Agenda Item Wording:
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Water conservation implementation responsibility transition to California Water Service – Authorize staff to proceed with transitioning the State of California water conservation compliance implementation fully to the local water purveyor, California Water Service.
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Agenda Date: 09/21/2026
Prepared by: Leslie B. Caviglia, City Manager, Leslie.caviglia@visalia.gov, 559-713-4332 Nick Bartsch, Public Works Director, nick.bartsch@visalia.gov, 559-713-4052
Department Recommendation: It is recommended the Visalia City Council authorize staff to begin to transition the responsibility for compliance with the State of California water conservation requirements to California Water Service (Cal Water), work with Cal Water to determine how the City can best work with Cal Water to educate citizens on the Company’s Water Shortage Continency Plan With Staged Mandatory Reductions And Drought Surcharges (see attachment). This could include modifying the City’s Water Conservation Ordinance to coordinate with the Cal Water regulations and programs, and understanding how to best inform Visalians on Cal Water’s adopted water conservation plan, conservation efforts and programs through Cal Water. The goal is to have the transition be fully effective on December 1, 2026.
Summary:
The State Water Resources Control Board implemented “Making Conservation a California Way of Life,” in January of 2025. This State framework establishes mandatory, individualized water use objectives for urban retail water suppliers, such as Cal Water, rather than regulating individual households directly. This regulation provides Cal Water with the responsibility and tools for meeting the State standards. The company adopted an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) in June of 2026 which includes specific water conservation measures and funding that is intended to meet the State standards. A link to the plan is provided here: VIS_2025_UWMP.pdf The Company recently no...
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