The DWR requires that every urban water supplier providing water for more than 3,000 customers, or supplying more than 3,000 acre-feet of water annually, prepare and adopt a Plan. The Plan is required to be updated every five years. On September 22, 2015, the City Council approved an agreement with the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) for the shared cost for the use of a consultant, Arcadis, to partner with staff in updating the Plan. 

The purpose of the Plan is to achieve the efficient use of urban water supplies to protect the ratepayers of Garden Grove and their water sources. The Plan also helps ensure that sufficient water supplies will be available for future beneficial use.  This Plan has been prepared in accordance with the guidelines established by the DWR, and includes a description of the water system in Garden Grove, a discussion of past and current water use, a discussion of projected demand, a description of urban water management programs, and an Urban Water Contingency Plan.  The Urban Water Contingency Plan describes programs to be implemented in the event of a water shortage emergency by the City, in cooperation with the Municipal Water District of Orange County, and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. 

The Plan also includes the legislation bill, SBx7-7, that became effective in February 2010.  This bill requires the City to achieve a per capita water usage reduction of 20% before the year 2020. 

There is no financial impact that will result from this action.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Hold a public hearing for public comments on the proposed 2015 Urban Water Management Plan;
• Adopt the attached resolution approving the 2015 Urban Water Management Plan; and
• Direct staff to submit the Plan to the California Department of Water Resources.

By:    Cel Pasillas, Interim Water Services Manager