ITEM:		ACTION ITEM
24.	CONSIDER APPROVAL OF RESERVE FUNDING FOR DROUGHT RESPONSE
Meeting Date:			July 21, 2014	Budgeted:	No
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	N/A
			General Manager	Line Item No.:
Prepared By:			Stephanie Locke	Cost Estimate:	$75,000
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: N/A
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: Staff is requesting authorization to expend up to $75,000 to provide drought-related outreach during the remainder of 2014. The Board approved funding in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2013-2014 mid-year budget adjustment; however that approval was not carried into the FY 2014-2015 budget. Recent actions at the state level and the continued warm and dry conditions on the Monterey Peninsula have necessitated a need to conduct additional outreach. Funding for this expenditure is available in the District’s Flood and Drought Reserve.

In response to the ongoing severe drought, on July 15, 2014, the State Water Resources Control Board approved an emergency regulation to ensure water agencies, their customers and state residents increase water conservation or face possible fines or other enforcement. The new conservation regulation is intended to reduce outdoor urban water use. The regulation (Exhibit 24-A) adopted by the State Water Board, mandates minimum actions to conserve water supplies both for this year and into 2015.

With this regulation, all Californians are expected to stop: washing down driveways and sidewalks; watering of outdoor landscapes that cause excess runoff; using a hose to wash a motor vehicle, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle, and using potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is recirculated. The District’s current water waste regulations already address these actions and more. The regulation makes an exception for health and safety circumstances.

These regulations are meant to spark awareness of the seriousness of the drought situation, and could be expanded if the drought wears on and people do not act.” In addition to approving the emergency conservation regulation, the State Water Board made a plea for water suppliers, communities and businesses to do even more. For example, water agencies are being asked to step up their programs to fix leaks and other sources of water loss, use more recycled water or captured stormwater, and find additional ways to incentivize demand reduction among their customers.

The new regulation was developed following two drought emergency declarations by Governor Brown. On January 17, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued a drought emergency proclamation following three dry or critically dry years in California. The April 25 Executive Order issued by the Governor directs the State Water Board to adopt an emergency regulation as it deems necessary, pursuant to Water Code section 1058.5, to ensure that urban water suppliers implement conservation measures. As drought conditions continue, the State Water Board may revisit this regulation and consider other measures to enhance conservation efforts throughout the state. The regulation goes into effect on August 1. The emergency regulation remains in effect for 270 days, unless extended by the State Water Board due to ongoing drought conditions.

Strategically, the proposed outreach will utilize a dual message of recognition of the Peninsula’s tremendous water savings and a reminder that everyone should do as much as they can to reduce use. By employing a multi-platform approach, these messages will reach the widest audience the quickest, and have the most near and long term impact. Additionally the draft plan, which is in the final stages of development and includes Television, Radio, Print, Web, Collateral Production and mailers will be reviewed by the District’s Public Outreach Committee.

Many of our neighboring communities and districts have already undertaken aggressive outreach campaigns focused on water conservation, education and reducing water waste and are being recognized at the state, coalition and association levels for their efforts. Due to the Monterey Peninsula’s traditional fall weather pattern of warmer and sunnier weather, initiating this outreach program now will allow for maximum effect during our area’s driest months.

RECOMMENDATION: The Board should authorize expenditure of up to $75,000 for drought related outreach from the Flood and Drought Reserve.

EXHIBIT

24-A SWRCB Emergency Regulation

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