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Memorandum
To: Board of Directors
From: Neil Kaufman
Date: October 28, 2005
Subject: Adoption of Urban Water Management Plan
1. Why this matter is before the board:
The District is required by Adopt an Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) as described in
the California Water Code.
2. History:
Earlier on 2005, two presentations were made to the Board regarding preparation of an UWMP. As
discussed at the first presentation, preparation of an UWMP is not subject to review under CEQA.
The process for adopting an UWMP is summarized below:
• Preparation of Draft Document
• Hold public hearing
• Notify local public agencies and water providers of public hearing
• Finalize UWMP and file with California DWR
The District is required to adopt and submit the UWMP to DWR by December 31, 2005.
At the October 5, Board Meeting, a public hearing was held to receive input regarding the UWMP. At
that time, the comment received was a letter from Craig Threshie, Mayor of the Town of Truckee. At
that meeting, the Board decided to continue the public hearing pending further input from the Town.
3. New information:
On October 20, Peter Holzmeister and myself made a presentation to the Truckee Town Council
regarding the District's water system planning efforts and addressed how the UWMP fits into those
efforts. At that time, the Town expressed an interest in water conservation. Peter and 1 agreed that
the District would work with the Town in the future to identify areas where the two agencies could
cooperate to promote additional water conservation efforts. Some additional language was added to
Section 6 to discuss this issue.
The 2006 budget for the Water Department includes funds to conduct a pilot study to install and read
meters on about 1,200 residential customers. This data regarding actual customer usage would then
be used to develop possible metered rates for residential customers. Section 6 was also revised to
discuss this pilot study.
The only other comment that the District has received was from the Contractors Association (CATT).
CATT requested a change to the Stage 1 water reductions described in the draft Ordinance. CATT
requested that the prohibition on withdrawal of construction water be deleted. The withdrawal of
construction water would then be subject to the same 10 percent reduction as all other uses. The
Water Department Staff has reviewed this request and agreed that it would not have a significant
impact upon a Stage 1 Water Conservation mandate. The Draft Ordinance has been revised
accordingly.
The "whereas" clauses given in the Draft Ordinance have also been revised in response to
comments made by Director Sutton at the October 5 meeting.
4. Recommendation:
1) The Board adopt Ordinance 2005-XX entitled "FINDING THE NECESSITY FOR AND
ADOPTING A WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM IN THE EVENT OF A WATER
SUPPLY EMERGENCY"
2) The Board adopt the 2005 Urban Water Management Plan and authorize staff to file the
plan with the Department of Water Resources.
Attachments:
Revised Section 6
Revised Draft Ordinance
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Ordinance No. 2005 - XX
FINDING THE NECESSITY FOR AND ADOPTING
A WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAM IN THE EVENT OF
A WATER SUPPLY EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, California Water Code Sections 375 et.seq. permit public entities which supply water at
retail to adopt and enforce a water conservation program to reduce the quantity of water used by the
people therein for the purpose of conserving the water supplies of such public entity;
WHEREAS, California Water Code Section 10632 requires an urban water supplier to describe stages
of action to be undertaken in the event of a water supply shortage;
WHEREAS,the Board of Directors of the Truckee Donner Public Utility District has determined that it
is necessary to establish a water conservation program in the event of any future water supply
shortage;
WHEREAS, the Board finds and determines that a water shortage could exist in the event of major
failure of one or more components of the water system;
WHEREAS,the Board also finds and determines that the water sources available be put to maximum
beneficial use to the extent to which they are capable, and that the waste or unreasonable use, or
unreasonable method of use, of water be prevented and that the conservation of such water be
encouraged with a view to the maximum reasonable and beneficial use thereof in the interest of the
people of the District and for the public welfare.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Directors of the District as follows:
1. The General Manager is hereby authorized and directed to implement the provisions of this
ordinance. Additionally, the General Manager is hereby authorized to make minor and limited
exceptions to prevent undue hardship or unreasonable restrictions,provided that water shall not
be wasted or used unreasonably and the purpose of this ordinance can be accomplished.
2. The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to all water served to persons, customers, and
property by the District. The District may declare that only certain portions of the service area
are subject to a water supply emergency and the requirements of this ordinance.
3. Water Conservation Stages: No person shall knowingly use water or permit the use of water
supplied by the District for commercial, industrial, agricultural, governmental, or any other
purpose in a manner contrary to any provision of this ordinance, in an amount in excess of the
amounts authorized by this ordinance or during any period of time other than the periods of time
specified in this ordinance. At no time shall water be wasted or used unreasonably.
1 Ordinance 2005-XX
4. The following stages shall take effect upon declaration as herein provided:
(a) Stage 1 — 10% Reduction in Water Usage - Voluntary Compliance: Stage 1 applies during
periods that the District determines that water usage should be reduced approximately 10 in
order to meet all of the water demands of its customers. Specific mandated restrictions in
water use for Stage 1 are as follows:
1. All new water connections shall be prohibited in the area affected by the water
conservation requirement.
(b) Stage 2 —30% Reduction in Water Usage - Mandatory Compliance: Stage 2 applies during
periods that the District determines that water usage should be reduced approximately 30%in
order to meet all of the water demands of its customers. Specific additional mandated
restrictions in water use for Stage 2 are as follows:
1. All outdoor water uses are prohibited. The District may discontinue service to irrigation
services.
2. The withdrawal of water for construction purposes shall be prohibited in the area affected
by the water conservation requirement.
3. Customers may be subject to fines and penalties for failure to comply with this requirement.
4. The District may install flow restricting devices on a customers service.
(c) Stage 3—50% Reduction in Water Usage- Mandatory Compliance: Stage 3 applies during
periods that the District determines that water usage should be reduced approximately 50%in
order to meet all of the water demands of its customers. Specific additional mandated
restrictions in water use for Stage 3 are as follows:
1. Customers shall be required to repair any known leaks on piping owned by the customer.
In the event that such leaks are not repaired in a timely manner, the District may perform
the repair or hire a contractor to perform the repair,and then invoice the customer far those
costs.
Z The District may implement mandatory water rationing through the use of forced roiling
outages.
5. implementation of Conservation Stages.The District shall monitor the projected supply and
demand for water by its customers on a daily basis. In the event of an emergency,the General
Manager shall determine the extent of the conservation required through the implementation
and/or termination of particular conservation stages in order for the District to prudently plan for
and supply water to its customers. Thereafter, the General Manager may order that the
appropriate stage of water conservation be implemented or terminated in accordance with the
applicable provision of this Ordinance. Water system customers shall be notified of water
conservation stages by one or more of the following methods:
(a) Doorhanger notices delivered to the property served
(b) Mass mailing to customers and property owners
2 Ordinance 2005-XX
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(c) Announcements in local media such as newspapers, radio and television
(d) Any other methods deemed appropriate by the General Manager
The stage designated shall become effective immediately upon announcement. The
declaration of any stage shall be reported to the Board at its next meeting, or at a Special
Meeting, if deemed appropriate by the President of the Board. The Board shall thereupon
ratify the declaration, rescind the declaration, or direct the declaration of a different stage.
6. Penalties and Fines. It shall be unlawful for any customer of the District to fail to comply with
any of the provisions of this ordinance. Failure to comply with any of the provisions of this
Ordinance shall be as follows:
(a) For the first violation by any customer of any of the provisions of this Ordinance,the District
shall verbally notice the fact of such violation.
(b) For a second violation by any customer of any of the provisions of this Ordinance,the District
shall issue a personal notice of the fact of such violation to the customer.
(c) For a third violation by a customer of any provision of this ordinance,the District may install a
flow restricting device of one gallon per minute(1 GPM)capacity for services of up to 1.5"in
size and comparatively sized restrictors for larger services upon a prior determination that the
customer has repeatedly violated the provisions of this Ordinance and that such action is
reasonably necessary to assure compliance with this ordinance. Such action shall be taken
only after a hearing held by the General Manager,where the customer has an opportunity to
respond to the District's information or evidence that the customer has repeatedly violated
the provisions of this Ordinance. As determined by the General Manager, any such
restricted service may be restored upon application of the customer made not less than forty-
eight (48) hours after the implementation of the action restricting service and only upon a
showing by the customer that the customer is ready, willing and able to comply with the
provisions of this Ordinance. Prior to any restoration of service, the customer shall pay all
District charges for any restriction of service and its restoration as provided for in the
District's rules governing water service. Any willful tampering with or removal of any flow
restriction device shall result in termination of service for a period to be determined by the
General Manager.
(d) Notice. The District shall give notice of each violation to the customer committing such
violation as follows:
1. For any violation of the provisions of this Ordinance, the District may give written
notice of the fact of such violation to the customer personally or by U. S. mail, first
class, registered postage paid.
2. If the penalty assessed is, or includes, the installation of a flow restrictor to the
customer, notice of the violation shall be given in the following manner:
a. By giving written notice thereof to the customer personally; or
b. if the customer be absent from or unavailable at either his place of residence or
his assumed place of business, by leaving a copy with some person of suitable
age and discretion at either place, and sending a copy through the U.S. mail,
first class, registered postage prepaid, addressed to the customer at his place
3 Ordinance 2005-XX
....................
of business, residence,or such other address provided by the customer for bills
for water or electric service if such can be ascertained; or
C. If such place or residence, business or other address cannot be ascertained,or
a person of suitable age or discretion at any such place cannot be found,then
by affixing a copy in a conspicuous place on the property where the failure to
comply is occurring and also be delivering a copy to a person of suitable age
and discretion there residing, or employed, if such person can be found, and
also sending a copy through the U.S. mail, first class, registered postage
prepaid,addressed to the customer at the place where the property is situated
as well as such other address provided by the customer for bills for water or
electric service if such can be ascertained.
3. Said notice shall contain, in addition to the facts of the violation, a statement of the
possible penalties for each violation and statement informing the customer of his
right to a hearing on the violation.
(e) Appeals.Any customer against whom a penalty is levied pursuant to this section shall have
a right to an appeal, in the first instance to the General Manager with the right of appeal to
the District's Board of Directors,on the merits of the alleged violation,upon written request of
that customer to the District within fifteen days of the date of notification of the violation.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of Directors at a meeting duly called and held within the
District on the second day of November 2005 by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
TRUCKEE DONNER PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT
By
J. Ron Hemig, President of the Board
ATTEST:
Peter L. Holzmeister, Clerk of the Board
4 Ordinance 2005-XX
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SECTION 6
WATER DEMAND MANAGEMENT MEASURES
Law
10631. (f) Provide a description of the supplier's water demand management measures. This description shall
include all of the following:
(1) A description of each water demand management measure that is currently being implemented,or
scheduled for implementation, including the steps necessary to implement any proposed measures,
including,but not limited to,all of the following: ...
Demand management, or water conservation, is frequently the lowest-cost resource available to a
water agency. The goals of the District's water conservation program are to reduce demand for
water at peak times, demonstrate continued commitment to appropriate demand management
measures (DMMs) and to ensure a reliable future water supply. The Urban Water Planning Act
requires that an Urban Water Management Plan discuss 14 specific DMMs. There is one
additional measure(DMM 15) that has been implemented.
DEMAND MANAGEMENT MEASURES
DMM 1 — Water Survey Programs for Single-family and Multi-family Residential
Customers
The District does not currently have a formal water survey program. During prior years, the
District has performed surveys on several multi-family units upon request of the property owner.
DMM 2 —Residential Plumbing Retrofit
Upon request, the District provides to its customers, at no charge, the following water
conservation devices:
• low-flow showerhead
• faucet aerators
• Sprinkler/rainfall measurement gauges.
The District is approaching other agencies to see if they may be willing to partner with the
District in this effort. There is no formal mandate from either the District or the local
governments that customer's install such water saving devices.
DMM 3 —Water System Audits, Leak Detection and Leak Repair
The District has an active leak repair program. Any reported or suspected leaks are verified by
testing the water for chlorine residual. The leak is then excavated, and repaired. During the
Summer months, the District has a crew that spends about 90 percent of its time repairing leaks.
The District also owns listening devices that are used to locate leaks that are not visible from the
surface.
Currently, the District's water system does not have sufficient meters and monitoring devices on
all of its wells, pump stations and control valve stations. This issue was identified in the
District's 2004 Water System Master Plan Update and installation of meters is included in the
District's ongoing Capital Improvement Program. In addition, the demographics of the District's
customer base are not fully understood (percentage of part-time vs. full-time residents).
Page 6-1
Section 6—Water Demand Management Measures
Considering these two issues, it is not possible to conduct system-wide or even area-specific
water audits. As metering and monitor devices are installed at central facilities, the District will
begin conducting system level water audits.
DMM 4 — Metering with Commodity Rates for all New Connections and Retrofit of
Existing Connections
Currently, water meters are installed on all commercial services and residential services
constructed since 1992. Water meters have not been installed on residential services that were
constructed before 1992. The District reads meters on commercial services and bills are based
upon usage. Residential customers are charged a flat rate for service and residential meters are
not read. Current commercial water rates have a declining block rate structure.
In 2004, AB 2572 was passed by the California Legislature and signed by the Governor. The
section of this law that applies to the District reads:
Article 3.5.Metered Service
SEC. 5. Section 527 is added to the Water Code,to read:
527. (a) An urban water supplier that is not subject to Section 526 shall do both the
following:
(1) Install water meters on all municipal and industrial service connections
located within its service area on or before January 1, 2025.
(2) (A) Charge each customer that has a service connection for which a water
meter has been installed, based on the actual volume of deliveries, as
measured by the water meter,beginning on or before January 1,2010.
(B) Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), in order to provide customers
with experience in volume-based water service charges, an urban
water supplier that is subject to this subdivision may delay, for one
annual seasonal cycle of water use, the use of meter-based charges for
service connections that are being converted from nonvolume-based
billing to volume-based billing.
(b) A water purveyor, including an urban water supplier, may recover the cost of
providing services related to the purchase, installation, and operation of a water
meter from rates,fees, or charges.
In late 2004, the District hired a consultant to conduct a Water Rate Study. This study will
investigate a revised rate structure for commercial accounts, as well as the implementation of
meter reading and metered rates for residential service. An interim report was submitted to the
District in the Summer of 2005.
For 2006, the District has budgeted funds to conduct a pilot study that will read meters on about
1,200 residential accounts. These residential customers will continue to be billed a flat rate for
service. This pilot study will gather data regarding actual residential water usage that will then
be used as part of the Water Rate Study to develop possible metered rate structures for residential
customers. Once completed, this Water Rate Study should provide sufficient information to the
District's Board of Directors to consider the issue of metering and rates.
Page 6-2
Section 6—Water Demand Management Measures
DMM 5—Large Landscape Conservation Programs and Incentives
The District does not currently have a formal landscape conservation program. As noted above,
the District does distribute sprinkler/rainfall measurement gauges free of charge.
In addition, the District has worked with the community to develop a low-water use
demonstration garden at the newly opened Tahoe Berry restaurant. The demonstration garden
uses low-water using plant types as well as a drip irrigation system. The District has also
collaborated on the creation of a native species demonstration garden at Truckee High School.
DMM 6—High-Efficiency Washing Machine Rebates
The District currently offers a rebate of$50 for the purchase of high energy efficiency and water
conserving clothes washers. The District has developed a simple one page form to be completed
by the property owner, accompanied by a copy of the sales receipt.
DMM'7— Public Information Program
The District provides public education and information programs on water conservation through
a number of means:
Water Conservation Education/Handouts: The District has developed water
conservation information packets and brochures for community-wide distribution. Charts
and handouts are also available that determine how much water is needed to water grasses
Spring through Fall.
Print Advertising: The District has developed a print ad series on Water Wise
Landscaping practices that is published in local newspapers (Sierra Sun, Moonshine Ink,
etc). This advertising is performed in cooperation with local landscape companies.
TV Commercials: In the past, the District has produced television commercials asking
District customers to voluntarily use landscape water wisely. These commercials were
aired on the local cable public access channel.
Bill Inserts: The District periodically includes water conservation reminders with monthly
service bills. The District also publishes a semi-annual newsletter that is mailed with a
service bill.
DMM 8—School Education Program
The District funds the purchase of landscape water conservation educational materials that are
distributed to local children through the Tahoe-Truckee Unified School District. Each year a
presentation is made by District staff to sixth grade students regarding water conservation.
DMM 9—Conservation Programs for Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Accounts
The District does not currently have a formal conservation program to address these customers.
The District, upon request, will perform a survey of subject properties and make
recommendations regarding water conservation measures.
DMM 10—Wholesale Agency Programs
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Section 6-Water Demand Management Measures
The District does not purchase water from or sell water to any other agencies. This DMM is not
applicable to the District.
DMM 11 —Conservation Pricing
As discussed above, the District's current rate structure is a declining block rate. Also as noted
above, the District hired a consultant to conduct a Water Rate Study to investigate a revised rate
structure for commercial accounts, as well as the implementation of meter reading and metered
rates for residential service.
DMM 12 —Water Conservation Coordinator
The District has a full-time employee with the title of Director of Planning. This individual is
responsible for implementing and promoting the District's conservation programs for both its
electric and water utilities. Mr. Scott Terrell has been serving in this position since 1992. About
15 percent of Mr. Terrell's time is spent on water conservation issues.
DMM 13—Water Waste Prohibition
The District's Codes and Policies contain a provision whereby the District may disconnect water
service to a customer that is found to be wasting water. Chapter 512.040 reads as follows:
5.12.040 Discontinuance of Water Service by the District
5.12.040.1 With notice-A customer's water service may be discontinued by the District upon at least
five days'prior written notice in the event of.
5.12.040.1(A) Non-payment of bills for water service at any location within 30 days of presentation;
5.12.040.1(B) Violation of these codes;
5.12.040.1(C) Negligent or wasteful use of water, as determined by the District.
5.12.040.1(D) ......
The District does not have any direct prohibitions on specific types of water usage and does not
have an ordinance banning water softeners. Hardness and TDS levels in the District's water
supply are low and the District is not aware of any water softeners installed by customers.
DMM 14—Residential Ultra-Low-Flusb Toilet Replacement Program
The District does not have a Residential Ultra-Low-Flush Toilet Replacement Program.
DMM 15- Plumbing Requirements for New Construction
Requirements for new construction within the District's service area are governed by one of
three separate agencies.
Location Atzency
Unincorporated Nevada County Nevada County Building Department
Unincorporated Placer County Placer County Building Department
Town of Truckee Town of Truckee Building Department
All three agencies have adopted the California Plumbing Code and the requirements given
therein apply to new construction. The District has not adopted any additional requirements
regarding new construction.
Page 6-4
Section 6—Water Demand Management Measures
WATER CONSERVATION DMM EFFECTIVENESS
As described previously, meters are not read for residential services and not all residential
services are equipped with meters. In addition, the demographics of the District's customer base
are not fully understood (percentage of part-time vs. full-time residents) and appear to be in a
period of transition based upon anecdotal evidence. Consequently, sufficient tools do not exist to
monitor DMM effectiveness at this time.
DMM IMPLEMENTATION COSTS
The District estimates the ongoing cost of the current DMMs at approximately $31,000 per year,
not counting Mr. Terrell's salary. The cost of implementing DMMs 4 and 11 is being
investigated as part of the Water Rate Study currently under way.
FUTURE DMM EFFORTS
The Town of Truckee has recently expressed an interest in promoting additional water
conservation efforts. The District and the Town have agreed to work together to identify
opportunities to expand and promote the District's current water conservation efforts.
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