HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 367-05Permeable surfaces should be used for hardscape where practical. hnpervious surfaces should be
minimized wherever practicable or runoff water should be redirected so that land is available to
absorb storm water, reduce polluted urban runoff, recharge groundwater and reduce flooding.
6. Dual plumbing that allows gray water from showers, sinks and washers to be reused for
landscape irrigation should be included in the infrastructure of new development.
Comments: The city currently has no programs to promote the' use of gray water. The costs for
systems to reliably use gray water could be burdensome for some residents and businesses. Gray
water systems must comply with California Plumbing Code Appendix G-A as adopted by the
California Department of Water Resources. This is not very practical for single-family homes.
Kitchen sinks are not permitted to be connected to a gray water system. Using water from
washers is problematic as Appendix G-A prohibits laundry water from soiled diapers to be
utilized in a gray water system. All gray water systems must be for subsurface landscape
irrigation only.
To address these problems, staff proposes the following changes to the language so that the City
can adopt and implement this principle:
Dual plumbing that allows gray water from showers, and non-kitchen sinks to be reused for
subsurface landscape irrigation should be encouraged for new and remodeled buildings, and
education programs should be developed on the proper construction and operation of systems
that use grey water.
7. Community design should maXImIze the use of recycled water for appropriate
applications including outdoor irrigation, toilet flushing, and commercial and industrial
processes. Purple pipe should be installed in all new construction and remodeled
buildings in anticipation ofthe future availability of recycled water.
Comments: The City completed a Recycled Water Master Plan in 1992, and Council certified
the Program EIR for Recycled Water Master Plan in 1995. Recycled water is currently used to
irrigate the Municipal Golf Course, Greer Park, the Baylands Athletics Fields and landscaping
around the Regional Water Quality Control Plant. The Open Space Division utilizes recycled
water for the Baylands Duck Pond and golf course ponds rather than using fresh or well water.
Currently, Utilities Resource Management is conducting a Recycled Water Market Survey to
update the cost estimates and list of potential customers identified in the 1992 Master Plan. The
study should be complete in the Spring of 2006. It should be noted that there is a possible pre-
emption problem with the state building code. Any changes to building requirements must be
consistent with st~te laws requiring uniformity in building codes except in certain limited
circumstanceS. Staff believes that the City should not restrict use to recycled water only -other
nonpotable supplies may be available. The cost may be nontrivial in some applications -
possibly a project size threshold should be established for implementation.
Staff proposes the following changes to the language so that the City can adopt and implement
this principle:
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Comments: No changes to the original language are proposed. Palo Alto is taking part in the
Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP) effort coordinated by ABAG. Palo Alto
is also active in regional water supply planning efforts through BA WSCA and the SFPUC.
Recently, Palo Alto participated in the Santa Clara County LAFCO's water service study.
3. The best, multi-benefit and integrated strategies and projects should be identified and
implemented before less integrated proposals, unless urgency demands otherwise.
Comments: No changes to the original language are proposed.
4. From start to finish, projects and programs should involve the public, build relationships,
and increase the sharing of and access to information. The patiicipatory process should
focus on ensuring that all residents have access to clean, reliable and affordable water for
drinking and recreation.
Comments: No changes to the original language are proposed.
5. Plans, programs, projects and policies should be monitored and evaluated to determine if
the expected results are achieved and to improve future practices.
Comments: No changes to the original language are proposed. Palo Alto actively cooperates
with the Santa Clara Valley Water District's periodic monitoring of the City's "best practices" in
rural road design and maintenance, run-off water containment and trail design to reduce erosion
into creeks or streams. Utilities currently submits yearly Best Management Practices reports for
water conservation programs and. activities to the Utilities Advisory Commission and the
California Urban Water Conservation Council. Also, Utilities receives quarterly activity reports
from Santa Clara Valley Water District on the joint water conservation programs.
RESOURCE IMPACT
Potable water savings, achieved by efficiency improvements or through the use of alternative
water supplies such as recycled, or gray water, will result in wholesale water cost savings.
However, retail water rates may increase due to the requirement to cover fixed· costs over a
smaller sales base. There may be a short-term cost impact to new development, but there is
insufficient information to assess this impact.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Adopting the Ahwahnee Water Principles for Resource Efficient Land Use establishes new
policy for the City of Palo Alto.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
Adopting the Ahwahnee Water Principles for Resource Efficient Land Use does not constitute a
project under the California Environmental Quality Act, therefore, no environmental assessment
is required.
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