) gather high quality data for use in developing this UWMP; and 3) coordinate planning activities with other related regional plans and initiatives as described in Chapter 1. The City does not purchase wholesale water and, thus, did not provide information to any wholesale water suppliers.

CWC Section 10621 requires water suppliers to notify the cities and counties to which they provide service that the UWMP and WSCP are being updated and reviewed. The CWC specifies that this must be done at least 60 days prior to the public hearing. To fulfill this requirement, the City sent letters of notification of preparation of the 2025 UWMP and WSCP to all cities and counties within the City’s service area 60 days prior to the public hearing as indicated in Table 2-4, in addition to other entities which the City routinely coordinates. Appendix B contains copies of the plan preparation notices sent for agency coordination, sent on April 13, 2026. Details on drafts, public hearings, and final document availability are discussed in Chapter 10.

The preparation and adoption of UWMPs is statutorily exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to California Water Code Section 10652, which provides that CEQA does not apply to the preparation and adoption of plans pursuant to this part or to the implementation of actions taken pursuant to Section 10632.

Table 2-4 Agency Coordination
Agency/Organization
Notice of Plan Preparation 60
Days Prior to Public Hearing
County of Monterey 
City of Gonzales 
City of Greenfield 
Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA) 
Monterey County Water Awareness Committee (WAC) 
Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA)  Greater Monterey County IRWM Program 
Soledad Unified School District (SUSD) 
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR)  Estancia Estates Winery 
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Agency/Organization
Notice of Plan Preparation 60
Days Prior to Public Hearing
Golden State Vinters 
Dole Fresh Vegetables 
Camphora Apartments 
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Service Area Description
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3 Service Area Description
This chapter provides a description of the City’s water service area, current climate and potential climate change in the region, population and demographic data, and current and proposed land use data.

3.1 Setting
The City provides potable water to customers within its water service area, which does not correspond to the City’s boundary as reflected in Figure 3-1. The City has four non‑contiguous municipal boundaries that are geographically separate from the main City. These non-contiguous areas are referred to as City “islands” and include: the area governed by the State of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to the northwest; the City-owned decommissioned landfill directly to the north; the Los Coches Adobe Historical Landmark to the south; and the (Wastewater) Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) to the west. None of the City islands receive water service. Wastewater service, in the form of treatment only, is provided to the CDCR by way of a force-main connection from CDCR’s pump station to the WRF. The CDCR owns and maintains its own sanitary sewer collection system, including one pump station.

The water service area generally aligns with the primary urbanized areas of the main City limit boundary. In general, the City provides water services to a population of about 19,809, as shown in Table 3-2 (DOF, 2025). Additional details on water demands are provided in Chapter 4, and detailed information on water supplies is presented in Chapter 6.

3.2 General Description
The City maintains three separate service areas for potable water service, wastewater service, and recycled water deliveries.

3.2.1 Water Service Area
The City provides water service to areas within the main City limit boundary through a system of groundwater wells, water treatment, aboveground storage, and distribution pipes shown in Figure 3-1.

The City has sufficient water capacity for all areas within the City limits and within areas designated for growth as reflected in the City’s 2024 Housing Element. As detailed in Chapter 4, potable water demand is not expected to exceed 3,048 AFY (Table 4-3), which falls within the system’s firm capacity1 of 5,258 AFY.

The City is proactive in improving and developing its water supply system and continues planning efforts for the construction of new wells in advance of demand.

3.2.2 Wastewater Service Area
The City owns and operates a sanitary sewer collection and wastewater treatment system serving properties within the main City limit boundary. The City also provides wastewater treatment to the non‑contiguous CDCR (island) area located to the northwest. The CDCR owns and maintains an independent sanitary sewer collection system and pump station, situated upstream of the force main.

The CDCR pump station includes an upstream bar screen filter. Screened CDCR wastewater is pumped to the City’s WRF for treatment via a force main connection. The wastewater service area, for sanitary sewer collection and treatment from the main City limit boundary area, is shown in Figure 3-2. 1 Total capacity when the highest producing well is out of service 465
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The City has made improvements to its sanitary sewer collection system and WRF over the past decade to increase conveyance capacity and enhance treatment processes. These improvements expanded the WRF’s treatment capacity to approximately 5.5 million gallons per day (MGD), which is sufficient to meet current demands and accommodate anticipated future development within the wastewater service area.

The City’s new wastewater permit, expected to become effective in 2026, will reduce the City’s wastewater discharge capacity limit to 4.3 MGD while keeping treatment capacity at 5.5 MGD. The City is exploring possible solutions that will help offset the 1.2 MGD discharge deficit.

The CDCR operates an independent potable water supply system. For UWMP planning purposes, the CDCR population is excluded from potable water demand projections. The CRCR population is only included in reference to wastewater treatment.

3.2.3 Recycled Water Service Area
The City’s WRF currently treats municipal wastewater to tertiary standards. At present, all treated effluent is disposed via rapid infiltration basins (RIBs), where it percolates back into the underlying aquifer and contributes to groundwater recharge. In accordance with DWR guidelines, incidental recharge from treated effluent disposal is not counted as either groundwater recharge or recycled water use and is not included in recycled water use volumes reported in the UWMP. Currently, recycled water produced at the WRF is used onsite for fire suppression and process water and however, is not metered.

The WRF was upgraded in 2010 to comply with Regional Water Quality Control Board Order (RWQCB) Permit R3-2008-0042 and Title 22 requirements to produce recycled water. The upgraded facility has a treatment capacity of 5.5 MGD and is designed to support delivery of tertiary treated recycled water for non‑potable uses within the City, including landscape irrigation. Planned recycled water service areas include City parks and schools – all within the City’s water service area – that are currently irrigated with potable water. Through grant funding awarded in 2023, the City is implementing recycled water conveyance improvements to extend service to these facilities, with construction and conversion of irrigation systems anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026.

The map in Figure 3-4 identifies the existing and planned expansion of the recycled water facilities, including the school and park site locations to be served with recycled water. 466
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Figure 3-1 City of Soledad Boundary Limits
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Figure 3-2 Water Facilities
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Figure 3-3 Sanitary Sewer Collection and Wastewater Facilities 469
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Figure 3-4 Recycled Water Facilities – Construction in Progress (Completion Expected December 2026) 470
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3.3 Service Area Climate
The City’s climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters associated with a Mediterranean climate with coastal marine influences (City of Soledad, 2005). Long-term climate data indicate the region historically receives approximately 9 to 10 inches of precipitation annually.

Additionally, climate data from the California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS) Station #252 Soledad II in the Monterey Bay CIMIS Region, collected from September 2016 through December 2025, confirms the historic record by reporting an average 9.56 inches (CIMIS, 2026). Most of the precipitation occurs between October and April. Records show that the monthly precipitation ranges from 0 inches in the summer months to 5.26 inches during wet winters.

The annual average total yearly evapotranspiration (ETo) is 56.7 inches with an average monthly ETo of

4.75 inches. The highest ETo is experienced between April and September, with the peak values occurring in June and July. Average monthly temperatures range from about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) in cooler months to 65°F in warmer months. Average maximum temperatures are approximately 65°F and average minimum temperatures are approximately 50°F, resulting in an average annual temperature of 58°F (CIMIS, 2026).

Figure 3-5 shows the annual precipitation from 2016 to 2025 and illustrates which years fall above or below the annual average precipitation for this period. Table 3-1 shows the monthly averages for precipitation, ETo, and temperature based on available CIMIS data from September 2016 through December 2025, which represents the full period of record available in the CIMIS database at the time of analysis.
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Figure 3-5 CIMIS Station 252 Annual Precipitation from 2016-2025 0 2
4 6
8 10
12 14
16 Precipitation (in.)
Total Precipitation Average Annual Precipitation
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Table 3-1 CIMIS Station 252 Average Monthly Climate Data Based on 2016-2025 Data Month Average ETo (in.) Average Precipitation (in.) Average Air Temp (F) January 1.87 2.52 50.01
February 2.68 1.68 50.77
March 3.94 1.88 53.06
April 5.59 0.44 56.19
May 6.89 0.12 59.04
June 7.58 0.05 62.63
July 7.56 0.00 63.83
August 6.71 0.01 65.01
September 5.45 0.11 64.36
October 4.32 0.38 60.48
November 2.56 1.05 54.56
December 1.87 1.72 50.60
Average Annual 56.66 9.56 57.55
Source: CIMIS, https://cimis.water.ca.gov/WSNReportCriteria.aspx

3.4 Service Area Population and Demographics

3.4.1 Population
The City’s 2025 service area population was approximated using the most recent population estimates from the California Department of Finance (DOF). While the City’s total population was most recently estimated at 27,065 by the DOF, this number includes an estimated 7,256 people in group quarters. In Soledad, the group quarters population is primarily housed in correctional facilities (City of Soledad, 2024). The City provides wastewater services to correctional facilities in its service area but does not provide water services, as the correctional facilities have onsite groundwater wells to provide their own water supplies. Thus, the population in group quarters is counted in the City’s wastewater service area, but not its water service area, and the City’s water service area population for 2025 was approximately 19,809.

To project service area population through 2050, the City used information from the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) 2026 Regional Growth Forecast (AMBAG, 2026) and the Miramonte Specific Plan (City of Soledad, 2018). The AMBAG Regional Growth Forecast is based on 2010 and 2020 US Census Bureau data. AMBAG noted that, in some cases, operational challenges associated with the 2020 US Census may have affected count accuracy and that caution should be used when comparing results between the two census years.

The primary growth anticipated in the City’s water service area will occur adjacent to the City’s current limits through planned development of the City’s Miramonte Specific Plan. The Miramonte Specific Plan outlines the development anticipated from the expansion of approximately 650 acres to the northwest of the City’s current service area. The development is anticipated to begin in 2030 and to be built out by 2040. As the AMBAG Regional Growth Forecast did not include growth projected from this development, estimations of population from the addition of 2,392 housing units assumed per the Miramonte Specific Plan were added to the population estimates from the AMBAG Regional Growth Forecast. Population from these additional housing units was estimated using housing density and vacancy rates from AMBAG. 473
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Population estimates presented in the 2025 UWMP may differ from those in prior planning documents, such as the City’s 2024 Housing Element, 2019 Water Master Plan, and previous AMBAG forecasts because each document was prepared for different purposes and relies on different source years, assumptions, and forecasting methodologies. The City’s 2019 Water Master Plan emphasized infrastructure planning and buildout scenarios, while the 2024 Housing Element focuses on housing need, site capacity, and the 2023–2031 planning cycle. By contrast, the AMBAG Regional Growth Forecast estimates the total population of the City’s existing limits at approximately 26,462 in 2023, gradually declining to 25,292 by 2050. This trend reflects slower long-term growth and reductions in group quarters population associated with the correctional facilities. During the same period, household population and housing stock are projected to remain relatively stable, indicating that future water demand may be influenced more by household formation, replacement housing, and occupancy trends than by overall population growth. As housing in the City’s current service area is not anticipated to increase greatly through 2050 per AMBAG, the primary growth in service area population will likely be driven by the annexation of the Miramonte Specific Plan area and the development of additional 650 acres.

Table 3-2 presents the current population for the City’s water service area and projected population through 2050. 2025 numbers are based on DOF estimates, and projected numbers are based on the AMBAG Regional Growth Forecast annual growth rate, as well as potential annexation of the Miramonte Specific Plan area.

Table 3-2 Population – Current and Projected
DWR Submittal Table 3-1 Retail: Population - Current and Projected Water Code Section 10631(a)
Population Served 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050(opt)
Water Service Area1 19,809 20,128 25,681 30,457 30,448 30,671 Group Quarters Population2 7,256 5,933 4,973 4,326 3,832 3,156 Wastewater Service Area 27,065 26,061 30,654 34,783 34,280 33,827 Notes:
1 An additional 2,392 housing units were added to water service population estimates from the AMBAG Regional Growth Forecast starting in 2040 to account for planned development of the City’s Miramonte Specific Plan. 2 Group quarters population refers to previously mentioned correctional facilities.

3.4.2 Other Social, Economic, and Demographic Factors
According to the US Census Bureau, the 2020-2024 median household income (MHI) for the City is $96,862, the per capita income is $22,353, and the level of poverty is 16.7%. As reflected in Figure 3-6 below, the City is comprised of 80.7% Latino, 14.9% White, 3.3% Asian, 7% Black, 0.8% American Indian, and the rest are native Hawaiian and more than two races (US Census, 2025). As shown in Figure 3-7, the top five employment categories in the City’s service area are agricultural, site-based skilled trade, health care and social work, and education which account for 82% of the total jobs. Table 3-3 shows the current and projected AMBAG employment counts by sectors and MHI for the City’s area. 474
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Figure 3-6 2025 US Census Data By Race
Figure 3-7 2025 US Census Top Five Employment
62% 11%
3%
5%
1%
18%
Latino White Asian Black American Indian Other (including Native Hawaiian) 25%
25%
8%
35%
7%
Agricultural (Field Worker) Site-Based Skilled Trade Healthcare and Social Work Public Education 475
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Table 3-3 AMBAG 2026 Growth Forecast Variables within Service Area Population Count 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Agricultural Employment (Field Work) 2,080 2,085 2,090 2,095 2,100 Manufacturing 360 360 360 360 360
Site-Based Skilled Trade 1,913 1,902 1,924 1,942 1,961
Wholesale Trade 251 251 251 251 251
Retail Trade 277 272 267 261 255
Financial and Professional Services 199 199 199 199 199 Education 543 556 566 576 586
Health Care and Social Work 622 685 705 723 738
Other Services 483 493 503 513 523
Public 2,582 2,581 2,576 2,571 2,569
Self-employed 150 149 147 144 141
Source: AMBAG, https://ambag.org/sites/default/files/2024-10/Final%20Draft%202026%20RGF_092024_Combined.pdf

3.4.3 Land Use
The main City boundary limit, which includes its water service area, contains a mix of residential, commercial, industrial, public, and open space land uses. Outside of the City’s main boundary limit, and disconnected from the City’s water service area, agriculture remains one of the community’s defining characteristics, with surrounding lands supporting row crops, vineyards, grazing areas, and related operations that depend largely on private agricultural and rural domestic groundwater and well supplies.

Developed portions of the service area are primarily residential, with additional land devoted to transportation corridors, schools, parks, civic facilities, commercial centers, and employment uses.

Downtown areas and highway-oriented commercial corridors provide retail and service opportunities, while industrial areas support local jobs and agricultural processing.

Future growth is expected to occur mainly adjacent to existing city limits, particularly to the north and east, where land has been identified for expansion associated with the Miramonte Specific Plan. These areas are planned to include a balanced mix of housing, neighborhood-serving businesses, parks, schools, and infrastructure needed to support new development.

Land use policies emphasize orderly growth patterns that make efficient use of existing services while limiting dispersed rural development. This approach helps preserve productive farmland around the community and supports long-term economic stability. As urban development, gradually increases over time, agriculture is expected to maintain a major role in the regional economy. 476
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4 Water Use Characterization
This chapter provides a characterization and analysis of projected water use through the year 2050.

Projections considered past and current water use, anticipated development of the vacant land in the City, new regulations, changing climate conditions, and trends in customer water behaviors. This analysis examined water use by sector and aggregated information into a comprehensive demand projection of customer water use. In Chapter 7, these water demand projections are integrated with the City’s water supplies to assess long-term water system reliability.

The City has chosen to provide projections through 2050, a 25-year planning period. This will improve the use of the UWMP for other land use planning and regulatory compliance issues by bridging the gap between planning cycles.

4.1 Non-Potable Versus Potable Water Use
The City provides potable water to approximately 4,481 connections and treats all water supplies as discussed in Chapter 6. The City has long planned to utilize recycled water to support the preservation of groundwater resources. The City completed construction of a WRF in 2010 and is in the process of updating permits and constructing pipeline infrastructure for delivery. The City anticipates delivering recycled water to end users beginning in December 2026. Current potable water uses are discussed in this chapter and recycled water uses are discussed in Chapter 6.2.5.

4.1.1 Water Use Sectors Listed in Water Code
Water suppliers are required to identify water uses for the 10 water use sectors identified in CWC Section 10631(d). The City currently serves potable water to customers and intends to supply recycled water for irrigation beginning in December 2026. Recycled water uses are described in Chapter 6.2.5.

Figure 4-1 Percent of Total Water Uses by Customer Class, 2020–2024 60%
12%
6%
9%
4%
8% 1%
Single Family Residential Multi-Family Residential Commercial and Industrial Institutional/Governmental Landscape Irrigation Losses
Other
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The City has identified water uses for six of the ten water use sectors identified in CWC Section 10631(d):

These water uses are described below
Single-Family Residential
Single-Family Residential (SFR) customers are typically on a lot with a free-standing building containing one dwelling unit that may include a secondary dwelling. On average, SFR demand is about 60% of total uses.

Multi-Family Residential
Multi-Family Residential (MFR) customers are typically multiple dwelling units within one building or several buildings within one complex. On average, MFR demand is about 12% of total uses.

Commercial and Industrial
Commercial customers provide or distribute a product or service, and Industrial customers typically manufacture or process materials. Commercial agricultural growers, who purchase water from the City for dust control purposes, are included in this customer class. On average, commercial and industrial demand is about 6% of total uses.

Institutional/Governmental
These users are dedicated to public services, such as courts, churches, hospitals, government facilities, and nonprofit research institutions. On average, this demand is about 9% of total uses.

Dedicated Landscape Irrigation
Some of the landscape irrigation in the City is served through dedicated landscape irrigation meters that are tracked separately from irrigation uses served through other types of meters, such as residential or commercial. On average, this demand is about 4% of total uses.

Losses
Distribution system water losses are the water losses anywhere from the point of water entry to the distribution system to the delivery point to the customer’s system. On average, water losses account for about 8% of total uses. Water losses are discussed in Chapter 4.2.3.

Other
In addition to the water sector uses above, identified in CWC Section 10631(d), the City also provides water via fire hydrants for firefighting purposes. On average, this demand is about 1% of total uses.

4.2 Past, Current, and Projected Water Use
Past and current water use for 2021-2025 is presented in Table 4-1. Table 4-2 shows 2025 water use as requested in the 2025 UWMP Guidebook. Compiling past water use helps suppliers understand water use trends, which are crucial for developing water use projections. Generally, the highest water uses within the City are residential (i.e., SFR and MFR), commercial and industrial, and institutional/governmental.

These uses comprise approximately 87% of total demand. Demand within each customer class has remained stable from 2021 to 2025, with each customer class varying by less than 3% of total demands.

Total demands have also remained stable over the last five years, with a less than 2% decrease from 2021 to 2025.

The use of recycled water is discussed in Chapter 6.2.5. 478
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Table 4-1 Historical and Current Water Use by Customer Class, AFY Customer Class 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Single Family 1,304 1,258 1,209 1,233 1,252
Multi-Family 261 250 253 257 259
Commercial 117 111 122 137 141
Industrial 3 1 2 2 2
Institutional/Governmental 196 183 157 194 190
Dedicated Landscape Irrigation 82 80 93 103 108
Other1 17 20 9 13 20
Losses2 172 222 155 127 141
Total 2,152 2,125 2,000 2,066 2,113
1 Other water use includes authorized water used via fire hydrants, for firefighting purposes. 2 Losses are calculated from the difference between production and consumption and include some unbilled authorized consumption.

Table 4-2 Actual Demands for Water, AFY
DWR Submittal Table 4-1 Retail: 2025 Actual Total Uses for Potable and Non-Potable California Water Code Section 10631(d)(1)
Use Type 2025 Actual Water Use
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) Volume
Single Family Potable 1,252
Multi-Family Potable 259
Commercial Potable 141
Industrial Potable 2
Institutional/Governmental Potable 190
Dedicated Landscape Irrigation Potable 108
Other See note 1 Potable 259
Losses See note 2 Potable 141
Subtotal Potable 2,113
Subtotal Non-Potable 0
Total 2,113
1 Other water use includes authorized water used via fire hydrants, for firefighting purposes. 2 Losses are calculated from the difference between production and consumption and include some unbilled authorized consumption..

The City prepared demand projections using the AMBAG’s Regional Growth Forecast, presented in Table 3-2, the Miramonte Specific Plan, and recent water use specific to the City’s water service area. Demand factors for each customer class were calculated using average consumption data for 2021 through 2025, with unit factors based on AMBAG estimates for number of housing units (SFR, MFR, and landscape irrigation uses) and jobs (for commercial, industrial, and institutional [CII] uses). These demand factors were then applied to estimates for housing units and jobs for 2030 through 2050 to forecast base demands. Future housing units for 2030 through 2050 were estimated using the AMBAG projections for housing units and assuming an additional 2,392 housing units by 2040 from the Miramonte Specific Plan.

Future jobs for 2030 through 2050 were estimated using the AMBAG projections for jobs and assuming 479
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an additional 4,606 jobs by 2040 from the Miramonte Specific Plan using the 2023 AMBAG ratio of jobs to housing units in the City. Average water loss for 2020-2024 was calculated as a percentage of total demand and applied to projected base demands. Finally, future water savings were calculated based on factors detailed in Section 4.2.1 and subtracted from projected base demands.

Table 4-3 presents the projected demands by customer class through 2050. 480
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Table 4-3 Total Uses of Potable and Non-Potable Water – Projected, AFY DWR Submittal Table 4-2 Retail: Total Uses of Potable, and Non-Potable Water – Projected Water Code Section 10631(d)(1)
Use Type
Projected Water Use (Report To the Extent that Records are Available) Additional Description Level of Treatment When Delivered 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 (opt) Single Family Potable 1,297 1,658 2,004 2,018 2,025
Multi-Family Potable 263 339 412 415 416
Commercial Potable 130 159 187 184 182
Industrial Potable 2 2 3 3 3
Institutional/Governmental Potable 124 142 95 92 91
Dedicated Landscape Irrigation Served by Recycled water Non-Potable 165 165 248 248 248 Other Potable 16 16 16 16 16
Losses Potable 195 254 312 313 315
Subtotal Potable 2,027 2,570 3,029 3,041 3,048
Subtotal Non-Potable 165 165 248 248 248
Total 2,192 2,735 3,277 3,289 3,296
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4.2.1 Water Use for Lower Income Households
Since 2010, the UWMP Act has required retail water suppliers to include water use projections for singlefamily and multi-family residential housing needed for lower income households. This will assist the City in complying with the requirement under Government Code Section 65589.7, granting priority for providing water service to affordable households.

DWR recommends retail water suppliers rely on Housing Elements of the applicable land use agency’s General Plans or other planning documents to quantify planned affordable housing for lower income households within the supplier’s service area (DWR, 2026).

The City’s 2023–2031 Housing Element utilized the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), which is a projection of housing need for households by income level (City of Soledad, 2024). The RHNA identified that Soledad’s low-income housing need is an additional 65 units and very-low income housing need is an additional 100 units.

Water demands were estimated by applying State census percentages for SFR and MFR in the City to the RHNA allocation housing numbers, and multiplying by the demand factors calculated for SFR and MFR residences respectively. Total estimated water use for lower-income housing units (low and very-low) is approximately 38 AFY, which was included in the City’s total projected water demands.

Table 4-4 states that the demand projections included low-income households and conservation savings.

Table 4-4 Inclusion in Water Use Projections
DWR Submittal Table 4-3 Retail: Inclusion in Water Use Projections Water Code Section 10631 (a), 10631 (d)(4)(A), and 10631 (d)(4)(B) Are Future Water Savings Included in Projections? 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.

Section

4.2.4 Are Lower Income Residential Demands Included In Projections? Yes OPTIONAL If the method for accounting Lower Income Residential Demands has been included, provide page number where this accounting can be found.

Section 4.3,
page X

4.2.2 Climate Change Considerations
Climate change adds a level of uncertainty to the challenges of water planning—both for water supply and water use. The City’s water use demand projections are the summation of its residential water demand, CII demand, large landscape demand, potential future recycled water demands, and water losses. The City has considered the following climate change impacts in these water use projections for the 25-year planning period and in its future water supply projects presented in Chapter 6.

State
The State’s water supply planning has nearly 100 years of hydrological data regarding weather and water supply. The history of rainfall data has provided a sound foundation for forecasting both the frequency and the severity of future drought conditions and the frequency and abundance of above-normal rainfall.

However, changing climate patterns are expected to shift precipitation patterns and affect water supply, resulting in the need to change water use behavior. Unpredictable weather patterns will make water supply planning more challenging and increase the need for water use efficiency measures.

According to the Draft 2024 California Climate Adaptation Strategy (California Natural Resource Agency, 2024), climate change is already impacting State and will continue to affect it for the foreseeable future.

Current and projected climate changes include increased temperatures; sea-level rise; a reduced winter 482
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snowpack resulting in less runoff to fill reservoirs, lakes, and streams; altered precipitation patterns; increases in wildfires; and more frequent storm events. Over the long term, reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help make climate change less severe.

Climate change causes the weather to become more variable, with longer and more frequent droughts and increased periods of heavy rain and snow events. This results in an intensification of impacts on all water-related or dependent activities and systems. With higher temperatures, people and plants dry out faster, resulting in higher water demand from both households and agriculture. Higher temperatures also change the rate of chemical reactions in water and reduce water’s ability to hold oxygen. These factors reduce the viability of water to support wildlife and ecosystems.

Given increased temperatures and evapotranspiration, it is expected that landscape irrigation use may tend to increase. However, this is countered by the Statewide mandate to reduce per-capita use and limit outdoor per-capita use in the coming years. These mandates will likely override any climate-related changes quantified.

Regional
Regional studies on climate change have also been prepared and summarized in the Greater Monterey County Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan (Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, 2019). The IRWM Plan utilized these studies to prepare a vulnerability assessment to gauge the level of risk from each potential climate change impact in the region. High risk equals high priority, including rainfall reduction, more frequent droughts, and higher groundwater extraction, all of which were considered in the City’s water use projections for this UWMP.

4.2.3 Codes and Other Considerations Used in Projections In 2018, State Legislature established a framework centered on “Making Conservation a California Way of Life” (SWRCB, 2025) to help the State better prepare for droughts and climate change by establishing Statewide water efficiency standards and incentivizing recycled water. The resulting legislation of Senate Bill 606 and Assembly Bill 1668, along with future regulations, requires indoor, outdoor, commercial, industrial, and institutional water use goals; water loss standards; annual water budgets; and documented preparation for long-term water shortages. This section discusses the future water savings that were included in the demand projections into 2050.

Conservation Savings
As part of the demand forecast, assumptions for passive conservation savings were included in future demands. No active conservation savings were assumed. Active conservation savings refer to savings achieved directly from customers implementing various conservation incentive programs offered by the City, while passive conservation savings refer to regulatory or code-based water savings (e.g., updated plumbing fixtures, etc.). The following is a summary of the conservation savings that were estimated as part of future demand projections. Conservation estimations were subtracted from base demand projections for the final water demand forecast.
a) Appliance Replacement. Appliance replacement leads to passive water savings because it permanently reduces water use without requiring ongoing behavior change from the customer. Once an inefficient appliance is replaced with a high‐efficiency model, the efficiency is “built in,” and water savings occur automatically every time the appliance is used. a. High-Efficiency Clothes Washers: Newer clothes washers were estimated to save 2.9 gallons per person per day with an estimated replacement rate of 7%. b. High-Efficiency Dish Washers: Newer dish washers were estimated to save 0.3 gallons per person per day with an estimated replacement rate of 7%. c. High-Efficiency Faucets: Newer faucets were estimated to save 4.0 gallons per person per day with an estimated replacement rate of 7%.
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d. High-Efficiency Showerheads: Newer showerheads were estimated to save 6.2 gallons per person per day with an estimated replacement rate of 10 %. e. High-Efficiency Toilets: Newer clothes washers were estimated to save 4.9 gallons per person per day with an estimated replacement rate of 2%.
b) Landscape Ordinances. The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) was adopted by the State in 2010 and amended in 2024. MWELO requires local agencies to adopt ordinances promoting efficient water use in new and rehabilitated landscapes. City Ordinance 690, Section 4, adopted July 1, 2015, sets forth the water efficient landscape regulations required by the City per MWELO. An evapotranspiration adjustment factor of 0.55 and 0.45 (reduced from the assumed 0.70) was used to estimate outdoor conservation for additional residential and CII construction respectively. Outdoor water use percentages by customer class were calculated by estimating a demand for a hypothetical minimum outdoor use month and assuming demand for this hypothetical month was total indoor use. The minimum outdoor use month was calculated using a correlation between average monthly consumption by customer class and average monthly consumption of dedicated landscape irrigation meters (assumed to have 100% outdoor usage). c) Non-functional Turf Ban. Assembly Bill 1572, passed in 2023, prohibits the use of potable water for irrigation of non-functional turf (decorative grass with no other function, such as recreation) on CII properties. The ban will go into effect in 2027 through 2031 for institutional land uses (2027), commercial and industrial land uses (2028), Homeowner’s Associations (2029), and properties owned by local governments in disadvantaged communities (2031). An assumed reduction of 30% in existing landscape irrigation demands for 2030 through 2050 was used to estimate conservation due to this ban.

Table 4-5 below summarizes the passive water savings projections from 2030 through 2050.

Table 4-5 Passive Water Savings Projections, AFY
OPTIONAL DWR Submittal Table 4-4 Retail: Passive Water Savings Projections Water Code Section 10631(d)(4)(A)
Description
(Codes, Standards, Ordinances, or Plans)
Passive Savings
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Appliance Replacement1 107 160 206 214 224
MWELO 21 104 190 191 191
Non-functional Turf Ban 0 31 38 38 39
Total Water Savings 128 295 434 443 454
1Appliance Replacement includes passive savings from the natural replacement of toilets, dishwashers, clothes washers, showerheads, and faucets with more efficient units.

4.3 Distribution System Water Loss
Urban water suppliers are required to quantify their distribution system water losses in a manner consistent with the American Water Works Association (AWWA) water system balance methodology for the most recent 12-month period available. Reporting of system losses was first required by the CWC in the 2015 UWMPs.

System water loss is the difference between water production and water consumption and represents “lost” water. AWWA categorizes distribution system losses as Apparent Losses and Real Losses, which are defined as follows:
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• Apparent Losses: Unauthorized consumption, metering inaccuracies, and systematic data handling errors. Apparent Losses include all types of inaccuracies associated with customer metering (worn meters and improperly sized meters or wrong type of meter for the water usage profile) and systematic data handling errors (meter reading, billing, archiving, and reporting), plus unauthorized consumption (theft or illegal use).
• Real Losses: Physical water losses from the pressurized system (water mains and customer service connections) and storage tanks, up to the point of customer consumption (customer meter). The annual volume lost through all types of leaks, breaks, and overflows depends on frequencies, flow rates, and average duration of individual leaks, breaks, and overflows.

AWWA also defines Non-Revenue Water, which is the sum of Apparent Losses + Real Losses + Unbilled Metered Consumption + Unbilled Unmetered Consumption. This is water that does not provide revenue potential to the City. Unbilled Consumption is defined as follows:
• Unbilled Authorized Consumption: All consumption that is unbilled but still authorized by the City.

Includes both unbilled metered and unmetered consumption typically in non-account uses, including water for firefighting and training, flushing of water mains and sewers, street cleaning, watering of municipal gardens, public fountains, or similar public-minded uses. Occasionally, these uses may be metered and billed (or charged a flat fee), but usually, they are unmetered and unbilled.

4.3.1 Previous Five Years Distribution System Losses
The City prepared required AWWA Water Audit Water Loss (Water Loss Audits) worksheets based on the best available information and in accordance with the DWR Guidelines for each of the prior five years (Appendix C). The last five years of Water Loss Audits submitted to the DWR are shown in Table 4-6.

Table 4-6 Last Five Years’ Water Loss Audit Reporting
DWR Submittal Table 4-5 Retail: Water Loss Audit Reporting Water Code Section 10631(d)(3)(A)
Reporting Period Submitted to DWR Water Loss Audit Program (yes/no) 2020 Yes
2021 Yes
2022 Yes
2023 Yes
2024 Yes

4.3.2 Progress Toward Meeting the Water Loss Performance Standard CWC Section 10608.34 requires water suppliers to provide data to determine whether the supplier will meet its State Water Board water loss performance standard. The real water loss performance standard for the City is 14.7 gallons per service connection per day (GPSCD), a 21% reduction from the State estimated baseline (18.7) GPSCD. Suppliers will be required to submit a registry of breaks, repairs, and estimates of water loss every three years, beginning in 2029 for the 2025-2027 period. Water losses for the supplied data period will be assessed compared to the performance standard. The City’s real water loss currently averages about 18.8 GPSCD, according to the most recent AWWA Water Audit for CY 2024.

Table 4-7 shows the City’s progress towards the 2028 Water Loss Standard. 485
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Table 4-7 Progress Towards 2028 Water Loss Standard
Real Water Loss Apparent Water Loss
State Water Board Standard Most Recent AWWA Water Loss Audit State Water Board Standard Most Recent AWWA Water Loss Audit 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?
2028 Real Water
Loss Standard
per Unit per day
Units for Real
Water Loss
Drop down list
Number of Units (Connections
or Miles corresponding with
units selected)
Volume of Total Real
Loss (from AWWA
Water Loss Audit)
Real Water
Loss Per
Unit per Day
2028 Apparent Water
Loss Standard per
Unit per Day
Units for
Apparent
Water Loss
Number of
Connections
Volume of Total
Apparent Loss
(from AWWA
Water Loss Audit)
Apparent Water
Loss Per Unit
per Day
CA2710011 Yes 14.7 GPSCD 4,427 93.2 18.8 7.9 GPSCD 4,427 29.3 5.9 486
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5 SB X7-7 Baselines and Targets
The California Water Conservation Act of 2009, also known as SB X7-7 (Chaptered February 3, 2010), required water agencies to reduce per-capita water use by 20 percent by the year 2020 (also known as 20x2020). Chapter 5 demonstrates that the City has complied with the requirements of SB X7-7.

5.1 SB X7-7 Baselines and 2020 Targets
SB X7-7 required urban water suppliers to establish a per capita water use target for 2020 to be calculated by using one of four methods:
• Method 1: The per capita water use that is 80% of the urban retail water supplier’s baseline per capita daily water use using a 10-year average starting no earlier than 1995. • Method 2: The per capita daily water use that is estimated using the sum of several defined performance standards. This method requires quantifying the landscaped area and the baseline CII use.
• Method 3: 95% of the applicable state hydrologic region target, as set forth in the DWR Guidebook. • Method 4: A provisional method that was developed by DWR that develops the target based on indoor residential, CII, outdoor, and water loss components.

The City selected to use Method 3, which calculated its 2020 urban water use target as 117 GPCD. The City of Soledad is in the Central Coast Region, which has a 2020 regional target of 123 GPCD. The 117 GPCD target is 95 percent of the regional target.

5.1.1 Calculating Population and Gross Water Use
To assess compliance with the 2020 water use target in GPCD, the City’s population and gross water use as defined in CWC Section 10608.12 and were compared to the SB X7-7 target.

To calculate the 2020 GPCD, gross water was used. The City does not currently deliver recycled water within its service area, does not export domestic water to another urban retail supplier, does not deliver water for agricultural use, and does not have a substantial percentage of industrial water use. Therefore, there are no exceptions to be taken into consideration when calculating the City’s gross water use. The City’s total allowable gross water use for 2020 target compliance is 117 GPCD.

5.2 Reporting Requirements for Retail Suppliers
Urban water retail suppliers are required to report on their SB X7-7 progress to identify if they met their 2020 urban water use target pursuant to CWC Section 10631.

5.2.1 Supplier Met 2020 Target in 2020
The City met their 2020 target as reflected in Table 5-1 below, which includes their 2020 target value and 2020 Actual GPCD.

The City was not a part of a merger or consolidation and was not a part of an SB X7-7 Regional Alliance target.
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Table 5-1 SB X7-7 2020 Target Progress
DWR Submittal Table 5-1 Retail: SB X7-7 2020 Target Progress Water Code Section 10608.40
Was Supplier part of a
merger or consolidation
since 2020?
Regional Alliance Target or
Individual Target?
2020
Target
Actual 2020
GPCD
Did Supplier Achieve
Targeted Reduction
for 2020?
No Individual Target 117 114 Yes
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6 Water Supply Characterization
The UWMP Act requires a description and quantification of the current and projected sources of water available to the City, in addition to a discussion of potential uses and availability of the recycled water.

This chapter provides an overview of the City’s water sources, current and projected supply, wastewater services and available recycled water, other water source opportunities, future water supply projects, and climate change impacts on water supply.

6.1 Water Supply Analysis
The City’s main source of water supply is groundwater from the Basin Fill Aquifer within the Forebay Aquifer Subbasin (Forebay Subbasin) in the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin (Basin). A detailed description of the City’s groundwater source is provided under Section 6.2.2.

Through 2025, the City’s total water supply to meet demands has been 100% groundwater. The City’s water supply portfolio is projected to incorporate the use of 165 AF of recycled water by 2030, increasing to 248 AF by 2040, for non-potable irrigation uses. These amounts represent 9% of total projected water demand. The balance of projected demand in all years is for drinking water, supplied by local groundwater, as shown in Table 6-1 and Figure 6-1.
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Figure 6-1 City’s Historical Water Production (2021 – 2025) 2,152 2,125
2,000
2,066 2,113
-
500
1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500
2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Water Production (AFY)
Local Groundwater
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6.2 Water Supply Characterization

6.2.1 Purchased or Imported Water
The City currently uses local groundwater as the sole source of water supply and does not purchase or import water from any other water suppliers or entities.

6.2.2 Groundwater
Groundwater has historically been the sole source of supply for the City. The City operates five groundwater wells which all extract groundwater from the Basin Fill Aquifer which is the sole aquifer within the Forebay Subbasin, as shown in Figure 6-2.

Groundwater Basin Description
The City is located within the DWR-designated Subbasin (No. 3-004.04) which is classified as a medium-priority basin under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). Medium-priority basins are those that present a moderate risk of adverse impacts from groundwater use based on statutory criteria as described under SGMA. SGMA is a Statewide framework enacted in 2014 that requires local agencies in designated groundwater basins to plan for and achieve long‑term groundwater sustainability through local management with State oversight.

The Forebay Subbasin is managed under SGMA by two Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs), the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA) and the Arroyo Seco Groundwater Sustainability Agency (ASGSA). The two GSAs jointly prepared and implement a single Forebay Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan (2022 GSP), which was adopted in 2022 and approved by DWR in 2023.

The Forebay Subbasin is not adjudicated, and no alternative plans have been submitted. The City is a member of the SVBGSA through a Joint Powers Authority and participated in the development of the GSP. A discussion of the Forebay Subbasin in relation to other groundwater planning documents is included later in this section.

The Forebay Subbasin encompasses approximately 94,000 acres in central Monterey County and is bounded by the Gabilan Range to the east and the Sierra de Salinas to the west within the Salinas Valley.

The Salinas River flows through the Forebay Subbasin and, together with its major tributary, the Arroyo Seco River, provides important groundwater recharge. As such, the Forebay Subbasin is characterized by relatively shallow groundwater depths and strong hydraulic connection with the Salinas River and tributaries. The Basin Fill Aquifer is identified as the primary water‑bearing unit used for groundwater supply, in which groundwater pumped from wells provides potable water supply to the City, as well as providing water for agricultural land uses (SVBGSA, 2022). As discussed in the Forebay Subbasin’s 2026 Annual Report, the Basin Fill Aquifer is conceptualized as a shallow hydrogeologic unit composed primarily of sandy, water‑bearing alluvial deposits. In some locations, this unit may be hydraulically connected to deeper aquifer systems present in adjacent subbasins, including the neighboring 180/400‑Foot Aquifer Subbasin, which includes groundwater‑bearing units extending to depths of several hundred to over 1,000 feet. The Annual Report notes that discrepancies exist in the literature regarding the depth, extent, and vertical connectivity of the Basin Fill Aquifer, and identifies this uncertainty as a data gap to be addressed through future studies (SVBGSA, 2026). 491
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Figure 6-2 Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin and Forebay Aquifer Subbasin 492
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Current Groundwater Conditions
The sections below present a summary of the current groundwater conditions associated with groundwater levels and water quality as reflected in recent reports. Groundwater levels underlying the City are monitored as part of the Forebay Subbasin’s representative monitoring site (RMS) network implemented by the SVBGSA under SGMA. This network includes groundwater level monitoring wells located within and adjacent to the City that are used to assess Forebay Subbasin‑wide groundwater elevation trends, storage conditions, and interconnected surface water conditions. Groundwater quality in the City’s municipal supply wells is monitored through the SWRCB Division of Drinking Water programs and summarized annually in the City’s Annual Water Quality Report, also referred to as the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Information from these monitoring programs provides the basis for the groundwater conditions described in this UWMP and are described below.

Groundwater Levels
Monitoring data indicates that groundwater levels within the Forebay Subbasin, including the area underlying the City, exhibit inter‑annual variability associated with climatic conditions, with declines typically occurring during drier periods and recovery observed following wetter years. During the most recent reporting period, groundwater elevations declined modestly in response to dry‑normal conditions but remained above established minimum thresholds across the Forebay Subbasin, and no undesirable results were identified under SGMA sustainability criteria. Groundwater storage decreased during the reporting year but remained above the measurable objectives identified in the 2022 GSP, reflecting managed groundwater conditions consistent with sustainability targets. Total groundwater extraction remains within the management context established by the 2022 GSP, with agricultural uses accounting for the majority of pumping and municipal groundwater use by the City and the City of Gonzales representing approximately 5% of total Forebay Subbasin extraction (SVBGSA, 2026).

Water Quality
Groundwater quality conditions within the Subbasin are described in the 2022 GSP and subsequent annual reports, including the Forebay Subbasin’s recent 2026 Annual Report. Basin‑wide monitoring indicates that groundwater quality in the Forebay Subbasin is generally suitable for municipal and agricultural uses and is influenced primarily by naturally occurring constituents associated with alluvial groundwater systems and by land uses within this long‑standing agricultural region. Constituents historically monitored at the Subbasin scale include nitrate, arsenic, chromium, salinity‑related indicators, and other inorganic parameters commonly found in groundwater. While some constituents have been detected at concentrations that warrant continued monitoring, the 2022 GSP and 2026 Annual Report identify no Forebay Subbasin‑wide drinking water quality exceedances that would preclude continued groundwater use, and groundwater quality management within the Forebay Subbasin is addressed through monitoring programs and coordinated implementation of SGMA requirements (SVBGSA, 2022, and SVBGSA, 2026). The City’s municipal wells are located within this Forebay Subbasin and are subject to the same Basin‑scale groundwater quality conditions described above.

Consumer Confidence Report
The City prepares and distributes an Annual Water Quality Report (City of Soledad, 2025a), in compliance with the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and California Health and Safety Code requirements for public water systems. Groundwater quality conditions for the City are characterized by monitoring data collected from the City’s five active municipal groundwater wells.

As reflected in the City’s 2025 CCR, based on testing conducted during the reporting period, groundwater produced from City wells complied with all applicable federal and State primary drinking water standards, and no Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), treatment technique requirements, or action levels were exceeded. Regulated inorganic constituents commonly associated with groundwater supplies in agricultural regions, including nitrate, arsenic, chromium, perchlorate, uranium, and selenium, were 493
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detected at concentrations well below their respective MCLs. Disinfection byproducts, including total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA5), were also present at low concentrations and remained substantially below regulatory limits (City of Soledad, 2025a).

Lead and copper sampling conducted at representative customer taps indicated no exceedances of the action levels, with no sampling locations above the action level for either constituent during the reporting year. Secondary (aesthetic) constituents such as total dissolved solids, chloride, sulfate, iron, manganese, turbidity, and specific conductance were likewise below secondary MCLs. In addition, per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were not detected during unregulated contaminant monitoring. While certain naturally occurring constituents (such as arsenic and chromium) were detected at concentrations above their respective Public Health Goals (PHGs), which are non‑enforceable advisory benchmarks, the City’s groundwater supply remained in full compliance with all enforceable drinking water standards (City of Soledad, 2025a). Accordingly, groundwater quality conditions do not present a constraint on current or projected municipal groundwater use, and no treatment modifications or corrective actions were required during the reporting period.

Relationship to Other Groundwater Planning Documents
In addition to SGMA, groundwater management in the Salinas Valley is guided by several regional and basin‑wide planning efforts developed through coordination among the SVBGSA, the Monterey County Water Resources Agency (MCWRA), individual Subbasin GSAs, and stakeholders. As a member of the SVBGSA, the City coordinates with these agencies to support sustainable groundwater conditions consistent with SGMA and applicable regional management frameworks.

Monterey County Groundwater Management Plan
In 2006, the MCWRA prepared a Groundwater Management Plan (GMP) compliant with AB 3030 and SB 1938 (MCWRA, 2006). The GMP provides a basin‑wide overview of groundwater conditions and identifies management objectives and implementation elements for the Basin. Management objectives and strategies described in the plan include overdraft avoidance, sustainable yield, groundwater quality protection, and integrated approaches such as conjunctive use, recharge, recycled water use, and regional coordination to support long‑term groundwater sustainability.

MCWRA owns and operates Nacimiento and San Antonio Reservoirs, which play a key role in basin management by capturing excess winter flows and releasing water to the Salinas River during the summer months to support groundwater recharge and water supply reliability. Since implementation of the Salinas Valley Water Project in 2010, reservoir operations have been modified to increase summer flows in the Salinas River. These releases have enhanced groundwater recharge, reduced groundwater pumping pressures, and contributed to mitigation of seawater intrusion in downstream subbasins.

Increased releases from Nacimiento Reservoir are estimated to have increased average annual recharge to the Forebay Aquifer Subbasin by approximately 18,000 AF.

Salinas Valley Integrated Sustainability Plan
While SGMA requires that GSPs be prepared for individual subbasins, groundwater management in the Salinas Valley is inherently interconnected. Conditions and management actions in one subbasin may affect other subbasins across the Basin. To address this interdependence, the SVBGSA developed the Salinas Valley Integrated Sustainability Plan (ISP).

The ISP provides a basin‑wide framework that integrates sustainable management criteria, projects, management actions, and monitoring programs across the Salinas Valley with the goal of achieving groundwater sustainability by 2040. Each of the six Subbasin GSPs are coordinated with and consistent with the ISP, ensuring that subbasin‑specific actions collectively support basin‑wide sustainability objectives. The ISP therefore functions as a coordinating framework to align Subbasin GSPs’ implementation and regional groundwater management efforts throughout the Salinas Valley. 494
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Past Five Years Groundwater Pumping
The City operates and maintains five active municipal groundwater wells located throughout the water service area —Wells 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11 with locations shown in Figure 6-3. The combined existing supply capacity for the five active groundwater wells is approximately 4,788 gpm resulting in 6,917 AFY (City of Soledad, 2019). The firm capacity of these wells, designated as the total capacity when the highest producing well is out of service, is approximately 3,260 gpm resulting in 5,258 AFY. Potable water demand is not expected to exceed 3,048 AFY (see Table 4-3), therefore the City’s groundwater wells can meet both existing and forecasted demands.

The volume of groundwater pumped by the City over the past five years is summarized in Table 6-1.

Historically, the Basin Fill Aquifer within the Forebay Subbasin has adequately met the City’s water demands, and it is anticipated that the Forebay Subbasin will adequately meet the City’s water demands in the future.

Table 6-1 Groundwater Volume Pumped Past Five Years, AFY DWR Submittal Table 6-1 Retail: Groundwater Volume Pumped Water Code Section 10631(4) and 10631(4)(c)
Groundwater
Type
Water
Type Location or Basin Name 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Alluvial Basin Potable Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin, Forebay Aquifer Subbasin
2,152 2,125 2,000 2,066 2,113
Total 2,152 2,125 2,000 2,066 2,113
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Figure 6-3 City of Soledad Groundwater Well Locations
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6.2.3 Surface Water
At the time of preparation of the 2025 UWMP, and consistent with previous UWMPs, the City does not use surface water as part of its water supply.

6.2.4 Stormwater
Through 2025 and consistent with previous UWMPs, the City does not use stormwater as part of its water supply. However, the City collects stormwater in sumps throughout the City, which helps to replenish the groundwater aquifer, but this form recharge is not included in the City’s supply calculations.

6.2.5 Wastewater and Recycled Water
Wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse are central to a resilient and integrated water management approach. Well‑managed wastewater systems protect public health and maintain water quality, while continued advances in treatment technologies have expanded reuse opportunities and improved economic feasibility. As public acceptance grows and technology evolves, recycled water is becoming an increasingly important component of local water supply portfolios. Recycled water represents a reliable, drought resistant resource that enhances supply flexibility during periods when traditional sources decline. By supplementing existing supplies, recycled water can reduce dependence on imported water and help alleviate pressure on limited groundwater resources within the City’s service area and across the broader region.

Recycled Water Coordination
The City is the sole agency responsible for the collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater within the City’s service area. Therefore, coordination of treatment and use of recycled water remains solely with the City.

Wastewater Collection, Treatment, and Disposal
Wastewater Collected within Service Area
Wastewater generated within the City’s water service area is conveyed to the City’s WRF where it is combined with wastewater from two state prison facilities under the California Department of Corrections (CDCR), a small housing complex south of the CDCR outside of the City limits, and a nearby agricultural processing facility on Camphora-Gloria Road outside the City limits. These additional wastewater sources are not a part of the City’s water service area, however, are included in the wastewater service area (see Section 3.4.1 for additional details).

The CDCR operates and maintains its own sanitary sewer collection system, which includes a bar screen for de-ragging upstream of a pump station. The CDCR pump station pumps wastewater into an 18-inch force main that crosses under Hwy 101 and eventually transitions to a gravity sewer main just north of the City’s WRF, where the wastewater undergoes treatment. Wastewater treatment is also provided to the other two entities, whose wastewater is also funneled through the 18-inch force main, downstream of the CDCR pump station.

Through an earlier extraterritorial agreement with the Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO), the City provides wastewater treatment services to Camphora Apartments, a small, lower-income housing complex owned by Eden Housing. Camphora Apartments operates and maintains an onsite pump station that transfers wastewater through a four-inch force main that connects to the 18-inch force main on the west side of Hwy 101.
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Wastewater produced by the agricultural processing facility on Camphora-Gloria Road also joins the City’s 18-inch force main through a separate four-inch force main connection downstream of the Camphora force main connection.

The total amount of wastewater collected from the City’s sanitary sewer collection service area was approximately 2,819 AF in 2025 (Table 6-2). This includes wastewater collected from properties within the main City limit boundary, as well as from the CDCR sanitary sewer collection system, the agricultural processing facility, and Camphora Apartments.

Table 6-2 Wastewater Collected within the Service Area in 2025, AF DWR Submittal Table 6-2 Retail: Wastewater Collected Within Service Area in 2025 Water Code Section 10633(a)
100% Percentage of 2025 service area served by wastewater collection system 100% Percentage of 2025 service area population served by wastewater collection system Wastewater Collection Recipient of Collected Wastewater Name of
Wastewater
Collection Agency
Wastewater
Volume Metered or
Estimated?
Volume of Wastewater
Collected from UWMP
Service Area 2025
Name of Wastewater
Treatment Plant (WWTP)
and Place ID Number
Is WWTP
Located Within
UWMP Area?
City Metered 2,819 City Wastewater
Treatment Plant, Place ID
256483
Yes
Total Wastewater Received from UWMP
Service Area in 2025:
2,819
Notes:

The City’s UWMP wastewater service area includes properties within the main City limit boundary, CDCR sanitary sewer collection system, and two areas outside of City limit boundaries which includes an agricultural processing facility and Camphora Apartments (apartment complex).

Wastewater Treatment and Discharge within Service Area
The City transports wastewater through three separate gravity mains to the WRF located one mile southwest of the City. The WRF is a Title 22 Tertiary facility with a treatment capacity of 5.5 MGD. The WRF treats wastewater collected from the City’s service area and from the CDCR pump station, as described earlier.

Due to safety and security concerns with wastewater collected from the CDCR, pretreatment, in the form of a bar screen for de-ragging, occurs at the CDCR pump station prior to entry into the 18-inch force main.

Following pretreatment, wastewater from the CDCR is combined with wastewater from the City’s gravity mains upon entering the WRF headworks, and the combined flow receives primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment. The primary treatment involves perforated plate screening and vortex grit removal. The secondary treatment utilizes four-phase biological nutrient removal processes and clarification, while the tertiary treatment includes flocculation to remove any remaining suspended solids plus compressible media (Fuzzy Filter) filtration, followed by ultra-violet (UV) treatment for disinfection purposes. The sludge produced from the treatment of the wastewater also receives residual treatment, which involves stabilization and screw press dewatering. The WRF currently produces Title 22 quality water that can be utilized as recycled water. The City is currently constructing conveyance infrastructure to connect the WRF to the City (Section 6.2.6). All treated wastewater not reused as a part of the treatment process is currently percolated into the ground through the City’s rapid infiltration basins. The City’s treatment and discharge of wastewater is summarized in Table 6-3.
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Table 6-3 Wastewater Treatment and Discharge Within the Service Area in 2025, AF DWR Submittal Table 6-3 Retail: Wastewater Treatment and Outcomes Within UWMP Service Area in 2025 Water Code Section 10633(a)
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Name and Place ID Number
Does This Plant Treat
Wastewater Generated Outside
the UWMP Service Area?
2025 Volume of
Wastewater Received
from UWMP Service Area
Total 2025
Volume of
Water Treated
2025 Outcomes of Treated Wastewater
Water Recycled Within
UWMP Service Area
Water Recycled Outside
of UWMP Service Area
Effluent Discharge that is not a
Permitted Recycled Water Use
Required Discharge
for Instream Flow
Delivered to Another Entity for
Additional Treatment
Treatment
Level Volume
Treatment
Level Volume
Treatment
Level Volume
Treatment
Level Volume
Treatment
Level Volume
Name of
other entity
City Wastewater Treatment
Plant, Place ID 256483
Yes 2,819 2,819 N/A 0 N/A 0 Tertiary 2,601 N/A 0 N/A 0 N/A Total 2,819 2,819 0 0 2,601 0 0
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6.2.6 Recycled Water System
Currently, all treated effluent from the WRF is disposed of via rapid infiltration basins. This water percolates back into the aquifer, serving as a source of groundwater recharge. DWR guidelines stipulate incidental recharge from treated wastewater effluent disposal in percolation ponds is not counted as groundwater recharge or recycled water use; therefore, this disposal volume is not included in the recycled water use projections. Currently, the WRF is the only user of the recycled water produced. Onsite uses include fire suppression and process water.

In 2010, the City completed an upgrade of its WRF to meet the tertiary treatment requirements outlined in the Central Coast RWQCB Order WRR R3-2008-0042. This Order required the City to upgrade the WRF to meet Title 22 of the State Code regarding the production of recycled water. Construction included an upgrade to 5.5 MGD, with a plan to provide tertiary treated water for agricultural, recreational, and urban landscape irrigation areas.

In 2023, the City secured $16.6 million in funding from the DWR Urban Community Drought Relief Grant Program (UCDR) to complete their Recycled Water Conveyance Project (RW Conveyance Project), which will enable delivery of recycled water to schools and parks within the City limits that are currently being irrigated with potable water. The RW Conveyance Project will include constructing a new recycled water booster pump station and associated facilities, approximately five miles of 4-inch diameter to 12-inch diameter pressurized recycled water pipeline and appurtenances and retrofitting landscape irrigation systems at approximately twenty schools and parks within the City.

6.2.7 Recycled Water Beneficial Uses
Current and Planned Uses of Recycled Water
There are no current users of recycled water within the City’s main boundary limit, however following the completion of the RW Conveyance Project, recycled water is planned for use as irrigation for schools and parks. Turf irrigation is typically one of the highest uses of water in the City and was chosen as the preferred candidate for conversion from potable to recycled irrigation water. City parks and schools use up to 231 AFY (75 million gallons) for turf irrigation alone (City of Soledad, 2025b).

The City is currently slated to meet (and possibly exceed) 165 AFY of recycled water deliveries, which is the minimum required amount under the UCDR Grant Program Funding obligation. Future development in the City will also include the construction of new parks and schools. The Miramonte Specific Plan development identifies an additional 2,392 housing units connected to the City water system by approximately 2040 (City of Soledad, 2018). These additional connections are an increase of roughly 50% of the City’s current total water demand. Using an extrapolated 50% increase in recycled water, the annual recycled water demand in 2040 and 2045 is expected to be approximately 248 AF.

Annual projections for the City’s recycled water use are summarized in Table 6-4. For planning purposes, the projected recycled water volume in Table 6-4 would help offset a significant amount of the projected landscaping demand summarized previously in Chapter 4, Table 4-3. A complete analysis of potential future recycled water use demands will be developed in the future.

The City WRF was updated to a capacity of 5.5 MGD to serve development outside of the current City limits. A few, but not all, of the development applications have subsequently expired, leaving the City’s WRF with significant excess capacity available. This excess capacity could be utilized as a potential regional WRF should the City of Greenfield or the City of Gonzales need additional or higher-level wastewater treatment capacity or seek to pursue access to recycled water. 502
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Table 6-4 Recycled Water Direct Beneficial Uses within the Service Area, 2025–2050 (AF) DWR Submittal Table 6-4 Retail: Recycled Water Direct Beneficial Uses Within Service Area Water Code Section 10633 (c)(e)
Name(s) of Facility/ies Producing (Treating) the Recycled Water: City Wastewater Treatment Plant, Place ID 256483
Name of Supplier Operating the Recycled Water Distribution System: City Supplemental Water Added in 2025 (volume) Include units: 0 Source of 2025 Supplemental Water: N/A
Use Type
Water Type
(after treatment
if treated)
Additional
Information
(as needed) 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045
2050
(opt)
Potential
Recycled
Water Use
Volume
Landscape
irrigation
(exc golf
courses)
Non-Potable Irrigation for Cityowned properties
(parks, sports
fields, etc.)
0 165 165 248 248 248 165-248
Total 0 165 165 248 248 248 195-293
165-248
Planned Versus Actual Use of Recycled
The City does not currently utilize any recycled water to offset potable water use. The slower than anticipated development of local recycled water infrastructure explains the difference in recycled water volume projected for 2025 in the 2020 UWMP and the actual use in 2025. This difference is shown in Table 6-5.

Table 6-5 2020 UWMP Recycled Water Use Projection Compared to 2025 Actual, AF DWR Submittal Table 6-5 Retail: 2020 UWMP Recycled Water Use Projection Compared to 2025 Actual Water Code Section 10633 (e)
Use Type 2020 Projection for 2025 2025 Actual Use
Landscape irrigation (exc golf courses) 49 0
Total 49 0
Actions to Encourage and Optimize Future Recycled Water Use Recycled water will be used for landscape irritation, including parks, ball fields, and school district open space.

The City continues to identify and support actions to expand future recycled water use. Table 6-6 lists these actions to encourage recycled water use and the expected increase in use. 503
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Table 6-6 Methods to Encourage Future Recycled Water Use, AFY DWR Submittal Table 6-6 Retail: Methods to Encourage Future Recycled Water Use Water Code Section 10633 (f)
Name of Action Description
Planned
Implementation Year
Expected Increase in
Recycled Water Use
Establish Recycled Water
Distribution System
Connect recycled water distribution system to City parks and schools
2025-2035 165
New Development Recycled Water
Infrastructure
Planned phased development to expand recycled water distribution system to irrigation parks, parkways, and open spaces
2040-2050 83
Regulatory Relief Ease regulations to install recycled water infrastructure 2040-2050 5 Regional Planning Regionalize recycled water planning for collaboration and cost benefits
2040-2050 5
Long-Term Contracts Advantages for long-term recycled water contracts 2040-2050 5 Rate Discounts Financial program to incentivize recycled water use 2040-2050 5 Total 268
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6.3 Desalinated Water Opportunities
The groundwater under the City is not brackish in nature and does not require desalination. The City’s groundwater source is expected to adequately meet the long-term supply needs of the City in the future, and as such, transport of desalinated water is not expected to be necessary.

6.4 Water Exchanges and Transfers
There are currently no known exchanges, transfers, or interties that exist between the City and any other water system.

6.5 Future Water Projects
Development of new water projects and improvements to existing infrastructure are incorporated in the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The City’s most recent CIP includes approximately $27.45 million in planned water system capital improvements over the five‑year period, addressing infrastructure rehabilitation, system reliability, supply planning, and distribution system replacement (City of Soledad, 2025b).

Water projects identified in the 2025-2026 CIP include:
• Water Distribution Pipeline Replacements: Extensive replacement of aging water mains throughout the City, including projects on Alder and Acacia Streets, Oak Street, Walker Drive, Major Avenue, Vineyard Drive, Pine Street, 1st through 7th Streets, and 5th-6th Street corridors. These projects represent the largest share of planned water expenditures and are intended to improve system reliability and reduce leaks and failures.
• Well and Storage Infrastructure Improvements: Planned projects include well rehabilitation and upgrades, a new additional well study, tank rehabilitation, and improvements at the La Cuesta storage facility. Together, these investments are aimed at maintaining water supply capacity, extending asset life, and supporting long‑term groundwater reliability. • System Reliability and Operations Upgrades: SCADA upgrades, installation of emergency generators at water distribution facilities, valve and fire hydrant replacement, flow and pressure testing, and a dedicated meter testing station. These projects are intended to improve operational control, emergency preparedness, and compliance with system performance standards. • Metering and Fleet Support: The program includes major multi‑year investments in water meter replacement, as well as purchase of maintenance vehicles and equipment (e.g., dump truck, backhoe, vacuum truck) to support ongoing water system operations. • Planning and Policy Support: Allocates funding for preparation of an updated Water Master Plan, ensuring that future capital decisions are guided by updated system analysis and growth projections.

Water system improvements identified in the City’s CIP are generally consistent with the recommendations of the City’s 2019 Water Master Plan, which evaluated long-term supply, storage, and distribution system needs. The 2019 Water Master Plan identified several high-priority system improvements intended to maintain operational reliability and defer the need for new water supply development. These include upgrades to under-performing groundwater wells, including Well 7, Well 10, and Well 11, which would improve production capacity and reduce reliance on new well construction to meet near-term demand. The Plan also identifies a potential future need for an additional well in Zone A to offset a projected 500 gpm water supply deficit associated with the Miramonte Specific Plan at buildout. This future well, with an estimated capacity of 500 gpm or greater (approximately 807 AFY), is considered a low-priority project pending annexation and development and is included in Table 6-7. 505
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In addition, the 2019 Water Master Plan evaluated storage capacity and distribution system performance under buildout conditions. Storage capacity was found to be adequate in all pressure zones, and no new storage facilities are currently recommended. While the Plan identifies numerous distribution system improvements, including water main replacements and fire hydrant upgrades—as high-priority infrastructure investments, these projects are not considered water supply projects because they do not increase the volume of water available to the City. Instead, they are intended to improve system reliability, fire protection, and operational efficiency and are therefore appropriately addressed through the City’s CIP rather than as supply augmentation measures in this UWMP. 506
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Table 6-7 Expected Future Water Supply Projects or Programs, AFY DWR Submittal Table 6-7 Retail: Expected Future Water Supply Projects or Programs Water Code Section 10631 (f)
Name of Future Projects or
Programs
Joint Project
with other
suppliers?
Additional Description
(as needed)
Water Type
(after treatment
if treated)
Planned
Implementation
Year
Planned for
Use in Year
Type1
Expected Increase
in Water Supply to
Supplier
Well 7, 10, and 11 Upgrades No Supply sufficiency and energy efficiency
Potable 2025-2029 All year types
New Well Construction –
Future Project
No New well in Zone A with a
capacity of 500 gpm or greater
Potable 2036 (Pending
annexation and
construction at
Miramonte)
All year types 807
Recycled Water Distribution
System
No Connect and expand existing
development to recycled water
and phase in new development
to recycled water
Non-Potable 2040 All year types 2482
Notes:
1Year type is defined as average year, single dry year, and multiple-dry years. 2For conservative planning purposes, the expected increase to the water supply due to the construction of the recycled water distribution system is equal to the projected landscape irrigation demand by 2050.
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6.6 Summary of Existing and Planned Sources of Water
The City’s groundwater supply has been sufficient to meet the City’s historical demands. Table 6-8 summarizes the total amount of groundwater pumped in 2025. To meet growing demand for new development not yet annexed into the City’s sphere of influence, new groundwater wells will have to be constructed and paid for by future development applicants.

The City provides water service through a system of municipal wells, water treatment, aboveground storage, and distribution pipes, which provide water to areas within the main City limit boundary area. The City has sufficient water capacity for all areas within the existing city limits and within areas designated for growth (expansion areas) by the 2005 General Plan. Specifically, the 2019 Water Master Plan indicates that an average daily demand of approximately 3,190 gpm would be required to serve existing and new development proposed in the Miramonte Specific Plan. This demand falls within the system’s total firm capacity of 3,260 gpm (City of Soledad, 2019). The City has been proactive with respect to improving and developing its water supply system and continues to construct new wells in advance of demand from growth/development areas.

Projected water supply available through 2050 is shown in Table 6-9. The City intends to continue to use groundwater as the sole source of potable supply. The City’s projected supply continues to be well within the annual sustainable yield of the Forebay Subbasin, which is estimated to be 148,000 AFY. Recycled water will begin delivery for irrigation uses by the end of 2026, increasing in years 2040 through 2050 if Miramonte is developed and built out.
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Table 6-8 Water Supplies – 2025 Actual, AF
DWR Submittal Table 6-8 Retail: Water Supplies — 2025 Actual Water Code Section 10631 (b)
Water Supply
2025
Additional Description
Water Type (after treatment if treated)
(OPTIONAL) Actual Volume
Groundwater (not desalinated) Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin, Forebay Aquifer Subbasin, Forebay Subarea
Potable 2,113
Recycled Water City’s WRF Non-Potable 01
Subtotal Potable 2,113
Subtotal Non-Potable 0
Total 2,113
Notes:
1 Currently, recycled water produced at the WRF is used onsite for fire suppression and process water; however, this water is not metered and therefore is not included in this table.
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Table 6-9 Water Supplies – Projected to 2050, AFY
DWR Submittal Table 6-9 Retail: Water Supplies — Projected Water Code Section 10631 (b)
Water Supply
Additional Detail
on Water Supply
Water Type
(after treatment if treated)
Projected Water Supply (Report to the Extent Practicable) 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 (opt)
Reasonably Available Volume Reasonably Available Volume Reasonably Available Volume Reasonably Available Volume Reasonably Available Volume Groundwater (not desalinated)1 Potable 5,258 5,258 6,065 6,065 6,065 Recycled Water Non-Potable 165 165 248 248 248
Subtotal Potable 5,258 5,453 6,065 6,065 6,065
Subtotal Non-Potable 165 165 248 248 248
Total 5,423 5,423 6,313 6,313 6,313
Notes:
1Reasonably available groundwater volume is projected as the firm capacity (the total capacity when the largest unit is out of service) of the five existing wells, with the planned addition of a new well with a capacity of 803 AF or greater in 2036 (see Table 6-7). The development of this well is pending annexation and construction at Miramonte, and may not occur by 2036, however is included in total reasonably available groundwater volume starting in 2040. 510
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6.7 Climate Change
Climate change is driven by increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (GHG) that cause an increase in temperature and stress natural systems, such as oceans and the hydrologic cycle. The State faces the prospect of significant water management challenges related to climate change and is already experiencing a wide array of effects. Impacts that are currently occurring and that are projected to continue include increased temperatures, sea level rise, water quality degradation, a reduced winter snowpack, and altered precipitation patterns, including longer seasonal dry periods and more frequent and intense storm events.

The 2022 GSP identifies climate change as a key source of uncertainty and structural change in groundwater and surface water budgets, affecting both the magnitude and timing of inflows and outflows. These impacts are evaluated through projected water budgets for 2030 and 2070 using the Salinas Valley Operational Model (SVOM) with DWR‑recommended climate change assumptions as reflected in Table 6-10 below. Table 6-11 provides the projected sustainable yields (SVBGSA, 2022).

Based on these projections, the general conclusion is that the Forebay Subbasin can be managed within its sustainable yield in the future. The projected water budgets can be interpreted as most likely future conditions; however, there is inherent uncertainty associated with using climate scenarios.

Table 6-10 Groundwater Budget for Projected Climate Change Conditions Groundwater Budget – Forebay Aquifer Subbasin 2030 (AFY) 2070 (AFY) Groundwater Pumping -171,500 -181,200
Net Stream Exchange 103,200 105,700
Deep Percolation 53,100 57,500
Net Flow to Eastside Aquifer Subbasin and 180/400-Foot Aquifer Subbasin -3,100 -2,800 Net Flow From Outside Areas and Upper Valley Aquifer Subbasin 2,600 2,800 Groundwater Evapotranspiration -33,900 -35,100
Net Storage Gain or Loss 0 0
Table 6-11 Projected Sustainable Yields
2030 Projected
Sustainable Yield (AFY)
2070 Projected
Sustainable Yield (AFY)
Historical Sustainable Yield
(AFY)
Groundwater Pumping 171,500 181,200 150,900 to 174,300
Seawater Intrusion 0 0 0
Change in Storage 0 0 0
Projected Sustainable Yield 171,500 181,200 150,900 to 174,300 While actions must be taken to reduce GHG to mitigate impacts on global climate change, adaptation to already occurring impacts is also critical to ensure the continued effective management of the State’s water resources. Water resource managers and customers can play key roles in improving water and energy efficiency, reducing GHG emissions, and improving stewardship of the State’s natural resources.

The City’s commitment to expanding the use of recycled water helps reduce reliance on potable water supplies and increases resilience to uncertainty associated with long‑term climate change impacts. In addition, the City oversees and implements climate change adaptation measures through its Demand Management Measures (DMMs) described in Chapter 9, and WSCP in Chapter 10 and Appendix D, which provide a structured framework for demand reduction, operational response, and public coordination during droughts and other water supply stress conditions. 512
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7 Water Service Reliability and Drought Risk
Assessment
This chapter describes the reliability of the City’s water supplies, which reflects the City’s ability to meet the water needs of its customers under varying hydrological conditions. The analysis demonstrates that the City can reliably meet demands based on water supply availability from local groundwater sources.

The supply reliability assessment examines factors such as climate, environmental, water quality, and/or legal constraints that could potentially limit the expected quantity of water supply available to the City.

Multiple drought scenarios are considered, and the quantitative impacts of the factors above on water supply and demand and the possible methods for addressing these issues are discussed.

The City continually looks for opportunities to improve water supply reliability. The City has also prepared a comprehensive WSCP to direct response actions in the event of a water shortage, summarized in Chapter 8 and detailed in Appendix D.

7.1 Water Service Reliability Assessment
The City’s 2025 UWMP Water Service Reliability Assessment compares the total projected water supply and demands over the next 25 years in five-year increments under normal, single-dry, and multiple dry years.

As presented in Chapter 6, the City relies on groundwater as its sole source of potable water supply through the operation of five active wells. The City is developing local recycled water to meet non-potable landscape irrigation demands, with recycled water connections anticipated by December 2026. However, the City will continue to rely on groundwater to provide future potable water supply to meet the projected water demands in all hydrologic scenarios. The City and its customers benefit from continued investments in groundwater supply reliability.

There are various factors that may impact reliability of supplies such as legal, environmental, water quality, and climatic variables, as discussed below. The City’s water supplies are projected to be sustainable and meet full-service demands now and into the future.

7.1.1 Constraints on Water Sources
As described in Chapter 6, the City relies on groundwater to meet potable customer demands. To diversify its water sources, the City plans to begin providing recycled water as an additional source for irrigation use, beginning in late 2026. The City will directly produce and distribute recycled water for landscape irrigation at parks and school sites. The use of recycled water will offset the use of potable groundwater supplies in meeting landscape irrigation needs.

Several factors that could potentially disrupt the City’s groundwater supply include earthquakes, water quality impacts, regulatory changes, and other emergency supply shortage conditions. The City’s response to these potential supply disruptions are discussed in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) (City of Soledad, 2021). The City’s EOP is discussed in more detail in the WSCP, Appendix D. There are no potential legal factors that could impact the City’s access to a reliable water supply. The constraints on the City’s water sources are summarized below.

Constraints on Groundwater
Disruptions in the supply chain due to natural disasters or infrastructure malfunctions are the primary constraint to the City’s groundwater supply. Additionally, supply is constrained by the quality and 513
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availability of groundwater in the Forebay Subbasin. The sustainable yield and water quality of the underlying aquifer is monitored annually and discussed further in the Subbasin’s 2026 Annual Report (SVBGSA, 2026).

Threats to Infrastructure
The City provides water services through the operation of five active groundwater wells, which may be subject to disruptions in operation due to equipment malfunctions, flooding, earthquakes, or other catastrophic events. As discussed in Section 6.2.2 the firm capacity of the City’s wells (the total capacity when the highest producing well is out of service) can meet existing demands. In July 2024, the City’s highest producing well became inoperable while two other wells were down due to vibrations and scheduled maintenance, respectively (City of Soledad, 2024). The City declared a state of emergency and authorized emergency repair for the well. The City requested voluntary use reduction from customers and initiated conservation methods, including refraining from watering City parks. The City was able to meet demands with these voluntary use reductions until the well was repaired and did not require implementation of Stage 2 of its WSCP. The City continues to invest in infrastructure improvements to improve groundwater well operations and system reliability for the future.

Water Quality
As discussed in Section 6.2.2, groundwater quality in the Forebay Subbasin is generally suitable for municipal use. The City treats all groundwater to federal and state drinking water standards through its water treatment facilities. The City’s most recent CCR met all applicable federal and state primary drinking water standards, and no exceedances of MCLs or action-levels were reported. The region’s groundwater quality is primarily driven by naturally occurring constituents and agricultural land use, and water quality is monitored throughout the basin per SGMA requirements (SVBGSA, 2026).

Supply Availability
The City’s groundwater availability is reliant on the sustainable yield of the Subbasin. As discussed in Section 6.2.2, while groundwater levels within the Forebay Subbasin are subject to seasonal variability, during the most recent reporting period, groundwater levels remained above minimum thresholds established by the 2022 GSP, and no undesirable results were identified under SGMA sustainability criteria (SVBGSA, 2026). The sustainable yield of the Forebay Subbasin is anticipated to be impacted by climate change, which will likely affect both the timing and magnitude of both inflows and outflows The projected water budget for the Forebay Subbasin considers the effects of climate change on sustainable yield using modeled impacts of climate change. The annual sustainable yield of the Forebay Subbasin is estimated to be 148,000 AFY and, even with the modeled impacts of climate change, is projected to increase to 171,500 and 181,200 in 2030 and 2070 respectively.

Constraints on Recycled Water
Recycled water use in the City will likely be primarily constrained by water quality. Recycled water has higher total dissolved solids (TDS) than groundwater as a function of the water treatment process. Higher concentration of salts in recycled water can have negative impacts to sensitive plants or landscapes suffering multiple year droughts that do not receive natural rainfall to flush salts down past the root zone.

Statewide water conservation requirements established under AB 1668 and SB 606 are expected to reduce long‑term indoor water use, which may decrease wastewater influent volumes. Reduced wastewater flows can result in increased TDS concentrations in recycled water supplies, potentially requiring enhanced treatment or limiting suitability for certain non‑potable uses. The City will continue to evaluate the implications of these conservation-driven flow reductions as part of future recycled water planning and treatment considerations.
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7.1.2 Year Type Characterization
In California, water supply reliability is largely driven by hydrologic conditions. The UWMP water supply reliability assessment requires a water supplier to define its available water supply into three hydrologic year types: (1) normal supply, (2) single-dry year supply, and (3) multiple-dry five-year supply.

This section discusses the type of years considered when evaluating water supply reliability. The conditions are as follows:
• Normal (Average) Year – The average water year is a year that represents the median runoff levels from precipitation, as well as the same general pattern of runoff. The supply quantities would be similar to historical average supplies. The average (normal) hydrologic condition for the City’s service area is represented by the year 2018.
• Single Dry Year – The single dry year is defined as the individual year with the lowest usable water supply. This condition can be derived as the year with the lowest annual supply. For the City, 2021 was selected to represent the single dry year.
• Multiple Dry Years – Multiple dry years are defined as the five consecutive years with the lowest usable water supply. The multiple dry years are detrimental to the water supply system because of their adverse effect on the levels of local and statewide reservoirs, as well as groundwater levels. Available supply for these conditions is constituted as the minimum historical yields for a running average of five years. For the City, the period between 2011 and 2015 was selected to represent the multiple dry years.

Consistent with the City’s 2010 and 2015 UWMPs, average, single-dry, and multiple-dry year periods were determined based on rainfall data available from DWR.

Table 7-1 shows the basis of water year data used to predict drought supply availability.

Table 7-1 Basis of Water Year Data (Reliability Assessment) OPTIONAL DWR Submittal Table 7-1 Retail: Basis of Water Year Data (Reliability Assessment) Year Type Base Year
Available Supplies if Year Type Repeats
% of Average Supply
Average Year 2018 100%
Single-Dry Year 2021 104%
Consecutive Dry Years 1st Year 2011 108%
Consecutive Dry Years 2nd Year 2012 109%
Consecutive Dry Years 3rd Year 2013 110%
Consecutive Dry Years 4th Year 2014 111%
Consecutive Dry Years 5th Year 2015 112%
The following sections provide water supply and demand projections from 2030 to 2050 for normal, single dry, and multiple dry years (five consecutive years). Projections include both potable and recycled water supplies combined for results in this section.

7.1.3 Water Service Reliability
As summarized above, the Forebay Subbasin is characterized by general stability, and even during multiple dry years, the groundwater supply availability is anticipated to be reliable.

As described in Section 6.6, the City plans on increasing its supply availability with the addition of a new well and increased recycled water supply. The City’s potable supply availability is assumed to be unaffected by single or multiple dry years and is estimated to remain the same for all year types. Potable 515
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supply availability exceeds projected demands during average, single-dry, and five consecutive dry water year periods. Therefore, the City’s water supply is 100% reliable in all hydrologic conditions.

The City’s recycled water supply, once in use, will be 100% reliable during all hydrologic year types, based on prevalent analysis of recycled water supplies.

Note that the while the City anticipates a surplus in all year types based on estimated supply availability exceeding demand, this surplus is hypothetical as the City would only pump the amount of groundwater needed to serve customer demands.

Water Service Reliability – Normal Year
Table 7-2 shows normal year supply and demand comparisons for potable and recycled water through the year 2050. The City’s normal year supply forecast assumes that no WSCP measures would be implemented.

Table 7-2 Normal Year Supply and Use Comparison, AFY
DWR Submittal Table 7-2 Retail: Normal Year Supply and Use Comparison Water Code Section 10635 (a)
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 (Opt)
Supply totals
(autofill from Submittal Table 6-9 R)
5,423 5,423 6,313 6,313 6,313
Use totals
(autofill from Submittal Table 4-2 R)
2,192 2,735 3,277 3,289 3,296
Surplus/(shortfall) 3,231 2,688 3,036 3,024 3,017
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
WSCP – use reduction savings benefit 0 0 0 0 0
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0
Water Service Reliability – Single Dry Year
Table 7-3 shows single dry year supply and demand comparisons for potable water and recycled water through 2050. For the single dry year, a 4% increase has been applied to normal demands, consistent with the estimated increase in demand from normal that the City experienced in 2021, the driest year in the last 5 years. The City assumes that the WSCP would not typically be implemented in a single dry year.

Table 7-3 Single Dry Year Supply and Use Comparison, AFY DWR Submittal Table 7-3 Retail: Single Dry Year Supply and Use Comparison Water Code Section 10635(a)
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 (Opt)
Supply totals 5,423 5,423 6,313 6,313 6,313
Use totals 2,276 2,839 3,402 3,414 3,422
Surplus/(shortfall) 3,147 2,584 2,911 2,899 2,891
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
WSCP – use reduction savings benefit 0 0 0 0 0
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0
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Water Service Reliability – Multiple Dry Years
Multiple dry years are defined as five consecutive year drought periods. As stated above, the City’s sustainable groundwater yield exceeds projected demands during average, single-dry, and five consecutive dry year periods. Therefore, the City’s water supply is 100% reliable in multiple-dry year conditions through 2050.

For projected demand, the dry period of 2011 to 2015 informs multiple-dry year demand year-over-year changes. To estimate multiple dry year demand projections, the City’s demand forecast assumed an 8% increase from normal demand in year one, 9% in year two, 10% increase in year three, 11% increase in year 4, and 12% increase in year five. In response to drought conditions and activation of the WSCP in year two, demand response was then reduced by 2.5% cumulatively in each consecutive year. Table 7-4 provides the five consecutive dry year supply and demand projections through 2050.

Table 7-4 Multiple Dry Years Supply and Use Comparison
DWR Submittal Table 7-4 Retail: Multiple Dry Years Supply and Use Comparison Water Code Section 10635(a)
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 (Opt)
First year Supply totals 5,423 5,423 6,313 6,313 6,313
Use totals 2,367 2,954 3,539 3,552 3,560
Surplus/(shortfall) 3,056 2,469 2,774 2,761 2,753
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
WSCP – use reduction savings
benefit
0 0 0 0 0
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) 0 0 0 0 0
Second year Supply totals 5,423 5,423 6,313 6,313 6,313 Use totals 2,389 2,981 3,572 3,585 3,593
Surplus/(shortfall) 3,034 2,442 2,741 2,728 2,720
OPTIONAL WSCP Actions
WSCP – use reduction savings
benefit
60 75 90 90 90
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) 3,094 2,517 2,831 2,818 2,810 Third year Supply totals 5,423 5,423 6,313 6,313 6,313
Use totals 2,411 3,009 3,605 3,618 3,626
Surplus/(shortfall) 3,012 2,414 2,708 2,695 2,687
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
WSCP – use reduction savings
benefit
121 151 181 181 182
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) 3,133 2,565 2,889 2,876 2,869 Fourth year Supply totals 5,423 5,423 6,313 6,313 6,313 Use totals 2,433 3,036 3,637 3,651 3,659
Surplus/(shortfall) 2,990 2,387 2,676 2,662 2,654
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
WSCP – use reduction savings
benefit
183 228 273 274 275
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) 3,173 2,615 2,949 2,936 2,929 517
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DWR Submittal Table 7-4 Retail: Multiple Dry Years Supply and Use Comparison Water Code Section 10635(a)
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050 (Opt)
Fifth year Supply totals 5,423 5,423 6,313 6,313 6,313
Use totals 2,455 3,063 3,670 3,684 3,692
Surplus/(shortfall) 2,968 2,360 2,643 2,629 2,621
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
WSCP – use reduction savings
benefit
246 307 368 369 370
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) 3,214 2,667 3,011 2,999 2,991

7.1.4 Description of Management Tools and Options
The City is committed to developing locally reliable potable and non-potable supplies to meet future demands. The City is strategically upgrading wells to ensure supply reliability, constructing new wells for future developments to ensure supply sufficiency, and developing its recycled water distribution system.

Projects to increased groundwater reliability and capacity are important to the City, as well as continuing to implement effective and innovative Demand Management Measures (DMMs) presented in Chapter 9.

Should a water shortage occur, the City may implement the WSCP, included in Appendix D, to address any shortage conditions and reduce demands.

While the City’s water service reliability assessments conclude that the City can meet 100% of projected demands in all hydrologic scenarios, the intent is to show the City is reasonably prepared for the unexpected. To that extent, the City’s WSCP (Chapter 8 and Appendix D) provides a framework for how the City can best manage water supplies in the event of shortages.

7.2 Drought Risk Assessment
Every urban water supplier is required to include a Drought Risk Assessment (DRA) as part of its 2025 UWMP. The CWC requires that a DRA be based on the driest five-year historical sequence for the supplier while considering plausible changes to projected water supply and demand due to climate change or regulatory changes. Specifically, a DRA evaluates whether a water shortage condition due to extended drought is expected to occur over the next five consecutive years (2026 to 2030). This DRA is designed to work in conjunction with the Water Service Reliability Assessment (Section 7.1) and WSCP (Chapter 8 and Appendix D) to present a comprehensive view of the City’s water reliability, preparedness, and water shortage response actions for drought.

7.2.1 Data, Methods, and Basis for Water Shortage Condition The City’s DRA is conducted using the same methodology as the multiple dry year analysis in the Water Service Reliability Assessment (Section 7.1.3). The five driest hydrologic years selected to define the DRA are the years 2011 to 2015. The 2011-2015 dry hydrologic conditions were applied to years 2026–2030 to assess chronic dry year supplies available to the City. The City’s unconstrained potable water demand from 2025 (2,113 AF) is used as a baseline to project multiple dry year demands for 2021 through 2025.

The potable water demand percentage increases used in the water service reliability for multiple dry years analysis were again used in this DRA. Year 1 (2026) demand increases by 8%, while subsequent years increase by 1% each year. The City’s current firm capacity of 5,258 AFY was conservatively assumed for future supply, although the City plans on increasing its capacity through infrastructure improvements and supplementing irrigation supply with recycled water. The DRA assumes the City would implement its WSCP in the second year of a multi-year drought and estimates a 2.5% cumulative annual reduction in demand from the implementation of the WSCP. Note that the “Revised Surplus/(Shortfall)” following 518
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WSCP implementation would remain zero because the City would only pump the amount of groundwater needed to serve customer demands.

7.2.2 Water Source Reliability
The City’s potable water service reliability for near-term drought conditions is 100%. The City’s current firm capacity of 5,258 AFY is greater than the estimated maximum demand of 2,367 AFY prior to saving from the implementation of the WSCP, or the addition of recycled water supply. Therefore, the City’s available water supply over the next five years, if a drought persists, is projected to exceed expected demands.

Although the DRA conservatively assumes the current firm capacity of the City’s potable system for future supply, some potable supply is anticipated to be offset with recycled water in the next five years, increasing water source reliability. The City’s recycled water service will be 100% reliable in all years during a hypothetical consecutive five-year drought. This is attributable to the City’s current investments in production capacity for recycled water at the City’s WRF and operational flexibility.

7.2.3 Total Water Supply and Use Comparison
The City’s potable water service reliability is 100% in all years during a hypothetical consecutive five-year drought. This is attributable to the anticipated available groundwater supply, which exceeds the City’s projected demands. This water supply surplus is from a well-managed basin largely driven by the actions of the Subbasin GSAs and MCWRA working collaboratively with other overlying agencies to maximize the development and reliability of groundwater supplies. In addition, the City has been proactive with respect to improving and developing its water supply system and continues to construct new wells in advance of demand. While the DRA does not indicate as such, the City would still maintain and refine its water use efficiency program offerings to its customers to manage demand in future years, regardless of the hydrologic scenario.

Table 7-5 demonstrates the City’s potable water service reliability of 100% in a near-term drought scenario that extends from 2026 through 2030. Note that the while the City anticipates a surplus in all five years based on estimated supply availability exceeding demand, this surplus is hypothetical as the City would only pump the amount of groundwater needed to serve customer demands.

Table 7-5 Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment, AF
DWR Submittal Table 7-5 Retail: Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment Water Code Section 10635(b)(3)
2026 Total
Total Water Use 2,282
Total Supplies 5,258
Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 2,976
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) WSCP – use reduction savings benefit 0
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) 2,976
2027
Total Water Use 2,303
Total Supplies 5,258
Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 2,955
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) WSCP – use reduction savings benefit 58
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) 3,013
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DWR Submittal Table 7-5 Retail: Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment Water Code Section 10635(b)(3)
2028
Total Water Use 2,324
Total Supplies 5,258
Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 2,934
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) WSCP – use reduction savings benefit 117
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) 3,051
2029
Total Water Use 2,345
Total Supplies 5,258
Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 2,913
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) WSCP – use reduction savings benefit 176
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) 3,089
2030
Total Water Use 2,367
Total Supplies 5,258
Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 2,891
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation) WSCP – use reduction savings benefit 237
Revised Surplus/(shortfall) 3,128
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8 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
This chapter provides a summary of information from the City’s WSCP to demonstrate compliance with DWR requirements. The City’s WSCP is a standalone document that can be modified as needed and is included as Appendix D.

The WSCP describes how the City intends to predict and respond to foreseeable and unforeseeable water shortages, which occur when available water supplies are reduced to a level that cannot support typical demand at any given time. The WSCP serves as a planning document to guide the City Council, staff, and the public by identifying response actions that allow for efficient and accountable management of water shortages with predictability and transparency. While the WSCP does not provide absolute direction, it offers a range of response options to address varying water shortage conditions.

Summary of DWR Required WSCP sections:
• Water Supply Reliability Analysis
• Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment
• Six Standard Water Shortage Levels
• Shortage Response Actions
• Communication Protocols
• Compliance and Enforcement
• Legal Authority
• Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation
• Monitoring and Reporting
• WSCP Refinement Procedures
• Special Water Feature Distinction
• Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability

8.1 Updates Since 2020
Since the City’s 2020 UWMP, several Executive Orders have been issued by the state in response to prolonged drought conditions shaping water management requirements for urban water suppliers. • March 2022, Executive Order N-7-22: marked a statewide drought response requiring urban water suppliers to implement Stage 2 WSCP actions, representing approximately a 20 percent supply reduction, and submit preliminary and final water supply and demand assessments by June 1 and July 1, 2022. The order also directed the SWRCB to prohibit irrigation of non-functional turf in commercial, industrial, and institutional landscapes. Suppliers without approved WSCPs were subject to default plans, reinforcing the urgency of conservation and compliance. • February 2023, Executive Order N-3-23: extended statewide drought emergency provisions, emphasizing climate uncertainty and the need for preparedness. The order supported ongoing conservation efforts and streamlined permitting for groundwater and recharge projects, reflecting a shift from mandatory restrictions toward long-term resilience planning. • March 2023, Executive Order N-5-23: ended the statewide requirement for Stage 2 WSCP actions.

Urban water suppliers, including the City, were permitted to return to Stage 1 or lower response levels, and emergency regulations requiring Level 2 actions expired on June 10, 2023. 521
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• September 2024: a phased rollback of drought emergency provisions was lifted in 19 counties, which included major urban areas within Monterey County, including the City to return to voluntary conservation while continuing to monitor local supply conditions. In compliance with Executive Order N-7-22, the City implemented prohibitions on nonessential water use, conducted public outreach and enforcement, and reported water use data as required during the emergency period.

8.2 Water Supply Reliability Assessment
The Water Supply Reliability Assessment in Chapter 7 of this 2025 UWMP evaluates the City’s ability to meet customer demands under normal year, single-dry year, and multiple dry-year conditions. The chapter also assesses the drought risk over the next five years (2026 to 2030) assuming the driest five-year period is repeated over the next five years. Water supply reliability reflects the City’s ability to meet the water needs of its customers with water supplies under varying conditions. The analysis considers plausible hydrological and regulatory variability, climate conditions, and other factors that affect the City’s water supply and demand. The 2025 reliability analysis indicates that the City’s water supplies are reliable, and no shortages are anticipated. While the City is identified to meet future potable demands, potential reliability risks remain, including climate change impacts, infrastructure failures, and catastrophic events, which are addressed through contingency measures and adaptive planning strategies detailed in the WSCP (Appendix D).

8.3 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment
The City performs an annual assessment of water supply and demand (Annual Assessment) to determine whether shortage conditions exist and if activation of a WSCP stage is necessary. This assessment is a statutory requirement under CWC Section 10632 and is designed to provide a short-term outlook on water reliability for the upcoming year.

The Annual Assessment compares available groundwater supply capacity to projected unconstrained customer demand, considering historical water use, anticipated new connections, population growth assumptions, and land use planning data. Available supply is based on the combined production capacity of the City’s groundwater wells and is adjusted as needed to reflect infrastructure constraints, planned maintenance, or emergency conditions. Infrastructure reliability, water quality, regulatory conditions, and other factors that could affect supply or demand are evaluated as part of the assessment. If the assessment identifies an existing or potential water shortage, the City Council may take action to implement the appropriate Water Shortage Response actions through adoption of a resolution. More detailed information for evaluation criteria for current demand, available supply, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory mandates analysis can be found in the WSCP (Appendix D).

8.4 Six Standard Water Shortage Levels
The adoption of six standardized water shortage levels provides a consistent statewide framework for declaring shortages and implementing response actions. This approach ensures uniformity across California, making it easier for agencies, regulators, and the public to understand and respond to water shortage conditions.

Under CWC Section 10632(a)(2), urban water suppliers must define shortage levels corresponding to progressive ranges of supply reductions: up to 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and greater than 50%. These levels are based on actual supply conditions, such as reductions in imported water, changes in groundwater levels, or other hydrologic indicators. The standardized structure allows for clear 522
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communication, predictable enforcement, and coordinated regional and statewide drought response efforts.

The six standard water shortage levels are reflected in Table 8-1.

Table 8-1 Water Shortage Contingency Plan Levels
Standard Shortage Levels Percent Shortage Range
1 Up to 10%
2 Up to 20%
3 Up to 30%
4 Up to 40%
5 Up to 50%
6 >50%

8.5 Shortage Response Actions
The City’s WSCP establishes a comprehensive set of actions to address water shortages, organized into key categories to ensure flexibility and effectiveness.

8.5.1 Demand Reduction
The City emphasizes water use efficiency with its customers at all times and expands efforts during shortage stages as described under Section 8.5.4. These measures ensure that conservation becomes a shared responsibility, helping the community collectively reduce demand during critical periods.

Demand reduction actions are described in detail in the WSCP and are highlighted below in Table 8-2. 523
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Table 8-2 Demand Reduction Actions
DWR Submittal Table 8-3 Retail: Demand Reduction Actions Water Code Section 10632(a)(4)(B) and (E)
Shortage
Level Demand Reduction Actions
How much is this going to reduce the shortage gap?
Additional Explanation or Reference
Penalty, Charge, or
Volume or Percentage Shortage Gap Reduction Value Other Enforcement? 1 Expand Public Information Campaign Percentage Up to 10% Increasing customer outreach and engagement tools from WSCP Section 5.3 No 1 Landscape – Other landscape restriction or prohibition Percentage Up to 10% Encourage outdoor water use efficiency No 2 Expand Public Information Campaign Percentage 10–20% Increasing customer outreach and engagement tools from WSCP Section 5.3 No 2 Other Percentage 10–20% Voluntary reductions No
3 Expand Public Information Campaign Percentage 10–20% Increasing customer outreach and engagement tools from WSCP Section 5.3 No 3 Landscape – Limit landscape irrigation to specific days Percentage 20–30% Existing landscape (including Golf Course and Athletic Fields out-of-play areas) limited to 2 days/week; New landscape for adequate growth up to 5 weeks Yes
3 Landscape – Limit landscape irrigation to specific times Percentage 20–30% Golf courses/Athletic fields in-play areas before 10 am or after 5 pm Yes 3 CII – Lodging establishment must offer opt out of linen service Percentage 20–30% Offer limited linen/towel exchange Yes 3 CII – Other CII restriction or prohibition Percentage 20–30% Compliance with outdoor water use required Yes 3 Other – Prohibit use of potable water for construction and dust control Percentage 20–30% Yes 3 Other Percentage 20–30% Vehicle washing on assigned landscape watering days Yes 4 Expand Public Information Campaign Percentage 10–20% Increasing customer outreach and engagement tools from WSCP Section 5.3 No 4 Landscape – Limit landscape irrigation to specific days Percentage 30–40% Existing landscape (including Golf Course and Athletic Field out-of-play areas) limited to 1 day/week; New landscape 3 days/week for 5 weeks, then 1 day/week Yes
4 Landscape – Limit landscape irrigation to specific days Percentage 30–40% Golf courses/Athletic fields in-play areas before 10 am or after 5 pm Yes 4 CII – Lodging establishment must offer opt out of linen service Percentage 30–40% Towel exchange limited to once every 2 nights or for entire stay, whichever shorter Yes 4 Other water feature or swimming pool restriction Percentage 30–40% Draining/refilling only if pool component has become hazardous; must be covered to avoid evaporation
Yes
4 CII – Other CII restriction or prohibition Percentage 30–40% Vehicle washing on assigned landscape watering days/hours; limited fleet washing Yes 4 Other Percentage 30–40% All water use reduction encouraged; Mandatory use reduction targets, as established by City Council
Yes
5 Expand Public Information Campaign Percentage 10–20% Increasing customer outreach and engagement tools from WSCP Section 5.3 No 5 Landscape – Limit landscape irrigation to specific days Percentage 40–50% All days prohibited, except for new landscape Yes 5 Landscape – Limit landscape irrigation to specific times Percentage 40–50% All times prohibited, except for new landscape Yes 5 CII – Lodging establishment must offer opt out of linen service Percentage 40–50% Towel exchange limited to once every 3 nights, or for entire stay, whichever shorter Yes 5 Other water feature or swimming pool restriction Percentage 40–50% All filling/draining/re-filling prohibited Yes 5 Other – Prohibit vehicle washing except at facilities using recycled or recirculating water
Percentage 40–50% Yes
5 CII – Other CII restriction or prohibition Percentage 40–50% Mandatory use reduction targets, as established by City Council Yes 5 Other Percentage 40–50% Mandatory construction water budgets, as established by City Council Yes 6 Expand Public Information Campaign Percentage 10–20% Increasing customer outreach and engagement tools from WSCP Section 5.3 No 6 Landscape – Prohibit certain types of landscape irrigation Percentage Greater than 50% Elimination of all turf irrigation with potable supplies; restrict watering to shrubs and trees by hand or drip irrigation only
Yes
6 Landscape – Other landscape restriction or prohibition Percentage Greater than 50% Shutoff of dedicated landscape meters Yes 6 CII – Restaurants may only serve water upon request Percentage Greater than 50% Yes 6 Moratorium or Net Zero Demand Increase on New Connections Percentage Greater than 50% Moratorium on provision of new customer meters Yes 6 Other – Prohibit use of potable water for construction and dust control Percentage Greater than 50% Elimination of issuance of construction (hydrant) meters Yes 6 Other Percentage Greater than 50% Other mandatory restrictions and enforcement Yes 525
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8.5.2 Supply Augmentation
The City does not plan to utilize additional supply sources during a water shortage but rather mitigate supply impacts through demand reduction actions and/or utilize additional imported water to meet demands. Therefore, no supply augmentation and other actions are reported in DWR Table 8-2.

8.5.3 Operational Changes
During shortage conditions, operations may be affected by demand reduction responses. Operational changes to address a water shortage may be implemented based on the severity of the reduction goal.

The City, with City Council approval as needed, will consider their operational procedures at the time of a shortage to identify changes they can take to maximize supply and reduce demand during a water shortage stage.

8.5.4 Additional Mandatory Restrictions
In addition to any shortage response level being declared, the City maintains the following prohibitions and restrictions at all times. Per the City’s Ordinance 534 Section 2 (part), 1993, Chapter 13.09, Mandatory Water Conservation included as Attachment A in the WSCP (Appendix D).

8.5.5 Emergency Response Plan
In catastrophic shortage conditions, the City activates emergency protocols through the City’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), consistent with the State Emergency Plan and Monterey County Operational Area Plan, which identifies water and wastewater facilities as critical infrastructure and establishes response procedures and interagency coordination. The City has also prepared Emergency Action Plans to guide response to a catastrophic reduction in water supply. In addition, the City participates in the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN), which provides mutual aid and emergency response support.

8.5.6 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan
The City addresses this requirement through reliance on the 2022 Monterey County Multi‑Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP), which identifies the City as located within an active seismic region and subject to moderate ground‑shaking risk. The MJHMP prioritizes identification of vulnerable facilities and implementation of feasible mitigation measures to reduce damage and maintain essential services, including water supply operations, before, during, and after an earthquake.

8.6 Communication Protocols
The City has established communication protocols, consistent with CWC §10632(a)(5), to inform customers, stakeholders, and local, regional, and state agencies of:
• Current or projected water shortages identified through the Annual Assessment • Water shortage response actions that are triggered or anticipated • Other relevant water supply–related information
Further detail on these protocols is outlined in Appendix A of the WSCP. • Coordination: Communication efforts are coordinated with City management and regional agencies to ensure consistent and effective messaging, with increased coordination during droughts or limited supply conditions.
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• Key Audiences: The communication strategy targets all water users within the City’s service area, including customers both inside and outside city boundaries. • Objectives: Communication during water shortages is intended to explain the cause, severity, and duration of shortages, identify required or recommended conservation actions, and maintain public understanding, trust, and preparedness for changes in shortage conditions. • Flexibility and Adaptability: Recognizing that water shortage conditions can vary significantly, the communication plan is designed to be flexible. It provides recommended strategies and tactics for escalating shortage levels but allows City staff to tailor approaches based on factors such as severity, budget, seasonal conditions, and regulatory requirements of the WSCP Appendix D, Table 3 outlines staged communication mechanisms.

8.7 Compliance and Enforcement
In accordance with CWC Section 10632(a)(6), the City emphasizes education as the primary approach to address violations of water use restrictions during shortage conditions. When educational efforts are ineffective, enforcement measures outlined in Chapter 13.09 of the City Municipal Code will apply. These measures may include fines, installation of flow-restricting devices, and other civil or criminal penalties.

Current fine structures are specified in the City’s Municipal Code and are summarized in the WSCP Appendix D, Table 4. Additionally, the City may grant temporary variances from water conservation requirements in cases of undue hardship or emergency conditions, consistent with Chapter 13.09 of the City Municipal Code.

8.8 Legal Authorities
The City has broad legal authority under California law to implement and enforce water shortage contingency measures. This authority is derived from multiple provisions, including:
• California Constitution Article X, Section 2 and Water Code Section 100, which require water to be used beneficially and prohibit waste or unreasonable use.
• Water Code Sections 350–377, granting authority to declare a water shortage emergency and impose conservation measures when ordinary demands cannot be met without depleting supplies. • Additional statutes under Water Code Chapters 3.3 and 3.5, Division 6, and the California Emergency Services Act, which allow enforcement of water use restrictions during emergencies. • Upon a Governor’s proclamation of a state of emergency due to drought, local WSCP implementation takes precedence where practicable.

8.9 Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation
Implementing the WSCP can have significant financial impacts on the City. Reduced water sales during shortage conditions result in lower revenue, while compliance and enforcement activities may increase operational costs. The City adjusted water and wastewater rates in 2021, which extend through 2026, to address rising wholesale costs, fund critical capital improvement projects, and enhance system reliability.

If implementation of the WSCP reduces water sales, the City recognizes that revenues to the Water Enterprise Fund may decline, potentially affecting recovery of fixed costs. Because water revenues already fluctuate with weather and demand conditions, the City manages this variability by maintaining financial reserves. If needed, the City will temporarily use Water Enterprise Fund reserves, including rate‑stabilization reserves, to offset revenue shortfalls and minimize rate instability during periods of reduced water sales or unexpected supply costs. Enforcement of the WSCP is presumed to be covered by enhanced revenues from application of excess use charges and penalties. 528
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8.10 Monitoring and Reporting
The City will monitor water supplies and demands annually to determine whether WSCP conditions are met and to evaluate the effectiveness of response actions in reducing demand and closing supply gaps.

Water use is tracked through metered, tiered rate structures that support conservation and recovery of system costs. In addition, the City complies with SWRCB reporting requirements by submitting monthly conservation reports, and this reporting is integrated into the Annual Assessment and WSCP monitoring process.

8.11 WSCP Refinement Procedures
The WSCP is designed to be adaptive and updated as needed to address both foreseeable and unforeseen water shortage conditions. To maintain effectiveness, the City will continually evaluate requirements, criteria, and response actions based on lessons learned during implementation and results from monitoring and reporting programs.

Potential refinements will be documented and incorporated into the next WSCP update. Changes that may warrant an update include adjustments to shortage level triggers, modifications to the stage structure, or the addition of new response actions. Newly identified actions may initially be introduced as voluntary measures until formally adopted as mandatory.

8.12 Special Water Feature Distinction
In compliance with CWC Section 10623(b), the City identifies and regulates artificially supplied water features in the WSCP, distinguishing decorative features from recreational features such as swimming pools and spas. Decorative water features may only operate using recycled water, while pools and spas must use potable water and are subject to restrictions on draining and refilling to protect public health and structural integrity.

Under normal conditions, decorative water features and fountains must use recirculated water, and the City does not allow refilling of a swimming pool or spa except to prevent or repair structural damage or to comply with public health regulations as described under Municipal Code Chapter 13.09 under Mandatory Water Conservation.

8.13 Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability
The City’s WSCP was prepared and will be adopted in accordance with CWC Section 10632(a)(3)(C). The WSCP will be presented at a duly noticed public hearing and formally adopted by the City Council on June 17, 2026. Required public and agency notifications were provided, and the WSCP was made available for public review prior to adoption.

Following adoption, the WSCP was made publicly available within 30 days and submitted electronically to the DWR through the Water Use Efficiency (WUE) Data Portal concurrent with the UWMP. Hard copies of the adopted WSCP and UWMP were submitted to the State Library, and copies were distributed to applicable cities and counties within the City’s service area within 30 days of adoption. Any future amendments required by DWR will be adopted by the City Council and resubmitted to DWR within 30 days of adoption.
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9 Demand Management Measures
CWC Section 10631(e)(1) requires a description of the water supplier’s demand management measures (DMMs) that are used to achieve water use targets.

This chapter describes the water conservation programs that the City has implemented to reduce overall potable water demands and comply with the State’s “Making Conservation a California Way of Life” framework. This framework, established by SB 606 and AB 1668, requires urban retail water suppliers to meet long‑term water use efficiency standards and annually calculate an Urban Water Use Objective (UWUO) reflecting efficient water use. The City’s water conservation programs, referred to as DMMs in this UWMP, support achievement of these efficiency standards and contribute to meeting the City’s UWUO over time. The required DMMs are summarized in Table 9-1. The City has implemented a new metering program as described in Section 9.2 and updated water rates to support conservation pricing as described in Section 9.3. The City continues to expand and implement water conservation programs as detailed in this chapter.

Table 9-1 Demand Management Measures
Measure
1 Water waste prevention ordinances
2 Metering
3 Conservation pricing
4 Public education and outreach
5 Programs to assess and manage distribution system real loss 6 Water conservation program coordination and staffing support 7 Other demand management measures

9.1 Water Waste Prevention Ordinances
In 1993, the City adopted Chapter 13.09 of the City’s Municipal Code, Mandatory Water Conservation Regulations. The purpose of the ordinance is to conserve the City’s water supply for the greatest public benefit, with particular regard to domestic use, sanitation, and fire protection, and to ensure compliance with applicable water regulations of other governmental agencies. The City may enforce these provisions through written warnings, citations, nuisance abatement, and monetary penalties. A first violation is subject to a $50 fine, while second and subsequent violations within a twelve-month period are subject to $100 fines. Each day a violation continues may be treated as a separate violation. Examples of water uses prohibited or regulated at all times under the City Municipal Code include:
• Failure to initiate repairs to leaking pipes, faucets, sprinklers, irrigation systems, or similar defects within 72 hours of discovery.
• Washing cars, trucks, boats, trailers, or other vehicles with potable water unless the hose is equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle.
• Using potable water through a hose to clean the exterior of a building or structure unless the hose has a shutoff nozzle.
• Hosing sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, streets, or other paved surfaces, except where necessary to protect public health and safety.
• Allowing water to spill into streets, curbs, or gutters, or causing runoff beyond the immediate area of use.
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• Emptying and refilling swimming pools or spas except for structural repair or public health compliance. • Operating decorative fountains unless the water is recycled within the fountain. • Using potable water for construction compaction or dust control where reclaimed or other approved sub-potable water is reasonably available.
• Unauthorized use of water from City fire hydrants without a permit. • Indiscriminate running of water that is wasteful and without reasonable purpose.

9.2 Metering
In the past, the City installed Automated Meter Reading (AMR) meters on all customer connections except fire service. The AMR meters are read by City staff on a monthly basis, through the use of drive-by technology that allows the meter reading to be transmitted to a drive-by mobile unit. The City’s Finance Department utilizes software that pulls data from the AMR system for monthly billing purposes. The system flags users with significant usage increases from month to month, which helps alert staff to potential leaks. When high usage is discovered, the billing system automatically requests a re-read of the meter, and water system staff are sent to the field to obtain a manual meter reading for confirmation.

In 2020, the City installed roughly 300 Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters, which allows for fully remote meter reading through the use of cellular endpoint signaling, to detect leaks and abnormally high usage in real time for faster resolution of issues. The City continued to install approximately 300 new AMI meters per year through 2023, bringing the total number of AMI meters to approximately 900.

In 2024, the City obtained federal funding through the WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grant (WEEG) program to upgrade AMI systems to improve water conservation and efficiency by replacing and upgrading approximately 3,500 existing non-AMI meters with ultrasonic flowmeters equipped with AMI cellular technology, known as smart meters. Meters would be installed at SFR, MFR, schools, commercial, parks, and other municipal connections. As part of the upgrades, a new WaterSMART customer portal will be built. This would allow for customers and the City to view real-time information about water usage and produce more accurate water bills.

As a standard practice, the City reviews flagged accounts with abnormally high water use on a monthly basis to determine if a leak is the possible source of the water usage increase. The City contacts the resident to communicate the likelihood of a probable leak and then works with the resident to determine the location of the leak and to initiate repair measures.

9.3 Conservation Pricing
The City approved a water and sewer rate study in 2021 (City of Soledad, 2021b), designed to recover the cost of providing reliable water service while encouraging efficient water use. The City’s water billing rates consist of a monthly fixed charge based on meter size and a commodity charge based on the volume of water consumed. This pricing structure provides price signals that promote conservation while ensuring adequate revenue to operate, maintain, and improve the City’s water system. Information presented in the remainder of this section is presented in the City’s 2025-2026 Master Fee Schedule which was last updated in 2025 (City of Soledad, 2025c).

All City water service connections are charged a monthly base rate that varies by meter size. For FY 2025- 2026, monthly base charges range from $18.83 for a 5/8-inch meter to $937.31 for a 6-inch meter. Larger meters pay higher fixed charges because they place greater demand on system capacity and infrastructure.
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In addition to the monthly base charge, all customers are billed for the amount of water used each month, measured in centum cubic feet1 (CCF). The City’s current rate schedule provides separate volumetric rates for single-family residential, multi-family residential, commercial and industrial, institutional/governmental (public), and school customer classes. This class-based structure reflects differing patterns of water use and service demand among customer types.

Single-family residential customers are subject to an increasing block tiered rate structure consisting of three usage tiers, as follows:
• Tier 1: 0 to 9 CCF
• Tier 2: 10 to 23 CCF
• Tier 3: Greater than 23 CCF
For FY 2025-2026, Single-family Tier 1 water use is charged at $1.65 per CCF, Tier 2 use is charged at $3.19 per CCF, and Tier 3 use is charged at $4.98 per CCF. The first block of essential indoor and efficient outdoor use is billed at the lowest rate, while higher discretionary usage is charged at progressively higher rates.

Other customer classes are charged uniform volumetric rates for all water use. For FY 2025-2026, multifamily customers are charged $2.53 per CCF, commercial and industrial customers are charged $2.83 per CCF, institutional/governmental (public) accounts are charged $3.41 per CCF, and school accounts are charged $3.51 per CCF as shown in Table 9-2.

The City’s conservation-oriented pricing strategy supports efficient water use by linking higher consumption to higher marginal cost, particularly for single-family residential customers. This rate structure is an important component of the City’s water demand management program and supports the conservation objectives of this UWMP and the WSCP.

Table 9-2 Residential Tiered and Non-tiered Water Rates for Potable Water Tier Water Use Cost per 100 Gallons
Single Family Residential
Tier 1 0 to 9 CCF $1.65
Tier 2 10-23 CCF $3.19
Tier 3 >23 CCF $4.98
Multi-Family
Non-tiered >0 CCF $2.53
Commercial
Non-tiered >0 CCF $2.83
Public
Non-tiered >0 CCF $3.41
School
Non-tiered >0 CCF $3.51
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9.4 Public Education and Outreach
The City implements multiple public information programs to help reduce water consumption and raise public awareness of water conservation methods. These efforts focus on education, outreach, and providing residents with practical tools to conserve water.

9.4.1 Public Messaging
To raise awareness of water conservation, the City communicates water use information to the public through a variety of methods. The Water Resources Manager, positioned in the Public Works Department, provides guidance and direction on programmatic information for water conservation and stormwater awareness and education. Since the 2020 UWMP, the City hired a Community Engagement Manager in 2021 who receives direction from the Water Resources Manager to help enhance community outreach through the use of social media posts and other audio-visual messaging, including City website public announcements.

In addition, classroom education is provided through Save the Whales (https://savethewhales.org/school-programs/), which delivers presentations focused primarily on stormwater management while also incorporating water conservation messaging.

The following is a summary of the public education and outreach methods implemented by the City:
• Maintains a page on its website with links to conservation measures, water-saving resources, and tips for conserving water. The City is currently updating and enhancing this webpage to improve public access to conservation information.
• Initiates direct mailings of water conservation information to residents during drought conditions. • Provides notices in monthly utility bills, such as “We need your help to conserve,” “Fix toilet leaks & save water,” “Install low flow devices,” and “Fix dripping water/shower faucets.” • Distributes door hangers that educate homeowners on current water supply conditions and provide tips on how community members can reduce flows to the wastewater treatment facility. • Provides brochures and pamphlets in both English and Spanish for distribution to local schools and the community.

9.4.2 Water Awareness Committee of Monterey County
The City continues to participate as a member of the Water Awareness Committee of Monterey County (WAC). The WAC’s mission is to promote personal responsibility through education for the conservation and beneficial use of water in the County. In 2024 and 2025, the City promoted water conservation at the Salinas Valley Fair in Kings City through participation with the WAC. City Water Awareness Kits As an ongoing feature of the City’s commitment to water conservation measures and public messaging, the City distributes Water Awareness Kits containing conservation and educational materials such as sprinkler rain gauges, low-flow showerheads, aerators, reusable water bottles, coloring books and stickers for children, and educational brochures on water conservation. The City is developing an updated version that will include additional water-saving devices, with the goal of incorporating items such as hose shut-off nozzles as funding allows. Table 9-3 includes an overview of the number of conservation kits.
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Table 9-3 City Water Awareness Kit Customer Deliveries, 2021-2025 Year
Number of Conservation
Kits Distributed Conservation Kit Distribution Details
2021 9 Delivered to new occupants upon water service change 2022 27 Delivered to new occupants upon water service change 2023 59 Delivered to new occupants upon water service change 2024 29 Delivered to new occupants upon water service change 2025 26 Conservation kits and materials available to all customers at City Hall Total 150

9.5 Programs to Assess and Manage Distribution
System Real Loss
The City performs leak detection to identify water losses, whether on private property or from City-owned pipes. The City’s Water System Utilities, within the Public Works Department, is responsible for handling and scheduling all water system audits and repairs. Under the City’s capital improvement plan, the Water System Utilities is replacing aging water valves and older, one-inch water lines that currently serve two homes (each home will have a dedicated line). Water mains are replaced as breaks are reported.

When a leak is suspected, the City uses a Rigid Underground Utility Locator to determine the location and direction of the pipe. A water leak sounder then helps pinpoint the actual leak, with 90% accuracy.

The City’s Water System Utilities also performs an annual hydrant-flushing program. As part of this program, the City assesses the hydrant and hydrant bury for leaks.

Water losses are tracked and reported, as previously discussed in Chapter 4. Since 2020, water losses have generally remained below 10%, improving from 7.6% in 2020 to a low of 5.9% in 2024.

9.6 Water Conservation Program Coordination and
Staffing Support
The City’s Public Works Department Water Resources Manager is responsible for coordinating water conservation efforts, including the following:
• Working with the new Community Engagement Manager to educate residents. • Tracking/logging conservation practices in place throughout the city, where feasible. • Acting as a point of contact for members of the community regarding general inquiries and information requests.
• Promoting water conservation issues to senior City management officials. • Preparing the annual water conservation budget.

9.7 Implementation Over the Past Five Years
The City continues to conduct monthly water meter readings for all active service connections using its AMR and AMI metering system. Accounts with significant increases in usage are flagged for review, and City staff investigate whether abnormal consumption may be caused by leaks. When potential leaks are identified, the City contacts customers and works with them to locate the source of the leak and initiate 535
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repairs. The City has also continued transitioning to AMI meters as discussed in Section 9.2 above to assist City staff and customers in identifying leaks and unusually high usage quickly.

The City’s conservation outreach efforts remain an important component of its DMMs program. As discussed in the above sections, the City maintains water conservation information on its website, provides notices through monthly utility bills, distributes educational materials during drought conditions, and uses direct outreach such as door hangers to communicate water supply conditions and conservation practices. As discussed in sections above, the City also participates in regional education programs through the WAC, provides Water Conservation Kits, educational materials, and school presentations.

Since 2020, the City has implemented and continued the following initiatives:
• Advanced Meter Replacement Program: Continued installation of AMI meters to improve remote reading capability, leak detection, and customer usage analysis. Anticipated installation of additional 3,500 meters is anticipated by December 31, 2027.
• Monthly Meter Monitoring: Ongoing monthly meter reads and account reviews to identify significant changes in water use.
• Customer Leak Notifications: Direct outreach to customers when probable leaks or abnormal consumption are detected, with staff assistance to resolve issues. • Conservation Pricing: Implementation and continuation of the tiered water rate structure adopted in 2021, including increasing block rates for single-family residential customers. The City is currently developing a new rate study which is anticipated to be updated Fall 2026. City Council may adopt or implement a surcharge or flat rate increase over a specific time period to cover increased operating expenses while under a water shortage.
• Public Information and Bill Messaging: Continued use of bill inserts, website updates, drought messaging, and printed educational materials promoting water efficiency. • Distribution System Leak Detection: Continued use of utility locating equipment, leak sounding devices, hydrant inspections, flushing activities, and repair response to reduce real water losses. • Infrastructure Replacement: Ongoing replacement of aging valves, older service lines, and water mains as needed through maintenance and capital improvement program (CIP) activities. • Program Coordination and Staffing: Continued oversight by City staff responsible for conservation planning, customer assistance, program tracking, and annual budgeting.

These efforts have supported continued efficient system operations, improved customer awareness, enhanced leak response capability, and reduced unnecessary water losses throughout the City’s water distribution system.
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10 Plan Adoption and Submittal
This chapter provides information required by the UWMP Act related to notification of updating, adoption, and submittal of the 2025 UWMP and the WSCP to DWR. This chapter also discusses making the plans available for public review and the process of amending the plans, if required.

10.1 Notice of Plan Preparation
CWC Section 10621(b) requires that water suppliers notify cities and counties within their service area that the UWMP and WSCP are being updated at least 60 days prior to the public hearing.

The 60-day notice letter was sent to the County of Monterey and the cities listed in Table 10-1 within the City’s service area on April 13, 2026, to inform these agencies that the City was in the process of reviewing its 2020 UWMP and considering changes or amendments needed in the preparation of its 2025 UWMP, in addition to other entities which the City routinely coordinates. The letter also included information that the City was reviewing and updating its WSCP concurrently with the UWMP update to meet legislative requirements. Copies of the letters are included in Appendix B.

Table 10-1 Notification to Cities and Counties
DWR Submittal Table 10-1 Retail: Notification to Cities and Counties Water Code Section 10621(b) and 10642
Name 60 Day Notice Notice of Public Hearing
County of Monterey Yes Yes
City of Gonzales Yes Yes
City of Greenfield Yes Yes
Monterey County Water Resources Agency Yes Yes
Monterey County Water Awareness Committee Yes Yes
Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Yes Yes Greater Monterey County IRWM Program Yes Yes
Soledad Unified School District Yes Yes
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Yes Yes Estancia Estates Winery Yes Yes
Golden State Vinters Yes Yes
Dole Fresh Vegetables Yes Yes
Camphora Apartments Yes Yes

10.2 Notice of Public Hearing
The City encouraged community and public interest involvement in the UWMP update through release of the Public Review Draft UWMP and the Public Review Draft WSCP from June 3, 2026, to June 17, 2026, and through participation in the public hearing. Copies of Public Review Draft 2025 UWMP and Public Review Draft WSCP were posted on the City’s website https://www.cityofsoledad.com/2025-uwmpwscp/ and at City Hall to make them available for public inspection. The public hearing notifications were published in the Salinas Valley Tribune newspaper within the City’s service area on June 3, 2026, and June 10, 2026, pursuant to Section 6066 of the Government Code. The City also notified the cities and County 537
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and other interested parties listed in Table 10-1 of the time and place of the public hearing as required by CWC Section 10642. Copies of the published Notice of Public Hearing are included in Appendix B.

10.3 Public Hearing and Adoption
A public hearing will be held on June 17, 2026, during a regularly scheduled meeting of the City of Soledad City Council to present the 2025 UWMP and the WSCP for public comment and adoption. A copy of the City Council Resolution of adoption will be included as Appendix F in the Final 2025 UWMP and WSCP.

10.4 Plan Submittal
The City’s adopted 2025 UWMP and related DWR standardized submittal data tables, along with the WSCP, will be submitted electronically to DWR by July 1, 2026, through its online Water Use Efficiency data (WUEdata) Portal (https://wuedata.water.ca.gov/). Electronic copies of the 2025 UWMP and the WSCP will also be provided to the California State Library.

10.5 Public Availability
Commencing no later than July 31, 2026, the City will have a copy of the 2025 UWMP and WSCP available for public review at the City’s office (see address below) during regular business hours.

Soledad City Hall
248 Main Street
Soledad, California 93960
The final documents will also be posted on the City’s website at: https://www.cityofsoledad.com/2025- uwmp-wscp/

10.6 Amending the Adopted UWMP or WSCP
Amendments to the City’s 2025 UWMP and WSCP will be made on an as-needed basis. Should the City need to amend the adopted 2025 UWMP or WSCP in the future, the City will hold a public hearing for review of the proposed amendments to the document. The City will send a 60-day notification letter to all cities and counties within the City’s service area and notify the public in the same manner as set forth in Chapter 2 of this UWMP. Once the amended document is adopted, a copy of the finalized version will be sent to the California State Library, DWR (electronically using the WUEdata reporting tool), and all cities and counties within the City’s service area within 30 days of adoption. The finalized version will also be made available to the public both online on the City’s website and in person at the City’s office during normal business hours.
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References
Public Review Draft 11-1
11 References
Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG). 2026. Final Draft Regional Growth Forecast.

Retrieved from: https://ambag.org/sites/default/files/2024- 10/Final%20Draft%202026%20RGF_092024_Combined.pdf
California Department of Water Resources (DWR). 2026. Final 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Guidebook. Retrieved from: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/WebPages/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/Urban-WaterManagement-Plans/Final-2025-UWMP-Guidebook/Final-2025-UWMP-Guidebook-Accessible.pdf _____. 2018. Guidance for Climate Change Data Use During GSP Development. Retrieved from:
https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web-Pages/Programs/GroundwaterManagement/Sustainable-Groundwater-Management/Best-Management-Practices-andGuidance-Documents/Files/Climate-Change-Guidance_Final_ay_19.pdf California Irrigation Management Information System (CIMIS). 2026. Retrieved from:
https://cimis.water.ca.gov/Stations.aspx
California Natural Resource Agency. 2024. Draft California Climate Adaptation Strategy. Retrieved from:
https://www.climateresilience.ca.gov/overview/docs/20240514- Draft_CA_Climate_Adaptation_Strategy_2024.pdf
City of Soledad (City). 2005. General Plan. Retrieved from: https://www.cityofsoledad.com/wpcontent/uploads/2024/11/2005-General-Plan-Whole-Doc.pdf _____. 2018. Miramonte Specific Plan. Retrieved from: https://www.cityofsoledad.com/wpcontent/uploads/2025/04/Miramonte-Specific-Plan.pdf _____. 2019. Water Master Plan. Retrieved from: https://www.cityofsoledad.com/departments/publicworks/public-works-document-repository/ Accessed April 27, 2026 _____. 2020a. Urban Water Management Plan. Retrieved from:
https://www.cityofsoledad.com/download/urban-water-management-plan2020/?ind=0&filename=City-of-Soledad-2020-UWMP_FinalDraft.pdf&wpdmdl=7095&refresh=6a1879c5a66341779988933 _____. 2020b. Water Shortage Contingency Plan. Retrieved from:
https://www.cityofsoledad.com/download/urban-water-management-plan2020/?ind=0&filename=City-of-Soledad-2020-UWMP_FinalDraft.pdf&wpdmdl=7095&refresh=6a1879c5a66341779988933 _____. 2021a. Emergency Operations Plan.
_____. 2021b. Water and Sewer Rate Study (Final Report). _____. 2024. 2023-2031 Housing Element. Retrieved from: https://www.cityofsoledad.com/wpcontent/uploads/2024/11/City-of-Soledad-2023-2031-Housing-Element-Certification-Draft.pdf _____. 2025a. Annual Water Quality Report. Retrieved from:
https://ear.waterboards.ca.gov/Home/ViewCCR?PwsID=CA2710011&Year=2025&isCert=false _____. 2025b. Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget and Capital Improvement Program. Retrieved from:
https://www.cityofsoledad.com/download/fy-2025-2026-budget/ _____. 2025c. Master Fee Schedule Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Retrieved from:
https://www.cityofsoledad.com/download/master-feeschedule/?ind=24855&filename=Approved-Master-Fee-Schedule-FY-2025-

26.pdf&wpdmdl=6885&refresh=6a188813c02751779992595
539
City of Soledad
2025 Urban Water Management Plan
11-2
_____. 2026. Water Shortage Contingency Plan (Public Review Draft).

Greater Monterey County. 2018. Greater Monterey County Integrated Regional Water Management Plan.

Retrieved from: https://www.greatermontereyirwmp.org/documents/plan/ Department of Finance (DOF). 2026. E-4 Population Estimates for Cities, Counties, and the State, 2021- 2026 with 2020 Census Benchmark. Retrieved from:
https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fdof.ca.gov%2Fmedia%2Fd ocs%2Fforecasting%2FDemographics%2Festimates%2Fe-4-population-estimates-for-citiescounties-and-the-state-2021-2026-with-2020-census-benchmark%2FE4_2026_InternetVersion.xlsx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK Monterey County Water Resource Agency (MCWRA). 2006. Monterey County Groundwater Management Plan. Retrieved from: https://cawaterlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/CC3_MontereyCoWRA_GWMP_2006.pdf Monterey County. 2022. Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Retrieved from:
https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/department-of-emergencymanagement/hazard-mitigation Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA). 2022. Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin Forebay Aquifer Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan. Retrieved from:
https://svbgsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Whole_GSP_Forebay_Report-Text-only20220414.pdf _____. 2026. Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin Langley Area Subbasin Water Year 2025 Annual Report.

Retrieved from: https://svbgsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WY-2025-Annual-ReportLangley.pdf Accessed March 31, 2026.

State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB). 2025. Making Conservation a California Way of Life.

Retrieved from: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/conservation/regs/docs/2024/final-textconservation-way-of-life.pdf United States Census Bureau (US Census). 2025. Population Estimates. Retrieved from:
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/soledadcitycalifornia/PST045224 540
Appendix A
2025 DWR Checklist
541
Retail
(x = required) 2025 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 Executive Summary, Section 1.1 x 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 n/a Executive Summary, Section 1.3
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 Section 2.1 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 individual UWMP and whether the Supplier belongs to a regional UWMP or regional alliance. Plan preparation 2-2 Section 2.2 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 2.3 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 Section 2.4
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 Section 2.4
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 n/a x Chapter 3.0 10631(a) Describe the Supplier service area. System description n/a Section 3.2 x Section 3.3 10631(a) Describe the climate of the Supplier’s service area. System description n/a Section 3.3 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 3.4.4
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 Section 3.4.5
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 3.4.6
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 4.3.1 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 4.3.2 x 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 4-3 Section 4.2.1
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 4.2.3
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 Section 4.2.3 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 and land use plans. Water use projections that do not account for these water savings shall be noted of that fact.

System water use 4-3 Section 4.2.3
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 4.4.2 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 Section 5.2
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 Section 6.2 x 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 n/a section 6.2.8
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 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 6-1 Section 6.2.2
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 6.2.2
x Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(B) Describe the groundwater basin. System supplies n/a Section 6.2.2 x 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 n/a n/a x 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 n/a Section 6.2.2 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 Section 6.2.2 542
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 6.2.2
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 6.6
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 Section 6.6 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 6.4 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 disposal methods. System supplies (recycled water) 6-2 Section 6.2.5 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 6.2.5 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 Section 6.2.6 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 6.2.7 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 6.2.7 x 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) 6-6 Section 6.2.7 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 6.2.7 x Section 6.2.6 10631(g) Describe desalinated water project opportunities for long-term supply. System supplies 6-7 Section 6.3 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 6.5
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 n/a
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 7.1.1
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 Section 7.1.3.2
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 7.1.4
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 7.2
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 7.2.1
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 Section 7.2.2
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 Section 7.3.2
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 7.2
x Chapter 8 10632(a) Provide a water shortage contingency plan (WSCP) with specified elements below. Water shortage contingency planning n/a Chapter 8
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 Section 8.2
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 Section 8.5
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 Section 8.3
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 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 n/a Section 8.4
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 Section 8.4
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 Section 8.5
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 Section 8.5.1
x Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(C) Specify locally appropriate operational changes. Water shortage contingency planning 8-2 Section 8.5.3
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 Section 8.5.4
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 Section 8.5.1
x Section 8.4.6 10632.5 The UWMP shall include a seismic risk assessment and mitigation plan. Water shortage contingency plan n/a Section 8.5.6 543
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 Section 8.6
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 Section 8.6
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 Section 8.7
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 Section 8.8
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 Section 8.8
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 Section 8.8
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 Section 8.9
x 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 n/a Section 8.9
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 Section 8.9
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 Section 8.10
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 Section 8.11
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 Section 8.12
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 Section 8.13
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 Section 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7,

9.8, and 9.9
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 Section 10.3
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 Section 10.1
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 Section 10.4
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 Section 10.5
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 Section 10.2
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 Section 10.2
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 Section 10.4
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 Section 10.6
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 Section 10.6
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 Section 10.6
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 Section 10.5
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 Section 10.5
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
544
Appendix B
Public Hearing Notices
Newspaper notices will be available in the Final document version. 545
546
547
548
549
550
551
552
553
554
555
556
557
558
Appendix C
AWWA Water Loss Audit Forms (2020-2024)
559
Water Audit Report for:

Reporting Year:

All volumes to be entered as: MILLION GALLONS (US) PER YEAR Master Meter and Supply Error Adjustments
WATER SUPPLIED Pcnt: Value:

Volume from own sources: 5 737.771 MG/Yr 3 MG/Yr
Water imported: n/a 0.000 MG/Yr 1 MG/Yr
Water exported: n/a 0.000 MG/Yr MG/Yr
Enter negative % or value for under-registration
WATER SUPPLIED: 737.771 MG/Yr Enter positive % or value for over-registration .

AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION
Billed metered: 8 671.900 MG/Yr
Billed unmetered: n/a 0.000 MG/Yr
Unbilled metered: 6 0.400 MG/Yr Pcnt: Value:

Unbilled unmetered: 7 9.222 MG/Yr 1.25% 24061 MG/Yr
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION: 681.522 MG/Yr
WATER LOSSES (Water Supplied - Authorized Consumption) 56.249 MG/Yr Apparent Losses Pcnt: Value:

Unauthorized consumption: 1.844 MG/Yr 0.25% MG/Yr
Customer metering inaccuracies: 4 6.791 MG/Yr 1.00% MG/Yr Systematic data handling errors: 1.680 MG/Yr 0.25% MG/Yr Apparent Losses: 10.315 MG/Yr
Real Losses (Current Annual Real Losses or CARL)
Real Losses = Water Losses - Apparent Losses: 45.934 MG/Yr WATER LOSSES: 56.249 MG/Yr

NON-REVENUE WATER
NON-REVENUE WATER: 65.871 MG/Yr
= Water Losses + Unbilled Metered + Unbilled Unmetered

SYSTEM DATA
Length of mains: 7 43.6 miles
Number of active AND inactive service connections: 9 4,078 Service connection density: 94 conn./mile main
Yes
Average length of customer service line: ft
Average operating pressure: 9 83.0 psi

COST DATA
Total annual cost of operating water system: 10 $2,038,739 $/Year Customer retail unit cost (applied to Apparent Losses): 8 $4.48 Variable production cost (applied to Real Losses): 5 $628.51 $/Million gallons WATER AUDIT DATA VALIDITY SCORE:

PRIORITY AREAS FOR ATTENTION:
1: Volume from own sources
2: Customer metering inaccuracies
3: Variable production cost (applied to Real Losses)

64.112
AWWA Free Water Audit Software:

Reporting Worksheet
Default option selected for Unbilled unmetered - a grading of 5 is applied but not displayed

0.290
2020 1/2020 - 12/2020
City of Soledad (CA2710011)
<----------- Enter grading in column 'E' and 'J' ---------->

0.000
Based on the information provided, audit accuracy can be improved by addressing the following components:
$/1000 gallons (US)
Default option selected for unauthorized consumption - a grading of 5 is applied but not displayed *** YOUR SCORE IS: 61 out of 100 ***
A weighted scale for the components of consumption and water loss is included in the calculation of the Water Audit Data Validity Score Default option selected for Systematic data handling errors - a grading of 5 is applied but not displayed Average length of customer service line has been set to zero and a data grading score of 10 has been applied Are customer meters typically located at the curbstop or property line? ?
?
?
?
?
? Click to access definition
?
?
?
?
?
?
Please enter data in the white cells below. Where available, metered values should be used; if metered values are unavailable please estimate a value. Indicate your confidence in the accuracy of the input data by grading each component (n/a or 1-10) using the drop-down list to the left of the input cell. Hover the mouse over the cell to obtain a description of the grades ?
?
?
?
?
?
(length of service line, beyond the property
boundary, that is the responsibility of the utility)
Use buttons to select
percentage of water
supplied
OR
value
Click here: ?
for help using option
buttons below
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+
+ Click to add a comment
WAS v5.0
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American Water Works Association.

Copyright © 2014, All Rights Reserved.
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To select the correct data grading for each input, determine the highest grade where the utility meets or exceeds all criteria for that grade and all grades below it.

Use Customer Retail Unit Cost to value real losses
AWWA Free Water Audit Software v5.0 Reporting Worksheet 1 560 Water Audit Report for:

Reporting Year:

All volumes to be entered as: MILLION GALLONS (US) PER YEAR Master Meter and Supply Error Adjustments
WATER SUPPLIED Pcnt: Value:

Volume from own sources: 6 701.338 MG/Yr 3 MG/Yr
Water imported: n/a 0.000 MG/Yr 1 MG/Yr
Water exported: n/a 0.000 MG/Yr MG/Yr
Enter negative % or value for under-registration
WATER SUPPLIED: 701.338 MG/Yr Enter positive % or value for over-registration .

AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION
Billed metered: 8 601.000 MG/Yr
Billed unmetered: n/a 0.000 MG/Yr
Unbilled metered: 6 1.381 MG/Yr Pcnt: Value:

Unbilled unmetered: 7 8.767 MG/Yr 1.25% 24061 MG/Yr
AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION: 611.148 MG/Yr
WATER LOSSES (Water Supplied - Authorized Consumption) 90.190 MG/Yr Apparent Losses Pcnt: Value:

Unauthorized consumption: 1.753 MG/Yr 0.25% MG/Yr
Customer metering inaccuracies: 4 6.085 MG/Yr 1.00% MG/Yr Systematic data handling errors: 1.503 MG/Yr 0.25% MG/Yr Apparent Losses: 9.341 MG/Yr
Real Losses (Current Annual Real Losses or CARL)
Real Losses = Water Losses - Apparent Losses: 80.850 MG/Yr WATER LOSSES: 90.190 MG/Yr

NON-REVENUE WATER
NON-REVENUE WATER: 100.338 MG/Yr
= Water Losses + Unbilled Metered + Unbilled Unmetered

SYSTEM DATA
Length of mains: 7 43.8 miles
Number of active AND inactive service connections: 9 4,132 Service connection density: 94 conn./mile main
Yes
Average length of customer service line: ft
Average operating pressure: 9 83.0 psi

COST DATA
Total annual cost of operating water system: 10 $2,305,199 $/Year Customer retail unit cost (applied to Apparent Losses): 8 $4.34 Variable production cost (applied to Real Losses): 5 $733.66 $/Million gallons WATER AUDIT DATA VALIDITY SCORE:

PRIORITY AREAS FOR ATTENTION:
1: Volume from own sources
2: Customer metering inaccuracies
3: Variable production cost (applied to Real Losses)
Based on the information provided, audit accuracy can be improved by addressing the following components:
$/1000 gallons (US)
Default option selected for unauthorized consumption - a grading of 5 is applied but not displayed *** YOUR SCORE IS: 65 out of 100 ***
A weighted scale for the components of consumption and water loss is included in the calculation of the Water Audit Data Validity Score Default option selected for Systematic data handling errors - a grading of 5 is applied but not displayed Average length of customer service line has been set to zero and a data grading score of 10 has been applied Are customer meters typically located at the curbstop or property line?

64.112
AWWA Free Water Audit Software:

Reporting Worksheet
Default option selected for Unbilled unmetered - a grading of 5 is applied but not displayed

0.290
2021 1/2021 - 12/2021
City of Soledad (CA2710011)
<----------- Enter grading in column 'E' and 'J' ---------->

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Please enter data in the white cells below. Where available, metered values should be used; if metered values are unavailable please estimate a value. Indicate your confidence in the accuracy of the input data by grading each component (n/a or 1-10) using the drop-down list to the left of the input cell. Hover the mouse over the cell to obtain a description of the grades ?
?
?
?
?
?
(length of service line, beyond the property
boundary, that is the responsibility of the utility)
Use buttons to select
percentage of water
supplied
OR
value
Click here: ?
for help using option
buttons below
?
?
?
?
+
+ Click to add a comment
WAS v5.0
+
+
+
+
+
+
American Water Works Association.

Use Customer Retail Unit Cost to value real losses
AWWA Free Water Audit Software v5.0 Reporting Worksheet 1 561 Water Audit Report for:

Audit Year:

All volumes to be entered as: MILLION GALLONS (US) PER YEAR WATER SUPPLIED choose entry option:

VOS Volume from Own Sources: n g 7 676.354 MG/Yr n g 8 0.00% volume MG/Yr under-registration VOSEA WI Water Imported: n g n/a 0.000 MG/Yr n g n/a percent MG/Yr select….. WIEA WE Water Exported: n g n/a 0.000 MG/Yr n g n/a percent MG/Yr select….. WEEA 676.354 MG/Yr
.

AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION
BMAC Billed Metered: n g 8 620.138 MG/Yr
BUAC Billed Unmetered: n g n/a 0.000 MG/Yr
UMAC Unbilled Metered: n g 10 1.045 MG/Yr choose entry option:

UUAC Unbilled Unmetered: n g 3 1.550 MG/Yr 0.25% default MG/Yr 24061 Default option selected for Unbilled Unmetered, with automatic data grading of 3 622.733 MG/Yr
WATER LOSSES 53.621 MG/Yr
Apparent Losses
Default option selected for Systematic Data Handling Errors, with automatic data grading of 3 choose entry option:

SDHE Systematic Data Handling Errors: n g 3 1.550 MG/Yr 0.25% default MG/Yr CMI Customer Metering Inaccuracies: n g 2 6.275 MG/Yr 1.00% percent MG/Yr under-registration UC Unauthorized Consumption: n g 3 1.550 MG/Yr 0.25% default MG/Yr Default option selected for Unauthorized Consumption, with automatic data grading of 3

9.375 MG/Yr
Real Losses

44.245 MG/Yr

53.621 MG/Yr

NON-REVENUE WATER

56.216 MG/Yr

SYSTEM DATA
Lm Length of mains: n g 10 44.0 miles (including fire hydrant lead lengths) Nc Number of service connections: n g 10 4,297 (active and inactive) Service connection density: 98 conn./mile main
Yes
Lp Average length of (private) customer service line: n g 10 ft (average distance between property line and meter) AOP Average Operating Pressure: n g 7 83.0 psi

COST DATA
CRUC Customer Retail Unit Charge: n g 9 $4.24
VPC Variable Production Cost: n g 9 $750.35 $/Million gallons $/yr (optional input) WATER AUDIT DATA VALIDITY TIER:
go to
dashboard
PRIORITY AREAS FOR ATTENTION TO IMPROVE DATA VALIDITY: KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGETS:

Based on the information provided, audit reliability can be most improved by addressing the following components: OPTIONAL: If targets exist for the operational performance indicators, they can be input below:
1: Volume from Own Sources (VOS) Unit Total Losses: gal/conn/day 2: Customer Metering Inaccuracies (CMI) Unit Apparent Losses: gal/conn/day 3: Billed Metered (BMAC) Unit Real LossesA
: gal/conn/day
Unit Real LossesB: gal/mile/day
If entered above by user, targets will display on KPI gauges (see Dashboard) go to start page
NON-REVENUE WATER:

If entering an
Error Adjustment,
select under- or overregistration
WATER SUPPLIED:

AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION:

Apparent Losses:

Average length of customer service line has been set to zero and a data grading of 10 has been applied A weighted scale for the components of supply, consumption and water loss is included in the calculation of the Water Audit Data Validity Score *** The Water Audit Data Validity Score is in Tier III (51-70). See Dashboard tab for additional outputs. *** $/1000 gallons (US)
$2,950,183
Total Annual Operating Cost
Are customer meters typically located at the curbstop/property line? AWWA Free Water Audit Software:

Worksheet
City of Soledad
Jan 01 2022 - Dec 31 2022
Water Supplied Error Adjustments
2022 Calendar
Real Losses:

WATER LOSSES:

Click 'g' to determine data validity grade
Click 'n' to add notes
FWAS v6.0
American Water Works Association.

To access definitions, click the input name
To edit water system info:

AWWA Free Water Audit Software v6.0 Worksheet 1 562
Water Audit Report for:

Audit Year:

All volumes to be entered as: MILLION GALLONS (US) PER YEAR WATER SUPPLIED choose entry option:

VOS Volume from Own Sources: n g 7 650.852 MG/Yr n g 10 0.00% volume MG/Yr under-registration VOSEA WI Water Imported: n g n/a 0.000 MG/Yr n g n/a percent MG/Yr select….. WIEA WE Water Exported: n g n/a 0.000 MG/Yr n g n/a percent MG/Yr select….. WEEA 650.853 MG/Yr
.

AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION
BMAC Billed Metered: n g 8 601.172 MG/Yr
BUAC Billed Unmetered: n g n/a 0.000 MG/Yr
UMAC Unbilled Metered: n g 10 0.261 MG/Yr choose entry option:

UUAC Unbilled Unmetered: n g 3 1.503 MG/Yr 0.25% default MG/Yr 24061 Default option selected for Unbilled Unmetered, with automatic data grading of 3 602.936 MG/Yr
WATER LOSSES 47.917 MG/Yr
Apparent Losses
Default option selected for Systematic Data Handling Errors, with automatic data grading of 3 choose entry option:

SDHE Systematic Data Handling Errors: n g 3 1.503 MG/Yr 0.25% default MG/Yr CMI Customer Metering Inaccuracies: n g 2 6.075 MG/Yr 1.00% percent MG/Yr under-registration UC Unauthorized Consumption: n g 3 1.503 MG/Yr 0.25% default MG/Yr Default option selected for Unauthorized Consumption, with automatic data grading of 3

9.081 MG/Yr
Real Losses

38.836 MG/Yr

47.917 MG/Yr

NON-REVENUE WATER

49.681 MG/Yr

SYSTEM DATA
Lm Length of mains: n g 10 44.0 miles (including fire hydrant lead lengths) Nc Number of service connections: n g 10 4,400 (active and inactive) Service connection density: 100 conn./mile main
Yes
Lp Average length of (private) customer service line: n g 10 ft (average distance between property line and meter) AOP Average Operating Pressure: n g 7 83.0 psi

COST DATA
CRUC Customer Retail Unit Charge: n g 9 $5.23
VPC Variable Production Cost: n g 9 $1,066.96 $/Million gallons $/yr (optional input) WATER AUDIT DATA VALIDITY TIER:
go to
dashboard
PRIORITY AREAS FOR ATTENTION TO IMPROVE DATA VALIDITY: KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGETS:

If entering an
Error Adjustment,
select under- or overregistration
WATER SUPPLIED:

AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION:

Apparent Losses:

Average length of customer service line has been set to zero and a data grading of 10 has been applied A weighted scale for the components of supply, consumption and water loss is included in the calculation of the Water Audit Data Validity Score *** The Water Audit Data Validity Score is in Tier III (51-70). See Dashboard tab for additional outputs. *** $/1000 gallons (US)
$3,045,124
Total Annual Operating Cost
Are customer meters typically located at the curbstop/property line? AWWA Free Water Audit Software:

Worksheet
City of Soledad

0.001
Jan 01 2023 - Dec 31 2023
Water Supplied Error Adjustments
2023 Calendar
Real Losses:

WATER LOSSES:

Click 'g' to determine data validity grade
Click 'n' to add notes
FWAS v6.0
American Water Works Association.

To access definitions, click the input name
To edit water system info:

AWWA Free Water Audit Software v6.0 Worksheet 1 563
Water Audit Report for:

Audit Year:

All volumes to be entered as: MILLION GALLONS (US) PER YEAR WATER SUPPLIED choose entry option:

VOS Volume from Own Sources: n g 7 673.192 MG/Yr n g 10 0.00% volume MG/Yr over-registration VOSEA WI Water Imported: n g n/a 0.000 MG/Yr n g n/a percent MG/Yr select….. WIEA WE Water Exported: n g n/a 0.000 MG/Yr n g n/a percent MG/Yr select….. WEEA 673.105 MG/Yr
.

AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION
BMAC Billed Metered: n g 8 631.296 MG/Yr
BUAC Billed Unmetered: n g n/a 0.000 MG/Yr
UMAC Unbilled Metered: n g 10 0.314 MG/Yr choose entry option:

UUAC Unbilled Unmetered: n g 3 1.578 MG/Yr 0.25% default MG/Yr 24061 Default option selected for Unbilled Unmetered, with automatic data grading of 3 633.189 MG/Yr
WATER LOSSES 39.916 MG/Yr
Apparent Losses
Default option selected for Systematic Data Handling Errors, with automatic data grading of 3 choose entry option:

SDHE Systematic Data Handling Errors: n g 3 1.578 MG/Yr 0.25% default MG/Yr CMI Customer Metering Inaccuracies: n g 2 6.380 MG/Yr 1.00% percent MG/Yr under-registration UC Unauthorized Consumption: n g 3 1.578 MG/Yr 0.25% default MG/Yr Default option selected for Unauthorized Consumption, with automatic data grading of 3

9.536 MG/Yr
Real Losses

30.380 MG/Yr

39.916 MG/Yr

NON-REVENUE WATER

41.809 MG/Yr

SYSTEM DATA
Lm Length of mains: n g 10 44.0 miles (including fire hydrant lead lengths) Nc Number of service connections: n g 10 4,427 (active and inactive) Service connection density: 101 conn./mile main
Yes
Lp Average length of (private) customer service line: n g 10 ft (average distance between property line and meter) AOP Average Operating Pressure: n g 7 70.0 psi

COST DATA
CRUC Customer Retail Unit Charge: n g 10 $5.69
VPC Variable Production Cost: n g 8 $889.31 $/Million gallons $/yr (optional input) WATER AUDIT DATA VALIDITY TIER:
go to
dashboard
PRIORITY AREAS FOR ATTENTION TO IMPROVE DATA VALIDITY: KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGETS:

Worksheet
City of Soledad

0.087
Jan 01 2024 - Dec 31 2024
Water Supplied Error Adjustments
2024 Calendar
Real Losses:

WATER LOSSES:

Average length of customer service line has been set to zero and a data grading of 10 has been applied A weighted scale for the components of supply, consumption and water loss is included in the calculation of the Water Audit Data Validity Score *** The Water Audit Data Validity Score is in Tier III (51-70). See Dashboard tab for additional outputs. *** $/1000 gallons (US)
$3,538,026
Total Annual Operating Cost
go to start page
NON-REVENUE WATER:

If entering an
Error Adjustment,
select under- or overregistration
WATER SUPPLIED:

AUTHORIZED CONSUMPTION:

Apparent Losses:

Click 'g' to determine data validity grade
Click 'n' to add notes
FWAS v6.0
American Water Works Association.

To access definitions, click the input name
To edit water system info:

AWWA Free Water Audit Software v6.0 Worksheet 1 564
Appendix D
2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
565
City of Soledad 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Public Review Draft
prepared by
City of Soledad
Public Works Department
248 Main Street
Soledad, California 93960
Contact: Carla James, Water Resources Manager
prepared with the assistance of
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
80 Garden Court
Monterey, California 93940
June 2026
566
Table of Contents
Public Review Draft i
Table of Contents
1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................................1 2 Water Supply Reliability Analysis................................................................................................................2

2.1 Supply Characterization..................................................................................................................2

2.1.1 Local Groundwater.........................................................................................................2

2.2 Reliability Assessment....................................................................................................................2

2.3 2026-2030 Drought Risk Assessment ...........................................................................................2

2.4 Water Supply Reliability Risks ........................................................................................................3 3 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment.......................................................................................4

3.1 Process to Conduct the Annual Assessment................................................................................4

3.2 Key Data Inputs and Evaluation Criteria.........................................................................................4

3.2.1 Available Water Supply ..................................................................................................4

3.2.2 Unconstrained Customer Demand................................................................................5

3.2.3 Planned Water Use for Current Year Considering Dry Subsequent Year....................5

3.2.4 Infrastructure Considerations .......................................................................................6

3.2.5 Other Considerations .....................................................................................................6 4 Six Standard Water Shortage Levels ..........................................................................................................7

4.1 Shortage Response Actions ...........................................................................................................7

4.1.1 Demand Reduction.........................................................................................................7

4.1.2 Supply Augmentation...................................................................................................10

4.1.3 Operational Changes....................................................................................................10

4.1.4 Additional Mandatory Restrictions..............................................................................10

4.1.5 Emergency Response Plan..........................................................................................10

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

4.2 Shortage Response Action Effectiveness ...................................................................................11 5 Communication Protocols ........................................................................................................................12

5.1 Coordination ..................................................................................................................................12

5.2 Key Audiences ...............................................................................................................................12

5.3 Customer Outreach and Engagement Tools ...............................................................................12

5.3.1 Awareness and Education ...........................................................................................13

5.3.2 Communication through Action ..................................................................................13

5.4 Communication Objectives ..........................................................................................................13

5.5 Flexibility and Adaptability............................................................................................................14 6 Compliance and Enforcement ..................................................................................................................15

6.1 Temporary Variances....................................................................................................................15

6.2 Legal Authorities ...........................................................................................................................15 567
City of Soledad
2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
ii
7 Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation................................................................................17

7.1 Financial Impacts and Mitigation Action .....................................................................................17

7.1.1 Reporting Cost of Compliance with Excessive Water Use Prohibition During Drought Emergency......................................................................................................17 8 Monitoring and Reporting .........................................................................................................................18 9 Refinement Procedures ............................................................................................................................19 10 Special Water Feature Distinction ............................................................................................................20 11 Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability ...............................................................................................21 12 References .................................................................................................................................................22 Tables
Table 1 Water Shortage Contingency Plan Levels .........................................................................................7 Table 2 Demand Reduction Actions ...............................................................................................................8 Table 3 Communication Protocol During Water Shortage Conditions .......................................................14 Table 4 Enforcement During Water Shortage Conditions ...........................................................................15 Table 5 Notification to Cities and Counties..................................................................................................21 Attachments
Attachment A City of Soledad Municipal Code Section 13.09 Mandatory Water Conservation Regulations
Attachment B Public Notices
Attachment C Adoption Resolution
568
Introduction
Public Review Draft 1
1 Introduction
The City of Soledad (City) is responsible for conserving available water supply, protecting the integrity of water supply facilities and infrastructure, and implementing a contingency plan in times of drought, supply reductions, failure of water distribution systems, or emergencies. Particular emphasis is placed on use of domestic (potable) water, sanitation, fire protection, and preservation of public health, welfare, and safety, in addition to minimization of the adverse impacts of water supply shortage or other water supply emergency conditions that do not include recycled water.

The City has developed this Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) in accordance with California Water Code (CWC) Section 10632, which is part of the Urban Water Management Plan Act (Act) regulatory requirements and in alignment with the Department of Water Resources (DWR) 2025 UWMP Guidebook.

The WSCP describes the following:
• Water Supply Reliability Analysis. Summarizes the City’s water supply analysis and reliability and identifies the key issues that may trigger a shortage condition. • Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures. Describes the key data inputs, evaluation criteria, and methodology for assessing the system’s reliability for the coming year and the steps to formally declare any water shortage levels and response actions. • Six Standard Water Shortage Levels. Establishes water shortage levels to clearly identify and prepare for shortages.
• Shortage Response Actions. Describes the response actions that may be implemented or considered for each stage to reduce gaps between supply and demand as well as minimize social and economic impacts to the community.
• Communication Protocols. Describes communication protocols under each stage to ensure customers, the public, and City Council are informed of shortage conditions and requirements. • Compliance and Enforcement. Defines compliance and enforcement actions available to administer demand reductions.
• Legal Authority. Lists the legal documents that grant the City the authority to declare a water shortage and implement and enforce response actions.
• Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation. Describes the anticipated financial impact of implementing water shortage stages and identifies mitigation strategies to offset financial burdens. • Monitoring and Reporting. Summarizes the monitoring and reporting techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of shortage response actions and overall WSCP implementation. Results are used to determine if additional shortage response actions should be activated or if efforts are successful and response actions should be reduced.
• WSCP Refinement Procedures. Describes the factors that may trigger updates to the WSCP and outlines how to complete an update.
• Special Water Features Distinction. Identifies exemptions for ponds, lakes, fountains, pools, and spas, etc.
• Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability. Describes the process for the WSCP adoption, submittal, and availability after each revision.

This WSCP provides the strategic responses the City may take if a water shortage is declared to conserve and manage water resources essential to maintain public health and community vitality. It is included as an appendix to the 2025 UWMP. However, this WSCP is separate from the City’s 2025 UWMP and can be amended, as needed, without amending the 2025 UWMP.
569
City of Soledad
2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
2 2 Water Supply Reliability Analysis

2.1 Supply Characterization
The City provides potable water to customers through the operation of five active municipal groundwater wells. The groundwater wells have a combined total pumping capacity of about 4,788 gallons per minute (gpm) and a firm capacity of 3,260 gpm. The capacity is sufficient for all areas within the existing city limits and within some areas designated for growth. The City has been proactive with respect to improving and developing its water supply system, including proactive planning for the development of additional sources to keep up with additional demand due to future growth. To ensure a reliable water supply, the City is developing a Recycled Water Conveyance (RW) Project for irrigation of City-owned parks and school turf and landscape areas. Use of recycled water is anticipated to begin in late 2026. A detailed description of the City’s water supply characterization is discussed in Chapter 6 of the UWMP.

2.1.1 Local Groundwater
The City’s main source of water supply is groundwater from the Basin Fill Aquifer within the Forebay Aquifer Subbasin (Forebay Subbasin) in the Salinas Valley Groundwater Basin (Basin) (DWR Subbasin No. 3-004.04), a medium-priority basin under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The Subbasin is managed under a DWR-approved Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) by two Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs), the Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency (SVBGSA) and the Arroyo Seco GSA (ASGSA). The City is a member of the SVBGSA.

Recent monitoring indicates groundwater levels remain above minimum thresholds established in the GSP, with no undesirable results identified under SGMA. Municipal pumping by the City represents a small portion of total Forebay Subbasin groundwater extraction. Groundwater quality is generally suitable for municipal use, and the City’s supply meets all state and federal drinking water standards following treatment. Groundwater availability and quality do not currently constrain the City’s water supply but are monitored through SGMA and ongoing regulatory programs. A detailed description of local groundwater is provided under Section 6.2.2 of the 2025 UWMP.

2.2 Reliability Assessment
Chapter 7 of City’s 2025 UWMP describes the reliability of the City’s water supply by comparing supply and demand projections through 2050 for normal year, single-dry year, and multiple dry years. The chapter also assesses the drought risk over the next five years (2026 to 2030) assuming the driest fiveyear period is repeated over the next five years. Water supply reliability reflects the City’s ability to meet the water needs of its customers with water supplies under varying conditions. The analysis considers plausible hydrological and regulatory variability, climate conditions, and other factors that affect the City’s water supply and demand. The 2025 reliability analysis indicates that the City’s water supplies are reliable, and no shortages are anticipated.

2.3 2026-2030 Drought Risk Assessment
CWC Section 10635 (b) requires a Drought Risk Assessment (DRA) to be included in the UWMP. The DRA provides an overview of the anticipated surplus or deficit if a drought were to occur in the next five years.

The DRA evaluates each water supply’s reliability and compares available water supplies and projected demands during a five-consecutive dry-year scenario. This short-term analysis can help water suppliers foresee undesired risks, such as upcoming shortages, and provide time to evaluate and implement the 570
Water Supply Reliability Analysis
Public Review Draft 3
necessary response actions needed to mitigate shortages in a less impactful manner to the community and environment.

The DRA applies the five driest consecutive historical hydrologic years (2011–2015) to the 2026–2030 planning period to represent a conservative multiple dry year scenario. The analysis uses the same methodology and assumptions as the multiple dry year evaluation in the Water Service Reliability Assessment. Unconstrained potable water demand from 2025 serves as the baseline, with demand increases of 8% in the first year of drought and 1% in each subsequent year. The analysis assumes the City would implement demand reduction actions under the WSCP beginning in the second year of a multiyear drought, resulting in an estimated cumulative annual demand reduction of 2.5%.

Water supply availability for the DRA is based on the City’s current firm potable well capacity of 5,258 acre-feet per year (AFY), which is conservatively assumed to remain constant through 2030. Even under the projected multi-year drought scenario, estimated peak potable water demand remains well below available firm supply. As a result, the City’s potable water service reliability is projected to be 100% in each year of the five-year drought scenario.

The DRA concludes that a water shortage condition due to extended drought is not expected to occur during the 2026–2030 period. However, the City will continue to implement and refine water use efficiency programs and maintain preparedness measures identified in the WSCP to ensure long-term water supply reliability under a range of hydrologic conditions.

2.4 Water Supply Reliability Risks
The City’s water supply may be threatened by different risks which are summarized below and detailed in Chapter 7 of the 2025 UWMP.

As mentioned above, the City relies exclusively on groundwater from the Forebay Subbasin to meet potable demands. Water supply reliability risks are primarily associated with infrastructure vulnerability, groundwater availability, water quality, and future recycled water constraints.

Groundwater supply may be disrupted by well or system failures caused by equipment malfunctions, earthquakes, flooding, or other emergencies. While the City’s firm potable well capacity is adequate to meet current demands, recent temporary well outages in 2024 demonstrated short‑term operational vulnerability that required voluntary conservation measures. The City continues to invest in infrastructure improvements to enhance system reliability.

Long‑term groundwater availability depends on the sustainable yield of the Forebay Subbasin under SGMA. Groundwater levels currently remain above established minimum thresholds, and no undesirable results have been identified. However, groundwater availability may be affected over time by climate‑driven changes to recharge and hydrologic conditions.

Groundwater quality is generally suitable for municipal use and consistently meets state and federal drinking water standards following treatment. Naturally occurring constituents and agricultural land use represent the primary long‑term water quality considerations and could affect future treatment needs.

Beginning around 2030, recycled water will offset potable groundwater use for landscape irrigation, improving overall supply reliability. Recycled water use may be constrained by elevated total dissolved solids, particularly under reduced wastewater flows associated with long‑term conservation requirements, potentially limiting suitability for certain landscape irrigation uses.

Emergency supply disruptions are addressed through the City’s Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and the WSCP. No legal or institutional constraints have been identified that would limit access to the City’s water supplies.
571
City of Soledad
2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
4 3 Annual Water Supply and Demand
Assessment
As an urban water supplier, the City is required under CWC Section 10632(a)(2) to prepare and submit an “annual water supply and demand assessment” (Annual Assessment). The Annual Assessment is a determination of the City’s near-term outlook for supplies and demands and how a perceived shortage may relate to WSCP shortage level response actions in the current calendar year. This determination will be based on known circumstances and information available to the City at the time of analysis.

Starting in 2022, the Annual Assessment will be due by July 1 of each year, as indicated by CWC Section 10632.1. The Annual Assessment and related reporting are to be conducted based on the procedures described in this WSCP. This section describes the City’s procedures for conducting the Annual Assessment, which includes (1) the written decision-making process to determine water supply reliability and (2) the key data inputs and assessment methodology to evaluate water supply reliability for the current year and one dry year.

Separate from the requirements of the WSCP Annual Assessment, the City is also subject to SWRCB drought and conservation reporting under Order No. DDW_HQ_2024_001. As a community public water system and urban retail water supplier, the City submits applicable drought and conservation reports through the SAFER Clearinghouse in accordance with SWRCB instructions.

3.1 Process to Conduct the Annual Assessment
The City’s Annual Assessment will primarily be based on the water supply planning, forecasting, and water budgeting of the Forebay Subbasin as a whole and specifically the Basin Fill Aquifer. The City will work closely with the Monterey County Water Resources Agency, (MCWRA), the SBVGSA, and others to assess the Basin condition.

The City will perform an assessment as discussed below. If the assessment indicates a current or expected shortage level, the City Council shall vote on the findings of the Annual Assessment and, if necessary, trigger implementation of any water shortage response actions resulting from the Annual Assessment through a resolution. The steps to complete the Annual Assessment are described below.

3.2 Key Data Inputs and Evaluation Criteria
On or before June 1 of each year, the City will evaluate water supply reliability for the current year and one dry year for the purpose of the Annual Assessment. The Annual Assessment determination will be based on considerations of local water supplies, unconstrained water demand, planned water use, and infrastructure considerations. The balance between projected Forebay Subbasin supplies and anticipated unconstrained demand will be used to determine what, if any, shortage level is expected under the WSCP framework. The WSCP’s standard shortage levels are defined in terms of shortage percentages. The assessment will be performed separately for anticipated current year conditions and for assumed dry year conditions.

3.2.1 Available Water Supply
Available water supply for the City is quantified each year by summing the capacity of each groundwater well, in gpm. An analysis of one subsequent dry year is also completed. Since the City’s water supply has not historically been impacted by drought, it is likely that the available supply for the subsequent dry year will be the same as the current year.
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3.2.2 Unconstrained Customer Demand
The WSCP and Annual Assessment define unconstrained demand as expected water use prior to any projected shortage response actions that may be taken under the WSCP. Unconstrained demand is distinguished from observed demand, which may be constrained by preceding, ongoing, or future actions, such as emergency supply allocations during a multi-year drought. WSCP shortage response actions to constrain demand are inherently extraordinary. Routine activities, such as ongoing conservation programs and regular operational adjustments, are not considered constraints on demands. The City uses historical water use, by customer classification, to inform demand trends as it relates to known development, weather, and economic conditions in the city. Additionally, the City factors in land use planning data to improve demand forecasts.

Water Use and Connections. Water use can be quantified by summing the meter usage of each customer class for the previous year. Customer water demands for the City can be projected for the upcoming year based on the previous year’s water usage and the number of anticipated new customer connections.

Population. To calculate the annual future population, multiply the number of anticipated new customer connections by the number of persons per household as shown on the U.S. Census Bureau website for the City. That number shall be added to the current population to obtain the future population.

Future Population = Current Population + Number of New Connections x Persons per Household Anticipated Water Demand. To calculate anticipated demands for the upcoming year, multiply each meter usage per customer class by the future population and divide it by the current population.

Anticipated Demand = [Meter Usage x Future Population]÷/Current Population If the available water supply is greater than the anticipated customer demand for the upcoming year, then the City does not need to take any further action. If the anticipated customer demand for the upcoming year is greater than the available water supplies, the City can initiate water conservation actions as detailed in this WSCP.

3.2.3 Planned Water Use for Current Year Considering Dry Subsequent Year
CWC Section 10632(a)(2)(B)(ii) requires the Annual Assessment to determine “current year available supply, considering hydrological and regulatory conditions in the current year and one dry year.” The Annual Assessment will include two separate estimates of annual water supply and unconstrained demand using (1) current year conditions and (2) assumed dry year conditions. Accordingly, the Annual Assessment’s shortage analysis will present separate sets of findings for the current year and dry year scenarios. The CWC does not specify the characteristics of a dry year, allowing discretion to the water supplier. The City will use its discretion to refine and update its assumptions for a dry year scenario in each Annual Assessment as information becomes available and in accordance with best management practices.

In the City’s 2025 UWMP, the “single dry year” is characterized to resemble conditions as a year in which conditions reflect the lowest water supply available to the City. Supply and demand analyses for the single-dry year case were based on conditions affecting the Forebay Subbasin. However, as presented, the City’s water supply has not historically been impacted by drought. Therefore, planned water use for the current year may not be impacted by an anticipated subsequent dry year. Even so, each Annual Assessment will be performed.
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6 3.2.4 Infrastructure Considerations
Infrastructure reliability, capability, and construction considerations are included as part of the Annual Assessment. The City’s infrastructure capabilities are constantly monitored by water utility management, operations, and engineering staff and communicated if adjustments in water supplies are required throughout the year. If infrastructure projects are anticipated for the upcoming year that could impact water supply production (e.g., repairs at treatment plant, new groundwater well), these water supply impacts shall be evaluated for the time frame (i.e., months) the infrastructure projects will impact the system. Thus, the available water supply shall be increased or reduced accordingly for each month.

3.2.5 Other Considerations
The following are locally applicable factors that can influence or disrupt supplies, along with other unique considerations that are considered as part of the Annual Assessment:
• Construction projects
• Planned and unplanned outages on any major infrastructure • Demand fluctuations with weather changes
• Natural disasters, such as fires, earthquakes, or pandemics • Electrical outages
• Water quality
• Equipment failures
• Water Treatment Plant or Water Reclamation Facility disruptions • Legal or regulatory issues that disrupt water reliability 574
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4 Six Standard Water Shortage Levels
As required by CWC Section 10632(a)(3)(A), the WSCP is framed around six standard water shortage levels that represent shortages from the normal reliability as determined in the Annual Assessment.

The six water shortage levels have been standardized by the CWC to provide a consistent regional and statewide approach to conveying the relative severity of water supply shortage conditions. The six standard shortage levels correspond to progressively increasing estimated shortage conditions (up to 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and greater than 50% water shortages) and align with the response actions the City may implement to meet a declared water shortage or emergency.

The levels will be implemented during water supply shortages or regional drought conditions that may or may not directly influence the City’s water supplies. The level of determination and declaration of a water supply shortage will be made by the City Council.

For example, if the Annual Assessment determines a shortage of 17%, the City would implement shortage response actions under Standard Shortage Level 2. Table 1 lists the six water shortage levels.

Table 1 Water Shortage Contingency Plan Levels
Standard Shortage Levels % Shortage Range
1 Up to 10%
2 Up to 20%
3 Up to 30%
4 Up to 40%
5 Up to 50%
6 >50%

4.1 Shortage Response Actions
CWC Section 10632(a)(4) requires the WSCP to specify shortage response actions that align with the defined shortage levels. Shortage response actions included in this WSCP are a mix of prohibitions on end use, demand reduction methods, supply augmentation, and operational change measures. DWR defines prohibitions on end uses as measures to address areas that are the responsibility of end users, such as a broken sprinkler or leaking faucet.

4.1.1 Demand Reduction
The City supports the efficient use of water at all times. As such, the City has a baseline of permanent water use restrictions and measures that apply during normal supply or water shortage conditions (see Section 4.2.4). The City promotes individual actions on an on-going basis through its education and outreach resources.

The City has identified a variety of demand reduction actions to offset water supply shortages. Demand reduction measures are strategies intended to decrease water demand to close the gap between supply and demand. The City employs a variety of techniques to encourage community members to be more involved and educated about water conservation. These techniques include actions planned to be taken at the consumer level including, but not limited to, leak detection and repair, limitations on irrigation, and additional voluntary actions to reduce customer demand.

A full list of demand reduction methods performed at various supply shortage stages are provided in Table 2 and discussed below. The shortage gap reduction ranges shown for individual demand reduction actions represent the total anticipated reduction associated with the applicable shortage level. Actions are implemented collectively, and their individual effects are overlapping and not discretely quantifiable. 575
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8 Table 2 Demand Reduction Actions
DWR Submittal Table 8-3 Retail: Demand Reduction Actions Water Code Section 10632(a)(4)(B) and (E)
Shortage
Level Demand Reduction Actions
How much is this going to reduce the shortage gap?
Additional Explanation or Reference
Penalty, Charge, or
Volume or Percentage Shortage Gap Reduction Value Other Enforcement? 1 Expand Public Information Campaign Percentage Up to 10% Increasing customer outreach and engagement tools from WSCP Section 5.3 No 1 Landscape - Other landscape restriction or prohibition Percentage Up to 10% Encourage outdoor water use efficiency No 2 Expand Public Information Campaign Percentage 10–20% Increasing customer outreach and engagement tools from WSCP Section 5.3 No 2 Other Percentage 10–20% Voluntary reductions No
3 Expand Public Information Campaign Percentage 10–20% Increasing customer outreach and engagement tools from WSCP Section 5.3 No 3 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific days Percentage 20–30% Existing landscape (including Golf Course and Athletic Fields out-of-play areas) limited to 2 days/week; New landscape for adequate growth up to 5 weeks Yes
3 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific times Percentage 20–30% Golf courses/Athletic fields in-play areas before 10 am or after 5 pm Yes 3 CII - Lodging establishment must offer opt out of linen service Percentage 20–30% Offer limited linen/towel exchange Yes 3 CII - Other CII restriction or prohibition Percentage 20–30% Compliance with outdoor water use required Yes 3 Other - Prohibit use of potable water for construction and dust control Percentage 20–30% Yes 3 Other Percentage 20–30% Vehicle washing on assigned landscape watering days Yes 4 Expand Public Information Campaign Percentage 10–20% Increasing customer outreach and engagement tools from WSCP Section 5.3 No 4 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific days Percentage 30–40% Existing landscape (including Golf Course and Athletic Field out-of-play areas) limited to 1 day/week; New landscape 3 days/week for 5 weeks, then 1 day/week Yes
4 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific days Percentage 30–40% Golf courses/Athletic fields in-play areas before 10 am or after 5 pm Yes 4 CII - Lodging establishment must offer opt out of linen service Percentage 30–40% Towel exchange limited to once every 2 nights or for entire stay, whichever shorter Yes 4 Other water feature or swimming pool restriction Percentage 30–40% Draining/refilling only if pool component has become hazardous; must be covered to avoid evaporation
Yes
4 CII - Other CII restriction or prohibition Percentage 30–40% Vehicle washing on assigned landscape watering days/hours; limited fleet washing Yes 4 Other Percentage 30–40% All water use reduction encouraged; Mandatory use reduction targets, as established by City Council
Yes
5 Expand Public Information Campaign Percentage 10–20% Increasing customer outreach and engagement tools from WSCP Section 5.3 No 5 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific days Percentage 40–50% All days prohibited, except for new landscape Yes 5 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific times Percentage 40–50% All times prohibited, except for new landscape Yes 5 CII - Lodging establishment must offer opt out of linen service Percentage 40–50% Towel exchange limited to once every 3 nights, or for entire stay, whichever shorter Yes 5 Other water feature or swimming pool restriction Percentage 40–50% All filling/draining/re-filling prohibited Yes 5 Other - Prohibit vehicle washing except at facilities using recycled or recirculating water
Percentage 40–50% Yes
5 CII - Other CII restriction or prohibition Percentage 40–50% Mandatory use reduction targets, as established by City Council Yes 5 Other Percentage 40–50% Mandatory construction water budgets, as established by City Council Yes 6 Expand Public Information Campaign Percentage 10–20% Increasing customer outreach and engagement tools from WSCP Section 5.3 No 6 Landscape - Prohibit certain types of landscape irrigation Percentage Greater than 50% Elimination of all turf irrigation with potable supplies; restrict watering to shrubs and trees by hand or drip irrigation only
Yes
6 Landscape - Other landscape restriction or prohibition Percentage Greater than 50% Shutoff of dedicated landscape meters Yes 6 CII - Restaurants may only serve water upon request Percentage Greater than 50% Yes 6 Moratorium or Net Zero Demand Increase on New Connections Percentage Greater than 50% Moratorium on provision of new customer meters Yes 6 Other - Prohibit use of potable water for construction and dust control Percentage Greater than 50% Elimination of issuance of construction (hydrant) meters Yes 6 Other Percentage Greater than 50% Other mandatory restrictions and enforcement Yes 576
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10 4.1.2 Supply Augmentation
The City does not plan to utilize additional supply sources during a water shortage but rather mitigate supply impacts through demand reduction actions and/or utilize additional imported water to meet demands. Therefore, no supply augmentation and other actions are reported.

4.1.3 Operational Changes
During shortage conditions, operations may be affected by demand reduction responses. Operational changes to address a water shortage may be implemented based on the severity of the reduction goal.

4.1.4 Additional Mandatory Restrictions
In addition to any shortage response level being declared, the City maintains the following prohibitions and restrictions at all times. Per the City’s Ordinance 534 Section 2 (part), 1993, Chapter 13.09, Mandatory Water Conservation (Attachment A), the following is an abbreviated list from the Ordinance:
• Repair plumbing, sprinkler, and irrigation systems in a reasonable time after identification of leaks. • No using potable water through a hose to wash vehicles, clean the exterior of any building or structure, or clean paved or hard-surfaced areas unless the hose is equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle. • No spilling water into streets, curbs, or gutters or to cause any runoff. • No emptying and refilling of swimming pools/spas except to repair structural damage or comply with public health regulations.
• Only use recycled (recirculated) water in decorative fountains. • No use of potable water for construction activities where there is a reasonably available source of recycled water.
• The City shall maintain a distribution system leakage detection and repair program. • New construction shall have ultra-low-flow toilets, low-flow showerheads, water recirculating systems and, if requiring a permit, shall apply drought-tolerant landscaping principles. • Retrofit toilets and showerheads to ultra-low-flow and low-flow devices on change of ownership. • No indiscriminate running of water which is wasteful and without reasonable purpose. • Maintain irrigation of lawns, landscape, and other turf areas in accordance with City and county ordinances.

4.1.5 Emergency Response Plan
The UWMP Act requires water suppliers to identify actions they will take if there is a catastrophic supply interruption, specifically including interruptions from a power outage, earthquake, or other non-droughtrelated emergency. In March 2020, the City adopted an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) to ensure the most efficient use of resources to protect its community and its property before, during, and after a natural, technological, or man-made emergency, including cyberattacks. The EOP is an extension of the State Emergency Plan and the Monterey County Operational Area Plan. The EOP is designed to assist City and other staff members who have key roles and responsibilities for responding during emergencies.

The EOP includes a Hazard Analysis that identifies designated City-owned critical infrastructure which includes water and wastewater facilities. The EOP includes guidelines and agreements for cooperative efforts with other state and local agencies, as required by the California Department of Public Health. 578
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The City also prepared Emergency Actions Plans, which would initiate in the event of a catastrophic reduction of its water supply. The Emergency Actions Plans provide designated personnel with knowledge of the incident objectives and the steps required for achievement. The plans also serve to provide a basis for measuring achievement of objectives and overall system performance.

Additionally, the City is a member of the California Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (CalWARN). The mission of CalWARN is to support and promote statewide emergency preparedness, disaster response, and mutual assistance processes for public and private water and wastewater utilities.

CalWARN expands member abilities to achieve agency, regional, and state preparedness by providing tools and proven practices to enhance readiness.

4.1.6 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan
CWC Section 10632.5(c) requires the WSCP to include a seismic risk assessment and mitigation plan to assess the vulnerability of each water facility. The City relies on the 2022 Monterey County Multi‑Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP) to meet this requirement.

Monterey County is in an active seismic region that includes several major faults, such as the San Andreas Fault. Earthquakes occur regularly in the region, with multiple small events recorded each year and the potential for moderate or larger damaging earthquakes at any time. As reflected in the 2022 MJHMP, the U.S. Geological Survey indicates a meaningful likelihood of a major earthquake affecting the area in the coming decades.

According to the 2022 MJHMP, all areas of the City experience a moderate level of shaking risk, and several critical public facilities could be affected during a significant seismic event. The City’s hazard mitigation strategy prioritizes identifying vulnerable facilities and implementing structural or non‑structural improvements, as feasible, to reduce damage and maintain essential services. These actions are intended to help ensure that critical infrastructure, including water facilities, can continue to operate before, during, and after an earthquake.

4.2 Shortage Response Action Effectiveness
As a standard operating procedure, the City tracks water through the production, distribution, and billing systems. The City’s annual Water Loss Audit reporting to DWR helps identify non-revenue water loss.

During water shortage conditions, water use can be measured in comparison to what is considered to be a normal year demand (i.e., current customer base with approximately average rainfall), or in reference to a specific base year as may be dictated by Statewide requirements.

The effectiveness of actions initiated at each shortage response have been included in Table 2.

Effectiveness is also impacted by successful communication and outreach efforts. For WSCP implementation, it is assumed that the upper end of the water savings would come from the use of multiple demand reduction actions in a stage.
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12 5 Communication Protocols
Timely and effective communication is a critical element of WSCP implementation. Per CWC Section 10632(a)(5), the City has established communication protocols and procedures to inform customers, the public, interested parties, and local, regional, and state governments regarding any current or predicted shortages as determined by 1) the Annual Assessment (Section 3 of this WSCP) described pursuant to Section 10632.1; 2) any shortage response actions triggered or anticipated to be triggered by the Annual Assessment described pursuant to Section 10632.1; and 3) any other relevant communications.

Strategic communication is an ongoing activity where the purpose, audience, message, tools, and channels may change at any given moment. In the context of water shortage response, the purpose may be an emergency water shortage situation, such as may result from an earthquake, or a longer-term, nonemergency, shortage condition, such as may result from a drought.

In an emergency, the City will activate the communication protocol detailed in the City’s EOP. In a nonemergency water shortage situation, the City will implement communication protocols outlined in this section.

5.1 Coordination
To communicate effectively during a water supply shortage, the WSCP implements coordination with various levels of City management, Forebay Subbasin manager, Monterey County Water Resources Agency, and other regional planning groups, including the Water Awareness Committee of Monterey County (WAC) and the Greater Monterey County Integrated Regional Water Management Program which includes 19 agency representatives in the region.

During droughts or other times of limited supply, the frequency and extent of coordination will increase to ensure outreach tactics are consistent with the changing needs of the region and, specifically, the City and its customers. The City will seek opportunities to leverage external resources to complement its own outreach and lean on the key community partnerships it has forged to coordinate and facilitate communication.

5.2 Key Audiences
The City’s water customers inside and outside of the City limits, and other water users inside the City’s service area are the key audiences.

5.3 Customer Outreach and Engagement Tools
Water efficiency as a sustainable way of life remains central to City messaging during normal supply conditions. Indoor and outdoor water use efficiency, sustainable landscaping principles, rebate programs, investments to maintain infrastructure, emergency preparedness, local supply programs, water quality, and local supply reliability are among some of the themes that are in the City’s communications mix to promote, normalize, and advocate for water conserving ethics and activities.

Below is a summary of various strategies and activities the City uses or may use for communication that could be strategically ramped up in a water shortage condition as part of Demand Reduction Actions listed in Table 2.
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5.3.1 Awareness and Education
• City website and subpages
• Social media (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, NextDoor) • eNewsletter
• Emails to customers
• Emails and correspondence to County, state, and local elected officials • Media relations (press releases, interviews, op-eds)
• FAQ sheet/fact sheets
• Digital, print, and other paid media marketing
• Direct mail (bill messages/inserts, postcards, targeted letters) • Community events
• Education outreach (e.g., school programs)
• Resources (water efficiency “how to” videos, lead detection guides, landscape design templates, etc.) • Roadway signage

5.3.2 Communication through Action
• In-person, phone-based and virtual customer assistance • On-site customer assistance (site surveys)
• Community events and demonstrations

5.4 Communication Objectives
The City will periodically provide the public with information about the WSCP using any of the outreach methods in Section 5.5. During water shortage conditions and when urgent conservation is needed, the City believes it is important to communicate the following to customers:
• Why water needs to be saved
• How much water needs to be saved and for how long (shortage level initiated and terminated) • Specific actions needed to save water
• What the City, along with the water industry as a whole, is doing to remedy the water shortage condition
To that end, communication objectives during the various water shortage levels of the WSCP include the following:
• Motivate water users to increase conservation in ways that are consistent with any voluntary or mandatory actions called for at the current level of the WSCP • Raise awareness and understanding of the drought, regulatory, or other condition affecting water supplies and the need for increased conservation
• Minimize confusion and maintain credibility of water agencies and conservation messages with an appropriate tone that invokes trust and avoids non-compliance backlash • Make water users feel appreciated for accomplishments in improving their water use efficiency, and for supporting regional and local investments in water supply reliability • Educate civic and business leaders and the public that the City has improved its water supply reliability and is committed to furthering local, sustainable, and reliable supplies 581
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14 • Prepare the City’s customers for any potential escalation (or de-escalation) of the WSCP based on trending supply conditions
• Ensure customers and stakeholders believe they are being treated equitably in relationship to others • Maintain communication effectiveness by soliciting or monitoring feedback from regional water agencies/managers, key stakeholders, and the general public to update or adapt messages or communication tools
• Depart WSCP implementation having demonstrated the effectiveness and value of conservation actions and water supply reliability investments in minimizing impacts to customer’s quality of life or the community’s economy

5.5 Flexibility and Adaptability
To reduce water consumption during all water shortage levels, the City will increase its public education and outreach efforts to build awareness of demand reduction actions with the public. In addition, the City’s outreach efforts will be regularly revised to reflect current conditions. Key communication strategies and associated water shortage level implementation are listed in Table 3 below.

Communication strategies established from previous shortage levels are assumed to be built upon or intensified should water shortage conditions worsen.

Table 3 Communication Protocol During Water Shortage Conditions Stage Action
1-6 Announce status change to key stakeholders and the general public Provide regular updates to customers and the media on conditions 1-2 Increase agency coordination via monthly meetings
2 Conduct issue briefings with key officials and civic and business leaders Target outreach to dedicated irrigation accounts, particularly with homeowners associations to leverage their relationships and communication with their residents and/or sub-associations 3-4 Promote available water assistance resources for vulnerable populations; customized outreach for impact customer groups
Conduct specialized outreach to reduce discretionary outdoor use while minimizing landscape damage 5-6 Suspend promotion of long-term water use efficiency programs/tools to focus on imminent needs 6 Perform crisis communication, as outlined in the City’s Emergency Operations Plan; outreach messaging will reflect emergency conditions and the need to focus on health and public safety 1 If a water shortage progresses through multiple stages all measures in the previous stage(s) are implemented in addition to current stage actions.
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6 Compliance and Enforcement
CWC Section 10632(a)(6) describes compliance and enforcement provisions for the WSCP. The City aims to educate its customers when violations occur, to avoid repeat violations and future water waste. If educational efforts are not applicable or effective for customers who do not comply with restrictions implemented in a water shortage emergency, the City will use the enforcement measures found in Chapter 13.09 of the City’s Municipal Code (Attachment A). Fines, the installation of a flow-restricting device, and other civil or criminal penalties may apply as described in Table 4 below.

Table 4 Enforcement During Water Shortage Conditions
Stage Action
2 City issues a written warning notice when an alleged violation is first noted Penalties (fines) applied to each violation are identified as follows:

First Violation: $50 fine
Second and Subsequent Violations: $100 fine
3-6 City issues a written warning notice when an alleged violation is first noted If the violation is not corrected after one written warning notice, the City shall install a flow restrictive device on the service line of any customer observed by City personnel to be using water for any nonessential or unauthorized use Repeated violations of unauthorized water use will result in discontinuance of water service

6.1 Temporary Variances
As described in Chapter 13.09 of the City’s Municipal Code, the City may grant temporary variances from water conservation requirements in cases of undue hardship or emergency conditions, consistent with the Municipal Code. Variance applications are submitted in writing, except in emergencies where the Community and Economic Development Director may waive this requirement. The City Manager may approve a variance for up to one year upon finding that the variance will not result in a significant adverse effect on the water supply or service to other customers. Conditions may be imposed to ensure consistency with the City’s water conservation goals. Decisions may be appealed to the City Council, whose determination is final.

6.2 Legal Authorities
The City has the legal authority to implement and enforce its WSCP. California Constitution Article X – Water, Section 2, and CWC Section 100 provide that water must be put to beneficial use, the waste or unreasonable use or unreasonable method of use of water shall be prevented, and the conservation of water is to be exercised with a view to the reasonable and beneficial use thereof in the interest of the people and the public welfare. In addition, CWC Section 375 provides the City with the statutory authority to adopt and enforce water conservation restrictions, and CWC Section 350 et seq. authorizes the City to declare a water shortage emergency and impose water conservation measures when it determines that the City may not be able to satisfy ordinary demands without depleting supplies to an insufficient level.

If necessary, the City shall declare a water shortage emergency in accordance with CWC Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 350) of Division 1. Once having declared a water shortage, the City is provided with broad powers to implement and enforce regulations and restrictions for managing a water shortage. 583
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16 Under California law, including CWC Chapters 3.3 and 3.5 of Division 1, Parts 2.55 and 2.6 of Division 6, Division 13, and Article X, Section 2 of the California Constitution, the City is authorized to implement the water shortage actions outlined in this WSCP. In water shortage cases, shortage response actions to be implemented will be at the discretion of the City and will be based on an assessment of the supply shortage, customer response, and need for demand reductions as outlined in this WSCP.

In addition, upon proclamation by the Governor of a state of emergency under the California Emergency Services Act (Chapter 7, commencing with Section 8550, of Division 1 of Title 2 of the Government Code) based on drought conditions, the State will defer to implementation of locally adopted WSCPs to the extent practicable.

The City has the legal authority to declare a water shortage and implement the actions outlined in this WSCP to restrict water use and prohibit water waste for all uses that are not necessary to sustain public health, sanitation, and fire protection.
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7 Financial Consequences of WSCP
Implementation
CWC Section 10632(a)(6) describes the financial consequences of implementing the WSCP and potential mitigation strategies. The City’s water rates were modified in 2021 which included increases for water and wastewater through 2026 due to development of critical capital improvement projects, and repair and replacement of facilities and infrastructure that are designed to increase service reliability and help the City reduce its risk of water shortages in the future. In 2025, the City initiated an updated Water, Sewer, and Recycled Water Rate Study to evaluate future revenue requirements and ensure continued compliance with Proposition 218 and long‑term utility financial planning.

7.1 Financial Impacts and Mitigation Action
In the event that the City implements the WSCP, it is recognized that the reductions in water sales would impact the revenues that would normally be generated to the Water Enterprise Fund. However, the City’s Water Enterprise Fund revenues may vary according to regional weather, the economy, and other factors.

For example, in dry years, local demands tend to increase, and the City may receive higher than anticipated revenues due to increased sales volumes. In contrast, in wet years, demands tend to decrease, and revenues drop due to lower sales volumes. Such revenue surpluses and shortages could cause instability in water rates.

To the extent that this reduction negatively impacts the coverage of its fixed costs (those that are not tied to volume), the City will temporarily utilize its Water Reserves to mitigate any shortfall. Maintaining financial reserves is a way the City can manage rate volatility. The reserves are fully flexible to use appropriately, including funds dedicated for rate stabilization. The reserves can, therefore, be a useful tool to offset the need for revenues during times of lower water sales or unanticipated water supply costs.

7.1.1 Reporting Cost of Compliance with Excessive Water Use Prohibition During Drought Emergency
To mitigate the effects of volumetric revenue volatility, the City seeks to maintain volumetric water rates, which closely match its volumetric cost of water produced. The City additionally generates a significant portion of total water sales revenues from the fixed water charge (flat rate), which is based on the size of the water meter. The City’s fixed charge is designed to capture nearly all the City’s fixed costs to provide water services, such as water quality testing, environmental compliance, administrative costs, maintenance and repair of facilities and assets, and capital expenditures that enhance local water supply reliability. The Water Enterprise Fund also receives a lesser amount of revenue from interest and miscellaneous revenue.

Under long-term drought conditions, it may be necessary to institute temporary increases to rates to cover increased operating expenses. The City is developing a rate study anticipated to be complete in Fall 2026 and may consider adopting a surcharge or flat rate increase over a specific time period to cover increased operating expenses while under a water shortage .This measure would allow the City to implement various levels of rate increases after the City Council, by resolution, has declared a threatened shortage of funds due to a water shortage or other emergency.

Conditions of drought and the implementation of water restrictions would also impact expenditures.

Reduced availability of groundwater would produce higher energy bills. The difference in groundwater elevation would lengthen the pumping time required to produce the same amount of groundwater.

Enforcement of the WSCP is presumed to be covered by enhanced revenues from application of excess use charges and penalties.
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18 8 Monitoring and Reporting
CWC Section 10632(a)(9) describes the reporting requirements and monitoring procedures to implement the WSCP and track and evaluate the response actions effectives. As described in Section 2.2, the City intends to track its supplies and project demands on an annual basis and if supply conditions described in Table 1 are projected, the City will enact their WSCP. Monitoring demands is essential to ensure the WSCP response actions are adequately meeting reductions and decreasing the supply/demand gap. This will help to analyze the effectiveness of the WSCP or identify the need to activate additional response actions.

The City’s current water and wastewater rates are supported by a Water and Sewer Rate Study completed in 2021, which served as the basis for City Council adoption of rates for fiscal years 2021-2022 through 2025-2026 (City Council Resolution 5751). All City water service connections are charged monthly for the volume of water used. The City’s current water rate schedule provides a three-tiered rate structure for domestic users in Teir 1, irrigation/outdoor water use in Tier 2, and additional water use in Tier 3 for higher unit cost assessments. It is noted that multi-family, commercial, public, and school customers are assessed at a uniform rate. Each account type is charged at a specific rate for every hundred (centum)cubic feet (CCF)1 of water used monthly. The tiered structure communicates the value of water, provides financial incentives to conserve water, and reimburses the utility for the cost of maintaining water facilities and infrastructure with sufficient capacity to meet the needs of the City.

Separate from the WSCP Annual Assessment requirements, the City is also subject to SWRCB drought and conservation reporting under Order No. DDW_HQ_2024_001. As a community public water system and urban retail water supplier, the City submits applicable drought and conservation reports through the SAFER Clearinghouse in accordance with SWRCB instructions. The City will continue to report this information and integrate this process into its WSCP Annual Assessment process. 1 CCF (hundred cubic feet) is a standard unit used in water use reporting and billing. One CCF equals approximately 748 gallons. 586
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9 Refinement Procedures
The WSCP will be periodically re-evaluated to ensure that the City’s shortage risk tolerance is adequate and that the shortage response actions are effective and up to date based on lessons learned from implementing the WSCP. The WSCP will be revised and updated every five years during the UWMP update cycle to incorporate updated and new information. However, if revisions to the WSCP are warranted before the UWMP is updated, the WSCP can be updated outside of the UWMP update cycle. The City’s Annual Assessment process is a natural and logical opportunity for the City to consider the functionality of the existing WSCP and can prepare refinements if changes are found to be needed. 587
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2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
20 10 Special Water Feature Distinction
CWC Section 10632(b) requires the City to analyze and define water features in the WSCP that are artificially supplied with water, including ponds, fountains, etc. separately from pools and spas as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 115921 of the Health and Safety Code. Pools and spas must use potable water whereas ponds, fountains and other water features may be able to use recycled (recirculated) water. As referenced in this section as it pertains to the City’s Mandatory Water Conservation, recycled water means recirculated water. The City is anticipating updating its ordinance in the future to distinguish between the use of recycled water for special water feature distinction and recycled water supplies.

This WSCP differentiates special water features following the City’s Municipal Code Chapter 13.09 Mandatory Water Conservation distinctions. In summary, the City has identified two types of water features:
• Decorative Water Features exist for decorative or aesthetic purposes and are not intended for recreational uses, such as pools or spas. More specifically, regarding fountains, no person shall use water to operate or maintain levels in decorative fountains, unless such water is recycled in the fountain.
• Recreational Water Features are intended for recreation, such as a swimming pool or spa. They may be residentially or municipally/commercially owned and operated. Regarding swimming pools and spas, no person shall empty and refill a swimming pool or spa except to prevent or repair structural damage or to comply with public health regulations.

Additionally, the City will consider artificial man-made lakes as new developments are approved. Artificial man-made lakes are large bodies of water artificially created for a variety of intended purposes, that may include recreation, habitat, aesthetics, and community amenities that require supplemental water fill from City water services.

Water shortage response actions identified in this WSCP primarily target restrictions or prohibitions to filling water features that use drinking water. Water features that use recycled water are generally exempted from fill restrictions, unless the City declares otherwise, based on an assessment of the supply and availability of recycled water. Note that the City does not refilling of a swimming pool or spa except to prevent or repair structural damage or to comply with public health regulations. 588
Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability
Public Review Draft 21
11 Plan Adoption, Submittal, and Availability
This 2025 WSCP will be presented for adoption by the City Council at the June 17, 2026 public meeting.

Notifications were sent to those identified in Table 5. To comply with the notice to the public, the City published notices in the Salinas Valley Tribune at least two weeks in advance with 5 days between publications. Copies of the 60-day notices and public hearing newspaper notices are provided in Attachment B. The WSCP was also made available prior to the public hearing.

The WSCP will be considered for adoption on June 17, 2026, by the City Council by Resolution, which will be included in Attachment C in the Final UWMP. The WSCP was made available to all staff, customers, and any affected cities, counties, or other members of the public at the City’s office and online within 30 days of the adoption date.

The WSCP will be submitted to DWR via the Water Use Efficiency Data Portal at the same time as the 2025 UWMP, but no later than July 1, 2026. A hard copy of the 2025 UWMP and WSCP will be submitted to the California State Library within 30 days of adoption. Electronic and/or hard copies were provided to all cities and counties within City’s service area within 30 days of adoption.

Based on DWR’s review of the WSCP, the City will make any amendments to its adopted WSCP, as required and directed by DWR. If the City revises its WSCP, then an electronic copy of the revised WSCP will be submitted to DWR within 30 days of its adoption.

Table 5 Notification to Cities and Counties
DWR Submittal Table 10-1 Retail: Notification to Cities and Counties Water Code Section 10621(b) and 10642
Name 60 Day Notice Notice of Public Hearing
County of Monterey Yes Yes
City of Gonzales Yes Yes
City of Greenfield Yes Yes
Monterey County Water Resources Agency Yes Yes
Monterey County Water Awareness Committee Yes Yes
Salinas Valley Basin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Yes Yes Greater Monterey County IRWM Program Yes Yes
Soledad Unified School District Yes Yes
California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Yes Yes Estancia Estates Winery Yes Yes
Golden State Vinters Yes Yes
Dole Fresh Vegetables Yes Yes
Camphora Apartments Yes Yes
589
City of Soledad
2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
22 12 References
City of Soledad. 2021a. Water and Sewer Rate Study.
_______.2021b. Emergency Response Plan.
______.2025. Master Fee Schedule Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Retrieved from:
https://www.cityofsoledad.com/download/master-feeschedule/?ind=24855&filename=Approved-Master-Fee-Schedule-FY-2025-

26.pdf&wpdmdl=6885&refresh=6a188813c02751779992595
______.2026. 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (Public Review Draft).

Monterey County. 2022. Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. Retrieved from:
https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/114305/637961624630700 000
Department of Water Resources. 2026. Final 2025 Urban Water Management Plan Guidebook. Retrieved from: https://water.ca.gov/-/media/DWR-Website/Web-Pages/Programs/Water-Use-AndEfficiency/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/Urban-Water-Management-Plans/Final-2025-UWMPGuidebook/Final-2025-UWMP-Guidebook-Accessible.pdf 590
Attachment A
City of Soledad Municipal Code Section 13.09 Mandatory Water Conservation Regulations
591
Title 13 - PUBLIC SERVICES
Division II. - Water
Chapter 13.09 MANDATORY WATER CONSERVATION REGULATIONS
Soledad, California, Municipal Code Created: 2025-09-26 12:12:17 [EST] (Supp. No. 10)

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Soledad City CouncilJune 17, 2026

Soledad City Council
June 17, 2026