REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Plan for Achieving 15 Percent Water Reduction in Parks, Including Anticipated Impact on Appearance and Functionality of Parks (Information Only)
Report
BACKGROUND
In June, 2014 Council approved adoption of a resolution declaring a water shortage emergency condition and calling for a 15 percent water use reduction through December 31, 2014 and the introduction of an ordinance to amend Title 12 of the Sunnyvale municipal Code to include additional prohibited non-essential water uses. Council also requested Department of Public Works staff to provide this report concerning water reduction and impacts for parks. This action was precipitated by California's third consecutive year of drought and the ensuing declaration of a state drought emergency in January followed by requested reductions from the City's water providers including a 10 percent reduction from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and a 20 percent reduction from the Santa Clara Valley Water District.
EXISTING POLICY
General Plan - Land Use and Transportation 8.2: Adopt management, maintenance and development practices that minimize negative impacts to the natural environment, such as supporting and enforcing the integrated pest management system; and landscaping in ways which minimize the need for water.
DISCUSSION
The Parks program used approximately 277,000 hundred cubic feet (ccf) of water from July through December 2013 for a variety of purposes throughout the 590 acres of open space facilities maintained including City and regional parks, school athletic fields, landscaped medians and special use areas. Although water was primarily used to irrigate athletic field and ornamental turf grass, it was also used for landscaping, ornamental ponds, water play areas, drinking fountains, recreation buildings and restrooms. Staff employ water management practices on a continuous basis that comply with all local, state and federal requirements and regu...
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