CCMIN031715 - Laserfiche WebLink

PUBLIC HEARINGS AND OTHER MATTERS 11. Update on Stage 3 Water Shortage and Local Emergency Declaration Utilities Superintendent Dan Martin presented the drought update and recommendation to continue with the 90-day suspension of the Local Emergency Declaration. While conditions remain dry throughout the first quarter of 2015, the community's conservation efforts have yielded an 11% increase in water savings over the same period last year. He briefly reviewed historical rainfall levels, noting again that while December 2014 was a healthy month the first quarter of 2015 has been one of the driest and warmest on record. While much of central California is still in exceptional drought, northern California has seen some decent rainfall in its primary watersheds as compared to last year. Mr. Martin reported that on March 2, 2015 the Department of Water Resources increased the local allocation from 15% to 20%. While this number may yet change, it does potentially provide more flexibility as opportunities for water exchanges occur assuming that the South Bay Aqueduct remains open. Councilmember Pentin asked and Mr. Martin confirmed that the Zone 7 carryover water being accounted for reflects paper credits for water shipped south in previous years. Mr. Martin added that as long as the aqueduct remains open those credits can be used to divert water locally. He felt it unlikely that, with a 20% allocation from the state, anything short of an environmental stoppage would prevent access to that water. Mr. Martin continued his presentation stating that as a result of the scheduled deliveries the Td Valley can expect a water supply equaling approximately 60% of its regular demand. This is sufficient to meet the full estimated indoor usage of 24,000 acre feet as well as some outdoor irrigation needs. The remaining deficit of 8,300 acre feed will need to be addressed through additional conservation effort, increased groundwater pumping or possibly additional deliveries from the Department of Water Resources. Staff is asking that the public continue to conserve despite the temporary suspension of the local emergency. The State of California continues to maintain its voluntary reduction guidelines and prohibited activities and has recently made efforts to expand the scope of prohibited activities. Councilmember Olson asked if the staff report reflects today's announcement by the State. Mr. Martin said "no," noting that today's action does not take effect until later this year and does not include any prohibited activities not already covered by the city's local ordinance. Councilmember Pentin asked when the new measures take effect, noting that he receives repeated inquiries as to why the State is not requiring other jurisdiction to follow Pleasanton's lead. Mr. Martin explained that the State essentially took action to provide the necessary tools and guidelines for those agencies that don't already have a similar mechanism in place. The onus, however, will remain with each agency to achieve the conservation and eliminate the prohibited activities. City Manager Fialho stated that Director of Operations Services Smith spoke with the Director of the Department of Water Resources recently and asked whether the state has any plans to demand conservation this year. The answer was and will continue to be "no" for the coming year despite the prohibitions, largely because the geographical variability in available watershed and volume of water would place certain areas at a distinct disadvantage. City Council Minutes Page 3 of 9 March 17,2015