RULES AND REGULATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE
3.	DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT OF POLICY REGARDING INSTALLATION OF DUAL PLUMBING SYSTEMS IN A STRUCTURE
Meeting Date:		August 4, 2008
From:		Darby Fuerst,
		General Manager
Prepared By:		Stephanie Pintar

SUMMARY: It has been the District’s administrative practice to allow different water sources to supply water for separate structures (i.e. caretaker, auxiliary unit) on a property. This practice allows both well water and potable water from another distribution system to provide supply. Usually, this occurs on properties that have water supplied by California American Water (CAW) and where a single-connection water distribution system (i.e., private well) is also available on site. The District’s administrative practice is to issue a water permit when a new structure is physically separate from the structure(s) served by CAW. This practice usually occurs when there are inadequate CAW water credits available on the site or when the jurisdiction has inadequate water in its allocation to supply the proposed project. A separate and distinct Board-approved policy allows the use of water from non-CAW sources to fill swimming pools. Staff is seeking direction from the Rules and Regulations Review Committee on the practice for allowing distinct water supplies in separate structures, and dual plumbing (i.e., separate plumbing for each water supply source) within a single structure.

Dual plumbing is an increasingly prudent option for optimizing water supply, particularly if two water sources are available for a site. The Monterey County Department of Environmental Health (MCDEH) recognizes that dual plumbing for use of grey water or for recycled water should be available for outdoor irrigation uses. However, MCDEH does not yet sanction the use of grey water or any other water source that does not meet drinking water standards for interior uses at this time. MPWMD should consider petitioning MCDEH to change its policy on interior use of grey or recycled water for non-potable uses.

RECOMMENDATION: The Rules and Regulations Review Committee should discuss the concept of modifying the District rules to allow dual plumbing and consider taking a position on grey water and dual plumbing. Staff should be given direction on future action on this matter.

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