FY 2018-19 and 2019-20 Adopted Operating and CIP Budget

Water Conservation

650.5760

Division Description The Water Conservation Division works cooperatively with the Santa Clara Valley Water District on a variety of programs aimed at reducing water consumption. While the program typically focuses on long-term measures and approaches, as yearly consumption rates can vary significantly based on the temperature and rainfall experienced in the City, much effort was made in the past several years to respond to the drought and the Water District’s calls for mandatory conservation and water use reductions mandated by the State Water Resources Control Board. The State is currently experiencing relatively “normal” water supply conditions which would have signaled a reduction in work activities in the past. However, with the growing uncertainty in future water supplies anticipated due to climate change, seismic instability, and biological conditions, the entire State of California is now implementing some form of enhanced permanent water conservation activities. Staff is now collaborating with the District and other marketing partners to encourage water customers to use less water as a “way of life” and continue to seek new opportunities to enhance both water supplies and water efficiency. FY 2016-17 and 2017-18 Accomplishments • Continued drought response activities and led regional cooperative effort with the Water District • Led a regional task force on creating a new model ordinance for water use in new development • Finalized the evaluation of the demonstration irrigation project at the Aquatics Center FY 2018-19 and 2019-20 Activity Goals • Continue expanding community water conservation (Protecting the Environment) • Update, rejuvenate, and promote water conservation demonstration gardens (Protecting the Environment) • Monitor water supplies and respond to potential additional calls for conservation if drought conditions change (Protecting the Environment) • Introduce water efficiency ordinance to City Council (Protecting the Environment) • Lead coordination on regional planning efforts related to bringing recycled water to Morgan Hill (Regional Initiatives, Protecting the Environment)

COMMUNITY SERVICES 197