REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Adopt a Resolution Approving Updates to the City's Water Service and Use Rules and Regulations
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
The City of Santa Clara Water Service and Use Rules and Regulations (hereafter "Rules and Regulations") establish the requirements that govern the design, construction, service, use and operation of the City's Potable Water and Recycled Water systems. These requirements must be periodically updated to reflect regulatory changes in the region and at the State level.
The protection of the City's valuable water resources and the distribution system is a major priority for the City. Section 13.15.170 of the Santa Clara City Code currently incorporates Title 17, Section 7583 et seq of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations ("Title 17"). Title 17 regulates the prevention of cross-connections within the City's water distribution system. For example, Section 7604 of Title 17 establishes minimum requirements for backflow prevention devices. These devices are typically installed on all potable water service connections in order to protect the City's public drinking water system from contaminants.
Although the current Rules and Regulations have requirements for the protection of the City's water system, these requirements need to be updated to further clarify the implementation of Title 17 and adopt the requirements of successor regulations.
In addition, there are also several sections of the Rules and Regulations that need further clarification, especially development projects, such as policies regarding recycled water use, the development review requirements, hydraulic analysis implementation, water infrastructure requirements, and non-functional turf requirements. The proposed changes reflect the City's goals of preserving the use of the City's precious potable and recycled water resources and the commitment to safet...
Click here for full text