HomeMy WebLinkAbout13 - Update on Water Use and Conservation Efforts February 2016
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NEWPORT BEACH
City Council Staff Report
COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CITY OF
March 22, 2016
Agenda Item No. 13
ABSTRACT:
In June 2015, the State Water Resource Control Board established mandates for the
reduction of water use for each water supplier. The City is required to reduce its
monthly usage by 28 percent compared to water use in 2013. For February 2016, the
City conserved 13.8 percent with a cumulative water use reduction since June 2015 of
19.9 percent. This report provides an update on water use reductions, water
conservation efforts, enforcement, and new regulations.
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
There is no fiscal impact related to this item.
DISCUSSION:
Usage
The City’s overall usage for the month of February was 13.8 percent lower when
compared to the same month in 2013. This is a decrease compared to January’s water
reduction. The City’s cumulative water reduction since June 2015 is 19.9 percent.
The table below reflects the progress of the City’s efforts to reduce water consumption
by month. The green bar is the monthly reduction from 2013 and the blue bar is the
cumulative total.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: George Murdoch, Municipal Operations Director - 949-644-3011,
gmurdoch@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Cynthia Owens, Administrative Manager
PHONE: 949-644-3057
TITLE: Update on Water Use and Conservation Efforts February 2016
Update on Water Use and Conservation Efforts February 2016
March 22, 2016
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The chart on the next page reflects the cumulative efforts by customer class to reduce
water consumption from June 2015 through February 2016 when compared to the same
months in 2013. The blue bar is the water consumption for 2013 and the gold bar
represents water consumption for 2015/2016. Water consumption data is displayed in
hundred cubic feet.
Update on Water Use and Conservation Efforts February 2016
March 22, 2016
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Summary
“Sprinkler” accounts consist of outdoor irrigation for large commercial properties,
developments, and homeowners associations. These accounts have had the
largest cumulative reduction of 40 percent and make up 10 percent of total City
usage.
The “Other” account designation consists of accounts for boat docks, piers, fire
(water for fire sprinkler systems, risers and other fire only devices on property),
community pools, and consolidated (properties with multiple meter types that
have been combined into one account). Cumulatively, these accounts have
reduced water consumption by 29 percent and make up 8 percent of the City’s
total water consumption.
“City Sprinkler” accounts consist of accounts for parks, center medians and other
city irrigation. These accounts have a cumulative reduction of 25 percent. City
sprinkler accounts make up 3 percent of the City’s total water use.
Update on Water Use and Conservation Efforts February 2016
March 22, 2016
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“Single Family” accounts are for single residences with one meter and account
for 45% of the City’s overall water usage. They have decreased their water
consumption by 22 percent.
“Multi-Family” accounts are for multiple residences with one meter and make up
13 percent of the City’s overall water use. They have reduced water consumption
by 17 percent.
“Commercial” accounts utilize 18 percent of the City’s water produced and have
decreased water consumption by 14 percent.
“City Meter accounts consist of meters for public restrooms, libraries, fire
stations, Civic Center, and other city facilities. These accounts make up 2
percent of the City’s overall water use and have decreased water consumption
by 11 percent.
Education
In February, City staff took the following actions to encourage the reduction of water use
by residents and businesses:
Drought advertisement placed in the Newport Navigator;
Old Ford Road median is in the final design for recycled water availability and will
be replanted;
Staff filmed a new NBTV show “The Village Green” regarding water conservation
and outdoor water use which is in final edit;
Continued distribution of apartment door hangers;
Electronic signs on Irvine Avenue, MacArthur Boulevard and Jamboree
messaging updated regarding the extension of the drought ;
Water conservation public service announcements continue to be displayed at
the Fashion Island movie theaters; and
City of Newport Beach’s Twitter and Facebook accounts continue to distribute
water conservation messaging.
Enforcement
Code Enforcement continues its efforts to gain compliance. In February, the City issued
1,284 notices of violation (NOVs) for water use and an additional 27 for other water
related issues totaling 1,311. The table below depicts the number of notices and
administrative citations issued in since June 2015.
Update on Water Use and Conservation Efforts February 2016
March 22, 2016
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Month
Water Use
NOV
Water Use
Citations
Other Water
Related NOV
Other Water
Related Citations
June 2015 0 0 53 1
July 2015 0 0 333 12
August 2015 0 0 311 31
September 2015 0 0 296 44
October 2015 72 0 62 122
November 2015 346 0 121 41
December 2015 1 0 19 164
January 2016 2,039 153 11 99
February 2016 1,284 144 27 74
Totals 3,742 297 1,233 588
Additionally, 13 administrative hearings were conducted in February for the appeal of
administrative citations issued by Code Enforcement. All 13 citations were upheld as
valid. These hearings were primarily for watering on the wrong day of the week or for
watering on multiple days of the week.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not
result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment)
and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA
Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no
potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly.
NOTICING:
The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of
the meeting at which the City Council considers the item).
ATTACHMENTS:
None