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In response to Councilmember Balch, Managing Director Repp confirmed the Semitropic Water <br /> Storage District (Semitropic) water through Zone 7 comes from the south through the aqueduct. This <br /> water has already flowed downstream but in any given year Zone 7 can store this water in the <br /> Semitropic. Other agencies use this water as well and there can be transfers between different water <br /> agencies. City Manager Fialho explained it is real water and belongs to Zone 7. It is termed "paper <br /> water" because when the water flows at normal rates, the exchange works, but it may have to come to <br /> the City in unique ways depending on the season. <br /> In response to Councilmember Balch, Director Yurchak reported the City is no different than any other <br /> resident and obligated to comply with the 15% restriction. The City's biggest water customer base is <br /> residential followed by irrigation customers which include the City for parks and other locales. <br /> Director Yurchak reported the City's Water Supply Contingency Plan (WSCP) adopted by the City <br /> Council in June is the fundamental link to Zone 7's water supply outlook. She noted the Annual Water <br /> Supply and Demand Assessment (AWSDA) is the reason they are recommending moving to Stage 2 <br /> which calls for an up to 20% reduction because the staff has confirmed they do not have an adequate <br /> supply for the foreseeable future. It is also the impetus for requesting the declaration of a local drought <br /> emergency. The outlook is for another dry year due to a La Nina weather system. A declaration allows <br /> for flexibility to respond quickly to changing situations and expedites procurement for equipment and <br /> construction. The City Council must be updated every 60 days on the status of the declaration. <br /> Director Yurchak advised the WSCP declaration of Stage 2 requires using water in a manner that does <br /> not result in runoff onto non-irrigated areas such as sideways and roadways. Stage 2 prohibits watering <br /> outdoors either during or within 48 hours of measurable rainfall, along with banning the use of potable <br /> water to wash driveways, sidewalks, or other hard surfaces. Stage 2 also prohibits washing vehicles <br /> without a hose equipped with a functioning shut-off nozzle and all decorative fountains and water <br /> features using potable water must be recirculating. All leaks or breaks must be repaired within eight <br /> hours of discovery, while all pools and spas must be covered when not in use to prevent evaporation <br /> and equipped with recirculating pumps. <br /> Director Yurchak reported Stage 2 modifications to customer usage. She advised the City will <br /> coordinate with the other Tri-Valley municipalities to have as much consistency in its stages as possible <br /> throughout the region. She provided an overview of the community outreach plans that including <br /> notices in utility bills. collaboration with Zone 7, social media. and other outlets. The City already offers <br /> robust conservation programs with rebates for things like low-flow devices. The City is also <br /> collaborating with Tri-Valley neighbors on a joint residential recycled water fill station expected to open <br /> in May or June of 2022. <br /> Director Yurchak reported staff is not recommending enacting water drought rates or impose excess <br /> use penalties. She advised future consideration for the City Council would be enacting water drought <br /> rates or excess use penalties. <br /> In response to Councilmember Balch, Director Yurchak confirmed the joint residential recycled water fill <br /> station would be in partnership with the Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD). Pleasanton <br /> makes up 8% of its potable water through recycled water so this is a savings of water compared to the <br /> last drought. There are currently no capital plans to expand the City's recycled water program, but the <br /> recycled water line down Valley Avenue was designed with continued expansion in mind. Further <br /> expansion would involve additional engineering and master planning. She reported the City has <br /> approximately 22,000 customers and needs about eight weeks to bill each group. <br /> Director Yurchak advised the City can reach out directly to high-volume water users. Staff believes 15% <br /> is an achievable conservation benchmark with outdoor irrigation being the simplest way to conserve. <br /> City Council Minutes Page 4 of 12 October 5. 2021 <br />