REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Adopt Resolution to Rescind Stage 2 of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, While Continuing to Implement State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Use Restrictions
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Promote Sustainability and Environmental Protection
BACKGROUND
On July 12, 2021, the City Manager, as Director of Emergency Services, proclaimed the City of Santa Clara's emergency drought conditions as recognized by the City's water supply partners.
On July 13, 2021, City Council ratified and adopted Resolution 21-8989 declaring the drought emergency and implementing Stage 2 of the City's Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP).
On April 19, 2022, City Council amended Stage 2 with Resolution 22-9077, reducing the three days per week outdoor watering restriction to a maximum of two days per week.
On March 24, 2023, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-5-23, terminating several drought provisions, including California's 15% voluntary water conservation target. The SWRCB drought emergency regulations requiring implementation of agency level 2 drought water shortage contingency plans remained in effect.
On April 11, 2023, Valley Water's Board approved a 15% voluntary water use reduction and to continue two days per week outdoor watering. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission also rescinded their drought emergency but kept a voluntary call for 11% water use reduction compared to FY19-20 and Level 2 requirements until the SWRCB requirements expire or are rescinded.
On May 9, 2023, the Council adopted a Resolution to Terminate the Proclamation of Emergency Drought Conditions for the City of Santa Clara, keeping water use restrictions in Stage 2 active.
As of June 5, 2023, the SWRCB requirement for urban water suppliers to implement demand-reduction actions that correspond to at least Level 2 of their water shortage contingency plans is no longer in effect.
DISCUSSION
In response to improved water supply cond...
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