HomeMy WebLinkAboutD-1.1. 2020 Urban Water Management PlanSCHEDULED ITEM
TO: HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE AZUSA UTILITY
BOARD
FROM: MANNY ROBLEDO, DIRECTOR OF UTILITIES
DATE: MAY 24, 2021
SUBJECT: PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPTION OF THE 2020 URBAN WATER
MANAGEMENT PLAN AND 2020 WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY
PLAN
BACKGROUND:
The California Urban Water Management Planning Act (“Act”) requires urban water suppliers to
prepare and adopt an Urban Water Management Plan (“UWMP”) and update that plan at least
once every five years. The UWMP supports Azusa Light & Water’s (“ALW”) long-term
resource planning to ensure that adequate water supplies are available to meet existing and future
water needs. The current UWMP was approved by City Council in 2016, and ALW has now
prepared an updated 2020 UWMP and 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan (“WSCP”) to
satisfy the requirements of the Act and SB X7-7. In accordance with applicable law, a Notice of
Public Hearing regarding these plans was published within the jurisdiction of ALW. Staff
recommends the Azusa Utility Board take the following actions to open public hearing, receive
comments, and adopt resolutions for both the UWMP and WSCP.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Utility Board take the following actions:
1) Open the public hearing to receive comments and close the hearing following completion
of comments; and
2) Approve Resolution No. UB-2021-05 adopting the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan;
and
3) Approve Resolution No. UB-2021-06 adopting the 2020 Water Shortage Contingency
Plan
D-1Approved
Utility Board
5/24/21
Adopt 2020 UWMP and WSCP
May 24, 2021
Page 2
ANALYSIS:
On January, 25, 2021, the Azusa Utility Board approved a Professional Services Agreement to
SA Associates for the preparation of the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, which is inclusive
of the 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan. The California Water Code, Division 6, Part 2.6
Urban Water Management Planning §§ 10610 – 10656 and §10608 (“CWC”) specifies the
contents and procedures for water utilities to follow in preparing and adopting UWMPs. The
State of California Department of Water Resources (“DWR”) provides guidance for urban water
suppliers by preparing an UWMP Guidebook. DWR then reviews the submitted plans to make
sure they have addressed the requirements identified in the CWC and submits a report to the
California State Legislature summarizing the status of the plans for each five-year cycle.
In preparing this 2020 UWMP, ALW has encouraged broad community participation. Copies of
the draft UWMP were made available for public review at the ALW Administration Building,
the Azusa City Clerk’s Office, and on the City of Azusa’s website. ALW provided a 60-day
notice to neighboring agencies and the County of Los Angeles stating that the UWMP was being
updated and invited comments. In addition, ALW noticed a public hearing to review and accept
comments on the draft plan two weeks in advance of the hearing. The notice of the public
hearing was published in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on May 10, 2021 and May 17, 2021,
and sent to the Azusa City Clerk. No comments have been received to date.
Following the public hearing and adoption of the 2020 UWMP and the 2020 WSCP, both plans
will be submitted by July 1, 2021 to DWR. These plans will then be available for reference and
review at the Department of Water Resources and California State Library.
UWMP Requirements
The California Water Code requires every urban water supplier that either provides over 3,000
acre feet of water annually, or serves more than 3,000 urban connections, to submit an Urban
Water Management Plan every five years. The law requires Urban Water Management Plans to
address sources of water supply in the next five years, projected out to 2045.
Within UWMPs, urban water suppliers must:
• Assess the reliability of water sources over a 20-year planning time frame
• Describe demand management measures and water shortage contingency plans
• Report progress toward meeting a targeted 20 percent reduction in per-capita (per-person)
urban water consumption by the year 2020
• Discuss the use and planned use of recycled water
Updates to the 2020 UWMP
In addition to updated information for the years 2015 - 2020, ALW’s UWMP has undergone
several changes since the 2015 UWMP. These changes include:
Adopt 2020 UWMP and WSCP
May 24, 2021
Page 3
• Revised UWMP layout (double column to single)
• New Section: Climate Change (Section 5)
• Updated Section 8 – Water Shortage Contingency Plan
• Added new topics not previously discussed in the 2015 UWMP (Energy Intensity,
Seismic Risk, etc.)
• Updated data, facts, and figures previously included in the 2015 UWMP
• Added new data, facts, and figures not previously included in the 2015 UWMP
In addition to the above changes, there are multiple minor changes. The changes reflect both
those that are required by the CWC and those that ALW elected to include or modify.
Of the above, the adoption of the WSCP as an individual document, with revised elements, is the
most significant update affecting the 2020 UWMPs. Adopting the WSCP as an individual
document allows this plan to be updated, as needed due to changing circumstances, without
amending the entire UWMP. AB 1414, SB 606, and SB 664, which amended the WSCP, mark a
continued focus by the California State Legislature on water shortage preparedness and pre-
planned strategies for mitigating catastrophic service disruptions.
Summary of 2020 UWMP
Service Area and Facilities
ALW provides water to a population of approximately 110,044 throughout its service area.
ALW receives its water from two main sources: groundwater from the Main San Gabriel
Groundwater Basin and surface water from the Hsu Filtration Plant. ALW can also acquire
imported raw water from either the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
(“MWD”) through Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District’s (“USGVMWD”) USG-
3 connection, or through a direct connection at the Hsu Filtration Plant from the San Gabriel
Valley Municipal Water District. ALW provides potable drinking water to its customers via 11
active groundwater wells, and surface water supplies from the San Gabriel River, through either
the Azusa-Duarte Tunnel or via the Azusa Conduit. ALW has one treated water connection
(USG-8) that connects to MWD's Middle Feeder pipeline system, however, this connection has
not been used since 2007.
Water Demand
The total water demand for the 110,044 people served by ALW is over 18,100 acre-feet of
potable water for the 2020 calendar year, which is approximately 22% less than the average
demand between the 10-year baseline period spanning from 1996-2005. This reduction is in
compliance with the new per-capita water conservation requirements of SB X7-7, which was
passed into law in 2009.
To determine ALW ’s compliance with SB X7-7, ALW has selected to comply with Method 1,
which takes 80 percent of the 10-year baseline. ALW’s 2015 interim water use target was 189
gallons per capita per day (GPCD), and the 2020 final water use target is 168 GPCD.
Adopt 2020 UWMP and WSCP
May 24, 2021
Page 4
In 2015, ALW had a per capita water use of 143 GPCD. In 2020, ALW has a per capita water
use of 147 GPCD. ALW was well below their planned 2015 interim target and has exceeded its
2020 final water use target.
Water Sources and Supplies
On average, 65 percent of ALW’s source water is local ground water pumped from wells out of
the Main San Gabriel Basin (“Basin”), in which ALW holds adjudicated water rights to this
groundwater. The remaining 35 percent of ALW’s source water is surface water supplied from
the San Gabriel River, from which ALW holds adjudicated diversion rights, and such water is
treated at the Hsu Filtration Plant prior to being distributed to customers. ALW routinely extracts
water from the Basin in excess of its adjudicated rights, and this overproduction is replaced with
State Water Project water provided by the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District and the
Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District. Since 2007, ALW has not had a need to
purchase an y treated imported water from MWD; however MWD is an additional source of
supply in periods of extreme drought.
Future Water Supply Projects
ALW continually reviews practices that will provide its customers with adequate and reliable
supplies. ALW projects water demands within its service area to remain relatively constant over
the next 25 years due to minimal growth combined with water use efficiency measures. A
technical study is being performed on the currently inactive Aspan Well to potentially utilize this
source to supplement groundwater supplies. While this well has detectable levels of volatile
organic compounds, treatment options are being explored to potentially reactivate this well.
Water Reliability Risks
The drastic change in annual hydrologic conditions statewide has negatively affected water
supplies available from the State Water Project (“SWP”) and the Colorado River Aqueduct
(“CRA”). ALW relies on the San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, a State Water Project
Contractor, to deliver replenishment water to the Main San Gabriel Basin. Due to more frequent
and severe drought conditions, their ability to deliver this water may be negatively impacted on a
long-term basis. This was identified as a significant risk to water reliability in the UWMP.
Managing Water Reliability Risks
Several strategies are being utilized to effectively manage the reliability of future water supplies,
including:
• Continuing a progressive and effective water conservation program
• Monitoring individual water use for potential waste through recently installed “smart”
meters
• Utilizing supplemental water through water transfers and exchanges
Adopt 2020 UWMP and WSCP
May 24, 2021
Page 5
• Replacing deteriorating water infrastructure through a proactive capital improvement
program, which will reduce water main leaks and conserve water
• Implementing shortage response actions, as needed, under the Water Shortage
Contingency Plan and ALW Rules and Regulations, Rule 21
• Reactivating ground water wells impacted by water quality contaminates with the
addition of treatment systems
It is required that every urban water supplier assess their reliability to provide water service to its
customers under normal, dry, and multiple dry water years. MWD’s 2015 Integrated Water
Resources Plan update describes the core water resource strategy, which will be used to meet
full-service demands at the retail level under all foreseeable hydrologic conditions from 2025
through 2045. Furthermore, MWD’s 2020 UWMP finds that MWD is able to meet full service
demands of its member agencies with existing supplies from 2025 through 2045 during normal
years, single dry year, and multiple dry years. By means of the USGVMWD, ALW will be
capable of meeting the water demands of its customers in normal, single dry, and multiple dry
years between 2025 and 2045.
Summary of 2020 WSCP
The WSCP is a detailed proposal for how a water supplier intends to act in the case of an actual
water shortage condition. Understanding water supply reliability, factors that could contribute to
water supply constraints, availability of alternative supplies, and what affect these have on
meeting customer demands provides ALW with a solid basis on which to develop appropriate
and feasible response actions in the event of a water shortage.
Water Supply Reliability Assessment
The starting point for the WSCP is a thorough and realistic water supply reliability analysis that
considers ALW’s existing and planned water supply and customer demand. Response actions
and water shortage levels based on water supply conditions and shortages resulting from
catastrophic supply interruptions are required.
Based on current supply data, as well as expected demand growth from population increase,
ALW is capable of providing a reliable supply of water to meet future demands.
Five-Year Drought Risk Assessment
The Main San Gabriel Basin receives relatively consistent surface and subsurface inflows from
the San Gabriel Mountains, natural percolation, and artificial recharge, which allow for
groundwater and surface water to be supplied to ALW. Additionally, ALW is allowed to meet its
demand, under the Main San Gabriel Basin Judgement, by exceeding its annual production right,
so long as it provides replacement water. This has significant benefits for water supply reliability
for ALW during dry seasons, as supplemental water may be purchased if it exceeds its pumping
allocation. Thus, ALW's water supply is considered to be 100 percent reliable during all climatic
conditions for the near future.
Adopt 2020 UWMP and WSCP
May 24, 2021
Page 6
Surface water from the San Gabriel River is more subject to climatic conditions than
groundwater and is typically reserved for summer months when rainfall is low. Imported water,
like surface water, is contingent upon demand variances and available supplies during dry years.
In its 2020 UWMP, however, MWD predicts 100 percent reliability of its supplies to meet
demands during all climatic seasons. Therefore, since ALW may import water on an as-needed
basis, they are capable of supplementing surface water supplies to meet or exceed demand
Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment
Under CWC Section 10632(a)(2), beginning by July 1, 2022, each urban water supplier is
required to prepare their annual water supply and demand assessment (“Annual Assessment”)
and submit an Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report to DWR. The Annual Water Shortage
Assessment Report will be due by July 1 of every year, as required by CWC Section 10632.1.
ALW’s Annual Assessment will be mostly based on daily recorded water production and supply
figures, which are reported to the State Water Resources Control Board (“SWRCB”) on a
monthly basis throughout the year. Water consumption is monitored regularly through the
metering of all ALW service connections in its distribution system. To determine its water
supply reliability and actual reductions in water use during declared water shortages or
emergencies, ALW can rely on its monthly production and sales reports, as well as the quarterly
reports prepared and submitted to the Main San Gabriel Basin Watermaster. These periodical
analyses are used by ALW to manage resources to meet projected demands and adjust to
changing conditions (i.e., precipitation) throughout the year.
Starting in 2022, ALW staff will submit and present a finalized Annual Water Shortage
Assessment Report to the Azusa Utility Board for approval by June each year. ALW staff will
also present determination of recommended water shortage response actions deemed appropriate
as a result of the Annual Assessment. Following approval, ALW staff will submit the approved
Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report to DWR by July 1 of every year.
Shortage Stages and Response Plan
In 2008, the Azusa City Council adopted a Water Conservation Ordinance: Ordinance No. 08-06,
amending Division 6 of Article VI of Chapter 78 of the Azusa Municipal Code (Div. 6, §§ 78-
501 – 78-501). This ordinance established four phases of water shortage severity based on
predicted or actual water supply reductions. On July 18, 2016, the City adopted Ordinance No.
2016-O3 replacing Div. 6, §§ 78-501 – 78-501 with Water Utility Rule No. 21 – Water
Conservation (“Rule 21”). In the event of a water shortage, the Director of Utilities will declare
the appropriate water conservation stage by resolution.
The objectives of the response plan are to:
• Prioritize essential uses of available water
• Manage current water supplies to meet ongoing and future needs
• Maximize local municipal water supplies
Adopt 2020 UWMP and WSCP
May 24, 2021
Page 7
• Eliminate water waste city-wide
• Create equitable demand reduction targets; and
• Minimize adverse financial effects
ALW's three potable water sources are local groundwater, local surface water, and MWD
deliveries through Upper District. Rationing stages may be triggered by a shortage in one source
or a combination of sources, and shortages may trigger a stage at any time.
The table below indicates the restriction type and the water supply reduction in percent of
average water use with respect to the various shortage phases as included in Rule 21.
City of Azusa Shortage Levels Mandated Standard
Shortage Levels
Shortage Phase Restriction Type %
Shortage
Shortage
Level
%
Shortage
I Mandatory Up to 5%
1 Up to 10%
II Mandatory Up to 10%
III Mandatory Up to 15%
2 Up to 20%
IV Mandatory Up to 20%
or greater
3 Up to 30%
4 Up to 40%
5 Up to 50%
6 >50%
The Director of Utilities may declare that a Phase I, II, III, or IV water supply shortage exists if
any combination of events or factors threatens the adequacy of foreseeable water supply to
consumers. Each phase will reduce water consumption by a percentage below Baseline Water
Conditions. Based on Rule 21, Baseline water conditions are calculated as 2013 water
consumption or 20,742 acre feet.
Per CWC Section 10632(a)(3)(B), a supplier may continue using their own water shortage levels
that were previously used. In accordance with this allowance, ALW has chosen to continue to
use its current water shortage levels in its new WSCP and has included a graphic to correlate its
water shortage levels to the six standard water shortage levels mandated by CWC Section
10632(a)(3)(A).
Adopt 2020 UWMP and WSCP
May 24, 2021
Page 8
Response to a future drought would follow the water use efficiency mandates of the ALW's
Water Utility Rule No. 21, the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, and the appropriate stage of
regional plans, such as MWD's Water Surplus Drought Management (WSDM) Plan.
Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan
As mandated in CWC Section 10632.5(a), beginning January 1, 2020, water suppliers are
required to include a seismic risk assessment and mitigation plan as part of their WSCP to assess
the vulnerability of each of the various facilities of their water system and mitigate those
vulnerabilities. If an urban water supplier does not have a seismic risk assessment and mitigation
plan, the urban water supplier may instead, per CWC Section 10632.5(c), include a local hazard
mitigation plan (LHMP) or a multi-hazard mitigation plan. This requirement is satisfied by the
incorporation of elements and analyses from the City’s Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA),
ERP, and LHMP. The complete RRA and ERP documents are not presented within this plan due
to the highly confidential nature of the reports. Although the City does not currently have a
seismic risk assessment and mitigation plan, it does have an LHMP, which was prepared in
October 2018 pursuant to the requirements of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.
Communication Protocols
ALW’s communication protocol includes the various channels that ALW will utilize to convey
critical messages regarding water shortage allocations and voluntary and mandatory actions. A
strong communication strategy and a common understanding on the water supply situation and
necessary actions between ALW and its customers, the public, elected officials, and other key
stakeholders are essential should the WSCP need to be activated.
Communication objectives during an existing or anticipated water shortage condition include the
following:
• Motivate key audiences (i.e., customers) to increase conservation in following any
voluntary or mandatory actions called for at the current stage of the WSCP.
• Raise awareness of the drought, regulations, or other conditions affecting water sources and
supplies.
• Educate customers, key stakeholders, elected officials, and the general public about water
supply reliability, water quality, and water delivery.
• Prepare customers for any potential escalation of the supply shortage stages.
ALW’s customers and public will be notified about any triggered or anticipated to be triggered
shortage response actions. Prior to making a public announcement of a Water Shortage phase,
the Director of Utilities shall document the basis for the water shortage declaration and
communicate this information to the Utility Board.
Conclusion
In general, ALW will use the Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency
Plan as its guide for utilizing future water supplies and managing potential shortages.
Adopt 2020 UWMP and WSCP
May 24, 2021
Page 9
ALW has prepared the 2020 UWMP and 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan (“WSCP”) to
satisfy the requirements of the Act and SB X7-7. ALW must adopt and submit their 2020
UWMP to DWR by July 1, 2021. Staff recommends the Azusa Utility Board take the
aforementioned actions to open public hearing, receive comments, and adopt resolutions for both
the UWMP and WSCP.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The adoption of the 2020 Urban Water Management Plan and 2020 Water Shortage Contingency
Plan has no direct fiscal impact.
Prepared by: Reviewed and Approved:
Jared Macias Manny Robledo
Assistant Director of Utilities – Water Operations Director of Utilities
Reviewed and Approved:
Sergio Gonzalez
City Manager
Attachments:
1) UWMP Resolution 2021-UB-05
2) WSCP Resolution 2021-UB-06
3) 2020 Urban Water Management Plan (inclusive of 2020 WSCP)
4) Urban Water Management Planning Act
5) SB X7-7 Water Conservation Act of 2009