Agenda Item Wording:
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Consider reauthorization of Stage 2 of the Visalia Water Conservation Ordinance and adopt resolution 2023-06.
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Deadline for Action: 4/4/2023
Submitting Department: Administration
Contact Name and Phone Number: Rhett Anderson, (559) 713-4530
Department Recommendation:
Due to persistent and alternating dry and wet years in the Central Valley, it is the recommendation of staff to re-authorize stage 2 of the Water Conservation Ordinance by resolution 2023-06.
Background Discussion:
In the western United States, specifically in California, alternating cycles of drought and heavy precipitation are typical. Tulare County specifically has observed record years of drought and saw a record low of precipitation in water year 2021 (October 1, 2020 - September 30, 2021). As a result, City Council 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 was then re-authorized by City Council on April 4, 2022 due to persistent drought conditions.
Stage 2 of the Ordinance is characterized by restrictions on outdoor water use. Restrictions include reduction of total watering days per week from 3 days per week to two days per week as compared to stage 1, 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). Which, 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 extract...
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