REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Adopt a Resolution Declaring a Water Shortage Emergency Condition Calling for a 15 Percent Water Use Reduction through December 31, 2014 and Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Title 12 of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code
Report
REPORT IN BRIEF
Sunnyvale residents and businesses use approximately 19.4 million gallons of potable water each day. The City purchases approximately half of its potable water from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), and half from the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) which includes groundwater that is pumped from eight
City-owned wells. California is in its third consecutive year of drought and 2013 was the driest year in recorded California history. The snow pack and water storage in the state's reservoirs are well below normal. In light of these conditions, the following actions were taken:
* On January 17, 2014 Governor Brown declared a state drought emergency
* On January 31, 2014 the SFPUC requested a reduction in water use of 10 percent
* On February 25, 2014 the SCVWD requested a reduction in water use of 20 percent
Staff is recommending that the City Council adopt a resolution declaring a water shortage emergency condition calling for a 15 percent water use reduction.
Sunnyvale has a commitment to water conservation and partners with SCVWD and Bay Area Water Conservation and Supply Agency (BAWSCA) to implement water conservation programs that provide assistance to residential and commercial customers. In addition, Municipal Code Chapter 12.34.020 currently defines several nonessential water uses that are prohibited at all times. Staff is recommending adding the following amendments to the Code:
(h) No person shall use, permit or allow the use of potable water to irrigate any outdoor landscaping at any time between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., unless the person using, permitting or allowing the use of the water is using a bucket, hand-carried...
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