9A
Date: June 23, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Alvin Papa, Public Works Director
By: Chuck Schaich, Policy & Resources Specialist | [email protected] Subject: Public Works – Conduct Public Hearing and Adopt RESOLUTIONS Approving the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan and Filing Plans with the California Department of Water Resources. Expenditure: None.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the Public Works Director that City Council:
1. Conduct a Public Hearing on the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and the Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP); and
2. Adopt a RESOLUTION approving the 2025 UWMP and filing the plan with California Department of Water Resources (DWR); and
3. Adopt a RESOLUTION approving the WSCP and filing the plan with the California DWR.
FUNDING
None required.
DISCUSSION
In accordance with the California Urban Water Management Planning Act, the City of Torrance Municipal Water Division (TMW) has prepared the 2025 UWMP and WSCP. These plans support long-term water resource planning and demonstrate that adequate water supplies are available to meet current and future demands.
State law requires urban water suppliers serving more than 3,000 service connections or delivering more than 3,000 acre-feet of water annually, to prepare and update an UWMP every five years. The UWMP evaluates water supply reliability over a 25-year planning horizon under normal, single-dry-year, and multiple-dry-year conditions. The 2025 UWMP includes historical data from 2021 through 2025, and projects water demands and available supplies through 2050.
The UWMP serves as TMW’s primary long-range water planning document and addresses water supplies, projected demands, water conservation, climate change considerations, system reliability, recycled water use, and water shortage response actions. The WSCP, incorporated within the UWMP, establishes response measures for potential water shortage conditions.
To assist with preparation of the plans, the City retained SA Associates, a California-based water resources engineering firm with extensive experience in UWMPs. The UWMP covers 1 1
City Council
June 23, 2026
approximately 78 percent of the City served by TMW. Public hearing notices for the UWMP and WSCP were published in the Daily Breeze on June 6, June 11, and June 16, 2026.
The UWMP identifies several initiatives that will strengthen long -term water reliability, including expansion of the Goldsworthy Desalter, development of additional groundwater wells, increased use of recycled water, and participation in regional water supply reliability programs. These efforts are intended to reduce dependence on imported water and increase locally produced water supplies.
The UWMP and WSCP demonstrate that TMW has sufficient water supplies to meet projected demands through 2050 under all planning scenarios. Available supplies are projected to exceed anticipated demands under both normal and water shortage conditions. In addition, ongoing water supply diversification projects are expected to further improve system reliability, resilience, and sustainability.
The Water Commission reviewed the UWMP and WSCP at its regular meeting on May 27, 2026, and voted to provide conceptual support for City Council adoption of both plans.
The attached resolutions (Attachments 1 and 2) provide for City Council adoption of the 2025 UWMP and 2025 WSCP, respectively. The 2025 UWMP, including the WSCP, is provided as Attachment 3 and documents TMW’s long-term water supply planning, demand projections, water reliability assessments, conservation measures, and water shortage response actions through 2050. Proof of publication of the required public hearing notice is included as Attachment 4.
It is therefore recommended that the City Council adopt the attached resolutions approving the 2025 UWMP and WSCP. Upon adoption, the plans will be submitted to the California DWP in accordance with state requirements.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Resolution Adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
2. Resolution Adopting the 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan
3. 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (including Water Shortage Contingency Plan) Available online at https://www.torranceca.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/city-services/utilities- and-sanitation/urban-water-managemnt-plans/2025-urban-water-management- plan_1.pdf
4. Public Notice Proof of Publication
2 RESOLUTION NO. _______
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING THE 2025 URBAN
WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, the California Legislature enacted Assembly Bill 797 (Water Code Section 10610 et seq.), known as the Urban Water Management Planning Act (the “Act”) during the 1983-1984 Regular Legislative Session, and as amended subsequently; and WHEREAS, the Act mandates that every supplier 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 an Urban Water Management Plan (the “Plan”), and requires the Plan be reviewed and updated every five years in accordance with any amendments or changes to the Act or applicable legislation pertaining to the Act; and
WHEREAS, the City of Torrance (the “City”) is an urban supplier of water providing water service to more than 3,000 customers and is required to prepare and adopt a Plan, and prepare updates to the Plan every five years; and
WHEREAS, to ensure that the local water supplier has the requisite reliability to provide adequate water supplies to meet existing and future water demands, support long-term water resource planning to enhance water system reliability and resilience, and promote the conservation of limited water resources; and
WHEREAS, a long-term reliable supply of water is essential to the well being of the City, and the Plan is an integral element of the City’s water reliability strategy; and WHEREAS, the Plan must be adopted at a Public Hearing and filed with the California Department of Water Resources; and
WHEREAS, the City prepared a draft of its 2025 Plan for public review and a properly noticed Public Hearing was held by the Torrance City Council on June 23, 2026, and a final 2025 Urban Water Management Plan was prepared; and
WHEREAS, the Torrance City Council approved adoption of the Plan at a Public Hearing at the City Council meeting held on June 23, 2026.
3 ATTACHMENT 1
3 NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Torrance that:
SECTION 1
The 2025 Urban Water Management Plan is adopted and ordered filed with the City Clerk.
SECTION 2
The City Manager, or his designated representative, is authorized and directed to file the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan with the California Department of Water Resources.
INTRODUCED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 23rd day of June 2026.
Mayor George K. Chen
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
PATRICK Q. SULLIVAN, City Attorney
by:
Tatia Y. Strader, Assistant City Attorney
ATTEST:
Rebecca Poirier, MMC, City Clerk
4 4
RESOLUTION NO. _______
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING 2025 WATER
SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN
WHEREAS, the California Water Code Section 10632 requires every urban water supplier to prepare and adopt a Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) as part of its Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP); and
WHEREAS, the City is an urban supplier of water providing water, and WHEREAS, the City of Torrance has prepared and adopted a UWMP on June 23, 2026, under separate Resolution No. TBD; and
WHEREAS, State Senate Bill 606 passed in 2018 has amended the Water Code related to the requirements of WSCPs to include six standard stages for water shortages up to and beyond 50 percent; and
WHEREAS, the City has updated its WSCP in accordance with these changes in the Water Code, and said WSCP is included as part of the UWMP; and
WHEREAS, the conservation of water is critically important if the City is to sustain itself; and the effective and equitable management of limited water supplies during a water shortage minimizes the impact on the people and the economy of the City of Torrance; and WHEREAS, the City is granted the authority by the State Water Code Section 350 and City municipal code 76.4.010 to declare a water supply shortage and to adopt by resolution regulations and restrictions on the delivery and consumption of water; and WHEREAS, the WSCP must be adopted at Public Hearing and filed with the California Department of Water Resources; and
WHEREAS, the City prepared a UWMP for public review and a properly noticed public hearing regarding said UWMP, held by the City Council on June 23, 2026 , wherein the WSCP was also presented in the public hearing, and
WHEREAS, the Torrance City Council approved adoption of the 2025 WSCP at a Public Hearing at the City Council meeting held on June 23, 2026.
5 ATTACHMENT 2
5 NOW, THEREFORE, BE RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Torrance that:
SECTION 1
The 2025 WSCP is adopted and ordered filed with the City Clerk.
SECTION 2
The City Manager, or his designated representative, is authorized and directed to file the 2025 WSCP with the California Department of Water Resources.
INTRODUCED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 23rd day of June 2026.
Mayor George K. Chen
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
PATRICK Q. SULLIVAN, City Attorney
by:
Tatia Y. Strader, Assistant City Attorney
ATTEST:
Rebecca Poirier, MMC, City Clerk
6 6
2025
URBAN WATER
MANAGEMENT PLAN
CITY OF TORRANCE
JUNE 2026
FINAL DRAFT
7 ATTACHMENT 3
7 2025
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
City of Torrance
3031 Torrance Boulevard
Torrance, CA 90503
Phone: (310) 328-5310
June 2026 Final Draft
Prepared by:
CONSULTING ENGINEERS
1130 W. Huntington Drive
Unit 12
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 821-3456
8 8
CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS TOC - 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary & Lay Description
Section Page
Introduction................................................................................................................................................ ES-1 Service Area and Facilities .......................................................................................................................... ES-1 Water Demand ........................................................................................................................................... ES-2 Water Sources and Supplies ....................................................................................................................... ES-2 Future Water Supply Projects .................................................................................................................... ES-2 Water Service Reliability ............................................................................................................................ ES-3 Challenges Ahead and Strategies for Managing Reliability Risks ............................................................... ES-3
Section 1: Introduction
Section Page
1.1 Purpose and Summary ................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2 Coordination .................................................................................................................................. 1-2
1.3 Updates to the UWMP Act ............................................................................................................ 1-3
1.4 Format of the Plan ......................................................................................................................... 1-3
1.5 Updates to the 2025 Plan............................................................................................................... 1-4
1.6 Water System History .................................................................................................................... 1-5
1.7 Water Service Area ........................................................................................................................ 1-5
1.8 Climate ........................................................................................................................................... 1-6
1.9 Population ...................................................................................................................................... 1-6
1.10 Water System ................................................................................................................................. 1-7
Section 2: Water Sources & Supplies
Section Page
2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Water Supply Sources .................................................................................................................... 2-1
2.3 Water Supply Summary ............................................................................................................... 2-14
2.4 Projected Water Supply ............................................................................................................... 2-15
2.5 Alternate Water Sources .............................................................................................................. 2-16
2.6 Transfers, Exchanges, and Conjunctive Use Storage.................................................................... 2-19
2.7 Planned Supply Projects ............................................................................................................... 2-19
2.8 Energy Intensity ........................................................................................................................... 2-25
Section 3: Water Quality
Section Page
3.1 Water Quality Standards ................................................................................................................ 3-1
3.2 Quality of Sources .......................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.3 Water Quality Effects ................................................................................................................... 3-12
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2025
CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
TOC - 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 4: Water Demands
Section Page
4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.2 Current City Water Needs .............................................................................................................. 4-1
4.3 Historic Water Demand ................................................................................................................. 4-2
4.4 Water Use Statistics ....................................................................................................................... 4-3
4.5 Water Conservation Act ................................................................................................................. 4-7
4.6 Water Use Reduction Plan ........................................................................................................... 4-14
4.7 Projected Water Demand ............................................................................................................ 4-16
Section 5: Climate Change
Section Page
5.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.2 Projected Climate Change Impacts to Supplies ............................................................................. 5-2
5.3 Climate Change Impacts to City’s Water Supplies ......................................................................... 5-3
Section 6: Reliability Planning
Section Page
6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.2 Historic Droughts ........................................................................................................................... 6-1
6.3 Recent Drought (2020-2022) and Current State ............................................................................ 6-2
6.4 Regional Supply Reliability ............................................................................................................. 6-3
6.5 Supply vs. Demand ......................................................................................................................... 6-8
6.6 Vulnerability of Supply ................................................................................................................. 6-12
6.7 Water Supply Opportunities ........................................................................................................ 6-13
6.8 Reduced Delta Reliance Reporting ............................................................................................... 6-15
Section 7: Demand Management
Section Page
7.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 7-1
7.2 Conservation Measures ................................................................................................................ 7-2
7.3 Rebate Program Participation ...................................................................................................... 7-22
Section 8: Water Shortage Contingency Plan
Section Page
8.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 8-1
8.2 Water Supply Reliability Analysis ................................................................................................... 8-1
8.3 Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures ......................................................... 8-4
8.4 Shortage Stages and Shortage Response Actions .......................................................................... 8-7
8.5 Communication Protocols ............................................................................................................ 8-21
8.6 Compliance and Enforcement ...................................................................................................... 8-24 10 10
CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS TOC - 3
Section 8: Water Shortage Contingency Plan (cont.)
Section
Page
8.7 Legal Authorities .......................................................................................................................... 8-25
8.8 Financial Consequences of WSCP Implementation ..................................................................... 8-25
8.9 Monitoring and Reporting ........................................................................................................... 8-26
8.10 Special Water Feature Distinction ............................................................................................... 8-27
8.11 WSCP Adoption and Refinement Procedures .............................................................................. 8-27
Section 9: Recycled Water
Section Page
9.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 9-1
9.2 Recycled Water Overview .............................................................................................................. 9-1
9.3 Wastewater Collection & Treatment ............................................................................................. 9-2
9.4 Recycled Water Infrastructure ....................................................................................................... 9-3
9.5 Recycled Water Planning ............................................................................................................... 9-4
9.6 Projected vs. Actual Use ................................................................................................................. 9-7
9.7 Potential Users ............................................................................................................................... 9-7
9.8 Promoting Recycled Water ............................................................................................................ 9-8
9.9 Optimizing Recycled Use ................................................................................................................ 9-9
9.10 Palos Verdes Pipeline and Extension of Recycled Water ............................................................. 9-10
Appendices
Appendix Description
Appendix A ............................................................................................................................. UWMP Checklist Appendix B ................................................................................................................... DWR Submittal Tables Appendix C ........................................................................................... 60-Day Notifications of Public Hearing Appendix D ................................................................ Two-Week & One-Week Notification of Public Hearing Appendix E .............................................................. City Council Resolutions Adopting 2025 UWMP & WSCP Appendix F ............................................................................................................ West Coast Basin Judgment Appendix G ................................................................................................... City Council Ordinance No. 3782 Appendix H .................................................................................................... City Council Ordinance No. 3717 Appendix I........................................................................................................... City Water Conservation Plan Appendix J ................................................................................................. City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Appendix K ................................................................................. City’s Reclaimed Water Ordinance No. 3392
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URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
TOC - 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2025
ACRONYMS i
ACRONYMS
1,2,3-TCP 1, 2, 3 – Trichloropropane
ABP Alamitos Barrier Project
Act Urban Water Management Planning Act
AF acre-feet
AFY
AMI
acre-feet per year
Advanced Metering Infrastructure
AP Allocation Plan
AWWA American Water Works Association
BDCP Bay Delta Conservation Plan
BMP Best Management Practice
CalWEP California Water Efficiency Partnership
CBMWD or District Central Basin Municipal Water District CCR California Code of Regulations
Central Basin or Basin Central Groundwater Basin
City City of Torrance
COG Local Council of Governments
CRA Colorado River Aqueduct
CU Conjunctive Use Program
CUWCC California Urban Water Conservation Council
CVP Central Valley Project
CWC California Water Code
DBPs Disinfection Byproducts
DCP Delta Conveyance Project
DCR SWP Delivery Capability Report
DDW State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water DLR Detection Limit for Purposes of Reporting
DMM Demand Management Measure
DRA Drought Risk Assessment
DWR California Department of Water Resources
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EOC Emergency Operation Center
EPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
ETo Evapotranspiration
FY Fiscal Year
GPCD gallons per capita per day
GPSCD gallons per service connection per day
GRIP Groundwater Reliability Improvement Program
GW Groundwater
HECW High Efficiency Clothes Washer
HET High Efficiency Toilet
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CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
ii ACRONYMS
HR Hydrologic Region
IRP Integrated Resource Plan
JWPCP Joint Water Pollution Control Plant
kWh Kilowatt-hours
kWh/AF Kilowatt-hours per Acre-Feet
kWh/MG Kilowatt-hours per Million Gallons
LACDPW Los Angeles County Department of Public Works
LACSD Los Angeles County Sanitation District
LF Linear Feet
LHMP
LRP
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Local Resource Program
MAF million acre-feet
Main Basin Main San Gabriel Basin
MCL Maximum Contaminant Level
MFSG Montebello Forebay Spreading Grounds
mg/L Milligrams per Liter
MGD million gallons per day
MOU Memorandum of Understanding
MWD Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
NDMA N-nitrosodimethylamine
NTWP North Torrance Wellfield Project
OEHHA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
PFAS Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances
PFBS Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid
PFHxA Perfluorohexanoic acid
PFHxS Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid
PFOA Perfluorooctanoic Acid
PFOS Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
PHETs Premium HETs
ppb Parts per billion
PPCPs
ppm
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products
Parts per Million
ppt Parts per Trillion
RHNA Regional Housing Needs Assessment
River Watermaster
SBCCOG
San Gabriel River Watermaster
South Bay Cities Council of Governments
SBx7-7 Senate Bill x7-7
SCAB South Coast Air Basin
SCAG Southern California Association of Governments
SGVMWD San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District
SRF State Revolving Fund
SWP State Water Project
SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board
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CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2025
ACRONYMS iii
TDS Total Dissolved Solid
TOC
TORC
Total Organic Carbon
Torrance Refining Company
ULFT Ultra-Low-Flow Toilet
UWMP
VNWP
Watermaster
WBMWD
WCGB
Urban Water Management Plan
Van Ness Wellfield Project
WRD and Water Rights Panel in West Coast Basin
West Basin Municipal Water District
West Coast Groundwater Basin
WQPP Water Quality Protection Project
WRD Water Replenishment District of Southern California WRP Water Reclamation Plant
WSAP Water Supply Allocation Plan
WSCP Water Shortage Contingency Plan
WSDM Water Surplus and Drought Management Plan
μg/L Micrograms per Liter
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URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
iv ACRONYMS
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CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & LAY DESCRIPTION ES - 1
INTRODUCTION
This report serves as the 20 25 update of the City of Torrance (City) Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP). This UWMP has been prepared consistent with the requirements under Water Code Sections 10610 through 10656 of the Urban Water Management Planning Act (Act). The Act requires that “every urban water supplier providing water for municipal purposes to more than 3,000 customers or supplying more than 3,000 acre -feet (AF) of water annually, to prepare and adopt, in accordance with prescribed requirements, an urban water management plan.” These plans must be filed with the California Department of Water Resources (DW R) every five years describing and evaluating reasonable and practical efficient water uses, reclamation, and conservation activities. 2025 UWMP updates are to be adopted by July 1, 2026.
The Act has been amended on several occasions since its initial passage in 1983. New requirements of the Act due to SBx7 -7 state that per capita water use within an urban water supplier's service area must decrease by 20 percent by the year 2020 in order to receive grants or loans administered by DWR or other state agencies. The legislation sets an overall goal of reducing per capita urban water use by 20 percent by December 31, 2020. Each urban retail water supplier developed water use targets by July 1, 2016. Effective 2021, urban retail water suppliers who do not meet the 2020 water conservation requirements established by this bill are not eligible for state water grants or loans.
Section 1.4 offers a summary of each section of this 2025 UWMP.
SERVICE AREA AND FACILITIES
The City provides water to a population of approximately 106,958 throughout its service area. The City’s water supply sources consist of imported water from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), groundwater produced from the West Coast Basin; desalinated groundwater produced from the Goldsworthy Groundwater Desalter and recycled water produced at West Basin Municipal Water District’s (WBMWD) Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility in El Segund o. The City provides potable drinking water to its customers via three active groundwater well s (Well #9 , Well #10, and Well #11 ), desalinated groundwater from the Goldsworthy Desalter and imported water from five connections with MWD. The City maintains four 2-way emergency inter-connections to adjacent water purveyor systems. Each has a two-way interconnection, allowing water transfers to and from the City, depending on the emergency situation, however, the City has not used these connections recently.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
& LAY DESCRIPTION
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2025
CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
ES - 2
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & LAY DESCRIPTION
WATER DEMAND
The total water demand for the 106,958 people served by the City is over 18,200 AF of potable water for the 2025 calendar year, which is approximately 20 percent less than the average demand between the 10-year baseline period spanning 2001-2010..
To determine the City’s compliance with SBx7-7, the City selected to comply with Method 3, 95 percent of the State Hydrologic Region Target. The City’s 20 percent reduction target (126 GPCD) exceeds 142 GPCD. Therefore, the City’s 2020 compliance target for per capita water consumption is 142 GPCD.
In 2020, the City had a per capita water use of 108 GPCD, far below its target goal of 142 GPCD.
As a result, the City achieved its 2020 final water use target in 2020. For the last five years, the City’s per capita water use has remained consistently below its 2020 SBx7-7 target, demonstrating the long-term effectiveness of its conservation programs. In 2025, the City’s per capita water use was 89 GPCD.
WATER SOURCES AND SUPPLIES
Over the past five years, the City's lack of groundwater pumping facilities has limited their groundwater supplies to more than one third (41 percent to be exact) of their adjudicated pumping right. Imported water, therefore, has accounted for over 74 percent of the City's total potable water supply. Overall water use in the City, however, is balanced by the use o f recycled water used by the City and the Torrance Refining Company (TORC). The City benefits immensely from TORC's use of recycled water purchased and received directly from WBMWD as this saves on average 5,500 to 6,000 AFY today of potable water which would have otherwise been used to support TORC's industrial processes. This could increase to 6,500 AFY depending on refinery production and other factors.
FUTURE WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS
The City continually reviews options that have potential to provide its customers with adequate and reliable supplies. Trained experienced staff continues to ensure the City’s water quality is safe and the quantity of water supply meets present demands and will meet future needs. The City’s planning approach to water supply projects is performed such that projects are implemented in an environmentally and economically responsible manner. The City consistently coordinates its long- term water shortage plannin g with MWD, Water Replenishment District ( WRD) and other agencies that are involved with the development or implementation of these type of programs.
A number of projects are underway to improve the City’s water supply reliability and enhance the operations of the City's facilities include distribution system enhancements and improvements; development of new local water supply sources; security improvements; and water treatment and storage enhancements. The improvement projects identified for these purp oses are discussed in Section 2.7.
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URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & LAY DESCRIPTION ES - 3
WATER SERVICE RELIABILITY
It is required that every urban water supplier assess the reliability to provide water service to its customers under normal, dry, and multiple dry water years. MWD’s 20 20 Integrated Water Resources Plan update describes the core water resource strategy, which will be used to meet full- service demands at the retail level under all foreseeable hydrologic conditions from 2025 through 2050. Furthermore, MWD’s 2025 UWMP finds that MWD is able to meet full service demands of its member agencies with existing sup plies from 2025 through 2050 during normal years, single dry year, and multiple dry years. By means of the City’s 4 water sources, TMW will be capable of meeting the water demands of its customers in normal, single dry, and multiple dry years between 2025 and 2050, as illustrated in Table 6.4 to Table 6.6.
CHALLENGES AHEAD AND STRATEGIES FOR MANAGING RELIABILITY RISKS
The City faces challenges in the near future regarding water supply including:
• Over the last decade, drastic changes in annual hydrologic conditions statewide have negatively affected water supplies available from the State Water Project (SWP) and the Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA).
• The declining ecosystem of the Bay -Delta has resulted in a reduction in water supply deliveries to State Water Contractors, including the MWD and WBMWD.
The City’s strategies for managing these reliability risks include:
• Continuing a progressive and effective water conservation program.
• Monitoring individual water use for potential waste through installation of Advance d Metering Infrastructure (AMI).
• Utilizing supplemental water through transfers and exchanges.
• Replacing deteriorating water infrastructure through a proactive capital improvement program, which will reduce water main leaks and conserve water.
• Implementing shortage response actions, as needed, under the Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP).
• Reactivating ground water wells impacted by water quality contaminants with the addition of treatment systems.
• Pursuing an aggressive local water supply diversification program to increase reliability , resilience, and sustainability.
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URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY & LAY DESCRIPTION
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SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
CITY OF TORRANCE | 2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
Incorporated in 1921, the City of
Torrance (City) is a retail water
agency supplying water to
approximately 107,000 residents in
its service area.
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CITY OF
TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
202
5 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
1 -
1 1.1 PURPOSE AND SUMMARY
This is the
20 2
5 Ur
ban Water Management Plan (
UWMP) for the City of Torrance
Municipal
Water
Department
(City)
.
This plan has been prepared in compliance with the Urban Water Management Planning Act (Act), per Division 6 of the California Water Code, Sections 10610 to 10657, which has been most recently amended by SB 606 in 2018.
As part of the Act, the legislature declared that waters of the state are a limited and renewable resource subject to ever increasing demands; that the conservation and efficient use of urban water supplies are of statewide concern; that successful impleme ntation of plans is best accomplished at
the local level; that conservation and efficient use of water shall be actively pursued to protect both the people of the state and their water resources; that conservation and efficient use of urban water supplies
shall be a guiding criterion in public decisions; and that urban water suppliers shall be required to develop water management plans to achieve conservation and efficient use.
The Act requires “every urban water supplier providing water for municipal purposes to more than 3,000 customers or supp
lying more than 3,000 acre
-
feet
(AF)
of water annually, to prepare and
adopt, in accordance with prescribed requirements, an urban water management plan.” These
plans
must be filed
with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) every five years describing and evaluating reasonable and practical efficient water uses, reclamatio n, and
conservation activities
(
See generally
Water
Cod
e § 10631
)
.
The Act has been amended on several
occasions since its initial passage in 1983. Of
all the amendments, the most significant
came in 2009 as a result of the requirements
of Senate Bill 7
,
Seventh Extraordinary
Session. This is better known as the Water
Conservation Act of 2009 (SBx7
-
7). The
requirements of this bill state that per capita
water use within an urban water supplier's
service area must decrease by 20 percent by
the year 2020 in
order to receive grants or
loans administered by DWR or other state
agencies. The legislation sets an overall goal of reducing per capita urban water use by 20 percent by December 31, 2020. The state was required to make incremental progress towards this goal by
reducing per capita water use by at least 10 percent by December 31, 2015. In addition, each urban retail water supplier was required to develop water use targets by July 1, 2016. Effective 2021,
SECTION
1 INTRODUCTION
Figure 1.
1 :
UWMPs Comply with State Water Code
22 22
202
5 CITY OF
TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
1 -
2 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
urban retail water suppliers who do not meet the water conservation requirements established by this bill are not eligible for state water grants or loans. SBx7 -
7 substantially expanded the role of
the UWMPs by requiring all urban retail water suppliers to
develop baseline daily per capita water
use data, urban water use targets, and other technical information, and to report all of the information in their 2010 UWMPs.
1.2 COORDINATION
In preparing this 20
2 5
UWMP
,
the City has encouraged community participation
as indicated by
Table 1.1
.
Copies of the City’s draft plan were made available for public review at City Hall and the local public libraries in the City. The City noticed a public hearing to review and
accept
comments on the draft plan two weeks in advance of the hearing.
Table 1.
1 :
Coordination and Public Involvement
Participated
i
n Plan
Preparation
Contacted
for
Assistance
Commented
on Draft
Notified
of Public
Hearing
Attended
Public
Hearing
California Water Service Co.
✓
City of Gardena
✓
City of Lomita
✓
City of Lawndale
✓
City of Redondo Beach
✓
City of Rolling Hills Estates
✓
LA County Public Works
✓
LA County Public Works, Water
Resource Dept.
✓
LA County Dept. of Regional Planning
Division
✓
LA County Sanitation District
✓
Torrance City Clerk
✓
✓
Torrance City Council
✓
✓
✓
Torrance City Manager’s Office
✓
✓
✓
Torrance Community Dev.
✓
✓
✓
✓
Torrance Public Library
✓
✓
Torrance Public Works Dept.
✓
✓
✓
✓
Torrance Water Commission
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Water Replenishment District
✓
✓
West Basin MWD
✓
✓
The notice of the public
hearing
was publ
ished in
the local press and
a
vailable on the City's
website.
On
June
23 , 2
02 6
, the City held a noticed public hearing
to review and accept comments
on the draft plan.
Following the consideration of public comments received at the public hearing, the City adopted the 202
5 Plan on
June
23 , 202
6 . A copy of the City
Council resolution approving
the 202
5 Plan is
included in
Appendix
E
.
23 23
CITY OF
TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
202
5 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
1 -
3 As required by the Act, the 202
5 Plan is being provided by the City to DWR, the California State Library, and the public within 30 days of the City’s adoption. The 202 5 UWMP will be available
to the public during normal business hours within 30 days of submitting the 202 5 UWMP to DWR.
1.3 UPDATES TO UWMP ACT
There have not been any significant changes affecting the 2025 UWMPs on the level of SBx7 -
7;
however, there are numerous minor updates to DWR’s UWMP Guidebook and some minor changes to the UWMP Act affecting the 2025 UWMPs as follows:
•
C
larified Reporting Requirements for SBx7
-
7:
Agencies must provide a description in
the 2025 UWMP how their water use goals of the 20x2020 were met. An urban retail water supplier’s failure to meet those goals will establish a violation of law for purposes of any state administrative or judicial pro
ceeding. If the agency did not achieve its
targeted reduction in 2020, the agency must show in its 2025 UWMP whether it met their 2020 Target in 2025 to be eligible for state funds. Currently, the CWC does not set an end date for reporting on a supplier’
s progress in meeting the 2020 Target. (CWC §
10608.40)
•
Water Losses
:
Retail Suppliers must indicate the quantity of water losses for five years by reporting data from their American Water Works Association (AWWA) Water Loss Audits, discuss their progress toward compliance with the 2028 Water Loss Standard, and show whether
they met the Water Loss Performance Standard enacted by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). (CWC § 10631 (d) (3) (C), SB 1414, 2019)
•
Updates to Demand Management Measures (DMMs)
:
Retail Suppliers with an annual
actual water use above their urban water use
-
objective (UWUO) must include a narrative
describing additional DMMs the supplier plans to use to achieve its UWUO by January 1, 2027. (CWC § 10609.25, AB 1414, 2019)
•
Irrigation of Nonfunctional Turf:
The use of potable water to irrigate Nonfunctional turf is to be phased out with a final end date of January 1, 2031. After which it will be prohibited with a few exceptions. (CWC § 10618.14 (a))
1.4 FORMAT OF THE PLAN
The sections and information contained in this 202
5 UWMP correspond to the items in the Act
and other
amendments to the Water Code, as follows:
Section 1
-
Introduction
This section describes the Act,
the City
's planning and coordination process,
the history of
the City
's water supply system, and a description of its water
service area. This section also describes the local climate, population served, and the water system.
24 24
202
5 CITY OF
TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
1 -
4 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
Section 2
–
Water Sources
& Supplies
This section describes
the City
's water supplies, including imported water
from the State Water Project (SWP), and how
the City
handles those water
supplies. This section also discusses potential water supplies
and energy
intensity
.
Section 3
–
Water Quality
This secti
on discusses the quality of the City’s
water sources, including a
discussion on the treatment and testing of water. This section also discusses water quality effects on management strategies and supply reliability.
Section
4 –
Water
Demands
This section describes past, current, and projec
ted future water demands
within
the City
’s service area. This chapter also discusses the requirements of the SBx7
-
7. Section
5 –
Climate
Change
This section discusses climate change, its overall impacts on society, and its impact on
the City’s
water supplies. This section also discusses potential
future impacts, current efforts to combat climate change, and climate change considerations for water supply and demand projections.
Section 6
–
Reliability
Planning
This section discusses the need for reliability planning due to historic and recent droughts. This section also presents an assessment of the reliability of the City
’s water supplies by comparing projected future water demands within the City
's service area with expected water supplies under three different hydrologic conditions: a normal year; a single dry year; and multiple dry years.
Section 7
–
Demand
Management
This section addresses
the City
’s compliance with the current Best
Management Practices (BMPs), otherwise known as Demand Management Measures (DMMs).
Section 8
–
Water Shortage
Contingency
Plan
This section describes
the City
's efforts that will be utilized in the event of a
water supply interruption, such as a drought
. City of
Torrance
’s Board
passed
Ordinance No. 3717 in 2009 (known as the Conservation Ordinance), which replaced and updated an earlier ordinance (Ordinance No. 3320) that established certain water use restrictions and water waste prohibitions on a permanent
basis.
City Ordinance No. 3717 was amended in May 2015 by the
addition of City Ordinance No. 3782.
The ordinance
encourages conservation
and recommends min
imum restrictions be placed on water use. In addition,
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s (MWD) Water Surplus and Drought Management Plan (WSDM) is also described
.
This section will
also include a description of the seismic risk that may impact the City’s supply and member agencies.
Section 9
–
Recycled Water
This section describes past, current and projected recycled water use, along with a description of wastewater collection and treatment facilities .
Appendices
The appendices contain references
, supplemental information,
and specific
documents
relating to the City, used to prepare this 20
2 5
UWMP
.
1.5 UPDATES TO THE 202
5 PLAN
In addition to updated information for the years 20
20 –
202
5 ,
the City
’s UWMP has undergone
several changes since the 20
20 UWMP. The most significant change is the inclusion of water
25 25
CITY OF
TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
202
5 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
1 -
5 losses and clarified reporting requirements for SBx7
-
7 . A summary of the changes
since
the 20
20 UWMP is provided below:
•
Updated Section 8
–
Water Shortage Contingency Plan
•
Added new topics not previously discussed in the 2020 UWMP (Reporting Requirements for SBx7
-
7, 2028 Water Loss Standard, Irrigation of Nonfunctional Turf, etc.)
•
Updated
data, facts, and figures previously included in the 2020 UWMP
•
Added new
data, facts,
and
figures
not
previously included in the 20
20 UWMP
In addition to the above changes, there are multiple minor changes. The changes reflect both those that are required by the Water Code and those that
the
City
elected to include or modify.
1.6 WATER SYSTEM HISTORY
The City of Torrance
was founded in
1912 by
Jared Sidney Torrance
. The City was officially
incorporated in 1921. A portion of the original
settlement from 1912 exists to this day and is
known as Old Town Torrance as shown in
Figure
1. 2
.
From its foundation in 1912, the City
grew as a
residential and industrial community. Due to
continued development, the City
of Torrance
joined the recently formed Metropolitan Water
District
of Southern California
(MWD) in 1931
as one of 13 original members
. MWD was
founded in 1928 to
build
the
Colorado River Aqueduct to supplement the
water
supplies of
the
original founding members. In
1972, MWD
augmented
its
supply sources
to include deliveries
from the
State
Water
Project
via
the California Aqueduct.
Today, MWD serves more than 145
cities
and 94 unincorporated communities
serving over 19 million residents.
1.7 WATER
SERVICE AREA
The Torrance Municipal Water (TMW) service area is approximately 10,350 acres and comprises about 78 percent of the land within City l
imits. Califo
rnia Water Service Company
provides
water
service to the remaining portion of the City. Although the City's boundaries extend to the Pacific Ocean, TMW does not provide water service to its coastal residents. TMW's service area is bounded by the Cities of Los Angeles, Redondo Beach, Lawndale, Gard ena, Lomita, Rolling Hills
Estates, Palos Verdes Estates, and uninc
orporated
a
reas of Los Angeles County. Along the
southern edge of the service area are the Palos Verdes Hills, which rise about 450 feet at TMW's southern border.
Figure 1.
6 shows TMW’s service boundaries. Land use within the service area
is principally
Figure 1.
2 :
Old Town Torrance
26 26
202
5 CITY OF
TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
1 -
6 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
composed of single and multi
-
family residences, a centralized business and commercial district, and some institutional and industrial areas.
Since the
municipal service
area is
essentially at
a built
-
out condition
, additional growth will result from re
-
development of existing parcels.
Figure 1.
8 shows the City’s
land use map.
1.8 CLIMATE
Torrance has a Mediterranean climate
with moderate, dry summers with an
average temperature of about
81 °F
and cool, wet winters with an average
temperature of 5
0 °F.
The average
annual rainfall for the region is
just
under 14
inches. Evapotranspiration
(ETo) in the region averages
approximately
4 7
.
88 inches annually.
Table 1.2
lists the average ETo,
temperatures,
precipitation from
20 10
to 202
5 for the City.
Evapotranspiration is the sum of
evaporation from the land surface
plus the transpiration from the plant
material. The typical plant found in a
landscape absorbs water from the soil
through it its root system, and the
water is eventually released as vapor.
In the table, the average ETo in inches reflects the amount water expressed as a column of water required to maintain the plant in a healthy state for an entire year.
Monthly average ETo, precipitation, and
temperature data was obtained from
Long Beach
Station
(#
174
) from the California Irrigation
Management Information System (CIM).
Water supplies within California have been
heavily impacted and resulted in a variety of
consumption reductions and enforced water
conservation efforts.
California is inherently
subject to highly variable rainfall patterns
(See
Table 1.2
)
.
1. 9
POPULATION
According to the most recent population figures from the California Department of Finance
(DOF)
,
the current
20 2
5 resident population of the City is approximately
143,261
persons.
However,
Table 1.
2 : Historical Climate Characteristics
Month
Avg. ETo
(in.)
Avg
.
Total
Rainfall
(
in.
)
Temperatures
(
°F
)
Min
Max
Jan.
2.04 2.29
4 2.54
69.29 Feb.
2. 57
2.20 4
3.76 68.15
Mar.
3. 82
1. 36
47 .09
69.04 Apr.
4. 79
0. 44
50 .73
72.68 May
5. 23
0. 25
5 4.79
72.54 Jun.
5. 26
0.0 2
56 .46
7 5.38
Jul.
5.96 0.
06 6
2.21 8
0.60 Aug.
5.96 0.
10 6
2.50 8
3.65 Sep.
4. 67
0.1 0
61.06 8
4.54 Oct.
3. 52
0. 18
5 5.03
8 0.21
Nov.
2. 34
0.81 4
6.73 74.41
Dec.
1. 72
3.11 42.94
68.86 Annual
4 7.88
10. 92
5 2.15
74.95 Figure 1.
3 :
Snowfall in San Gabriel Mountains
27 27
CITY OF
TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
202
5 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
1 -
7 Torrance Municipal Water (TMW) accounts for
about 7
5 percent
of the City’s total residents while
the rest is served by other water suppliers.
Therefore, TMW
currently
serves approximately
106,958
persons.
In the 2020 UWMP, t
he
2020
population was
obtained using the DWR Population Tool. The tool
utilizes TMW’s service boundaries (see
Figure
1. 6
), historic water service
accounts, and U.S.
Census data.
The tool calculates a “person per
connection” and uses 20
20 water accounts to
obtain an estimate of the
2020
service area population.
The current 2025 population and p
opulation
projections
over the next 25 years was determined
using
the 2020 population as a baseline
and
current DOF population estimates
,
along with
increases in residents due to construction of additional housing units within the service area, in
accordance w
ith an annual growth rate of
nearly
0. 4
percent
. Current and projected
populations
over the next 25 years
are shown in
Table 1.
3 .
The service
area population
that TMW serves in
the City
is taken
as
approximately
7 5
percent
of the City’s total population
.
Table 1.
3 : Current & Projected Service Area Population Projections ( DWR
Table 3
-
1 Retail)
Population
Served
202
5 20
30 203
5 20
40 204
5 20
50 106,958
108,869
110,814
112,794
114,809
116,861
Since Torrance is a major commercial center for the region, daytime population has been estimated slightly over
200,000
,
due in large p
art to the number of businesses,
facilities
, and employment
centers
located in the City
.
1. 10
WATER SYSTEM
The City’s Public Works Department manages the health and welfare of the City’s infrastructure and natural resources. To address these responsibilities more effectively, Public Works is organized into two major
functional sectors:
Engineering/Capital Projects and Operations. The
Public Works Department consists
of
212
staff
.
The P
ublic Works Department provides high
-
quality service for those that live and/or work in the community. The Department is expanding its efforts to include more information on water conservation ,
recycling
, and sustainability initiatives
to ensure that the City uses resources in a
cost
-
effective
and environmentally responsible manner.
The Municipal Water Utility, known as "Torrance Municipal Water" or "TMW" has personnel assigned from various Public Works sections: Water Operations, Engineering, and Administration.
The Operations section is responsible for providing high quality drinkin g water through the
operation and maintenance of water production, the water distribution system, water tre atment,
storage facilitie
s,
and compliance with state and federal water quality standards .
The Engineering
Section is responsible for the Capital Improvement Program, which consists of the development Figure 1.
4 :
City of Torrance’s Madrona Marsh
28 28
202
5 CITY OF
TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
1 -
8 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
and replacement of water system infrastructure and other technical work.
In addition to water
quality functions, the
Operations Section is responsible for the operation and maintenance of system facilities, water production and
related
functions. In coordination with Management, the
Administrative Staff is responsible for acting as the liaison with outside agencies, most notably state, federal and county agencies departments, other water agencies and regulatory bodies. In addition, the
Administrative
Secti
on, along with management, supports the Torrance Water
Commission (which functions as an advisory board to the City Council) and the City’s representative on the MWD Board of Directors. Administrative Staff responsibilities also
include
developing and monitoring the Operations Budget, resource planning, the Capital Improvement Budget,
strategic planning, inter
-
agency coordination,
water rates and related financial functions.
Administrative
s
taff also provides customer service, develops and administers water
conservation
programs and other related water resource planning and management functions.
TMW distributes its water to
over
26,
9 00 service customers
through a 320
-
mile network of
d
istribution mains with pipeline
sizes ranging from
4 to 24 inches. The water system consists of
three pressure zones that provide sufficient water pressure to customers. The water service area, water pressure map, and land use map are shown in
Figures 1.
6 ,
1. 7
,
and
1. 8
.
1. 10
.1
Imported Water
TMW has five imported water connections with
MWD for
a total capacity of 33,666 gallons per
minute,
or 54,300 acre
-
feet per year
(AFY)
to receive imported water from MWD.
TMW can
import
up to
19 ,
204
AFY
from
MWD's
.
However, TMW deliveries from MWD are typically 20
percent
to 30
percent
below this level.
1. 10
.2
Groundwater
In addition to imported water,
The City currently maintains one active well (Well #9) and one standby well (Well #7) for groundwater extraction. Well #9 replaced an older Well #6 in 2010 and has a
n effective
yield capacity of
approximately
2,000 gallons per minute (gpm)
. Well #7 would
be used only on an as
-
needed basis for fire flow demands or other emergencies.
In 2023, TMW
completed the
North Torrance Wellfield Project (NTWP)
where two new wells were constructed
(Well #10 and Well #11). The City
is on Phase 2 of the
Van Ness Wellfield
Project
where three
new wells are being planned and expected to be completed by 20 31 .
1. 10
.3
Desalinated & Recycled Water
TMW also receives desalinated water (brackish groundwater) from its Robert W. Goldsworthy Desalter facility
located at the City Services Facility
(see
Figure
1. 5
). This Desalter
is owned by
the Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD) and operated by TMW
personnel
.
The desalinated water produced from the plant is for the exclusive use by TMW and the plant can
currently provide
12 -
1 6
percent of TMW’s total water supply
.
The facility
was
expanded
in 2018
from an effective capacity of 2,000 AFY to a
n effective capacity
of 4,000 AFY when in full
production (currently at 2,500 to 3,000 AFY).
A third expansion of the Goldsworthy Desal
ter
Expansion is currently underway starting with the construction of transmission pipeline to deliver water from several brackish wells that will be constructed in the next phase of the project to a treatment plan located in City Services Facility (City
Yard)
. The goal is for the Goldsworthy
D
esalter to double in size by
the end of
2028.
29 29
CITY OF
TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
202
5 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
1 -
9 Finally, TMW receives recycled water from West
Basin Municipal Water District
(WBMWD)
.
WBMWD receives secondary effluent from the City of Los Angeles Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant and provides tertiary treatment to meet Title 22 standards. TMW purchases recycled water from WBMWD’s Water Recycling Project. The recycled water comes from the
E
d
ward C. Li
ttle Water Recycling Facility
located in El Segundo.
City of Torrance
Public Works
Department
Goldsworthy
Desalter
Figure 1.
5 : City Services Facility
30 30
202
5 CITY OF
TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
1 -
10 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
Figure 1.
6 :
TMW Service Area
31 31
CITY OF
TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
202
5 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
1 -
11 Figure 1.
7 :
TMW Pressure Zones Map
32 32
202
5 CITY OF
TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
1 -
12 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
Figure 1.
8 :
City of Torrance Land Use Map
33 33
CITY OF
TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
202
5 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
1 -
13 1.
10 .4
Water Storage
For storage needs, TMW maintains four water storage reservoirs ranging in capacity from 0.9 million gallons (MG) to 18.7 MG with a total capacity of 3
2 .
1 MG. Two of these reservoirs are large
underground reservoirs and two are standard above ground tanks.
A new partially buried reservoir
was completed in 2023 under the North Torrance Wellfield Project with a capacity of 2.5 MG.
TMW's
reservoir statistics are listed in
Table 1.4
.
Table 1.
4 :
TMW Water Storage Facilities
Reservoir
Description
Capacity
(MG)
Walteria
Underground
18.7 Ben Haggot
Underground
10.0 Border Avenue
Above Ground
0.9 NTWP
F
acility
Partially Buried
2.5 Total Capacity:
3 2
.
1 1.
10 .5
E
mergency
Water Service
Interconnections
TMW
now
maintains f
ive
, two
-
way emergency inter
-
connections to adjacent water purveyor
systems. These connections have the ability to t
ransfer approximately 9,900 gpm
into
TMW’s
distribution system.
There are two 8
-
inch connections to the City of Lomita,
one 12
-
inch
connection to the CWSC
system
, and recently (2018)
one
new
8 -
inch connection to
California Water Service Company
(CWSC)
. Each has a two
-
way interconnection, allowing water transfers to
and from TMW,
depending on the emergency situation. There are also two 10 -
inch one way metered
interconnections that
can
only flow from TMW to CWSC
.
A list of the
water system inter
connections is
pr
o
vided
in
Table 1.5
.
Table 1.
5 :
Water Purveyor Interconnections
[1]
Interc
onnection
Size
(in.)
Pressure (psi)
Capacity
100 cubic
feet (cfs)
Location
Normal
Low
High
TMW
-
CWSC
8 70
50 90
4 Ellinwood
Dr
.
&
Sepulveda
B
lvd.
TMW
-
Lomita
[2]
8 75
60 100
4 Near 239th
St
.
&
Arlington
Av
e.
TMW
-
Lomita
[2]
8 75
60 100
4 Near 240th St
.
&
Pennsylvania
Ave
.
TMW
-
CWSC
12 NA
[3]
NA
[3]
NA
[3]
NA
[3]
Walnut St
.
near 230th St
.
TMW
-
CWSC
[4]
(2)
-
10 70
60 90
10 Del Amo B
lvd.
&
Maple St
.
[1]
Data provided by
City of Torrance
[2] City of Lomita
[3] Data not available
[4] One way
service connection
flow only from TMW to
California Water Service Company (
CWSC
)
34 34
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5 CITY OF
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1 -
14 SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION
THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
35 35
The City of Torrance’s sources of
supply consist of local groundwater,
desalinated groundwater, recycled
water, and imported water supply
from MWD. The imported water
consists of water from the Colorado
River and the State Water Project
(pictured).
SECTION 2: WATER SOURCES & SUPPLY
CITY OF TORRANCE | 2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
36 36
CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2025
SECTION 2: WATER SOURCES & SUPPLIES 2 - 1
2.1 INTRODUCTION
TMW’s water supply sources consist of imported water from MWD, groundwater produced from the West Coast Groundwater Basin; desalinated groundwater produced from the Goldsworthy Groundwater Desalter and recycled water produced at West Basin Municipal Water District’s (WBMWD) Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility in El Segundo.
2.2 WATER SUPPLY SOURCES
2.2.1 Imported Water
The City has access to imported water from the
Colorado River and the State Water Project
(SWP) supplies that transverse the Sacramento-
San Joaquin Rive r Delta in Northern California.
These two water systems normally provide
Southern California with over 2 million acre feet
(MAF) of water annually for urban uses . The
Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California’s Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA
system) is the other major source of imported
water to the region.
Colorado River
Passed in 1928, the Boulder Canyon Project Act established an annual water allotment for Arizona out of the Colorado River Lower Basin, leading to the construction of Hoover Dam and the creation of Lake Mead. The Colorado River supplies several states with a valuable source of water including Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and California. Approximately 40 million people are dependent on water from the Colorado River for agricultural, industrial, or domestic needs. California's allotment from the Colorado River is about 4.4 MAF annually and is used for agricultural and urban uses with approximately 3.85 MAF used for agriculture , primarily in Imperial and Riverside Counties. MWD only has a firm annual entitlement to approximately 550,000 AF of Colorado River water supply, but augments this supply by numerous transfer and exchange agreement s, which increase MWD’s effective use of the Colorado River water to 900,000 AF to 1.2 million acre-feet (MAF) annually, which is used for urban purposes in MWD’s service area. MWD was established to provide supplemental imported water to Southern California and obtain ed an allo cation of SECTION 2
Figure 2.1: Parker Dam at Colorado River
WATER SOURCES & SUPPLIES
37 37
2025
CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
2 - 2 SECTION 2: WATER SOURCES & SUPPLIES
Colorado River water for this purpose. Its first mission was to construct and operate the Colorado River Aqueduct system, which was substantially completed in 1941.
The Colorado River Basin has been experiencing a prolonged drought where runoff above Lake Powell has been below average for most of the last 25 years. Runoff in the Colorado River Basin above Lake Powell from 2000 through 2007 was the lowest eight-year runoff on record. While runoff returned to near normal conditions during 2008-2010, drought returned in 2012 with runoff in 2012 being among the four driest in history. The Colorado River Basin has been in a prolonged 25-year dry cycle and storage levels have continued to decline over the last five years. Lake Mead is at its lowest level since its original filling with the construction of the Hoover Dam. During these drought conditions, Colorado River system storage has decreased to less than 35 percent of capacity (see Figure 2.1).
State Water Project - Bay Delta
In addition to the Colorado River, water
flowing through the Sacramento-San Joaquin
River Delta provides a significant amount of
supply annually to Southern California. The
Delta is located at the confluence of the
Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers east of
the San Francisco Bay and is the West
Coast's largest estuary (see Figure 2.2).
The Delta is often considered the nexus
of California's statewide water system .
About half the total river flow in the state
passes through this region, from which water
is exported to the San Joaquin Valley,
Southern California and portions of the Bay area to supply some 1,130,000 acres of farmland and 23 million people in central and Southern California. Water flowing through the Delta provides an estimated 7 million acre feet of water per year, of which about 100,000 AF are exported to the San Francisco Bay Area, 1.7 MAF are used in that local area, and over 5 MAF are exported to the San Joaquin Valley, coastal Central and Southern California via the State Water Project and federal Central Valley Project.
In past years, a planning effort to increase long -term supply reliability for both the State Water Project (SWP) and Central Valley Project (CVP) took place. This plan, formerly known as the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP), included co-equal goals to improve water supply reliability and restore the Delta ecosystem. In April 2015, state and federal agencies announced a new sub - alternative, California WaterFix and California EcoRestore, which replaced the proposed BDCP as the State’s preferred project.
However, plans for the California WaterFix did not gain support from Governor Newsom. In his speech to the state addressed in February 2019, Newsom announced that he did not “support WaterFix as currently configured,” but does “support a single tunnel”. As a result, on April of Figure 2.2: Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta
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2019, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-10-19, which announced a new single tunnel project known as the Delta Conveyance Project (DCP). Later that year, DWR initiated planning and environmental review for the DCP to protect the reliability of SWP su pplies from the effects of climate change and seismic events, among other risks. DWR’s current schedule for the DCP environmental planning and permitting extends to the end of 2026. DCP could potentially be operational in 2044 following extensive planning, permitting, and construction.
Ecosystem improvements and habitat restoration (California EcoRestore) more generally would be undertaken under a more phased approach than previously contemplated by the BDCP and would not be linked with the California WaterFix project or permits. Acceler ated restoration actions totaling 30,000 acres of tidal marsh habitat were proposed to be undertaken in the coming decade to provide public benefits for listed fish in the Bay-Delta.
As of August 2025, 32 projects have been identified that restore more than the targeted 30,000 acres of habitat, including a projected 18,580 acres of floodplain, 14,000 acres of tidal habitat, 3,500 acres of non -tidal wetlands and 1,650 acres of riparian and upland habitat. To date, 12 projects have been completed, 8 more are under construction, and the remaining 12 projects are planned to begin construction by 2027.
Aqueduct Systems
In order to provide Southern California
imported water, two separate aqueduct
systems (one for each source of supply) are
utilized to obtain supplies. These two
aqueduct systems convey water from each
source into separate reservoirs whereupon the
water is pumped to one of several treatment
facilities before entering MWD's distribution
system. One of these aqueduct systems is
known as the Colorado River Aqueduct
(CRA), and the other is known as the
California Aqueduct or the State Water Project (SWP). The CRA is owned and managed by MWD (see Figure 2.4) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) (see Figure 2.3 ) manages the SWP.
The idea for the CRA initially began in the early 1920s. As a result of the growing water needs of the Los Angeles area, MWD was formed in 1928. The CRA was considered to be the first order of business shortly after MWD's incorporation. MWD initially considered eight different routes for the CRA, but ultimately , the existing route was chosen since it was the safest and most economical. Construction began in 1933 after a $220 million bond was approved in 1931. The CRA is 242 miles long and consists of open channels, tunnels, and pipelines, two major reservoirs, and five pumping stations. At the pumping stations, water is lifted in some cases by over 400 feet in order to account for the elevation differences. The CRA delivers water from the Colorado River at the Parker Dam (see Figure 2.1) to Lake Mathews in western Riverside County.
Figure 2.3: State Water Project Main Aqueduct
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In addition to the CRA, MWD receives
water from northern California via t he
California Aqueduct, a lso known as the
SWP. The SWP is a 444-mile-long water
storage and delivery system of reservoirs,
aqueducts, power plants, and pumping
plants, carries water from the Bay -Delta to
Southern California, and is operated by
DWR. Its main purpose is to store water and
distribute it to 29 urban and agricultural
water suppliers , also known as
"contractors" in Northern California, the San
Francisco Bay Area, the San Joaquin Valley, the Central Coast, and Southern California. Of the contracted water supply, 70 percent goes to urban users and 30 percent goes to agricultural users.
Financing for the construction of SWP facilities was authorized in 1959 when the State Legislature enacted the California Water Resources Development Act (known as the Burns -Porter Act). The Burns-Porter Act, formally known as the California Water Resources Development Bond Act, was placed on the November 1960 ballot. Also known as Proposition One, its chances for passage were unpredictable. Heated and continuous negotiations were still ongoing, with MWD withholding its endorsement until days before the ele ction. The San Francisco Chronicle strongly opposed the proposition. California’s North -South regional rivalry was a strong factor in the election . The voters approved the measure.
The first SWP water deliveries were made in 1962, two years after construction began. The DWR and MWD signed the first water supply contract in 1960. Today, 29 agencies have long-term water supply contracts with DWR. The service areas of these long -term water supply contractors vary widely in size, location, climate, and population. The contractors’ uses for SWP water also differ.
In the San Joaquin Valley, SWP water is used primarily for agriculture. In the Feather River area, San Francisco South Bay, the North Bay areas, and in Southern California, SWP water is used primarily for urban and industrial needs.
Today, the SWP includes 3 6 storage
facilities, reservoirs and lakes, 2 1 pumping
plants, 4 pumping -generating plants, 5
hydroelectric power plants, and about 70 5
miles of open canals and pipelines . The
previously mentioned aqueducts (see
Figure 2.5 ) supply Southern California
with a significant amount of its water and
are crucial to its sustainability. In addition
to these two wa ter systems, there are also
several other aqueducts that are vital to the
State, including the Los Angeles Aqueduct
(managed by Los Angeles Department of
Water and Power -LADWP), which
Figure 2.4: Colorado River Aqueduct
Figure 2.5: SWP California Aqueduct
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provides water exclusively to the City of Los Angeles and is not regional water supply source. The major aqueducts in California are shown in Figure 2.6.
Imported Water Purchases
As a wholesale agency, MWD distributes imported water to its 26 member agencies throughout Southern California as shown in Figure 2.7. TMW is one of 15 primarily retail agencies served by MWD and receives imported water from five interconnections ranging in capacity from 2,245 gpm to 11,220 gpm. The interconnections are capable of serving over 100 percent of TMW's water needs if necessary , and their combined capacity is over twice TMW’s average annual water demand requirements. Table 2.1 presents TMW's recent imported water purchases from fiscal year 2020 – 2025. Imported water over this time period has accounted for approximately 74 percent of TMW's potable water supply total.
The City's tier 1 rate allocation from MWD in 2020 was 19,204 AFY and the current (2025) limit is 19,204 AFY. TMW’s imported water purchases were substantially under 19,204 AFY during the last five years, due to reduced demand with continued water conservation and the drilling of new local water sources - Well #10 and Well #11 located behind Yukon Elementary School.
Table 2.1: Imported Water Supply 2020 – 2025 (Purchases from MWD) Year Purchases (AF)
2020 14,831
2021 13,850
2022 14,322
2023 13,460
2024 13,795
2025 12,748
Average: 13,834
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City of
Torrance
Figure 2.6: Aqueduct Systems in California
MWD
Service Area
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Figure 2.7: MWD Service Area Map
City of Torrance
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2.2.2 Groundwater
TMW obtains its groundwater supply from the West Coast Groundwater Basin (Basin) and has an adjudicated right of about 5,639 AFY. The Basin is located in western Los Angeles County and overlies the entire City of Torrance and all or portions of 11 other cities in the region. The Basin has a surface area of 142 square miles of flat to hilly terrain. The Basin is bounded by the Ballona Escarpment to the North, consolidated rocks of the Palos Verdes Hills and the Pacific Ocean to the South, the Newport-Inglewood fault to the East, and the Pacific Ocean to the West. Adjacent groundwater basins include the Santa Monica, Central, and Orange County Basins as shown in Figure 2.8 above.
Water-bearing deposits of the West Coast Basin include unconsolidated and semi -consolidated marine and alluvial sediments deposited over time. Key production aquifers include the Gardena, Gage, Lynwood, and Silverado aquifers. Groundwater is mainly confined, although the Gage and Gardena aquifers are unconfined where water levels have dropped below the Bellflower aquiclude (a protective imperious layer). The Silverado aquifer, which underlies most of the Basin, is the most productive aquifer in the Basin yi elding up to 90 percent of the groundwater extracted annually with a thickness of 250-500 feet. No domestic supplies are produced by TMW from the upper two aquifers due to potential contamination in this zone.
Figure 2.8: Local West Coast and Adjacent Groundwater Basins 44 44
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Groundwater in the Basin is replenished
naturally by percolation from
precipitation receiving an average annual
precipitation of about 12 to 14 inches, by
subsurface inflows from the Central Basin
to the East and by infiltration of surface
inflows from the Los Angeles and San
Gabriel Rivers. Since the Basin is mostly
urbanized and soil surfaces have been
paved to construct roads, buildings, and
flood channels, natural replenishment to
the basin's water-bearing formations is
limited to only a small portion of basin
soils. However, the Basin receives
additional replenishment provided by
artificial re -charge from the Water Replenishment District's (WRD) injection wells from the protective West Coast Seawater Barrier. Approximately 90 to 95 percent of the water injected into the barrier flows eastward and is a major source of the basin’s replenishment.
Groundwater flow in the Basin is generally from the Ballona Escarpment (see Figure 2.9) in the North and the Central Basin to the East towards the Pacific Ocean in the West and Palos Verdes Hills in the South (see Figure 2.10 on the following page).
The total storage in the basin is estimated to be approximately 6.5 MAF. Unused storage is estimated to be approximately 1.1 MAF. Each year WRD determines the amount of supplemental recharge that is needed for the Basin based upon annual groundwater extractions and groundwater levels. The adjudicated rights in the West Coast Basin stand at 64,468.25 AFY.
Groundwater levels in the basin are generally at or above mean sea level (MSL), although low water levels in portions of aquifers underlying the Pacific Ocean allow for seawater intrusion to occur.
Due to seawater intrusion, there are two seawater intrusion barriers in the West Coast Basin: the West Coast Basin Barrier Project and the Dominguez Gap Barrier Project. These seawater intrusion barriers inject a combined average of 32,300 AFY of water along the coastline and the Dominguez Channel to protect the basin from seawater intrusion. Recycled water currently supplies approximately 75 percent of the seawater intrusion barrier water requirements, and in the near future it will provide 100 percent of these needs. Approximately 90-95 percent of the water introduced into the barriers eventually flows back into the groundwater pumping areas of the Basin and is extracted as a potable supply source at the utility’s wells after migrating through the aquifers.
Natural replenishment of the basin and additional artificial recharge by WRD are major sources of basin recharge. There are no spreading basins in the West Coast Basin. In an effort to eliminate long-term overdraft conditions, WRD closely monitors the groundwater basins for fluctuations in groundwater levels. WRD utilizes a groundwater model developed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) to study and better understand the Basin’s reaction to pumping and recharge. WRD Figure 2.9: Ballona Creek (Northern Border of the West Coast Groundwater Basin)
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works closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW), MWD, WBMWD and the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County ( LACSD) on the status of current and future replenishment supplies.
The West Coast Basin is an adjudicated
basin and WRD, DWR, LACDPW, and the
Regional Water Quality Control Board
provide the management of water resources
and operations in the basin. The State Water
Resource Control Board (SWRCB) and the
Division of Drinking Water (formerly the
California Department of Health Services)
provides additional oversight of the Basin's
groundwater quality and help monitor
contaminant levels.
A copy of the Judgment of the West Coast
Basin is attached in Appendix F.
The key characteristics of the West Coast Basin are summarized below in Table 2.2:
Table 2.2: West Coast Basin Summary of Characteristics
Item Amount
Max. Depth to Groundwater 2,000 ft.
Thickness of Groundwater Table 180-1,050 ft.
Storage 6.5 MAF
Adjudicated Rights 64,468 AFY
Spreading Basins (Total) 0
Seawater Protective Intrusion Barriers 2
Desalters* 1
*Goldsworthy Desalter
Groundwater Production
The City currently maintains three active wells (Well #9, #10, and #11) and one standby well (Well #7) for groundwater extraction. Well #9 replaced an older Well #6 in 2010 and has a yield capacity of 2,000 gpm. Wells #10 and #11 were constructed and went online in 2023. Well #7 would be used only on an as-needed basis for fire flow demands or other emergencies.
Figure 2.10: Palos Verdes Hills (Southern Border of the West Coast Basin)
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Each of TMW’s wells is equipped with a flow meter to measure water production. Water production is recorded monthly by City water staff and reported annually to DWR. Over the past six years (2020 – 2025), groundwater extraction has ranged from 576 AF to 4,710 AF (average of 2,329 AF). Table 2.3 displays the City's groundwater supplies for years 2021 to 2025.
Table 2.3: 2021 - 2025 Groundwater Production (AF) (DWR Table 6-1 Retail) Groundwater
Type Location or Basin Name 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Alluvial Basin West Coast Groundwater
Basin 1,758 1,590 576 3,678 4,710
TOTAL 1,758 1,590 576 3,678 4,710
2.2.3 Goldsworthy Desalter
The Robert W. Goldsworthy Desalter began operation in 2002 under the direction of WRD, who constructed and owns the facility . The desalter facility was constructed to treat brackish groundwater resulting from a saline plume located in the Basin, and with the recent expansion has a m aximum design capacity to treat up to approximately up to 5 MGD , which equates to approximately 5,500 AFY. The plant treats saline water using reverse osmosis. The product water meets all state and federal drinking water standards and is used as drinking water for the City. The City operates and maintains the facility under an agreement with WRD. All water produced by the facility is sold to TMW for use in the municipal service area.
Desalter Production
The desalinated water received by the City is used as a supplemental potable water supply source.
Over the past five years, TMW has received an average of 2,420 AF of groundwater annually from the desalter . However, the Desalter was out of service for most of 2016, all of 2017 , and a significant interval in 2018, due to the construction of the expanded facility. In 2020, the expanded Desalter produced over 2,700 AF of potable water. A third expansion of the Goldsworthy Desalter Expansion is currently underway starting with the construction of a transmission pipeline to deliver water from several brackish wells that will be constructed in the next phase of the project to a treatment plan located in City Services Facility (City Yard). Table 2.4 summarizes the past sales to City from 2020 – 2025.
The lower production from the desalter compared to design capacity was primarily attributable to the limited capacity of a single source well supplying saline water to the facility. With the desalter expansion project, two additional wells were drilled to provide sufficient source capacity to keep the facility operational at optimum capacity. The Desalter ’s current configuration produces approximately 3,000 AFY. With an additional proposed well, the Desalter could produce 4,000 to 4,800 AFY.
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Table 2.4: Desalter Groundwater Production
Year Production (AF)
2020 2,710
2021 2,825
2022 2,924
2023 3,587
2024 1,980
2025 786
Average: 2,469
2015 - 2020 Avg. (2020 UWMP) 1,197
Change from 2020 UWMP +1,272
The pumping and treatment of this groundwater aids in halting the migration of saline plumes. In addition, the utilization of this groundwater creates a new source of supply, expands the availability of local water supplies, reduces the City’s reliance on imported supplies from MWD, and further drought-proofs the community.
2.2.4 Recycled Water
TMW has significant industrial
and commercial water customers,
which cannot alter their water
consumption characteristics
during drought periods. To
enhance water supply reliability
in the City and the region, TMW
contracts with the West Basin
Municipal Water District
(WBMWD) for the delivery of
recycled water (RW) for non -
potable industrial and landscape
irrigation uses to supplement its
water supply. In addition,
recycled water from the facility
supplies the majority of the water used for the protective seawater barriers in the local West Coast Groundwater Basin.
WBMWD developed a regional water recycling program known as the West Basin Water Recycling Project. West Basin's transformation from primarily an imported water wholesaler to a leader in conservation and water recycling can be traced back to California's severe drought Figure 2.11: Edward C. Little Recycling Facility (WBMWD Recycling Project)
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period between the late '80s and early '90s. In 1992, WBMWD received state and federal funding to design and build a world-class, state-of-the-art water recycling treatment facility in the City of El Segundo with its own visitor’s education center. The facility is shown in Figure 2.11.
West Basin water recycling facility, the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility (E CLWRF), receives secondary effluent from the City of Los Angeles Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Secondary effluent is pumped from Hyperion to the E CLWRF via the Hyperion Secondary Effluent Pump Station (HSEPS), which is owned and maintained by West Basin. The E CLWRF was completed in 1994 and has been expanded several times to meet the increasing needs of the region. The facility currently has the capacity to provide approximately 40 million gallons per day (MGD) of useable water to various customers in WBMWD's service area, including several cities and private industrial customers. The ECLWRF is one of the largest water recycling facility of its kind in the United States and was recognized by the National Water Research Institute in 2002 as one of only six National Centers for Water Treatment Technologies.
The E CLWRF is the only
treatment facility in the country
that produces five different
qualities of "designer" or custom-
made recycled water that meet the
unique needs of West Basin’s
municipal, commercial, and
industrial customers. The five
types of designer wat er include:
Tertiary Water (Title 22),
Nitrified Water, Softened Reverse
Osmosis Water, Pure Reverse
Osmosis Water, and Ultra -Pure
Reverse Osmosis Water. West
Basin's customers use recycled water for a wide variety of industrial and irrigation needs to meet the increasing needs of its customers and to provide additional supply capacity to the region, WBMWD developed the Phase V Expansion for the E CLWRF. In May 2013, the project was completed and increased treatment capacity from about 30 MGD to approximately 40 MGD. The project expanded the Title 22 (pretreatment and filtration processes) recycled water system, the microfiltration (MF) treatment system, the reverse osmosis (RO) treatment system and ultraviolet (UV) disinfection treatment systems, inst allation of ozone pretreatment process for the MF treatment system, and the upgrade to the support facilities that manage the waste -handling processes and various ancillary process capacities (see Figure 2.12). In the future, the plant has the potential to be expanded up to 70,000 AFY.
Recycled Water Purchases
TMW purchases recycled water produced at the E CLWRF from WBMWD. Recycled water purchases in the City include direct purchases by the City for use at landscape irrigation sites and by Torrance Refining Company-TORC Refinery (formerly ExxonMobil). About 94 percent of the recycled water used within the City is attributable to the TORC Refinery. Table 2.5 lists the past Figure 2.12: Clarifier Treating Wastewater
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recycled water purchases in the City from 2020 – 2025:
Table 2.5: Recycled Water Purchases from WBMWD 2020 – 2025 Year TORC (AF) Other (AF)
2020 4,860 309
2021 5,429 321
2022 4,673 324
2023 4,560 242
2024 4,709 261
2025 4,904 265
Average: 4,856 287
2015 - 2020 Avg. (2020 UWMP) 5,158 338
Change from 2020 UWMP -302 -51
Over the past five years, recycled water has accounted for approximately 22 percent of the overall water supply in the City's TMW service area.
2.3 WATER SUPPLY SUMMARY
Over the past five years, the City's new wells have increased their groundwater supplies to more than one third ( 41 percent to be exact) of their adjudicated pumping right. Imported water, therefore, has accounted for over 74 percent of the City's total potable water supply. Overall water use in the City is balanced by the use of recycled water used by the City and the Torrance Refining Company (TORC). The City benefits immensely from TORC's use of recycled water purchased and received directly from WBMWD as this saves on average 5,500 to 6,000 AFY today of potable water, which would have otherwise been used to support ExxonMobil's industrial processes. This could increase to 6,500 AFY depending on refinery production and other factors.
Table 2.6: 2025 Water Supply (AF) (DWR Table 6-8 Retail) Water Supply Additional Detail on
Water Supply
2025
Actual
Volume
Potable or
Non-Potable
Total Right or
Safe Yield
Purchased or Imported Water MWD 12,748 Potable 19,204 Groundwater (not desalinated) West Coast
Groundwater Basin 4,710 Potable 5,639
Desalinated Groundwater Goldsworthy Desalter 786 Potable 4,800(a) Recycled Water West Basin Municipal
Water District 5,169 Non-Potable 7,150
Subtotal Potable 18,244 29,643
Subtotal Non-Potable 5,169 7,150
Total 23,413 36,793
Note: (a) At maximum effective capacity
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Table 2.7: 2021 – 2025 Water Supply Summary (AF)
Year Imported Ground Desalinated
Ground
Recycled
Water Total
2021 13,850 1,758 2,825 5,750 24,183
2022 14,322 1,590 2,924 4,997 23,833
2023 13,460 576 3,587 4,802 22,425
2024 13,795 3,678 1,980 4,970 24,423
2025 12,748 4,710 786 5,169 23,413
Average
(2021-2025): 13,635 2,462 2,420 5,138 23,655
2.4 PROJECTED WATER SUPPLY
The City recognizes the need to identify, support and implement local water supply projects to augment imported supplies and help drought proof the municipal water service area. As part of this process, the City intends to upgrade its groundwater supply facilities to include the addition of up to three new wells as part of the City’s Van Ness Wellfield Project . Phase one of the Van Ness Wellfield Project was completed in 2024 with the construction of a transmission main to deliver the groundwater to an existing ina ctive reservoir. Phase two and three of the Van Ness Wellfield Project are currently underway and expected to be completed by 2031. The North Torrance Wellfield Project was completed in 2023 and consisted of two new wells along with new treatment, storage and pumping facilities constructed at a 1.5-acre site located west of Yukon Avenue (behind Yukon Elementary School). This increased TMW’s groundwater capacity to their adjudicated right of 5,639 AFY. Additionally, in 2018 the WRD, in partnership with the City, implemented the expansion of the Goldsworthy Desalter.
The 2018 desalter expansion included an additional effective capacity of 2,000 AFY to the City.
The expansion increased the output of the Desalter up to approximately 4,000 MAF when in full production. The desalter has the maximum capacity to produce up to 4,800 AFY with the addition of a third well. As a result of these improvements, TMW has reduced its dependency on imported water substantially in the last five years. While TMW expects MWD to maintain its 19,204 AFY allocation to TMW, it is understood that this limit may change in the future.
The use of recycled water is also expected to increase gradually over time as WBMWD extends recycled pipelines in the City and with additional conversions of landscape customers to recycled supplies. Over time, recycled supplies could potentially provide up to 25 percent of TMW’s total water supply portfolio in the future.
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Table 2.8: Projected Water Supply Availability (AF) (DWR Table 6-9 Retail) Water Supply Additional Detail on
Water Supply
Projected Water Supplies
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Purchased or
Imported Water MWD 19,204 19,204 19,204 19,204 19,204
Groundwater (not
desalinated) (a)
West Coast
Groundwater Basin 5,639 5,639 5,639 5,639 5,639
Desalinated
Groundwater (b) Goldsworthy Desalter 4,800 4,800 4,800 4,800 4,800 Recycled Water West Basin Municipal
Water District 7,150 7,150 7,150 7,150 7,150
Total 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Note: (a) Based on current adjudicated groundwater pumping rights (b) The production of desalinated groundwater from the Goldsworthy Desalter does not include the additional production from the expansion.
Overall, TMW's supply reliability is expected to increase through the implementation of planned improvements to its groundwater facilities, WRD’s Goldsworthy Desalter expansion, through continued access to imported water, and through continued and augmented use of recycled water.
TMW will also continue to benefit indirectly from regional conservation efforts and through MWD's efforts to augment its supplies and improve storage capacities. Section 5 discusses reliability issues and compares the City's projected water supply availability to projected demands for normal, dry, and multiple dry years through 2050.
2.5 ALTERNATE WATER SOURCES
This section provides an overview of alternative water sources and their potential uses. Alternative water sources include recycled water, recycled stormwater and wastewater , greywater, and desalinated seawater.
Recycled Wastewater
Although the City does not currently have the capability to construct a wastewater treatment facility within its limits, the City currently benefits indirectly from regional uses of recycled water in the West Coast Basin and in its service area. As a resul t of using recycled wastewater for non- potable industrial and landscape irrigation purposes, TMW has saved over 130,000 AF of potable water, since the inception of the WBMWD recycled water plant in 1995. In addition, the City has identified additional potential recycled water users. If the City were to expand its use of recycled water, the City would receive additional benefit of reducing imported water deliveries.
Stormwater
Although a small westerly area of the City extends to the Pacific Ocean, this area is served by the California Water Service Company (CWSC), not TMW. Currently, there is little potential or 52 52
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available land for construction of a recycled stormwater facility similar to the Santa Monica ’s Urban Runoff Recycling Facility (SMURRF).
The City currently captures stormwater runoff from retention basins (sumps) located throughout the City to prevent contaminates from polluting Santa Monica Bay and the Dominguez Channel watersheds. The primary purpose of these basins is to prevent localized flooding of low lying areas and mitigate any exceedance in NPDES limitations on stormwater discharges within the three watershed areas within the City.
In 2015, three of these retention basins (Entradero , Henrietta, and Amie) were enhanced and reconstructed by converting them to high-capacity infiltration basins to prevent discharges to Santa Monica Bay. The basins were also transformed into environmental habitat areas by replanting native plant species and creation of seasonal wetland areas.
Due to the hydrogeology of the West Coast Basin and the presence of relatively thick clay aquicludes that separate the groundwater aquifers from the surface, relatively little of the water retained and percolated in retention basins replenishes the groundwater basin.
Greywater
Greywater systems (see Figure 2.13) have
been used in California to provide a source
of water supply for subsurface irrigation
and also as a means to reduce overall water
use. Greywater consists of water discharged
from sinks, bathtubs, dishwashers, and
washing machines. Greywater systems
sometimes consist of an underground tank
and pumping system. Greywater is
currently legal for subsurface irrigation in
the State of California . However, strict
regulations and high installation costs have
impeded installation of professional
greywater systems and have the unintended
consequence of undocumented and noncompliant use of greywater.
The promotion of greywater systems as a means to reduce the City's overall water use is regarded as marginal since the use of greywater is currently limited to subsurface irrigation. Therefore, the overall service area-wide reduction in water use (in AF) would be minimal at best. With the recent passage of SB 1258, it may have its place as a potential future, limited water supply for landscape irrigation purposes.
The City does not currently have a formal program in place to support greywater use. Currently, its use is restricted to reuse of laundry water only for subsurface irrigation of plants and trees.
However, the City has held several workshops on this limited application of greywater for plants and trees.
Figure 2.13: Greywater System
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Desalinated Seawater
Seawater desalination is a process whereby seawater is treated to remove salts and other constituents to develop both potable and non-
potable supplies. There are over 10,000
desalination facilities worldwide that
produce over 13 million AFY. Desalinated
water can add to Southern California's supply
reliability by diversifying its water supply
sources and mitigating against possible
supply reductions due to water shortage
conditions. With its Local Resource
Programs (LRP), the MWD facilitates
implementation and provides financial
incentives for the development of seawater
desalination facilities within its service area.
There are no plans to incorporate desalinated seawater into TMW supply sources at this time. The economics of building and operating an oceanfront desalinization plant would prohibit its construction in the City, as most oceanfront plants are constructed adjacent to existing power plants, and take advantage of the existing infrastructure.
Recently the San Diego Water Authority completed a 50 million per day (mgd) ocean desalination facility located in Carlsbad, California (see Figure 2.14). In addition, the development of another ocean desalination facility in Southern California is in the planning stage and would be located in the City of Dana Point (known as the Doheny Ocean Desalination Project).
Since early part of this century, WBMWD has
been investigating the development of a full
scale ocean desalination facility that would
produce between 20 to 50 million gallons of
fresh water per day. WBMWD has conducted
extensive pilot testing at the El Segundo Power
Generating Station in El Segundo, California for
over an eight-year period to assess the feasibility
of converting seawater to fresh water. In
addition, WBMWD constructed a larger
desalination demonstration facility in 2010
located at SEA Lab (closed in 2019) in Redondo
Beach (see Figure 2.15 ) to more extensively
determine full scale plant requirements for
energy use, comprehensively address
environmental issues associated with water
intake and brine discharges, determine optimum
operating protocols, address target water quality goals and evaluate alternatives to reduce capital and operating costs. WBMWD completed its demonstration plant testing and completed a Figure 2.14: Carlsbad Desalination Plant
Figure 2.15: SEA Lab in Redondo Beach (closed in 2019)
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comprehensive Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on the project, however, WBMWD’s board voted to terminate the desalination project in December 2021. Although the new facility would have provided approximately 20 MGD of water, the WBMWD board pivoted to prioritizing sustainable water sources like recycling, conservation, and groundwater management. Years of study, community opposition regarding costs , environmental impacts and duration of the project made the project infeasible.
2.6 TRANSFERS, EXCHANGES, AND CONJUNCTIVE USE STORAGE
The City owns rights to extract 5,639 AF of groundwater annually. However, the City , over the past six years, used an average of 2,329 AFY of its annual adjudicated water rights groundwater pumping due to water quality problems with older wells. However, with approval of the Conjunctive Use Carryover Storage program in the West Coast Groundwater Basin in December 2014, as a result of an amendment to the groundwater judgement in the West Coast Basin , TMW is converting its excess pumping rights to a “banked” storage account and no longer lease s out pumping rights. To date, TMW has banked over 11,200 AF into its storage account. This stored supply will augment TMW’s adjudicated pumping rights and will be utilized once the Van Ness Wellfield Project is constructed within the next 4-5 years. Due to logistic constraints, water transfers are not regarded as significant opportunity at this time.
The City maintains four 2-way emergency inter-connections to adjacent water purveyor systems.
These connections have the ability to transfer approximately 9,900 gpm into the City's distribution system. There are two 8 -inch connections to the City of Lomita, a new 8-inch connection to California Water Service Company (CWSC), and one 12 -inch connection to the CWSC system.
Each has a two-way interconnection allowing water transfers to and from the City, depending on the emergency. The operability of these connections has been tested periodically . There are also two 10-inch one way metered interconnections that can only flow from the City to CWSC.
2.7 PLANNED SUPPLY PROJECTS
The City continually reviews options that have potential to provide its customers with adequate , safe, and reliable supplies. Trained experienced staff continues to ensure the City’s water quality is safe and the quantity of water supply meets both present demands and future needs. The City’s planning approach to water supply projects is performed such that projects are implemented in an environmentally and economically responsible manner. The City consistently coordinates its long- term water shortage planning with MWD, WRD, WBMWD, and other agencies that are involved with the development or implementation of these type of programs.
The City’s potable water demand within its service area could remain relatively constant over the next 20 years , due to minimal growth combined with water use efficiency measures and the potential additional use of recycled water. Water conservation measures described in Section 7 and possible increased use of recycled water use as described in Section 9 have the potential to reduce potable demand. Any new water supply projects will be to replace or upgrade existing facilities and capacities, rather than to support population growth and new development.
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Several local water resource projects will diversify TMW’s water source mix and substantially reduce deliveries of imported water from the Metropolitan Water District. Diversification of Torrance Municipal Water’s supply portfolio with local groundwater, groundwater desalination, recycled water and water reuse projects is one of TMW highest priority goals. This local source diversification program will enhance TMW’s supply reliability and resilience and help “drought proof” the community by expa nding its water resource base. In addition, the development of additional groundwater resources will lower water production costs and help stabilize municipal water rates in the future. Within the next five years, TMW plans to reverse its potable water supply mix from 75 percent imported water to over 70 percent derived by local water sources, by implementation of number of water resource projects that are either being completed or in the development stage.
A number of projects are underway to improve the City’s water supply reliability and enhance the operations of the City's facilities including distribution system enhancements and improvements; development of new local water supply sources; security improvements; and water treatment and storage enhancements. The improvement projects identified for these purposes include:
Local Projects
• North Torrance Wellfield Project: The North
Torrance Wellfield Project (NTWP) is a major
multi-phase water supply project developed by the
City, which is located on a 1.5-acre parcel adjacent
to the Yukon Elementary School. The NTWP was
developed to enhance local water reliability, reduce
dependence on imported water supplies, modernize
aging water supply infrastructure, and improve
long-term groundwater management in the City.
The project substantially expands groundwater well
capacity, adds a new groundwater treatment
system, and replaces outdated water storage and
pumping facilities. The City has groundwater rights
to pump approximately 5,640 AFY, but historically
it has not been able to use this full allocation due to limited well and treatment facilities and capacity .
The project is part of broader strategy to diversity
municipal water supply source, reduce purchases of
imported water from MWD and reduce long-term
water costs.
In 2010, a new groundwater well - Well #9 - was drilled to replace a 50-year-old deteriorated well (Well #6) located at McMaster Park in north Torrance (see Figure 2.16). The new well increased groundwater extraction capacity by approximately 1,000 AFY.
The project was completed in 2023 and consists of two new high -capacity production wells (Wells #10 and #11), treatment facilities, a booster pump station, conveyance infrastructure, a Figure 2.16: Drilling Well #9 at McMaster Park
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2.5 MG partially buried reservoir and connecting a pipeline from the existing third well to the new NTWP facility. The primary goal of the project is to fully utilize the City’s current full groundwater entitlement in the West Coast Groundwater Basin, approximately 5,640 AF from this facility. Currently, all municipal groundwater supplies are treated and conveyed from this facility. The NTWP is currently producing over 4,500 to 5,000 AFY and is ramping up to its full capacity approaching 6,000 AFY. The project has a number o f interrelated benefits including:
• Maximize the city’s legal groundwater rights
• Improve water quality and reliability
• Strengthen resilience against drought and imported water shortages • Lowers water costs and help mitigate future municipal rate increases
In essence, the NTWP transforms a limited, underutilized groundwater system into a fully integrated, modern water supply facility. The NTWP is one of three major projects to substantially increase local supplies including the Goldsworthy Desalter Expansion (currently underway) and the Van Ness Wellfield Project, which is projected to be completed in 2030.
Together all three projects will transform TWW from a system heavily dependent on imported water to one that will be 75 percent structured on local water supplies. Historically, the City has relied heavily on imported water purchased from MWD to meet its potable water demand.
• Van Ness Wellfield Project (VNWP): The Van Ness Wellfield Project is a groundwater development and water supply project in TMW’s service area and is one of the three cornerstone projects designed to improve local water reliability/sustainability, diversify water supply sources, reduce dependence on imported water, improve drought resilience and lower water costs. The project will pump and treat groundwater from the local West Coast Basin, an underground aquifer system beneath parts of southwest Los Angeles County. The full -scale project consists of three new groundwater wells in northeast Torrance, a 3.5-mile transmission main to deliver the groundwater to an existing inactive reservoir, treatment and pump station complex located at Border Avenue that will be refurbished as part of the project. Phase one of the project was construction of transmission main and was completed in 2024.
The second phase of the project consists
of drilling three new freshwater wells
located in City owned property at: Site 1
- 185th Street west of Purche Avenue,
Site 2 - in La Carretera Park, and Site 3
- a third well located in Descanso Park
(see Figure 2.17). The existing Border
Avenue facilities will require extensive
refurbishment and upgrading as part of
the project. Initially wells located at
Sites 1 and 2 will be developed, with
Site 3 construction temporarily deferred
until the initial phase of the project is
Figure 2.17: Descanso Park
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completed. The project is projected to produce approximately 3,000 to 3,500 AF of high- quality groundwater with development of the initial two wells . The third well is projected to produce an additional 1,000 to 1,500 AF of groundwater. The remaining project costs are projected at $25 to $30 million and are proposed to be funded either with a low-cost government loan from the State Revolving Fund (SRF), the State I Bank or other potential funding sources such as a water revenue bond. The City is also seeking potential grant funding opportunities.
The final phase of the project is projected to begin in early 2018 with completion in fiscal 2030/31. The project is one of three major projects to increase local water supplies including the recently completed North Torrance Wellfield Project, the expansi on of the Goldsworthy Desalter. Once the project is completed and operational, TMW’s water supply mix will be over 75 percent derived from local supply sources up from 10-15 percent fifteen years ago.
• Robert W. Goldsworthy Desalter
Expansion Project: The Robert W.
Goldsworthy Desalter Expansion
Project in Torrance is part of a broader
effort by WRD and the City of
Torrance to transform a long
contaminated coastal groundwater
basin into a reliable local drinking
water source. At its core, the project is
tied to the management of the West
Coast Groundwater Basin (WCGB), a
historically overdrawn aquifer system
beneath a large portion of the South
Bay region.
The Goldsworthy Desalter was
originally developed in the early 2000s as a response to remediate decades of seawater intrusion into the WCGB, which had left large plume of underground brackish water that underlies a major portion of South Bay. The brackish plume occupies an area of approximately 14 square miles and has shuttered numerous groundwater wells in the local WCGB and substantially reduced groundwater production in the basin, resulting in more reliance on imported water.
This intrusion occurred due to historic over -pumping along the Los Angeles County coast, which allowed ocean water to migrate inland and mix with freshwater aquifers, resulting in a brackish groundwater plume. To address this, WRD built the Robert W. Goldsworthy Desalter project, in partnership with the City of Torrance, as a groundwater treatment facility. Its purpose is to treat this brackish groundwater plume trapped inland of the coastal protective seawater barrier system, that repels further seawater intrusion along the coast and converts it into potable water supply through a reverse osmosis process for use in the TMW water system.
The initial project was completed in 2002 at an effective capacity of approximately 2 MGD.
The initial project was successful, and the facility was expanded to 4 MGD in 2018.
Figure 2.18: Goldsworthy Desalter (Currently Undergoing Expansion)
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A third expansion of the Goldsworthy Desalter Expansion is currently underway starting with the construction of transmission pipeline to deliver water from several brackish wells that will be constructed in the next phase of the project to a treatment pl an located in City Services Facility (City Yard). The project will significantly scale up the current system and will double its existing capacity. In total, the project will have six brackish groundwater extraction wells targeting higher-salinity areas of the basin. In addition, the treatment facility at the Torrance City Yard will substantially be enlarged along with the installation of high -capacity reverse osmosis and pretreatment systems. The expanded facility increases treatment capacity from the current level to substantially higher outputs. The expanded facility will be approximately twice the existing capacity targeting up to a total output of 7.5 MGD of treated water depending on buildout stage and final operational configuration. At that level, the expanded Goldsworthy will provide approximately 40 percent of municipal system’s annual potable water requirements.
This expansion is not just a local infrastructure upgrade —it is part of a larger sub -regional water security strategy:
• Reduces dependence on imported water from Northern California and the Colorado River.
• Substantially helps “clean up” the long -standing saline groundwater plume spanning roughly 14 square miles in the West Basin.
• Improves long-term drought resilience for the City of Torrance and surrounding cities. • Supports groundwater basin recovery by making previously unusable portions available for the siting of new potable wells basin, and over time makes the entire basin productive again.
• Supports the production of additional groundwater in the West Basin by turning what was once considered a legacy contamination problem into an enhanced local drinking water supply.
• Reduces TMW water supply costs and helps mitigate future rate increases. • The increased groundwater pumping in the basin will reduce both cost volatility and climate risk compared to the alternative of using additional imported water.
In summary, the Goldsworthy expansion represents an element of a shift in Southern California water planning by increasingly investing in local distributed groundwater cleanup and reuse projects. This project is one prominent example of this approach by restoring an impaired aquifer and converting a contaminated water plume into a high-quality potable water supply.
• Conjunctive Use Program (CU): Conjunctive Use broadly refers to the coordinated use of both surface (imported) and local groundwater resources to enhance the overall water reliability of an area. Within the local West Coast Groundwater Basin, the most common application would be the storage of unused groundwater pumping rights (not pumped) into the local basin for later retrieval and use during a shortfall in normal supplies. Conjunctive use can provide multiple benefits to participating parties and to the basin itself including: mitigation of impacts during droughts; gradual restoration of basin groundwater levels; and the preservation 59 59
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of groundwater rights into individual storage accounts, which would normally be forfeited without this program.
In December 2014, the Superior Court approved an amendment to the West Coast Basin Judgment permitting parties with groundwater pumping rights to store water in the basin under a “carryover” form of conjunctive use for future use. In addition, the amended judgment also transferred the Watermaster function from the State Department of Water Resources to panels of local pumpers and the Water Replenishment District.
Prior to the amended judgment, parties could only carryover a total maximum total of 20 percent of their annual unused pumping rights. Any unused rights over that amount were forfeited. Under the new judgment, TMW could store as much an estimated 11, 280 AF of unused groundwater pumping rights over time on a phased basis, in accordance with the administrative rules of the program. The advent of the conjunctive use carryover program, in concert with the development of additional groundwater extraction capacit y, has vastly enhanced TMW’s ability to pump substantially above its adjudicated groundwater pumping rights during emergencies or droughts that curtail other sources of supply. In addition, it provides a new water resource that can be used to augment TMW’s pumping rights for groundwater extracted by new water sources, including the Van Ness Wellfield Project. Under the amended West Coast Groundwater Judgement, TMW is entitled to store up to two -years of its adjudicated pumping rights (APA), which amounts to nearly 11,280 AF and currently has this amount in CU storage.
Regional Projects
Pure Water Southern California: Pure Water Southern California is a major regional water recycling project being jointly developed by MWD and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts (LACSD) that will purify wastewater from the LACSD wastewater treatment plant at the A.K . Warren Water Resource Facility (formerly known as the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant) located in the City of Carson into a high-quality drought resistant recycled water source (see Figure 2.19). The project will be developed in several phases. At full scale, the project will produce
approximately 150 MGD of
high-quality recycled water
(165,000 AFY) for
groundwater replenishment,
industrial use, and
ultimately as a direct potable
water resource. The project
is currently finalizing its
environmental review
process and advancing
toward preliminary design.
The project is undergoing an
extensive evaluative vetting
process under MWD’s
Figure 2.19: A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility (Site of Water Reuse Project)
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Climate Action Master Plan (CAMP4W) to determine whether MWD will approve the project, either in its entirety or in discreet increments that would be constructed in phases.
Due to its proximity to the LACSD facility, the first phase of the project would be in the Long Beach and South Bay areas. This phase would involve distribution of advanced treated recycled water to local groundwater basins for replenishment, delivery for major industrial use, such as refineries, and groundwater injection in both the Central and West Coast Basins for augmented groundwater storage and to increase basin water levels. If the project is approved it would augment local groundwater basins and provide a source of high-quality recycled water for refineries and other major industrial customers in the area, including a refinery in the City of Torrance. The first phase of the project is tentatively scheduled to be completed in 2035 would involve partnerships with WRD and WBMWD.
The regional benefits of the project include:
• Create a new, drought proof water supply
• Reduce reliance on imported water
• Connect directly to groundwater basins to enhance efficient recharge • Protect the local ecosystem by reducing wastewater ocean discharge
Summary – Water Source Diversification in TMW Service Area: The development of additional local drought resistant water supply sources including: new potable groundwater wells; the expanded Goldsworthy Desalter Project; the implementation of the recently approved Conjunctive Use Storage Program; and incremental increase in recycled water use are part of a core strategy to enhance water supply reliability, ensure sustainability of supplies in the future, and reduce dependence on imported water sources. In concert with sustained conservation efforts, the local supply source diversification program substantially protects the City from the risks associated with possible future severe drought conditions. If all planned projects are implemented, TMW’s current 74 percent reliance on imported water for potable water could be reduced to 35 percent by 2030 and by 25 percent or less by 2035 with the completion of the Van Ness Wellfield Project.
2.8 ENERGY INTENSITY
2.8.1 OVERVIEW
Commencing with the 2020 UWMP, it is required that every urban water supplier assess the energy required to distribute their water supply to their consumers or member agencies. The water supplier’s energy intensity is required for the preparation of an UWMP, as defined in the California Water Code (CWC) Section 10631.2(a). Energy intensity varies with climate, topography, source characteristics, proximity, and other factors. Therefore, urban water suppliers face issues related to the economic costs of the energy required for their operations, as well as issues related to the sustainable supply of energy and water. Knowing how much energy is needed to deliver water to customers is important because of its significance for the State’s total energy demands, and for its implications regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate goals for the region and State.
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This Section includes an assessment of the energy intensity of the water supply operation for the portion of the City served by TMW. Energy is required for the pumping, conveyance, treatment and distribution of water, and for collection, treatment, and discharge of wastewater, and/or conveyance and distribution of recycled water.
Energy intensity in respect to water supplies is a measure of unit energy consumption an urban water supplier expends per AF to convey water from the point where the supplier acquires the water to the point of delivery. Energy for public water and wastewat er services are measured in kilowatt-hours of electricity, which is then normalized by water volume to express energy intensity in kilowatt-hour per acre-feet (kWh/AF).
Some of the main differences between energy use associated with various water supply sources are the distances the water must be transported from its origins (the amount of pumping necessary to harvest and distribute the water) and the location of treatmen t facilities in relation to the end users, among others.
2.8.2 Water Use & Energy Relationship
Energy production can emit a number of different types of Greenhouse Gas es (GHGs).
California’s Air Resources Board recognizes that energy production accounts for between 30 and 40 percent of total GHG production in California, and include the following inventory of GHGs:
Carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH 4), nitrous oxide (N 2O), sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF 3). These GHGs vary in magnitude in terms of their GHG strength, and therefore are converted to be equivalent to CO 2 for the purposes of measuring GHG emission across the state. CO 2 emissions (or the equivalent for other GHGs) are the common measurement for GHG emissions. Currently, statewide water uses accounts for nearly 20 percent of electricity use, and 30 percent of non-power plant related natural gas consumption. Water use and energy are linked in at least three critical ways:
➢ Water pumping and purification: The amount of energy used to pump water will depend upon the source (i.e., surface versus groundwater), the distance and height the water must be moved, and treatment requirements.
➢ Wastewater treatment: The amount of energy used in wastewater treatment plant typically ranges from 1,100 to 4,600 kWh per million gallons of wastewater treated. ➢ Water heating: As of January 1, 2025, in an average California home, 36 percent of the water is used for dishwashing, faucets, laundry, and bathing water that is often heated.
These amounts, in total, are so significant that one must also count the amount of GHGs from the fossil fuels that are burned to produce the oil, gas, coal and other combustibles , which are then burned to produce the electricity. The City understands the water -energy nexus and plans to conserve water saving the energy that would have been used to convey and distribute the water.
Reducing the energy consumption in water operations leads to decreased production of GHGs.
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2.8.3 Energy Usage and Intensity
In order to determine energy use related t o water supply processes under the City ’s operational control, the City collected billing and energy quantity data provided by Southern California Edison (SCE) for 2025 (January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025) representing the comprehensive one-year reporting period. The billing amounts for each facility were converted to an energy use quantity measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) for electricity. Table 2.9 summarizes the energy intensity for the City. As shown, over 4.22 million kWh of energy was used to deliver over 4,710 AF of potable groundwater (not desalinated) . This equates to an energy intensity of 896.5 kWh/AF. DWR requires the reporting of energy intensity as kWh per million gallons (kWh/MG). Therefore, the City’s energy intensity is 2,751.3 kWh/MG.
Table 2.9: City of Torrance Total Energy Intensity (DWR Table O1-B)
Water Delivery Product
drop down list
(If delivering more than one type of product recommend
using Table O-1C)
Retail Potable
Deliveries
Start Date of Reporting Period 1/1/2025
End Date of Reporting Period 12/31/2025
Is upstream embedded energy in the values reported? No
Units of Measure for Water AF Total Utility
See DWR NOTES Hydropower Net Utility
4,710 4,710 4,222,631 4,222,631 2,751.3 - 2,751.3 Only for Water Delivery Products Under the Urban Water Supplier's Operational Control
Sum of All Water
Management Processes Non-Consequential Hydropower
Volume of Water Entering Process
Energy Consumed (kWh)
Energy Intensity (kWh/vol. converted to MG)
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Water quality is a concern not only
to public health but also to the
City of Torrance's ability to meet
future demands. The City treats its
own ground water before
distribution. Likewise, the City has
access to treated imported water.
SECTION 3: WATER QUALITY
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3.1 WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
In 1974, Congress passed the Safe Drinking Water
Act in order to protect public health by regulating
the nation's drinking water supply. As required by
the Safe Drinking Water Act, the City provides
annual Water Quality Reports to its customers.
The quality of water delivered to the City's
customers is directly related to the quality of the
supply sources from which the City obtains its
water. Since the majority of the City's water supply
is obtained from the Metropolitan Water District
(MWD), the quality o f water within the City is
closely related to the quality of the supply sources
from which MWD obtains its water.
To ensure quality of its water, the City is concerned with a number of potential threats to drinking water, including turbidity, microbiological content, organic and inorganic chemical concentration, radionuclide content, and disinfection by-product concentration. Adverse health effects from these contaminants include not only acute effects but also chronic effects that may occur if contaminants are ingested at unsafe levels over many years.
The two main sources of the City's potable water supply, as mentioned in Section 2, are imported water from MWD and groundwater from the West Coast Groundwater Basin. Since MWD derives the majority of its water from the Colorado River Aqueduct ( CRA) and the State Water Project (SWP), the quality of the City's water supply is closely related to the quality of these two sources.
3.1.1 Transfer of Authority
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) previously oversaw the water quality of the State's drinking water program and the environmental laboratory accreditation program. Those programs were transferred to the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) in July 2014.
Under the SWRCB, the Division of Drinking Water (DDW) regulates public drinking water systems; including setting the maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and regulating the operation of water systems.
3.2 QUALITY OF SOURCES
The three main sources of the City's potable water supply as mentioned in Section 2 are imported SECTION 3
Figure 3.1: Health Standards Protect Drinking Water
WATER QUALITY
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water from MWD, desalted groundwater from Goldsworthy Desalter and groundwater from the West Coast Groundwater Basin (WCGB). Thus, the quality of water delivered to the City's customers is a result of the efforts of both the City , MWD, and the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, who is the regional groundwater management agency for both the Central and WCGB.
3.2.1 Imported Water Overview
Water received by MWD is treated at five separate treatment plants and tests its water for various water quality parameters and contaminants . MWD recognizes that water quality is a concern to not only public health but also to their future water supply. Due to these concerns, MWD has identified a number of water quality issues with its two main sources in their UWMP. In addition to its imported water, the City also manages its groundwater quality by treating all groundwater pumped from the City's wells, including the groundwater desalter. The resulting quality of water delivered to the City's customers is a result of the efforts of both the City and MWD.
MWD's two main supply sources have different water quality issues. Water obtained from the Colorado River tends to have high salinity and total dissolved solids (TDS) and also has been known to co ntain metallic elements (see Figure 3.2). Water from the Sacramento -San Joaquin Delta, on the other hand, tends to have high biological loads due to farming activit ies in the San Joaquin Valley. Water containing high biological loads tends to have higher treatment costs than water with low biological loads. Since pumping rights to the Colorad o River continue s to be a contentious issue, SWP water quality is a salient issue. This section describes some of the major potential water quality issues facing the City.
In nearly every source of water, microbiological contaminants exist that require treatment.
Microbiological contaminants include parasites, bacteria, and viruses, which live in surface waters and in groundwater. Some microbiological contaminants have acute health effects, which include gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses. Treatment such as filtration and disinfection removes or destroys microbiological contaminants. Drinking water that is treated to meet the United States Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA) requirements is associated with little to no health risks and is generally considered safe.
Figure 3.2: Native Rock adds to the Salinity of the Colorado River Water Supplies 67 67
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3.2.2 Imported Water Quality
MWD is responsible for providing the City with water that meets all drinking water regulations contained in California’s Title 22 and federal regulations contained in the Code of Federal Regulations, Volume 40, Section 141. The City does not provide any additional treatment prior to delivery of water to its customers; however, the City operates its distribution system in a manner that maintains the water quality of the water received from MWD.
MWD’s supplies originate from the CRA and from the SWP. Both supplies are generally of high quality, although both supplies face water quality challenges.
Salinity
Colorado River Aqueduct - Water imported from the Colorado River via the CRA has the highest level of salinity of all of MWD’s sources of supply, averaging around 6 20 milligrams per liter (mg/L or parts per million ppm) per MWD’s 2025 UWMP. The salts found in the Colorado River system are indigenous and pervasive, mostly resulting from saline sediments in the Basin and deposits from prehistoric marine environments. The salts are susceptible to erosion, and frequently dissolve and travel into the river system. To offset these salin ity levels, CRA water often blends (mixed) with lower-salinity water from the SWP to meet MWD's flow-weighted TDS standard of 500 mg/L for imported water . However, due to limited availability during the recent drought, MWD treated lower blends of SWP supply resulting in TDS averages above MWD’s goal of 500 mg/L.
State Water Project - SWP supplies have significantly lower TDS concentrations when compared to the Colorado River, averaging approximately 250 mg/L from the SWP East Branch and 310 mg/L from the SWP West Branch according to MWD’s 202 5 UWMP. Because of SWP’s lower salinity level, MWD blends SWP water with CRA to reduce the salinity of the delivered water.
MWD has set a salinity objective for delivered water in its Salinity Management Policy of less than 500 mg/L of TDS.
Perchlorate
Perchlorate is both a naturally occurring and manmade contaminant increasingly found in groundwater, surface water, and soil. Perchlorate, known to inhibit the thyroid's ability to produce growth and development hormones, was first detected in Colorado Riv er water in June of 1997 and traced back to the Las Vegas Wash.
Perchlorate, unlike other contaminants, does not tend to interact readily with soil and does not degrade in natural environments. Conventional drinking water treatment, used at MWD’s water treatment facilities, is not effective in removing perchlorate. Mitigation efforts are the most viable option for removing perchlorate from drinking water. To facilitate perchlorate remediation of the Colorado River, MWD and other federal and state agencies collaborated to reduce and prevent perchlorate contamination iss ues in the Colorado River. According to MWD’s 2025 UWMP, mitigation efforts have reduced perchlorate loading into the Las Vegas Wash from more than 1,000 68 68
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pounds per day prior to 1998 to between 50 and 90 pounds per day in 2025, which is a sustained reduction of more than 90 percent.
As of October 2007, the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW) has established a perchlorate maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 6 micrograms per liter (μg/L or parts per billion ppb ). The public health goal MCL of 1 μg/L established in 2015 by EPA’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) , which became effective on January 1, 2024. MWD routinely monitors perchlorate within its system, and levels currently remain at non -detectable levels (below 2 μg/L). MWD has not detected perchlorate in the SWP since monitoring began in 1997.
Disinfection Byproducts Formed by Reacting with Total Organic Carbon and Bromide
Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) are contaminants affecting SWP supplies. When source water containing high levels of total organic carbon (TOC) and bromide meets disinfectants, such as chlorine, disinfection byproducts form. Elevated levels of DBPs may link to adverse health effects, including certain cancers.
TOC and bromide levels are significantly high throughout the Delta due to agricultural drainage and seawater intrusion.
Because of these high levels of TOC and bromide, in August 2000, CALFED adopted water quality goals for the Bay -Delta region that specify standards of bromide and TOC for drinking water in order to protect public health. The federal government took action to regulate DBP contaminants in 2002 and 2006 when EPA introduced new regulations to protect against the risk of DBP exposure.
MWD has taken several steps to decrease DBP presence in SWP water supplies. In 2003 and 2005, MWD completed upgrading two of its water treatment plants, Mills and Jensen, to utilize ozone as the primary disinfectant, preventing the formation of DBPs that would normally form in chlorine treatment of SWP water. In 2003, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2017, MWD completed ozone upgrades at Mills, Jenson, Skinner, Diemer, and Weymouth water treatment plants, respectively.
Nutrients
Elevated nutrient levels in the SWP can adversely affect MWD's imported water quality by stimulating biomass growth such as algae and aquatic weeds. Nutrients can also provide a source of food leading to the growth of nuisance biological species. This ca n lead to taste and odor concerns and can impede normal treatment operations. MWD offsets the nutrient rich SWP water by blending it with CRA water in MWD's blend reservoirs. Although nutrient loading is a concern and is anticipated to have cost implicat ions, with its comprehensive monitoring program and response actions to manage algal related issues, there should be no impact on availability of water supplies. MWD’s source water protection program will continue to focus on preventing future increases in nutrient loading as a result of urban and agricultural sources.
While lower in salinity,
SWP supplies are much
higher in chemical content
due to the agriculture of
the Bay-Delta region.
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Arsenic
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in
rocks, soil, water, and air. Arsenic typically has
presence in wood preservatives, alloying agents,
certain agricultural applications, semi -conductors,
paints, dyes, and soaps. It can travel into water
from the natural erosion of rocks, dissolution of
ores and minerals, runoff from agricultural fields,
and discharges from industrial processes. Long -
term exposure to elevated levels of arsenic in
drinking water may link to certain cancers, skin
pigmentation ch anges, and hyperkeratosis (skin
thickening).
In April 2004, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) set a public health goal for arsenic of 0.004 µg/L. The MCL for arsenic in domestic water supplies lowered to 10 μg/L in January 2006 in the federal regulations and in November 2008 in the California regulations. The standard affects both groundwater and surface water supplies.
Historically, MWD’s water supplies have had low levels of this contaminant and did not require treatment changes or capital investment to comply with the standard.
The detection limit for purposes of reporting (DLR) for arsenic is 2 μg/L. Between 2010 and June 2025, arsenic levels in MWD’s water treatment plant effluents ranged from non-detect (< 2 μg/L) to 4.4 μg/L according to MWD’s 2025 UWMP. For MWD’s source waters, levels in the Colorado River water have ranged from 1.9 to 3.7 μg/L, while levels in SWP water have ranged from non - detect to 6.8 μg/L. Increasing coagulant doses at water treatment plants can reduce arsenic levels for delivered water.
Uranium
Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive material that has known cancer risks. Uranium can infiltrate a water source either directly or indirectly through groundwater seepage. Due to past uranium mill activities near the Colorado River, a 16 -million-ton pile of uranium mill tailings exists that has the potential for contamination. Ongoing remediation actions are successful at removing the tailings and contaminated groundwater from the site. Although uranium levels measured at MWD's intake are well below state MCL levels, MWD has only limited ability to remove uranium through traditional treatment, and thus mitigation methods are crucial to avoiding uranium contamination.
Chromium VI
Chromium VI is a drinking water contaminant of concern. Hexavalent chromium is used in electroplating stainless-steel production, tanning leather, manufacturing textiles, manufacturing dyes and pigments, and preserving wood as an anti -corrosion agent. Chro mium VI is a health hazard to humans, causing cancer when inhaled; however, the long-term health effects of ingested Figure 3.3: Nutrient Growth in the Bay Delta Region
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chromium VI are currently being determined. In July 2014, an MCL of 10 μg/L for hexavalent chromium became effective for drinking water. California also regulates the total chromium (including chromium III and chromium VI) in drinking water as an MCL of 50 µg/L. In May 2017, the Superior Court of Sacramento County issued a judgment invalidating the MCL on the basis that CDPH (now DDW), had not properly considered the economic feasibility of complying with the MCL. DDW therefore rescinded the chromium VI MCL ; however, chromium VI remains regulated as part of total chromium which does have an MCL. In February 2020, DDW released a white paper discussion on an updated economic feasibility analysis of chromium VI treatment for the consideration of a new chromium VI MCL. On October 1, 2024, an MCL of 10 µg/L for chromium VI was officially established. Over Over the past five years, from 2020 to 2024, the Colorado River water supply has contained levels of chromium VI that are mainly less than 0.03 µg/L but also ranging from 0.03 to 0.05 µg/L. SWP’s water supply has contained levels ranging from 0.03 to 1.1 µg/L.
1, 2, 3 – Trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP)
1,2,3-TCP is a chlorinated hydrocarbon with high chemical stability. It is a manmade chemical found at industrial or hazardous waste sites. It has been used as a cleaning and degreasing solvent and also is associated with pesticide products. In July 2017, the State Water Resources Control Board ( SWRCB) adopted an MCL of 5 parts per trillion (ppt) for 1,2,3 -TCP and related requirements, including establishing a DLR, identifying the best available technology for treatment, and setting public notification and consumer confidence report language. The regulations also included a method for public water systems to substitute existing water quality data for initial monitoring requirements under certain circumstances. Under the new regulation, drinking water agencies are required to perform quarterly monitoring of 1,2,3 -TCP. To this day, there have been no detections of 1,2,3 -TCP in MWD’s system. However, 1,2,3 -TCP has been detected above the MCL in groundwater wells of three of MWD’s groundwater storage program partners through monitoring performed by these agencies. Levels detected in groundwater wells of the Arvin-Edison Water Storage District are the highest and impact the ability of MWD to put water and take return water under that program. MWD has temporarily s uspended normal operations of this program until the water quality concerns can be further evaluated and managed.
N-Nitrosodimethylamine
N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is an organic chemical contaminant of drinking water. NDMA forms as a disinfection byproduct when source waters containing certain organic material mix with chloramines at treatment plants. EPA and DDW consider NDMA to be a probable human carcinogen; however, neither has yet est ablished an MCL. Since 1998, DDW has kept a notification level of 0.01 µg/L. In addition, in December 2006, OEHHA set a public health goal for NDMA of 0.003 µg/L. In December 2024, the State of Californ ia’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment ( OEHHA) recommended lowering the NDMA public health goal to
0.0005 µg/L. Since 1999, MWD has conducted voluntary monitoring of the five treatment plant effluents and representative distribution system locations semi -annually. NDMA is the only detected nitrosamine in MWD’s treated water systems, and it is in the range of non-detect (<0.002 μg/L) to 0.006 μg/L.
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Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) have recently become contaminants of concern for water supplies. Discoveries of PPCPs include trace amounts found in treated wastewater, surface water, and sometimes even in finished drinking water. Curren tly, there is no detected health hazard associated with long-term exposure to low concentrations (low nanograms per liter (ng/L); parts per trillion) of PPCPs found in some drinking water. No state or federal regulations currently exist to regulate this contaminant.
Microplastics
In 2018, Senate Bill No. 1422 added section 116376 to the Health and Safety Code, which required the State Water Board to adopt a definition of microplastics in drinking water on or before July 1, 2020. On June 16, 2020, the SWRCB adopted a definition acknowledging the definition is a work in progress, and stated the State Water Board will re-visit the microplastic definition as knowledge in the field progresses. MWD is participating in a study with the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project to develop analytical methods for microplastics. The SWRCB adopted a regulatory framework on August 9, 2022, which included a two -phase monitoring strategy for microplastic exposure in drinking water. In preparation, MWD hosted a workshop on April 12, 2023, and submitted proposed sampling locations to SWRCB on August 7, 2023, which were approved by DDW on November 3, 2023. Regulatory momentum continued with Senate Bill No. 1147 in September 2024, mandating a study on the long -term toxicity of microplastics, and in February 2025, the SWRCB conducted workshops on sample collection methods for microplastics in drinking water.
Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Drinking water containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) – and the larger family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – has become an increasing concern due to the persistence of these chemicals in the environme nt and their tendency to accumulate in groundwater. In August 2019, DDW updated its guidelines for local water agencies to follow in detecting and reporting the presence of these chemicals in drinking water. The guidelines lower the notification levels f rom 14 ppt to 5.1 ppt for PFOA and from 13 ppt to 6.5 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS. These levels are based on updated health recommendations from OEHHA, which is part of the EPA. Notification levels are non -regulatory, precautionary health- based measures for concentrations of chemicals in drinking water that warrant notificatio n and further monitoring and assessment. If a chemical concentration is greater than its notification level in drinking water that is provided to consumers, DDW recommends that the utility inform its customers and consumers about the presence of the chemical, and about health concerns associated with exposure to it. Legislation that took effect on January 1, 2020 (California Assembly Bill 756), requires that water systems that r eceive a monitoring order from SWRCB and detect levels of PFAS that exceed their respective response level must either take a drinking water source out of use or provide specified public notification if they continue to supply water above the response level. In March 2021, DDW set the notification level and response level for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) at 0.5 parts per billion (ppb) and 5 ppb, respectively. In October 2022, DDW set the notification level and response level for perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) at 3 ppt and 72 72
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20 ppt, respectively. In April 2024, OEHHA adopted public health goals for PFOA and PFOS at
0.007 ppt and 1 ppt, respectively. On October 29, 2025, DDW implemented revised regulatory thresholds, reducing the notification levels for PFOA and PFOS to 4 ppt. Additionally, the response level for PFHxS was lowered to 10 ppt, while new standards were established for perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) with a notification level of 1,000 ppt and a response level of 10,000 ppt.
MWD has not detected PFOA or PFOS in its raw water. In 2019, MWD detected in its supplies low levels of PFHxA, which is not acutely toxic or carcinogenic and is not currently regulated in California or at the federal level. No other PFAS have been detected in MWD’s imported or treated supplies; however, some of its member agencies have experienced detections in their groundwater wells. As DDW moves to establish an MCL for PFOA/PFOS, MWD’s member agencies may be confronted with the choice of implementing tre atment or inactivating their affected sources to remain in compliance with DDW regulations. This may cause those systems to supplement their water needs with increased purchases of MWD’s water. TMW has detected the presence of PFAS substances in three samples of its water supplies at the Goldsworthy Desalter site; however, after undergoing reverse osmosis treatment, PFAS was undectable in the product water.
3.2.3 Other Imported Quality Concerns
The City faces ongoing threats to its drinking water as new contaminants are discovered and existing contaminants are more readily detected due to advances in technology to discover contaminants .
Some of the current contaminants not previously mentioned that could pose a threat to the City's imported water supplies include, but are not limited to: Chromium VI ; N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA); and Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products (PPCPs). Continued mitigation efforts may, however, lead to a decrease in the threat level of these contaminants, as has been demonstrated through past mitigation efforts.
3.2.4 Summary of Imported Quality
Although MWD water meets all regulatory requirements, MWD understands the need for diligent testing and quality assurance for its customers. To achieve this, MWD maintains five treatment plants, which serve Southern California (see Figure 3.4). Three of the five treatment plants blend a mix of water from both sources to achieve maximum water quality. MWD uses a state-of-the-art laboratory located at the F.E. Weymouth Water Treatment Plant to ensure the safety of its water and to maintain compliance with federal and state water quality regulations. In addition to the central laboratory, there are five satellite facilities at MWD’s water treatment plants.
3.2.5 West Coast Basin Groundwater Quality
In addition to imported water quality concerns, the City is also concerned with groundwater quality pumped from the West Coast Basin. In general, groundwater in the main producing aquifers of the basins is of good quality with average TDS concentrations around 500 to 600 mg/L. Localized areas of marginal to poor water quality exist primarily on the basin margins and in the shallower and deeper aquifers impacted by seawater intrusion.
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As part of the Basin's groundwater quality monitoring, WRD and the United States Geological Survey ( USGS) began a cooperative study in 1995 to improve the understanding of the geohydrology and geochemistry of Central and West Coast Basins. Out of this effort came WRD’s geographic information system (GIS) and the Regional Groundwater Monitoring Program.
Twenty-one depth -specific, nested monitoring wells located throughout the basin allow water quality and groundwater levels to be evaluated on an aquifer-specific basis. Regional Groundwater Monitoring Reports are published by WRD for each water year. Constituent s monitored include:
TDS, iron, manganese, nitrate, trichloroethylene ( TCE), tetrachloroethylene ( PCE), arsenic, chromium, including hexavalent chromium, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), and perchlorate.
West Coast Basin Constituents of Concern
Most production wells in the West Coast Basin have TDS concentrations less than 750 mg/L with a range of 150 to 13,600 mg/L in the monitoring wells measured by WRD. Higher TDS concentrations are found in certain wells in the Torrance/Hawthorne area and in monitoring wells within the brackish plume.
Figure 3.4: Water Treatment at MWD's F.E. Weymouth Treatment Plant 74 74
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Table 3.1: Groundwater Constituents of Concern – (Range is for TMW in 2024-2025) Constituent Units Range Description
TDS
Secondary MCL = 500 mg/L 500 to 3,000 (a)
Most production wells have TDS less
than 750 mg/L. Higher TDS
concentrations found in production
wells in Torrance/Hawthorne area
and in monitoring wells within saline
plume.
VOCs
(TCE and PCE)
Primary MCL for TCE = 5
Primary MCL for PCE = 5
μg/L ND to 0.5
TCE nor PCE is detected in production
wells. TCE detected in three
monitoring wells. PCE detected in one
monitoring well in West Coast Basin.
Perchlorate
Notification level = 6 μg/L ND
Detected in three monitoring wells in
West Coast Basin; below action level
in shallow zones
Nitrate (as N)
Primary MCL = 10 mg/L ND
Higher concentrations tend to be
limited to the uppermost zones and
are likely due to localized infiltration
and leaching. Production wells have
concentrations less than three mg/L.
Iron and manganese
Secondary MCL for iron:
0.3 Secondary MCL for
Mn: 0.05
mg/L 0.15 for iron and 0.05
for manganese
Nearly 1/3 of all production wells in
northwestern portion of West Coast
Basin exceed secondary MCL for iron.
17 of 30 production wells tested had
concentrations above secondary MCL
for manganese
Chloride
Secondary MCL = 500 mg/L 170 (b) to 1,300 (c)
Chloride concentrations exceed
chloride MCL in five of 15 nested
monitoring wells due to seawater
intrusion. One production well had
concentrations above MCL.
Notes: (a) Reflects TDS of brackish well prior to treatment (b) Reflects Chloride in Well No. 9
(c) Reflects Chloride in brackish well prior to treatment
Organic constituents of concern (TCE, PCE, or perchlorate) were not detected in concentrations above applicable MCLs in the West Coast Basin. Neither TCE nor PCE were detected in any production well in the West Coast Basin. TCE was detected in three mon itoring wells and PCE was detected in one monitoring well. Nitrate (as nitrogen) concentrations range from non -detect to 12 mg/L in the monitoring wells in the West Coast Basin. Production wells have nitrate concentrations less than 3 mg/L. Iron and mangan ese were detected in concentrations above the secondary MCL for these constituents in both monitoring wells and production wells in the basin.
Nearly one -third of all production wells in northwestern portion of West Coast Basin have concentrations that exceed secondary MCL for iron. Seventeen (17) out of thirty (30) production 75 75
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wells tested had concentrations above secondary MCL for manganese. Table 3.1 on the previous page summarizes the Basin’s groundwater constituents of concern.
Other West Coast Basin Special Interest Constituents
In addition to the above constituents, WRD has identified special interest constituents including arsenic, hexavalent chromium, MTBE, total organic carbon, apparent color, and perchlorate as additional water quality issues.
Arsenic
As of January 2006, the federal arsenic MCL for domestic water supplies is 10 μg/L. Three monitoring wells have had past arsenic concentrations between 10 and 50 μg/L and one monitoring well had an arsenic concentration of 68 μg/L.
Hexavalent Chromium
Hexavalent chromium, or chromium 6, is an oxidized form of chromium 3 that is a known carcinogen when inhaled. In July 2014, a MCL of 10 μg/L for hexavalent chromium became effective for drinking water. Hexavalent chromium was not detected in any of the production wells in the Basin.
Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE)
The health effects of MTBE are uncertain. The EPA currently classifies MTBE as a possible human carcinogen. The MCL for MTBE is 13 μg/L. The WRD monitoring wells have not shown detection of MTBE.
Total Organic Carbon
Total organic carbon is the measure of the organics in water and provides an indication of the potential formation of disinfectant by -products. There is no MCL for total organic carbon; however, seven of the 15 production wells tested greater than 5 mg/L for total organic carbon.
Apparent Color
Although apparent color i n groundwater is not harmful, an MCL of 15 apparent color units has been established for aesthetic reasons. City Well #7 and #8 have been observed to produce excessive water color and have been out of service for 25 years.
Perchlorate
As of 2007, the public health goal for perchlorate is 6 μg/L. To date, however, DDW has not set a regulatory drinking water standard. Perchlorate has been detected in three monitoring wells in the Basin at levels below the Public Health Goal.
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Saline Water Intrusion
A plume of brackish saline water was trapped east of the protective seawater intrusion barriers that were constructed beginning in the 1960's to prevent the further migration of seawater into fresh water aquifers in the West Coast Basin. Although the current protective barriers are very effective in preventing additional intrusion of seawater into the basin, the trapped plume that could not be contained by the barrier continues to migrate through the basin primarily affecting local groundwater supplies in t he beach cities and parts of Torrance. The further spreading of saline water from this plume is a major concern of all water purveyors in the West Coast Basin because potable water generally cannot exceed 500 ppm (parts per million) of chloride. WRD, in partnership with Torrance, constructed an expansion to the Goldsworthy Desalter in 2018 to help mitigate the further migration of the saline plume . The planned expansion project is expected to continue this process, fully remediating the saline plume over the next 25 years.
3.3 WATER QUALITY EFFECTS
The previous section summarized the general water quality issues for Torrance Municipal Water (TMW) water supplies. TMW continues to monitor its groundwater wells for the first indication of problems as part of their water management strategy. TMW’s groundwater management strategy includes the following:
• Well #7 is an inactive well and has been out of service since October 1998 due to increased taste and odor problems and high total organic carbon levels in the well water. Naturally occurring ammonia is present in the well water. The well also contains iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide. Pilot studies have indicated that the only viable alternative would be reverse osmosis treatment and other advanced treatment processes , which was not cost effective.
• Well #8 was drilled in 1998 and has not yet been equipped. Because it was drilled near Well #7, there is concern over the well’s long-term water quality, which is similar to Well #7.
• Well #6 had been in service since 1965 and was taken out service in 2008 and replaced by new Well #9 at the McMaster Park site. TMW uses chloramines for disinfection treatment of the groundwater produced from Well #9 in order to reduce trihalomethane formation in the distribution system, and so that the type of residual disinfectant would be compatible with chloramines in imported water from MWD.
• The North Torrance Groundwater W ellfield Development P roject (completed in 2023) includes space available for possible future treatment if necessary.
Due to the mitigation actions undertaken by MWD and TMW, Torrance Municipal Water staff does not anticipate any reductions in its water supplies due to water quality issues. Future regulatory changes enacted by the EPA and/or the State legislature will be met through additional mitigation actions in order to meet the standards and to m aintain water supply to TMW's customers. With the exception of possible saline groundwater migration in the West Coast Basin, TMW does not expect water quality to be a major factor in its supply reliability considerations.
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CITY OF TORRANCE | 2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
The City of Torrance is committed to
protecting statewide water sources by
achieving water use targets and
reducing water demand. The City’s
water demand is mostly residential
with some commercial, landscape, and
industrial.
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5 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
4 -
1 4.1 INTRODUCTION
Water use within the
Torrance Municipal Water (TMW) service area is variable and depends on a number of
factors, which range from weather impacts and seasonal variation to irrigation, industrial and comme
rcial use and system water loss
. Changes in residential plumbing fixtures and
customer usage habits can significantly affect water usage for most agencies. This section explores the water usage trends within the City and quantifies total usage per customer type. In addition, the provisions of the SBx7
-
7 are explored in detail.
4.2 CURRENT CITY WATER NEEDS
The City of Torrance, like many other cities of
Southern California, began as a small, suburban
and industrial
community with some agricultural
uses and throughout the years has transformed into
an urban City. After the City was incorporated, the
City's population growth was spurred by the
development of industrial and commercial job
opportunities, which were susta
ined by a reliable
source of imported water purchased
from
the
Metropolitan Water District (MWD
)
in addition to
local groundwater supplies
and r
ecycled water for
non
-
potable uses.
T
he City's population growth rate has stabilized in
the past 15 years and is currently 0.
4 percent
annually. The City is approaching ultimate "built
-
out" conditions with remaining
expected future
water demands primarily attributable to possible land use changes in residential densities and in -
fill land development projects. Due in part to this slowed growth, the City's water use over the past 15 years has been fairly consistent. As
a result, the City’s local groundwater sources and imported supply capacity
put the City in a position of providing a reliable source of quality water for its water users due to this consistency of water demands.
TMW actively supports water conservation while maintaining the beauty of its community parks, schools, and recreational facilities both in the private and in the public sector. Since the City is zoned mainly for residential use and a
significant
portion of residential water consumption in the
City is used for non
-
personal purposes (i.e. irrigation, car washing, etc.), the City has a significant
SECTION
4 Figure 4.
1 :
Residential Irrigation
WATER DEMANDS
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2 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
number of residential lots which require consistent irrigation to maintain landscapes (see Figure
4.1 ). Of the water used for personal purposes, the majority of water consumed is attributable to toilet flushing, clothes washing and showering.
In order to maintain civic pride and a sense of community, City parks and other City right of ways (medians, etc.) require consistent irrigation. To prevent water waste, TMW follows an irrigation schedule that limits the length of irrigation to avoid overs pray runoff and also eliminates
evapotranspiration from daytime watering.
In addition, most city parks and a major portion of
Streetscape medians and other city landscaped areas have been retrofitted with “smart irrigation controllers” to maximize water us
e efficiency
.
In the commercial and industrial sectors,
water needs vary as customers range from
restaurants to offices and from retail stores
to a large refinery. Office
buildings, which
include
the
American Honda Motor
Compan
y
,
require significantly less water
than industrial customers such as
the
Torrance Refining
Co
mpany
-
T
O
RC
(formerly ExxonMobil)
(
Figure 4.2
). The
City's image as a balanced residential,
industrial and commercial friendly City is
due in part to its dedication to con
serving its
resources while maintaining the beauty of its community parks, schools, and recreational facilities both in the private and in the public sector.
Overall water use characteristics within the City's service area reflect slightly lower than average regional water use characteristics within Southern California. As a result of these water needs, the City has passed a conservation ordinance similar to ot
her agencies
,
which limits or restricts non
-
personal water use during periods of drought to conserve water use for the more important health and safety needs of its customers. The City's Conservation Ordinance is discussed in greater detail in
Section 7
.
4.3 HISTORIC WATER DEMAND
Past Water Use
Water demands within TMW's service area over the past five years are met by imported water from MWD, groundwater from the West Coast Basin, desa
linated
groundwater from the West
Coast
Groundwater
Basin produced by the Goldsworthy Desalter, and recycled water from the
West Basin Municipal
Water District’s Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility (ECLWRF) .
Total annual
water demand
(potable and recycled),
including system lo
s
ses, since 20
21 has ranged
from about 2
2 ,
5 00
AF to 2
4 ,500 AF as shown
on
the next pa
ge
in
Table 4.1
.
Since the Water Conservation Act of 2009, water use has been trending downward in the City, primarily due to increased awareness of conservation and stricter City ordinances. However, just prior to the recent drought there was a small rise in water use , due to increase in residential water
use during the COVID
-
19 pandemic
. Consumption
also
increased marginally prior to Governor
Figure 4.
2 : T
O
RC
Refinery
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5 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
4 -
3 Brown‘s State of Emergency Declaration in 2014 and Executive Order in 2015. Starting in early 2015 and continuing through early 2016, water use has decreased significantly by more than 20 percent compared to the 2013 baseline established by the Governor.
This reduction in potable use
me
t
the mandated reduction target established by the State Water Resources Control Board for Torrance Municipal Water beginning in June 2015.
Table 4.
1 :
City Past Water Use
(Potable and Recycled)
Year
Total Consumption (AF)
20 21
24,183
20 22
23,833
20 23
22,425
20 24
24,423
202
5 23,413
20 21
-
202
5 Average
23,
655
201
6 -
20 Average: (20
20 UWMP)
23,561
Increase
+94
4.4 WATER USE STATISTICS
The City
maintains records of water
consumption and bills its customers on a bi
-
monthly basis for its water service, with the
exception of the largest 600 accounts, who are
billed on a monthly basis.
Table 4.2
shows a
comparison of the City’s service connections
from 20
20 and 202
5 .
The City maintains
over
26,
900
service connections
(potable and non
-
potable) with a mixture of residential,
commercial, industrial, agricultural, fire
protection and landscape accounts.
Approximately
88 percent
of the potable
service connections are either single family or
multi
-
family residential. Commercial,
industrial, and institutional accounts
comprise
about
8 percent of the
total potable accounts.
Miscellaneous or “other” accounts comprise
the balance of the potable connections. Non
-
potable accounts utilize recycled water use for
landscape irrigati
on and industrial use. The
City maintains
about
4 4
recycled water
accounts that are used for landscape purposes.
Additional recycled customers along
the
recently completed Anza recycled pipeline are in the process of being converted to recycled supplies.
A new recycled pipeline, the Palos Verdes Pipeline
Project,
was completed in 2025 and
has the potential to add several
additional recycled customers
in TMW’s service
area.
The City’s
Table 4.
2 : Service Connections
Comparison
(20
20 and
202
5 )
Sector
20 20
202
5 Single Family Residential
21,122
21,165
Multi
-
Family Residential
2,480
2,496
Commercial/Institutional
1,953
1,923
Industrial
272
268
Landscape Irrigation
416
427
Other
597
615
Agricultural/Nursery
25 23
Wholesale
3 3
Total Potable Connections:
26,868
26,
920
Industrial Recycling
1 1
Landscape Irrigation Recycled
40 4
4 Total Recycled Connections:
41 4
5 Total Connections:
26,909
26,9
6 5
81 81
202
5 CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
4 -
4 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
primary industrial recycled water customer,
the Torrance Refining Company
-
T
O
RC
, uses recycled
water
for its refinery processes, saving the City a significant portion of
its potable water, amounting
5,000 to
5 ,
5 00 AFY
.
Tables 4.3
and
4.4 shows
the 202
5 and past years water consumption,
respectively.
Nearly
88 percent of the total service connections are either single -
family or multi
-
family
residential
as over half
of the City is zoned for residential use. Commercial and institutional accounts comprise
about
8 percent of the total
accounts.
Landscape irrigation and "other" accounts
comprise the remaining portion of the City's metered connections .
Table 4.
3 : 202
5 Potable
Water Demands
(
DWR
Table 4
-
1 Retail)
Use Type
202
5 Actual
Additional Description
Potable or Non
-
Potable
Volume
(AF)
Single Family
Potable
4,884
Multi
-
Family
Potable
2,895
Commercial
Includes
Institutional
Potable
2,548
Industrial
Potable
4,693
Landscape
Potable
831
Other
Potable
80 Agricultural
Irrigation
Potable
67 Sales/Transfers/Exchanges to
other agencies
Potable
998
Distribution System Water Loss
Potable
1,248
TOTAL
18,244
Table 4.
4 :
Past Six
-
Year
Historic Water Demand by Sector (AF)
Sector
20 20
20 21
20 22
20 23
20 24
202
5 Single Family Residential
5,874
5,832
5,793
4,664
5,367
4,884
Multi
-
Family Residential
3,341
3,188
3,245
2,907
3,287
2,895
Commercial/ Institutional
2,600
2,479
2,786
2,447
2,818
2,548
Industrial
4,498
4,085
4,154
5,231
4,839
4,693
Landscape Irrigation
829
927
905
691
725
831
Other
59 83
93 90
74 80
Agricultural/Nursery
91 95
66 71
74 67
Wholesale
664
660
672
570
799
998
Total Potable Water Sales:
17,956
17,349
17,714
16,671
17,983
16,996
Industrial Recycling
4,860
5,429
4,673
4,560
4,709
4,904
Landscape Irrigation Recycled
309
321
324
242
261
265
Total Recycled Sales:
5,169
5,750
4,997
4,802
4,970
5,169
Total Water Sales:
23,125
23,099
22,711
21,473
22,953
22,165
82 82
CITY OF TORRANCE
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5 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
4 -
5 The City records water use per service connection only and bills customers based on a modified
conservation based tiered water rate structure. Water sales data is compiled by City water staff and recorded on
the DWR
Form No. 38 (Public Water System Statistics) and submitted to DWR
annually.
The total water consumption by customer type since 20
20 is shown on
Table 4.
4 .
As
noted by
Table 4.
4 , Single
-
Family Residential accounts are the highest consuming sector in the City, due to the fact that most of the City is zoned mostly for single -
family accounts (with higher
densities for multi
-
family accounts). Industrial accounts
,
excluding the T
O
RC Refinery
,
have a
consumption rate at an average of
nearly
17 AFY per connection from 20
20 to 20
2 5
. However,
over 90 percent
of the industrial demand is attributable to the
T
O
RC
Refinery. Convers
ely, single
-
family residential
accounts have the lowest consumption rate, at
around 0.
2 6
AFY per connection,
a
slight
decrease from 0.
2 7
AFY as compared to the City’s 20
20 UWMP.
4. 4
.1
Non
-
Revenue Water (Including “Water Losses”)
Table 4.5
shows the water losses in the past five years.
Non
-
Revenue (formerly Unaccounted)
for water
contributes to a significant portion of the City's overall water use of
the total water supply into the City's
distribution system.
Non
-
Revenue
water consists of
routine flushing, unmetered use, and water losses. The
reasons for water losses may be from a difference in
accuracy of the meter at the production side compared to the service meters, periodic main line flushing, reservoir and other wat
er system maintenance that is typical in the
operation and maintenance of a water system.
Water
losses
are
calculated based on the water system balance methodology developed by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) through water loss audit forms
and is the sum of AWWA
Method “real losses” and “apparent losses”
. These forms are required to be validated and submitted to DWR on an annual basis.
The City has completed and validated its water loss audit forms for 2015 to 2024
with the 2025
audit anticipated to be completed by Fall
2026
.
Although water losses have cost impacts on water agencies, they cannot be prevented entirely.
Instead, effort is given to controlling the quantity of water losses (to a cost -
effective extent) in
order to reduce the cost impact of water losses on water operations.
4.4.2 Progress Toward 2028 Water Loss Performance Standard
The City is in the process of aligning its operations with California’s future water loss standards.
These regulations, established under 23 CCR Section 980 et seq., set specific performance targets that urban retail water suppliers must meet by January 1,
2028 (23 CCR Section 981[a]). The City's
current 2024 AWWA Water Loss Audit data shows it
is
above
these future limits
,
and the multi
-
year trend demonstrates significant progress toward full compliance by 2028.
"Real" water loss refers to physical leaks from the distribution system. Per Water Code Section 10631(d)(3)(C), the City must report its progress toward a state -
mandated standard of
14.3 gallons
per service connection per day (GPSCD). Based on its most recent AWWA Water Loss Audit, the Table 4.
5 :
City’s Past Water Losses
Reporting Period
Start Date
(
01/2020
)
Volume of Water
Loss
(AF)
01/20
20 972
01/20
21 623
01/20
22 940
01/20
23 902
01/202
4 1,122
83 83
202
5 CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
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6 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
City estimated a real water loss of
28.2 GPSCD
.
Table 4.
6 shows the real water losses from 2020
to 2024 compared to the 2028 Real Water Loss Standard determined by the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
Table 4.
6 :
2020
–
2024 Real Water Losses (DWR Table 4
-
6 Retail)
State Water Board
Standard
AWWA Water Loss Audit
Real Water Loss
(GPSCD)
2028 Real Water
Loss Standard
(GPSCD)
Reporting year
Number of
Connections
Real
Water
Loss
(AF)
14.3 2020
27,057
793.606
26.2 2021
26,820
362.988
12.1 2022
26,868
676.732
22.5 2023
27,141
661.166
21.7 2024
27,212
859.185
28.2 "Apparent" water loss includes losses from meter inaccuracies or unauthorized use. Under 23 CCR Section 981(d), these standards are evaluated alongside real water loss. The state standard for the City is 7.5 GPSCD. The City’s latest AWWA Water Loss Audit (2024) shows an apparent loss of 263.0 AF, which equates to 8.6 GPSCD. The City is currently above this target. The apparent water losses from 2020 to 2024, along with the 2028 Apparent Water Loss Standard determined by the SWRCB, are shown in Table 4.7.
Table 4.
7 :
2020
–
2024 Apparent Water Losses (DWR Table 4
-
6 Retail)
State Water Board
Standard
AWWA Water Loss Audit
Apparent
Water
Loss (GPSCD)
2028
Apparent
Water
Loss Standard (GPSCD)
Reporting
year
Number of
Connections
Apparent
Water
Loss (AF)
7.5 2020
27,057
178.510
5.9 2021
26,820
259.820
8.6 2022
26,868
263.336
8.7 2023
27,141
241.148
7.9 2024
27,212
263.051
8.6 The City
is pursuing multiple strategies
to meet
the 2028
water loss
performance standards.
For
example, the
City is actively implementing the DMMs described in
Section 7
required by CWC
Section 10631(e)(1)(B)(v) to reduce system leakage.
84 84
CITY OF TORRANCE
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5 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
4 -
7 4.5 WATER CONSERVATION ACT
4.5.1 SBx7
-
7 Background
Due to the limited amount of water allowed to be pumped in the San Joaquin Delta, the California
State
Legislature drafted the Water Conservation Act of 2009 (SBx7 -
7) to protect statewide water
sources. The legislation called for a 20 percent reduction in water use in California by the year 2020. The legislation amended the Water Code to call for 2015 and 2 020 water use targets in the
2010 UWMPs, updates or revisions to these targets in the 2015 and 2020 UWMPs, and allows DWR to enforce compliance to the new water use standards. In essence, the bill require d
each
urban retail water supplier to develop urban
water use targets to help meet the 20 percent goal by
2020 and an interim 10 percent goal by 2015
.
The bill establishes methods for urban retail water suppliers to determine their targets to help achieve statewide water reduction targets, which may or may not be a strict 20 percent level. The retail water supplier must select one of the four target -
sett
ing methods as described in
Section
4.5.3 . The retail agency may also choose to comply with SBx7 -
7 as an individual or as a regio
n in
collaboration with other water suppliers. Under the regional compliance option, the retail water
supplier is mandated to report the water use target for its individual service area. The bill also includes reporting requirements in the 2010, 2015, and 2020 UWMPs. Beginning in 20 21 , failure
to comply with
the
final
20 percent
targets
will
make a retail agency ineligible for grants and loans
from the state needed to attain water self
-
sufficiency by 2020
. H
owever, if an agency
that
is not in
compliance documents a plan and obtains funding approval to come into compliance
by 2025
,
then
could then become eligible for grants or loans.
For the 2025 UWMP, retail water suppliers must
report on their progress in meeting their urban water use targets per CWC Section 10608.40.
Wholesale water suppliers are not required to determine baseline daily per capita water use, urban water use target, interim urban water use target, or daily per capita water use. Instead, wholesale water suppliers are required to include in their UWMPs di scussions of programs they intend to
implement to support the retail water suppliers, such as Torrance
, in attaining their reduction goals
and targets.
MWD is the wholesale water agency providing imported water deliveries to the City.
4.5.2 SBX7
-
7 Provisions
In addition to an overall statewide 20 percent water use reduction, the objective of SBx7 -
7 is to
reduce water use within each hydrologic region in accordance with the agricultural and urban water needs of each region. Currently,
the California Department of Water Resources (DWR)
recognizes
10 separate hydrologic regions in California as shown in Figure 4.3.
Each hydrologic region has
b
een established for planning purposes and corresponds to the State's major drainage areas. The City is located in the Sout
h Coast Hydrologic Region (HR), which includes all of Orange County, most of San Diego and Los Angeles counties, parts of Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties, and a small amount of Kern and Santa Barbara counties. The South Coast Hydrologic
Region (
HR
)
is shown in
Figure 4.4
.
85 85
202
5 CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
4 -
8 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
Figure 4.
3 :
California’s 10 Hydrologic Regions (with Baselines by Region)
86 86
CITY OF TORRANCE
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202
5 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
4 -
9 P
er capita water use, measured in gallons per capita per day (GPCD), in the South Coast HR
(see
Figure 4.4
)
and
varies between different water agencies, depending on the geographic and economic conditions of the agency's service area. The South Coast HR has an overall baseline per capita water use of 180 GPCD and DWR has established a regional target of 149 GPCD for
the
region as a compliance target
to satisfy SBx7
-
7 legislation.
Figure 4.
4 :
South Coast Hydrologic Region
87 87
202
5 CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
4 -
10 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
4.5.3 SBx7
-
7 Methodologies
To satisfy the provisions of SBx7
-
7, the City previously established a per capita water use target for the year 2020
,
as well as an interim target (2015). DWR provided guidelines for determining these targets in its
Methodologies for Calculating Baseline and Compliance Urban Per Capita Water Use
(released 2010; revised 2011 and 2016) and also in the 2015 , 2020,
and 202
5 UWMP
Guidebooks. In the 2010 UWMP, the City's baseline water use was determined based on the City's historic water use by the procedure sho
wn in
Figure 4.5
.
In the same fashion, the City was responsible for determining a 5 -
year baseline water use in
accordance with DWR's guidelines. The Methodologies guidebook made provisions that allowed a water supplier to meet the target requirements by achieving any one of
a number of target
requirements, provided that the water supplier's per capita water use is low enough relative to the region within which it supplies water.
DWR has established four compliance methods for urban
retail water suppliers to choose from. Each
supplier is required to adopt one of the four methods
to comply with SBx7
-
7 requirements. The four options are shown in
Table 4
.
8 .
These options were established in order to avoid placing any undue hardship on water agencies that have already been implementing water conservation measures. The basic procedure for determining the applicable water reduction target is illustrated by Figure 4
.
5 . If an agency's 10
-
year baseline is slightly higher than the Hydrologic Region's target, that agency still must achieve
Figure 4.
5 :
Procedure for Determining Baseline and Per Capita Water Use
Step 4
Tabulate Per Capita Water Use and Determine the
Baseline Per Capita Water Use for 10 yr. (i.e. 1995
-
2004) & 5 yr. (i.e. 2003
-
2007) periods
Step 3
Determine Per Capita Water Use:
(AF) From Step 2 X 325,851 Gallons / Population /
365 Days
Step 2
Compile Potable Water Use Records in City's Service
Area from 2001 to 2014
in Acre
-
Feet (AF) for either Fiscal or Calendar Year
BASELINE
Step 1
Determine Service Area of City
Step 5
Evaluate Three Targets Selected Above and Select
Method 1 or Method 3
Note: Target cannot exceed minimum reduction
Step 4
Set Target of 95% of 5
-
yr Baseline
(Minimum Reduction)
Step 3
If 80% of 10
-
yr Baseline < 95% of HR Target
Set target of 95% of HR Target (Method 3)
Step 2
Compare 80% of 10
-
year Baseline to 95% of
Hydrologic Region (HR) Target
TARGET
Step 1
Set Target of 80% of 10 yr. baseline (Method 1)
88 88
CITY OF TORRANCE
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202
5 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
4 -
11 a five percent reduction from its 5
-
year
baseline. If an agency has a per capita
water use of 100 GPCD or less, that agency
will not have to adhere to any reduction
targets as that agency is already considered
water efficient.
4 .5.
4 SBx7
-
7 Targets
To determine a 10 or 15
-
year baseline
period for water use, it is compared by the
amount of total water supplied to the
amount of recycled water supplied in
2008. Longer years are applied if
recycled
water accounts for at least 10 percent of the
total water supply.
In 2008, TMW supplied 28,656 AF of
water and of that amount, 6,491 AF is
recycled water. Recycled water supplied in
2008 accounted for 23 percent. Therefore,
a continuous baseline period of 10
-
to 15
-
years can be used. For the continuous 10
-
year baseline,
a period from 2001 to 2010 was used. A period from 2006 to 2010 was used for the 5 -
year baseline.
Table 4.
9 shows the GPCD for the baseline years and the 10
-
and 5
-
year baseline results.
Table 4.
9 :
Past GPCD Water Use
Year
Total Potable
Consumption (AF)
Per Capita
(GPCD)
2001
19,183
173
2002
18,839
168
2003
19,347
171
2004
17,507
153
2005
17,590
156
2006
18,002
161
2007
18,719
163
2008
17,460
151
2009
16,957
146
2010
15,193
130
10 -
y
r. Baseline (2001
-
2010
) (SB7: 10608.20)
1 57
5 -
yr. Baseline (2006
-
2010
)
(SB7: 10608.22)
1 50
South Coast HR:
149
Table 4.
8 : DWR Compliance Methods
Methods
Description
Method 1
A strict 20 percent reduction from the
baseline by 2020 and 10 percent by 2015
Method 2
A budget
-
based approach by requiring an
agency to achieve a performance standard
based on three metrics:
o
Residential indoor water use of 55 GPCD
o
Landscape water use commiserate with a
Model Landscape Ordinance
o
10 percent reduction in baseline CII water
Method 3
Requires achievement of 95 percent of the
applicable state hydrologic region target as
set forth in the State’s 20x2020 Water
Conservation Plan
Method 4
Requires the subtraction of Total Savings from
the Base GPCD:
o
Total Savings includes indoor residential
savings, meter savings, CII savings, and
landscape and water loss savings
89 89
202
5 CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
4 -
12 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
In order to
determine the correct compliance target, the City's baseline water use was compared to the regional compliance target to determine the applicable reduction amounts per the SBx7 -
7 additions to the water code.
The legal stipulations applicable to the City and the required target to be enforced by DWR are shown in
Table 4.
10 .
Table 4.
10 : City of Torrance SBx7
-
7 2020 Water Use Targets
Min. Reduction Requirement
(10608.22)
20%
Target
(10608.20) (b)(1)
5% Reduction from Regional Target
(10608.20) (b)(3)
1 43
1 26
14 2
2020 Per Capita Target:
1 42
Interim (2015) Target:
1 50
As indicated, TMW
selected
a 2020 target of 142 GPCD, which is 95 percent of the regional target.
Therefore, TMW is in compliance with 10608.22.
In addition
, TMW’s 20 percent reduction target
(1
26 GPCD)
exceeds
142 GPCD. Therefore, TMW’s compliance target for per capita water consumption is 1
42 GPCD in accordance with Section (10608.20) (b)(3) of the Water Code.
These baselines and targets are revisions from the 201
0 UWMP. Revisions are made due to
readjusted population values for those years. New service area population was obtained from the DWR Population tool for 200
6 to 2010. From years 2001 to 2005, an average of 7
2 percent
(percent of TMW service area to the City) from the population from California Department of Finance (DOF) was used to determine service area population. Total potable consumption is obtained from the recorded supply from the sum of MWD,
hal
f of
WBMWD Desalter, and
half of
groundwater supplies subtracted with wholesale and
process
water use.
Half of desalinated and
groundwater was
deducted
as
approximately
half of those supplies are from recycled water
replenishment.
In other words, t
he volume for total potable consumption in
Table 4.
9 does not
include exported water,
one
-
half of
indirect recycled water,
or
process water.
A breakdown of
these calculations
is
shown in the
2015
SBx7
-
7 Verification Forms in
the
City’s
2015 UWMP
.
According to the West Coast Basi
n Watermaster, d
uring FY 20
2 0
-
2 1
through 202
4 -
2 5
, a
total of
104
,
841
AF of water was injected into the West Coast Seawater Protective Barrier, which is
located
approximately 1
mile east
the coastline and goes from El Segundo to the Palos Verdes foothill. Of this amount
,
58,623
AF
,
or
approximately
5 6
percent
of the
total injected
water
,
was highly
treated
r
ecycled
w
ater.
This freshwater
barrier consists of scores of injection
wells that
repel
further
seawater intrusion into
WCGB
by creating a pressure ridge.
Artificial
r
echarge
i
s
a major component
of groundwater in the WCGB including the injection barrier.
Over 90
percent
of the
injected water
flows
east where it
is later
pumped by TMW and other agencies in the western portion of the WCGB and becomes a major component of groundwater supply.
Given this scenario
,
approximately 50
percent
of
TMW’s
potable groundwater production consists of
r
ecycled
w
ater.
Although the requirements of SBx7
-
7 seem stringent, it is noteworthy to mention that the City has seen an increase in water efficiency since 2010. This is due mostly to former
Gov
ernor
Brown's
mandate in 2015, but also due in part to a greater achievement of conservation measures, saturation of water
-
saving plumbing fixtures, and overall water conservation awareness.
Table 4.
11 displays
the City's GPCD.
Altogether, the City is meeting its SBx7
-
7 requirements
.
90 90
CITY OF TORRANCE
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202
5 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
4 -
13 4.5.
5 Water Demand Impacts from COVID
-
19 Pandemic & 2020 SBx7
-
7 Compliance
DWR recognizes that extraordinary events may have an impact towards water demands. On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for the entire state due to the spread of COVID
-
19. Following Governor Newsom’s statement, Los Angeles Coun ty also declared a
state of emergency the same day. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID
-
19 a global pandemic. As a result, on March 19, 2020, an Executive Order and Public Health Order directed all Californians to stay hom e except to go to an essential job or to
shop for essential needs. This also required most Californians to work remotely from home.
This event resulted in a significant increase to water demands for various water agencies. However, the City observed minimal impacts due to this event as shown in Table 4.
11 as water demands
remained slightly above average. In 2020, the
water usage was
12,743
AF and the
average from
2015 to 2019 was 13,786
AF.
Table 4.
11 : City GPCD from 2010
-
202
5 Year
Total Potable
Consumption (AF)
Per Capita
(GPCD)
2010
15,193
130
2011
14,441
125
2012
14,409
124
2013
15,259
131
2014
15,057
128
2015
14,407
122
2016
14,958
127
2017
13,567
115
2018
13,362
113
2019
12,636
107
2020
12,743
108
202
1 12,113
103
202
2 11,440
97 202
3 11,031
93 202
4 11,101
93 202
5 10,695
89 Average:
1 13
DWR allows water purveyors to make adjustments to
their 2020 Gross Water Use in the event of
usual events considered as Extraordinary Events, Economic Adjustment, or Weather Normalization; however, according to Section 5.5.1.4 of
the
2020 UWMP Guidebook, adjustments for COVID
-
19 are not allowed.
This impact
did not adversely affect the City’s ability
to achieve their 2020 targets
as shown in
Table 4.1
2 .
91 91
202
5 CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
4 -
14 SECTION 4: WATER DEMANDS
Table 4.
12 : City’s 2020
Target
Compliance (
DWR
Table 5
-
1 )
2020 Target
Actual 2020
GPCD
Did Supplier
Achieve Targeted
Reduction for
2020?
Only for suppliers that did not meet the
Target in 2020
Actual 2025
GPCD
Did Supplier meet the
2020 Target in 2025?
1 42
1 08
Yes
N/A
N/A
4.6 WATER USE REDUCTION PLAN
In order to remain
within
the SBx7
-
7 targets,
the City
will continue to implement the water use
efficiency measures described in
Section
7 of this UWMP and continue to participate in water use efficiency programs offered by MWD
rebate programs for its retail agencies. Because residential homes are the largest water use sector in the region, the focus of water conservation efforts will continue to be residential
and commercial
rebate programs
. Turf replacement, water efficient
landscape workshops
and public outreach programs
are major priorities
.
Single family residential
homes and some large landscape
d
areas
are common in the
City
.
In addition to the SBx7
-
7 provisions, agencies also
sought
to manage the provisions of Governor
Brown's Executive Order
B
-
29 -
2015
.
Governor Brown granted this Executive Order in April 2015 that
mandated a statewide 25 percent reduction in water use
through February
28,
2016, as
compared to the amount used in 2013
.
This executive order helped to further the goals of SBx7 -
7. Even after the strict 25 percent reduction was lifted, Californians continued to save water, with cumulative water use savings of about
22 percent between June 2015 and January 2017. As
Governor Brown ended the drought state
of emergency in most of California in April 2017 with
Executive Order B
-
40 -
17, state agencies released a long
-
term plan that advanced measures to
better prepare the state for future droughts and make
“C
onservation a California
W
ay of
L
ife.
”
Figure 4.
6 :
SBx7
-
7 Seeks to Preserve the Waters of the Bay
-
Delta
Through financial incentive programs and various public outreach campaigns and events, the City has met its SBx7
-
7 target as shown previously in
Table 4.12
.
92 92
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15 4.6.1
FUTURE MWD PROGRAMS
OVERVIEW
MWD’s 2020 Integrated Water Resources Plan (IRP), while initially intended to be released as a report document similar to the previous IRPs, was divided into two phases to allow for a comprehensive "One Water" approach, with the first phase focused on need s assessment and the
second on implementation. In December 2021, MWD, in collaboration with its member agencies, presented the Phase 1 Regional Needs Assessment findings of the 2020 IRP. In March 2022, the 2020 IRP process transitioned to Phase 2, One Wat
er Implementation, and was completed in April
2022. The inaugural IRP was adopted in 1996, with previous updates in 2004, and 2010, and 2015.
The 2015 IRP Update focused on a single set of assumptions about future water supply whereas the 2020 IRP establis
hed a new framework to analyze four scenarios through 2045
as shown in
Figure 4.7
. The 2020 IRP continues to assess and address how MWD plans to adapt to the changing conditions facing Southern California. The goals of the 2020 IRP include:
•
I
dentifying Water Supply Gaps
:
Determining
potential shortfalls under four different future
scenarios, specifically accounting for the
impacts of climate change, regulatory shifts, and
economic growth.
•
B
roadening Perspectives
:
Moving away from a
"one
-
size
-
fits
-
all" projection to incorporate wide
-
ranging uncertainties through collaborative
scenario planning with member agencies.
•
Q
uantifying Resource Needs
:
Identifying the
exact mix of core supplies (available every year),
flexible supplies, and storage required to close
predicted reliability gaps.
•
Tra
nsitioning to “One Water”:
Setting the stage for Phase 2, which focuses on a holistic One Water approach
—
integrating imported supplies with local actions like recycling, stormwater capture, and conservation.
•
D
eveloping Adaptive Management
:
Establishing a roadmap that includes performance
measures and "reality checks" so the plan can be adjusted as future conditions unfold.
MWD is in the process of updating its IRP once again, but that process will not be completed until after this UWMP is submitted.
Figure 4.
7 :
MWD’s
2020 IRP Scenarios
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4.7 PROJECTED WATER DEMAND
4. 7
.1
25 Year Projections
Future water use projections must consider significant factors on water demand, such as development and/or redevelopment, and climate patterns, among other less significant factors that affect water demand. Although redevelopment is expected to be an ongoi ng process, it is not
expected to significantly impact water use since the City is already in a "built -
out" condition.
Rainfall
and warmer temperatures
, however, will continue to be a major influence on demand as drought conditions will increase demand at
a time when these supplies are limited
,
and may
therefore result in water use restrictions in accordance with the City's Water Conservation Plan (Ordinance No. 3717 and Ordinance 3782).
As the City's population continues to grow
incrementally
over time and as water conservation measures continue to be implemented, the City should experience only
minor
increases in its
water consumption over the long term, due mostly
to overall population increases along with limited redevelopment. Per capita consumption rates should be expected to remain under 1
42 GPCD, in accordance with SBx7
-
7, and trend further
below the 2020 target of 1
42 GPCD.
For planning purposes, the City's projected water use for 20 30 -
20 50
is broken down by sector,
these
water demands are included in future water demand projections for single and multi -
family
homes and listed
in
Table 4.1
3 .
Table 4.14
shows the overall projected demands.
Per capita
consumption rates should be expected to remain under
the
142 GPCD
in 2021
and trend further
below that rate
, as
water conservation efforts
continue
to combat climate change.
Table 4.
13 : Projected Water Demand by Sector
(AF)
(
DWR
Table 4
-
2 Retail)
Use Type
Additional
Description
Potable or
Non
-
Potable
Projected Water Use
20 30
203
5 20
40 204
5 20
50 Single Family
Potable
4,982
5,081
5,183
5,287
5,392
Multi
-
Family
Potable
2,953
3,012
3,072
3,134
3,196
Commercial
Includes
Institutional
Potable
2,599
2,651
2,704
2,758
2,813
Industrial
Potable
4,500
4,500
4,500
4,500
4,500
Landscape
Potable
848
865
882
899
917
Other
Potable
82 83
85 87
88 Agriculture
Irrigation
Potable
68 70
71 73
74 Sales/Transfers/
Exchanges to other
agencies
Potable
700
700
700
700
700
Distribution System
Water Loss
Potable
1,259
1,275
1,291
1,304
1,318
TOTAL
17,990
18,237
18,488
18,741
18,999
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17 Table 4.
14 : Total Current & Projected Water Demands for 202
5 –
20 50
(AF
)
202
5 20
30 203
5 20
40 204
5 20
50 Potable Water, Raw, Other
Non
-
potable
18,244
17,990
18,237
18,488
18,741
18,999
Recycled Water Demand
5,169
6,288
6,312
6,335
6,359
6,381
Optional Deduction of Recycled
Water Put Into Long
-
Term Storage
0 0
0 0
0 0
TOTAL WATER USE
23,413
24,279
24,549
24,823
25,100
25,380
4.7.2 Low
-
Income Household Projections
The residential sector includes low
-
income housing units based on the City’s Draft 2014
-
2021
Housing Element (2013). The City projects that a total of 607 housing units are classified as low -
income. The estimated residential per unit water demand is 0.2 6 acre
-
feet/unit/year and thus,
approximately
155
AFY is needed to supply these projected lower income housing units.
These
water demands are included in future water demand projections for single family and multi -
family
homes listed in
Table 4.1
3 .
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THIS PAGE LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
96 96
The rise of anthropogenic activities
producing carbon dioxide in the world
has changed the earth’s climate by
emitting greenhouse gases responsible
for global warming. This has resulted in
extreme weather events occurring more
frequently.
SECTION 5: CLIMATE CHANGE
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5 SECTION 5
:
CLIMATE CHANGE
5 -
1 5.1
INTRODUCTION
The rise of anthropogenic activities producing carbon dioxide in the world has changed the earth’s climate by emitting greenhouse
gases
responsible for global warming. This has resulted in extreme weather events occurring more frequently. The severity and frequency of climate change impacts on temperature and precipitation patterns can be difficult to forecast due to dramatic shifts in we
ather patterns as a result of increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. While the precise timing, severity, and regional impacts of these temperature and precipitation changes are uncertain, climate researchers have identified several i mportant issues of concern for water
planners in California. The climate change impacts of concern are as follows:
Temperature
Increases
•
More winter precipitation falling as rain rather than snow, leading to reduced snowpack water storage, reduced long term soil humidity, reduced groundwater and downstream flows, and reduced imported water deliveries
•
Higher irrigation demands as temperatures alter evapotranspiration rates, and growing seasons become longer
•
Exacerbated water quality issues associated with dissolved oxygen levels, increased algal blooms, and increased concentrations of salinity and other constituents
•
Impacted habitats for temperature
-
sensitive fish and other life forms, and
increased susceptibility of aquatic habitats to eutrophication
Precipitation
Pattern
Changes
•
Increased flooding (both coastal and inland) caused by more intense storms
•
Changes to growth and life cycle patterns caused by shifting weather patterns
•
Threats to soil permeability, adding to increased flood threat and decreased water availability
•
Reduced water supply caused by the inability to capture precipitation from more intense storms, and a projected progressive reduction in average annual runoff (though some models suggest that there may be some offset from tropical moisture patterns increas
ingly moving northward)
•
Increased turbidity caused by more extreme storm events, leading to increased water treatment needs and impacts to habitat
•
Increased wildfires with less frequent, but more intense rainfall, and possibly differently timed rainfall through the year, potentially resulting in vegetation cover changes
•
Reduction in hydropower generation potential
SECTION
5 CLIMATE CHANGE
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Sea Level
Rise
•
Inundation and erosion of coastal areas (coastal bluffs in particular), including coastal infrastructure
•
Saline intrusion of coastal aquifers
•
Increased risk of storm surges and coastal flooding and erosion during and after storms
•
Changes in near
-
shore protective biogeography such as loss of sand, tide pools, wetlands, and kelp beds
Although the extent of these changes is uncertain,
the City
is already planning ahead to ensure
long
-
lasting
reliability for its sources of supply for
their customers.
5.2 PROJECT
ED
CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS TO SUPPLIES
Extensive research has been done on the future impacts due to climate change on the State of California.
In 2018, t
he state released its latest research on climate, called the California’s Fourth Climate Change Assessment, detailing the potential impacts of climate change that affects California such as temperature, sea level rise, droughts, and wildfires.
Since January of 2023, the
State has been researching, collecting data, and preparing the Fifth Climate Change Assessment, scheduled for release in 2026
after the submittal of this 2025 UWMP.
The assessment utilizes
historic data and the latest computer models
to analyze these potential impacts.
T
his cycle of the
UWMP also incorporates updated modeling based on Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs), which align with the latest international standards (CMIP6). These models provide a more nuanced look at how different global development and emission t rajectories will impact the Los Angeles
region.
Key regional projections for the Los Angeles area include:
•
Intensified Warming:
Continued future warming, with average daily maximum
temperatures projected to increase significantly through mid -
century.
•
Extreme Weather Shifts:
Increased frequency and intensity of both "dry" and "wet" extremes, leading to more volatile supply years.
•
Supply Diminishment:
The DWR estimated in 2022 that hotter and drier weather could reduce California's existing water supply by up to
10% by 2040
.
•
Evaporative Loss:
Higher temperatures are expected to lead to drier soils and increased evaporation, reducing the efficiency of local stormwater runoff and groundwater recharge .
5.2.1 TEMPERATURE
The LA Region report of the California Assessment anticipates temperatures to increase throughout southern California. The Los Angeles region continues to see a clear warming trend.
Studies indicated that based on historic records from 1895 –
2024 from the
National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) annual average temperatures in the contiguous U.S. and California have consistently ranked among the warmest on record, with 2024 officially ranking as the warmest year in the 130
-
year record for the
United States. Locally, the summer
-
fall period of
2024 ranked as the third hottest since 1895 for coastal Southern California. Based on computer 99 99
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:
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5 -
3 models (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), the number of extreme heat days is projected to increase significantly. While historical records at Los Angeles International Airport showed an average of 15 days per year reaching 90°F or higher, projections now suggest this co uld increase to 26 days
per year by 2050, with even more dramatic increases of 50 –
90 days per year by the end of the
century.
5.2.2 PRECIPITATION & STORMWATER RUNOFF
Precipitation in the Los Angeles region remains highly variable, with a pattern
of swings between
very wet years and very dry years
that is expected to intensify. While total annual precipitation may not change drastically, the
manner
in which it falls is shifting toward fewer, more intense storm events.
Key impacts on supplies include:
•
Reduced Recharge Efficiency:
More intense storms can lead to higher flash runoff, which may bypass traditional spreading grounds and groundwater recharge facilities if not captured.
•
Prolonged Drought:
The likelihood of multi
-
year droughts is projected to increase,
making the five
-
consecutive dry year reliability assessment (
Section 8
) increasingly
critical for
the City
’s planning.
•
Soil Moisture Deficits:
DWR research indicates that dryer soils from previous heatwaves will absorb more of the initial rainfall, leaving less "effective" water for runoff into reservoirs or recharge into the groundwater basin.
5.3 CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS TO
CITY
’S WATER SUPPLIES
Climate data has been recorded in California since 1858. Since then, California has experienced several periods of severe drought: 1928
-
34, 1976
-
77, 1987
-
91, 2007
-
09,
2012
-
2015,
and most
recently in 20
20 -
2022
.
California has also experienced several periods of less severe drought s
. The
year 1977 is considered to be the driest year of record in the Four Rivers Basin by DWR. These rivers flow into the Delta and are the source of water for the SWP. Southern California sustained few adverse impacts from the 1976
-
77 drought, but the 19
87 -
91 drought created considerably more
concern.
The drought of 2007
-
09 resulted in significant impacts on the state's water supplies. SBx7 -
7 was
signed into law by Governor Schwarzenegger that requires mandatory water conservation up to 20 percent by 2020.
The recent drought in 2020
-
22 brought a significant hit to the state’s water
supplies.
The drought strained reservoir levels all across the state .
Table
5 .
1 compares the reservoir
levels in October 2022 during the drought and in present day (February 2026). As shown, the majority of the state’s reserv
oirs are currently above historical average levels. After a series of wet winters and record
-
breaking storms, California has transitioned out of the critical drought stage, with major reservoirs starting 2026 near or exceeding their seasonal norms. As of F ebruary 2026,
100
100
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the state's largest reservoirs, such as Shasta and Oroville, are holding significantly more water than in 2022, providing a robust buffer for the state's water supply.
In January of 2014, Governor Brown declared a state of emergency and directed state officials to take all necessary actions to prepare for water shortages. As the drought prolonged into 2015, to help cope with the drought mitigation, Governor Brown issued an Executive Order in April 2015 that mandated a statewide 25 percent reduction in potable water use from a baseline year of 2013.
This drought emergency lasted until April 2, 2017. On October 19, 2021, Governor Newsom issued a proclamation extending the d
rought emergency to include all 58 counties in an effort to encourage voluntary water conservation efforts and reduce water use by 15 percent.
In contrast, current groundwater supplies do not show significant impacts caused climate change.
The
West Coast
Basin Watermaster
utilizes monitoring wells to monitor groundwater elevations as shown in
the West Coast Basin Map
(
Figure 5.
1 ).
Figures 5.
2 and
5. 3
s
how the well
hydrographs
within the
West Coast Basin.
Groundwater levels remained relatively constant
throughout the recent drought period
s.
Currently, Torrance Municipal Water (TMW) relies on
groundwater
, including groundwater from the Goldsworthy Desalter,
for approximately
3 5
percent
of overall potable demands.
W
ith the
2018
expansion of the Goldsworthy
Groundwater Desalter
and the completion of the North Torrance Wellfield
Project in 202
3 , TMW will derive
about
40 percent
of its potable supply from groundwater within the
next two years.
Table
5 .
1 : California Reservoirs Level During Drought (20
22 ) and Current (202
6 )
Reservoir
Drought Period
(Oct. 3
1 , 20
22 )
Current Levels
(Feb.
5 , 202
6 )
Historic
Average
Trinity Lake
22 %
84 %
130
%
Lake Shasta
3 1
%
79 %
120
%
Lake Oroville
32 %
81 %
134
%
New Melones Lake
24 %
74 %
1 27
%
San Luis Reservoir
2 5
%
78 %
103
%
Millerton Lake
63 %
60 %
100
%
Castaic Lake
34 %
79 %
100
%
Pine Flat Reservoir
16%
52 %
124
%
Lake McClure
18 %
67 %
139
%
Don Pedro Reservoir
49 %
83 %
117
%
Folsom Lake
30%
56 %
119
%
101
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5 -
5 Figure 5.
2 : West Coast Basin Well Map
Figure 5.
1 :
West Coast Basin Well #4
S Monitoring Well Hydrograph
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102
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Figure 5.
3 :
West Coast Basin Wells #3S Monitoring Well Hydrograph
103
103
The Water Conservation Act of 2009 (SBx7-7) was
signed into law by former Gov. Schwarzenegger
which requires mandatory water conservation up to
20% by 2020. The City has established conservation
targets in accordance with this act and met its 2020
Target in 2020.
SECTION 6: RELIABILITY PLANNING
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6.1 INTRODUCTION
Drought conditions continue to be a n issue for Southern California's water supply. As the population of Southern California continues to increase and as environmental regulations restrict imported and local water supplies, it is important that each agency manage its water consumption in the f ace of drought. Even during times of seasonal drought, each agency should anticipate a surplus of supply. This can be accomplished through conservation and supply augmentation, and additionally through prohibitions under penalty of law during times of seas onal or catastrophic shortage in accordance with local ordinances.
This section discusses local and regional efforts to ensure a reliable supply of water and compares projected supply to projected demand. Demand and supply projections are provided in Tables 6.4 to 6.6.
6.2 HISTORIC DROUGHTS
Climate data has been recorded in California
since 1858. Since then, California has
experienced several periods of severe
drought: 1928-34, 1976-77, 1987-91, 2007-
09, 2012 -2015 (see Figure 6.1 ) and most
recently in 20 20-22. California has also
experienced several periods of less severe
drought. The year 1977 is considered to be
the driest single year on record in the Four
Rivers Basin by DWR . These rivers flow
into the Delta and are the source of water for
the SWP. Southern California sustained few
adverse impacts from the 1976 -77 drought,
while the 1987-91 drought created considerably more concern.
As a result of previous droughts, the State legislature has enacted, among other things, the Urban Water Management Planning Act, which requires the preparation of this plan. Subsequent amendments to the Act have been made to ensure the plans are responsive to drought management.
In 1991, several water agencies came together to form the California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC) to manage the impacts of drought through the promotion of water SECTION 6
Figure 6.1: Lake Oroville during 2012-2015 Drought
RELIABILITY PLANNING
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conservation. Eventually, the CUWCC disbanded, and members of the CUWCC worked together to form the California Water Efficiency Partnership (CalWEP). City of Torrance is a member of CalWEP.
The drought of 2007 -09 resulted in significant impacts on the state's water supplies, and in November 2009, SBx7-7 was signed into law by former Governor Schwarzenegger. SBx7-7, also known as the Water Conservation Act of 2009, requires mandatory water conservation up to 20 percent by 2020.
At the local level, water agencies have enacted their own ordinances to deal with the impacts of drought. The City has enacted several water conservation policies as part of the City’s municipal code that manage water supply during droughts. Compliance ranges from voluntary to mandatory depending on the drought severity.
6.3 RECENT DROUGHT (2020 – 2022) AND CURRENT STATE
The recent drought in 2020 -2022
brought a significant hit to the state’s
water supplies. The drought strained
reservoir levels all across the state, as
reflected by Figure 6.2.
In January of 2014, former Governor
Jerry Brown declared a state of
emergency and directed state
officials to take all necessary actions
to prepare for water shortages. As the
drought prolonged into 2016, to help
cope with the drought mitigation ,
Governor Brown issued an executive
order in April 2015 that mandated a statewide 25 percent reduction in potable water use from a baseline year of 2013. This drought emergency lasted until April 2, 2017. On October 19, 2021, Governor Newsom issued a proclamation extending the drought emergency to include a ll 58 counties in an effort to encourage voluntary water conservation efforts and reduce water use by 15 percent.
Although the 2020-2022 drought more significantly impacted surfaces waters and other agencies that use water for agriculture, the City was still affected by the drought, primarily due to reduced reliability of imported water. However, the City is implementing a local water source diversification program that will mitigate future drought impacts on the community . To date, Californians have reduced water use by about 15-20 percent since emergency conservation regulations took effect in June 2015.
6.3.1 Current State (2026)
As of April 2026, California has experienced a significant recovery from the severe-to-exceptional Figure 6.2: Recent Drought Effects on Reservoir Storage 106
106
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drought conditions that characterized the 2020–2022 period. Following an exceptionally wet 2023 and 2024 water year, the U.S. Drought Monitor reported that the state was effectively 100 percent drought-free for the first time in 25 years as of early 2026.
On March 24, 2026, Governor Newsom officially terminated the 2021 Drought State of Emergency. This action was supported by data showing that all major California reservoirs were at or above their historical average storage levels for that date. For instance, by April 2026, state- wide reservoir storage reached approximately 120 percent of the historical average.
This status signifies that while the City is not currently in a drought emergency, it remains prepared for the high probability of rapid shifts back to dry conditions, a phenomenon increasingly common in California’s changing climate.
6.4 REGIONAL SUPPLY RELIABILITY
As a result of continued challenges to
its water supplies, the Metropolitan
Water District (MWD) understands the
importance of reliable water supplies.
MWD strives to meet the water needs
of Southern California by developing
new projects to increase the capacity of
its supplies while encouraging its
member agencies to develop local
supply projects to meet the needs of its
customers. Also, MWD is committed
to developing and maintaining high -
capacity storage reservoirs, such as
Diamond Valley Lake, to meet th e
needs of the region during times of
drought and emergency.
MWD operates Diamond Valley Lake, an 800,000 AF reservoir (pictured in Figure 6.3), to avoid the repercussions of reduced supplies from the SWP and CRA. In addition, MWD operates several additional storage reservoirs in Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego Counties to store water obtained from the State Water Project (SWP) and the California River Aqueduct (CRA) . Storage reservoirs like these are a key component of MWD's supply capability and are crucial to MWD's ability to meet projected demand without having to implement the Water Supply Allocation Plan (WSAP), which is a form of rationing using Tier 1 and Tier 2 penalties t o limit water use in the MWD service area. This is crucial since water deliveries from the SWP and CRA have become more restricted, which could render the City's supplies more vulnerable to shortage.
6.4.1 The Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA) Reliability
Water supply from the CRA continues to be a critical issue for Southern California as MWD competes with several agricultural water agencies in California for unused water rights to the Figure 6.3: MWD’s 800,000 AF Reservoir: Diamond Valley Lake 107
107
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Colorado River. Although California's
allocation has been established at 4.4
million acre -feet ( MAF) per year,
MWD's allotment stands at only
550,000 acre-feet per year ( AFY) with
additional amounts increasing MWD's
current allotment to over 900,000 AFY,
as a result of a number of exchange,
transfer and agricultural land f allowing
agreements with other agencies. MWD
also has a priority status if there is any
unused water from the se agricultural
agencies.
MWD recognizes that competition from other states and other agencies within California has decreased the CRA's supply reliability. In 2003, the Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA) was signed, which facilitated the transfer of water from agricultural agencies to urban uses. This historic agreement provides California the means to implement transfers and supply programs that will allow California to live within the State's 4.4 MAF basic annual apportionment of Colorado River water. MWD’s success in facilitating transfer, exchange and land fallowing agreements has substantially augmented its basic entitlement to Colorado River supplies. MWD’s Colorado Aqueduct has delivered as much as 1.2 MAF during drought periods, which is the capacity of the CRA (see Figure 6.4).
6.4.2 The State Water Project (SWP) Reliability
The reliability of the SWP impacts MWD’s
member agencies’ ability to plan for future
growth and supply. DWR develops and
releases The State Water Project Delivery
Capability Report (DCR) where it provides
updates and supply estimations on the SWP
delivery capabilities. The latest edition of the
report (2019 2025 DCR) incorporates current
regulatory requireme nts for the SWP and
utilizes climate change models from CalSim-II
3 to project supply impacts and estimations.
On an annual basis, each of the 29 SWP
contractors, including MWD, request an amount of SWP water based on their anticipated yearly demand (see Figure 6.5). In most cases, MWD’s requested supply is equivalent to its full Table A Amount, which is nearly 2 million AF. After receiving the requests, DWR assesses the amount of water supply available based on precipitation, snow pack on northern California watersheds, volume of water in storage, projected carry over storage, and Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay-Delta regulatory requirements. For example, the SWP annual delivery of water to contractors has ranged from 1.4 MAF in dry years to almost 4.0 MAF in wet years. Due to the uncertainty in water supply, Figure 6.4: Colorado River Dam
Figure 6.5: State Water Project (SWP)
108
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contractors are not typically guaranteed their full Table A Amount, but instead a percentage of that amount based on the available supply.
Each December, DWR provides the contractors with their first estimate of allocation for the following year. As conditions develop throughout the year, DWR revises the allocations.
Currently, the total contractor requested allocation for Table A water is 4.2 MA F. MWD initially requested 1.9 MAF, which is 45 percent of the total contractors’ requests for Table A water. Due to the variability in supply for any given year, it is important to understand the reliability situation of the SWP to supply a specific amount of water each year to the contractors.
With the state experiencing multiple dry years in the last 10-12 years (2013-2015, and 2020-2022), DWR has already taken the steps to preserve the SWP supplies. On January 29, 2026, DWR increased the allocation of 2026 SWP deliveries for the contractors from 417,279 AF (10 percent) to 1,251,836 AF (30 percent). Based on the recent high amount of precipitation and runoff in December 2025, and an assessment of overall water supply conditions, SWP supplies are projected to be 30 percent of most SWP contractor’s 2026 requested Table A Amounts. This reduction decreased MWD’s initial request from 1,911,500 AF to 573,450 AF.
6.4.3 Current Reservoir Levels
Statewide, storage reservoir levels rise and fall due to seasonal climate changes. During periods of drought, reservoir levels can drop significantly and can limit the amount of supplies available. As a result, both DWR and MWD monitor their reservoir levels regularly. In 2020, conditions of several key reservoirs indicated drought conditions. Currently, all several reservoir levels are above historical average levels as indicated by Figures 6.6 and 6.7 on the following pages. 109
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Figure 6.6: California State Reservoir Levels
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Figure 6.7: MWD Reservoir Levels
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6.5 SUPPLY VS. DEMAND
Since the City obtains its water sources from
local groundwater, groundwater desalination,
imported water, and recycled water, the City's
water supply reliability is largely based on the
capacity and vulnerability of its infrastructure,
in addition to the seasonal demand changes
brought about by periods of drought. MWD's
reliability of supply has direct impact on the
City. Population growth will also continue to
be a factor in future reliability projections.
Since the City is pursuing an optimized local
water re sources and groundwater
sustainability sce nario, having continued
access to imported water increases the City's supply reliability substantially (see Figure 6.8).
6.5.1 Regional Supply Reliability
Southern California is expected to experience an increase in regional demands in the years 20 30 through 2050 as a result of population growth. Although increases in demand are expected, they are limited due to the requirements of SBx7-7, which provides a cap on water consumption (i.e., per capita water use). It can be reasonably expected that the majority of agencies have met or were near their compliance targets by 2020 and thereafter, as conservation measures are more effectively enforced.
Tables 2-1 to 2-6 of MWD's 2025 UWMP shows supply reliability projections for average and single dry years through the year 20 50. The data in these tables is important to effectively project and analyze supply and demand over the next 25 years for many regional agencies. It is noteworthy that Projected Supplies During a Single Dry Year and Multiple Dry Years indicates MWD’s projected supply will exceed its projected single dry year and multiple dry year demands in all years. Likewise, for average years, MWD supply exceeds projected demands for all years. The data contained in these tables has an indirect effect on the City’s imported supply capacity, and thus this data will also be used to develop the City’s projected supply and demand over the next 25 years.
6.5.2 City Supply Reliability
To project future supply and demand
comparisons, it will be assumed that demand
will increase annually based on population
growth and a constant demand of 95 GPCD in
accordance with SBx7 -7 requirements (i.e.,
assuming that conservation is taking place) .
During times of drought, however, demand
will increase at a time when supply decreases. Table 6.1 outlines the various base years and demand increases to project during single and multiple dry drought periods.
Tables 6.2 – 6.6, shown on the following pages, provide an analysis of MWD and the City’s supply and demand projections. Tables 6.2 and 6.3 are to demonstrate regional reliability.
Table 6.1: City’s Demand Increases during
Single & Multiple Dry Years
Base Year Demand Increases (%)
Single Dry Year 2013-2015 109%
Multiple
Dry Years
Year 1 2011 106%
Year 2 2012 112%
Year 3 2013 113%
Year 4 2014 114%
Year 5 2015 99%
Figure 6.8: MWD Reservoir Storage (Lake Mathews)
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Table 6.2: MWD Regional Imported Water Supply Reliability Projections Average and Single Dry Years (AF) for 2030 to 2050
Row Region Wide
Projections 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Supply
A Projected Supply:
Average Year 3,762,000 3,720,000 3,664,000 3,624,000 3,718,000 B Projected Supply:
Dry Year 2,701,000 2,675,000 2,631,000 2,605,000 2,699,000 C = B/A Projected Dry Yr. / Avg.
Yr. Supply (%) 71.8% 71.9% 71.8% 71.9% 72.6%
Demand
D Projected Average Year
Demand 1,503,000 1,516,000 1,544,000 1,563,000 1,581,000 E Projected Dry Year
Demand 1,634,000 1,653,000 1,679,000 1,697,000 1,714,000 F=E/D Projected Dry Year /
Avg. Year (%) 108.7% 109.0% 108.7% 108.6% 108.4%
Surplus G = A-D Projected Surplus:
Average Year 2,259,000 2,204,000 2,120,000 2,061,000 2,137,000 H = B-E Projected Surplus: Dry
Year 1,067,000 1,022,000 952,000 908,000 985,000
Programs
Under Dev.
I
Projected Capability of
Programs (Average
Year)
0 0 0 0 0
J Projected Capability of
Programs (Dry Year) 0 0 0 0 0
Potential
Surplus K=A+I-D Projected Surplus:
Average Year 2,259,000 2,204,000 2,120,000 2,061,000 2,137,000 L=B+J-E Projected Surplus:
Dry Year 1,067,000 1,022,000 952,000 908,000 985,000
Comparison
M = A/D Projected Avg. Yr.
Supply/Demand (%) 250.3% 245.4% 237.3% 231.9% 235.2%
N = A/E Projected Dry Yr.
Supply/Demand (%) 230.2% 225.0% 218.2% 213.6% 216.9%
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Table 6.3: MWD Regional Imported Water Supply Reliability Projections Average and Multiple Dry Years (AF) 2030 to 2050
Row Region Wide
Projections 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Supply
A Projected Supply:
Average Year 3,762,000 3,720,000 3,664,000 3,624,000 3,718,000 B Projected Supply:
Multiple Dry Year 2,082,400 2,118,100 2,043,900 2,003,400 1,989,900 C = B/A Projected Dry Yr. / Avg.
Yr. Supply (%) 55.4% 56.9% 55.8% 55.3% 53.5%
Demand
D Projected Average Year
Demand 1,503,000 1,516,000 1,544,000 1,563,000 1,581,000 E Projected Dry Year
Demand 1,602,000 1,668,000 1,689,000 1,712,000 1,731,000 F=E/D Projected Dry Year /
Avg. Year (%) 106.6% 110.0% 109.4% 109.5% 109.5%
Surplus G = A-D Projected Surplus:
Average Year 2,259,000 2,204,000 2,120,000 2,061,000 2,137,000 H = B-E Projected Surplus:
Multiple Dry Year 480,400 450,100 354,900 291,400 258,900 Programs Under
Dev. I
Projected Capability of
Programs (Average
Year)
0 0 0 0 0
J
Projected Capability of
Programs (Multiple Dry
Year)
0 0 0 0 0
Potential
Surplus K=A+I-D Projected Surplus:
Average Year 2,259,000 2,204,000 2,120,000 2,061,000 2,137,000 L=B+J-E Projected Surplus:
Multiple Dry Year 480,400 450,100 354,900 291,400 258,900 Comparison
M = A/D Projected Avg. Yr.
Supply/Demand (%) 250.3% 245.4% 237.3% 231.9% 235.2%
N = A/E Projected Dry Yr.
Supply/Demand (%) 234.8% 223.0% 216.9% 211.7% 214.8%
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6.5.3 NORMAL-YEAR RELIABILITY COMPARISON
Under its former Tier 1 amount purchase agreement, the City can purchase up to 19,204 AFY of imported water from MWD via deliveries from its regional distribution system. The relationship between MWD and all of its member agencies is through MWD’s Act and Administrative Code.
Although connection capacity does not guarantee the availability of water, per se, they do provide the ability to convey water when it is available from the MWD distribution system. MWD’s operators work with the City’s operational personnel on the timing of the deliveries. Weather, local supplies, the economy, population growth in the service area, and other variables, can impact those demands.
Table 6.4 shows supply and demand under normal year conditions. More water supplies are available from MWD; however, the table below does not show this since the City would not take supplies that exceeded demands.
Table 6.4: Projected Normal Water Supply & Demand (AF) (DWR Table 7-2 Retail)
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 17,990 18,237 18,488 18,741 18,999
Surplus/(shortfall) 18,803 18,556 18,305 18,052 17,794
6.5.4 SINGLE DRY-YEAR RELIABILITY COMPARISON
The City documented that its supplies are 100 percent reliable for single dry year demands from 2030 through 2050 with an average demand increase of 108 percent of normal. The average is based on the single dry year demand increases. Table 6.5 compiles supply and demand projections for a single dry water year. The available imported supply is greater than shown; however, the surplus is not included because of the ability of MWD to meet demands.
Table 6.5: Projected Single-Dry Year Water Supply & Demand (AF) (DWR Table 7-3 Retail)
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 26,348 26,641 26,939 27,239 27,544
Surplus/(shortfall) 10,445 10,152 9,854 9,554 9,249
6.5.5 MULTIPLE DRY-YEAR RELIABILITY COMPARISON
The City is capable of providing customers sufficient water to meet all their demands with significant reserves in multiple dry years from 20 30 through 2050. To project demands during 115
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multiple drought periods, the drought years from 2012 to 2016 will be used as the basis for the multiple dry years.
These percentages are based on a recent multiple dry-year scenario and is true even if the demand projections were to be increased by a large margin. Table 6.6 shows supply and demand projections under multiple dry year conditions.
Table 6.6: Project Multiple Dry-Year Period Supply & Demand (AF) (DWR Table 7-4 Retail)
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
First year
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Demand totals 25,746 26,032 26,323 26,617 26,914
Difference 11,047 10,761 10,469 10,176 9,879
Second year
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Demand totals 27,102 27,404 27,710 28,019 28,332
Difference 9,691 9,389 9,083 8,774 8,461
Third year
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Demand totals 27,329 27,633 27,942 28,253 28,569
Difference 9,464 9,160 8,851 8,540 8,224
Fourth year
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Demand totals 27,772 28,081 28,395 28,711 29,032
Difference 9,021 8,712 8,398 8,082 7,761
Fifth year
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Demand totals 23,943 24,210 24,481 24,753 25,030
Difference 12,850 12,583 12,312 12,040 11,763
Based on the data contained in Tables 6.4 through 6.6, the City can expect to meet future demands through 2050 for all climatologic classifications. Projected groundwater supply capacities are not expected to be significantly affected during times of low rainfall and over short-term dry periods of up to three years . However, during prolonged periods of drought, the City's imported water supply capacities may potentially be reduced significantly due to reductions in MWD's storage reservoirs resulting from increases in regional demand.
6.6 VULNERABILITY OF SUPPLY
Due to the semi-arid nature of the City's climate and as a result of past drought conditions, the City is somewhat vulnerable to water shortages , due to its climatic environment and seasonally hot summer months. While the data shown in Tables 6.4 through 6.6 identifies water availability during single and multiple dry year scenarios, response to a future drought would follow the water use efficiency mandates of the City's Water Conservation Plan (Ordinance No. 3320 and No. 3782, see Appendix G) along with implementation of the appropriate stage of regional plans, such as the MWD Water Supply and Demand Management Plan (WSDM). These programs are discussed in Section 7.
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6.7 WATER SUPPLY OPPORTUNITIES
6.7.1 City Projects
In general, the City continually reviews practices and programs t hat will provide its customers with adequate and reliable supplies . As discussed in Section 2 , the City is maximizing its groundwater supply capacity through the drilling of additional wells to achie ve its adjudicated right of 5,639 AFY. In 2012, a new groundwater well (Well #9) was drilled. Well #9 along with the City’s two new wells (Well #10 and Well #11) were part of its North Torrance Wellfield Project which was completed in 2023. TMW is also investigating the acquisition or long-term leasing of additional groundwater pumping rights to further increase local water source production. In addition, the City is currently on Phase two (Phase one was completed in 2024) of another groundwater development project, known as the Van Ness Wellfield Project. The project consists of three additional high-capacity wells in north Torrance, a conveyance transmission pipeline and the rehabilitation and re -purposing an existing groundwater treatment and pumping plant. When completed in 20 30-31, it is projected TMW will produce approximately 8,000 AFY of groundwater, assuming the City is successful in acquiring or leasing additional groundwater pumping rights.
In addition, the Goldsworthy Desalter Expansion in 2018 has provided additional supply to TMW.
The expansion has increased potential treatment capacities up to 4,800 AFY. A third expansion of the Goldsworthy Desalter Expansion is currently underway starting with the construction of transmission pipeline to deliver water from several brackish wells that will be constructed in the next phase of the project to a treatment plan located in City Services Facility (City Yard).
6.7.2 Regional Projects (MWD)
MWD is implementing water supply alternative strategies for the region and on behalf of member agencies to ensure available water in the future. Some of these strategies include:
• Enhanced Conservation Programs
• Water recycling & groundwater recovery
• The Local Resource Programs (LRP) to assist in bringing local water projects on line • Storage/groundwater management programs within the region • Storage programs related to SWP and CRA
• Other water supply management programs outside of the region • A state-of-the-art Regional Water Reuse program (known as Pure Water Southern California) in partnership with the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County that would provide up to 168,000 AFY of potable water for groundwater replenishment and for direct potable use
MWD has made major investments in conservation and supply augmentation as part of its long - term water management strategy. MWD’s approach to a long -term water management strategy was to develop an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) in 2022 and include a fully integrated supply portfolio of both local and regional water sources in its service area . A brief description of the various programs implemented by MWD to improve reliability is included in Table 6.7 on the following page.
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Table 6.7: MWD IRP Regional Resources Status
Supply Description
Colorado River
Aqueduct (CRA)
MWD holds a basic apportionment of Colorado River water and has priority for an additional amount depending on availability of surplus supplies. Water management programs supplement these apportionments.
State Water
Project (SWP)
MWD receives water delivered under State Water Contract provisions, including Table A contract supplies, use of carryover storage in San Luis Reservoir, and Article 21 interruptible supplies.
Conservation
MWD and the member agencies sponsor numerous conservation programs in the region that involve research and development, incentives, and consumer behavior modification.
Code-Based
Conservation
Water savings resulting from plumbing codes and other institutionalized water efficiency measures.
Active
Conservation
Water saved as a direct result of programs and practices directly funded by a water utility, e.g., measures outlined by the CUW CC ( no w CalW EP ) B MP s. Water savings from active co nservatio n completed thro ugh 2008 w ill decline to zero as the lifetime of those devices is reached. This will be offset by an increase in water savings for those devices that are mandated by law, plumbing codes or other efficiency standards.
Price Effect
Conservation
Reductions in customer use attributable to changes in the real (inflation adjusted) cost of water.
Local Resources
Groundwater Member -agency produced groundwater from the groundwater basins within the service area.
Groundwater
Recovery
Locally developed and operated, groundwater recovery projects treat contaminated groundwater to meet potable use standards. MWD offers financial incentives to local and member agencies through its Local Resources Program for recycled water and groundwater recovery. Details of the local resources programs are provided in Appendix 5 .
Los Angeles
Aqueduct (LAA)
A major source of imported water is conveyed from the Owens Valley via the LAA by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Although LADWP imports water from outside of MWD's service area, MWD c lassifies w ater provided by the LAA as a local resource because it is developed and controlled by a local agency.
Recycling Recycled water projects recycle wastewater for M&I use.
Surface Water Surface water used by member agencies comes from stream diversions and rainwater captured in reservoirs.
Groundwater
Conjunctive Use
Storage
Programs
MWD sponsors various groundwater storage programs, including, cyclic storage programs, long -term replenishment storage programs, and contractual conjunctive use programs. Details of the groundwater storage programs are provided in Appendix 4 .
Surface Water
Storage
MWD reservoirs (Diamond Valley Lake, Lake Mathews, Lake Skinner) and flexible storage in DWR reservoirs (Castaic Lake, Lake Perris). Details of the surface storage reservoirs are provided in Appendix 4 .
Central Valley
Storage &
Transfers
Central Valley storage programs consist of partnerships with Central Valley water districts to allow MWD to store SWP supplies in wetter years for return in drier years. MWD’s Central Valley transfer programs consist of partnerships with Central Valley Project and SWP settlement contractors to allow MWD to purchase water in drier years. Details of the Central Valley Storage and Transfer programs are provided in Appendix 3 .
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6.8 REDUCED DELTA RELIANCE REPORTING
6.8.1 Introduction
An urban water supplier that anticipates
participating in or receiving water supply benefits
from a proposed project (“covered action”) such as
a multi-year water transfer, conveyance facility, or
new diversion that involves transferring water
through, exporting water from, or using water in the
Delta, should provide information in their 2015
UWMP and each UWMP plan cycle thereafter that
can then be used in the covered action process to
demonstrate consistency with Delta Plan Policy
WR P1, Reduce Reliance on the Delta Through
Improved Regional Water Self -Reliance
(California Code Reg., Title 23, § 5003). A
“covered action” is an activity that may cause either
a direct physical change in the environment, or a
reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in
the environment, directly undertaken by any public
agency that will occur, in whole or in part, within
the boundaries of the Delta or Suisun Marsh (see Figure 6.9).
6.8.2 Infeasibility of Accounting Supplies from the Delta Watershed for MWD’s Member Agencies and Their Customers
MWD’s service area, as a whole, reduces reliance on the Delta through investments in non -Delta water supplies, local water supplies, and regional and local demand management measures.
MWD’s member agencies coordinate reliance on the Delta through their membership in MWD, a regional cooperative providing wholesale water service to its 26 member agencies. Accordingly, regional reliance on the Delta can only be measured regionally, not by individual MWD member agencies and not by the customers of those member agencies.
MWD’s member agencies, and those agencies’ customers, indirectly reduce reliance on the Delta through their collective efforts as a cooperative. MWD’s member agencies do not control the amount of Delta water they receive from MWD. MWD manages a statewide i ntegrated conveyance system consisting of its participation in the SWP, its CRA including Colorado River water resources, programs and water exchanges, and its regional storage portfolio. Along with the SWP, CRA, storage programs, and MWD’s conveyance and distribution facilities, demand management programs increase the future reliability of water resources for the region. In addition, demand management programs provide system -wide benefits by decreasing the demand for imported water, which helps to decrease the burden on the MWD’s infrastructure and reduce system costs, and free up conveyance capacity to the benefit of all member agencies.
Figure 6.9: Delta Plan Aims to Protect Bay-Delta’s
Fragile Ecosystem
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MWD’s costs are funded almost entirely from its service area, with the exception of grants and other assistance from government programs. Most of MWD’s revenues are collected directly from its member agencies. Properties within MWD’s service area pay a pro perty tax that currently provides approximately 25 percent of the fiscal year 202 6 annual budgeted revenues. The rest of MWD’s costs are funded through rates and charges paid by MWD’s member agencies for the wholesale services it provides to them. Thus, MWD’s member agencies fund nearly all operations MWD undertakes to reduce reliance on the Delta, including Colorado River Programs, storage facilities, Local Resources Programs and Conservation Programs within MWD’s service area.
Because of the integrated nature of MWD’s systems and operations, and the collective nature of MWD’s regional efforts, it is infeasible to quantify each of MWD member agencies’ individual reliance on the Delta. It is infeasible to attempt to segregate an e ntity and a system that were designed to work as an integrated regional cooperative.
In addition to the member agencies funding MWD’s regional efforts, they also invest in their own local programs to reduce their reliance on any imported water. Moreover, the customers of those member agencies may also invest in their own local programs to reduce water demand. However, to the extent those efforts result in reduction of demands on MWD, that reduction does not equate to a like reduction of reliance on the Delta. Demands on MWD are not commensurate with demands on the Delta because most MWD mem ber agencies receive blended resources from MWD as determined by MWD, not the individual member agency. For most member agencies, the blend varies month-to-month and year-to-year due to hydrology, operational constraints, use of storage, and other factors.
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The City of Torrance has continued
to work with West Basin Municipal
Water District (WBMWD) and
Metropolitan Water District (MWD) to
implement all Demand Management
Measures to the extent possible.
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7.1 INTRODUCTION
As a result of diminished existing supplies
and difficulty in developing new supply
sources, water conservation is important to
Southern California’s sustainability.
Therefore, the City acknowledges that
efficient water use is the foundation of its
current and future water planning and
operations policies. The City implements
water conservation through a combination of
programs, resources, and policies.
In March 2018, the CUWCC disbanded, and members of the CUWCC worked together to form the California Water Efficiency Partnership (CalWEP ). CalWEP’s mission is to maximize urban water efficiency and conservation throughout California by supporting and integrating innovative technologies and practices; encouraging effective public policies; advancing research, training, and public education; and building collaborative approaches and partnerships. The CUWCC (now CalWEP) drafted the Memorandum of Understanding Regarding Urban Water Conservation (MOU) in 1991. At that time, the MOU established 14 Best Management Practices (BMPs) which define policies, programs, practices, rules, regulations, or ordinances that result in the more efficient use or conservation of w ater. Eventually, the original 14 BMPs were consolidated to 5 BMPs as shown in Section 7.1.1.
This section of the UWMP satisfies the requirements of § 10631 (f) & (j) of the CWC and describes how the City implements each applicable BMP and how the City evaluates the effectiveness of the BMPs. This section also provides an estimate of existing conservation savings where information is available.
7.1.1 CalWEP BMPs
The updated CalWEP BMPs from 2015 will still be in effect for the 2025 UWMP. The BMPs are:
• BMP 1: Utility Operations
• BMP 2: Public Education & Outreach
• BMP 3: Residential Programs
• BMP 4: Commercial, Institutional,
Industrial Programs
• BMP 5: Landscape Programs
SECTION 7
Figure 7.1: Water Waste Is Prohibited by City Code
DEMAND MANAGEMENT
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7.2 CONSERVATION MEASURES
As an active member of CalWEP, Torrance Municipal Water (TMW) has committed to undertake good-faith efforts to implement the BMPs. In addition, T MW has been partnering with the West Basin Municipal Water District (WBMWD) , the Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD) and the South Bay Environmental Services Center (SBESC) to increase the effectiveness of its Demand Management Measures (DMM) and BMP programs, and to educate the public regarding the importance of water conservation. In addition, as a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), the City participates in all MWD rebate, incentive and most other conservation programs.
TMW assumes an active role in promoting and implementing water use efficiency (WUE) in the City. Overall, the TMW’s conservation efforts as a member of CalWEP have led to efficient water use. To this end, the City established a Water Conservation Program, which was adopted by the City Council in 2009 as Ordinance No. 3717 (see Appendix G), which replaced and updated an earlier ordinance (Ordinance No. 3320) that established certain water use restrictions and water waste prohibitions on a permanent basis. To this day, the City is continuously working with MWD towards implementing the BMPs through means of various conservation measures.
Table 7.1 provides a status overview of the TMW’s Conservation Measures. It also includes the list of DMMs
Table 7.1: List of Current BMPs Referenced to Previous CUWCC DMMs BMP Description
BMP 1: Utility Operations Deals with water waste prohibitions, water efficiency ordinances, metering, conservation pricing, and other items related to managing water use.
BMP 2: Public Education &
Outreach
Deals with outreach efforts including emails, newsletters, advertisements, presentations, promotions, etc. related to outreach & education.
BMP 3: Residential Programs Deals with showerheads, faucets, toilets, turf removal, and leak detection surveys related to residential water use.
BMP 4: Commercial, Industrial,
& Institutional Programs
Deals with toilets, urinals, steamers, cooling towers, food/restaurant equipment, medical equipment, and items related to commercial, institutional, and industrial water use.
BMP 5: Landscape Programs
Deals with establishing parameters for large landscapes, including measurements, budgets, audits, prohibitions, incentives, etc., related to large landscapes.
7.2.1 BMP 1: Utility Operations
This BMP deals with water waste prohibitions, water efficiency ordinances, metering, conservation pricing, and other items related to managing water use.
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Water Waste Prohibition Ordinance
The City Council of Torrance passed Ordinance
No. 3717 in 2009 (known as the Conservation
Ordinance), which replaced and updated an earlier
ordinance (Ordinance No. 3320) that established
certain water use restrictions and water waste
prohibitions on a permanent basis (see Figure 7.2).
City Ordinance No. 3717 was amended in May
2015 by the addition of City Ordinance No. 3782.
The Ordinance is arranged into four stages in
which City Council declares a specific stage
(known as Permanent Baseline Requirements and
Levels 1, 2, and 3) to enact during a water supply shortage or an emergency. During each stage, all water customers within the City are to abide by conservation requirements as approved by the City Council. Details of this program are described in Section 7 of this plan and in Appendix H.
On May 5, 2015, City Council approved activation of Level 2 of the Water Conservation Ordinance and enactment of Urgency Ordinance No. 3782 as shown in Appendix J. Level 2 enforces stricter water use requirements and regulations and calls for potable water use reductions of up to 30 percent. In addition, outdoor watering within 48 hours of a rain event was prohibited, and a provision was added to establish administrative rules and guidelines for implementing the Ordinance.
On August 9, 2016, City Council approved deactivation of the Level 2 and Level 1 of the Water Conservation Ordinance and enactment of Urgency Ordinance No. 3782 and reverted back to a baseline permanent conservation stage, which is in effect at all times, regardless of the water supply situation.
A number of additional prohibition ordinances are summarized in Section 8 with the complete list found in Appendix G . Additionally, MWD supports its member agencies and cities to adopt ordinances that will reduce wasting water.
Metering
The City has universal metering for all water accounts and production sources in the municipal service area. All customer usage is recorded on water meters , and it has been determined that approximately 85 to 90 percent of water charges is related to the commodity (quantity) rate (see Figure 7.3). There are no unmete red service connections in the m unicipal service area and construction meters are issued for the temporary use of municipal water supplies.
In addition, all new construction with significant landscape irrigation demands is required to install a dedicated landscape meter. Aside from the meter retrofit program, landscape meters are installed in all City parks and other large landscaped area. TMW replaces existing dual service meters where this is feasible on a phased basis. In addition, dual service connections are also converted to dedicated domestic and irrigation metered services during TMW’s systematic meter replacement cycle whenever possible.
Figure 7.2: Water Waste is prohibited in the City
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TMW has a general policy to change out the small
residential meters every 15 years. Universal
metering allows TMW to conserve an estimated 20
to 30 percent of the potential water demand overall,
and up to 40 percent savings during p eak demand
periods, as projected by the California Urban
Water Conservation Council’s BMP Costs and
Savings Study (December 2003).
Table 4.2 in Section 4 shows the number of water
service customers by sector. The number of service
connections is anticipated to increase only slightly
through 2050, consistent with the projected small increase in population. All service connections are metered. All large meters (3” and above) are tested and re-calibrated by a certified meter testing company at least once every three years to maintain accuracy. The largest meters are tested on an annual basis.
In addition to customer metering, all water production sources are fully metered. These meters are tested and calibrated systematic basis by an outside certified testing company to ensure accuracy.
All meters are read by and Automated Meter Reading System (AMR), which minimizes any potential for meter reading errors, and provides a data logging system u sed to verify meter leaks and high bill investigations.
Conservation Pricing
The first goal of any rate structure is to generate sufficient revenues to maintain efficient and reliable utility operations, and the second is fairness in the allocation of utility service costs.
Generally, it is possible to satisfy both of these goals i n a rate structure that encourages water conservation and/or penalizes excessive water use. Designing water rates must include the following: 1) determination of the water utility’s total annual revenue requirements for the period for which the rates are to be in effect, 2) determination of service costs by allocation of the total revenue requirements to the basic water system cost components and distribution of these costs to the various customer classes in accordance with service requirements, and 3) design of water rates to recover the appropriate cost of servi ce from each class of customer based on cost of service (COS).
Approximately 90 percent of rate revenue is derived from the commodity component to promote conservation and 10 percent to a fixed cost. All water billings have a customer use profile graph on the bill for up to two years of usage history. In addition, the bill backer contains water savings tips and messaging. A text box is also included on the front of the bill that periodically has important messages regarding water conservation. In addition, bill stuffers regarding water conservation are periodically inserted into the bill envelope.
The City maintains water use records and water bills on a continuous basis for approximately 26,900 customer accounts for five years. These records provide current and previous customer consumption data, and other necessary information to monitor customer usage and various conservation efforts. In addition, the AMR metering reading system has a capacity to store three Figure 7.3: Water Meter
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months of customer use profile, which can be interrogated and graphed to assist customers in using water efficiently.
In November 2017, the City Council approved a plan at a Public Hearing to adjust water rates over the five-year period of 2018 through 2022 for customers served by the TMW system. The rate adjustment only applies to custome rs served by TMW . To continue meeting State water use reduction targets the rate structure retained a conservation based tiered rate structure, which encourages conservation and allocates costs to those whose increased water use imposes higher costs on TMW. The only change to the rate structure was the elimination of the Tier-4 rate for the Single-Family Residential Customer (SFR) rate classification effective January 2018 , due to cost of service considerations. As of January 1, 2025, the commodity rates for potable water by tier are shown in Table 7.2.
Table 7.2: Baseline Commodity Charge Potable Water Rate Schedule Customer Class Tier Units (ccf) Current Rate (per ccf)
Single Family
Residential
(SFR)
1 0 – 7 $3.220
2 8 – 12 $5.438
3 >13 $6.584
4 Eliminated Eliminated
All Other Customers
1 0 – 10 $3.664
2 >11 $5.232
Senior Low-Income or
Disabled Low-Income
1 0 – 7 $2.765
2 8 – 12 $4.984
3 >13 $6.129
4 Eliminated Eliminated
Programs to Assess and Manage Distribution System Real Loss
Drought and other water shortage issues highlight the need to manage water loss in water distribution systems. Water loss can result from seepage, leaks, and pipe failures due to aging infrastructure and/or errors in data, and water theft. Water utilities can increase water supplies and recover revenue by identifying the scale and cost of these losses.
SB 555 (Wolk) adopted in 2015 during the drought, required urban retail water suppliers to submit water loss audits to the state by October 1, each year. The reporting deadline was subsequently modified by AB 1414 (Friedman, Statute of 2019), which required fiscal year reporters to submit their report by January 1 of each year starting January 1, 2021. AB 1414 changes the reporting deadline for all urban water suppliers (whether reporting on a calendar year basis or fiscal year basis), to submit on or befor e January 1 of each year starting January 1, 2024. California Water Code Section 10608.34 requires the State Water Board to develop water loss performance standards for urban retail water suppliers between January 2019 and July 2020. The State Water Board is required to evaluate the life-cycle cost of achieving these standards. California Governor 126
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Executive Orders B-37-16 and B-40-17 directed the State Water Board and Department of Water Resources (DWR) to minimize water waste through system leaks.
The City aggressively repairs main breaks, hydrant leaks or breaks, meter leaks, valves or other system leaks usually within hours of the occurrence. A team of highly trained water service technicians are available to permanently repair main or hydrant breaks and promptly restore water service. Both proactive and “inform and response” approaches are utilized for water meter leaks.
Meter leaks are investigated and repaired promptly. The prompt fixing of leaks on private property by the customer is one of the requirements of the City’s 2009 Water Conservation Ordinance.
TMW has continued a water main capital improvement program (CIP) to replace deteriorated water mains. The CIP generally replaces 3 to 4 miles of water mains on a bi-annual basis. As a result, the incidence of main breaks has declined by approximately 70 percent; from 180 breaks in the late 1980’s to approximately 50 -60 breaks at present. The long-term goal is to reduce main breaks to less than 30 within the next ten years.
TMW replaces large water meters at a rate of approximately 20 per year. Large meters are systematically tested , calibrated and repaired to maintain optimal accuracy. Currently, approximately 80 percent of TMW’s water supply is delivered by gravity flow from MWD transfer connections. Therefore, the system uses relief and regulating valves, which are regularly inspected and refurbished, to avoid over-pressurization of the system. In addition, the City maintains/repairs its nearly 8,000 system control valves in the water system at least once every two to three years to ensure their operability and minimize any leaks from this source.
Much of the drinking water infrastructure in the United States has been in service for decades and can be a significant source of water loss through leaks. In addition to leaks, water can be “lost” through unauthorized consumption (theft), administrative e rrors, data handling errors, and metering inaccuracies or failure. The International Water Association (IWA) and the American Water Works Association (AWWA) have developed standard terminology and methods to assist water systems in tracking water losses an d in performing water audits. The standard terminology includes the terms authorized consumption, real loss, apparent loss and non‐revenue water.
Authorized Consumption is water that is used by known customers of the water system.
Authorized consumption is the sum of billed authorized consumption and unbilled authorized consumption and is a known quantity. It also includes water supplied to other water systems.
Real Losses, also referred to as physical losses, are actual losses of water from the system and consist of leakage from transmission and distribution mains, leakage and overflows from the water system’s storage tanks and leakage from service connections up to and including the meter.
Apparent losses, also referred to as commercial losses, occur when water that should be included as revenue generating water appears as a loss due to unauthorized actions or calculation error.
Apparent losses consist of unauthorized consumption, customer metering inaccuracies, and systematic data handling errors in the meter reading and billing processes.
Non‐Revenue Water (NRW) is water that is not billed and no payment is received. It can be either authorized or result from apparent and real losses. Unbilled Authorized Consumption is a 127
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component of NRW and consists of unbilled metered consumption and unbilled un‐metered consumption.
The American Water Works Associati on (AWWA) recommends against use of the term "unaccounted-for" water and the "unaccounted-for water percentage." Instead, it recommends use of the term Non -revenue Wat er and the array of performance indicators included in the International Water Association (IWA)/AWWA Water Audit Method.
All water consumption is continually monitored by TMW. The City’s goal is to ensure Non - revenue water as percent of cost of operating system is generally below 6 percent on an ongoing basis. The meter audit process focuses on accounting for and minimizing “water losses” from various sources, including water production meters, system flushing, water main breaks, unmetered temporary water, wastewater uses, firefight ing, fire training exercises, and inaccurate end use metering. The program will be an ongoing a ctivity incorporated into the water utility’s work processes. Non -revenue water as percent of cost of the operating system for the last five years has averaged below 3 percent. This is primarily due to a systematic meter monitoring, testing and replacement program coupled with a rapid response program to repair any leaks in the distribution system.
In addition, the City converted its meters to a full-
scale automatic meter reading (AMR) system in
2012-2014. Based on the success of the pilot
program, the City converted almost all 2 5,900
metered services on a phased basis in 2014 to a full
AMR system, which has improved meter reading
accuracy. This full-scale program also involved the
systematic changeout of approximately 20 percent
of the City’s existing meters, which will improve
accuracy and accountability of potable water
supplies.
Additionally, the City implemented a Supervisory
Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system beginning in 2002, which enables City staff to monitor and control the operation of system facilities remotely at each location to maximize operational efficiency and performance. SCADA provides for faster respon se time to current malfunctions. The SCADA system has been upgraded several times over the last decade to incorporate additional facilities and to enhance the capabilities of the system.
The City has performed pilot leak detection programs in the past for its distribution system. Based on the results of these surveys, the City will determine if an ongoing leak detection program is feasible and cost effective (see Figure 7.4).
TMW is in the process of upgrading to a new Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) system, which will monitor water use in real-time basis and provide a customer portal that customers can access to determine their water usage and look for any high consumption that may be a leak. The conversion to an AMI system is approximately 90 percent complete and is being rolled out Figure 7.4: Leak Detection
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incrementally. With the introduction of the AMI system, it is expected to significantly reduce water leakage and conserve water since customers will have direct access to their usage on a real -time basis. AMI also functions as water conservation mechanism by reducing water loss due to leaks by providing real-time water use information to customers.
Water Conservation Program Coordination and Staffing Support
The City has assigned a Policy and Resources Specialist to develop and implement conservation programs within its service area. The Policy and Resources Specialist also works collaboratively with other cities and water agencies within the region, including WBMWD, MWD, WRD, and SBESC to enhance area wide conservation efforts. Other staff members support the conservation program on an as needed basis.
7.2.2 BMP 2: Public Education & Outreach
This BMP deals with outreach efforts including emails, newsletters, advertisements, presentations, promotions, etc., related to outreach & education. The City’s Water Department Staff actively provides the community with educational opportunities through public events outreach , conservation workshops and various media channels.
School Programs
Through MWD, water education programs
are available to the City’s elementary
through high schools. Programs are either
supplemental or curriculum -based which
include classroom presentation s, audio -
visual programs, hands-on activities, take -
home materials for students, and workbooks.
Beginning in 2001, a multi -faceted
program, known as the Living Wise
Program, was introduced into the Torrance
Unified School District by the City. The
program meets state education framework
requirements and concentrates on water education, water resource management and conservation along with energy and other conservation related topics . Approximately 9,000 students have participated in this program. Program kits ( Figure 7.5) are given to all participants to improve both water and energy efficiency within their homes, using take-home exercises, demonstrations, and classroom instruction. The program is co-funded in conjunction with the Southern California Gas Company. The Living Wise Program was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are plans to reactivate the program by 2027.
Public Information Programs
The City disburses a variety of conservation brochures, pamphlets and conservation aids at the Civic Center Complex, public libraries, and other public buildings and to the public upon request.
Bill inserts providing tips for conserving water and other conservation related topics are also Figure 7.5: Living Wise Energy Efficiency Kits
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periodically included in the bill or mailed to educate the community. Table 7.3 shows the recent public information programs and Table 7.4 shows projected programs to 2030.
Table 7.3: Recent Public Information Programs
The City also provides speakers to local community groups, service clubs, business organizations, homeowner associations and schools upon request regarding water conservation and water related topics. During specific times at the Civic Center and the City’s public libraries, exhibits are displayed which portray water conservation and water management activities. Torrance City Cable Television Programs are another way the City promotes water conservation by showing water related films, PSA announcements, interviews with TMW staff and original programming. The Torrance Library also has a substantial inventory of water conservation and water related videos that can be checked out. In 2005, the City Library initiated a water resource program to acquire and disseminate publications and videos on water related topics. Newspapers and magazines such as the Daily Breeze, Easy Reader, Torrance Tribune and the City’s Recreation Reporter regularly provide articles and information about water conservation and related water matters. The City also utilizes several social media outlets to promote water conservation.
Furthermore, the City continues to promote water conservation by an active relationship with the public. TMW actively participates i n City and Civic events such as City’s Open House and Environmental Fair , City Health Fair, Outside Agency Environmental Fairs, a Chamber of Program 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025
Paid Advertising X X
Public Service Announcements X X X X X
Bill inserts / Newsletters / Brochures X X X X X
Bill showing water usage in
comparison to previous year’s
usage
X X X X X
Demonstration Gardens X X X X X
Special Events, Media Events
(average 4-6 each year) X X X X X
Speaker’s Bureau X X X X X
Program to coordinate with
other government agencies,
industry and public interest
groups and media
X X X X X
California Friendly Landscape
Workshops (average 6 per year) X X X X X
Direct Expenditures $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 $60,000 130
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Commerce Expo, various Earth Day events, Annual Cherry Blossom Festival (+3,000 attendees), and other events sponsored by local business and community groups.
Table 7.4: Projected Public Information Programs
In addition, the City, in partnership with MWD, provides inspection tours of the Colorado River Project (CRA), the State Water Project (SWP), and Diamond Valley Lake Reservoir and other regional and local water facilities to inform City officials and the general public about major issues and challenges . Also, City staff, commissioners and officials attend water conferences and seminars to stay informed about water conservation and supp ly management programs.
Furthermore, the City periodically provides presentations on water subjects to various civic , business, and homeowner groups.
Regional Outreach Programs
Through MWD’s External Affairs Group, conservation-related activities are offered to the public including the Torrance community . The programs include a Speaker’s Bureau, which provides speakers for organizations, service clubs, churches, and businesses and other community groups and associations. An estimated 15,000 to 20,000 people attend the presentations annually.
The Community Relations program organizes and conducts an average of 80 Board Director sponsored inspection trips for MWD’s distribution system annually for elected officials, community leaders and members of the public. Approximately 2,500 people learn about MWD’s conservation and water management policies and practices each year through these trips. Torrance, in conjunction with MWD, co-sponsors annual tours to the Colorado River Project or the SWP for community leaders, as well as one day tours to Diamond Valley R eservoir and other MWD and regional water facilities.
Program 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Paid Advertising X X X X X
Public Service Announcements X X X X X
Bill inserts / Newsletters / Brochures X X X X X
Bill showing water usage in
comparison to previous year’s usage X X X X X
Demonstration Gardens X X X X X
Special Events, Media Events X X X X X
Speaker’s Bureau X X X X X
Program to coordinate with other
government agencies, industry and
public interest groups and media
X X X X X
Ocean Friendly Landscape
Workshops X X X X X
Direct Expenditures $60,000 $70,000 $75,000 $75,000 $75,000 131
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The MWD education curriculum and program activities engage an average of 150,000 students per year. MWD’s Media and Publications group conducts editorial briefings and media field trips, assembles press packet s and prepares and disseminates news releases, speeches, videos, fact sheets, brochures, articles and editorials describing water management objectives and programs.
The government relations section provides elected officials, public agencies, businesses and other organizations with information about M WD’s water management policies, initiatives objectives and programs.
7.2.3 BMP 3: Residential Programs
This BMP deals with showerheads, faucets, toilets, other water efficient devices, and leak detection surveys related to residential water use.
Residential Surveys
Residential su rveys have been conducted in
TMW's service area on an informal basis by
customer request generally through a high water
bill complaint or meter reading that indicated
higher than normal usage. When such a request is
made, staff review s past billing records for the
account in question and compare s them with the
current bill. They then visit the customer’s
residence and review the information with them.
A copy of the historical water usage pattern
(usually two years) is provided to the customer. If
it appears that a significant recent increase in water
use has occurred, staff first looks for signs of a possible leak. They also question the customer about possible internal plumbing problems (leaking faucets, running toilets, irrigation, etc.) and make recommendations to reduce landscape irrigation where appropriate. All residential meters are equipped with a leak detector feature to indicate leakage in the system when all fixtures are closed. In addition, all meters are now AMR and a three-month history of usage can be interrogated at the customer premises to analyze the customer water use profile and detect evidence of leaks.
Meter accuracy tests are provided upon request to verify that recorded consumption is correct. In addition, indoor conservation kits, low flow showerheads, faucet aer ators and literature are provided to customers to promote conservation and inform customers regarding current rebates, low water using fixtures/appliances and appropriate use and management of water.
In addition to the surveys performed in response to customer requests, TMW will develop and distribute a new self-guided water audit guide to all customers next year. This water audit guide will provide customers with easy to follow techniques to permit them to do a complete water audit of their i nterior and exterior water use including leak detection, plumbing fixtures, water using appliances and exterior water use (see Figure 7.6).
Since 2011, TMW has provided approximately 900 informal audit /surveys to their customers. As a result, approximately 30 AF of water has been saved annually.
Figure 7.6: Residential Water Survey
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Torrance Municipal Water also participates in MWD’s California Friendly Landscape Training (CFLT) program , including landscape instructional classes to the residential and commercial sector. CFLT classes also provide additional emphasis on how customers can identify, quantify and control their outdoor water use by using audit tools.
Other Residential Programs from MWD
The City also participates in various MWD programs aimed at increasing landscape water use efficiency for residential customers, including rebate programs that provide financial incentives.
SoCal Water$mart (formerly Save Water Save-A-Buck) is the conservation rebate program offered through MWD. The program offers rebates for high-efficiency clothes washers (HECW), premium high-efficiency toilets (PHET), weather-based irrigation controllers (WBIC), soil moisture sensor system (SMSS), rotatin g sprinkler nozzles, rain barrels/cisterns, and turf removal, as described below.
• Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Program - This program, previously called the “Smart Timer Rebate Program,” started in FY 2004 -2005. Under this regional program, residential and small commercial properties are eligible for a rebate when they purchase and install a weather-based irrigation controller (WBIC), which has the potential to save 13,500 gallons a year per residence. Rebates start at $80 per controller for landscapes less than 1 acre in area and $35 per station for more than 1 acre.
• Rotating Nozzle Rebate Program – This rebate program started in 2007 and is offered to both residential and commercial customers. Through this program, site owners will purchase and install rotary nozzles, which can use up to 20 percent less water than conventional fan spray nozzles, in existing irrigation systems. These sprinklers reduce runoff onto sidewalks and into local storm drain system an d provide uniform water distribution onto the landscape. MWD offers $2 per nozzle with a minimum quantity
of 15 nozzles.
• Rain Barrels & Cisterns Program –
Residential and commercial customers can
receive rebates for installing rain barrels
and/or cisterns to collect rainwater for re -use
for watering their landscapes. Customers may
receive rebates starting at $ 35 per barrel or
$250 - $350 per cistern (depending on gallon
capacity). The barrels and cisterns must
adhere to specified design guidelines.
• Soil Moisture Sensor System Program – For
large residential sites, a soil moisture sensor,
which measures soil moisture content in the
active root zone, can be installed to receive
rebates starting at $80 or $35 per irrigation
controller station . The sensor must be
Figure 7.7: Rain Barrel
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connected to a compatible irrigation system controller.
• Turf Replacement Program – The intent of the Turf Replacement program is to have homeowners remove their existing grass and to replace it with organic, drought tolerant landscaping. Following the success of other incentive programs focusing on landscaping and turf grass removal, the Turf Replacement program aims to combine turf removal, irrigation modification and rainwater retention or filtration to support reuse or soil absorption of rainwater.
Through this program, residential and small commercial customers of participating retail water agencies are eligible to receive a minimum of $2 per square foot (up to 5,000 square feet) of turf removed for qualifying projects. Beginning March 4, 2024, Tur f Replacement Program (TRP) applicants were eligible to receive $100 per tree installed, for a maximum incentive for up to 5 trees ($500) per turf replacement application in addition to the turf replacement incentive. In addition, the installation of each new eligible tree in the turf replacement project area would count as three plants towards the total turf replacement project plant count requirement.
The Turf Replacement Program takes a multi-pronged approach to maximize water utilization and conservation. Removing turf grass is one of the most water conscious adjustments a homeowner can make to reduce their water usage and associated costs. Converting irrigation systems to drip, hand -watering or installing water efficient micro -spray systems or rotating nozzles ensures that landscape watering is as efficient as possible. Finally, the addition of a sustainable approach t o new landscape areas works to re duce or prevent wasteful runoff through the use of a rainwater capture or filtration systems.
• Premium High-Efficiency Toilet Rebate
This program is available in partnership with MWD’s SoCal Water$mart program. Rebate incentives are only available for Premium High-Efficiency Toilets using 1.1 gallons per flush (gpf) or less and must be replacing an existing toil et that uses at least 1.1 gpf. As of February 2026, the City is rebating $40 per toilet for PHETs through MWD funds.
Table 7.5 shows the amounts of toilets and rebates provided and the amount of savings within 2021 to 2025.
• High-Efficiency (HE) Washing Machine
Rebates
An incentive is available to TMW’s
residential customers through a program
offered by MWD called SoCal Water$mart
which offers a high -efficiency (HE) clothes
washer rebate for qualifying models.
Washers purchased on or after July 1, 2015
must meet or exceed the Consortium for
Figure 7.8: HE Washing Machine
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Energy Efficiency (CEE) Tier 1 standards in order to receive a rebate.
Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis, while funds last. Participants must be willing to allow an inspection of the installed machine for verification of program compliance.
Machines must have a water factor of 43.07 or less. Depending on use, these machines can save about 14 gallons of water a day (about 55 percent less water than standard clothes washers). Participants are encouraged to contact their local gas and/or electric utility since additional rebates may be available. Rebates for this program start at $85.
From 2021 to 2025, a total of 331 were distributed. As a result, approximately 5 AF of water has been saved each year (See Figure 7.8).
Residential Plumbing Retrofit
TMW maintains an intermittent program for the distribution of conservation kits consisting of low flow showerheads, showerhead flow restrictors, dye tablets for detecting toilet leaks, low -flow faucet aerators and brochures on conservation practices . The kits are distributed at no charge to residents in TMW's service area. The kits are provided at the City special events and educational presentations. Since 1977, TMW has distributed over 60,000 low-flow showerheads at events and distribution programs.
Beginning in 1999, TMW began a new distribution
program for ultra -low flow showerheads. These
showerheads are also free of charge at special events
and public presentations. Currently, TMW distributes
low flow showerheads, aerators, leak detection tablets
and faucet aerators at events. The City plans to re -
institute its free low flow showerhead distribution
program at a location in the Civic Complex location
next year (See Figure 7.9).
In addition, developers are required to use low -water- use plumbing fixtures and appliances and are highly
encouraged to install drought resi stant/low-water use
landscapes. Residential plumbing retrofits result in 5.2-
5.8 gallons per day (gpd) per person water saving for
showerheads and 8 gpd savings (or 0.64 gpd overall) for leak detection tablets . TMW did not participate in direct install residential plumbing retrofit programs from 2021 to 2025; however, TMW is investigating the feasibility of reimplementing its participation in these direct installs for its customers. The City is evaluating the implementation of a new program for low-income customers.
7.2.4 BMP 4: Commercial, Institutional, & Industrial Programs
The City actively participates in the Commercial, Industrial and Institutional (CII) Program, which MWD is sponsoring along with its member agencies. The program primarily consists of financial Figure 7.9: Ultra-Low Flow Showerhead
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rebates to achieve water efficiency for commercial, industrial and institutional customers, and the City participates in all MWD CII programs. MWD offers rebates and incentives for business, industry, institutions and public agencies. This includes high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, HVAC, commercial kitchen equipment, ultra -low and zero -water urinals, dry vacuum pumps and more, including the following:
• Commercial Premium High -Efficiency Toilets : A Commercial Premium High -Efficiency Toilet comes in two categories, either as a tank toilet or a flushometer toilet and uses only 1.1 gallons or less per flush, almost 20 percent less water than the current WaterSense standard.
Eligible toilets must replace existing toilets using at least 1. 1 gallons per flush. Rebates are available for Premium High Efficiency Toilets using 1.1 gpf or less and are offered at $40 per toilet. In 2015 – 2017, approximately 70 percent of all toilets in City buildings were replaced with high efficiency models as part of a plumbing retrofit program.
Table 7.5: HET Programs & Rebates 2021 – 2025
Item Amount Water Savings (AFY)
Residential HET Rebate 113 8
Premium HET Rebate 25 2
Total 138 10
• Ultra-Low Water Urinals: New Ultra Low Water Urinals utilize only 1 pint (0.125 gallons of water or less to flush. These systems combine the fixture with either a manual or sensor- operated flush valve. Ultra Low Water Urinals provide effective, low maintenance flushing in public restrooms while reducing water consumption by as much as 88 percent Ultra Low Water Urinals are offered at $200 per unit. In 2015 – 2017, approximately 60 -70 percent of urinals in City buildings were retrofitted with ultra-low using models.
• Zero Water Urinals: Zero Water Urinals are able to operate without water, because they use a special trap with lightweight biodegradable oil that lets liquid pass through but prevents odor from escaping into the restroom. New hybrid urinals, which occasionally flush water to clear the drain lines, also qualify as zero water urinals since their water use is minimal. Zero Water Urinals are offered at $200 per toilet.
• Plumbing Flow Control Valves: Flow Control Valves are designed to maintain water pressure while reducing water flow in faucets and showers by up to 60%. Devices: 2.0 gpm or less – used under sinks or before the showerhead. A $5 rebate is provided to CII customers who install low flow control valves in their plumbing system.
• Central Computer Irrigation Controller Systems (CCIC) : these sophisticated systems are designed for larger irrigated areas such as golf courses, parks, schools and large commercial complexes. These systems consist of a master controller (often a computer) which tells the valves at remote locations to open an d close. In most cases , the central controller is used to program separate satellite controllers that are closer to the valves. Eligible CCIC can have a maximum of 11 inactive stations per controller for $80 per station. 136
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• Air-Cooled Ice Machines : New Air -cooled ice
machines use less energy and water and make ice
more quickly and efficiently. SoCal Water$mart
now offers a $1 ,000 incentive for the purchase
and installation of an air -cooled ice machine
which is replacing an existing water -cooled unit
or for new projects requiring ice-machines.
• Hose Bib Irrigation Controller: Smart Hose Bib
Irrigation Controllers can upgrade your hose to an advanced system of water management.
Similar to the Weather Based Irrigation Controllers (WBIC), eligible Smart Hose Bib Irrigation Controllers offer users the ability to set watering schedules while accou nting for changing weather conditions. Using weather data to determine when to water will help to ensure that no water is wasted while keeping plants healthy. Compared to the WBIC, Hose Bibs offer a more versatile solution that connects di rectly between the faucet and hose, providing both ease of use and installation. Rebates are $35 per hose controller.
• Connectionless Food Steamers : Restaurants often use food steamers to maintain or warm food. Recently, new water-efficient, connectionless (pressure-less) food steamers, which have no water line or sewer discharge line, have been developed. This type of food steamer is intended for small- to medium-size restaurants. Based on data from a study done by the Food Service Technology Center, the connectionless steamers save an average of 81,500 gallons per year with an estimated 10 -year life. $485/Compartment reba tes are available for qualified connectionless food steamers, with more than ten manufacturers offering water -efficient models.
• HVAC Equipment Cooling Tower Conductivity Controller (CTCC) : Automated monitoring and control are the keys to maintaining cooling system efficiency. By accurately transmitting information to the valves that control the amount of blow down (water drained from the cooling tower reservoir) and subsequent makeup water , a conductivity controller can dramatically reduce operating expenses. Annual water savings with a new Cooling Tower Conductivity Controller can be as much as 800,000 gallons. A $625 installation rebate is offered.
• Cooling Tower and pH Conductivity Controllers: Automated monitoring and control are the keys to maintaining cooling system efficiency. By accurately transmitting information to the valves that control the amount of blow down (water drained from the cooling tower reservoir) and subsequent makeup water , a conductivity controller can dramatically reduce operating expenses. Installing an integrated pH Conductivity Controller will upgrade cooling tower water treatment by adding chemicals that control the pH in the system. This may help prevent scaling in the cooling tower. In order to qualify for rebates, a pH controller must also measure conductivity. A $1,750 installation rebate is offered.
• Dry Vacuum Pump : Vacuum pumps are used in many businesses, including dental and medical practices, petrochemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, as well as food and medical applications for drying, distilling, evaporating, degasifying, freezing, suction, and laboratory analysis. Liquid ring vacuum pumps use large quantities of water as a liquid seal to create the vacuum. Dry vacuum pumps are capable of creating an airtight seal without using Figure 7.10: Air-Cooled Ice Machines
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water as a sealant by utilizing parts machined within extremely close tolerances. - a $125 rebate per 0.5 HP (Maximum of 2 HP) Retrofit or New Construction is available.
• Laminar Flow Restrictors : Laminar flow
restrictors eligible for SoCal Water$mart
rebates are to be installed in hospitals, urgent
care, and other health care -related facilities.
Devices should meet California Office of
Statewide Health Planning and Development
standards. Currentl y, any non -aerating,
laminar flow device that restricts flows to a rate
of 1.5 gallons per minute (gpm) or lower for
hand washing fixtures qualifies for a rebate.
Multi-stream or other aerating flow restrictors
are not eligible for rebates. $10/Restrictor
rebate is available.
The City established a partnership with WBMWD and the SBESC in 2006 for the implementation of various conservation programs. Most of these programs were targeted to the CII sector and the programs completed have included the following:
• Complete Restroom Retrofit program for small business and institutional customers.
• A Large Landscape Audit program.
• A High Efficiency Toilet (HET) Retrofit Program for the hospitality Industry.
• An Industrial Audit and fixture retrofit program.
• A food service educational, training and fixture replacement program known as “Cash for Kitchens,” which the SBESC implements for the City. Approximately 150 restaurants in the City have participated in this program to date with a target of 10 – 15 new restaurants annually.
• An energy/water retrofit program for multi-family complexes known as the “Green Living Program”.
• An HET retrofit program for office buildings and institutional customers.
• An HET and water-efficient retrofit program for City buildings.
In addition, several new programs are in the planning stage. The City also has an extensive recycled water program, in which the City currently meets approximately 22 percent of its total water demand from recycled supplies. Industrial customers such as the Torrance Refinery Company and American Honda actively utilize the recycled water program . About 94 percent of recycled supplies are for industrial applications , primarily for the T ORC Refinery . Additional customer connections to existing recycled pipelines are in process, which was facilitated in part by a recent increase in MWD financial incentives for public agency retrofits.
Figure 7.11: Laminar Flow Restrictor
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Green Business Network
In 2018, the City of Torrance received a grant from the California Green Business Network, which provides a
certification program to businesses who become more
environmentally sustainable and responsible.
Certification in the Program includes the
implementation of best management practices that
address energy efficiency, waste reduction, water
conservation, and a number of other “green” practices
that will help business and save money. Businesses
receive helpful resource information and water saving
devices from partner agencies such as SoCalGas ,
Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, and Los
Angeles Metro. This program is conducted SBESC and
administered by Torrance Public Works . Approximately 25 business in Torrance have been certified to date . The program was discontinued in FY 2023-24 due to funding constraints (see Figure 7.12).
7.2.5 BMP 5: Landscape Programs
On average, over the last five years , 5,138 AF or 22 percent of demand is met by recycled water for industrial use and landscape irrigation each year. At ultimate build-out, the goal is to have the recycled water system supply approximately 30 percent of all CII landscape water requirements in the City by 2030.
Notably, Torrance secured over $40,000
grants from MWD’s City Makeover Grant
program in the category of Small Parks and
Gardens. The City’s Community Services
Department’s Parks and Recreation
Commission was awarded funding for the
“Showcase of Native Gardens at Madrona
Marsh Project.” The project was
completed in 2006 and transformed a grass
landscape adjacent to the Madrona Marsh
Nature Center into a demonstration native
plant landscape, using locally native
plants. The project educates visitors about
the historic relationships to visitors by providing environmental education, such as de velopment and installation of interpretive panels, design and distribution of color brochures on water wise landscape irrigation, and docent training for conducting tours. This project was designed to provide resource materials to both commercial and residential customers.
The adjacent Madrona Marsh Nature Center receives approximately 20,000 visitors annually (see Figure 7.13). In addition, TMW holds water efficient landscape classes at the Nature Center. The Figure 7.13: Madrona Marsh in Torrance
Figure 7.12: California Green Business Network
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Nature Center also provides a series of workshops on native plant landscaping and plant selection.
In addition to the Demonstration Garden, the Center also has a botanical native plant garden. The native plant botanical garden and demonstration landscape garden receive over 5,000 visitors annually. The demonstration landscape garden educates a large number of visitors throughout the City and the surrounding region. The project also shows how irrigation water use may be reduced by up to 80 percent compared to water demand of traditional turf grass lawns. The demonstration landscape provides a variety of drought tolerant native California plants, intended to provide an impetus to encourage both commercial and residential customers to consider the advantages o f installing water efficient landscapes.
TMW continues to consider several public areas in the City that could be converted to water efficient landscapes. Grant funding for this effort will be sought from MWD, US Bureau of Reclamation, and DWR and other potential sources. Project implementation is contingent upon securing additional sources of funding.
Upon request, the City will provide large landscape water audits and is participating in MWD’s large landscape audit program for sites with an area of one acre or more. The City also participates in MWD’s regional irrigation efficiency programs. MWD provides sponsorship and performance- based funding for these programs to offset the cost to the customer of converting to a water efficient landscape.
Water Efficient Landscape Training Classes and Resources
MWD’s California Friendly Landscape Training (CFLT) program offers classes in landscape design, maintenance and irrigation systems to professionals and residents. TMW held a total of 35 in person traditional CFLT and Turf Removal landscape workshops . CFLT workshops were supplemented with 6 additional classes on water efficient edible gardening and residential graywater classes. A total of 40 classes and workshops were attended by over 1,500 participants.
It is planned that TMW will continue to sponsor additional landscape conservation workshops over the next five years to complement the MWD sponsored new CFLT instructional classes, which TMW will offer approximately 8 – 10 times per year. In addition, on -line classes will also be offered.
Torrance Municipal Water, will partner with surrounding agencies to provide a specialized professional water efficient landscape training course for all City Park and Streetscape landscape personnel in the near future. The City held two graywater classes in 2018 and plan to offer additional hands-on sessions when safe to do so.
Landscaping and Gardening Workshops
TWM, in partnership with MWD and WRD, offers in -person and online trainings in landscape design and irrigation principles to helps attendees plant, care for, and maintain a beautiful water efficient garden at no cost to attendees. During the COVID -19 pandemic, attendees were able to attend free virtual classes. TMW also partnered with WRD to host Graywater and edible gardening classes.
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California Friendly and Native Landscape Training
- This training helps residents design a beautiful
garden using California Friendly and native plant
landscaping principles. Class participants learn how
to:
• Implement a watershed approach
• Create a living soil sponge that encourages
water retention.
• Treat rainwater as a resource by contouring
the land to capture it
• Select and arrange plants to maximize
biodiversity and minimize water use
• Control irrigation to minimize water waste
Turf Removal and Garden Transformation
Workshop - This workshop ’s objective is to teach
participants how to transform thirsty grass into a
beautiful, climate-appropriate water efficient garden
by learning how to:
• Evaluate landscape’s potential
• Plan for garden transformation
• Identify the type of turf grass
• Remove grass without chemicals
• Build healthy living soil
• Select climate -appropriate plants that minimize water use and maximize beauty and biodiversity
• Implement a maintenance schedule to maintain a beautiful garden
Garden Design Worksh op - A watershed garden is designed to capture and retain as much rainwater as possible. This workshop covers the critical steps needed to successfully design a watershed-wise landscape. Class participants learn how to:
• Contour a garden to help capture rainwater
• Create a list of climate-appropriate plants for your garden • Place plant symbols on a site plan to address plant needs, plant function and basic design guidelines
7.2.6 Other City Conservation Initiatives
The City has conducted rain barrel distribution programs since 2016 and has distributed over 2,200 barrels to residents during that time. This continues to be an extremely popular program. At these events, literature and other water saving information is provided to attendees.
Figure 7.14: Eco Gardener Webinar offered by WRD
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The City has completed a conversation to a water efficient smart irrigation controller retrofit program for landscape irrigation sites and water efficient fixture replacements throughout all City parks. A portion of this program in Parks was implemented through partial funding secured under the federal stimulus grants to cities. As a result, the City estimates savings of 45 AFY of water per year with this implementation.
In 2016, TMW applied for funding from the MWD administered Public Agency Landscape Program (PAL) for conversion of 50 manually operated irrigation controllers to smart weather based units for its Streetscape medians and other City owned landscaped parcels. The City successfully converted 50 sites with 75 smart controllers, leading to significant savings and better staff deployment effectiveness.
The use of recycled water for irrigation and industrial uses for those developments located near existing recycled water mains is also highly encouraged providing that the use of recycled supplies is technically and economically feasible. TMW actively works with municipal customers to facilitate these conversions.
Future Conservation Measures
As the City’s wholesale agency, MWD actively provides financial rebate assistance to promote the implementation of conservation programs within the City, as well as guidance for the City staff in implementation of a variety of conservation programs, as des cribed throughout this section.
MWD provides funding and selective technical assistance for water surveys, residential retrofits, system audits, landscape programs, the HEWM and other rebate programs, dissemination of public information and outreach programs, and CII programs.
These programs are implemented with the assistance of multiple Conservation Coordinators throughout the MWD service area. Conservation program implementation in the MWD service area is generally a collaborative and coordinated effort. In addition, MWD conv enes a monthly Water Use Efficiency (WUE) meeting to discuss, consider and review various conservation programs, initiatives, new innovations and strategies being implemented by MWD and its member agencies. In addition, the City investigates, considers and implements enhanced or new conservation programs and initiatives on a continuous basis to meet current and future water use efficiency goals.
Future programs under consideration include:
• Comprehensive Water Conservation Program analysis
• Direct install of water saving devices such as Rain Barrels, and irrigation controllers. • Direct landscaping design support
• Direct UHE Toilet and Urinal exchange
• Raising awareness of Tap Water with public drinking fountain installation program. • Increase in Regional collaboration and partnerships to increase water conservation awareness and reduce programming costs.
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7.3 REBATE PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
During 2025, TMW found success in offering rebates through MWD’s SoCal Water$mart program and their own conservation programs. Table 7.6 shows the amount of rebates TMW gave during 2025.
Table 7.6: Number of rebates from TMW during FY 2021 - 2025 Item Number of Rebates
Rotating Sprinkler Nozzles 133
Faucet Aerators 44
Flow Monitor Device 56
High-Efficiency Washing Machine 331
Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers – Residential 127
Turf Replacement – in Sq. Ft. 134,104 Sq. Ft.
Rain Barrel 42
Low-flow Showerheads 71
Other 264
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During times of severe drought or catastrophic
supply interruptions, City of Torrance will
implement its Water Shortage Contingency Plan
and Emergency Preparedness and Disaster
Response Plan. The City’s efforts are highly
dependent on MWD’s regional efforts, which call
for reductions in water use and greater
utilization of storage reservoirs.
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8.1 INTRODUCTION
Water supplies may be interrupted or reduced significantly in a number of ways including droughts, earthquakes, and power outages which can hinder a water agency’s ability to effectively deliver water. Drought impacts increase with the length of a drought as carry-over supplies in reservoirs are depleted and water levels in groundwater basins decline. The ability to manage water supplies in times of drought or other emergencies is an important part of water resources management for a community. The City's response to an emergency will be a coordinated effort between its own staff and other local and regional water agencies.
Recent water supply challenges throughout the American Southwest and the State of California have resulted in the development of a number of policy actions that water agencies would implement in the event of a water shortage. In Southern California, the de velopment of such policies has occurred at both the wholesale and retail level. This section addresses elements related to the urban water supplier’s Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) describing new and existing policies that MWD and the City have in place to respond to water supply shortages, including a catastrophic interruption and a greater than 50 percent mandatory reduction in total potable water supply. The City will also coordinate with other local water agencies to implement water shortage plans on a regional level.
8.2 WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY ANALYSIS
8.2.1 Water Service Reliability Assessment
Southern California is expected to experience an increase in regional demands in the years 20 30 through 2050 as a result of population growth. Although increases in demand are expected, future demands are effectively limited due to the requirements of SBx7-7. The majority of agencies have met or were near their 2020 compliance targets in 2020 and will continue to meet, or will soon meet, their per-capita usage limit in the future.
The data in the MWD 202 5 UWMP shows supply reliability projections for average and single dry years and is important to effectively project and analyze supply and demand over the next 25 years for many regional agencies. Projected supplies during single and multiple dry year scenarios indicate MWD’s projected supply will exceed its projected single dry year demands in all years.
Likewise, for average years, MWD supply exceeds projected demands for all years.
Due to the semi-arid nature of the City's climate and as a result of past drought conditions, the City SECTION 8
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is vulnerable to water shortages due to its climatic environment and seasonally hot summer months. Section 6 describes the water availability during single and multiple dry year scenarios.
Tables 8.1, 8.2, and 8.3 summarize the supply and demand comparisons during normal, single - dry year, and multiple dry year, respectively. As shown, the City is capable of providing a reliable supply of water to meet the future demands.
Table 8.1: Normal Year Supply & Demand Comparison (AF) (DWR Table 7-2 Retail) 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 17,990 18,237 18,488 18,741 18,999
Surplus/(shortfall) 18,803 18,556 18,305 18,052 17,794
Table 8.2: Single Dry Year Supply & Demand Comparison (AF) (DWR Table 7-3 Retail) 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 26,348 26,641 26,939 27,239 27,544
Surplus/(shortfall) 10,445 10,152 9,854 9,554 9,249
Table 8.3: Multiple Dry Year Supply & Demand Comparison (AF) (DWR Table 7-4 Retail) 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
First year
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 25,746 26,032 26,323 26,617 26,914
Surplus (shortfall) 11,047 10,761 10,469 10,176 9,879 Second year
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 27,102 27,404 27,710 28,019 28,332
Surplus (shortfall) 9,691 9,389 9,083 8,774 8,461
Third year
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 27,329 27,633 27,942 28,253 28,569
Surplus (shortfall) 9,464 9,160 8,851 8,540 8,224
Fourth year
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 27,772 28,081 28,395 28,711 29,032
Surplus (shortfall) 9,021 8,712 8,398 8,082 7,761
Fifth year
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 23,943 24,210 24,481 24,753 25,030
Surplus (shortfall) 12,850 12,583 12,312 12,040 11,763 146
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8.2.2 Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment
During a five-year drought, the City may import water to meet demands in excess of its local water supplies. The City can expect the ability to extract its adjudicated right of 5,639 AFY from its wells while extracting up to an additional 4,800 AFY currently from its Goldsworthy Desalter over a drought period of up to five years. Recycled water will continue to be fully available to meet water demands. Imported water supplies, like groundwater, are subject to demand increases and reduced supplies during dry years . However, MWD modeling in its 2025 UWMP, as referenced in Tables 6.2 and 6.3 in Section 6, results in 100 percent reliability for full -service demands through the year 20 50 for all climatic conditions. Base d on the conditions described above , the City anticipates the ability to meet water demand for all climatic conditions for the near future.
The Drought Risk Assessment (DRA) examines the reliability of the City’s water supplies over a 5-year period. Table 8.4 shows the results of the analysis. The analysis was done utilizing DWR’s DRA Planning Tool to determine supply and demand projections, and to analyze the City’s vulnerability to droughts. The tool also allows water purveyors to utilize potential water usa ge saving or supply augmentation methods to mitigate supply shortfalls. These water usages saving methods (restrictions) and supply augmentations are further discussed in the WSCP. As shown, the City is capable to meet the projected demands based on the estimated water supplies during drought conditions without the need for WSCP stage implementation and supply augmentation.
Table 8.4: Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment (AF) (DWR Table 7-5 Retail) 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Total Water Use 16,500 16,548 16,595 16,643 17,990
Total Supplies 29,643 29,643 29,643 29,643 29,643
Surplus/Shortfall w/o
WSCP Action 13,142 13,095 13,048 13,000 11,653
Planned WSCP Actions (Use Reduction and Supply Augmentation) Supply Augmentation
Benefit from WSCP
Response
0 0 0 0 0
Use Reduction
Savings Benefit from
WSCP Response
0 0 0 0 0
Revised
Surplus/Shortfall 13,142 13,095 13,048 13,000 11,653
Resulting % Use
Reduction from
WSCP Action
0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Response to a future drought would follow the water use efficiency mandates of the City's Phased Water Conservation Plan along with implementation of the appropriate stage of regional plans, such as MWD's Water Surplus and Drought Management (WSDM) Plan as described later in this section.
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8.3 ANNUAL WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND ASSESSMENT PROCEDURES
Under CWC Section 10632(a)(2), beginning by July 1, 2022, each urban water supplier is required to prepare their annual water supply and demand assessment (Annual Assessment) and submit an Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report to DWR. The Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report is due by July 1 of every year, as required by CWC Section 10632.1.
This section outlines the City’s procedures used in conducting an Annual Assessment, including the following: 1) written decision-making process for determining water supply reliability; and 2) key data inputs and assessment methodology for evaluating the water supply reliability for the current year and one dry year.
8.3.1 Decision-Making Process
The City’s Annual Assessment is mostly based on daily recorded water production and supply figures, which are reported to the Public Works Director throughout the year. Water consumption is monitored regularly through the metering of all City service connections in its distribution system. To determine its water supply reliability and actual reductions in water use during declared water shortages or emergencies, the City can rely on its daily reports as well as the monthly reports prepared. These periodical analyses are used by the City to manage resources to meet projected demands and adjust to changing conditions (i.e., precipitation) throughout the year.
Starting in 2022, City staff submits and presents a finalized Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report to the City Council for approval by June each year. City staff also presents determination of recommended water shortage response actions deemed appropriate as a result of the Annual Assessment. Following approval, City staff submits the approved Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report to DWR by July 1 of every year. The functional procedures for the decision - making process are depicted in the following timeline shown in Figure 8.1.
Figure 8.1: Sample Annual Assessment Decision-Making Process Timeline 148
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8.3.2 Key Data Inputs and Assessment Methodology
This section defines the key data inputs and assessment methodology used to evaluate the water supply reliability for the anticipated conditions for the current year and for one dry year that follows. The Annual Assessment determination focuses on the current year unconstrained demand, infrastructure constraints, and total water supply availability. Moreover, the Annual Assessment considers the current year’s weather, population growth, policies in place that will impact demands, and other influencing facto rs. The current year available supply in the assessment incorporates the hydrological regulatory conditions for the current year and following dry year.
Locally Applicable Evaluation Criteria
The locally applicable evaluation criteria is consistently relied on for each Annual Assessment include the following:
1) Assumed unconstrained demand (i.e., demand without any conservation measures) for current year and one dry year
2) Assumed total water supply availability for current year and one dry year 3) Existing infrastructure capabilities and plausible constraints • Any known issues with the water facilities (including water quality conditions limiting local sources)
• Planned power outages for operation and maintenance
• New construction and repairs
• Environmental mitigation measures
• Other constraints that may affect near-term water supply reliability
Water Supply Sources Description and Quantification
As part of the Annual Assessment, the total available water supply evaluation criteria comprise s of the City’s water supply sources as shown and quantified in Tables 8.5 and 8.6.
Table 8.5: 2025 Water Supply (AF) (DWR Table 6-8 Retail) Water Supply Additional Detail on
Water Supply
2025
Potable or
Non-Potable
Actual
Volume
Total Right or
Safe Yield
Purchased or Imported Water MWD Potable 12,748 19,204 Groundwater (not
desalinated)
West Coast
Groundwater Basin Potable 4,710 5,640
Desalinated Groundwater Goldsworthy Desalter Potable 786 4,800 Recycled Water West Basin Municipal
Water District Non-Potable 5,169 7,150
Subtotal Potable 18,244 29,643
Subtotal Non-Potable 5,169 7,150
Total 23,413 36,793
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Table 8.6: Projected Water Supply Availability (AF) (DWR Table 6-9 Retail) Water Supply Additional Detail on
Water Supply
Projected Water Supplies
2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Purchased or
Imported Water MWD 19,204 19,204 19,204 19,204 19,204
Groundwater (not
desalinated)
West Coast
Groundwater Basin 5,639 5,639 5,639 5,639 5,639
Desalinated
Groundwater Goldsworthy Desalter 4,800 4,800 4,800 4,800 4,800 Recycled Water West Basin Municipal
Water District 7,150 7,150 7,150 7,150 7,150
Total 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Imported Water Purchases
TMW receives its imported water supply from MWD through its five interconnections which are capable of serving up to 100 percent of TMW's water needs if necessary. Supply from MWD originates from the Colorado River and the Sacramento -San Joaquin River Delta in Northern California. From fiscal year 20 20 – 2025, imported water has accounted for approximately 74 percent of TMW's potable water supply total. The City is projected to be able to have access to its full former Tier 1 limit supply with MWD of 19,204 AFY as shown in Table 8.6.
Groundwater Supply
Groundwater Wells (Not Desalinated)
TMW uses its groundwater wells to extract groundwater from the West Coast Groundwater Basin (Basin) and has an adjudicated right of about 5,639 AFY. The City currently maintains three active wells (Well #9 , Well #10, and Well #11 ) and one standby well (Well #7) for groundwater extraction. Well #7 would be used only on an as -needed basis for fire flow demands or other emergencies. The Basin is an adjudicated basin and the management of water resources and operations in the basin is provided by WRD, DWR, LACD PW, and the Regional Water Quality Control Board. TMW’s Van Ness Wellfield Project would incorporate three new freshwater wells and the project is scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2030-31.
Goldsworthy Desalter
The Robert W. Goldsworthy Desalter was constructed to treat brackish groundwater resulting from a saline plume located in the Basin and currently treats approximately 2.5 million gallons per day (MGD). The City operates the facility under an agreement with WRD. From 2020 to 2025, TMW has received an average of 2,469 AF of groundwater annually from the desalter. A third expansion of the Goldsworthy Desalter is currently underway where the expanded facility is projected to have approximately twice the existing capacity, up to 7,000 AFY or more. 150
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Recycled Water Supply
TMW purchases recycled water from WBMWD through the Water Recycling Project. Recycled water purchases in the City include direct purchases by the City for landscape irrigation use and by Torrance Refining Company (TORC) Refinery. From 2020 to 2025, recycled water accounted for approximately 22 percent of the overall water supply in the City's TMW service area.
8.4 SHORTAGE STAGES AND SHORTAGE RESPONSE ACTIONS
8.4.1 MWD Stages of Action
Water Surplus & Drought Management Plan (WSDM)
In addition to the provisions of the City 's Conservation Ordinance, the City will also work in conjunction with the WBMWD, the Water Replenishment District (WRD), MWD, and other local agencies to implement conservation measures within the framework of MWD's WSDM Plan. The WSDM Plan was developed in 1999 by MWD with assistance and input with its member agencies.
The plan addresses both surplus and shortage contingencies. MWD’s WSDM Plan documents the stages of action that it would undertake in response to a water supply shortage.
The WSDM Plan guiding principle is to minimize adverse impacts of water shortage and ensure regional reliability. The plan guides the operations of water resources (local resources, Colorado River, SWP, and regional storage) to ensure regional reliability. It identifies the expected sequence of resource management actions MWD will take during surpluses and shortages of water to minimize the probability of severe shortages that require curtailment of full -service demands.
Mandatory allocations are avoided to the extent practicable; however, in the event of an extreme shortage, an allocation plan will be implemented.
In addition to its WSDM Plan, MWD developed a Water Supply Allocation Plan (WSAP), which provides a standardized methodology for allocation of supplies during times of extreme shortage (Stage 7 in MWD’s WSDM Plan). During a shortage, the City’s imported wa ter supplies will be allocated based on the methodology documented in MWD’s allocation plan.
The following description of shortage stages is from MWD’s 2025 UWMP, page 2-37:
“Shortage: Metropolitan can meet full-service demands
and partially meet or fully meet interruptible demands, using stored water or water transfers as necessary.
Severe Shortage : Metropolitan can meet full -service
demands only by using stored water, transfers, and
possibly calling for extraordinary conservation.
MWD's WSDM and WSAP
Plans help guide drought
management for many
agencies throughout the
region.
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Extreme Shortage: Metropolitan allocates available supply to full-service customers.
The WSDM Plan also defines six shortage management stages to guide resource management activities. These stages are not defined merely by shortfalls in imported water supply, but also by the water balances in Metropolitan’s storage programs. Thus, a 10 percent shortfall in imported supplies could be a stage one shortage if storage levels are high. If storage levels are already depleted, the same shortfall in imported supplies could potentially be defined as a more severe shortage.
When Metropolitan must make net withdrawals from storage to meet demands, it is considered to be in a shortage condition. Under most of these stages, Metropolitan is still able to meet all end -use demands for water. For shortage stages 1 through 3, Metropolitan will meet demands by withdrawing water from storage. At shortage stages 4 and 5, Metropolitan may undertake additional shortage management steps, including issuing public calls for extraordinary conservation and exercising water transfer options, or purchasing water on the open market.”
MWD Water Supply Allocation Plan (for WSDM Shortage Stage 7)
In February 2008, MWD’s Board of Directors adopted a WSAP, which includes a methodology for calculating supply allocations in the event that MWD enters a Shortage Stage 7 and is unable to meet the demands of its member agencies. MWD revised its WSAP in 201 4 to include the following updates: new FY 12 -13 to FY 13 -14 baseline, implement a Conservation Demand Hardening Adjustment, create a separate Groundwater Replenishment Allocation for applicable Figure 8.2: Severe Droughts Highlight the Importance of Conservation Ordinances 152
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agencies, and replace WSAP Penalty Rates with Allocation Surcharges based on the marginal costs of turf removal. It should be noted that the WSAP is not a rationing plan. Rather, it is a pricing plan where water is allocated at regular prices and agencies that choose to take more than the allocated water pay surcharges. The surcharge pricing mechanism acts to discourage the use of water above the allocation. The WSAP uses a combination of estimate d total retail demands and historical local supply production within the member agency service area to estimate the demands on MWD from each member agency in a given year. Based on a number of factors, including storage and supply conditions, MWD then dete rmines whether it has the ability to meet these demands or will need to allocate its limited supplies among its member agencies. Thus, implicit in MWD’s decision not to implement an allocation of its supplies is that, at a minimum, MWD will be able to meet the demands identified for each of the member agencies.
According to MWD’s 20 20 IRP, the approach seeks to balance the impacts of a shortage at the retail level while maintaining equity on the wholesale level and takes into account growth, local investments, changes in supply conditions and the demand hardening aspects of non -potable recycled water use and the implementation of conservation savings programs. The
methodology attempts to allocate supplies based on an estimate of an agency’s relative need for imported water using the following process:
1. Establish a baseline for total retail demands (and
adjust for growth) to determine the allocation year
total retail demands. (“ What are your total water
demands?”)
Figure 8.3: MWD WSDM Surplus & Drought Stages
When a WSDM Shortage
Stage 7 is triggered,
MWD's WSAP helps to
assess resources in the
most equitable way
possible.
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2. Estimate the amount of local supplies to be utilized in the allocation year and subtract from total retail demands. This is the allocation year baseline demand on MWD. (“How much imported water do you need from MWD?”)
3. Apply the minimum allocation percentage (per the regional shortage level) to the allocation year baseline demand and provide minor adjustments based on various criteria. (“Restrict normal supply deliveries and provide allocation.”)
Base Period Calculations (Used to Determine WSAP Reductions)
In the 2015 WSAP, the Base Period was calculated using data from FY 2012-13 and FY 2013-14.
Base Period wholesale demands are based on the two -year average of demands on MWD during the Base Period, including full -service, seawater barrier, seasonal shift, and surface storage operating agreement demands.
Local supplies for the base period are calculated using a two -year average of groundwater production, groundwater recovery, Los Angeles Aqueduct supply, surface water production, and other imported supplies. Non -potable recycling production is not included in this calculation, which, according to MWD, is intended to address the impact of demand hardening due to recycled water use.
Total potable retail demands for the Base Period are then calculated by adding the Base Period wholesale demands on MWD and the Base Period local supplies.
Figure 8.4: Reservoirs Provide Emergency Supplies (Lake Skinner) 154
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WSAP Allocation Year Calculations
The next step is to estimate water needs in an allocation year by (1) adjusting the Base Period total retail demands for population or economic growth, and (2) accounting for changes in local supplies.
The Base Period retail demands are adjusted for growth using the average annual rate of population growth occurring since the two -year base period based on county -level data generated by the California Department of Finance.
Next, these growth-adjusted demands are adjusted again to account for (1) gains and losses of local supply, and (2) extraordinary increases in production over the base year. According to MWD, these adjustments are made to give a more accurate estimate of a ctual supplies in the allocation year, and, in turn, more accurately reflect an agency’s demand for MWD supplies.
The adjustment for gains in local
supplies is intended to account for
planned or scheduled gains in local
supply production above the Base
Period, which are not due to
extraordinary actions to increase
water supply in the allocation year.
These previously scheduled increases
in supply programs (i.e., San Diego
County Water Authority/Imperial
Irrigation District) or local production
are added to the base period local
supplies. Again, new supplies from
non-potable recycling projects are not
counted as local supplies.
While the local agency does become more reliable with the addition of the new supplies, assuming that the new supplies are available during an allocation, the benefits of these programs are partially offset because the impact of adding the new supplies to the Base Period local supplies is to reduce an agency’s dependence on MWD and thus their allocation under the WSAP.
Alternatively, only a portion of the additional supplies from what are termed “extraordinary increases in production” are added back to Allocation Year local supplies depending on the retail shortage level. Extraordinary increases in production include suc h efforts as purchasing transfers or mining of groundwater basins. By adding only a percentage of the yield from these supplies to Allocation Year local supplies, it has the effect of “setting aside” the majority of yield for the agency who procured the supply.
Table 8.7 reflects the set of percentages used in the WSAP to establish water allocations for each agency.
Figure 8.5: Lake Mead “Bathtub Ring” (July 2023)
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Table 8.7: Water Allocation Percentages
Regional
Shortage
Level
Regional
Shortage
Percentage
Wholesale Minimum
Percentage
Maximum Retail Impact
Adjustment Maximum
1 5% 92.5% 2.5%
2 10% 85.0% 5.0%
3 15% 77.5% 7.5%
4 20% 70.0% 10.0%
5 25% 62.5% 12.5%
6 30% 55.0% 15.0%
7 35% 47.5% 17.5%
8 40% 40.0% 20.0%
9 45% 32.5% 22.5%
10 50% 25.0% 25.0%
8.4.2 City of Torrance Response Plan
In 1991, t he Torrance City Council adopted an Emergency Water Conservation Program, under Ordinance No. 3320, which established four stages of water shortage severity based on predicted or actual water supply reductions. In March 2009, the City adopted an updated Water Conservation Ordinance (Ordinance No. 3717), which is included in Appendix H. The Water Conservation and Water Supply Shortage and Sustainability Program was later revised in May 2015 with the adoption of City Council Ordinance No. 3782 (s ee Appendix G). During water shortage emergencies, the City will implement a “Phased Water Conservation Plan”, which was adopted as Article 4 of Chapter 6 of Division 7 of the City’s Municipal Code titled Water Conservation and Water Supply Shortage and Sustainability Program (Appendix I). The purpose of the plan is to reduce the effect of shortage water supplies on the City’s customers during wa ter shortage emergencies. The City implements certain initiatives to optimize water supply during water shortages or drought conditions. In the event of a water shortage, City Council will implement the appropriate water conservation stage by resolution.
The objectives of the response plan are to:
1. Prioritize essential uses of available water.
2. Avoid irretrievable loss of natural resources.
3. Manage current water supplies to meet ongoing and future needs.
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4. Maximize local municipal water supplies.
5. Eliminate water waste citywide.
6. Create equitable demand reduction targets.
7. Minimize adverse financial impacts.
The following priorities for use of available water are listed in order from highest to lowest priority:
1. Health and Safety including: consumption and sanitation for all water users; fire suppression; hospitals, em ergency care, nursing/ convalescent homes and other similar health care facilities; shelters and water treatment.
2. Institutions, including government facilities and schools su ch as public safety facilities, vital and essential government operations, public pools and recreation areas.
3. All non-essential commercial and residential water uses.
4. Landscaped areas of significance, including parks, cemeteries, open spaces, schools, government-facility landscaped areas and green belt areas.
5. New water demand.
City of Torrance Stages of Action
The City has a legal responsibility to provide for the health and safety water needs of the community. The City will manage water supplies to minimize the social and economic impacts of water shortages. The Water Supply Shortage Response Plan is designed to reduce normal supply by more than 30 percent (up to greater than 5 0 percent reduction in supply) during a severe or extended water shortage.
The City's two potable water sources are local groundwater (including desalinated water) and imported MWD deliveries. Rationing stages may be triggered by a shortage in one source or a combination of sources, and shortages may trigger a stage at any time. Table 8.8 shows the stages of action the City will take in the case of an emergency water shortage, as declared by the Water Shortage Response Plan and supported by City Ordinance No. 3717.
Per CWC Section 10632(a)(3)(B), a supplier may continue using their own water shortage levels that were previously used. In accordance with this allowance, the City has chosen to continue to use its current water shortage levels in its WSCP and has included a graphic (Table 8.8) to correlate its water shortage levels to the six standard water shortage levels mandated by CWC Section 10632(a)(3)(A).
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Table 8.8: Water Shortage Reduction Targets
City of Torrance Shortage Levels Mandated Standard
Shortage Levels
Shortage Level Restriction Type % Shortage
Shortage
Level
%
Shortage
Permanent Water
Conservation
Requirements
Mandatory In effect at
all times 1 Up to 10%
Level 1 Mandatory ≤15%
2 Up to 20%
Level 2 Mandatory 15% to 30% 3 Up to 30%
Level 3 Mandatory >30%
4 Up to 40%
5 Up to 50%
6 >50%
As reflected in Table 8.8, the mandatory prohibitions applied by Level 3 will curtail water use more than 50 percent below the projected water consumption in a Shortage Level 6 situation .
Correspondingly, the City’s shortage levels depicted in Table 8.8 are bundled in such a way that if a conservation stage to reduce water consumption by 40 percent were mandated (CWC standard shortage level 4) , the prohibitions and additional conservation measures activated by the City’s Level 3 will provide more than enough shortage responses to exceed the conservation goal.
During water shortages, the City Council may declare by resolution that a Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 water shortage stage exists and that the actions outlined in Ordinance No. 3717 are necessary. The type of event which may prompt the City Council to declare a water supply shortage may be a result of MWD declaring a need for extraordinary water conservation. Water Supply Shortages may be caused by: a drought; a state or local emergency; a natural disaster that critically impacts the water treatment or water distribution system; or a localized event that critically impacts the water supply, water quality, water treatment or the water distribution system. In addition, a shortage condition would be triggered when the City’s wholesale water agency (MWD) requests extraordinary water conservation efforts in order to avoid mandatory water allocations; and when MWD implements a mandatory rationing Water Supply Allocation Program (WSAP).
On May 5, 2015, the City Council approved the activation of Level 2 water conservation requirements through the adoption of Resolution No. 2015-10 to help mitigate drought impacts by implementing further water use restrictions. Deactivation of Level 2 water conservation requirements was approved by the City Council on August 9, 2016 due to the improved water conditions and supplies.
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8.4.3 Prohibitions
In accordance with the City’s updated Water Conservation Ordinance No. 3717 enacted in March of 2009 and updated in May 2015, with adoption of Ordinance No. 3782, the City has prescribed a number of water use restrictions which are continuously and permanently enforced as part of the City's Municipal Code. Additional water use restrictions are mandated where the extent of restrictions is based on severity of the water shortage.
Mandatory Prohibitions
The City’s four phase approach to implementing water conservation and prohibiting wasteful use during a water shortage includes, but is not limited to, the following:
Permanent Baseline Requirements
• Landscape irrigation is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. • Landscape irrigation is limited to no more than 15 minutes per day. • No excessive water flow or runoff from any lawn or landscaped surface. • No washing down hard or paved surfaces.
• All water leaks in water user’s plumbing or distribution system must be repaired within 15 days of notification by the City.
• All decorative water features must have recirculating systems. • No washing of vehicles with “open hose”.
• Restaurants serve drinking water upon request only.
• Lodging business must provide option not to launder linens daily. • No outdoor watering within 48 hours of a rain event.
Level 1
• Notification to water users of water shortage status and that up to 15 percent reduction of water use is required.
• Landscape irrigation is prohibited between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. • Duration of landscape watering is limited to 15 minutes per day. • Landscape watering cycle is limited to three days per week. • All water leaks in water user’s plumbing or distribution system must be repaired within seven days of notification by the City.
Level 2
• Notification to water users of water shortage status and that a 15 percent to 30 percent reduction of water use is required.
• Landscape irrigation is prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. • Duration of landscape watering is limited to 10 minutes per day. • Landscape watering cycle is limited to two days per week. • All water leaks in water user’s plumbing or distribution system must be repaired within 159
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four days of notification by the City.
• Filling or refilling ornamental lakes or ponds is prohibited with some exceptions. • Commercial car washing facilit ies must utilize a recirculating water system to capture or reuse water.
• Refilling of more than one foot and swimming pools or spas is prohibited.
Level 3
• Notification to water users of water shortage status and that more than 30 percent reduction of water use is required.
• Landscape irrigation is prohibited with some exceptions based on critical facilities related to public health, safety, and essential City operations. • All water leaks in water user’s plumbing or distribution system must be repaired within two days of notification by the City.
• The City reserves the right to discontinue water service to customers who willfully violate provisions of Level 3 restrictions.
Additional water conservation provisions are set forth in City Ordinance No. 3717 such as the use of rain sensors and evapotranspiration sensors for large landscape areas, requirement of recirculating water systems for commercial car washes, building permit stipulations, and recycled water feasibility study for all new developments. The City's specific prohibitions on water use can be found in the City's Municipal Code (Appendix H).
8.4.4 Consumption Reduction Methods
Methods to reduce the use of potable water exist in all Water Shortage Levels are listed in Table 8.9.
Table 8.9: Consumption Reduction Methods
Consumption Reduction Methods Level When Method Takes
Effect
Projected
Reduction (%)
Permanent Water Conservation Requirements Base Level In effect at all times Level 1 Level 1 Water Supply Shortage ≤15%
Level 2 Level 2 Water Supply Shortage 15% to 30%
Level 3 Emergency Condition >30%
8.4.5 Catastrophic Supply Interruption
A water shortage emergency could be caused by a catastrophic event such as result of drought, failures of transmission facilities, a regional power outage, earthquake, flooding, supply contamination from chemical spills, and other adverse conditions. Given the great distances imported water supplies travel to reach the TMW service area, the region is vulnerable to interruptions along hundreds of miles of aqueducts, pipelines and other facilities associated with 160
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delivering the supplies to the region. Additionally, this water supply source is distributed to customers through an intricate network of pipes and water mains that are susceptible to damage from earthquakes and other disasters, natural or otherwise.
MWD
MWD has comprehensive plans for stages of actions it would undertake to address a catastrophic interruption in water supplies through its WSDM and WSAP. MWD also developed an Emergency Storage Objective to mitigate potential interruption in water supplies resulting from catastrophic occurrences within the Southern California region, including seismic events along the San Andreas Fault. In addition, MWD i s working with the state to implement a comprehensive improvement plan to address catastrophic occurrences that could occur outside of the Southern California region, such as a probable maximum seismic event in the Delta that would cause levee failure and disruption of SWP deliveries.
In July 2019, MWD’s Board adopted amendments to their Administrative Code allowing deliveries of member agency water supplies in MWD’s system during an emergency. With these enabled deliveries, MWD’s member agencies will be able to deliver their water thro ugh MWD’s system under specific emergency conditions. Emergency deliveries using a portion of MWD’s system can only be made if MWD is unable to make deliveries to a member agency due to physical damage to its system resulting from a natural disaster or oth er emergency, and there are no alternatives.
City of Torrance
The City’s Emergency Response Plan (ERP) includes a Water Distribution Sample Action Plan to be followed in the case of a water shortage emergency. The initial effort includes a safety/damage assessment, where the extent of damage to each department will be determined. Primary consideration at the department level will be given to what is the status of its personnel and the facilities that it needs for its operations. This includes any facility critical to the department’s operations whether or not it is a City facility. Each department will then identify which facilities will be available and which facilities need to be inspected by a building inspector. The Department Safety/Damage Assessment te am will do a walk through or drive to assigned areas. The information gathered will be provided to the Planning Section of the Department Operation Center (DOC) and then the City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Planning Section. The water facilities classified as Critical Facilities in the Emergency Operations Plan will be initially inspected by TMW and other personnel as needed.
During a disaster, the City will also work cooperatively with MWD through their emergency communication system, known as the Me mber Agency Response System (MARS) , to facilitate the flow of information and requests for mutual-aid within MWD’s 5,200-square mile service area.
MARS is a radio communication system developed by MWD and its member agencies to provide an alternative means of communication in extreme circumstances.
MWD’s Palos Verdes reservoir and the three imported transmission mains are in close proximity to the City of Torrance, and, therefore, the possibility of MWD being entirely unable to deliver 161
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water to the City is unlikely. The City’s Water Master Plan contains analysis showing that the City’s T-8 connection provides sufficient excess capacity to offset the shutdown of one of the three MWD pipelines serving the City. By adjusting the inflow from the connections still in service, the loss of one pipeline could adequately be offset. In the event of groundwater supply loss, all supply could be imported from MWD, and it is confirmed that the necessary capacity is available to do so.
The City will also rely on MWD’s catastrophic event plan to utilize the Diamond Valley Lake reservoir, which can be filled to its storage capacity for Southern California and provide up to six months of emergency supply. If there were a catastrophic failure of the California Aqueduct or the CRA conveyance facilities, MWD could draw on emergency supplies in Diamond Valley Lake.
Additional emergency services in the State of California include the Master Mutual Aid Agreement, California Water Agencies Response Network (WARN) , and Plan Bulldozer. The Master Mutual Aid Agreement includes all public agencies that have signed the agreement and is planned out of the California Office of Emergency Services. WARN includes all public agencies that have signed the agreement to WARN and provides mutual aid assistance. It is managed by a State Steering Committee. Plan Bulldozer provides mutual aid for construction equipment to any public agency in times of disasters when danger to life and property exists.
Figure 8.6: MWD’s Diamond Valley Lake (Potential Reserves for WSAP Allocations) 162
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8.4.6 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan Introduction
Earthquakes can vary significantly in magnitude and the amount of damage caused. Major earthquakes can cause loss of electrical power, damage to the City’s structures and equipment, disruption of service, and injuries to staff. This section provides a description of the City ’s procedures (i.e., response and mitigation) after an earthquake event.
As mandated in CWC Section 10632.5(a), beginning January 1, 2020, water suppliers are required to include a seismic risk assessment and mitigation plan as part of their WSCP to assess the vulnerability of each of the various facilities of their water system and mitigate those vulnerabilities. If an urban water supplier does not have a seismic risk assessment and mitigation plan, the urban water supplier may instead, per CWC Section 10632.5(c), include a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) or a multi -hazard mitigation plan. This requirement is satisfied by the incorporation of elements and analyses from the City’s Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA), Emergency Response Plan (ERP ), and LHMP. The complete RRA and ERP documents are not presented within this plan due to the highly confidential nature of the reports. Although the City does not currently have a seismic risk assessment and mitigation plan, it does have an LHMP (attached as Appendix J), which was prepared in October 201 7 pursuant to the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000. The City is currently in the process of reviewing its 2017-22 LHMP and plans to update by 2027 if needed.
Seismology of Water Facilities & Vulnerability
An earthquake is caused by the shifting of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface. Ground shaking from moving geologic plates collapses buildings and bridges, and sometimes triggers landslides, avalanches, flash floods, fires and tsunamis. The strong ground motion of earthquakes has the potential to cause a great deal of damage to drinking water and wastewater utilities, particularly since most utility components are constructed from inflexible materials (i.e., concrete, metal pipes). Earthquakes create many cascading and secondary impacts that may include, but are not limited to:
• Structural damage to facility infrastructure and equipment • Water tank damage or collapse
• Water source transmission line realignment or damage
• Damage to distribution lines due to shifting ground and soil liquefaction, resulting in potential water loss, water service interruptions, low pressure, contamination and sinkholes and/or large pools of water throughout the service area • Loss of power and communication infrastructure
• Restricted access to facilities due to debris and damage to roadways
Additional seismic risks are further described in the City’s LHMP.
According to the maps provided on the California Office of Emergency Services’ online planning tool (My Plan) and the California Geological Survey’s online earthquake hazards zone application (EQ Zapp), one known fault traverses the TMW service area, which is the Palos Verdes Fault. 163
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Furthermore, 15 regional faults (i.e., Puente Hills, Newport-Inglewood, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Whittier, San Andreas, etc.) are located within a 50-mile radius of the City. In addition, there are areas with increased risk due to landslides and liquefaction. The known fault lines, landslide zones, and liquefaction zones are shown in Figure 8.7.
As with the liquefaction zone in the north part of the City, fault rupture poses a risk to a relatively small portion of the south part of the City, but there is potential for significant damage within this area. Fault rupture is also difficult to protect against, and so it is possible that most water facilities within the fault rupture area will be substantially affected if a fault rupture event occurs.
ERP – Earthquake Emergency Response
The City completed its 2021 ERP on October 4, 2021, and is currently updating its ERP to replace its existing ERP by the end of 2026 in order to meet the requirements of America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA). The ERP provides City staff with the necessary information, strategies, procedures, and mitigation actions to address earthquake emergencies. The City’s ERP policies are intended to guide disaster management planners and emergency responders, and to provide a consistently high level of preparedness at all the facilities.
Per the ERP, after a major earthquake, the EOC will be activated if potential or significant damage has occurred in the City’s service area, and the situation cannot be handled by routine public safety response or immediate mutual aid assistance. In the event of an emergency, the Department Safety/Damage Assessment team will be required to inspect all critical water facilities for apparent signs of damage or abnormal conditions and conserve the existing water supply in the reservoirs from loss through water line breaks in the distribution system.
Palos Verdes
Fault Zone
Figure 8.7: Seismic Hazards within the City’s Service Area (California Geological Survey) 164
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Mitigation Actions
Hazard mitigation may occur during any phase
of a threat, emergency, or disaster. Mitigation
can and may take place during the preparedness
(before), response (during), and recovery
(after) phases. The process of hazard mitigation
involves evaluating a haz ard’s impact and
identifying and implementing actions to
minimize or eliminate the impact.
Based on the criteria and vulnerability
assessments discussed in the City’s LHMP, the
Planning Team developed a list of mitigation
actions to reduce the risk from natural hazards
in the City. These actions collectively form the
Hazard Mitigation Strategy.
The proposed mitigation actions for earthquake
events may include, but are not limited to, the
following:
• Maintain and regularly update records of seismically vulnerable structures in the community, such as soft first- story buildings or unreinforced masonry structures. • Incentivize or require that seismically vulnerable buildings be retrofitted to improve resilience to seismic events, and develop financing mechanisms to help property owners support retrofits.
• When retrofitting existing City facilities or constructing new ones, design structures to still be usable following a major seismic event to the extent possible, rather than designing only to minimize injury to occupants.
• Install and maintain film on windows in City facilities to reduce injury from broken glass, and encourage private property owners to use similar features. • Use flexible piping to the extent feasible for new water and wastewater pipes.
The mitigation actions that the City has established to mitigate seismic risks and vulnerabilities are further described within the City’s LHMP.
8.5 COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS
8.5.1 Introduction
The City ’s communication protocol includes the various channels that the City will utilize to convey critical messages regarding water shortage allocations and voluntary and mandatory actions. A strong communication strategy and a common understanding on the water supply situation and necessary actions between the City and its customers, the public, elected officials, Figure 8.8: The Four Phases of Emergency Management
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and other key stakeholders are essential should the WSCP need to be activated. How the water shortage messages are addressed to the public are described in this communication protocol. The communication protocol will be in place prior to a water supply shortage and be initiated in Level 1 water supply shortage. Activation of the communication protocol will continue through all subsequent water shortage levels. The City will ensure outreach efforts are reaching key audiences as needed.
It is important to communicate to its customers the following when urgent conservation is needed:
• Which shortage stage is being implemented;
• What response actions are triggered to save water;
• Why water needs to be saved; and
• What actions the City is taking to respond to the water supply situation.
8.5.2 Coordination
The goal of the City ’s outreach plans during dry periods and water shortages is to maintain effective coordination with key audiences. In order to maintain reliability in this communication, the City Staff will work closely with the City Council. During dry periods 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 City and its customers. In addition to collaboration with its wholesaler, MWD, the City will seek opportunities with outside organizations and agencies to complement its own outreach.
8.5.3 Communication Goals
Communication objectives during an existing or anticipated water shortage condition include the following:
• Motivate key audiences (i.e., customers) to increase conservation in following any voluntary or mandatory actions called for at the current stage of the WSCP. • Raise awareness of the drought, regulations, or other conditions affecting water sources and supplies.
• Educate customers, key stakeholders, elected officials, and the general public about water supply reliability, water quality, and water delivery.
• Prepare customers for any potential escalation of the supply shortage stages.
8.5.4 Communication Protocol for Current or Predicted Shortage
A current or predicted shortage, as determined by the City’s Annual Assessment, will be addressed to the public and its customers upon submittal of the Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report to DWR by July 1 of every year. This notice may be conducted by the City’s website, signage in front of City Hall, and wholesale agency coordination.
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8.5.5 Communication Protocol for Shortage Response Actions Triggered or Anticipated to be Triggered
The City’s customers and public will be notified about any triggered or anticipated to be triggered shortage response actions. Prior to making a public announcement of a Water Supply Shortage Level, the City Manager shall document the basis for the water shortage declaration and communicate this information to the City Council. The existence of Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Water Supply Shortage conditions may be declared by resolution of the City adopted at a regular or special public meeting held in accordance with state law. If a Water Supply Shortage Level is declared, the mandatory Conservation requirements applicable to Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Water Supply Shortage conditions will take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council.
The City Council will change the level designation as appropriate; however, the City Council will not impose mandatory measures without first conducting a duly noticed public hearing pursuant to CWC Sections 350 et seq., or 375 et seq. The appropriate level of water conservation and the shortage response action triggered by the level is then declared in a public notification posted on the City’s website and published in a local newspaper of general circulation. Upon declaration by the City Council that a wa ter shortage emergency exists, the WSCP shall be implemented. The plan shall remain in effect until the City Council declares the water shortage emergency has ended.
8.5.6 Other Relevant Communication Protocols
To reduce water use consumption during any water shortage level, the City will increase its public education and outreach efforts to build awareness of needed actions from the public. Moreover, the City will regularly revise its outreach campaign to reflect current supply conditions. Key communication strategies and associated water shortage phase implementation are listed below:
• Promote available water assistance resources for vulnerable populations; specialized outreach for impacted industries (Level 2).
• Keep stakeholders aware of conditions (all Levels).
• Proclaim level change to key stakeholders and the general public (all Levels). • Conduct meetings with elected officials and other key civic and business leaders (Level 2). • Encourage reduced optional outdoor use through outreach (Base Level).
The City may implement these communication strategies through its newsletters, website, and social media platforms to reflect supply conditions. In addition, the City may conduct news briefings or other media outlets (i.e., TV, radio, newspapers) to announce changes in supply conditions.
8.5.7 Crisis Communication Protocol
In the event of a catastrophic supply interruption due to a natural disaster or damage to the City water facilities, the City will implement communication procedures in accordance with local, regional, state, and federal emergency response guidelines as outlined in its ERP. Depending upon the severity of the emergency and potential damage to the City water facilities, the City may determine that it is necessary to utilize the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS) 167
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response and the Incident Command System (ICS). Public information and crisis communication are an integral part of the ICS structure. National Incident Management System (NIMS), SEMS, and ICS have been integrated into the ERP. It provides for a strategic response by all employees and assigns specific responsibilities in the event the plan is activated.
When an incident occurs interrupting supply , designated representatives of t he City Manager, designated representatives of City Departments , and other assigned personnel will go to the designated EOC and begin implementation of City procedures and employ appropriate strategies from the shortage stages in Table 8.8.
Crisis communication efforts will concentrate on providing information to the public and external audiences. Furthermore, outreach messaging will reflect emergency conditions and the need to focus on health and public safety. The City will keep the Members of the City Council informed of incident status and coordinate with public health officials.
The City will maintain communication with its wholesaler and its customers. In addition, the City may also authorize release of public information to news media to announce conditions and explain needed action. Finally, the City will ensure ongoing coordination with emergency response services with daily advisories or alerts as needed.
8.6 COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT
The means by which the City will use to safeguard compliance with and enforcement of water shortage rules include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Warning and citation protocols
• Water-waste patrols
• Fines and surcharges
• Rules and measures associated with fixing breaks or leaks in irrigation systems • Customer service, education, and communication programs • Other responses
The City may penalize repeat violators of water waste prohibitions through an escalating series of imposed actions. Compliance and enforcement protocols for violators are further detailed in the City’s Water Conservation and Water Supply Shortage and Sustainability Program.
8.6.1 Penalties or Charges
Violation of the regulations and restrictions on water use in accordance with Ordinance No. 3717 may result in penalties punishable by a fee . According to Ordinance No. 3717 , any person who violates any provision of the water conservation ordinance is guilty of a misdemeanor.
• First Violation:
City will deliver written notice of violation via mail.
• Second Violation:
City will deliver a second written notice of violation via mail. 168
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• Third Violation:
If the third violation is within a 12-month period then the City shall add a penalty to the next billing period water bill in the sum of $100.
• Fourth Violation:
If the fourth violation is within a 12-month period then the City shall add a penalty to the next billing period water bill in the sum of $250.
• Fifth and subsequent Violations:
The City shall add a penalty to the next billing period water bill in the sum of $500. In addition, the City shall install a flow restriction device restricting flow to one gallon per minute for water services for not less than 48 hours. In addition to any fines and the installation of a water flow restrictor, the City has the option to disconnect and/or terminate a customer’s water service.
8.6.2 Exemption from Compliance
Hardship Waiver
If, due to unique circumstances, a specific requirement of the Water Conservation and Water Supply Shortage and Sustainability Program would result in undue hardship to a customer using water or to property upon which water is used, such as addressing appropriate moisture content to maintain the integrity of foundations or structural components of buildings in expansive soil areas, that is disproportionate to the impacts to water users generally or to similar property or classes of water users, then the customer may apply for a waiver to the requirements in accordance with administrative procedures established by the City.
8.7 LEGAL AUTHORITES
Under California law, including CWC Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 350) 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 Council is authorized to implement the water shortage response actions outlined in this section. In all water shortage cases, shortage response actions to be implemented will be at the discretion of the City Council and will be based on an assessment of the supply shortage, customer response, and need for demand reductions.
It is noted that 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 de fer to implementation of locally adopted water shortage contingency plans to the extent practicable. The City will coordinate with any city or county within which it provides water supply services for the possible proclamation of a local emergency, as defined in Section 8558 of the Government Code.
8.8 FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF WSCP IMPLEMENTATION
As water consumption decreases, the revenue generated through water sales also decreases. To 169
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continue operation, the City must generate sufficient revenue when faced with decreasing water sales revenue. Based on the City's total water revenue and operating expenses, demand reductions could result in negative net cash provided by operating activities. As a result, rate increases may be imposed.
Other than rate increases, other m easures to overcome impacts of reduced water supply and consequential revenue shortfall will include the following:
1. Reduce the current fiscal year operation and maintenance expenses.
2. Defer Capital Improvement Projects.
3. Reduce future projected operation and maintenance expenses.
4. Increase the fixed readiness-to-serve charge to establish a substantial firm revenue base.
5. Increase commodity charge and water adjustment rate to cover revenue requirements.
TMW is currently implementing a Five-Year Rate Plan to adjust rates starting in calendar 20 25 through calendar 2029, which establishes a tiered rate structure to encourage conservation. Any changes in Municipal rates are now subject to modified Proposition 218 Notification Protest Ballot and Public Hearing Process. Any adjustment from the approved Five-Year Plan would need to be implemented in accordance with Proposition 218 requirements.
A combination of the measures outlined above may be used to offset or diminish the effects of lost revenues. Capital construction projects may be deferred, as appropriate. The base water rate could be increased to cover the general operation, maintenance, system upgrades, and capital expenditures. An increase in the base rate would be temporarily employed and then return to pre- shortage rates when conditions improve. The measures will be subject to Proposition 218 requirements.
8.9 MONITORING AND REPORTING
8.9.1 Mechanisms to Determine Actual Reductions in Water Use
The City will continue to use multiple measures to determine actual water Consumption reductions as follows:
• Normalized/average water use baseline
• More frequent review of production
• More frequent meter reading intervals
• More frequent meter checking, recalibration and repair • System water audit
• Automated sensors and telemetry including SCADA
• Use of AMI water usage data
• Monitoring utility actions that impact usage
• Penalties for customers with excessive water use
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Currently, the City implements an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system in the municipal service area. The current AMR system has been in place for the last 12 years , but TMW is in the process of upgrading to a new Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) system, which will monitor water use in real time basis and provide a customer portal that customers can access to determine their water usage and look for any high consumption that may be a leak. The conversion to an AMI system is approximately 90 percent complete. The upgrade is being rolled out incrementally.
8.10 SPECIAL WATER FEATURE DISTINCTION
As required under CWC 10632(b), water features that are not pools or spas must be analyzed and defined separately from pools and spas in the WSCP. Non-pool or non-spa water features may use recycled water, whereas , for health and safety considerations , pools and spas must use potable water. Furthermore, the WSCP requires potable water recirculation for fountains and decorative water features.
8.11 WSCP ADOPTION AND REFINEMENT PROCEDURES
8.11.1 WSCP Public Notice and Adoption
To encourage broad community participation in the WSCP preparation process, the City provided 60-day notification letters to agencies within the City’s service area. Copies of the draft WSCP were made available for public review at City Hall and on the City website prior to the public hearing. Shortly before the public hearing, a two -week and a one -week notice was published in the local press alerting the public of the public hearing. At a subsequent board meeting following the public hearing, the City’s fi nal WSCP was approved and adopted by its Councilmembers on June 23, 2026. Appendix E contains the City Council resolution adopting the WSCP. The final plan was submitted to DWR within 30 days of City Council adoption and includes all information necessary to meet the requirements of CWC Section 10632.
The City’s approved WSCP was filed with DWR , and the City’s plan was submitted to the California State Library, County of Los Angeles, and cities within its service area. The City will make the plan available for public review no later than 30 days after filing with DWR.
8.11.2 WSCP Refinement Procedures
This section discusses the process for reviewing and updating the WSCP to ensure it remains actively used, relevant and appropriate to the community, and consistent with applicable state and local requirements. It is vital that the City’s WSCP remain up to date so as to best ensure shortage risk tolerance is adequate, appropriate water shortage mitigation strategies are implemented as needed, proper procedures for water efficient practices are in place for the community, and better alignment with long-term water use goals.
The City’s Water Division of the Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining this plan and updating it as needed. The City’s Water Commission is an advisory body to City Council and provides review and input into plan. The Policy and Resources Specialist – Water Operations is the primary City staff member who will carry out this process. In addition, the Sr. Administrative 171
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Analyst – Water Operations , or designee, will serve as the WSCP project manager and will coordinate maintenance of the plan, conduct the formal review process, and direct the plan updates.
The project manager will assign tasks, which may include collecting data, developing new or updated water shortage mitigation measures, updating sections of the plan, and presenting the plan to others.
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The City of Torrance operates a sewage
collection system and relies on Los
Angeles County Sanitation District for
treatment and disposal. MWD plays an
important role in supporting its member
agencies’ own water supply projects that
reduce imported water reliance.
SECTION 9: RECYCLED WATER
CITY OF TORRANCE | 2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
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9.1 INTRODUCTION
The Southern California region, from Ventura to San Diego, discharges over 1 billion gallons of treated wastewater to the ocean each day. This is considered a potential reliable and drought-proof water source and could greatly reduce the region’s reliance on i mported water. As technological improvements continue to reduce treatment costs, and as public perception and acceptance continue to improve, many reuse opportunities should develop. Recycled water is a critical part of the California water p icture bec ause of the area’s high likelihood of drought. As treatment technology continues to improve, demand for recycled water will also increase.
9.2 RECYCLED WATER OVERVIEW
Recycled water is defined as domestic
wastewater purified through primary,
secondary and tertiary treatment. Recycled
water is acceptable for most non -potable
water purposes such as irrigation (Figure
9.1) and commercial/industrial processes. As
part of its overa ll water resources planning,
TMW investigated the feasibility and cost -
effectiveness of incorporating recycled water
into its water supplies and authorized the
preparation of a Recycled Water Master Plan
in 1992. An update of that plan was
completed in 200 5. The Recycled Water
Master Plan Update identifies and prioritizes
public and private sites for possible
connection to the recycled water system.
The West Basin Municipal Water District (WBMWD) Recycled Water Master Plan was updated in 2022. The Plan was prepared in conjunction with various water purveyors and cities within WBMWD’s service area, including LACSD, and WRD. TMW worked closely with WBMWD during its Recycled Water Master Plan Update as well as with Department of Health Services (now State Division of Drinking Water -DDW), Torrance Unified School District, an d the City’s Park and Streetscape Maintenance Divisions.
TMW has been able to use recycled water due to the implementation of the WBMWD's Water SECTION 9
Figure 9.1: Recycled Water Irrigation
RECYCLED WATER
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Reuse Program. This program is an aggressive effort to ultimately recycle up to 70,000 AFY of effluent from Los Angeles’ Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant (Figure 9.3). WBMWD's Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility (ECLWRF), located in the City of El Segundo, currently provides up to 40 million gallons per (MGD - about 44,000 AFY) of recycled water to customers throughout the South Bay area of Los Angeles County, including Torrance. In 2013, the ECLWRF completed its Phase V expansion that extended its capacity to 40 MGD.
TMW began purchasing recycled water from WBMWD in 1995, with ExxonMobil Refinery (now Torrance Refining Company-TORC) as its first major customer , and has increased use each year until a maximum of nearly 7,500 AFY was used in FY 2002/2003.
Table 9.1: Current and Projected Wastewater Collection in TMW Service Area 2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
Potable Water Demand 16,996 16,731 16,962 17,197 17,437 17,682 Collected Wastewater 13,597 13,385 13,569 13,758 13,949 14,145 Note: Wastewater collected is assumed to equal 80% of the potable water demand.
Use has declined slightly in recent years, as a result of the TORC Refinery’s efficiency improvements in recycled water use. TMW also recognizes and actively supports the regional benefits of projects being implemented by WRD and WBMWD to use recycled water to protect the Basin through groundwater recharge and seawater intrusion barrier projects. Table 9.1 displays the current and projected wastewater generated in the Torrance Municipal Water service area through 2050.
9.3 WASTEWATER COLLECTION & TREATMENT
The City’s wastewater collection system consists of approximately 340 miles of pipeline ranging from 6 inches to 27 inches in diameter. Wastewater generated within the City is conveyed to the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County ( LACSD) A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility in Carson, via LACSD interceptor sewers. The maximum design flow of the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility is 385 MGD and the maximum design peak flow is 540 MGD. Treated wastewater from the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility is disposed into an outfal l in the Pacific Ocean located two miles offshore from White Point on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The depth of the discharge point is approximately 200 feet below sea level. The A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility has an advanced primary treatment with 60 percent secondary treatment.
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Table 9.2: TMW Wastewater Collected Within Service Area (DWR Table 6-2 Retail)
Municipal wastewater is generated in TMW’s service area from a combination of residential, commercial, and industrial sources. The quantities of wastewater generated are generally proportional to the population and the water used in the service area. It is estimated that TMW customers generate wastewater based on 80 percent of potable water demand. Table 9.2 displays the wastewater collected within the City’s service area in 2025. Because the wastewater treated at the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facilit y is discharged to the ocean, none of the wastewater generated within the City is treated to recycled water standards.
LACSD and the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) are engaged in the initial stages of a collaborative partnership to implement a new regional local water supply project that, at ultimate development, would convert approximately 1 68,000 acre-feet (AF) of wastewater flows at A.K.
Warren Water Resource Facility into a high -quality water supply through a number of advanced treatment technologies. This highly treated water would be used to replenish groundwater basins in MWD’s service area including the local West Coast Groundwater Basin. In addition, a portion of the highly treated supply may also be used for direct potable reuse by delivering the water from the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility to MWD conventional treatment plants for re-treatment.
This twice-treated water would be delivered as a potable supply into MWD’s distribution system.
In the fall 2019, MWD successfully completed a 0.5 million gallons per day (mgd) demonstration facility at the A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility plant to test alternative treatment technologies and processes. In the spring 2021, the MWD Board of Directors authorized funding for conducting various environmental assessments. Recently (2026), the board certified the Final Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The project is undergoing an extensive evaluative vetting process under MWD’s Climate Action Master Plan (CAMP4W) to dete rmine whether MWD will approve the project, either in its entirety or in discreet increments that would be constructed in phases. If the project is approved, the first phase could be potentially completed in the 2026-2028 timeframe. At ultimate development, the project could increase MWD’s regional supply portfolio by 8 to 10%.
The City of Los Angeles is also embarking on a similar w ater reuse program at their Hyperion Treatment Plant. This project will likely be coordinated with MWD/LACSD project to maximize regional benefit.
9.4 RECYCLED WATER INFRASTRUCTURE
Recycled water supply from the E CLWRF is provided to various municipal and industrial customers via the distribution system shown in Figure 9.2. The E CLWRF provides additional 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 (AF)
Treatment
Plant Name
Is WWTP
Located Within
UWMP Area?
Los Angeles County
Sanitation District Metered 13,597 A.K.
Warren No
Total Wastewater Collected from Service
Area in 2025: 13,597
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treatment to secondary -treated wastewater from the City of Los Angeles’ Hyperion Wastewater Treatment Plant. The secondary -treated wastewater receives further treatment to meet Title 22 potable water requirements. Through its three other facilities that receive recycled water from the ECLWRF, WBMWD produces five different qualities of recycled water including: 1) Disinfected Tertiary Water, 2) Nitrified Water, 3) Softened Reverse Osmosis Water, 4) Pure Reverse Osmosis, and 5) Ultra-Pure Reverse Osmosis Water. WBMWD distributes recycled water to customer sites both in its service area and outside its service area, including the City of Torrance and the City of Los Angeles. WBMWD recycles approximately 15 percent of the effluent from Hyperion. The remaining secondary treated wastewater is discharged to the ocean.
9.5 RECYCLED WATER PLANNING
Since 1995, TMW has been purchasing recycled water from WBMWD at a number of connections and serving it for non -potable purposes, mainly industrial and irrigation. In 199 4, WBMWD opened a state -of-the-art water recycling facility in El Segundo (ECLWRF), one of the largest recycling plants of its kind in the nation. All recycled water is produced at the ECLWRF and distributed to either end -use sites or one of several satellite facilities where further treatment prepares the recycled water for large industrial custom ers such as Chevron Refinery, the T ORC Refinery (formerly ExxonMobil ), and Marathon Refineries (formerly Tesoro). The TORC Refinery in the City is one of the largest recycled water user s in the WBM WD recycled water service area. The refinery uses approximately 94 percent of all the recycled water used within the TMW service area. In March 2003, Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. began using recycled water at its “South Campus” facility. In 2007, the America Honda Motor Company began using recycled water for its landscape irrigation system. Other recycled water sites located in the City include McMaster, Descanso, Guenser, and Colombia Parks and Casimir, Arlington, and Magruder Schools. Currently, there are over 40 sites using recycled water within the TMW service area.
A preliminary assessment of potential recycled water uses within TMW service area was conducted in 1993 which identified the relative size and location of the recycled water market in the service area. The assessment was updated to include the entire City in 2005. Some of these users have been connected as a result of the Madrona Lateral/Palos Verdes Extension Phase I project which was completed in 2007 . The next phase of the recycled projection in the City was completed in 2012 and 2013, known as the Anza Extension. This phase includes South High School, Calle Mayor Middl e School, along with medians along Anza Avenue. In late 2025, the next phase of the project known as the Palos Verdes Recycled Pipeline , which goes from south Torrance into the Palos Verdes Peninsula, was completed. A new booster Pump station was built by WBMWD in the City’s Lago Seco Park as part of this Palos Verdes Recycled Pipeline project.
Table 9.3 summarizes the current and projected annual recycled water demand for the City for industrial and landscape irrigation users.
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Figure 9.2: WBMWD's Current Recycled Water System
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Table 9.3: Current and Projected Recycled Water within TMW Service Area (DWR Table 6-4 Retail)
Volume Narrative page number
(OPTIONAL)
Other (Description Required) Landscape irrigation 265 288 312 335 359 381 500 Industrial use TORC Refinery 4904 6000 6000 6000 6000 6000 6500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5169 6288 6312 6335 6359 6381 7000 0Total
Use Type
Drop down list
Potable or Non-Potable
(after treatment if treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Additional Information
(as needed)
Add additional rows as needed
2050 (AF)2025 (AF) 2030 (AF) 2035
(AF)
2040
(AF)
2045
(AF)
Subtotal Potable
Subtotal Non-Potable
Potential Recycled Water Use
Name(s) of Facility/ies Producing (Treating) the Recycled Water (OPTIONAL) : West Basin Municipal Water District Name of Supplier Operating the Recycled Water Distribution System (OPTIONAL) : Torrance Municipal Water Volume of Supplemental Water Added in 2025 (OPTIONAL) :
Source of 2025 Supplemental Water (OPTIONAL) :
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9.6 PROJECTED VS. ACTUAL USE
The City’s 2020 UWMP projected recycled water use for 2025 within industrial and landscape irrigation to be 6,000 AF and 340 AF, respectively, or a total of 6,340 AF.
In 20 25, t he industri al component of the demand was 4,904 AF and the landscape irrigation demand was 265 AF, a combined total of 5,169 AF. Actual overall recycled water demand in fiscal year 2025 was lower than the projected demand of 6,340 AF (18.5 percent less than projected).
Table 9.4 summarizes the projected versus actual recycled water demands.
Table 9.4: Projected Recycled Water Demands Versus Actual Recycled Water Demands (AF) (DWR Table 6-5 Retail)
Currently, there are approximately 44 separate sites connected to the recycled water in the TMW service area. With the planned extension of WBMWD recycled laterals, potential customers along the pipeline extensions will connected to the recycled system.
9.7 POTENTIAL USERS
Potential recycled water use within
the City has been studied extensively
over the past few years. Table 9.5
summarizes potential users of
recycled water within the City and
their projected demands. These
potential users have not been
recommended for connection at this
time due to lack of recycled pipelines
in their vicinity. However, additional
pipelines may be available able in the
future. The pace of conversion to
recycled water in the future is
dependent on the construction of
WBMWD's Recycled Water Main
Extensions in the City.
Beneficial Use Type 2020 Projection for 2025 2025 Actual Use Landscape irrigation (no golf courses) 340 265
Industrial use 6,000 4,904
Other ("Other" recycled water use is
unknown at this time.) 810 0
Total 7,150 5,169
Figure 9.3: Hyperion Treatment Plant delivers wastewater to WBMWD who provides over 6,000 AFY of Recycled Water Annually to the City. 180
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Table 9.5: Potential Recycled Water Users (2025 – 2050) User Demand (AFY) User Demand(AFY)
Arnold Elementary 3 Levy Center 9
Caltrans @ Yukon 1 Little League Fields 18
Carr Elementary 5 North Torrance High 20
Wilson Park 150 Sea-Aire Golf Course 15
Delthorne Park 12 Seaside Elementary 6
De Portola Park 28 Saint Catherine School 5
Edison Elementary 4 Sequoia Real Estate Fund A
& B 68
El Nido Park 17 Sequoia Real Estate Fund A
(Greenwood) 15
El Retiro Park 5 Sequoia Real Estate Fund A
(Hickory) 15
Fern Elementary 2 Sunflower Nursery 5
Greenwood Park 13 Torrance Park 15
Hamilton Adult School 7 Torrance High 17
Hickory Elementary 4 Walteria Elementary 5
Hickory Park 11 Walteria Park 6
Medians (in process) 12 Yukon Elementary 5
Lago Seco Park (in process) 13 New Horizons HOA 20
Subtotal 283 Subtotal 217
Total = 500 AFY Maximum Potential
9.8 PROMOTING RECYCLED WATER
The City has prepared and adopted a reclaimed water ordinance, Ordinance No. 3392 (Appendix K) that provides a commitment from the City to encourage recycled water use.
1. Pays for retrofit costs as follows:
• City Departments – The Public Works Department shall construct and pay all costs of on-site irrigation system retrofits. The participating departments would receive up to 30 percent savings on their water rate.
• Torrance Unified School District – The Public Works Depart ment shall construct and pay up front costs for on-site irrigation system retrofits. Half of the on -site retrofit costs 181
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would be reimbursed to the Water Fund via an Agreement in which the Torrance Unified School District would continue to pay 100 percent of potable water rates for the recycled water until their half of the retrofit construction costs is recovered.
• Private Customers – Customer constructs and pays for all costs for retrofit or irrigation or industrial system . The City will have the option to implement reimbursement agreements on a case-by-case basis.
WBMWD’s marketing efforts have been
successful in changing the perception of recycled
water from merely a conservation tool with
minimal application to a cost -effective business
tool. The target customer is expanding from
traditional irrigation users such as golf courses to
commercial and industrial users (see Figure 9.4).
The City encourages the use of recycled water by
increasing marketing efforts as well as providing
financial incentives. Financia l incentives include
selling recycled water at a rate lower than potable
water and funding plumbing retrofits to accept recycled water. The City has projected the increase in recycled water demands due to these actions.
WBMWD provides other financial incentives as well that can assist potential customers not covered by the City’s incentive program. Some potential recycled water users do not have the financial capability to pay for on-site plumbing retrofits and treatment necessary to accept recycled water. WBMWD can advance funds for retrofit expenses that are subsequently reimbursed through monthly payments. The on-site facilities fees are amortized over a period of time at WBMWD’s cost of funds. Repayment is made using the differential between potable and recycled water rates such that the customer never pays more than the potable rate. Once the loan is repaid, the rate reverts to the current recycled rates.
9.9 OPTIMIZING RECYCLED USE
The City’s optimization plan for recycled water is also covered by Ordinance 3392. The use of recycled water will be required if the following conditions exist:
a) Recycled water is available to the user and meets the requirements of the Division of Drinking Water (DDW).
b) The user of the recycled water will not cause any loss or diminution of any existing water right.
c) The irrigation system, recycled water distribution system, cross -connection control and monitoring methods can be designed to meet the standards required by the State of California.
d) Appropriate control measures can be provided in accordance with the standards of the State of California where the use of recycled water will, or might, create a mist.
Figure 9.4: Sea-Aire Golf Course Future Recycled Site
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e) Recycled water service is both economically and technically feasible and cost competitive for prospective recycled water customers.
Another aspect of optimizing recycled water use is continual search for funding opportunities.
Regarding funding options, the primary opportunities include low interest loans obtained through the State Revolving Fund (SRF), and participation by MWD through its LRP, which provides up to $250 AFY incentive payment for recycled water used to offset imported water.
The City actively promotes the use of recycled water for non-potable uses. The principal limiting factor in increasing recycled use is the proximity of the end user to the recycled distribution pipeline. WBMWD is in the process of applying for additional grant funding to extend the distribution network in Torrance and other portions of its service area with a high potential for recycled use.
The City partners with WBMWD for the use of recycled water. WBMWD will construct recycled water mains to any site that will provide a revenue to cost ratio of one or greater. The use of recycled water by the Torrance Refining Company–TORC and the American Honda Motor Company came about from the cooperative efforts of the City and those private entities. The construction of recycled water mains made it possible for TMW to retrofit Magruder Middle School and Columbia Park with only the on-site retrofit costs paid by the City. WBMWD has extended their main from ExxonMobil (now T ORC) to Wilson Park , which will be connected when a planned recycled pipeline is extended south. The next phase of the WMBWD Master Plan was to bring recycled water to golf courses and a cemetery on the Palos Verdes Peninsula through the Palos Verdes Recycled Pipeline project which was completed in late 2025.
When the revenue to expense ratio has been less than one, the City has partnered with WBMWD to contribute supplemental funds for the construction of certain recycled water facilities. This was the case for the Artesia Boulevard Recycled Water Main Project that connected Artesia Boulevard medians, McMaster Park, Descanso Park, Guenser Park, Casimer Middle School and Arlington Elementary School.
9.10 PALOS VERDES PIPELINE AND EXTENSION OF RECYCLED WATER
West Basin Municipal Water District construct ed a project known as the Palos Verdes Recycled Pipeline Project. The project connected the terminus of an existing recycled pipeline in the southern portion of Torrance and extended the line to the northern portion of Palos Verdes Estates (PVE) to serve the Palos Verdes Golf Course and other customers along the pipeline alignment.
The pipeline is 3.5 miles long and provide s about 24 5 AF of recycled water to customers in Torrance and PVE. A booster pump station was built in Torrance’s Lago Seco Park, and the pipeline was completed in late 2025. Six additional sites in the City were connected to recycled water once the pipeline was installed including: Medians on Anza Avenue , Medians on Pacific Coast Highway, Richardson Middle School, Lago Seco Park, Los Arboles “Rocketship” Park, and Riviera Elementary School. (See Figure 9.5).
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CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN 2025
SECTION 9: RECYCLED WATER 9 - 11
Figure 9.5: Palos Verdes Recycled Water Pipeline Project Map 184
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2025
CITY OF TORRANCE
URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
9 - 12
SECTION 9: RECYCLED WATER
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APPENDICES A - K
CITY OF TORRANCE | 2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN
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Appendix A: UWMP Checklist
City of Torrance | 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
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Retail
(x = required)
Wholesale
(x = required) Order 2025 Guidebook Location Water Code Section Summary as Applies to UWMP Subject Relevant Submittal Table 2025 UWMP Location x x 1 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 Exec Summary x x 1 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 Exec Summary
x x 2.1 Section 2.1 10620(b) Every person that becomes a Supplier shall adopt UWMP within one year after it has become a Supplier. Plan preparation n/a N/A
x n/a 2.5 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 Appendix B x x 2.5 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 Appendix B x x 2.5 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 Appendix B x x 2.4 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 1.2, Appendix C, and Appendix D x x 2.4 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 1.2
x n/a 2.4 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 n/a x 2.4 Section 2.4.1 10631(h)
Wholesale Suppliers will provide their Suppliers with identification and quantification of the existing and planned sources of water available from the Wholesale Supplier to the Supplier during various water year types.
Plan preparation 2-4 W N/A
x x 3 Chapter 3.0 10631(a) Describe the Supplier service area. System description n/a Section 1.7 x x 3.3 Section 3.3 10631(a) Describe the climate of the Supplier’s service area. System description n/a Section 1.8 x x 3.4 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 1.9
x x 3.4 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 1.9
x x 3.5 Section 3.5 10631(a)
Describe the land uses within the service area… include the current and projected land uses within the existing or anticipated service area affecting the Supplier’s water management planning. Describe the land uses within the service area.
System description and baselines n/a Section 4.4
x Optional 4.2 Sections 4.2.3 and 4.2.4 10631(d)(1) Quantify past, current, and projected water use, identifying the uses among water use sectors. System water use 4-1 and 4-2 Section 4.4 and 4.7 x Optional 4.3 Section 4.3.1 10631(d)(3)(A) Report the distribution system water loss for each of the five years preceding the plan update. System water use 4-5 Section 4.4 x n/a 4.3 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 4.4 x n/a 4.2 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 4.7
x n/a 4.2 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 4.7
x n/a 4.2 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 4.7 x n/a 4.2 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 Appendix B
x x 4.2 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 8.2
n/a x 5.1 Section 5.1 10608.36 Wholesale Suppliers shall include an assessment of present and proposed future measures, programs, and policies to help their Retail Suppliers achieve targeted water use reductions. Baselines and targets n/a N/A x n/a 5.2 Section 5.2 10608.4
Retail Suppliers shall report on their compliance in meeting their water use targets. Reporting requirements will vary depending on whether the Supplier:
- Was considered an urban retail water supplier in 2020, - Met its 2020 target in 2020, or
- Was part of a merger or consolidation since 2020.
Chapter 5 Subsections 5.2.1, 5.2.2, and 5.2.3 address each of these situations.
Baselines and targets 5-1 Section 4.5 and Appendix B
x x 6.1 Section 6.1 10631(b)(2) When multiple sources of water supply are identified, describe the management of each supply in relationship to other identified supplies. System supplies n/a Section 2.2 x x 6.1 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 5 and 6.5
x x 6.2 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 2.2
x x 6.2 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 2.2
x x 6.2 Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(B) Describe the groundwater basin. System supplies n/a Section 2.2 x x 6.2 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 Section 2.2 and Appendix F x x 6.2 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 N/A
x x 6.2 Section 6.2.2 10631(b)(4)(B) For unadjudicated basins… describe efforts by the Supplier to coordinate with sustainability or groundwater agencies to achieve sustainable groundwater conditions.
Water supplies and recycled
water n/a N/A
x x 6.2 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 2.2
x x 6.2 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 2.4
x x 6.1 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 2.4 x x 6.2 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 2.6 x n/a 6.2 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 9.3 x x 6.2 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 9.3 x x 6.2 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 9.5 x x 6.2 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 9.7 x x 6.2 Section 6.2.5 10633(e) Describe the projected use of recycled water within the Supplier's service area at the end of 5, 10, 15, and 20 years, and describe the actual use of recycled water in comparison to uses previously projected. System supplies (recycled water) 6-4 and 6-5 Section 9.5 188
188
x x 6.2 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 9.8 x x 6.2 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 9.9 x x 6.2 Section 6.2.6 10631(g) Describe desalinated water project opportunities for long-term supply. System supplies 6-7 Section 2.5 x x 6.2 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 and 8.2
x x 6.3 Section 6.3 and Appendix O 10631.2(a) The UWMP must include energy information, as stated in the code, that a Supplier can readily obtain. System suppliers, energy intensity O-1A, O-1B, O-1C, and O-2 Section 2.8
x 7.1 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 3.2
x x 7.2 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 6.5 and 8.2
x x 7.2 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 2
x x 7.3 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 8.2
x x 7.3 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 8.2
x x 7.3 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 6.4
x x 7.3 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 6.5
x x 7.3 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 6.5
x x 8 Chapter 8 10632(a) Provide a water shortage contingency plan (WSCP) with specified elements below. Water shortage contingency planning n/a Section 8
x x 8 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 x 8.2 Section 8.2 10632(a)(2)(A) Provide the written decision-making process and other methods that the Supplier will use each year to determine its water reliability.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Section 8.3
x x 8.2 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 x 8.3 Section 8.3 10632(a)(3)(A)
Define six standard water shortage levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% shortage, and greater than 50% shortage. These levels shall be based on supply conditions, including percent reductions in supply, changes in groundwater levels, changes in surface elevation, or other conditions. The shortage levels shall also apply to a catastrophic interruption of supply.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Section 8.4
x x 8.3 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 x 8.4 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 8.4
x x 8.4 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 8.4
x x 8.4 Section 8.4 10632(a)(4)(C) Specify locally appropriate operational changes. Water shortage contingency planning 8-2 Section 8.4
x x 8.4 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 8.4
x x 8.4 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 8.4
x x 8.4 Section 8.4.6 10632.5 The UWMP shall include a seismic risk assessment and mitigation plan. Water shortage contingency plan n/a Section 8.4 x x 8.5 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 8.5
x x 8.5 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 8.5
x n/a 8.6 Section 8.6 10632(a)(6) Retail Supplier must describe how it will ensure compliance with and enforce provisions of the WSCP. Water shortage contingency planning n/a Section 8.6
x x 8.7 Section 8.7 10632(a)(7)(A) Describe the legal authority that empowers the Supplier to enforce shortage response actions. Water shortage contingency planning n/a Section 8.7
x x 8.7 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 8.7
x x 8.7 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 8.7
x x 8.8 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 8.8
x x 8.8 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 8.8
x n/a 8.8 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 8.8
x n/a 8.9 Section 8.9 10632(a)(9) Retail Suppliers must describe the monitoring and reporting requirements and procedures that ensure appropriate data are collected, tracked, and analyzed for purposes of monitoring customer compliance.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Section 8.9
x x 8.10 Section 8.10 10632(a)(10) Describe reevaluation and improvement procedures for monitoring and evaluation the WSCP to ensure risk tolerance is adequate and appropriate water shortage mitigation strategies are implemented.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Section 8.3
x n/a 8.11 Section 8.11 10632(b) Analyze and define water features that are artificially supplied with water, including ponds, lakes, waterfalls, and fountains, separately from swimming pools and spas.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Section 8.10
x x 8.12 Section 8.12 10632(c) Make available the WSCP to customers and any city or county where it provides water within 30 days after adoption of the plan.
Water shortage contingency
planning n/a Section 8.11
x n/a 9.1 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 7.2
n/a x 9.2 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 Section 1.2 x n/a 10 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 N/A
x x 10.2 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 Appendix C
x x 10.4 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 1.2
x x 10.2 Sections 10.2.2, 10.3, and 10.5 10642
Provide supporting documentation that the Supplier made the UWMP and WSCP available for public inspection, published notice of the public hearing, and held a public hearing about the UWMP and WSCP.
Plan adoption, submittal, and
implementation n/a Appendix D
x x 10.2 Section 10.2.2 10642 The Supplier is to provide the time and place of the hearing to any city or county within which the Supplier provides water.
Plan adoption, submittal, and
implementation 10-1 Appendix D
x x 10.3 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 Appendix E
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189
x x 10.4 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 1.2
x x 10.4 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 1.2
x x 10.4 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 1.2
x x 10.7 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 1.2
x x 10.5 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 1.2
x x 10.5 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 1.2
x x 10.6 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
190
190
Appendix B: DWR Submittal Tables
City of Torrance | 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
191
191
DWR Submittal Tables – 2025 UWMP
192
192
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 (AF)
Add additional rows as needed
CA1910213 Torrance Municipal
Water 26,964 23,413
Total 26,964 23,413
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Select
One
Name of Regional Alliance or
RUWMP (Drop Down List)
Submittal Table 2-2: Plan Identification
Type of Plan
Individual UWMP
If Water Supplier is also a member of a SB X7-7
Regional Alliance, select name from the drop-
down.
Regional Urban Water Management Plan (RUWMP)
If Supplier selected RUWMP, select name from
the drop-down.
193
193
Supplier is a wholesale supplier
Supplier is a retail supplier
UWMP Tables are in calendar years
UWMP Tables are in fiscal years
Unit AF
Submittal Table 2-3: Supplier Identification
Type of Supplier (select one or both)
Fiscal or Calendar Year (select one)
If using fiscal years provide month and date that the fiscal year begins (mm/dd)
Units of measure used in UWMP
(Select from the drop down list).
7/1
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent
throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Submittal Table 2-4 Retail: Water Supplier Information Exchange Water Code Section 10631(h)
The retail Supplier has informed the following wholesale supplier(s) of projected water use.
Wholesale Water Supplier Name
Add additional rows as needed
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
NOTES:
2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050(opt)
106,958 108,869 110,814 112,794 114,809 116,861
Submittal Table 3-1 Retail: Population - Current and Projected Water Code Section 10631(a)
Population
Served
194
194
Use Type
Drop down list
May select each use multiple times
These are the only use types that will be
recognized by the WUEdata online submittal tool
Potable or Non-
Potable
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Volume (AF)
Single Family Potable 4,884
Multi-Family Potable 2,895
Commercial includes Institutional Potable 2,548
Industrial Potable 4,693
Landscape Potable 831
Other (optional) Potable 80
Agricultural Potable 67
Sales/Transfers/Exchanges to other Potable 998
Distribution System Water Loss Potable 1,248
18244
0 18,244Total
Submittal Table 4-1 Retail: Total Uses for Potable and Non-Potable Water — Actual Water Code Section 10631(d)(1)
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3. 2025 Actual Water Use
Add additional rows as needed
Subtotal Potable
Subtotal Non-Potable
Additional Description
(as needed)
Use Type
Drop down list
May select each use multiple times
These are the only Use Types that will be
recognized by the WUEdata online submittal tool
Potable or Non-Potable
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
2030 (AF) 2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF) 2050 opt (AF)
Single Family Potable 4,982 5,081 5,183 5,287 5,392
Multi-Family Potable 2,953 3,012 3,072 3,134 3,196
Commercial includes Institutional Potable 2,599 2,651 2,704 2,758 2,813 Industrial Potable 4,500 4,500 4,500 4,500 4,500
Landscape Potable 848 865 882 899 917
Other (optional) Potable 82 83 85 87 88
Agricultural Potable 68 70 71 73 74
Sales/Transfers/Exchanges to other Suppliers Potable 700 700 700 700 700 Distribution System Water Loss Potable 1,259 1,275 1,291 1,304 1,318 17,990 18,237 18,488 18,741 18,999
0 0 0 0 0
17,990 18,237 18,488 18,741 18,999
Add additional rows as needed.
Submittal Table 4-2 Retail: Total Uses for Potable, and Non-Potable Water — Projected Water Code Section 10631(d)(1)
Projected Water Use
(Report To the Extent that Records are Available)
Additional Description
(as needed)
Total
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Subtotal Non-Potable
Subtotal Potable
195
195
Are Future Water Savings Included in Projections?
Drop down list (y/n) Yes
If "Yes" to above, state the section or page number, in the cell to the right, where citations of the codes, ordinances, or otherwise are utilized in demand projections are found.
Optional Suppliers may complete Optional Submittal Table 4-4 R to quantify the expected savings.
Section 4.7
Are Lower Income Residential Demands Included In Projections? Drop down list (y/n) Yes
Optional If the method for accounting Lower Income Residential Demands has been included, provide page number where this accounting can be found.
Submittal Table 4-3 Retail: Inclusion in Water Use Projections Water Code Section 10631 (a), 10631 (d)(4)(A), and 10631 (d)(4)(B) DWR NOTES: Additional guidance is provided in Appendix K.
Public Water System ID #
Reported in Table 2-1 R Reporting Period
Submitted to DWR Water
Loss Audit Program
(yes/no)
2020 Yes
2021 Yes
2022 Yes
2023 Yes
2024 Yes
Submittal Table 4-5 Retail: Water Loss Audit Reporting
Water Code Section 10631(d)(3)(A)
CA1910213
DWR NOTES: Suppliers will provide a link to the WUEdata submittals of their Water Loss Audit Reports.
NOTES: The WUEdata submittals for the TMW's Water Loss Audit Reports are available to view at the following link:
https://wuedata.water.ca.gov/awwa_plans
Report submittal status for all five years for each Public Water System as available.
Add rows as needed
196
196
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)
(AF)
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)
(AF)
CA1910213 Yes 14.3
Gallons per
Service
Connection per
Day (GPSCD)
27212 859.1846998 28.2 7.5
Gallons per
Service
Connection per
Day (GPSCD)
27212 263.0513609 8.6
Gallons per
Service
Connection per
Day (GPSCD)
Gallons per
Service
Connection per
Day (GPSCD)
Submittal Table 4-6 Retail: Progress Towards 2028 Water Loss Standard Water Code Section 10631(d)(3)(C)
NOTES: TMW's most recent Water Loss Audit report is for 2024.
Apparent Water Loss
Did the Water Board Calculate
a Water Loss Standard for this
Public Water System? (y/n)
If no, Supplier will not
complete this row.
Real Water Loss
Water Board's Calculated Water Loss Standards
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) for Water Loss MUST remain consistent with units reported in Submittal Table 2-3. The units reported in Submittal Table 2-3 are used in this table's calculations.
Public Water
System ID #
Reported in
Submittal Table 2-
1 R
Add additional rows as needed.
Most Recent AWWA Water Loss Audit
Real Water
Loss Per Unit
per Day
Most Recent AWWA Water Loss Audit
Apparent Water
Loss Per Unit per
Day
State Water Board Standard State Water Board Standard
197
197
Actual 2025 GPCD
(From SB X7-7
Compliance Form)
Did Supplier meet
the 2020 Target in
2025?
No Individual
Target 142 108 Yes NA
Submittal Table 5-1 Retail: SB X7-7 2020 Target Progress Water Code Section 10608.40
Did Supplier
Achieve Targeted
Reduction for
2020?
Actual 2020
GPCD2020 Target
Regional
Alliance Target
or Individual
Target?
Drop down list
DWR NOTES:
Suppliers calculating a 2025 GPCD will need to complete and submit SB X 7-7 Compliance Tables to verify the use of SB X7-7 Methodologies.
Suppliers that were part of a merger or consolidation since 2020 see Chapter 5 and Appendix P for guidance.
NA=Not Applicable
Check the box if the Supplier was not an Urban Water Supplier during or before the 2020 UWMP reporting cycle.
Proceed to the next table.
Only for suppliers that did not meet
the Target in 2020
See DWR NOTES below.
Was Supplier part of
a merger or
consolidation since
2020?
Groundwater Type
Drop Down List
May use each category
multiple times
Potable or
Non-Potable
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Location or Basin Name 2021 (AF) 2022 (AF) 2023 (AF) 2024 (AF) 2025 (AF) Alluvial Basin Potable West Coast Groundwater
Basin 1758 1590 576 3678 4710
1,758 1,590 576 3,678 4,710
Add additional rows as needed
Submittal Table 6-1 Retail: Groundwater Volume Pumped
Water Code Section 10631(4) and 10631(4)(c)
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Total
Check the box if the Supplier does not pump groundwater.
Proceed to the next table.
Check the box if all or part of the groundwater described below is desalinated. (OPTIONAL) 198
198
Name of Wastewater
Collection Agency
Wastewater
Volume
Metered or
Estimated?
OPTIONAL
Drop Down List
Volume of
Wastewater Collected
from UWMP Service
Area 2025 (AF)
Name of Wastewater
Treatment Plant (WWTP) and
Place ID Number
Drop down list
Is WWTP
Located Within
UWMP Area?
Drop Down List
Los Angeles County
Sanitation District Metered 13,597 A.K. Warren Water Resource Facility, Place ID 234156 No
13,597
Check the box if there is no wastewater collection system.
Proceed to the next table.
Submittal Table 6-2 Retail: Wastewater Collected Within Service Area Water Code Section 10633(a)
Percentage of 2025 service area population served by wastewater collection system (OPTIONAL)
Percentage of 2025 service area served by wastewater collection system (OPTIONAL) DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Additional Guidance: See Appendix M, Section M.21 for detailed guidance on this table.
Wastewater Collection Recipient of Collected Wastewater Total Wastewater Received from UWMP
Service Area in 2025:
Add additional rows as needed
Treatment
Level
Drop down list
Volume
(AF)
Treatment
Level
Drop down list
Volume
(AF)
Treatment
Level
Drop down list
Volume
(AF)
Treatment
Level
Drop down list
Volume
(AF)
Treatment
Level
Drop down list
Volume
(AF)
Name of other
entity
0 - 0 0 0 0 0
Submittal Table 6-3 Retail: Wastewater Treatment and Outcomes Within UWMP Service Area Water Code Section 10633(b)
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
IPR: Indirect Potable Reuse would have the treatment level of its end use requirement in the Level of Treatment drop-down.
Additional Guidance: See Appendix M, Section M.21 for detailed guidance on this table.
Water Recycled Outside
of UWMP Service Area
(enter data as applicable)
Effluent Discharge that is
not a Permitted Recycled
Water Use
(enter data as applicable)
Required Discharge for
Instream Flow
(enter data as applicable)
Delivered to Another Entity for Additional
Treatment
(enter data as applicable)
Add additional rows as needed
2025 Outcomes of Treated Wastewater
Check the box if no wastewater is treated or disposed of within the UWMP service area.
Proceed to the next table.
Does This
Plant Treat
Wastewater
Generated
Outside the
UWMP Service
Area?
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Name and Place ID
Number
Drop down list
Total 2025
Volume of
Water
Treated
(AF)
Total
2025 Volume
of Wastewater
Received from
UWMP Service
Area
(As Reported
in Submittal
Table 6-2 R)
(AF)
Water Recycled Within
UWMP Service Area
(enter data as applicable)
199
199
Volume Narrative page number
(OPTIONAL)
Other (Description Required) Landscape irrigation 265 288 312 335 359 381 500 Industrial use TORC Refinery 4904 6000 6000 6000 6000 6000 6500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5169 6288 6312 6335 6359 6381 7000 0Total
Use Type
Drop down list
Potable or Non-Potable
(after treatment if treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop down list
Additional Information
(as needed)
Add additional rows as needed
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Additional Guidance: See Appendix M, Section M.21 for detailed guidance on this table.
Potential recycled water use: a description of the feasibility of these uses must be included in the narrative.
Multiple Producers: If you have multiple recycled water producers, submit a separate table for each. 2050 (AF)2025 (AF) 2030 (AF) 2035
(AF)
2040
(AF)
2045
(AF)
Subtotal Potable
Subtotal Non-Potable
Check box if recycled water is not used and is not planned for use within the service area of the supplier. The supplier will only complete the column on "Potential Recycled Water Use" and submit an accompanying narrative on the feasibility of that potential recycled water use.
Submittal Table 6-4 Retail: Recycled Water Direct Beneficial Uses Within Service Area Water Code Section 10633 (c),(d),(e)
Potential Recycled Water Use
Name(s) of Facility/ies Producing (Treating) the Recycled Water (OPTIONAL) : West Basin Municipal Water District Name of Supplier Operating the Recycled Water Distribution System (OPTIONAL) : Torrance Municipal Water Volume of Supplemental Water Added in 2025 (OPTIONAL) :
Source of 2025 Supplemental Water (OPTIONAL) :
200
200
2020 Projection
for 2025 (AF)
2025 Actual
Use (AF)
340 265
6,000 4,904
810 0
7,150 5,169
NOTES: "Other" recycled water use is unknown at this time.
Total
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure reported in Submittal Table 2-3
Additional Guidance: See Appendix M, Section M.21 for detailed guidance on this table.
Use Type
Drop Down list
Industrial use
Other (Description Required)
Submittal Table 6-5 Retail: 2020 UWMP Recycled Water Use Projection Compared to 2025 Actual
Water Code Section 10633(e)
Check the box if recycled water was not used in 2025 nor previously projected for use in 2020.
Proceed to the next table.
Add additional rows as needed
Landscape irrigation (exc golf courses)
201
201
PG 9-7 through 9-11
Name of Action Description Expected Increase in Recycled Water Use (AF)
Potential Recycled Water
Users
City of Torrance did a study to see potential
recycle water users within service boundary
limits. In order to have these users capable to
utilizing recycled water, the City hopes West
Basin MWD will provide recycle water lines near
these locations.
500
500
500
Total (AF)
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) MUST remain consistent with units reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
The unit conversion to Acre Feet addresses the Water Code's requirement that this value be provided in acre-feet.
Submittal Table 6-6 Retail: Methods to Encourage Future Recycled Water Use Water Code Section 10633(f)
Check the box if the Supplier does not plan to expand recycled water use in the future. Supplier will not complete the table below but will provide narrative explanation.
Provide page location of narrative in the UWMP
Add additional rows as needed
Unit Conversion to AF
Planned Implementation
Year
2050
PG 2-19
Drop Down
List
(yes/no)
If Yes, Supplier Name
Planned for Use
in Year Type
Drop Down List
Submittal Table 6-7 Retail: Expected Future Water Supply Projects or Programs Water Code Section 10631(f)
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Check the box if some or all of the supplier's future water supply projects or programs are not compatible with this table and are described in a narrative format.
Check the box if there are no expected future water supply projects or programs that provide a quantifiable increase to the agency's water supply.
Proceed to the next table.
Planned
Implementation
Year
Add additional rows as needed
Joint Project with other
suppliers? Expected
Increase in
Water Supply
to Supplier
(This may be
a range) (AF)
Provide page location of narrative in the UWMP
Name of Future
Projects or Programs
Additional Description
(as needed)
Potable or Non-Potable
(after treatment if treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop Down list
202
202
Water Supply
Drop down list
May use each category multiple
times. These are the only water
supply categories that will be
recognized by the WUEdata online
submittal tool
Potable or Non-Potable
(after treatment if treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop Down list
Actual Volume
(AF)
Total Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See 'DWR Notes'
below (AF)
Purchased or Imported Water MWD Potable 12,748 19,204
Groundwater (not desalinated) West Coast Basin Potable 4,710 5,639 Desalinated Water - Groundwater Goldsworthy Desalter Potable 786 4,800 Recycled Water West Basin Municipal District Non-Potable 5,169 7,150 18,244 29,643
5,169 7,150
23,413 36,793
Submittal Table 6-8 Retail: Water Supplies — Actual
Water Code Section 10631(b)
2025
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table identifies the unit of measure selected in Submittal Table 2-3.
Total Entitlement: e.g. Water Right, Groundwater Allocation, Contracted Amount.
Add additional rows as needed
Total
Subtotal Potable
Subtotal Non-Potable
Additional Description
(as needed)
203
203
Water Supply
Reasonably
Available
Volume
(AF)
Total
Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See 'DWR Notes'
below (AF)
Reasonably
Available
Volume (AF)
Total
Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See 'DWR Notes'
below (AF)
Reasonably
Available
Volume
(AF)
Total
Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See 'DWR Notes'
below (AF)
Reasonably
Available
Volume (AF)
Total
Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See 'DWR Notes'
below (AF)
Reasonably
Available
Volume (AF)
Total
Entitlement
(OPTIONAL)
See 'DWR Notes'
below (AF)
Purchased or Imported
Water 19,204 19,204 19,204 19,204 19,204
Groundwater (not
desalinated) 5,639 5,639 5,639 5,639 5,639
Recycled Water 7,150 7,150 7,150 7,150 7,150
Desalinated Water -
Groundwater 4,800 4,800 4,800 4,800 4,800
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
36,793 0 36,793 0 36,793 0 36,793 0 36,793 0
2050 (opt)
Add additional rows as needed
Total
2030 2035 2040 2045
Subtotal Non-Potable
Subtotal Potable
DWR NOTES:
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Total Entitlement: e.g. Water Right, Groundwater Allocation, Contracted Amount.
Submittal Table 6-9 Retail: Water Supplies — Projected
Water Code Section 10631 (b)
Projected Water Supply (Report to the Extent Practicable) Drop down list
May use each category
multiple times. These are the
only water supply categories
that will be recognized by the
WUEdata online submittal
tool
Additional
Detail on
Water
Supply
Potable or Non-Potable
(after treatment if treated)
(OPTIONAL)
Drop Down list
204
204
Water Delivery Product
drop down list
(If delivering more than one type of product recommend
using Table O-1C)
Retail Potable
Deliveries
Start Date of Reporting Period 1/1/2025
End Date of Reporting Period 12/31/2025
Is upstream embedded energy in the values reported? No
Units of Measure for Water AF Total Utility
See DWR NOTES Hydropower Net Utility
4,710 4,710 4,222,631 4,222,631 2,751 - 2,751 Quantity of Self-Generated Renewable Energy
0 kWh
Data Quality (Estimate, Metered Data, Combination of Estimates and Metered Data) Metered Data
Data Quality Narrative:
Narrative:
Volume of Water Entering Process
Energy Consumed (kWh)
Energy Intensity (kWh/vol. converted to MG)
Optional Submittal Table O-1B: Recommended Energy Reporting - SINGLE DELIVERY PRODUCT - TOTAL UTILITY
APPROACH
Volume shown is based on total groundwater volume delivered. All water volumes are metered. Total volume in process is 4,710 AF. Energy consumption is based on well water related facilities within TMW's system. Energy data is metered and obtained from Southern California Edison. Total energy usage is 4,222,631 kWh.
Only for Water Delivery Products Under the Urban Water Supplier's Operational Control
Sum of All Water
Management Processes Non-Consequential Hydropower
DWR NOTES:
Total Utility:The volume of water entered in the “Total Utility” column should equal the volume of water entering the distribution system (excluding recycled water); in most cases, this is the total volume calculated in UWMP Table 4-1: 2025 Actual Total Uses for Potable and Non-Potable Water. Note if recycled water is included in your Submittal Table 4-1, you must exclude it from your volume in this table.
Energy Intensity is based on the total energy consumption and total water volume. Per Energy Use Excel, Energy Intensity is converted to units of kWh/MG.
TMW's energy intensity is 2,751.3 kWh/MG.
205
205
% of Average Supply
Average Year 100%
Single-Dry Year
Consecutive Dry Years 1st Year
Consecutive Dry Years 2nd Year
Consecutive Dry Years 3rd Year
Consecutive Dry Years 4th Year
Consecutive Dry Years 5th Year
DWR NOTES: Supplier may use multiple versions of Submittal Table 7-1 R if different water sources have different base years and the supplier chooses to report the base years for each water source separately. If a Supplier uses multiple versions of Submittal Table 7-1 R, in the "Note" section of each submittal table, state that multiple versions of Submittal Table 7-1 R are being used and identify the particular water source that is being reported in each submittal table.
Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. This table reports the units of measure reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Year Type
Base Year
If not using a
calendar year, type
in the last year of
the fiscal, water
year, or range of
years, for example,
water year 2024-
2025, use 2025
Optional Submittal Table 7-1 Retail: Basis of Water Year Data (Reliability Assessment) Available Supplies if
Year Type Repeats
Check the box if quantification of available supplies
is not compatible with this table and is provided
elsewhere in the UWMP.
Location: Section 6.5
Volume Available (AF)
Quantification of available supplies is provided in this table as either volume only, percent only, or both.
206
206
2030 (AF) 2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF) 2050 (AF)
Supply totals
(autofill from Submittal
Table 6-9 R)
36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals
(autofill from Submittal
Table 4-2 R)
17,990 18,237 18,488 18,741 18,999
Surplus/(shortfall) 18,803 18,556 18,305 18,052 17,794
WSCP - supply
augmentation benefit
WSCP - use reduction
savings benefit
Revised Surplus/(shortfall)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
Submittal Table 7-2 Retail: Normal Year Supply and Use Comparison Water Code Section 10635 (a)
DWR NOTES : Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
207
207
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 26,348 26,641 26,939 27,239 27,544
Surplus/(shortfall) 10,445 10,152 9,854 9,554 9,249
WSCP - supply
augmentation benefit
WSCP - use reduction
savings benefit
Revised
Surplus/(shortfall)
Submittal Table 7-3 Retail: Single Dry Year Supply and Use Comparison Water Code Section 10635(a)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
2030 (AF) 2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF)
DWR NOTES : Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
2050 (AF)
208
208
2030 (AF) 2035 (AF) 2040 (AF) 2045 (AF) 2050 (AF)
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 25,746 26,032 26,323 26,617 26,914
Surplus/(shortfall) 11,047 10,761 10,469 10,176 9,879
WSCP - supply augmentation benefit
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit
Revised Surplus/(shortfall)
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 27,102 27,404 27,710 28,019 28,332
Surplus/(shortfall) 9,691 9,389 9,083 8,774 8,461
WSCP - supply augmentation benefit
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit
Revised Surplus/(shortfall)
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 27,329 27,633 27,942 28,253 28,569
Surplus/(shortfall) 9,464 9,160 8,851 8,540 8,224
WSCP - supply augmentation benefit
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit
Revised Surplus/(shortfall)
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 27,772 28,081 28,395 28,711 29,032
Surplus/(shortfall) 9,021 8,712 8,398 8,082 7,761
WSCP - supply augmentation benefit
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit
Revised Surplus/(shortfall)
Supply totals 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793 36,793
Use totals 23,943 24,210 24,481 24,753 25,030
Surplus/(shortfall) 12,850 12,583 12,312 12,040 11,763
WSCP - supply augmentation benefit
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit
Revised Surplus/(shortfall)
First year
OPTIONAL WSCP Actions Second year
Third year
Fifth year
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP ActionsFourth year
Submittal Table 7-4 Retail: Multiple Dry Years Supply and Use Comparison Water Code Section 10635(a)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions
209
209
2026 Total
Total Water Use (AF) 16,500
Total Supplies (AF) 29,643
Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 13,142
WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF)
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF)
Revised Surplus/(shortfall)
2027 Total
Total Water Use (AF) 16,548
Total Supplies (AF) 29,643
Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 13,095
WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF)
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF)
Revised Surplus/(shortfall)
2028 Total
Total Water Use (AF) 16,595
Total Supplies (AF) 29,643
Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 13,048
WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF)
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF)
Revised Surplus/(shortfall)
2029 Total
Total Water Use (AF) 16,643
Total Supplies (AF) 29,643
Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 13,000
WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF)
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF)
Revised Surplus/(shortfall)
2030 Total
Total Water Use (AF) 17,990
Total Supplies (AF) 29,643
Surplus/Shortfall w/o WSCP Action 11,653
WSCP - supply augmentation benefit (AF)
WSCP - use reduction savings benefit (AF)
Revised Surplus/(shortfall)
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain
consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Submittal Table 7-5 Retail: Five-Year Drought Risk
Assessment
Water Code Section 10635(b)(3)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation)
OPTIONAL Planned WSCP Actions (use reduction and supply augmentation)
210
210
Standard
Shortage
Levels
Percent
Shortage Range
Suppliers
Shortage
Levels
Percent
Shortage
Range
1 Up to 10% 1 Up to 15%
2 Up to 20% 1 Up to 15%
3 Up to 30% 2 15% to 30%
4 Up to 40% 3 30% to >50%
5 Up to 50% 3 30% to >50%
6 >50% 3 30% to >50%
Submittal Table 8-1: Cross-reference for Standard vs
Supplier Shortage Levels
Water Code Section 10632(a)(3)(B)
Check the box if the Supplier uses the
Standard six levels of water shortage.
Proceed to the next table.
211
211
Yes
Volume or
Percentage
Drop down
Shortage Gap
Reduction Value
(May be a range)
(AF)
1 Expand Public Information
Campaign Percentage Up to 10%
1 Other Actions (describe) Percentage Up to 10% Water Waste Enforcement 1 Other Actions (describe) Percentage Up to 10% Rebate Programs 1 Implement or Modify Drought Rate
Structure or Surcharge Percentage Up to 10% Update rates based on customer usage to promote conservation
2 Expand Public Information
Campaign Percentage Up to 20%
2 Other Actions (describe) Percentage Up to 20% Water Waste Enforcement 2 Other Actions (describe) Percentage Up to 20% Rebate Programs 2 Implement or Modify Drought Rate
Structure or Surcharge Percentage Up to 20% Update rates based on customer usage to promote conservation
3 Expand Public Information
Campaign Percentage Up to 30%
3 Other Actions (describe) Percentage Up to 30% Water Waste Enforcement 3 Other Actions (describe) Percentage Up to 30% Rebate Programs 3 Implement or Modify Drought Rate
Structure or Surcharge Percentage Up to 30% Update rates based on customer usage to promote conservation
4 Expand Public Information
Campaign Percentage Up to 40%
4 Other Actions (describe) Percentage Up to 40% Water Waste Enforcement 4 Other Actions (describe) Percentage Up to 40% Rebate Programs 4 Implement or Modify Drought Rate
Structure or Surcharge Percentage Up to 40% Update rates based on customer usage to promote conservation
5 Expand Public Information
Campaign Percentage Up to 50%
5 Other Actions (describe) Percentage Up to 50% Water Waste Enforcement 5 Other Actions (describe) Percentage Up to 50% Rebate Programs 5 Implement or Modify Drought Rate
Structure or Surcharge Percentage Up to 50% Update rates based on customer usage to promote conservation
6 Expand Public Information
Campaign Percentage Greater than 50%
6 Other Actions (describe) Percentage Greater than 50% Water Waste Enforcement 6 Other Actions (describe) Percentage Greater than 50% Rebate Programs 6 Implement or Modify Drought Rate
Structure or Surcharge Percentage Greater than 50% Update rates based on customer usage to promote conservation
Submittal Table 8-2 Retail: Supply Augmentation and Other Actions Water Code Section 10632(a)(4)(A),(C) and (E)
Add additional rows as needed
Is the Supplier completing this table using the standard six levels? (yes/no) How much is this going to reduce the
shortage gap?
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3.
Shortage
Level
Supply Augmentation Methods and
Other Actions by Water Supplier
Drop down list
Thes e are the only categories that will
be accepted by the WUEdata online
s ubmittal tool
Additional Explanation or Reference
(OPTIONAL)
212
212
Yes
Volume or
Percentage
Drop down
Shortage Gap
Reduction Value
(May be a range)
(AF)
1 Landscape - Limit landscape
irrigation to specific times Percentage Up to 10%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area with Potable
Water is prohibited between the hours of 10
a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day, except by use of a
hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-
held hose equipped with a positive self-closing
water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short
periods of time for the express purpose of
adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
Yes
1 Landscape - Other landscape
restriction or prohibition Percentage Up to 10%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area with Potable
Water using a Landscape Irrigation System or a
watering device that is not continuously
attended is limited to no more than 15 minutes
watering per day per station. This subsection
does not apply to Landscape Irrigation Systems
that exclusively use very low-flow drip type
irrigation systems when no emitter produces
more than 2 gallons of water per hour and
weather based controllers or stream rotor
sprinklers that meet a 70% efficiency standard.
Yes
1 Landscape - Restrict or prohibit
runoff from landscape irrigation Percentage Up to 10%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of any lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area in a manner
that causes or allows excessive water flow or
runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway,
street, alley, gutter or ditch is prohibited.
Yes
1 Other - Prohibit use of potable
water for washing hard surfaces Percentage Up to 10%
Permanent: Washing down hard or paved
surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks,
walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis
courts, patios or alleys, is prohibited except
when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitary
hazards, and then only by use of a hand-held
bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose
equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-
off device or a low-volume, high-pressure water
efficient water broom (Watermiser or
equivalent brand) type or cleaning machine
equipped to recycle any water used.
Yes
1 Other - Customers must repair
leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a
timely manner
Percentage Up to 10%
Permanent: Excessive use, loss or escape of
water through breaks, leaks or other
malfunctions in the Water User’s plumbing or
distribution system for any period of time after
such escape of water should have reasonably
been discovered and corrected and in no event
more than 15 days of receiving notice from the
City, is prohibited.
Yes
1 Water Features - Restrict water use
for decorative water features, such
as fountains
Percentage Up to 10%
Permanent: Operating a water fountain or other
decorative water feature that does not use re-
circulated water is prohibited.
Yes
1 Other Percentage Up to 10%
Permanent: Using water to wash or clean a
vehicle, including but not limited to any
automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat or
trailer, whether motorized or not is prohibited,
except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar
container or a hand-held hose equipped with a
positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or
device. This subsection does not apply to any
commercial car washing facility.
Yes
1 CII - Restaurants may only serve
water upon request Percentage Up to 10%
Permanent: Eating or drinking establishments,
including but not limited to a restaurant, hotel,
cafe, cafeteria, bar, club or other public place
where food or drinks are sold, served, or offered
for sale, are prohibited from providing drinking
water to any Person unless expressly requested.
Yes
1 CII - Lodging establishment must
offer opt out of linen service Percentage Up to 10%
Permanent: Hotels, motels and other
commercial lodging establishments must
provide Customers the option of not having
towels and linen laundered daily. Commercial
lodging establishments must prominently
display notice of this option in each bathroom
using clear and easily understood language.
Yes
1 Other Percentage Up to 10%
Permanent: Installation of Single Pass Cooling
Systems is prohibited in buildings requesting
new water service.
Yes
1 Other Percentage Up to 10%
Permanent: Installation of non-re-circulating
water systems is prohibited in new commercial
conveyor car wash and new commercial laundry
systems.
Yes
1 CII - Commercial kitchens required
to use pre-rinse spray valves Percentage Up to 10%
Permanent: Food preparation establishments,
such as restaurants or cafes, are prohibited from
using non-water conserving dish wash spray
valves.
Yes
1 Landscape - Limit landscape
irrigation to specific times Percentage Up to 10%
Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or
other vegetated area with Potable Water is
prohibited between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5
p.m. on any day, except by use of a hand-held
bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose
equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-
off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of
time for the express purpose of adjusting or
repairing an irrigation system. Watering or
irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated
area with Potable Water using a Landscape
Irrigation System is limited to no more than 15
minutes watering per day.
Yes
1 Landscape - Limit landscape
irrigation to specific days Percentage Up to 10%
Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or
other vegetated area with Potable Water is
limited to 3 days per week on a schedule
established and posted by the City. This
provision does not apply to landscape irrigation
zones that exclusively use very low flow drip
type irrigation systems when no emitter
produces more than 2 gallons of water per hour.
This provision also does not apply to watering or
irrigating by use of a hand-held bucket or similar
container, a hand-held hose equipped with a
positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or
device, or for very short periods of time for the
express purpose of adjusting or repairing an
irrigation system.
Yes
1 Other - Customers must repair
leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a
timely manner
Percentage Up to 10%
All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the
Water User’s plumbing or distribution system
must be repaired within 7 days of notification by
the City unless other arrangements are made
with the City.
Yes
Shortage
Level
Demand Reduction Actions
Drop down list
These are the only categories that will
be accepted by the WUEdata online
submittal tool. Select those that apply.
Additional Explanation or Reference
(OPTIONAL)
Penalty, Charge,
or Other
Enforcement?
For Retail Suppliers
Only
Drop Down List
Is the Supplier completing this table using the standard six levels? (yes/no) Submittal Table 8-3 Retail: Demand Reduction Actions
Water Code Section 10632(a)(4)(B),(D), and (E)
Add additional rows as needed
How much is this going to reduce the
shortage gap?
213
213
2 Landscape - Limit landscape
irrigation to specific times Percentage Up to 15%
Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or
other vegetated area with Potable Water is
prohibited between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5
p.m. on any day, except by use of a hand-held
bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose
equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-
off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of
time for the express purpose of adjusting or
repairing an irrigation system. Watering or
irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated
area with Potable Water using a Landscape
Irrigation System is limited to no more than 15
minutes watering per day.
Yes
2 Landscape - Limit landscape
irrigation to specific days Percentage Up to 15%
Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or
other vegetated area with Potable Water is
limited to 3 days per week on a schedule
established and posted by the City. This
provision does not apply to landscape irrigation
zones that exclusively use very low flow drip
type irrigation systems when no emitter
produces more than 2 gallons of water per hour.
This provision also does not apply to watering or
irrigating by use of a hand-held bucket or similar
container, a hand-held hose equipped with a
positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or
device, or for very short periods of time for the
express purpose of adjusting or repairing an
irrigation system.
Yes
2 Other - Customers must repair
leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a
timely manner
Percentage Up to 15%
All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the
Water User’s plumbing or distribution system
must be repaired within 7 days of notification by
the City unless other arrangements are made
with the City.
Yes
2 Landscape - Limit landscape
irrigation to specific times Percentage Up to 20%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area with Potable
Water is prohibited between the hours of 10
a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day, except by use of a
hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-
held hose equipped with a positive self-closing
water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short
periods of time for the express purpose of
adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
Yes
2 Landscape - Other landscape
restriction or prohibition Percentage Up to 20%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area with Potable
Water using a Landscape Irrigation System or a
watering device that is not continuously
attended is limited to no more than 15 minutes
watering per day per station. This subsection
does not apply to Landscape Irrigation Systems
that exclusively use very low-flow drip type
irrigation systems when no emitter produces
more than 2 gallons of water per hour and
weather based controllers or stream rotor
sprinklers that meet a 70% efficiency standard.
Yes
2 Landscape - Restrict or prohibit
runoff from landscape irrigation Percentage Up to 20%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of any lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area in a manner
that causes or allows excessive water flow or
runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway,
street, alley, gutter or ditch is prohibited.
Yes
2 Other - Prohibit use of potable
water for washing hard surfaces Percentage Up to 20%
Permanent: Washing down hard or paved
surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks,
walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis
courts, patios or alleys, is prohibited except
when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitary
hazards, and then only by use of a hand-held
bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose
equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-
off device or a low-volume, high-pressure water
efficient water broom (Watermiser or
equivalent brand) type or cleaning machine
equipped to recycle any water used.
Yes
2 Other - Customers must repair
leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a
timely manner
Percentage Up to 20%
Permanent: Excessive use, loss or escape of
water through breaks, leaks or other
malfunctions in the Water User’s plumbing or
distribution system for any period of time after
such escape of water should have reasonably
been discovered and corrected and in no event
more than 15 days of receiving notice from the
City, is prohibited.
Yes
2 Water Features - Restrict water use
for decorative water features, such
as fountains
Percentage Up to 20%
Permanent: Operating a water fountain or other
decorative water feature that does not use re-
circulated water is prohibited.
Yes
2 Other Percentage Up to 20%
Permanent: Using water to wash or clean a
vehicle, including but not limited to any
automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat or
trailer, whether motorized or not is prohibited,
except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar
container or a hand-held hose equipped with a
positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or
device. This subsection does not apply to any
commercial car washing facility.
Yes
2 CII - Restaurants may only serve
water upon request Percentage Up to 20%
Permanent: Eating or drinking establishments,
including but not limited to a restaurant, hotel,
cafe, cafeteria, bar, club or other public place
where food or drinks are sold, served, or offered
for sale, are prohibited from providing drinking
water to any Person unless expressly requested.
Yes
2 CII - Lodging establishment must
offer opt out of linen service Percentage Up to 20%
Permanent: Hotels, motels and other
commercial lodging establishments must
provide Customers the option of not having
towels and linen laundered daily. Commercial
lodging establishments must prominently
display notice of this option in each bathroom
using clear and easily understood language.
Yes
2 Other Percentage Up to 20%
Permanent: Installation of Single Pass Cooling
Systems is prohibited in buildings requesting
new water service.
Yes
2 Other Percentage Up to 20%
Permanent: Installation of non-re-circulating
water systems is prohibited in new commercial
conveyor car wash and new commercial laundry
systems.
Yes
2 CII - Commercial kitchens required
to use pre-rinse spray valves Percentage Up to 20%
Permanent: Food preparation establishments,
such as restaurants or cafes, are prohibited from
using non-water conserving dish wash spray
valves.
Yes
214
214
3 Landscape - Limit landscape
irrigation to specific times Percentage Up to 30%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area with Potable
Water is prohibited between the hours of 10
a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day, except by use of a
hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-
held hose equipped with a positive self-closing
water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short
periods of time for the express purpose of
adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
Yes
3 Landscape - Other landscape
restriction or prohibition Percentage Up to 30%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area with Potable
Water using a Landscape Irrigation System or a
watering device that is not continuously
attended is limited to no more than 15 minutes
watering per day per station. This subsection
does not apply to Landscape Irrigation Systems
that exclusively use very low-flow drip type
irrigation systems when no emitter produces
more than 2 gallons of water per hour and
weather based controllers or stream rotor
sprinklers that meet a 70% efficiency standard.
Yes
3 Landscape - Restrict or prohibit
runoff from landscape irrigation Percentage Up to 30%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of any lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area in a manner
that causes or allows excessive water flow or
runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway,
street, alley, gutter or ditch is prohibited.
Yes
3 Other - Prohibit use of potable
water for washing hard surfaces Percentage Up to 30%
Permanent: Washing down hard or paved
surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks,
walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis
courts, patios or alleys, is prohibited except
when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitary
hazards, and then only by use of a hand-held
bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose
equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-
off device or a low-volume, high-pressure water
efficient water broom (Watermiser or
equivalent brand) type or cleaning machine
equipped to recycle any water used.
Yes
3 Other - Customers must repair
leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a
timely manner
Percentage Up to 30%
Permanent: Excessive use, loss or escape of
water through breaks, leaks or other
malfunctions in the Water User’s plumbing or
distribution system for any period of time after
such escape of water should have reasonably
been discovered and corrected and in no event
more than 15 days of receiving notice from the
City, is prohibited.
Yes
3 Water Features - Restrict water use
for decorative water features, such
as fountains
Percentage Up to 30%
Permanent: Operating a water fountain or other
decorative water feature that does not use re-
circulated water is prohibited.
Yes
3 Other Percentage Up to 30%
Permanent: Using water to wash or clean a
vehicle, including but not limited to any
automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat or
trailer, whether motorized or not is prohibited,
except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar
container or a hand-held hose equipped with a
positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or
device. This subsection does not apply to any
commercial car washing facility.
Yes
3 CII - Restaurants may only serve
water upon request Percentage Up to 30%
Permanent: Eating or drinking establishments,
including but not limited to a restaurant, hotel,
cafe, cafeteria, bar, club or other public place
where food or drinks are sold, served, or offered
for sale, are prohibited from providing drinking
water to any Person unless expressly requested.
Yes
3 CII - Lodging establishment must
offer opt out of linen service Percentage Up to 30%
Permanent: Hotels, motels and other
commercial lodging establishments must
provide Customers the option of not having
towels and linen laundered daily. Commercial
lodging establishments must prominently
display notice of this option in each bathroom
using clear and easily understood language.
Yes
3 Other Percentage Up to 30%
Permanent: Installation of Single Pass Cooling
Systems is prohibited in buildings requesting
new water service.
Yes
3 Other Percentage Up to 30%
Permanent: Installation of non-re-circulating
water systems is prohibited in new commercial
conveyor car wash and new commercial laundry
systems.
Yes
3 CII - Commercial kitchens required
to use pre-rinse spray valves Percentage Up to 30%
Permanent: Food preparation establishments,
such as restaurants or cafes, are prohibited from
using non-water conserving dish wash spray
valves.
Yes
3 Landscape - Limit landscape
irrigation to specific times Percentage Up to 30%
Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or
other vegetated area with Potable Water is
prohibited between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6
p.m. on any day, except by use of a hand-held
bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose
equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-
off nozzle or device, or for a very short periods
of time for the express purpose of adjusting or
repairing an irrigation system. Watering or
irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetates
area with Potable Water using a Landscape
Irrigation System is limited to no more than 10
minutes per day.
Yes
3 Landscape - Limit landscape
irrigation to specific days Percentage Up to 30%
Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or
other vegetated area with Potable Water is
limited to 2 days per week on a schedule
established and posted by the City. This
provision does not apply to landscape irrigation
zones that exclusively use very low flow drip
type irrigation systems when no emitter
produces more than 2 gallons of water per hour.
This provision also does not apply to watering or
irrigating by use of a hand-held bucket or similar
container, a hand-held hose equipped with a
positive selfclosing water shut-off nozzle or
device, or for very short periods of time for the
express purpose of adjusting or repairing an
irrigation system.
Yes
3 Other - Customers must repair
leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a
timely manner
Percentage Up to 30%
All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the
Water User’s plumbing or distribution system
must be repaired within four days of notification
by the City unless other arrangements are made
with the City.
Yes
3 Water Features - Restrict water use
for decorative water features, such
as fountains
Percentage Up to 30%
Filling or re-filling ornamental lakes or ponds is
prohibited, except to the extent needed to
sustain aquatic life, provided that such animals
are of significant value and have been actively
managed within the water feature prior to
declaration of a supply shortage level under this
ordinance.
Yes
3 Other Percentage Up to 30%
Using water to wash or clean a vehicle, including
but not limited to, any automobile, truck, van,
bus motorcycle, boat or trailer, whether
motorized or not, is prohibited except by use of
a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-
held hose equipped with a positive self-closing
water shut-off nozzle or device, by high
pressure/low volume wash systems, or at a
commercial car washing facility that utilizes a re-
circulating water system to capture or reuse
water.
Yes
3 Other Percentage Up to 30%
Limits on Filling Residential Swimming Pools &
Spas: Re-filling of more than one foot and
initial filling of residential swimming pools or
outdoor spas with Potable Water is prohibited.
Yes
215
215
4 Landscape - Limit landscape
irrigation to specific times Percentage Up to 40%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area with Potable
Water is prohibited between the hours of 10
a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day, except by use of a
hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-
held hose equipped with a positive self-closing
water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short
periods of time for the express purpose of
adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
Yes
4 Landscape - Other landscape
restriction or prohibition Percentage Up to 40%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area with Potable
Water using a Landscape Irrigation System or a
watering device that is not continuously
attended is limited to no more than 15 minutes
watering per day per station. This subsection
does not apply to Landscape Irrigation Systems
that exclusively use very low-flow drip type
irrigation systems when no emitter produces
more than 2 gallons of water per hour and
weather based controllers or stream rotor
sprinklers that meet a 70% efficiency standard.
Yes
4 Landscape - Restrict or prohibit
runoff from landscape irrigation Percentage Up to 40%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of any lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area in a manner
that causes or allows excessive water flow or
runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway,
street, alley, gutter or ditch is prohibited.
Yes
4 Other - Prohibit use of potable
water for washing hard surfaces Percentage Up to 40%
Permanent: Washing down hard or paved
surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks,
walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis
courts, patios or alleys, is prohibited except
when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitary
hazards, and then only by use of a hand-held
bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose
equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-
off device or a low-volume, high-pressure water
efficient water broom (Watermiser or
equivalent brand) type or cleaning machine
equipped to recycle any water used.
Yes
4 Other - Customers must repair
leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a
timely manner
Percentage Up to 40%
Permanent: Excessive use, loss or escape of
water through breaks, leaks or other
malfunctions in the Water User’s plumbing or
distribution system for any period of time after
such escape of water should have reasonably
been discovered and corrected and in no event
more than 15 days of receiving notice from the
City, is prohibited.
Yes
4 Water Features - Restrict water use
for decorative water features, such
as fountains
Percentage Up to 40%
Permanent: Operating a water fountain or other
decorative water feature that does not use re-
circulated water is prohibited.
Yes
4 Other Percentage Up to 40%
Permanent: Using water to wash or clean a
vehicle, including but not limited to any
automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat or
trailer, whether motorized or not is prohibited,
except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar
container or a hand-held hose equipped with a
positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or
device. This subsection does not apply to any
commercial car washing facility.
Yes
4 CII - Restaurants may only serve
water upon request Percentage Up to 40%
Permanent: Eating or drinking establishments,
including but not limited to a restaurant, hotel,
cafe, cafeteria, bar, club or other public place
where food or drinks are sold, served, or offered
for sale, are prohibited from providing drinking
water to any Person unless expressly requested.
Yes
4 CII - Lodging establishment must
offer opt out of linen service Percentage Up to 40%
Permanent: Hotels, motels and other
commercial lodging establishments must
provide Customers the option of not having
towels and linen laundered daily. Commercial
lodging establishments must prominently
display notice of this option in each bathroom
using clear and easily understood language.
Yes
4 Other Percentage Up to 40%
Permanent: Installation of Single Pass Cooling
Systems is prohibited in buildings requesting
new water service.
Yes
4 Other Percentage Up to 40%
Permanent: Installation of non-re-circulating
water systems is prohibited in new commercial
conveyor car wash and new commercial laundry
systems.
Yes
4 CII - Commercial kitchens required
to use pre-rinse spray valves Percentage Up to 40%
Permanent: Food preparation establishments,
such as restaurants or cafes, are prohibited from
using non-water conserving dish wash spray
valves.
Yes
4 Landscape - Other landscape
restriction or prohibition Percentage Up to 40%
Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or
other vegetated area with Potable Water is
prohibited. Exceptions are labeled in the
ordinance.
Yes
4 Other - Customers must repair
leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a
timely manner
Percentage Up to 40%
All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the
Water User’s plumbing or distribution system
must be repaired within two days of notification
by the City unless other arrangements are made
with the City.
Yes
4 Other Percentage Up to 40%
The City, in its sole discretion, may discontinue
service to Customers who willfully violate
provisions of this section.
Yes
216
216
5 Landscape - Limit landscape
irrigation to specific times Percentage Up to 50%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area with Potable
Water is prohibited between the hours of 10
a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day, except by use of a
hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-
held hose equipped with a positive self-closing
water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short
periods of time for the express purpose of
adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
Yes
5 Landscape - Other landscape
restriction or prohibition Percentage Up to 50%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area with Potable
Water using a Landscape Irrigation System or a
watering device that is not continuously
attended is limited to no more than 15 minutes
watering per day per station. This subsection
does not apply to Landscape Irrigation Systems
that exclusively use very low-flow drip type
irrigation systems when no emitter produces
more than 2 gallons of water per hour and
weather based controllers or stream rotor
sprinklers that meet a 70% efficiency standard.
Yes
5 Landscape - Restrict or prohibit
runoff from landscape irrigation Percentage Up to 50%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of any lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area in a manner
that causes or allows excessive water flow or
runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway,
street, alley, gutter or ditch is prohibited.
Yes
5 Other - Prohibit use of potable
water for washing hard surfaces Percentage Up to 50%
Permanent: Washing down hard or paved
surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks,
walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis
courts, patios or alleys, is prohibited except
when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitary
hazards, and then only by use of a hand-held
bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose
equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-
off device or a low-volume, high-pressure water
efficient water broom (Watermiser or
equivalent brand) type or cleaning machine
equipped to recycle any water used.
Yes
5 Other - Customers must repair
leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a
timely manner
Percentage Up to 50%
Permanent: Excessive use, loss or escape of
water through breaks, leaks or other
malfunctions in the Water User’s plumbing or
distribution system for any period of time after
such escape of water should have reasonably
been discovered and corrected and in no event
more than 15 days of receiving notice from the
City, is prohibited.
Yes
5 Water Features - Restrict water use
for decorative water features, such
as fountains
Percentage Up to 50%
Permanent: Operating a water fountain or other
decorative water feature that does not use re-
circulated water is prohibited.
Yes
5 Other Percentage Up to 50%
Permanent: Using water to wash or clean a
vehicle, including but not limited to any
automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat or
trailer, whether motorized or not is prohibited,
except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar
container or a hand-held hose equipped with a
positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or
device. This subsection does not apply to any
commercial car washing facility.
Yes
5 CII - Restaurants may only serve
water upon request Percentage Up to 50%
Permanent: Eating or drinking establishments,
including but not limited to a restaurant, hotel,
cafe, cafeteria, bar, club or other public place
where food or drinks are sold, served, or offered
for sale, are prohibited from providing drinking
water to any Person unless expressly requested.
Yes
5 CII - Lodging establishment must
offer opt out of linen service Percentage Up to 50%
Permanent: Hotels, motels and other
commercial lodging establishments must
provide Customers the option of not having
towels and linen laundered daily. Commercial
lodging establishments must prominently
display notice of this option in each bathroom
using clear and easily understood language.
Yes
5 Other Percentage Up to 50%
Permanent: Installation of Single Pass Cooling
Systems is prohibited in buildings requesting
new water service.
Yes
5 Other Percentage Up to 50%
Permanent: Installation of non-re-circulating
water systems is prohibited in new commercial
conveyor car wash and new commercial laundry
systems.
Yes
5 CII - Commercial kitchens required
to use pre-rinse spray valves Percentage Up to 50%
Permanent: Food preparation establishments,
such as restaurants or cafes, are prohibited from
using non-water conserving dish wash spray
valves.
Yes
5 Landscape - Other landscape
restriction or prohibition Percentage Up to 50%
Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or
other vegetated area with Potable Water is
prohibited. Exceptions are labeled in the
ordinance.
Yes
5 Other - Customers must repair
leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a
timely manner
Percentage Up to 50%
All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the
Water User’s plumbing or distribution system
must be repaired within two days of notification
by the City unless other arrangements are made
with the City.
Yes
5 Other Percentage Up to 50%
The City, in its sole discretion, may discontinue
service to Customers who willfully violate
provisions of this section.
Yes
217
217
6 Landscape - Limit landscape
irrigation to specific times Percentage Greater than 50% Permanent: Watering or irrigating of lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area with Potable
Water is prohibited between the hours of 10
a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day, except by use of a
hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-
held hose equipped with a positive self-closing
water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short
periods of time for the express purpose of
adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
Yes
6 Landscape - Other landscape
restriction or prohibition Percentage Greater than 50%
Permanent: Watering or irrigating of lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area with Potable
Water using a Landscape Irrigation System or a
watering device that is not continuously
attended is limited to no more than 15 minutes
watering per day per station. This subsection
does not apply to Landscape Irrigation Systems
that exclusively use very low-flow drip type
irrigation systems when no emitter produces
more than 2 gallons of water per hour and
weather based controllers or stream rotor
sprinklers that meet a 70% efficiency standard.
Yes
6 Landscape - Restrict or prohibit
runoff from landscape irrigation Percentage Greater than 50% Permanent: Watering or irrigating of any lawn,
landscape or other vegetated area in a manner
that causes or allows excessive water flow or
runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway,
street, alley, gutter or ditch is prohibited.
Yes
6 Other - Prohibit use of potable
water for washing hard surfaces Percentage Greater than 50% Permanent: Washing down hard or paved
surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks,
walkways, driveways, parking areas, tennis
courts, patios or alleys, is prohibited except
when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitary
hazards, and then only by use of a hand-held
bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose
equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-
off device or a low-volume, high-pressure water
efficient water broom (Watermiser or
equivalent brand) type or cleaning machine
equipped to recycle any water used.
Yes
6 Other - Customers must repair
leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a
timely manner
Percentage Greater than 50%
Permanent: Excessive use, loss or escape of
water through breaks, leaks or other
malfunctions in the Water User’s plumbing or
distribution system for any period of time after
such escape of water should have reasonably
been discovered and corrected and in no event
more than 15 days of receiving notice from the
City, is prohibited.
Yes
6 Water Features - Restrict water use
for decorative water features, such
as fountains
Percentage Greater than 50%
Permanent: Operating a water fountain or other
decorative water feature that does not use re-
circulated water is prohibited.
Yes
6 Other Percentage Greater than 50%
Permanent: Using water to wash or clean a
vehicle, including but not limited to any
automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat or
trailer, whether motorized or not is prohibited,
except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar
container or a hand-held hose equipped with a
positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or
device. This subsection does not apply to any
commercial car washing facility.
Yes
6 CII - Restaurants may only serve
water upon request Percentage Greater than 50%
Permanent: Eating or drinking establishments,
including but not limited to a restaurant, hotel,
cafe, cafeteria, bar, club or other public place
where food or drinks are sold, served, or offered
for sale, are prohibited from providing drinking
water to any Person unless expressly requested.
Yes
6 CII - Lodging establishment must
offer opt out of linen service Percentage Greater than 50% Permanent: Hotels, motels and other
commercial lodging establishments must
provide Customers the option of not having
towels and linen laundered daily. Commercial
lodging establishments must prominently
display notice of this option in each bathroom
using clear and easily understood language.
Yes
6 Other Percentage Greater than 50%
Permanent: Installation of Single Pass Cooling
Systems is prohibited in buildings requesting
new water service.
Yes
6 Other Percentage Greater than 50%
Permanent: Installation of non-re-circulating
water systems is prohibited in new commercial
conveyor car wash and new commercial laundry
systems.
Yes
6 CII - Commercial kitchens required
to use pre-rinse spray valves Percentage Greater than 50% Permanent: Food preparation establishments,
such as restaurants or cafes, are prohibited from
using non-water conserving dish wash spray
valves.
Yes
6 Landscape - Other landscape
restriction or prohibition Percentage Greater than 50%
Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or
other vegetated area with Potable Water is
prohibited. Exceptions are labeled in the
ordinance.
Yes
6 Other - Customers must repair
leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a
timely manner
Percentage Greater than 50%
All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the
Water User’s plumbing or distribution system
must be repaired within two days of notification
by the City unless other arrangements are made
with the City.
Yes
6 Other Percentage Greater than 50%
The City, in its sole discretion, may discontinue
service to Customers who willfully violate
provisions of this section.
Yes
NOTES: Actions labeled as "Permanent" are demand reduction actions mandated at all times.
DWR NOTES: Units of measure (AF, CCF, MG) must remain consistent throughout the UWMP as reported in Submittal Table 2-3. 218
218
City Name 60 Day Notice
Drop Down (yes/no)
Notice of Public
Hearing
Drop Down (yes/no)
City of Gardena Yes Yes
City of Lomita Yes Yes
City of Lawndale Yes Yes
City of Palos Verdes Estates Yes Yes
City of Redondo Beach Yes Yes
City of Rolling Hills Estates Yes Yes
County Name
Drop Down List
60 Day Notice
Drop Down (yes/no)
Notice of Public
Hearing
Drop Down (yes/no)
Los Angeles County Yes Yes
Submittal Table 10-1 Retail: Notification to Cities and Counties Water Code Section 10621(b) and 10642
Add additional rows as needed
Add additional rows as needed
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219
Appendix C: 60-Day Notification of Public Hearing
City of Torrance | 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
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220
221
221
222
222
223
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224
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225
226
226
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Appendix D: Two-Week & One-Week Notification of Public Hearing
City of Torrance | 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
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Appendix E: City Council Resolutions Adopting 2025 UWMP & WSCP
City of Torrance | 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
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Appendix F: West Coast Basin Judgment
City of Torrance | 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
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West Coast Basin Judgment
California Water Service Company, et al. vs. City of Compton, et al.
Table of Contents
Introduction
I. Existence of Basin and Boundaries Thereof
II. Definitions
III. Declaration of Rights - Water Rights Adjudicated
IV. Adjudicated Rights Transferable
V. Physical Solution - Carry-Over, Excess Production and Drought Carry-Over 一. Carry-over
一. Excess Production
一. Drought Carry-over
VI. Physical Solution - Exchange Pool Provisions
1. Mandatory Offer to Exchange Pool
2. Price of Water Offered to Exchange Pool
3. Price Dispute-Objection - Watermaster Determination - Court Determination
4. Request For Water From Exchange Pool
5. Allocation of Exchange Pool Water by Watermaster
6. Exchange Pool Water Pumped Before Pumper's Own Right
7. Price and Payment For Water Released For Exchange Pool
VII. Additional Pumping Allowed Under Agreement With Central and West Basin Water Replenishment District, During Periods of Emergency
VIII. Injunction
IX. Order of Pumping Credit
X. Loss of Decreed Rights
XI. Watermaster Appointment
XII. Watermaster - Powers and Duties
1. Parties to Measure and Record Static Water Level of Each Well
2. Parties to Install Meters on Wells and Record Production Therefrom
3. Watermaster to Assemble Records and Data and Evaluate Same
4. Watermaster's Annual Budget
5. Watermaster's Fees as Parties' Costs
6. Watermaster's Annual Report
7. Watermaster Report to Contain All Basin Production
8. Watermaster Rules and Regulations
9. Other Watermaster Duties
XIII. Objection to Watermaster Determination - Notice Thereof and Hearing Thereon XIV. Reserved and Continuing Jurisdiction of Court
XV. Judgment Modifications and Further Orders of Court
XVI. Subsequent Change From Water Year to Fiscal Year
XVII. Designees of Parties For Future Notice and Service XVIII. Intervention of Successors In Interest and New Parties XIX. Judgment Binding on Successors
XX. Effect of Amended Judgment on Orders Heretofore Made and Entered Herein Non-Consumptive Practices Amendment
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INTRODUCTION
The above - entitled matter came on regularly for further trial before the Honorable George Francis, Judge of the Superior Court of the State of California, assigned by the Chairman of the Judicial Council to sit in this case on Friday the 21st day of July, 1961. Thereupon plaintiffs filed a dismissal of the action as to certain defendants named in the Complaint and in the Amended Complaint herein who are not mentioned or referred to in Paragraph III of this Judgment, and the further trial of the action proceeded in respect to the remaining parties.
The objections to the Report of Referee and to all supplemental Reports thereto, havin g been considered upon exceptions thereto filed with the Clerk of the Court in the manner of and within the time allowed by law, were overruled.
Oral and documentary evidence was introduced, and the matter was submitted to the Court for decision.
Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law and Judgment herein have heretofore been signed and filed.
Pursuant to the reserved and continuing jurisdiction of the Court under the Judgment herein, certain amendments to said Judgment and temporary Orders have heretofore b een made and entered.
Continuing jurisdiction of the Court under said Judgment is currently assigned to the HONORABLE JULIUS M. TITLE.
The motion of defendant herein, DOMINGUEZ WATER CORPORATION, for further amendments to the Judgment, notice thereof and of the hearing thereon having been duly and regularly given to all parties, came on for hearing in Department 48 of the above-entitled Court on March 21, 1980, at 1:30 o'clock P.M., before said HONORABLE JULIUS M. TITLE. Defendant, DOMINGUEZ WATER CORPORA TION, was represented by its attorneys, Helm, Budinger & Lemieux, and Ralph B. Helm. Various other parties were represented by counsel of record appearing on the Clerk's records. Hearing thereon was concluded on that date. The within "Amended Judgment" incorporates amendments and orders heretofore made to the extent presently operable and amendments pursuant to said last mentioned motion. To the extent this Amended Judgment is a restatement of the Judgment as heretofore amended, it is for convenience in incorporating all matters in one document, it is not a readjudication of such matters and is not intended to reopen any such matters. As used hereinafter the word "Judgment" shall include the original Judgment as amended to date.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, ADJUDGED AND DECREED AS FOLLOWS:
I. Existence of Basin and Boundaries Thereof.
There exists in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, an underground water basin or reservoir known and hereinafter referred to as "West Coast Basin", "West Basin" or the "Basin", and the boundaries thereof are described as follows:
Commencing at a point in the Baldwin Hills about 1300 feet north and about 100 feet west of the intersection of Marvale Drive and Northridge Drive; thence through a point about 200 feet northeasterly along Northridge Drive from the intersection of Marvale and Northridge Drives to the base of the escarpment of the Potrero fault; thence along the base of the escarpment of the Potrero fault in a straight line passing through a point about 200 feet south of the intersection of Century and Crenshaw Boulevards and extending about 2650 feet beyond this point to the southerly end of the Potrero escarpment; thence from the southerly end of the Potrero escarpment in a line passing about 700 feet south of the intersection of Western Avenue and Imperial Boulevard and about 400 feet north of the intersection of El Segundo Boulevard and Vermont Avenue and about 1700 feet south of the intersection of El Segundo Boulevard and Figueroa Street to the northerly end of the escarpment of the Avalon-Compton fault at a point on said fault about 700 feet west of the intersection of Avalon Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue; thence along the escarpment of the Avalon-Compton fault to a point in the Dominguez Hills located about 1300 feet north and about 850 feet west of the intersection of Central Avenue and Victoria Street; thence along the crest of the Dominguez Hills in a straight line to a point on Alameda Street about 2900 feet north of Del Amo Boulevard as measured along Alameda Street; thence in a straight line extending through a point located on Del Amo Boulevard about 900 feet west of the Pacific Electric Railway to a point about 100 feet north and west of the intersection of Bixby Road and Del Mar Avenue; thence in a straight line to a point located about 750 feet west and about 730 feet south of the intersection of Wardlow Road and Long Beach Boulevard at the escarpment of the Cherry Hill fault; thence along the escarpment of the Cherry Hill fault throu gh the intersection of Orange Avenue and Willow Street to a point about 400 feet east of the intersection of Walnut and Creston Avenues; thence to a point on Pacific Coast Highway about 300 feet west of its intersection with Obispo Avenue; thence along Pac ific Coast Highway easterly to a point located about 650 feet west of the intersection of the center line of said Pacific 238
238
Coast Highway with the intersection of the center line of Lakewood Boulevard; thence along the escarpment of the Reservoir Hill fault to a point about 650 feet north and about 700 feet east of the intersection of Anaheim Street and Ximeno Avenue; thence along the trace of said Reservoir Hill fault to a point on the Los Angeles - Orange County line about 1700 feet northeast of the Long Beach City limit measured along the County line; thence along said Los Angeles - Orange County line in a southwesterly direction to the shore line of the Pacific Ocean; thence in a northerly and westerly direction along the shore line of the Pacific Ocean to the intersection of said shore line with the southerly end of the drainage divide of the Palos Verdes Hills; thence along the drainage divide of the Palos Verdes Hills to the intersection of the northerly end of said drainage divide with the shore line of the Pacific Ocean; thence northerly along the shore line of the Pacific Ocean to the intersection of said shore line with the westerly projection of the crest of the Ballona escarpment; thence easterly along the crest of the Ballona escarpment to the mouth of Centinela Creek; thence easterly from the mouth of Centinela Creek across the Baldwin Hills in a line encompassing the entire watershed of Centinela Creek to the point of beginning 239
239
All streets, railways and boundaries of Cities and Counties herinabove referred to are as the same existed at 12:00 o'clock noon on August 20, 1961.
The area included within the foregoing boundaries is approximately 101,000 acres in extent.
II. Definitions:
1 Basin, West Coast Basin and West Basin, as these terms are interchangeably used herein, mean the ground water basin underlying the area described in Paragraph I hereof. 2 A fiscal year, as that term is used herein, is a twelve month period beginning July 1 and ending June 30. 3 A water purveyor, as that term is used in Paragraph XII hereof, means a party which sells water to the public, whether a regulated public utility, mutual water company or public entity, which has a connection or connections for the taking of imported water through The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, through West Basin Municipal Water District, or access to such imported water through such connection, and which normally supplies at least a part of its customers' water needs with such imported water. 4 A water year, as that term is used herein, is a twelve month period beginning October 1 and ending September 30, until it is changed to a "fiscal year," as provided in Paragraph XVI hereof.
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III. Declaration of Rights - Water Rights Adjudicated.
Certain of the parties to this action have no right to extract water from the Basin. The name of each of said parties is listed below with a zero following his name, and the absence of such right in said parties is hereby established and declared. Certain of the parties to this action and/or their successors in interest (through September 30, 1978) are the owners of rights to extract water from the Basin, which rights are of the same legal force and effect and without priority with reference to each other, and the amount of such rights, stated in acre-feet per year, hereinafter referred to as "Adjudicated Rights" is listed below following such parties' names, and the rights of the last-mentioned parties are hereby declared and established accordingly. Provided, however, that the Adjudicated Rights so declared and established shall be subject to the condition that the water, when used, shall be put to beneficial use through reasonable methods of use and reasonable methods of diversion; and provided further that the exercise of all of said Rights shall be subject to a pro rata reduction, if such reduction is required, to preserve said Basin as a common source of water supply.
IV. Adjudicated Rights Transferable.
Any rights decreed and adjudicated herein may be transferred, assigned, licensed or leased by the owner thereof provided, however, that no such transfer shall be complete until compliance with the appropriate notice procedures established by the Watermaster herein.
Rights adjudicated herein which are temporarily transferred, licensed or leased shall be considered the production from the Basin on behalf of such transferee, licensee or lessee which next follows his production of released exchange pool water, if any.
V. Physical Solution - Carry-over, Excess Production and Drought Carry-over. 1 Carry-over. In order to add flexibility to the operation of this Judgment and to assist in a physical solution to meet the water requirements in the West Basin, each of the parties to this action who is adjudged in Paragraph III hereof to have an Adjudicated Right and who, during a water year, does not extract from the Basin all of such party's Adjudicated Right, is permitted to carry over from such water year the right to extract f rom the Basin in the next succeeding water year an amount of water equivalent to the excess of his Adjudicated Right over his extraction during said water year not to exceed, however, 10% of such party's Adjudicated Right or two acre-feet, whichever is the larger.
2 Excess Production. In order to meet possible emergencies, each of the parties to this action who is adjudged in paragraph III hereof to have an Adjudicated Right is permitted to extract from the Basin in any water year for beneficial use an amount in excess of each such party's Adjudicated Right not to exceed 2 acre -feet or ten per cent (10%) of such party's Adjudicated Rights, whichever is the larger, and in addition thereto, such greater amount as may be approved by the Court. If such greater amount is recommended by the Watermaster, such order of Court may be made ex parte. Each such party so extracting water in excess of his Adjudicated Rights shall be required to reduce his extractions below his Adjudicated Rights by an equivalent amount in the water year next following. Such requirement shall be subject to the proviso that in the event the Court determines that such reduction will impose upon such a party, or others relying for water service upon such party, an unreasonable hardship, the Court may grant an extension of time within which such party may be required to reduce his extractions by the amount of the excess theretofore extracted by such party. If such extension of time is recommended by the Watermaster, such order of Court may be granted ex parte. 3 Drought Carry-over. By reason of this Court's Orders dated June 2, 1977, and September 29, 1977, for the water years 1976-77 and 1977-78 any party herein (including any successor in
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interest) can "carry-over" until utilized, any Adjudicated Right (including any authorized carryover rights from prior years) unexercised during said water years.
VI. Physical Solution - Exchange Pool Provisions.
As a further part of said physical solution herein imposed:
1. Mandatory Offer to Exchange Pool. Not less than sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of each water year, each party having supplemental water available to him through then existing facilities, other than water which any such party has the right to extract hereunder, shall file with the Watermaster the offer of such party to release to the Exchange Pool the amount by which such party's Adjudicated Right exceeds one-half of the estimated total required use of water by such party during the ensuing water year, provided that the amount required to be so offered for release shall not exceed the amount such party can replace with supplemental water so available to him.
(a) Basis of Offer to Exchange Pool - Redetermination of Offer by Watermaster. Such estimate of total required use and such mandatory offer shall be made in good faith and shall state the basis on which t he offer is made, and shall be subject to review and redetermination by the Watermaster, who may take into consideration the prior use by such party for earlier water years and all other factors indicating the amount of such total required use and the availability of replacement water.
(b) Voluntary Offer to Exchange Pool. Any party filing an offer to release water under the mandatory provisions of this Paragraph VI may also file a voluntary offer to release any part or all of any remaining amount of water which such party has the right under this Judgment to pump or otherwise extract from the Basin, and any party who is not required to file an offer to release water may file a voluntary offer to release any part or all of the amount of water which such party has the right under this Judgment to pump or otherwise extract from the basin.
All such voluntary offers shall be made not less than sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of each water year.
2. Price of Water Offered to Exchange Pool. Each offer to release water under the foregoing subparagraph [1 (a) and 1 (b)] shall be the price per acre-foot declared and determined at the time of the filing of such offer by the releasing party; provided:
(a) Replacement Cost. That such price per acre-foot shall not exceed the price which the releasing party would have to pay to obtain from others, in equal monthly amounts, through existing facilities, a quantity of supplemental water equal in amount to that offered to be released; or (b) Maximum Price. If any such releasing party has no existing facilities through which to obtain water from others, such price shall not exceed the sum of the price per acre-foot charged by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to West Basin Municipal Water District plus the additional amount per acre-foot charged by the latter to municipalities and public utilities for water received from said Metropolitan Water District.
3. Price Dispute -Objection - Watermaster Determination Court Determination. In the event of a dispute as to any price at which is offered for release, any party affected thereby may, within thirty (30) days thereafter, by an objection in writing, refer the matter to the Watermaster for determination.
Within thirty (30) days after such objection is filed the Watermaster shall consider said objection and shall make his finding as to the price at which said water should be offered for release and notify all interested parties thereof. Any party in compliance to these Exchange Pool Provisions may file with the Court, within thirty (30) days thereafter, any objection to such finding or determination of the Watermaster and bring the same on for hearing before the Court at such time as the Court may direct, after first having served said objection upon each of the interested parties. The Court may affirm, modify, amend or overrule such finding or determination of the Watermaster. Pending such determination if the water so offered has been allocated, the party making the offer shall be paid the price declare d in his offer, subject to appropriate adjustment upon final determination. The costs of such determination shall be apportioned or assessed by the Watermaster in his discretion between or to the parties to such dispute, and the Watermaster shall have the power to require, at any time prior to making such determination, any party or parties to such dispute to deposit with the Watermaster funds sufficient to pay the cost of such determination, subject to final adjustment and review by the Court as provided i n this Paragraph. 242
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1 Request for Water From Exchange Pool. Not less than sixty (60) days prior to the beginning of each water year any party whose estimated required use of water during the ensuing water year exceeds the sum of the quantity of water which such party has the right under this Judgment to extract from the Basin and the quantity available to him through then existing facilities, may file with the Watermaster a request for the release of water in the amount that his said estimated use exceeds his said available supply. Such request shall be made in good faith and shall state the basis upon which the request is made, and shall be subject to review and redetermination by the Watermaster. Within thirty (30) days thereafter the Watermaster shall advise, in writing, those requesting water of the estimated price thereof. Any party desiring to amend his request by reducing the amount requested may do so after the service of such notice. Prior to the first day of each water year the Watermaster shall determine if sufficient water has been offered to satisfy all requests. If he determines that sufficient water has not been offered he shall reduce such requests pro rata in the proportion that each request bears to the total of all requests. Thereupon, not later than said first day of each water year, he shall advise all parties offering to release water of the quantities to be released by each and accepted in the Exchange Pool and the price at which such water is offered. Simultaneously, he shall advise all parties requesting water of the quantities of released water allocated from the Exchange Pool and to be taken by each requesting party and the price to be paid therefore. 2 Allocation of Exchange Pool Water by Watermaster. In allocating water which has been offered for release to the Exchange Pool under subparagraph 1 hereof, the Watermaster shall first allocate that water required to be offered for release and which is offered at the lowest price pursuant to subparagraph 2 hereof, and progressively thereafter at the next lowest price or prices. If the aggregate quantity of water required to be released is less than the aggregate quantity of all requests for the release of water made pursuant to subparagraph 4 hereof, he shall then allocate water voluntarily offered for release and which is offered at the lowest price and progressively thereafter at the next lowest price or prices, provided that the total allocation of water shall not exceed the aggregate of all such requests.
Any water offered for release under subparagraph 1 hereof and not accepted in the Exchange Pool and not allocated therefrom shall be deemed not to have been offered for release and may be extracted from the Basin by the party offering the same as if such offer had not been made.
Each party requesting the release of water for his use and to whom released water is allocated from the Exchange Pool may thereafter, subject to all of the provisions of this Judgment, extract such allocated amount of water from the Basin, in addition to the amount such party is otherwise entitled to extract hereunder during the water year for which the allocation is made. 1 Exchange Pool Water Pumped Before Pumper's Own Right. From and after the first day of each water year, all water extracted from the Basin by any party requesting the release of water and to whom such water is allocated shall be deemed to have been water so released until the full amount released for use by him shall have been taken, and no such party shall be deemed to have extracted from the Basin any water under his own right so to do until said amount of released water shall have been extracted. Water extracted from the Basin by parties pursuant to their request for the release of water shall be deemed to have been taken by the offero rs of such water under their own rights to extract water from the Basin. 2 Price and Payment for Water Released for Exchange Pool. All parties allocated water under subparagraph 4 hereof shall pay a uniform price per acre-foot for such water, which price shall be the weighted average of the prices at which all the water allocated was offered for release.
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Each party shall pay to the Watermaster, in five equal monthly installments during the applicable water year, an amount equal to the quantity of water allocated to him multiplied by said uniform price. The Watermaster shall bill each such party monthly for each such installment, the first such billing to be made on or before the first day of the second month of the water year involved, and payment therefo re shall be made to the Watermaster within thirty (30) days after the service of each such statement. If such payment be not made within said thirty (30) days such payment shall be delinquent and a penalty shall be assessed thereon at the rate of 1% per month until paid. Such delinquent payment, including penalty, may be enforced against any party delinquent in payment by execution or by suit commenced by the Watermaster or by any party hereto for the benefit of the Watermaster.
Promptly upon receipt of such payment, the Watermaster shall make payment for the water released and allocated, first, to the party or parties which offered such water at the lowest price, and then through successive higher offered prices up to the total allocated.
VII. Additional Pumping Allowed Under Agreement With Central and West Basin Water Replenishment District, During Periods of Emergency.
Central and West Basin Water Replenishment District, a public corporation of the State of California, (Division 18, commencing with Section 60,000 of the Water Code), hereinafter "Replenishment District", overlies West Basin and engages in activities of replenishing the ground waters thereof.
During an actual or threatened temporary shortage of the imported water supply to West Basin, Rep lenishment District may, by resolution, determine to subsequently replenish the Basin for any water produced in excess of a party's adjudicated rights hereunder, within a reasonable period of time, pursuant to agreements with such parties (to a maximum of 10,000 acre feet), under the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. a. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Judgment, parties (including successors in interest) who are water purveyors, as herinabove defined, are authorized to enter into agreements with Replenishment District under which such water purveyors may exceed their Adjudicated Rights for a particular water year when the following conditions are met:
1. Replenishment District is in receipt of a resolution of the Board of Directors of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California ("MWD") stating there is an actual or immediately threatened temporary shortage of MWD's imported water supply compared to MWD's needs, or a temporary inability to deliver MWD's imported water supply throughout its area, which will be alleviated in part by overpumping from West Basin.
2. The Bard of Directors of both Replenishment District and West Basin Municipal Water District (WBMWD), by resolutions, concur in the resolution of MWD's Board of Directors and each determine that the temporary overproduction in West Basin will not adversely affect the integrity of the Basin or the sea water barrier maintained along the Coast of West Basin.
3. In said resolution, Replenishment District's Board of Directors shall set a public hearing, and notice the time, place and date thereof (which may be continued from time to time without further notice) and which said notice shall be given by First Class Mail to the current designees of the parties, filed and served in accordance with Paragraph IX of this Judgment. Said notice shall be mailed at least ten (10) days before said scheduled hearing date.
4. At said public hearing, parties (including successors in interest) shall be given full opportunity to be heard, a nd at the conclusion thereof the Board of Directors of Replenishment District by resolution decides to proceed with agreements under this Paragraph VII.
b. All such agreements shall be subject to the following requirements, and such reasonable others as Replenishment District's Board of Directors shall require:
一 They shall be of uniform content except as to the quantity involved, and any special provisions considered necessary or desirable with respect to local hydrological conditions or good hydrologic practice. 一 They shall be offered to all water purveyors, excepting those which Replenishment District's Board of Directors determine should not over-pump because such over-pumping would occur in undesirable proximity to a sea water barrier project designed to forestall sea water intrusion, or within, or in undesirable proximity to, an area within West Basin wherein groundwater levels are at an elevation where over -pumping is, under all the circumstances, then undesirable.
一 The maximum terms for the agreements shall be four months, all of which said agreements shall commence and end on the same day (and which may be executed at any time within said four month period), unless an extension thereof is authorized by the Court, under this Judgment. 一 They shall contain provisions that the water purveyor executing the agreement pay to the Replenishment 244
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District a price, in addition to the applicable replenishment assessment, determined on the following formula:
The price per acre foot of WBMWD's treated domestic and municipal water for the water year in which the agreement is to run, less the total of: (a) an amount per acre foot as an allowance on account of incremental cost of pumping, as determined by Replenishment District's Board of Directors; and (b) the rate of the replenishment assessment of Replenishment District for the same fiscal year. If the term of the agreement is for a period which will be partially in one fiscal year and partially in another, and a change in either or both the price per acre foot of WBMWD's treated domestic and municipal water and rate of the replenishment assessment of Replenishment District is scheduled, the price formula shall be determined by averaging the scheduled changes with the price and rate then in effect, based on the number of months each will be in effect during the term of the agreement. Any price for a partial acre-foot shall be computed pro rata. Payments shall be due and payable on the principle that over-extractions under the agreement are the last water pumped in the fiscal year, and shall be payable as the agreement shall provide. 一 They shall contain provisions that: (a) All of such agreements (but not less then all) shall be subject to termination by Replenishment District if, in the Judgment of Replenishment District's Board of Directors, the conditions or threatened conditions upon which they were based have abated to the extent over -extractions are no longer considered necessary; and (b) that any individual agreement or agreem ents may be terminated if the Replenishment District's Board of Directors finds that adverse hydrologic circumstances have developed as a result of over-extractions by any water purveyor or purveyors which
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have executed said agreements, or for any other reason that Replenishment District's Board of Directors finds good and sufficient.
c. Other matters applicable to such agreements and over-pumping thereunder are as follows, and to the extent they would affect obligations of the Replenishment District they shall be anticipated in said agreements:
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1. The quantity of over-pumping permitted shall be additional to that which the water purveyor could otherwise over-pump under this Judgment.
2. The total quantity of permitted overpumping under all said agreements during said four months shall not exceed ten thousand (10,000) acre feet, but the individual water purveyor shall not be responsible or affected by any violation of this requirement. That total is additional to over-extractions otherwise permitted under this Judgment.
3. Only one four month period may be utilized by Replenishment District in entering into such agreements, as to any one emergency or continuation thereof declared by MWD's Board of Directors under sub -paragraph 6 (a) hereof.
4. The ex parte provisions of this Judgment may be utilized in lieu of the authority contained herein (which ex parte provisions are not limited as to time, nature or relief, or terms of any agreements), but neither Replenishment District nor any other party shall utilize both as to any one such emergency or continuation thereof.
5. If any party claims that it is being damaged or threatened with damage by the over -extractions by any party to such an agreement, the Watermaster or any party hereto may seek appropri ate action of the Court for termination of any such agreement upon notice of hearing given by the party complaining, to the party to said agreement, to the Replenishment District, and to all parties who have filed a request herein for such special notice. Any such termination shall not affect the obligation of the terminated party to make payments under the agreement for over-extractions which previously occurred thereunder.
6. Replenishment District shall maintain separate accounting and a separate fund of the proceeds from payments made pursuant to agreements entered into under this Paragraph VII. Said fund shall be utilized solely for purposes of replenishment and the replacement of waters in West Basin.
Replenishment District shall, as soon as practicable, cause replenishment in West Basin by the amounts to be overproduced pursuant to this Paragraph VII, whether through spreading, injection, or in -lieu agreements.
7. Over-extractions made pursuant to the said agreements shall not be subject to the "make up" provisions of this Judgment, as amended, provided, that if any party fails to make payments as required by the agreement, Watermaster may require such "make up" under Paragraph V hereof.
8. Water Purveyor under any such agreement may, and is encouraged to, enter into appropriate arrangements with customers who have water rights in West Basin under or pursuant to this Judgment, whereby the Water Purveyor will be assisted in meeting the objectives of the agreement.
9. Nothing in this Paragraph VII limits the exercise of the reserved and continuing jurisdiction of the court as provided in Paragraph XIV hereof.
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VIII. Injunction.
On and after the date hereof, each of the parties hereto, their successors and assigns, and ea ch of their agents, employees, attorneys, and any and all persons acting by, through, or under them or any of them, are and each of them is hereby perpetually enjoined and restrained from pumping or otherwise extracting from the Basin any water in excess of said party's Adjudicated Rights, except as provided in Paragraphs V, VI, and VII hereof.
IX. Order of Pumping Credit.
Production of water from the Basin for the use or benefit of the parties hereto shall be credited to each such party in the following order:
1. Exchange Pool production (Paragraph VI).
2. Leased or licensed production (Paragraph IV).
3. Normal carry-over (Paragraph V, 1).
4. Adjudicated Right (Paragraph III).
5. Drought carry-over (Paragraph V, 3).
6. Emergency Production under Agreement with Replenishment District (Paragraph VII).
X. Loss of Decreed Rights.
It is in the best interests of the parties herein and the reasonable beneficial use of the Basin and its water sup ply that no party be encouraged to take and use more water than is actually required. Failure to produce all of the water to which a party is entitled hereunder shall not, in and of itself, be deemed or constitute an abandonment of such party's right in whole or in part.
No taking of water under Paragraphs III, V, VI and VII hereof, by any party to this action shall constitute a taking adverse to any other party; nor shall any party to this action have the right to plead the statute of limitations or an estoppel against any other party by reason of his said extracting of water from the Basin pursuant to a request for the release of water; nor shall such release of water to the Exchange Pool by any party constitute a forfeiture or abandonment by such party of any part of his Adjudicated Right to water; nor shall such release in anywise constitute a waiver of such right although such water, when released under the terms of this Judgment may be devoted to a public use; nor shall such release of water by any suc h party in anywise obligate any party so releasing to continue to release or furnish water to any other party or his successor in interest, or to the public generally, or to any party thereof, otherwise than as provided herein.
XI. Watermaster Appointment.
The Watermaster shall be the Department of Water Resources of the Resources Agency of the State of California, to serve at the pleasure of the Court, and said Watermaster shall administer and enforce the provisions of this Judgment and the instructions and subsequent orders of this Court, and shall have the powers and duties hereinafter set forth. If any such provisions, instructions or orders of the Court shall have been disobeyed or disregarded, said Watermaster is hereby empowered and directed to report to the Court such fact and the circumstances connected therewith and leading thereto.
XII. Watermaster - Powers and Duties.
In order to assist the Court in the administration and enforcement of the provisions of this Judgment and to keep the Court fully advised in the premises, the Watermaster shall have the following duties in addition to those provided for elsewhere herein:
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1. Parties to Measure and Record Static Water Level of Each Well. The Watermaster may require each party, at such party's own expense, to measure and record not more often than once a month, the elevation of the static water level in such of his wells in the Basin as are specified by the Watermaster.
2. Parties to Install Meters on Wells and Record Production Therefrom. The Watermaster may require any party hereto owning any facilities for pumping or otherwise extracting water from the Basin, at such party's own expense, to install and at all times maintain in good working order, mechanical measuring devices, approved by the Watermaster, and keep records of water production, as required by the Watermaster, through the use of such devices. However, if in the opinion of the Watermaster such mechanical devices are not practicable or feasible, the Watermaster may require such party to submit estimates of his water production, together with such information and data as is used by such party in making such estimate. Upon the failure of any party to install such device or devices on or before the date the Watermaster shall fix for such installation, or to provide the Watermaster with estimates of water production and information on which such estimates are based, the Watermaster may give the Court and the party notice of such failure for proper action in the premises.
3. Watermaster to Assemble Records and Data and Evaluate Same. The Watermaster shall collect and assemble the records and other data required of the parties hereto, and evaluate such records and other data. Such records and other data shall be open to inspection by any party hereto or his representative during normal business hours.
4. Watermaster's Annual Budget. The Watermaster shall prepare a tentative budget for each water year, stating the estimated expense for administering the provisions of this Judgment. The Watermaster shall mail a copy of said tentative budget to the designee of each of the parties hereto having an Adjudicated Right, at least sixty (60) days before the beginning of each water year. If any such party has any objection to said tentative budget or an y suggestions with respect thereto, he shall present the same in writing to the Watermaster within fifteen (15) days after service of said tentative budget upon him. If no objections are received, the tentative budget shall become the final budget. If objections to said tentative budget are received, the Watermaster shall, within then (10) days thereafter, consider such objections, prepare a final budget, and mail a copy thereof to each such party's designee, together with a statement of the amount assessed to each such party, computed as provided in subparagraph 5 of this Paragraph XII. Any such party whose objections to said tentative budget are denied in whole or in part by the Watermaster may, within fifteen (15) days after the service of the final budg et upon him, make written objection thereto by filing his objection with the Court after first mailing a copy of such objection to each party's designee, and shall bring such objection on for hearing before the Court at such time as the Court may direct. If objection to such budget be filed with the Court as herein provided, then the said budget and any and all assessments made as herein provided may be adjusted by the Court following said hearing.
5. Watermaster's Fees as Parties' Costs. The fees compensation or other expenses of the Watermaster hereunder shall be borne by the parties hereto having Adjudicated Rights in the proportion that each such party's Adjudicated Right bears to the total Adjudicated Rights of all such parties, and the Court or Waterm aster shall assess such costs to each such party accordingly.
Payment thereof, whether or not subject to adjustment by the Court as provided in this Paragraph XII, shall be made by each such party, on or prior to the beginning of the water year to which said final budget and statement of assessed costs is applicable. If such payment by any party is not made on or before said date, the Watermaster shall add a penalty of 5% thereof to such party's statement. Payment required of any party hereunder may be enforced by execution issued out of the Court, or as may be provided by any order hereinafter made by the Court, or by other proceedings by the Watermaster or by any party hereto on the Watermaster's behalf.
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All such payments and penalties received by the Watermaster shall be expended by him for the administration of this Judgment. Any money remaining at the end of any water year shall be available for such use in the following water year.
1 Watermaster's Annual Report. The Watermaster shall prepare an annual report within ninety (90) days after the end of each water year covering the work of the Watermaster during the preceding water year and a statement of his receipts and expenditures.
2 Watermaster Report to Contain All Basin Production. The Watermaster shall report separately, in said annual report, all water extractions in the Basin, including that by producers who have no "Adjudicated Right." 3 Watermaster Rules and Regulations. The Watermaster may prescribe such reasonable Rules and Regulations as will assist him in the performance of his duties hereunder. 4 Other Watermaster Duties. The Watermaster shall perform such other duties as directed by the Court and as may be otherwise provided by law.
XIII. Objection to Watermaster Determination - Notice Thereof and Hearing Thereon.
Any party hereto having an Adjudicated Right who has objection to any determination or finding made by the Watermaster, other than as provided in Paragraphs VI and XII hereof, may make such objection in writing to the Watermaster within thirty (30) days after the date the Watermaster gives written notice of the making of such determination or finding, and within thirty (30) days thereafter the Watermaster shall consider said objection and shall amend or affirm such finding or determination and shall give notice thereof to all parties hereto having Adjudicated Rights. Any such party may file with the Court within thirty (30) days from the date of said notice any objection to such final finding or determination of the Watermaster and bring the same on for hearing before the Court at such time as the Court may direct, after first having served said objection upon each of the parties hereto having an Adjudicated Right. The Court may affirm, modify, amend or overrule any such finding or determination of the Watermaster.
XIV. Reserved and Continuing Jurisdiction of Court.
The Court hereby reserves continuing jurisdiction and, upon application of any party hereto having an Adjudicated Right or upon its own motion, may review (1) its determination of the safe yield of the Basin, or (2) the Adjudicated Rights, in the aggregate, of all of the parties as affected by the abandonment or forfeiture of any such rights, in whole or in part, and by the abandonment or forfeiture of any such rights by any other person or entity, and, in the event material change be found, to adjudge that the Adjudicated Right of each party shall be ratably changed; provided, however, that notice of such review shall be served on all parties hereto having Adjudicated Rights at least thirty (30) days prior thereto. Except as provided herein, and except as rights decreed herein may be abandoned or forfeited in whole or in part, each and every right decreed herein shall be fixed as of the date of the entry hereof.
XV. Judgment Modifications and Further Orders of Court.
The Court further reserves jurisdiction so that at any time, and from time to time, upon its own motion or upon application of any party hereto having an Adjudicated Right, and upon at least thirty (30) days notice to all such parties, to make such modifications of or such additions to, the provisions of this Judgment, or make such further order or orders as may be necessary or desirable for the adequate enforcement, protection or preservation of the Basin and of the rights of the parties as herein determined. 250
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XVI. Subsequent Change From Water Year to Fiscal Year.
"Water year" as used in Paragraphs V,VI,VII and XII hereof shall, beginning with the first "fiscal year" (July 1 - June 30) commencing at least four months after this "Amended Judgment" becomes final, and thereafter, m ean the "fiscal year". Since this changeover will provide a transitional accounting period of nine months, October 1 - June 30, notwithstanding the findings and determinations in the annual Watermaster Report for the last preceding water year, the Adjudicated Right of each of the parties hereto permitted to be extracted from the West Basin for said transitional accounting period shall be on the basis of three -quarters of each said party's otherwise Adjudicated Right. The Watermaster herein shall convert the times of his duties hereunder, including the rendition of a nine month report for the said transitional accounting period (October 1 - June 30), to coincide with the changeover from the water year to the fiscal year hereunder.
XVII. Designees of Parties for Future Notice and Service.
Service of this "Amended Judgment" on those parties who have executed and filed with the Court "Agreement and Stipulation for Judgment" or otherwise have named a designee, filed the same herein and have therein designated a person thereafter to receive notices, requests, demands, objections, reports, and all other papers and processes in this cause, shall be made by first class mail, postage prepaid, addressed to such designees (or their successors) and at the address designated for that purpose.
Each party who has not heretofore made such a designation shall, within thirty (30) days after the Amended Judgment herein shall have been served upon that party or his designee, file with the Court, with proof of service of a copy thereof upon the Watermaster, a written designation of the person to whom and the address at which all future notices, determinations, requests, demands, objections, reports and other papers and processes to be served upon that party or delivered to that party, are to be so served or delivered.
A later substitute or successor designation filed and served in the same manner by any party shall be effective from the date of such filing as to the then future notices, determinations, requests, demands, objections, reports and other papers and processes to be served upon or delivered to that party.
Delivery to or service upon any party by the Watermaster, by any other party, or by the Court, of any item required to be served upon or delivered to a party under or pursuant to this Judgment, may be by deposit in the mail, first class, postage prepaid, addressed to the latest designee and at the address in said latest designation filed by that party.
Parties hereto who have not entered their appearance or whose default has been entered and who are adjudged herein to have an Adjudicated Right, and who have not named a designee for service herein, shall be served with all said future notices, papers and process herein, and service herein shall be accomplished, by p ublication of a copy of such said notice, paper or process addressed to, "Parties to the West Basin Adjudication"; said publication shall be made once each week for two successive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation, printed and published in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, and circulated within the West Basin Area; the last publication of which shall be at least two weeks and not more than five weeks immediately preceding the event for which said notice is given or immediately preceding the effective date of any order, paper or process; in the event an effective date other than the date of its execution is fixed by the Court in respect of any order, paper or process, said last publication shall be made not more than five weeks following an event, the entry of an order by the Court, or date of any paper or process with respect to which such notice is given. 251
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XVIII. Intervention of Successors In Interest and New Parties.
Any person who is not a party herein or successor to such party and who proposes to produce water from the Basin may seek to become a party to this Judgment, through a Stipulation In Intervention entered into with the Watermaster. Watermaster may execute said Stipulation on behalf of the other parties herein, but such St ipulation shall not preclude a party from opposing such intervention at the time of the court hearing thereon. Said Stipulation for Intervention must thereupon be filed with the Court, which will consider an order confirming said intervention following thirty (30) days notice thereof to the parties, served as herein provided. Thereafter, if approved by the Court, such Intervenors shall be a party herein, bound by this Judgment and entitled to the rights and privileges accorded under the physical solution imposed herein.
XIX. Judgment Binding on Successors.
Subject to the specific provisions hereinbefore contained, this Judgment and all provisions thereof are applicable to, binding upon and inure to the benefit of not only the parties to this action, but as well to their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, assigns, lessees, licensees and to the agents, employees and attorneys-in-fact of any such persons.
XX. Effect of Amended Judgment on Orders Heretofore Made and Entered Herein.
This Amended Judgment shall not abrogate the rights of any additional carry-over of unused Adjudicated Rights of the parties herein, as may exist pursuant to the orders herein filed June 2, 1977, and September 29, 1977. 252
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ORDER AMENDING JUDGMENT
(Filed with County Clerk on March 8, 1989)
GOOD CAUSE APPEARING upon the duly-noticed Motion of West Basin Municipal Water District:
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT THE JUDGMENT HEREIN BE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
“NON-CONSUMPTIVE PRACTICES
1. Any party herein may petition the Watermaster for a non-consumptive water use permit as part of a project to recover old refined oil or other pollutants that has leaked into the underground aquifers of the Basin. If the petition is granted as set forth in this part, the petitioner may extract the groundwater covered by the petition without the production counting against the petitioner's production rights.
2. If the Watermaster determines that there is a problem of groundwater contamination which the proposed project will remedy or ameliorate, an operator may make extractions of groundwater to remedy or ameliorate that problem if the water is not applied to beneficial surface use, its extractions are made in compliance with terms and conditions established by the Watermaster, and the Watermaster has determined either of the following:
a. The groundwater to be extracted is unusable and cannot be economically blended for use with other water. b. The proposed program involves extraction of usable water in the same quantity as will be returned to the underground without degradation of quality.
3. The Watermaster may provide those terms and conditions the Watermaster deems appropriate, including, but not limited to, restrictions on the quantity of extractions to be so exempted, limitations on ti me, periodic reviews, requirement of submission of test results from a Watermaster-approved laboratory, and any other relevant terms or conditions.
4. The Watermaster shall conduct a public hearing on the petition and all parties herein and their representatives shall have an opportunity to be heard concerning the same.
5. The Watermaster shall, in its discretion, grant or deny the petition and fix a reasonable annual administrative fee to be paid to the Watermaster by the permittee. Within fifteen (15) days after the rendition of its decision, the Watermaster shall give written notice thereof to the designees of all parties herein.
6. After a noticed, public hearing, the Watermaster may, on the motion of any party herein or on its own motion, interrupt or stop a project for non-compliance with the terms of its permit or rescind or modify the terms of a permit to protect the integrity of the Basin of the Judgment herein. An order to interrupt or stop a proj ect or to rescind or modify the terms of a permit shall apply to groundwater extractions occurring more than 10 days after the date of the order. The permit holder and the designees of all parties herein shall be given two weeks written notice of any hearing to consider interrupting or stopping a permitted project or the rescission or modification of the terms of a permit. Notice will be deemed given when mailed by first -class mail or when personally delivered.
7. The Watermaster's decision to grant, deny, modify or revoke a permit or to interrupt or stop a permitted project may be appealed to this court within thirty (30) days of the notice thereof and upon thirty (30) days notice to the designees of all parties herein.
8. The Watermaster shall monitor and periodically inspect the project for compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit hereunder.
9. No party shall recover costs from any other party herein.”
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IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the amendment to the judgment approved by the court on Marc h 22, 1984 (“former amendment”) is hereby repealed, provided, all permits issued by the Watermaster under the former amendment shall be deemed under the instant amendment.
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Appendix G: City Council Ordinance No. 3782
City of Torrance | 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
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Appendix H: City Council Ordinance No. 3717
City of Torrance | 2025 Urban Water Management Plan
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1 ORDINANCE NO. 3717
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF TORRANCE ESTABLISHING A WATER
CONSERVATION AND WATER SUPPLY SHORTAGE
AND SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM AND REGULATIONS
The City Council of the City of Torrance ordains as follows:
SECTION 1
Article 4 of Chapter 6 of Division 7 of the Torrance Municipal Code is repealed.
SECTION 2
A new Article 4 of Chapter 6 of Division 7 of the Torrance Municipal Code is added to read in its entirety as follows:
“Section 76.4.010 Title.
This Article will be known as the City of Torrance Water Conservation and Water Supply Shortage and Sustainability Program.
Section 76.4.020 Findings.
a) A reliable minimum and sustainable supply of Potable Water is essential to the public health, safety and welfare of the people and economy of the City of Torrance and the southern California region.
b) Southern California is a semi-arid region and is largely dependent upon imported water supplies. A growing population, climate change, environmental concerns, and other factors in other parts of the State and western United States, make the region highly susceptible to water supply reliability issues.
c) Careful water management that includes acti ve water Conservation measures not only in times of drought, but at all times, is essential to ensure a reliable minimum supply of water to meet current and future water supply needs.
d) Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution declares that a city or county may make and enforce within its limits all local, police, sanitary and other ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws.
e) Article X, Section 2 of the California Constitution declares that the general welfare requires that water resources be put to beneficial use, waste or unreasonable use or unreasonable method of use of water be prevented, and Conservation of water be fully exercised with a view to the reasonable and beneficial use thereof.
f) California Water Code section 375 authorizes water suppliers to adopt and enforce a comprehensive water Conservation program to reduce water consumption and conserve supplies.
g) The adoption and enforcement of a Water Conservation and Supply Shortage and Sustainability program is necessary to manage the City’s Potable Water supply in the short and long-term and to avoid or minimize the effects of drought and shortage within the City.
Such program is essential to ensure a reliable and sustainable minimum supply of water for the public health, safety and welfare for current and future generations.
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2 Section 76.4.030. Declaration of Purpose and Intent.
a) The purpose of this Article is to establish a Water Conservation and Supply Shortage and Sustainability program that will reduce water consumption within the City through Conservation, enable effective water supply planning, assure reasonable and beneficial use of water, prevent waste of water, and maximize the efficient use of water within the City to avoid and minimize the effect and hardship of water shortage to the greatest extent possible.
b) This Article establishes permanent water Conservation standards intended to alter behavior related to water use efficiency for non-shortage conditions and further establishes three levels of water supply shortage response actions to be implemented during times of declared water shortage or declared water shortage emergency, with increasing restrictions on water use in response to worsening drought or emergency conditions and decreasing supplies
Section 76.4.040. Definitions.
a) The following words and phrases whenever used in this Article have the meaning defined in this section:
1) “Allocation” means a form of water rationing that uses penalty pricing to achieve target reductions in water use.
2) “Billing Unit” means the unit of water used to apply water rates for purposes of calculating water charges for a Person’s water usage and equals 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons of water.
3) “City” means the City of Torrance.
4) “Conservation” means the practice of protecting against the loss or waste of natural resources.
5) “Customer” or “Water User” means a Person that uses Potable Water through a metered service connection.
6) “Landscape Irrigation System” means an irrigation system with pipes, hoses, spray heads, or sprinkling devices that are operated by hand or through an automated system.
7) “Large Landscape Areas” means a lawn, landscape, or other vegetated area, or combination thereof, equal to more than one (1) acre of irrigable land.
8) “Person” means any natural person or persons, corporation, public or private entity, governmental agency or institution, or any other user of water within the City.
9) “Potable Water” means water which is suitable for drinking.
10) “Recycled Water” means the reclamation and reuse of non-Potable Water for beneficial use.
11) “Single Pass Cooling Systems” means equipment where water is circulated only once to cool equipment before being disposed.
12) “Sustainability” means a decision making concept describing water use that meets present needs without compromising the ability to meet future requirements.
Section 76.4.050. Application
a) The provisions of this Article apply to any Person in the use of any Potable Water provided by the City.
b) The provisions of this Article do not apply to uses of water necessary to protect public health and safety or for essential government servic es, such as police, fire and other similar emergency services.
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3 c) The provisions of this Article do not apply to the use of Recycled Water.
d) The provisions of this Article do not apply to the use of water by commercial nurseries and commercial growers to sustain plants, trees, shrubs, crops or other vegetation intended for commercial sale.
e) This Article is intended solely to further the Conservation of water. It is not intended to implement any provision of federal, State, or local statutes, ordinances, or regulations relating to protection of water quality or control of drainage or runoff.
Section 76.4.060 Permanent Water Conservation Requirements – Prohibition Against Waste The following water Conservation requirements are effective at all times and are permanent, unless rescinded by the action of the City Council. Violations of this section will be considered waste and an unreasonable use of water.
a) Limits on Watering Hours: Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with Potable Water is prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day, except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
b) Limit on Watering Duration: Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with Potable Water using a Landscape Irrigation System or a watering device that is not continuously attended is limited to no more than 15 minutes watering per day per station. This subsection does not apply to Landscape Irrigation Systems that exclusively use very low-flow drip type irrigation systems when no emitter produces more than 2 gallons of water per hour and weather based controllers or stream rotor sprinklers that meet a 70% efficiency standard.
c) No Excessive Water Flow or Runoff: Watering or irrigating of any lawn, landscape or other vegetated area in a manner that causes or allows excessive water flow or runoff onto an adjoining sidewalk, driveway, street, alley, gutter or ditch is prohibited.
d) No Washing Down Hard or Paved Surfaces: Washing down hard or paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, walk ways, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or alleys, is prohibited except when necessary to alleviate safety or sanitary hazards, and then only by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off device or a low-volume, high-pressure water efficient water broom (Watermiser or equivalent brand) type or cleaning machine equipped to recycle any water used.
e) Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions: Excessive use, loss or escape of water through breaks, leaks or other malfunctions in the Water User’s plumbing or distribution system for any period of time after such escape of water should have reasonably been discovered and corrected and in no event more than 15 days of receiving notice from the City, is prohibited.
f) Re-circulating Water Required for Water Fountains and Decorative Water Features :
Operating a water fountain or other decorative water feature that does not use re-circulated water is prohibited. This provision will be effective 90 days after adoption of this Ordinance.
g) Limits on Washing Vehicles: Using water to wash or clean a vehicle, including but not limited to any automobile, truck, van, bus, motorcycle, boat or trailer, whether motorized or not is prohibited, except by use of a hand-hel d bucket or similar container or a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device. This subsection does not apply to any commercial car washing facility.
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4 h) Drinking Water Served Upon Request Only: Eating or drinking establishments, including but not limited to a restaurant, hotel, cafe, cafeteria, bar, club or other public place where food or drinks are sold, served, or offered for sale, are prohibited from providing drinking water to any Person unless expressly requested.
i) Commercial Lodging Establishments Must Provide Option to Not Launder Linen Daily :
Hotels, motels and other commercial lodging establishments must provide Customers the option of not having towels and linen laundered daily. Commercial lodging establishments must prominently display notice of this option in each bathroom using clear and easily understood language.
j) No Installation of Single Pass Cooling Systems : Installation of Single Pass Cooling Systems is prohibited in buildings requesting new water service.
k) No Installation of Non-re-circulating in Commercial Car Wash and Laundry Systems:
Installation of non-re-circulating water systems is prohibited in new commercial conveyor car wash and new commercial laundry systems.
l) Restaurants Required to Use Water Conserving Dish Wash Spray Valves : Food preparation establishments, such as restaurants or cafes, are prohibited from using non-water conserving dish wash spray valves.
Section 76.4.070 Level 1 Water Supply Shortage
a) A Level 1 Water Supply Shortage exists when the City determines, in its sole discretion, that due to drought or other water supply reductions, a water supply shortage exists and a consumer demand reduction is necessary to make more efficient use of water and appropriately respond to existing water conditions. Upon the declaration by the City of a Level 1 Water Supply Shortage condition, the City will implement the mandatory Level 1 Conservation measures identified in this section. The type of event that may prompt the City to declare a Level 1 Water Supply Shortage may include, among other factors, a finding that the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (“MWD”) calls for extraordinary water Conservation and declares up to a 15% mandatory Allocation (rationing) within the MWD service area.
A Level 1 Water Supply Shortage condition exists when the City notifies its Water Users that due to drought or other supply reductions, a Customer demand reduction of up to 15% is necessary to make more efficient use of water and respond to existing water shortage conditions. Upon the declaration of a Level 1 Water Supply Shortage condition, the City shall implement the mandatory Level 1 Conservation measures identified in this ordinance.
b) Additional Water Conservation Measures: In addition to the prohibited uses of water identified in Section 76.4.060, the following water Conservation requirements apply during a declared Level 1 Water Supply Shortage:
1) Limits on Watering Hours and Watering Duration: Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with Potable Water is prohibited between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on any day, except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system. Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with Potable Water using a Landscape Irrigation System is limited to no more than 15 minutes watering per day.
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5 2) Limits on Watering Days: Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with Potable Water is limited to 3 days per week on a schedule established and posted by the City. This provision does not apply to landscape irrigation zones that exclusively use very low flow drip type i rrigation systems when no emitter produces more than 2 gallons of water per hour. This provision also does not apply to watering or irrigating by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
3) Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions: All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the Water User’s plumbing or distribution system must be repaired within 7 days of notification by the City unless other arrangements are made with the City.
4) Other Prohibited Uses: The City may implement other prohibited water uses as determined by the City, after notice to Customers.
Section 76.4.080 Level 2 Water Supply Shortage
a) A Level 2 Water Supply Shortage exists when the City determines, in its sole discretion, that due to drought or other supply reductions, a water supply shortage exists and a consumer demand reduction is necessary to make more efficient use of water and respond to existing water conditions. Upon the declaration by the City of a Level 2 Water Supply Shortage condition, the City will implement the mandatory Level 2 Conservation measures identified in this section.
A Level 2 Water Supply Shortage condition exists when the City notifies its Water Users that due to drought or other supply reductions, a Customer demand reduction exceeding 15 % to up to 30% is necessary to make more efficient use of water and respond to existing water shortage conditions. Upon the declaration of a Level 2 Water Supply Shortage condition, the City shall implement the mandatory Level 2 Conservation measures identified in this ordinance.
b) Additional Conservation Measures: In addition to the prohibited uses of water identified in Section 76.4.060 and 76.4.070, the following additional water Conservation requirements apply during a declared Level 2 Water Supply Shortage:
1) Limits on Watering Hours and Watering Duration Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with Potable Water is prohibited between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any day, except by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device, or for a very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system. Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetates area with Potable Water using a Landscape Irrigation System is limited to no more than 10 minutes per day.
2) Watering Days: Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with Potable Water is limited to 2 days per week on a schedule established and posted by the City. This provision does not apply to landscape irrigation zones that exclusively use very low flow drip type irrigation systems when no emitter produces more than 2 gallons of water per hour. This provision also does not apply to watering or irrigating by use of a hand-held bucket or similar container, a hand -held hose equipped with a positive self- closing water shut-off nozzle or device, or for very short periods of time for the express purpose of adjusting or repairing an irrigation system.
3) Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions : All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the Water User’s plumbing or distribution system must be repaired within four days of notification by the City unless other arrangements are made with the City.
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6 4) Limits on Filling Ornamental Lakes or Ponds : Filling or re-filling ornamental lakes or ponds is prohibited, except to the extent needed to sustain aquatic life, provided that such animals are of significant value and have been actively managed within the water feature prior to declaration of a supply shortage level under this ordinance.
5) Limits on Washing Vehicles: Using water to wash or clean a vehicle, including but not limited to, any automobile, truck, van, bus motorcycle, boat or trailer, whether motorized or not, is prohibited except by use of a hand- held bucket or similar container, a hand-held hose equipped with a positive self-closing water shut-off nozzle or device, by high pressure/low volume wash systems, or at a commercial car washing facility that utilizes a re-circulating water system to capture or reuse water.
6) Limits on Filling Residential Swimming Pools & Spas: Re-filling of more than one foot and initial filling of residential swimming pools or outdoor spas with Potable Water is prohibited.
7) Other Prohibited Uses: The City may implement other prohibitions on water uses as determined by the City, after notice to Customers.
Section 76.4.090 Level 3 Water Supply Shortage – Emergency Condition a) A Level 3 Water Supply Shortage condition is al so referred to as an “Emergency” condition.
A Level 3 condition exists when the City declares a water shortage emergency and notifies its residents and businesses that a significant re duction in consumer demand is necessary to make more efficient use of water and respond to existing water conditions. Upon the declaration of a Level 3 Water Supply Shortage Emergency condition, the City will implement the mandatory Level 3 Conservation measures identified in this section.
A Level 3 Water Supply Shortage condition exists when the City notifies its Water Users that due to drought or other supply reductions, a Customer demand reduction exceeding 30% is necessary to make more efficient use of water and respond to existing water shortage conditions. Upon declaration of a Level 3 Water Supply Shortage condition, the City shall implement the mandatory Level 3 Conservation measures identified in this ordinance.
b) Additional Conservation Measures: In addition to the prohibited uses of water identified in Section 76.4.060, 76.4.070, and 76.4.080, the following water Conservation requirements apply during a declared Level 3 Water Supply Shortage Emergency:
1) No Watering or Irrigating: Watering or irrigating of lawn, landscape or other vegetated area with Potable Water is prohibited. This restriction does not apply to the following categories of use or to the use of Recycled Water providing it is available and may be lawfully applied to the use:
i) Maintenance of vegetation, including trees and shrubs, that are watered using a hand-held bucket or similar container, hand-held hose equipped with a positive self–closing water shut-off nozzle or device, or a very low-flow drip type irrigation system when no emitter produces more than 2 gallons of water per hour subject to the hour restrictions in Section 76.4.060 (a);
ii) Maintenance of existing landscape necessary for fire protection; iii) Maintenance of existing landscape for soil erosion control; iv) Maintenance of plant materials identified to be rare or essential to the well being of rare animals;
v) Maintenance of landscape within active public parks and playing fields, day care centers, school grounds, cemeteries, and golf course greens, provided that such irrigation does not exceed 2 days per week according to the schedule established in Section 76.4.080 (b)(1) and time restrictions in Section 76.4.060 (a) and (b); vi) Public works projects and actively irrigated environmental mitigation projects. 266
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7 2) Obligation to Fix Leaks, Breaks or Malfunctions : All leaks, breaks, or other malfunctions in the Water User’s plumbing or distribution system must be repaired within two days of notification by the City unless other arrangements are made with the City.
3) Discontinue Service : The City, in its sole discretion, may discontinue service to Customers who willfully violate provisions of this section.
4) Other Prohibited Uses: The City may implement other prohibited water uses as determined by the City, after notice to Customers.
Section 76.4.100 Procedures for Determination / Notification of Water Supply Shortage a) Declaration and Notification of Level 1 & 2 Water Supply Shortage:
1) The existence of Level 1, Level 2, and Lev el 3 Water Supply Shortage conditions may be declared by resolution of the City adopted at a regular or special public meeting held in accordance with State law. The mandatory Conservation requirements applicable to Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Water Supply Shortage conditions will take effect immediately upon adoption by the City Council.
2) In case of emergency, the City Manager will have the authority to declare a Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Water Supply Shortage condition subject to ratification by the City Council within 7 days or the order will have no further force or effect.
3) The City Council is authorized to impl ement mandatory Conservation requirements applicable to Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Water Supply Shortage conditions in order for the City to comply with water use restrictions imposed by federal, state or regional water agencies or respond to emergency water shortage conditions.
Section 76.4.110 Other Provisions
a) Commercial Car Wash Systems : Effective on January 1, 2012, all commercial conveyor car wash systems must have installed and operational re-circulating water systems, or must have secured a waiver of this requirement from the City.
b) Large Landscape Areas – Rain Sensors : Effective January 1, 2012, Large Landscape Areas, such as parks, cemeteries, golf courses, school grounds, and playing fields, that use Landscape Irrigation Systems to water or irrigate, must use Landscape Irrigation Systems with rain sensors that automatically shut off such systems during periods of rain or irrigation timers which automatically use information such as evapotranspiration sensors to set an efficient water use schedule.
c) Construction Purposes: Recycled or other approved non-Potable Water must be used for construction purposes when available.
d) Limits on Building Permits : The City will limit or withhold the issuance of building permits which require new or expanded water service, except to protect the public health, safety and welfare, or in cases which meet the City’s adopted Conservation offset requirements.
e) Water Recycling Required if Alternative Available : The use of Potable Water, other than Recycled Water, is prohibited for specified uses after the City has provided to the Customer an analysis showing that Recycled Water is a cost-effective alternative to Potable Water for such uses and the Customer has had a reasonable time, as determined by the Public Works Director, to make the conversion to Recycled Water.
f) Water Recycling – New Service: Prior to the connection of any new water service, an evaluation must be done by the City to determine whether Recycled Water exists to supply all or some of the water needed and Recycled Water must be utilize to the extent feasible. 267
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8 Section 76.4.120 Hardship Waiver
a) Undue and Disproportionate Hardship: If, due to unique circumstances, a specific requirement of this Article would result in undue hardship to a Person using water or to property upon which water is used, that is disproportionate to the impacts to Water Users generally or to similar property or classes of Water Users, then the Person may apply for a waiver to the requirements in accordance with administrative procedures established by the City.
Section 76.4.130 Penalties and Violations
a) Misdemeanor: Any Person who violates any provision of this Article is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 30 days, or by a fine not exceeding $1,000, or by both fine and imprisonment.