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receive. Therefore, the remaining water supply must come from the groundwater basin and pumped by wells. This is the reason for the 20% voluntary reduction request. Mr. Smith said residents have already been asked to reduce by 10%, and the request is not an additional 20% but 20% in total. However, staff encourages even more if possible. The reduction is voluntary at this point, and in looking out in 2009, staff does not anticipate having to go to a mandatory restriction because of the City’s available groundwater. The City offers programs such as free indoor water saving devices, low flow shower heads, kitchen aerators, toilet flappers, high efficiency toilet rebate programs, and through PG&E and Zone 7, residents are also eligible for washing machine rebates from $175-$200. About 56% of water used by residents is used inside their homes. He said staff was also available to also answer questions at their operations service center at any time. Mayor Hosterman said for those in the community who are on top of conservation, she questioned how the City ensures they are not penalized. Mr. Smith said this is a voluntary program and there is no penalty if the 20% is not reached. The city applauds and encourages those who do save water, and if we do move to mandatory reduction, the City Council will have input on the ordinance as to how this is done and what is compared against. Those conserving would be credited and not penalized. The Council can do a variety of things to institute water reductions; through prohibiting types of uses for watering, issuing citations and through rates. Councilmember Sullivan thinks it is important to know that all Councilmembers are on water boards, and it would be helpful to point out legal issues the State is facing. Zone 7 gets the majority of water from the State Water Project which pumps mountain and Delta water to Southern California. From a water supply standpoint, Pleasanton is in Southern California or on the discharge side of those pumps. When the judge came in and said there are major environmental issues in the Delta and the pumps need to be shut off, this is a major impact on our water supply and the City does not know the long-term effect of environmental issues, how long restrictions will be in place, and there are many questions. Water retailers for Pleasanton need to be cautious and careful in managing water supplies. In addition, he said all four of the water retailers in the Tri-Valley have also adopted the 20% voluntary conservation goal, as well, and are trying to address this in a comprehensive way. Mayor Hosterman agreed, said people are starting to plant gardens, and many landscapers and nurseries are on top of providing opportunities for planting native species and reducing water usage. Councilmember Sullivan noted the City recently adopted water conservation guidelines which address runoff as well as water conservation for parks and landscaping within the City and the City should lead by example. Mr. Smith agreed and commented that the Committee of Valley Water Retailers have agreed to take this to their individual councils. The only one left is Livermore’s and as the program is rolled out, it would be a joint press release to citizens in the Tri-Valley. The program would be kicked off and public education would follow. He said it is also important to walk the walk, said the Utilities Division has been involved in water conservation for the last few years and for them to save another 20% would be difficult. The Parks Department follows all rules and are proactive in automated systems to ensure over-watering does not occur. They have discussed how other departments can conserve further and the City is comprehensively trying to do everything it can to lead in this effort, and he said there is also a financial benefit as well. Councilmember McGovern requested displaying the three items the City gives away for free, and she confirmed the public could visit the Utility Division or Operations Service Center and receive all three devices. If they have two showers, they can receive two. She confirmed a kitchen aerator is a City Council Minutes Page 15 of 17 May 5, 2009