HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - Water Conservation - 04/22/2016Water Conservation Standing Committee
April 22, 2016 - 1:30 PM
31111 Greenspot Road, Highland, CA 92346
AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC COMMENTS
NEW BUSINESS
1.Water Conservation Update
ADJOURN
PLEASE NOTE:
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54954.2(a), any request for a disability-related modification or
accommodation, including auxiliary aids or services, that is sought in order to participate in the above-
agendized public meeting should be directed to the District Clerk at (909) 885-4900 at least 72 hours prior
to said meeting.
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item #1.
Meeting Date: April 22, 2016
Discussion Item
To: Water Conservation Standing Committee Members
From: General Manager/CEO
Subject: Water Conservation Update
BACKGROUND / ANALYSIS:
State Water Resources Control Board
All water agencies within the State of California are required to comply with emergency drought regulations
implemented by the State Water Resources Control Board through an Executive Order from Governor Jerry
Brown. Originally, the mandates were set to expire in April 2016, however on February 2, 2016, the regulations
were extended until October 31, 2016 due to the continued presence of the drought emergency.
With the regulation extension, the State Water Resources Control Board established two opportunities for
water agencies to request a reduction in their conservation percentage, population growth and climate up to a
total of 8%. Staff reviewed all the factors that would allow the District to qualify for the proposed adjustments
to reduce the District’s conservation standard.
District staff had been prepared to request a climate adjustment, however, during the processing period, it was
discovered that the State miscalculated climate data for Region 9, which included East Valley Water District.
This automatically resulted in a 2% reduction in our conservation standard which lowered the District’s
mandate to 26% addressing the need to request a modification.
The District submitted for a population growth adjustment due to an increase in total accounts and the
consolidation of two mutual water companies since 2013.The State Water Resources Control Board staff
reviewed the information submitted by the District and approved a 4% reduction which lowered our water
conservation standard to 22%.
As originally scheduled, the State Water Resources Control Board will be reviewing the mandatory regulations
in May to determine additional changes, if any, that would be incorporated into the regulation. Recent storms
may allow for restriction to be maintained or modified or even potentially lifted.
Water Conservation Commission
In order to encourage positive interactions, the Board of Directors went above and beyond to establish a
process that maintained open lines of communication by creating a Water Conservation Commission to
provide an opportunity for residents to appeal water supply shortage violations and make recommendations on
their enforcement to the Board of Directors. The committee was originally established to consist of three
District residents appointed for two year terms. However, based on the level of interest and the quality of
candidates, the Board recently approved all five of the candidates be allowed to serve on the committee. Below
is a schedule of the orientation process over the next quarter to ensure that the commission members have a
strong foundational understanding of the District, its operation, the drought emergency, and function of the
commission.
Conservation Commission Orientation Schedule:
Session 1: East Valley Water District 101
• April 14, 2016 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm
Session 2: Using Water Efficiently: Regional Water Resource
• April 28, 2016 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm
Session 3: Using Water Efficiently: Conservation and the Drought
• May 12, 2016 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm
Weather Based Irrigation Controller (WBIC) program
With the success and the popularity of the District’s weather based irrigation controller (WBIC) installation
program, staff is in the process of modifying the existing contract with Dwayne Anthony to continue
scheduling and installing WBIC units for customers that qualify for the program. The original program budget
was $75,000 and will be increased to $100,000 which will allow staff to continue approving and scheduling
installation through the remainder of the fiscal year. To date over 180 applications have been received and
about 133 units have been successfully installed. This program has assisted customers in reducing their
outdoor watering and irrigate according to weather at no cost to them in an effort to conserve water.
AGENCY IDEALS AND ENDEAVORS:
Ideals and Endeavor I - Encourage Innovative Investments To Promote Sustainable Benefits
(A) - Develop projects and programs to ensure safe and reliable services
(B) - Manage and identify methods to conserve natural resources
Ideals and Endeavor III - Demonstrate Visionary Leadership To Enhance District Identity
(A) - Promote community involvement and educational opportunities
(B) - Strengthen regional, state and national partnerships
(C) - Utilize innovative communication methods
(D) - Respect and preserve regional heritage
Ideals and Endeavor IV - Fully Understand Challenges To Cultivate Effective Solutions
(D) - Embrace an environment of active learning and knowledge sharing
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Water Conservation Update Presentation Presentation
CONSERVATION
PROGRAM UPDATE
April 22, 2016
RESERVOIR LEVELS
•Department of
Water Resources:
“March Miracle” of
heavy rain fueled by
El Nino has filled
many of Northern
California's Lakes.
•Statewide
Reduction 23.9%
2
STATEWIDE SNOWPACK COMPARISON
3
5%87%
CONSERVATION TIMELINE
4
MANDATORY SYSTEM REDUCTION
Month Total System
Reduction
June 2015 37%
July 2015 35%
August 2015 27%
September 2015 24%
October 2015 18%
November 2015 16%
December 2015 13%
January 2016 19%
February 2016 -1.5%
March 2016 21%
26%28%
CUMULATIVE
TOTAL TO DATE
21%
New Water
Conservation
Mandate = 22%
WBIC PROGRAM
6
Program Began October 2016
Original Program Budget $75,000
180+ Applications Received
Reduces Outdoor Watering
Irrigates According to Weather
Program Budget Increase $100,000
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
•Turf Removal
–232 Approvals
–170 Completed
•San Bernardino Sports
Complex
–Weather Based Irrigation
Controller Installation
•East Highlands Ranch
–255,980 sq. ft. Approved
for Removal
•Valencia Lea
–40 WBIC Controllers
7
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS
•Spring Conservation Workshops
–WBIC Basics
–Gardening Basics
–Efficient Irrigation Systems
•Water Saving Garden Friendly
Home Depot Plant Sale
–May 21, 2016 San Bernardino
–June 4, 2016 Redlands
•QWEL Program
–Spring Quarter at CSUSB
8
WATERING RESTRICTION VIOLATIONS
9
18
90
312
200
139 140
179
September October November December January February March
NUMBER OF VIOLATIONS
1078
Total
Violations
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
10
•Session 1:
East Valley Water District 101
April 14, 2016
6:00pm-7:30pm
•Session 2:
Using Water Efficiently,
Regional Water Resource
April 28, 2016
6:00pm-7:30pm
•Session 3:
Using Water Efficiently, Conservation
and the Drought
May 12, 2016
6:00pm-7:30pm
OUTREACH EFFORTS
11