WATER DEMAND COMMITTEE

 

2.

PROVIDE DIRECTION TO STAFF ON DEVELOPMENT OF A DRAFT ORDINANCE THAT WOULD AMEND REGULATION XIV, WATER CONSERVATION

 

Meeting Date:
February 19, 2009

Budgeted: 

N/A

 

From:

Darby Fuerst,

Program/

N/A

 

General Manager

Line Item No.:

 

 

 

Prepared By:

Stephanie Pintar

Cost Estimate:

N/A

 

General Counsel Approval:  N/A

CEQA Compliance:  CEQA Categorical Exemption

 

SUMMARY:  In 2008, the Water Demand Committee reviewed a preliminary proposal to revise MPWMD Regulation XIV, Water Conservation, including a mandate for installation of Zero Water Consumption Urinals for new Non-Residential New Construction and Remodels.  Staff indicated a need to update the regulation with updates and clarifications similar to those done to the Permit Regulation (Regulation II) in 2006.  A follow-up ordinance is expected to follow this revision to address baseline outdoor water use guidelines and restrictions.

DISCUSSION:  Since this ordinance was originally proposed and discussed by the Water Demand Committee, staff has done considerable research on conservation actions by other agencies and plumbing codes and standards.  Staff has also met with representatives of the Monterey County Association of Realtors, Step Up 2 Green, a local architect, the Director of Environmental Health, and the building official for the Cities of Monterey and Pacific Grove.  Based on feedback from these resources, staff has revised the proposed amendments and revisions.  A summary of proposed conservation measures for New Construction of New Structures, remodels/additions, Change in Use and Change of Ownership is attached as Exhibit 2-A.

 

Items that were considered but not included in the proposed revisions include the following:

 

  • Backflow devices
  • Water pressure regulators and standards
  • Dual-plumbing in new construction -- until regional guidelines and codes are developed and in place

 

Staff will be arranging a meeting with representatives of the hospitality industry prior to the next Water Demand Committee meeting to review the proposed measures.  One proposal that is not included on this list is a requirement for retrofit of all Non-Residential pre-rinse spray valves in the District with low-consumption models.  Staff will be proposing a grant program to facilitate this retrofit in the next District budget.

 

RECOMMENDATION:  Staff recommends the Water Demand Committee support the proposed amendments to the Conservation Regulation and direct staff to prepare a draft ordinance for review at the March Water Demand Committee meeting prior to first reading.  The Technical Advisory Committee is slated to review a conceptual ordinance at its March 3 meeting.

 

EXHIBIT

2-A      Outline of Proposed Conservation Requirements

 

 

 

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