Agenda Item Wording:
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Consider re-authorization of Stage 2 of the Visalia Water Conservation Ordinance and adopt resolution 2022-18.
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Deadline for Action: 4/4/2022
Submitting Department: Administration
Contact Name and Phone Number: Rhett Anderson, 1-(559)-713-4530
Department Recommendation:
Due to the severe and continuous drought conditions in the western United States, it is the recommendation of the department that the Counsel move to adopt Resolution 2022-18 re-authorizing Stage 2 of the Visalia Water Conservation Ordinance, effective April 4, 2022.
Background Discussion:
The western United States, specifically in California, alternating cycles of drought heavy precipitation are typical of this region. Tulare County specifically has observed record years of drought saw a record low of precipitation in water year 2021 (October 1, 2020 - September 30, 2021), and as a result, City Counsel voted to move into Stage 2 of the Visalia Water Conservation Ordinance (Ordinance), “Water Alert”. As per the ordinance, “Stage 2 shall terminate one year after implementation unless reauthorized by the City Council by resolution.”
Stage 2 of the Ordinance is characterized by tighter restrictions on outdoor water use. Restrictions include reduction of total watering days per week from 3 days per week to two days per week, and a complete elimination of irrigation of ornamental turf grasses in the months of December, January, and February. Additional rules and regulations can be found in Section 13.20.070.B. of the attached Ordinance. The varying stages of the Ordinance were intended to reduce the outdoor use of water resources available to the City of Visalia (City), and in turn reduce the overall consumption of water resources and reduce the negative impacts of overdraft. As a groundwater reliant municipality, the City derives its water supply almost exclusively from the underground aquifer. When water resources are extracted from the underground aquifer more quickly than they can be replaced it is considered overdraft and can have a multitude of negative impacts associated with it. The City is particularly vulnerable to groundwater depletion, subsidence, and impacted groundwater quality.
The City has monitored its groundwater levels since the mid-1900s. Over the course of the last 70 years, a significant decrease in groundwater elevation has been observed in the underlying aquifer beneath the City. The lowering groundwater table has been attributed to overdraft. Of the many efforts of the city and surrounding agencies to reduce groundwater consumption, limiting irrigation days for Visalia residents has been one way the City has been able to reduce its overall consumption.
The City has also taken efforts to manage its water resources in a responsible and effective manner. One way of maximizing the utility of water extracted from the aquifer is to recycle all sewage water and exchange this tertiary water for clean supplemental surface water. However, the City is unable to re-capture the vast majority of water used outdoors, as this water is eventually returned into the atmosphere where it is carried beyond the subbasin where it can no longer benefit the areas within city limits. Because the City knows know how much water is used indoors by residents of the City, staff can also calculate the amount of water used outdoors by comparing the amount of water extracted and the amount of water returned to the Wastewater Treatment Facility. A comparison of water used outdoors v. indoors can be seen in Table 1.
The City did, however, reduce the total amount of water used outdoors in the year 2021, at 56% of total water used compared to the year prior at 61% in 2020. Because water used outdoors for the purposes of landscape irrigation water that is considered irrecoverable, it is crucial that the city continue to implement key water conservation policies and programs to continue to reduce water waste and improve water use efficiency.
While the current drought conditions could warrant consideration of the next stage of the water conservation ordinance, the State recently issued new guidance for water providers, in Visalia’s case, California Water Service. Since the guidance was just issued last week, it is unclear what it will require, and how Cal Water will respond. Rather than trying to implement a new stage at this point, staff will work with Cal Water to determine, what may be needed given the new guidance and bring that information back to Council.
Fiscal Impact:
N/A
Prior Council Action:
March, 2021 - Stage 2 of the Water Conservation Ordinance was implemented, by recommendation of staff. July 2020 - City Council approved a transition into Stage 2 of the Water Conservation Ordinance to take effect in March of 2021. October 2019 - City Council approved minor amendments to the Water Conservation Ordinance. August 2017 - City Council approved a transition into Stage 1 of the Water Conservation Ordinance. April 2017 - Reauthorization of Stage 2 of the Water Conservation Ordinance. May 2016 - The City Council adopted the new Water Conservation Ordinance and reimplementation of Stage 2. June 2015 - Adoption of the revised Water Conservation Ordinance and implementation of Stage 2.
Other: N/A
Alternatives: City Council may choose to take no action on this item, consequentially reverting the City of Visalia back to Stage 1 of the water conservation ordinance.
Recommended Motion (and Alternative Motions if expected):
recommendation
I move to adopt Resolution 2022-18 reauthoring state 2 of the Visalia Water Conservation Ordinance.
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Environmental Assessment Status
CEQA Review: N/A