San Diego County Grand Jury • 2007-2008 • Agency Response
Response to: Past Grand Jurors Association Implementation Review Board

Water Conservation: Sober up the Party is Over.*

Published: May 12, 2008 31 pages
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Findings 6 findings

F1
Water conservation would be increased if all users' rates were put into tiered block structures. Mayor's Response: Partially Disagree. Tiered block rates provide a disincentive to use a lot of water for some customers, and thus can lead to reduced water consumption. However, not all users can be put into tiered block rates since customers vary in size and type of water use. For example, for commercial/industrial users, a tiered block rate structure would not necessarily impact the amount of water they use for business operations since consumption is more a function of business type and scope, rather than a result of discretionary water use. Health facilities may not have the ability to significantly lower water consumption for health reasons. Industrial customers who have water as a manufacturing ingredient could be unfairly impacted by a tiered block rate structure. For the restaurant industry, water usage and therefore rates, would be different for a larger restaurant (50 plus tables) than smaller restaurants (10 or fewer tables). Depending on how big the restaurants are, conservation measures may not be enough of an incentive to knock them into the lower tiers. Because customers within these classifications are so diverse, it is difficult, if not impossible, to design an equitable tiered block structure for all users. IBA Recommendation: Join the Mayor's Response.
F2
Mandatory water restrictions in a Stage 2 water alert should be made permanent. Mayor's Response: Disagree. The San Diego Municipal Code clearly specifies the course and sequence of actions necessary to implement water conservation measures in the City. Mayor Sanders has been following the Code and has been actively working to encourage far greater water conservation throughout the city. ATTACHMENT To date, neither the City's Water Department, the San Diego County Water Authority (CWA) or the Metropolitan Water District have called for, nor implemented mandatory restrictions on water use. However, as part of a regional supply management effort, the San Diego CWA has been working with the local water agencies on a Regional Drought Model Ordinance with the objective of recommending a more consistent, region-wide approach to water use restrictions in the event of supply shortages and to consider which, if any, restrictions should be made permanent. Water agencies are not obligated to adopt the CWA model drought ordinance, but are encouraged to review it for consideration. The City is currently reviewing the model ordinance for possible incorporation into its existing drought response plan set out in Municipal Code. It is anticipated that provisions of the Regional Drought Model Ordinance may come forward for Council consideration in early Fiscal Year 2009. IBA Recommendation: Join the Mayor's Response.
F3
The City of San Diego faces bleak prospects for the future in terms of the chance of growth colliding with the projected long-term dwindling of water supplies at reasonable cost. Mayor's Response: Disagree. There is no doubt that the City of San Diego's water supply reliability is challenged but it is far from bleak. San Diego has proactively conserved water since the early 1990's. As a result, the City of San Diego has added more than 270,000 residents since 1987 without increasing overall demand for water. In this time, the City has also improved its plumbing regulations, increased its water conservation programming and worked closely with the San Diego County Water Authority to develop a long-term plan for water supplies to the City. For example, in 2003, the Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA) established two major water supply reliability programs for the San Diego region. First, San Diego will have an additional 77,700 acre-feet per year (AFY) of dedicated Colorado River water supplies established by 2009, upon completion of the canal lining projects in the Coachella and All- American canals. Second, a permanent water transfer from the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) to the Water Authority was established. The ramp-up schedule for the water transfer currently transfers 50,000 AFY from the IID to the Water Authority. By 2021, the maximum annual water transfer will be achieved and the Water Authority will purchase 200,000 AFY of transfer water every year from the IID. Combined with ongoing conservation programs and the development of local supplies, the QSA program will reduce the San Diego region's dependence on the Metropolitan Water District from 76% in 2007 to 29% in 2020. IBA Recommendation: Join the Mayor's Response
F4
The cost of laying purple pipe versus the current low cost of recycled water is inhibiting the extension of purple pipe systems. ATTACHMENT Mayor's Response: Partially Agree. The challenge to connect new customers to the recycled water system extends beyond the recycled water rate and cost to build new pipelines. While new development is conditioned to install recycled water pipelines in anticipation of future delivery (which keeps the cost in line with anticipated costs for new construction), costs can be quite high for existing potable customers interested in retrofitting their current plumbing system to accept recycled water. The rate currently charged by the City for recycled water is $350 per acre foot, approximately 30 percent of the rate charged to commercial and industrial customers for potable water. The low rate for recycled water does limit the City's ability to expand the recycled water pipeline system. IBA Recommendation: Join the Mayor's Response.
F5
Recycled water could be used for reservoir augmentation. Mayor's Response: Disagree. Augmentation of reservoirs with recycled water has not yet been approved by California state regulators. Additional study and demonstration of treatment technologies is required to secure the necessary state permits for reservoir augmentation. Funding for this strategy was not identified in the water rate case approval by Council in 2007. IBA Recommendation: Do not join the Mayor's Response and instead respond with the following: Partially Agree. While reservoir augmentation has not yet been approved by California State regulators, the City Council has directed the Mayor to develop a plan for the implementation of the NC-3 strategy, as set forth in the 2006 Water Reuse Study. The NC-3 strategy includes full-scale implementation of reservoir augmentation. The Water Department is currently undertaking a project scoping effort in order to implement a 12- month Advanced Water Treatment (AWT) demonstration project, as directed by City Council. The Scoping Study will identify regulatory requirements, project costs, public notification requirements, and optimum project scheduling in order to complete the demonstration project. The AWT demonstration project will obtain information required for regulatory approvals for conducting reservoir augmentation. The study will also provide additional details and considerations not evident at this point and help refine the approach to reservoir augmentation. If the AWT demonstration project is successful and the required regulatory approvals are given, recycled water may be used for reservoir augmentation at some point in the future.
F6
The City Council of San Diego has recently approved of a "pilot study" on the reuse of reclaimed water as potable water. This pilot study calls for the San Diego Water Department to conduct reservoir augmentation for a period of one year to assess the viability of this as an available option for increasing San Diego's available water. ATTACHMENT Mayor's Response: Partially Disagree. The San Diego City Council approved the development of an implementation plan for the NC-3 strategy as set forth in the 2006 Water Reuse Study including but not limited to: 1. An independent energy and economic analysis of all water supply augmentation methods in the Long Range Water Resources Plan; 2. A current flow and detention study at the San Vicente Reservoir; and 3. A one-year indirect potable reuse demonstration project. The Council's action regarding the NC-3 strategy does not call for conducting reservoir augmentation, but rather for a demonstration project. Under the action, no water will be sent to the reservoir. IBA Recommendation: Respond with the following modification of the Mayor's Response: The San Diego City Council approved the development of an implementation plan for the NC-3 strategy as set forth in the 2006 Water Reuse Study including but not limited to: 1. An independent energy and economic analysis of all water supply augmentation methods in the Long Range Water Resources Plan; 2. A current flow and detention study at the San Vicente Reservoir; and 3. A one-year indirect potable reuse demonstration project. The Council's action regarding the NC-3 strategy does not call for conducting reservoir augmentation, but rather for a demonstration project, as a first step in receiving the regulatory approval that would be required to implement and conduct full-scale reservoir augmentation. Under the current action, no water will be sent to the reservoir. . . . . Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego for the Regular Meeting of Monday, October 29, 2007 KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND PROJECTED IMPACTS: Key stakeholders include all City water customers. Barrett/Haas Staff: Marsi Steirer - (619) 533-4112 <b>MEET</b> FILE LOCATION: COUNCIL ACTION: (Time duration: <math>5:12 \text{ p.m.} - 5:12 \text{ p.m.}</math>) MOTION BY COMMON CONSENT TO RECEIVE THE INFORMATION MATERIALS. Passed by the following vote: Peters-yea, Faulconer-yea, Atkins-yea, Young-yea, Maienschein-not present, Frye-yea, Madaffer-yea, Hueso-yea. ITEM-202: Water Reuse Study. (See Report to the City Council 06-100; Jim Barrett's 7/21/2006, memo; Ronald Coss's 5/31/2006, letter; Ronald Coss's 10/07/2005, Scientific Studies and associated resource material on Health Effects related to Water Reuse; Henry Abarbanel's 6/27/2006, letter; Henry Abardanel's 2/14/2006, letter; Joes Anderson's 3/07/2006, letter; Art Madrid's 2/09/2006, letter; Mark Lewis's 1/30/2006, letter; Diane Rose's 1/27/2006, letter; Crystal Crawford's 1/24/2006, letter; Mickey Cafagna's 1/17/2006, letter; Nick Inzunza's 1/11/2006, letter; Tom Smisek's 1/09/2006, letter.) <b>TODAY'S ACTION IS:</b> Take the following actions: (R-2008-382) ITEM VETOED BY MAYOR; TO BE RE-DOCKETED WITHIN 30 DAYS Requesting the acceptance of the Water Reuse Study Final Draft Report as fulfillment of the elements outlined in Resolution No. R-298781 dated January 13, 2004; Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego for the Regular Meeting of Monday, October 29, 2007 Directing the City Attorney to prepare the appropriate resolutions and/or ordinances in accordance with Charter Section 40. NATURAL RESOURCES AND CULTURE COMMITTEE'S RECOMMENDATION: On 7/26/2006, NR&C voted 4 to 0 to forward the Water Reuse Study to the full City Council; encourage more outreach by City staff on the issue by holding extensive public meetings and hearings, including evening meetings; and to hold at least one evening Natural Resources and Culture Committee workshop on the item. SUPPORTING INFORMATION: On January 13, 2004, the San Diego City Council (Council) directed the City Manager to conduct a study to evaluate options for increasing the beneficial use of the City's recycled water (Resolution R-298781). During the Council hearing, staff was directed to research and produce a report on specific opportunities for increasing recycled water use, to compile research studies on the health effects of various reuse options, and include a public participation component in the effort. The Study Final Draft Report outlines the process undertaken and includes, but is not limited to, details of stakeholder involvement and public outreach, developing criteria, refining options, formulating strategies and water quality research. The Water Department's Water Policy and Strategic Planning Division undertook implementation of the Study. The Department assembled a team of City staff, consultants and technical experts. Staff gave a presentation of Study activities to the Natural Resources and Culture Committee (NR&C) on July 20, 2005. The presentation included study options, criteria, public outreach activities, Independent Advisory Panel, and an update on the second City of San Diego Assembly Workshop on Water Reuse (Assembly) held the previous week. In that meeting, a description of public involvement activities and timeline of the activities was also presented. NR&C directed staff to present the same information to the Public Utilities Advisory Commission (PUAC). On November 21, 2005, the PUAC adopted a resolution supporting the Study effort. The resolution in part, acknowledged a completion of assignments in Resolution R- 298781. Staff presented the completed Water Reuse Study Final Draft Report to the NR&C on July 26, 2006. . Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego for the Regular Meeting of Monday, October 29, 2007 FISCAL CONSIDERATIONS: None. The Study was undertaken to provide a comprehensive analysis of potential water reuse strategies without making a recommendation for further funding. PREVIOUS COUNCIL COMMITTEE ACTIONS: A list of all the Council and Committee actions from August 1997 through November 21, 2005 is provided in detail in the Staff Report. In addition, the draft report was presented to the NR&C Committee on July 26, 2006. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND PUBLIC OUTREACH EFFORTS: City staff used a variety of ways to inform City residents about the Study. A key component was a 67-member stakeholder group, the City of San Diego Assembly on Water Reuse. The Assembly convened twice to discuss and provide input on the Study's direction and water reuse options. Assembly workshop statements support all options to increase the use of recycled water and, at Workshop II, the Assembly affirmed unanimous support for indirect potable reuse options. Public involvement activities also included a speakers bureau, stakeholder interviews, Study website, telephone survey, electronic news brief, a telephone hotline and informal opinion surveys. Media coverage has been very visible through exposure in local newspapers and television stations. An educational video on the Study airs on City TV, available on both local cable companies, and many copies of the video have been distributed in the community. Details are provided in the Staff Report. KEY STAKEHOLDERS: Stakeholders affected by each strategy are described in detail in the Staff Report and would include both City and non-City residents . Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego for the Regular Meeting of Monday, October 29, 2007 The Water Reuse Study is available at: http://www.sandiego.gov/water/waterreusestudy/involvement/fd2006.shtml Barrett/Haas Staff: Marsi Steirer - (619) 533-4112 MEET FILE LOCATION: (Time duration: <math>2:47 \text{ p.m.} - 3:00 \text{ p.m.}</math>; COUNCIL ACTION: 3:34 p.m. – 4:25 p.m.) Motion by Frye to adopt with direction to accept the Water Reuse Study and to direct the Mayor and staff to develop a plan for implementation of the NC-3 Implementation Strategy from the 2006 Water Reuse Study and to 1) Execute a one-year demonstration project to begin July 1, 2008; 2) Conduct a Current Flow and Detention Model Study at San Vicente; 3) Perform an Independent Energy and Economic Analysis to all water supply augmentation methods in the Long Range Water Resources Plan by July 1, 2008; 4) Lead an effort for community education and outreach to begin January 2008 and ensure that communities that have not had any presentations to be the first to start the education process and; 5) Return January 2008 to full City Council with an update of their progress including information on community outreach. Second by Madaffer. Passed by the following vote: Peters-yea, Faulconer-nay, Atkins-yea, Young-nay, Maienschein-not present, Frye-yea, Madaffer-yea, Hueso-yea. NOTE: THE RESOLUTION WAS VETOED BY THE MAYOR ON <b>NOVEMBER 14, 2007.</b> . . Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego for the Regular Meeting of Monday, October 29, 2007 ITEM-203: Recycled Water Master Plan Update 2005. STAFF'S RECOMMENDATION: Take the following actions: (R-2008-383) ITEM VETOED BY MAYOR; TO BE RE-DOCKETED WITHIN 30 DAYS Requesting approval of the Recycled Water Master Plan Update 2005 to comply with the City's Water Reclamation Ordinance (O-17327), adopted by the City Council on July 24, 1989 and incorporated into Municipal Code (Charter 66, Article 4, Division 8); Request that the Mayor develop an implementation strategy and capital improvement projects to accomplish the greatest amount of beneficial use recycled water as outlined in the Master Plan update; Directing the City Attorney to prepare the appropriate resolutions and/or ordinances in accordance with Charter Section 40. STAFF SUPPORTING INFORMATION: On July 24, 1989, City Council (Council) adopted Ordinance O-17327, adding to the Municipal Code Article 4, Division 8, Section 64.081 et. seq. The ordinance promoted the use of recycled water. Council also directed the City to prepare and adopt a Water Reclamation Master Plan to define, encourage, and develop the use of reclaimed water within its boundaries. The Master Plan is to be updated every five years. The last Updated Water Reclamation Master Plan was approved by the Council in 2000 with an update due in 2005. On June 24, 2003, City Council approved a Resolution (R-298116), directing the City to prepare an updated reuse master plan with the objective to maximize available use of recycled water produced at both the North City and the South Bay Water Reclamation Plants. Minutes of the Council of the City of San Diego for the Regular Meeting of Monday, October 29, 2007 On January 13, 2004, the Council adopted Resolution R-298781, directing the City to conduct a study evaluating all aspects of a viable increased water reuse program. In preparing the Water Reuse Study (Study), a series of technical memoranda were written to provide an indepth review of various topics pertinent to the study. The Recycled Water Master Plan Update 2005 was one of the technical elements and was incorporated in Section 5.1 of the Study. The Master Plan Update includes analysis of existing and future recycled water facilities and identification of recycled water customers near and or adjacent to the existing distribution system. The Master Plan Update also proposed distribution system expansion. FISCAL CONSIDERATIONS: None. The Master Plan was undertaken as an update to the 2000 plan without making a

Recommendations 10

* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.