HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC AG PKT 2014-02-24 #H AGENDA STAFF REPORT
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DATE: February 24, 2014
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
THRU: Jill R. Ingram, City Manager
FROM: Sean P. Crumby P.E., Director of Public Works
SUBJECT: RECEIVE AND FILE UPDATE TO WATER SYSTEM
SUMMARY OF REQUEST:
That the City Council receive and file the staff report as an update to the City's
water system.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS:
The City of Seal Beach serves domestic water to residents within the City. The
water service is an enterprise fund that operates through funds collected in bi-
monthly bills. The funds within the water fund do not fund City activities, nor are
City funds used to operate the Water System. The City of Seal Beach serves
water as a combination of water from the underground aquifer and imported
water from various sources.
Underground Aquifer
The underground aquifer in Orange County is managed by the Orange County
Water District. Seal Beach has access to the underground aquifer as one of 19
member agencies within OCWD. Seal Beach operates four wells within the City
limits and optimally pumps as much water as possible. The cost of the well water
is significantly lower than that of imported water. In 2014 it is estimated that 72%
of the water needed in Seal Beach will originate from this source.
Imported Water
The remainder of the water used in Seal Beach is brought in from outside the
area. Seal Beach is one of twenty eight (28) member agencies that belong to the
Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC). MWDOC is a water
wholesaler that provides water to its member agencies. By grouping with the
other agencies Seal Beach has increased buying power, lobbying strength, and
collective knowledge from the group.
Staff from Seal Beach attend and sit on committees within both organizations.
Agenda Item— H
Current Situation
On January 17, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown declared a Drought State of
Emergency. The declaration is intended to educate the state regarding the
intensity of the current drought and long term impacts from the lack of water.
The declaration requested a voluntary reduction of 20% from residents in
California. A reduction in water consumption allows the water that lies within
reservoirs throughout the state to extend the period at which water is available.
On January 31, 2014, Jeffrey Kightlinger, General Manager, Metropolitan Water
District (MWD), announced that allocations from the State Water Project will be
at zero for 2014. In working with the member agencies at MWDOC, the City of
Seal Beach will continue to receive imported water from reserves. If the drought
condition continues, these reserves will become depleted and the imported water
will not be received.
Water Conservation Measures
In June 2009 the City of Seal Beach adopted Ordinance 1586, which
incorporated water conservation measures into Title 9 of the Seal Beach
Municipal Code. The ordinance implemented mandatory changes that reduce
water consumption as follows:
• Private Property Leaks shall be repaired within 7 days;
• Runoff— No runoff from private property to sidewalks, streets, etc;
• Watering Duration — No more than 15 minutes per station (except for drip
irrigation);
• No washing down of hard surfaces except for safety or sanitary hazards;
• Re-Circulating water required for water fountains and water features;
• No single pass cooling systems; and
• No non-recirculating commercial car wash or laundry systems.
The ordinance also adopted a phased approach to how the City can respond in a
drought situation. Many cities have similar provisions and are considering
implementing the lowest of the phases. At this time, the current drought situation
is being monitored and should the need arise a recommendation to implement
Phase I measures.
The Public Works Department is currently reviewing water usage throughout the
City. The water usage within the City landscape areas has been reduced to
minimum levels. Additionally, the City is working with MWDOC and OCWD to
increase public awareness to the current situation.
Several initiatives are also underway to promote long term reduction of water
usage. It is anticipated that a new water and sewer rate study will begin during
the summer of 2014 looking for methods to fiscally encourage water reduction.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:
There is no Environmental Impact related to receiving and file of this item.
LEGAL ANALYSIS:
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved this item.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None with this item.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council receive and file the staff report as an update to the City's
water system.
SUBMITTED BY: NOTED AND APPROVED:
Sean P. Crumby, P.E. II Ingram,
Director of Public Works City Manager
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