Agenda Item Wording:
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First Reading of Ordinance 2023-07 amending the Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 13.20, Water Conservation, to partially exempt groundwater users subject to the jurisdiction of and regulation by the Mid Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
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Deadline for Action: None
Submitting Department: Administration
Contact Name and Phone Number: Rhett Anderson, (559) 713-4530
Department Recommendation: It is the recommendation of staff to City Council to approve the amendment to the Visalia Municipal Code, Chapter 13.20, Water Conservation, to allow for the partial exemption from portions of Sections 13.20.060 and 13.20.070 for groundwater users subject to the jurisdiction of and regulation by the Mid Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency (MKGSA). The changes would encourage these users to enroll with the MKGSA if they have not already done so and would allow greater flexibility to manage their use than the City’s landscape irrigation provisions of Chapter 13.20 currently allow. Staff is recommending this change because it encourages a collaborative approach with the user and the MKGSA that should provide flexibility in meeting the needs of the user while still meeting the intent of Chapter 13.20.
Background Discussion:
The City of Visalia has had a longstanding dedication to the conservation of water resources. This was demonstrated in the adoption of the Water Conservation Ordinance, which outlined appropriate uses of water for City residents and commercial properties alike. As a groundwater reliant municipality, the City of Visalia has experienced significant groundwater declination since record keeping began in 1948, at an average of 10 feet below ground level. This is a stark difference from the City’s most recent recording in June, 2023. This reading reported an average groundwater elevation at 149.7.
In efforts to better manage the groundwater resource below the City, staff recommends that the Visalia Water Conservation Ordinance be changed to allow for specific irrigation exemptions for individuals or entities that are subject to the jurisdiction of and regulation by the Mid Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency (MKGSA). The exemption would apply to current restrictions on time of day in which irrigation is allowed, days in which irrigation of turf grass is permitted, and additional restrictions of certain practices such as overseeding, which is currently prohibited in Stage 2 of the water conservation ordinance. The specific exemptions will no longer hold eligible parties to sections 13.20.060.A, B, C and D, 13.20.070.A.1 and A.3, 13.20.070.B.1 and .2, 13.20.070.C.1 and C.3, and/or 13.20.070.D.1 and .2. This amendment to the Water Conservation provisions of the Visalia Municipal Code is only a specific exemption targeted for a specific and very limited type of groundwater user and will not alter any previously established requirements in Chapter 13.20 for the typical Visalia water user.
Allowing large groundwater users that have their own irrigation water source to avail themselves to this proposed exemption is intended to foster a more holistic and collaborative approach to groundwater management by and between the user, the City, and the MKGSA. The GSA operates under a unified plan, facilitating integrated groundwater management, and allowing coordinated efforts among different stakeholders. By embracing this framework, the City can align its conservation strategies with broader regional goals, creating a more efficient and effective water management system. By allowing for these exemptions subject to collaboration with the user and the MKGSA, we can more accurately monitor groundwater usage within the City. At the moment, the City does not have an accurate method for measuring water consumption of large landscapes and sports fields. These entities, often heavy water consumers, have a vested interest in maintaining sustainable water supplies. Their regulation by the GSA will encourage them to actively participate in conservation initiatives, including sharing best practices, adopting water-saving technologies, and implementing water-efficient irrigation systems. Incentivizing large groundwater users in the City to enroll in the GSA ensures that these significant water users operate under appropriate regulatory oversight. The GSA's monitoring and reporting mechanisms will help track their water usage, enabling the City to identify trends, set usage targets, and enforce regulations effectively. Such oversight ensures that these entities contribute responsibly to the city's broader water sustainability goals. Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, the GSA framework allows for more flexibility and customized water management strategies. Each large groundwater user can develop and implement unique water-saving plans tailored to their specific needs and operations. This adaptability enables businesses and institutions, including golf courses, to adopt sustainable practices while still accommodating their operational requirements.
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Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Prior Council Action: The City of Visalia City Council lasted edited the Water Conservation Ordinance in November of 2019.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: City Council may choose to take no action on this item.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to approve the first reading of Ordinance 2023-07 amending the Visalia Municipal Code Chapter 13.20, Water Conservation, to partially exempt groundwater users subject to the jurisdiction of and regulation by the Mid Kaweah Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
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Environmental Assessment Status: N/A
CEQA Review: N/A
Attachments: Water Conservation Ordinance, Original
Water Conservation Ordinance, Proposed