ITEM:		DISCUSSION ITEM
17.	PROPOSED EMERGENCY CONSERVATION REGULATIONS BY STATE WATER RESOURCES CONTROL BOARD
Meeting Date:			March 16, 2015	Budgeted:	N/A
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	N/A
			General Manager	Line Item No.:
Prepared By:			Stephanie Locke	Cost Estimate:	N/A
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: N/A
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: As the fourth year of a significant drought necessitates a state-wide call to action, the California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) is scheduled to consider amending and re-adopting drought-related emergency regulations related to urban water conservation. The SWRCB will consider an amended regulation (Exhibit 17-A) at its March 17, 2015 meeting. The Emergency Regulations Digest (Exhibit 17-B) provides details and background information on the current drought and explains and justifies the proposed restrictions on water use throughout the state.

The proposed regulation is likely to have minimal impact on the District, as most of the regulations have been in place on the Peninsula for many years. There are three noteworthy modifications that will affect water users within MPWMD: First, the new regulation prohibits irrigation for up to 48 hours after the completion of measurable precipitation. The exact timing (i.e., 24, 36, 48 hours, or some other timeframe) will be discussed at the March 17^th meeting. Compliance with this conservation measure will be supported by the District’s 2010 automatic irrigation system rain sensor requirement that is triggered by a property transfer or a Water Permit and by Cal-Am’s rain sensor installation program for large water users. The second addition to the regulations requires Cal-Am to provide prompt notice to a customer whenever Cal-Am obtains information that indicates a leak may exist on the customer’s side of the meter. Finally, Cal-Am will be required to undertake additional monthly reporting, including descriptive statistics on water conservation compliance and enforcement efforts.

The Emergency Regulation prohibits the following:

· Application of potable water to outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff onto adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots or structures;

· Use of potable water through a hose to wash vehicles, except where the hose is fitted with a quick acting automatic shut off nozzle;

· Application of potable water to driveways or sidewalks;

· Use of a fountain or other decorative water feature except where the water is part of a recirculating system;

· Application of potable water to outdoor landscapes during and up to 48 hours after measurable rainfall;

· Serving drinking water other than upon request in eating or drinking establishments, including but not limited to restaurants, hotels, cafes, cafeterias, bars, or other public places where food or drink are served and/or purchased.

· Hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily. Notice of this option must be displayed in each bathroom using clear and easily understood language.

The proposed regulation makes non-compliance an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $500 for each day the violation occurs. The District has additional Water Waste fees that are listed in Rule 60’s Fees and Charges table.

RECOMMENDATION: This is a discussion item only.

BACKGROUND: On July 15, 2014, the SWRCB approved an emergency regulation for urban water conservation. On July 28, 2014, the emergency regulation became effective. The emergency regulation expires on April 25, 2015.

EXHIBITS

17-A Proposed Text of Emergency Regulations

17-B Emergency Regulations Digest

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