For Utilities Commission Meeting October 15, 2024
TO: Honorable Chair and Commission
APPROVAL: John Rossi, Interim Utilities Director
FROM: Toyasha Sebbag, Assistant to the City Manager
...Title
Request that the Utilities Commission provide feedback on the Water Conservation Update.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Utilities Commission provide feedback on the Water Conservation Update.
...Body
BACKGROUND
On July 26, 2016, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 6989, which declared a Stage 2 “Water Alert” per Chapter 12.20, Title 12 of the Rialto Municipal Code (RMC) (ATTACHED).
The RMC details Rialto’s Water Conservation Stages:
• Stage 1 - Normal Conditions. Normal supply and distribution capacity is available.
• Stage 2 - Water Alert. The city may not be able to meet all water demands of all water customers, or the State of California has adopted regulations requiring the city to implement requirements and actions of a Stage 2 Water Alert.
• Stage 3 - Water Warning. The city is not able to meet all water demands of all water customers, or the state of California has adopted regulations requiring the city to implement requirements and actions of a Stage 3 water warning.
• Stage 4 - Water Emergency. The city is experiencing a major failure of water supply or distribution, or the state of California has adopted regulations requiring the city to implement requirements and actions of a Stage 4 water emergency.
Since July 2016, Rialto has remained at a Stage 2 Water Alert.
At the request of the Utilities Commission, this item was placed on the agenda for discussion.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
On April 16, 2024, the Utilities Commission heard a report on the 2022 Drought Contingency Plan (DCP). The report details that the Department of Water Resources recommends that utilities adopt a standard 6-stage Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP).
As of June 5, 2024, there are currently no statewide water conservation emergency regulations. Therefore, Rialto may adopt different and/or stricter water conservation measures.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
This request is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a “Project” means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
Approval of the proposed action also complies with the following City of Rialto Guiding Principles, General Plan Goals and Policies:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
Goal 3-8: Promote affordable and quality water service capable of adequately meeting normal and emergency water demands to all areas in Rialto.
Policy 3-8.4: Advocate regular evaluation of the entire water supply and distribution system to ensure its continued adequacy, reliability, and safety.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney’s Office has reviewed and supports the staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Operating Budget Impact
None.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
None.