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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-01-29; Municipal Water District; 075; Drought Response Plan4-l : . “; 2” UaJ “5 a .- CMWD - AGENDP-BILL AB#& TITLE: ? , MTG. l/29/91 DROUGHT RESPONSE PLAN DEPT. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Hear presentation and direct staff as appropriate. JTEM EXPL.ANATION: Staff will present information about the California drought situation. Attached is a proposed program for review and discussion. I FISCAL, IMPACT: Implementation of the various activities in drought response program may have a significant fiscal impact. The specific fiscal impact of each activity will be presented when the item is presented to the Board of Directors for action. ExHmTs: Proposed 1991 Drought Response Program. A CARLSBAD WATER ETHIC Recognizing that Carlsbad, California is in a coastal desert area of Southern California and; Recognizing that the City of Carlsbad’s water supply is imported from areas of Northern California and the Colorado River through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and through the San Diego County Water Au- thority and; Recognizing that water is a precious, natural resource and; Recognizing that the City of Carlsbad needs to promote the most reasonable use of our water through conservation and efficient practices and to discourage and prohibit any and all unreasonable uses of water; Now therefore be it resolved that the City of Carlsbad hereby adopts The Carlsbad Water Ethic which promotes fully the most reasonable, wise and effi- cient use of its water for all residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and governmental purposes. Promotion of the most reasonable uses include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Watering and irrigating areas in a manner that does not allow water to leave the user’s property by drainage onto adjacent properties or a public or private roadway or street due to excessive irrigation and/or neglect. 2. Irrigation of areas during the calm morning hours instead of the hottest part of the day when water loss due to excessive evaporation and wind is at its highest. 3. Repairing of any and all water system leaks rather than ignoring the leaks and allowing continual water losses. 4. Using a broom to clean driveways, sidewalks, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or other paved areas rather than use water through a garden hose or other device. (Exceptions would be to alleviate immediate safety or sanitation hazards.) 5. Using reclaimed/recycled water wherever and whenever available in- stead of using potable water supplies. January 1991 1991 DROUGHT RESPONSE PRO’GRAM As the 1991 calendar year begins and San Diego County faces a likely fifth year of drought, the Carlsbad Municipal Water District (District) is working to minimize the effects of the drought on its customers. On January 8, 1991, the Metropolitan Water District’s (MWD) Board of Directors voted to implement Phase III of its Incremental Interruption and Conservation Plan (IICP). This phase is calling for an overall fifteen percent reduction in water consumption from its member agencies. If this target is not met, agencies will be penalized with a 140 percent surcharge for every acre foot used over the base year of 1989-90 less a growth and con- servation factor. MWD is expected to de- clare a Phase IV (22% reduction) in March and a Phase V (29%) in April. In order to assist the customers of Carlsbad in their efforts to reach their reduction of water usage during the appropriate phase, the District has developed a comprehensive and well-rounded drought response plan that includes a variety of water-saving programs and emphasizes a widespread public informa- tion and education campaign. An aggressive, action-oriented strategy is needed to assure positive response and cooperation from District customers. It is necessary to target programs to every sector in the District’s customer base. Resi- dential water use represents 39 percent of total consumption in the District’s service area. Thus, industrial, commercial, irrigation and agricultural customers will also receive attention and assistance in order to reduce their water demands. This drought response plan contains four primary elements. The first, public informa- tion, will be a strong, sweeping effort inform- ing customers of the various programs avail- able through the District in order to accom- plish the necessary reduction in their water use. Monthly monitoring of customers’ efforts will appear on subsequent water bills and be published in local newspapers to report the District’s conservation status. A major component of this public education effort, and the second element of this plan, is the development of a “water ethic” for Carlsbad. This document will include various water habits that will not be allowed within Carlsbad under any condition. Some ex- amples of non-allowable uses consist of excessive irrigation of landscaping, watering during the hot portions of the day and other blatant wastes of water. The third component of this plan involves active, hands-on participation by the District in the areas of residential audits, large turf ir- rigation audits, and plumbing retrofits, as well as several other programs to be defined later in this document. The fourth and final ingredient to be added to this recipe for conservation success is the implementation of a rate structure designed to encourage water reduction. The intent of this new rate structure is not to increase revenues or force customers to cut water usage, but rather to illustrate the need for a new water ethic in Carlsbad in which resi- dents learn to value the importance of water as an increasingly precious resource. Implem- entation of the four components for the Carlsbad’s 1991 Drought Response Plan follow. PUBLIC INFORMATION & EDUCATION PROGRAMS Coordination with Neighboring Water 4s encies Carlsbad is served by three separate water agencies: Carlsbad Municipal Water District, Olivenhain Municipal Water District, and Vallecitos Water District. An objective of the drought response plan is to create a pro- gram that avoids possible confusion from the public’s perspective. Therefore, a concerted effort will be made to unify programs of the three agencies wherever possible. Monthly Conservation Reports In order to inform District customers on the progress of their conservation efforts as a community, monthly consumption reports will be developed and published in local newspapers and on water bills. Public Service Announcements Local television, radio and newspapers will be used for dissemination of pertinent water information. Billing Format Information on future water bills will be expanded to incorporate a variety of con- sumption-related data. This will include a comparison of previous year’s water usage during the same billing period, an itemization of charges, and an increased message area. Conservation Hotline A toll-free, 800 number will be installed to provide customers with specific information regarding personal consumption targets, available conservation programs, and addi- tional water-saving tips. MassMailing A newsletter will be distributed to all custom- ers informing them of the wide variety of District conservation programs, as well as detailed information on new rate structures. Special mailings will be sent to specific target groups informing them of unique programs to assist with their conservation efforts. An example would be notification of the availa- bility of large turf audits to homeowners associations and schools. Community Relations Programs A speakers bureau will be available to ad- dress community groups, such as homeown- ers associations, garden clubs, schools and scout troops on conservation methods. CONSERVATION PROGRAMS Typically, water conservation programs are targeted primarily to residential users. A sig- nificant component of the 1991 drought response plan is the creation of programs that apply to commercial, industrial, irriga- tion and agricultural customers as well as residential. Additionally, staff is researching various alternatives that will reduce demands placed on the water system by new develop- ment. Options include requiring reclaimed water to be used durng construction activi- ties, and having developers assist with the funding of water conservation programs throughout the District’s service area. These options will be discussed in greater detail at the January 29, meeting. Water Audits In addition to the traditional residential water audit, the District will provide staff to assist all users in the development of proce- dures that will reduce water consumption. * Showerhead Retrofit Leak Detection and Repair The District currently has on hand a supply of low-flow showerheads that will be distributed to pre-1981 dwellings. Even greater savings can be realized by the expansion of this program to hotels, motels and other commer- cial users. Large Turf Irrigation Audits Water management audits for landscape areas of five or more acres are currently being offered by the District. This program will continue and be expanded to include a mass mailing to all homeowners associations, schools and landscape management compa- nies. Toilet Rebate Program The District is presently rewarding customers who retrofit their old plumbing fixtures with an ultra-low-flush toilet (ULFT) by giving them a rebate of $100. This program will continue through fiscal year 1990-91 and will be augmented during the next fiscal year by participating in a joint program with the San Diego County Water Authority. The pro- posal outlined by the Authority includes the installation of low-flow showerheads to each rebate customer. Xeriscape Promotion The Parks and Recreation Department recently completed a landscape manual in which xeriscape principles are mandated for all new development landscaping. Also, dur- ing the upcoming 1991-92 fiscal year, an analysis of all City facilities will be performed to establish the feasibility of converting present landscapes into xeriphytic gardens. A leak detection and repair program is planned for fiscal year 1991-92 in conjunction with the Authority. A more comprehensive effort can be accomplished through joint funding of this program. At least one-third of the City’s oldest water mains will be in- spected during the first year of this conserva- tion endeavor. RATEsTRu- The goal of this facet of the 1991 Drought Response Plan is three-fold: 1) water conser- vation through pricing, 2) the establishment of equitable water rates, and 3) the genera- tion of necessary revenues to fund potential penalties issued from the adoption of the IICP by h4WD. Numerous rate alternatives are possible. The one that comes closest to meeting the previ- ously stated goals is a rate structure that, in essence, passes MWD’s IICP program down to the retail level. The proposed rate struc- ture will consist of two blocks. In comparison to the base year of 1989-90, a monthly target will be set equivalent to a fifteen percent reduction. A customer who meets this target will be charged at the first block rate of $1.01 per unit. Any usage above this amount will be charged at $2.02 per unit. This scenario will fund any penalties assessed to the Dis- trict if the fifteen percent reduction is not met by its customers. ASSDCIATED BUILDING lNDUSTRY ENGINEERING AND GENERALCONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF GENERALCONTRACTORS OFAMERICA SAN DIEGOCOUNTY ASSOCIATION 6336 GREENWICH DRIVE, SUITE F, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92122 (619) 587-0292 January 29, 1991 Support for Drought Response Plan and Other Activities Mayor Lewis CMWD Board of Directors Water Commissioners 1200 Elm Avenue Carlsbad, CA 92008 Dear CMWD Board and Commissioners: The purpose of this letter is two-fold: (1) to provide support for the Drought Response Plan; and (2) to let your Board and Commission know some of the water conservation activities our industries are committed to in Carlsbad and the region. First, however it is important to let you know the economic significance of the many construction related industries. CIF’s member associations, the Associated General Contractors, Building Industry Association and Engineering and General Contractors Association are truly multi-faceted. Our industry includes numerous “mini - industries” such as appliance manufactures: asphalt and concrete layers; builders; interior designers; masonries; cabinets makers; flooring professionals; electricians; plumbers; fencers; lighting specialists; lenders; remodelers; security systems; computer experts; landscapers; architects, accountants; maintenance/janitorial; and property owners to name only a few. Economic Base The economic base which the construction related industries provide is very significant throughout the region. Total jobs both direct and indirect = 108,068. Business activity = $7.52 Billion. Income (wages) = $2.54 Billion. New Property Tax Revenue = $52.3 million/year. State, and local income tax revenue = $249 million. The region greatly benefits because of the economic diversity and employment of the construction industries. Short and Long-term Water Conservation CIF is committed to short and long-term water conservation. For example, the total water used by the construction industries within CMWD from construction meters totals only 3% out of the total water deliveries, our industry is committed to reducing this amount even further through use of Best Management Practices on construction sites. See attachments7 and 2. Industry Commitments Our member associations, their thousands of employees, and families are also committed to long-term conservation. The following is a list of activities CIF is currently involved with and would like to begin working with District Staff on implementation: 1. Providing technical expertise on construction water conservation to the CMWD for use in the Drought Response Program; 2. Actively supporting the Carlsbad Water Reclamation Master Planning efforts; . 1 fjM u;t- -=-7 L/ z I/J y/9/. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. a. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. Providing support for the CWA Regional Capacity Fee on new development which ranges from $800 to $24,000 based on meter size. This revenue will assist with the Authority’s Capital Improvement Program designed to bring new water to our County; Working with the District Staff on the “New Potable Water Master Plan” to revise and update the major facilities charge on new development. This existing fee on development is proposed to increase 22% to $2,095 per EDU; Advocating changes to CMWD’s rate structure to provide inclining rates on water used by the construction industry. See atfachment 3 - CIF letter to Comfy Wafer Aufhorify Working with your Staff in developing a pilot program to assist existing homeowners to encourage installation of ultra low flow toilets and/or showerheads; Working with Escondido to grind down unwanted toilets and using them as a mix for road base and other construction materials thus off-setting the need for landfill disposal - if this program is feasible, CIF would like to see it expanded to include Carlsbad; Encouraging Carlsbad to move forward in an swift manner to adopt an ordinance accelerating the Jan.1, 1992 State Law requiring that all new construction install ultra low flow (1.6 gallon per flush) toilets; See sample ordinance - attachment 4. Actively supporting the installation of low flow water fixtures in all new development; Actively supporting the use of water efficient appliances in new development; Actively supporting the use of drought tolerant landscaping materials and using effective water irrigation techniques; Distributing a list of best management techniques designed to eliminate water waste and reduce water use on construction sites; see attachment 2. Educating thousands of the industries’ employees and families on “at home” and “on the job” conservation techniques. Three-way education: CWA, CMWD, and industry. Tailgate meetings, posters in job offices, bumper stickers, and post signs on jobs. Use speaker groups to educate companies. Supporting legislation at the state level to enhance reclamation / conservation. Conclusion Our industries do not take lightly the need to conserve water and recognize our highly visible role in these areas. CIF is confident that your continued action and the positive actions of the construction industries will ensure that goals will be attained without having to resort to measures that will carry with it adverse economic impacts for the City and region. These comments are provided on behalf of the thousands of employees and their families working for the AGC, BIA, and EGCA. CIF looks forward to working with Carlsbad on an effective and fair water conservation ethic. Resi Who Uses Carlsbad Water? CMMJD FY 1989 - 1990 Construction Water (3.0%) Source: CMVVD Side Note: The construction industries infused $7.5 billion into qur economy in FY 89’ - 90’. m Attachment 2 ASSOiiiATEO BUILDING INDUSTRY ENGINEERING AND GENERALCONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION OF GENERALCONTRACTORS OF AMERICA SANOIEGOCOUNTY ASSOCIATION CORilSTRUCTIOIII INDUSTRY FEDEBATIOI 6336 GREENWICH DRIVE, SUITE F, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA 92122 (619) 567-0292 ‘WATER CONSERVATION’ Best Management Practices for Construction Sites & Other Construction Industry Commitments To assist the many water districts in the region in attaining its water goals, CIF via its three member associations has initiated eflorts to put into place several conservation management practices as follows: A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. 0. P. Q. R. S. T. Minimize or eliminate washing of equipment. Use pressurized cleaning systems. Use CaC12 or other environmentally safe palbatives for dust on haul roads if appropriate or applicable. Agencies to schedule BAC-T tests and minimize loss of flushing water through water mains. Prohibit waste of water on site and eliminate run-off. Fix any leaking water systems. At night turn hydrant connections off to eliminate leakage. Schedule timing of water use to avoid peak hours. Sweep instead of hosing streets. Cover truckloads or use approved / environmentally safe palliatives for dust control. Use reclaimed water where available for compaction of earth backfill and dust control. Use approved / environmentally safe chemicals in waler trucks such as “Thin Water” or other liquid detergents to help penetrate resistant soils and minimize water usage. Use natural sources of water where available, such as existing well systems. Draw from storm drain systems, channels or ponds. Prohibit dumping of water remaining in tanker trucks at end of day. Avoid overfilling trucks. Request engineering assistance from Soils Engineer at site to determine if greater compactive effort can further minimize amount of moisture necessary to obtain required compaction. During winter months and rainy conditions scarify cut areas to catch and absorb rainfall so as to minimize imported water needs. Use efficient appliances in all new construction. Install ultra-low flow flush toilets in all new construction. Install low flow water fixtures in all new construction. Encourage the use of drought resistant and low water use plantings/landscaping Schedule irrigation after 6: P.M. or before 690 A.M - Use reclaimed water if available Support employee education efforts geared toward home water conservation for construction industry employees. This could be initiated through individual companies. Use tailgate meetings, posters in job offices, bumper stickers, and post signs on jobs. Use industry speaker groups to educate / encourage companies to conserve water at home and on the job. Revised III 7191 ASSOCIATED BUILOINGINOUSTRY ENGINEERING AN0 d (3 GENERACCONTAACTORS ASSOCIATION OF GENERALCONTRACTORS OF AMERICA SANDIEGOCOUNTY ASSOCIATION CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY FEDERATION 6336 GREENWICH DRIVE, SUITE F, SAN DIEGO. CAUFORNiA 92122 (619) 667-0292 FAX (619) 455-1113 January 23, 1991 Mr. Byron Buck County Water Authority 3211 Fifth Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 RE: CIF Proposed Conservation Alternatives to Regulate Construction Water The Construction Industry Federation appreciates this opportunity to outline for your consideration various conservation techniques to assist the Authority and its member agencies to achieve water conservation. CIF and its member agencies are 110% committed to assisting the CWA and its member agencies to achieve their goals -in a positive and equitable manner. The following alternatives are targeted at temporary construction water taken from fire hydrants through construction meters. The strategies may be used separately or together by member agencies depending upon the individual agencies’ technical ability to implement such programs. It is also very important to factually document the total water usage via construction meters for the particular district using the 1989 - ‘90 base year. This analysis will demonstrate to the District the magnitude of construction meter water used as compared to other customer classes. The alternatives are consistent with the Metropolitan Water District’s philosophy on conservation targets in that the alternatives encourage each member agency to adopt yearly conservation targets for construction meter water use. In setting the targets, the MWD uses 1989 - 90 as the base year for the CWA and its member agencies. MWD has made adjustments to the target quantities to reflect growth and development, changes in local water supplies, and significant conservation. If the construction industry meets their target goal, no surcharge will be assessed. 1 st Alternative - Conservation Goals.Surcharaes. and Best Manaaement Practices Agency Stage 1 Agency Stage 2 Agency Stage 3 Agency Stage 4 Agency Stage 5 !2Qd ase ate 5% t (age:cy base rate x 5%) 10% $ (agency base rate x 10%) 15% $ (agency base rate x 15%) 30% $ (agency base rate x 30%) Water by emergency declaration only These % saving goals can be adjusted upward based on meter use. Example, if Helix allocates 3% out of its total deliveries to meters, these goals are fair. However, if Otay allocates 12% out of the total, the goals should be adjusted upward to equitably reflect the magnitude of water allocated to temporary meters. ’ Examole 1 Construction Meters Total Usage for Base Year 1989-90 12 Units of Water Construction Meter Total Usage for 1990-l 991 10 Units of Water Aaen_cv % of Prior Uw taga Before Penalty e Before 95% 11.4 90% 10.8 85% 10.2 70% 8.4 Water by emergency declaration only No surcharges assessed No surcharges assessed No surcharges assessed Surcharges assessed oo 1.6 units of water Example 2 Construction Meters Total Usage for Base Year 1989-90 12 Units of Water Construction Meter Total Usage for 1990-l 991 15 Units of Water yof Before Penaltv w Before 1 95% 11.4 2 90% 10.8 3 85% 10.2 4 70% 8.4 5 Water by emergency declaration only Surcharges assessed on 3.6 units of water. Surcharges assessed on 4.2 units of water Surcharges assessed on 4.8 units of water. Surcharges assessed on 6.6 units of water 2nd Alternative - Limit Number of Construction Meters in the Field. Conservation Goals, and Best Manaoement Practices Stage 1 - Conservation goal of 5% Stage 2 - Water Alert - Conservation ooal of 10% Construction operations receiving water from construction meters or water trucks shall not use water unnecessarily for any purpose other than those required by the permit issuing authority. The District has the right to inspect all construction sites using water from a District meter for the efficient use of water. The District shall require all construction sites to adhere to Best Management Practices (BMP) when using construction meter water. Sample BMP’s are found as an attachment to this letter. After a letter of warning accompanied by a copy of this ordinance is presented to the customer, penalties and surcharges will be added to the customer’s bill. . . . m - Water Warnin<-;onservation aoal of 15% New Construction meters or permits for unmetered service shall not exceed the existing number of currently authorized meters or permits. A new meter shall be issued only when an old meter is returned. Construction operations receiving water from construction meters or water trucks shall not use water unnecessarily for any purpose other than those required by the permit issuing authority. The District has the right to inspect all construction sites using water from a District meter for the efficient use of water. The District shall require all construction sites to adhere to Best Management Practices (BMP) when using construction meter water. Sample BMP’s are found as an attachment to this letter. After a letter of warning accompanied by a copy of this ordinance is presented to the customer, penalties and surcharges will be added to the customer’s bill. m - Water Warning - Conservation aoal of 30% New Construction meters or permits for unmetered service shall not exceed the existing number of currently authorized meters or permits. A new meter shall be issued only when an old meter is returned. Construction operations receiving water from anstruction meters or water trucks shall not use water unnecessarily for any purpose other than those required by the permit issuing authority. The District has the right to inspect all construction sites using water from a District meter for the efficient use of water. The District shall require all construction sites to adhere to Best Management Practices (BMP) when using construction meter water. Sample BMP’s are found as an attachment to this letter. After a letter of warning accompanied by a copy of this ordinance is presented to the customer, penalties and surcharges will be added to the customers bill. a - Water Emergency - Water by emergency declaration only Conclusion The economic base which the construction related industries provide is very significant throughout the region. Total jobs both direct and indirect = 108,068. Business activity = $7.52 Billion. Income (wages) = $2.54 Billion. New Property Tax Revenue = $52.3 million/year. State, local and income tax revenue = $249 million. The region greatly benefits because of the economic diversity and employment of the construction industries. Our industries do not take lightly the need to conserve water and recognize our highly visible role in these areas. CIF is confident that your continued action and the positive actions of the construction industries will ensure that goals will be attained without having to resort to measures that will carry with it adverse economic impacts for the City and region. These comments are provided on behalf of the thousands of employees and their families working for the AGC, BIA, and EGCA. / Attachment s- BMP’s w00w0wvJcn OQCQQClr*t+ Q<uQQnww mm+-ccwm*s XiYF2PX”E g~fgmwo” r5a urn a I-h-Q tTomvr go- “UYwrn~~ -3 N 1 S55J; scflmma*~ “z: p d%J a,- ,6x”m ,g*c** =w urn* *,W@;;~w . @w@ W 3mm$ IguawgQr ;:ZwZ$w;; <w* mS” Y’S QLT +w 4- ;I a;$$.? l-tgw 0 +,a *zg $O;‘$ gx ‘ZW’9 S,&OC ~ggQO-- NW ?S m2,a aa *.a &-P < JQ 0) m rS3 D zg *pmg$ 9a.;rn~*~ 2 -cs:; wnr..J¶ a roo,rr w 2 E.0' 3 mu 329 zyu y;m:$?T YYYC3W~ 3. Additions or renovations of mare than 500 square feet to the habitable space of existing buildings. 4. Additions or renovations which add a swimmin!g pool to the premises. 5. Replacement on the same parcel by the owner of a dwelling or portion of a dwelling destroyed by fire or other calamity where there is a net increase of 500 square feet or more or where the replacement includes the installation of water closets. section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after the date of its passage, and before the expiration of fifteen (15) days after ita passage, a summary shall be published once with the names of the members voting for and against the same in the San Diego Daily transcript, a newspaper of general circulation published in the County of San Diego. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this day of I 1990. . : ;...r' ::d.t;hlliY ::'l"i:ls Lw:.,cL