Recommended FY 2022-2024 Operating Budget and CIP

Water Conservation

650.5760

Division Description The Water Conservation Division works cooperatively with the Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) 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 has been made in the past several years to respond to the drought and Valley Water’s calls for mandatory conservation and water use reductions mandated by the State Water Resources Control Board. The State is currently experiencing ongoing severe drought conditions which has led the State to declare a drought emergency, the Santa Clara Valley Water District (Valley Water) to call for a mandatory 15 percent reduction in water use compared to 2019 levels, and the City to declare a Level 4 Water Shortage. This has led to increased work activities and community engagement around water conservation. 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 Valley Water 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. The City’s recently adopted 2020 Urban Water Management Plan outlines the City’s strategy to address potential water shortages. With ongoing drought and climate change anomalies, additional conservation activities will be required in order for the City to remain in compliance with State regulations. Water use efficiency legislation SB606 and AB1668 were signed into law in May 2018. As part of this legislation, the State Water Board will adopt long-term Water Use Efficiency Standards by June 30, 2022. These standards will include requirements for tracking and reporting on conservation activities and progress toward meeting Urban Water Use Objectives (UWUO). It is nearly certain that these new regulations will require the City to engage in additional reporting and conservation activities. FY 2020-21 and 2021-22 Accomplishments • Responded to drought emergency by collaborating with the community on water savings • Continued to expand use of WaterSmart engagement program by customers in order to provide enhanced customer service and leak detection • Aggressively promoted water conservation programs in order to meet drought conservation goals

190 PUBLIC SERVICES