REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Introduce an Ordinance to Amend Section 12.34.020 (Water Conservation Restrictions) of the Sunnyvale Municipal Code; Adopt a Resolution to be in Effect from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017 declaring a Continued Drought Condition, Setting Stage 1 Water Reduction Target at 15%, Restricting Use of Potable Water for Landscape and Turf Irrigation, and Approve Budget Modification No. 37 to Add $125,000 for the Turf Rebate Program; Find the Action Exempt from CEQA pursuant to Guideline 15307
Report
BACKGROUND
On May 9, 2016, Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-37-16 directing actions aimed to using water wisely, reducing water waste, and improving water use efficiency for the years and decades ahead. The Executive Order, in part, directed the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) to extend the emergency regulations for urban water conservation through the end of January 2017. Staff is requesting Council approve the water reduction target through June 30, 2017. Should we experience an above average winter precipitation and water conditions do improve to normal levels, then Council will be asked to suspend this resolution at an earlier date. However, should drought conditions persist or even worsen, then the 15% target will continue through June 2017 or additional restrictions will be imposed.
On May 18, 2016 in response to the Governor's directive, the Water Board adopted a statewide water conservation approach that replaces the prior "percentage reduction" based water conservation standard with a localized "stress test" approach that mandates urban water suppliers act now to ensure at least a three year supply of water to their customers under drought conditions. The newly adopted regulation, which will be in effect through January 2017, requires locally developed conservation standards based upon each agency's specific circumstances.
The new standards requires local water agencies such as the City Sun...
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