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 mo...
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