HomeMy WebLinkAbout0292.091May 23, 1991
1HE HONORABlE CITY OOUNCIL
Palo Alto, California
1991 DROUGHT BE!iPQN$ PIAN
Members of the Council:
Repor! in Brief
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This staff report desGrib.s a response strategy for Palo Alto to implement in order to
meet the continuing 28 percent water nse reduction requirements imposed by the San
Francisco Water Department (SFWD). SpecifkaIly, staff recommends Council approval
of the following:
1. Modification and expansion of the current water use ordinan<:es, effective
immedjately;
2. An expanded program of conservation outreach services to improve Palo
Alto', ability te meet its monthly allocations.
3. Revisions 10 the existing Drought Rate Schedules to place a cap on
nuromllm use levels and pr<Wide moderately priced water for large
families. The app1ieable rate change resolution will be presented far
Council approval through the budget hearing process.
OVERVIEW
In its AprilU report to Council, staff outlined the water supply situation and presented
a proposal 10 meet the 4S percent system-wide reductions SFWD bad intended to
implement (CMR:228:91). That report also: 1) desGribed conservation measures taken
by the City to reduce water use in its .,..11 facilities and parks, 2) itemized recent
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> • conservation outreaeh activities and 3) summarized Palo AlIa's monlhly consumption
stains.
On April 23, 1991, Ik San Francisco Public Utilities Cbmmission (pUC) adopted a 25
percent mandalOl)' rationing prognuu to replace Ik 45 percent program previously
approvod in February. This <:baDge was made possible by a combination of Ik heavy
March SIIDWfall and Ik San Frandsco Water Department's ability to purcbase
supplemental water supplies. At that time, • wholesale rate inaease of approximately 4{)
percent was also approved by Ik PUC 1bis new program and ,.,ne schedule becomes
effective with Ik 1u1y biiling period. SFWD's new program continues the reduction
requirement Palo Alto bas been required to meel since May 1990. To acrowe if. 25
percent system-wide reduction goal. SFWD applies a formula to ead! suburban customer
that requires reducing ·outdoor" use (Apri1<lc1ober) much more than 'indoor" use
(November-March). This formula translates into a requirement for Palo Alto 10 reduce
appnDimaIeIy 28 percent {rom 1987 ro!lSllIDl'tion levels.
Although SFWD's new program is DOt substantially different from their previous
.... Afuction program, stall is recommending some significant changes to Palo AIIO's
response strategy. based on lessons learned over the IasI 12 months. Additionally, rate
chaDges must be made to reOect Ik SFWD "f'bolesale rate inaease and will be brought
befOl"e Council for action during the DOI"ntal budget process. AD these changes are
c!i.mssed in Ik rest of this repon. which outlines Palo Alto's 1991 Drought Response
Plan.
PBOPOSEQ DROUGHT RAm SCHEPW FS
'This section of the report will address staff's proposed retail waler rates to deal with the
drought during IT 1991-92. To adlieve the target of a 28 percent reduction from 1987
use, staff does DO! believe il is necessaJy to institute mandalO<y water rationing system
wide. Instead, it is staff's recommendation to relaln many of the existing water rale
design features, while incorporating a number of sigttificant changes. The propooed
chaDges should further encourage the City's ratepayers to utilize this resource in an
efficient manner and thereby enable Ik City as a whole to meet its SFWD allocation for
the year. The proposed water rate schedules rcOect an 18 percent retail rate inaease,
which will be discussed in some detaIl during the budget process.
(CMR:300:91)
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'The ament and proposed water charges ar~ set forth OD Rate ~-<Iules W-I, W -6, and
W-7 (attacl>e<l}. Each schedule continues an inverted rate .tructure whereby prices
asaeod as mage ina.....,.. However, the proposed piau significantly wide .. the rate
differentials between the ending rateblocn. By substantially increasing the bighest US<
ratcblocla, str<>nger price sipals will be sen! to belp infIue",," large water users to alter
their OOIISWIlpIion habits. ,o..dditiooaIly. this J'l"OPO'Od plan will introduce • "maximum
cap' to address the problem of cust<lmers wbo, instead of conserving. are willing to pay
high prices so they can coutinue to use Iarg<e IIIlOUIllS of water, The foDowing sections
cIiscu5s these J'l"OPO'Od chang ... in greater de1ail.
Bate SchedpJa W .. J lad W=f CRnJdegtjaJ Custpmm)
Staff reex"nmend. relllining the CWTent rate structure (with revised prices) for Schedule
W-6 applicable to separately metered residential accounts-Accordingly, the CWTent
consumption level !argets of 7 and 14 units for winter and summer months respectively
are continued lbe 7/14 IXInsumptioD levels are based on the tatgel for the Palo Alto
residential c\as5 as a whole divided by the number of mele" and reflect oeaoonal use
patterns.
However, staff propooes on. major change with regard to providing additional water al
reasonable rates for residences with relatively large fumilies. Owing the past year, one
criticism of the current Drought Response Plan has beeD that it docs nO( address the
additioDal waler requirements often asooQated willi households consisting 01 6 10 10
peopI., SudI a co",,"rn was recently expressed by dtizens at the April IS Council
Workshop regarding the staffs proposed 45 Percent Drought Response Plan. Staff has
developed a piau to address these IXIDceros. The need for such an allowance also arise.
from the introduction c! a much higher price for water use between 20 and 40 units,
since even .. c:onseIVing households with 6 to 10 individnals may consume al this leveL
With regard to the Drought Rate ScbeduIe W -6, il it; staff's intention to price water at a
moderate price up Ie 20 units. For COIlSUDlpliOD above 20 units, the price 01 water will
rise substantially. Based on our analysis, this would enable households of five or less to
receive • fair amount of water at a moderate price. However, IS mentioned above, even
conserving families of six persons or Dlore may IXInsume above 20 units To
accommodate these custome .... staff proposes • hardship application process which will
enable qualifying customers 10 swilch from Rate Schedule W -6 to service under Rale
Scbe<Iule W-l (attaclled) and thereby pay f", additional waler beyond 20 units a\
reasonable rates. Rate Schedule W -1 has been redesigned for this pwpose and now
provides reasonable rates for usage of up to 40 units. Assuming a per capita assignment
of 4 unil!; per person, a level of 40 unil!; priced moderately would acrommodate a family
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01 up to 10 pe<SOll5. Escalati"8 prices would be cba.-ged for IJSaBe above 40 units.
To mate it clear that ac:auatc data is required from customers app1yiDa for • 'per
capita' aIIDwaace under the Drought Rat<: Schedule, an ordinanoe provision has been
PJ'OIlO'Od maI<iDg it • amnic:ipal code violation to provide fraudulent information
repnling the number of pennanm1t residenlS at • given address. A 'Iiolation could
resull in • penalty ol up to siJ: JIKlIIIhs in jail or a $1,000 fine.
In ~ a amdidatc'. application for water service under Rate Scl1edule W -1, tbe
foIlawin& criteria will be employed:
(1) Has the customer submitted a signed per capilli verification card testifying
that there are siJ: or more full time permanent residents at the dwelling?
(The card will be subject to review and legal action if it is Cound to be CaIse~)
(2) Has the customer rednced IJSaBe 28 percent from 1981 levels'
(3) Has the customtc installed water efficient devi= indoors/outdoors?
(4) Does the aIStOmer have a dean rea>rd with regard to violations of the waler usc
ordinances?
(5) Are there other legitimate enenuating ciraunstalKeS (bealth, safety) which need
to be CXl1ISidered?
(6) Is there a demonstrated need Cor the amounl requested (landscaping excluded)?
Wrth regard 10 the pri<:iD& strategy reflected on Rate Scl1edu1e W-6, the intention is 10
set the last rateblock for consumption above 50 units/month al • very high rate~ The
price recommended is $18 per unil which is three times higher than the currenl highest
price at 56 per unit. By establishing a rate at this Ieve~ the price differential for
CICIIISWDpIion above 50 units per DIOnth will rise dramatkaIly and send a .tr0"8 price
sigoaI to the customer. This same strategy has been applied 10 Rate Schedule W-l. The
ratebloc:b below SO units will have gradually increasing pri<:cs within a moderate fO"8e,
and usage above 50 units will similarly be priced highly.
RaM ScWpk W.7 <Mu'ti-Family Residegtial Cpmmerctal. JpdustriaD
Staff recommends retaining the current rate structure (with revised prices) Cor Scl1eduJe
W·7 applicable 10 multi.family residential, commercial, industrial, public facilities and
City departmeuIs. Thls rate strUCIure contains a Baseline Consumptinn Allowance
(BCA) unique 10 each ac:c<II1IIl lbe BCA is base<! on a formula that estimates the
iDdoor or moot essential .... t.r requirements of the facility served. The rale strocture
then applies eoc:aIating prices for multiple levels above the seA.
The ezperieoce this pest year with the BCA has been favorable from the utility and
customer peropectives. The advantage of the BCA system is that it allow> the City to
price waler for iDdoor use, ~ wen as outdoor use, acrO&'i a wide base of customer classes
wbicb have major differeDCCS in consumption needs and patterns. From the CUSIomer's
viewpoint, the I'llIe structure provides moderately priced water to a=mmodate those
""IniremenlS important 10 their operation. As evidence that the BCA system is working.
the industrial cIaos reduced its usage 37 percent below 1987 levels between June 1990
and Febnwy 1991.
Staff rcct'mroends that the current target of staying below two times their BCA continue
for tb= c:uslomen. However, staff recommends a very high rate of $18 per unit be
applied 10 the last rateblock (over five times tile BCA). similar 10 that proposed for the
residential .... Iome",-Again, in this manner, • strong price signal is being used to
discourage usage wen above the seA.
-wm Uam-Program IDd IptmdlldioD or. Mapmpm Clg
Under the eaisting drought rate scbeduIes, it is possible for customers who are willing to
pay high prices and who do DO! violate any water use onflJl8DCes 10 use an unlimiled
amount of water. Although the Y35t majority of residents and businesses have not men
unfair advantage of this siruation, in light of the continuing drought it seems appropriate
to prevent anyone from using "excessive" amounts of water. Staff recommends a new
program 10 address those high water users willing to pay for water at any price. This
new "Large Users" program involves identifu:ation, notification, investigation, field
andits, monitoring. special fees and the j>OSSl'ble installation of flow restrktan;.
As part of the "Large Users" program, staff recommends setting a maximum monthly use
cap of 5{) units foc residential customers (Schedule W -6) and over S times the BCA
(Baseline Consumption Allowance) for otller customer classes (Schedule W·7). It is
important to IIOte that although the probability of identifying excessive users is bigher
when viewing the records of customers using ewer 5{) units/month, staff does Jl.!!! assume
that.ill usea above 5{) units are "excessive" users just be<ause they are relatively large
users. There may be legitimate reasons wlTj a largo residence may use more than 5{)
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UDitsfmcnth; am! staff doe$ DOl intend 10 penali ... resident; who bave oo=rved
subslanlially, simply because !bey have attractive I.nd<co:>ing.
Those C!l5f.omeIs wbo exceed !be muimum cap would receive & warning DO~ !be first
montb. H use c:ontinues in excess of !be limit, a ootioe of intent to install a flow
restrictor may be issued after further investigation. Over !be past year, lbe number of
rcsideotial acmmm usina more than SO UDits/lDODlb raDpl from 20 to 400, depending
on !be -. A s.imiIar number of DCA customets used in excess of m. times !beir
DCA.
For residential customers (W~ wbo believe !be cap ~ an unwarranted hardship,
1bere will be an acmptioo proces6 wherein, if 1bere ba& already been a l8 percent
rcduetion from 1981 use. the bunlen is Otl the customer 10 demonsttate installation of all
practical conservation measures. U such criteria are met and !bere is 00 evidence of
waSlCful practices, a flow reotrictor would DOl be installed. For multi-family, rommercial
and o1ber c:ustomer classeo (W-7). an exemption from the maximum cap limitation would
be evaluated on a """" by case basis, with the burden of persuasion !ailing on the
customer.
CONSERVATION AS$ISTANCE AND OlITREAQi PBOGRAMS
0ven!II. Palo AlIans ~ responded wen 10 the can for Q}1lSCI'Ialion-Since mandatory
rationing was imposed by SFWD in May 1990, !be City a)nserved enough to meet its
wgets eight out of twelve mODlhs. With !be wells operating for • montb, along with !be
IIlIexpCCted rainfall, the City was able to romplete the billing year (May 1990 through
May 1991) under its annual allocation-
For the nc:n twelve months, a program of promoti<m. infonnation, education and on-site
assistanee will be continued for all customer.; wilb lb. folJowin8 prime objectives:
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Enc:ourase and support lbe majority of residents and businesses who
have made substantial reduetions to maintain lbeir co!lServation efforts.
Motivate those cuslome .. wbo have not yet taken all reasonable
measures to reduce use from 19811"".15. This includes introduetioo of lbe
"Large Users' program 10 identify any excessive users for (ollow-up
correspondence and actions by lbe staff.
Promote the use of reclaimed water and !be installation of waler-saving
indoor retrofits to achieve longer term conservation benefits.
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An initial set or materials will be sent to customers late in JWI<' outlining all the featur~ or the 1991 Drouptt Response P1an and describing 1M QODseM!tion assistance available,
Oastorncr 1 Jg Iaryc:t:;
'The ultimate soaI for the City as a whole remains the same -reduce water purchases
from SFWD by 28 pe=nt from 1987 levels. However, we learned last year tho.t it was
very hard for the City ... a whole to stay within aIlocatiOD during the winter, Therefor.,
it is neeessary for all customer cllISSeS to increase their COcservatiOD levels in the
summer, when cuthacks are easiest to achieve, to compensate for their lesser ability to
reduce 5Ufficiently in the winter.
AccordilJ8ly, the "formula" or reducing outdoor use by SO percent from pre-drougbt levels
and indoor use by 15 percent will be promoted to all =mers citywide. As mentioned
earlier, !he w;age Iarget for the average Palo Alto resident will remain 7 units per month
in the winter and 14 units per month during the irrigation season. However, for homes
which typically use more or less than the average, the SO/15 fo.-mula em still be • good
guideline for judging if they are doing their part. Similarly, businesses will be asked to
coosider the SO/15 formula. in addition to using the targets or staying within their BCA
in the winter and within two times their BCA during the irrigatioD season.
Through !he milkycle budget process, staff is proposing a pilot ineeDlives prng.-aro to
offer <m"'-..meTS rebat~ when they install ultra-low flush toUets, ultra-low flow
sbowerbeads and water-saving modifications on commercial indoor process equipment
These incentives, part olthe City's effort to improve long-term water use efficiency, will
also serve to help customers and the City "" a whole meet reduction targets
Cit.v Fap1jti% and Par'" Cgnwyation
As outlined in CMR:228:91, !he City implemented a variety or additional water-saving
measures this year including retrofitting City toilets, shower.; and lanee1S with flow
reduction devi«s and making oooIing system improvements Additionally, almost all
outdoor irription was stopped from Noyember 1990 through March 1991; central
irrigation controls have been installed for imprOYing future irrigation efficieDey.
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For ill part in me.oting the continuing reduction requirements, the Oty will laIget a 30
pet<e1II 0Y0t8D reduction in use. Redajmed waler projects now in P£"""'" will continue
10 be pw:sucd. The Golf and Porb Division staft' have adjusted aD timecloc:b to reduce
ini&alion levels ippIopliately. The Golf Coone staff will foc'.Is on maintaining pUlIS,
teeS Illd fairway landing areas wbil. letting less .... ntial areas go.
As the drouJbt continues, plant5 become more stressed and more survival problems are
expected this year than before. The Golf and Parks Division staff will try to minimiu
losses at Oty landscape investments, but some bas to be expected Occasionally, truc:lcs
may be rented to supply redaimed water as a supplemenl to certain trees and valuable
plmtinp.
Facilities Management DMsion staff will continue their aggressive maiDtenance program,
giving lOp priority 10 leal< detection and repair. Employee awareileSS will be maintained
tbrougb stickers, sigos, notices Illd other outrea<:b efforts.
WA1ER USB RRmICIJQNS
Currently, l'aIo Alto bas two water use ordinances in eft'ect: one establishing lung-term
(I.e., not drought-motivated) restrictions and the other imposing emergency resmroons
~ because of the drouglrt (CMR:305:9 and 302:0, respectively). To continue
meeting SFWD'. rcduclioo requirements, some apansion at these ordinances is
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There are many good reasons to maintain resmroons on the way aIIocaled water can be
used. rJl'S! of aD, regardless of droagh! eonclitiollS, it is good public policy fo< Palo Alto
to prohibit water waste, such as gutter flooding. Seeond!y, restrictions can streleb the
available potable water supply by en<ouraging people to use alternatives (e.g., residents
using brooms 10 dean driveways, or construction contractors using reclaimed water).
Thirdly, some restriroons are designed to set a lone and/or create visua1 reminders that
drought conditions are severe and careful water use is essential
The poliCj question is 10 wbat _I shooId ""ntto! be exerted OYer the W'i'J water is
used venus the amount at water used. A ba1ance must be struck between COmmunity
goa1s and respecting indMdual rights and business economic needs. Another factor is
CODSisIency with the restrictious of other water agencieo througbout !he Bay Area.
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SWf tealDImends adoption of ordinance amendments to make the following fu..,
modifications to the aiSiIla: water use prohibitions and add ooe new prohibition. New
words are pndqljnt.d and deleud words are in slMe"1It ~, Parenthetical remarks
explain why the cbaDge is being proposed.
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3.
s.
6.
Flooding or runoff of potable water 191' eutde 8f ~e1l is prohibited.
Water should no! IUD into gutters, driveways, sidcv.1llks, streets or other
unlandYaptd areas. (Oarifies that flooding or runoff from JIll): source is
DOl aIlowed.)
E:zcepe for drip irrigation ~ercJ5, soaker hose irri8ation systems and hand
watering. Landscape irrigation.l!!ill! ~ ~ shall nO! be allowed
between 10:00 LID. and 6:00 p.m. (Oarifies that the limits do not apply to
reclaimed water.)
Restannmts, bpnqyet facrlities. or other food service operations shall serve
water to customers only upon request (a..rifies the intel!l of this
rC$1rlction.)
Potable water shall not be used to IlP"rate. clean, fill or maintain levels in
deconttfve fountains or ponds uruess the fougtaiJI Of pond SUp,pom fowI or
aquaff IiW Potable water may he uSN! jn w5t)nabk quantities (or the
pUlp25C or prim!" .. and Qcrcisinr internal mccbaujsJJl$ If reclaimed water
jr. usn' J sip 1jQ Malina P1l1$! be. posted (Clarifies 1he intent of the
restriction.)
Newly constructed pools, spas and bot tubs roay noI be filled with water
supplied by Palo Alto Water Utility lIfIIess a ,&I;d htidift& ~e..mt fer Ill.
Ileal "85 i55aetf 8ft 9f "he"" Me, 14, 199G or other water ytilities wWelL
have water dmrfll .. c cmerpncie:; in effect. (?ermit reference is no longer
relevant; new wording clarifies mtent.)
Si&M provjdina ttasoD2h1t DotS of drought Mndjtions shan he djspla,nd
in aD publiC rest rooms, restaIl@nt5 and illest rooms in buDdjnp defined
as hptels by Section 2 3} 01 ()(b 1. (This new provision requires what many
establishmeots would want to do anyway to alert customers to the shortage,
1be Uty as a whole benefits from heightened public awareness kof the
coDSlant need to be careful with water u.se. Businesses who are concerned
about the _ts of developing their own attractive postings would be
supplied with camera-ready art wo<k._
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The City currently employs two tempowy employees as "Gush Busters" 10 patrol streets
and identify vioIatioos or the waler use ordina....... There have been o.pprozimately 630
lim time violators and SO IICCODd lime YioIaton or the oro;n 'noes in the last year; only
one flow rewiclor bas had 10 be installed. UDder the rontim1ing 28 percent reduction
sconario, the cur=t 5IafIlng Is suffiQeot and DO new positions are requested.
However, several measures au being taken 10 reduce the frequeocy of violations
induding promotioDal ~ of oew and existing ordinance prOYisions, more
frequent c:average 0( IocatioDs with previous violations and stream1jnjng the system for
following up ov reporIS 0( water waste.
BUDGET AND STAFF IMPACI'S
The det.ails of budget changes beiDg requCSled 10 implement the drought response
program will be provided during the mid-cy<:le lnl<I3et process. Costs 10 implement
consemlliov outreacb and implement the drought nne program during the upcoming
fiscal year wilIlOtaI approximately $125,000. As memiooed previously, a water
amservation incentives program is aJso being proposed through the budget proces,,;. The
ope!atiDg budget for this program is approximately $ 175,000. The table below gives a
breakdown 0( these program budgets wbic:ll IOgether total S3OO,OOO.
Drpgejc Raponz IDd eoa .... tiop Ipmtrim Budge«
Ads/Promotiooal Materials
Contrad Employees
(Gush Busten [2]. Oistomer Services Assistant)
Other Contract Services
(Project consultaJlts; staff training)
Supplies &: Materials
Rebate Dollars
MisceUaneous
(postage, meetings, special events)
TOTAl.:
S 40,000
58,000
44,000
15,000
l36,000
7,000
$300,000
Other than the tempoouy Gush Busters and • Qlstomer Services assistant, DO
additional staffing is required to implement the drought response and incentives
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programs. Existing staff will bandle the work by shitting workload priorities.
SIlMMARY AND BflPMMENDADONS
1bo San Fnncisoo Water Department (SfWD) is requiring Palo Alto to reduce its
amwaI water amstlIIlption by approximately 28 percent from 1987 use Ieyels. SfWD has
also implemented a 40 percellt wholesale ra~ increase. Although thls year's reduetion
level is the same as has been required for the lasI 12 months, changes in the current
drought rare scbeduIes Bi>d outreach programs are warranted to improve Palo Alto's
abi1ity to meet all its monthly targets and to benefit from the lessons learned over the
paotyoar.
Staff ncommends Counci1 approval or the (0llowios:
1) the attached emergel!Cy ordin.anoe amending the existing water use
restrictions Bi>d adding new ones,
2) the attached ordiDance prohibiting the supplying or fraudulent
information on the number or permanent housebold residentsJasses.
1bo funding for drought outreach and conservation inct:ntive programs, as weil as the
proposed revisions to the rate schedules, will be presented for formal Olund! approval
throogb the budget praces&.
Respe ,tfvlly sm.mitted,
6!::::T
Manager, Energy Servi=\Outir
City Water Management Olmmittee
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RICHARD L yottNG ,
Director or Utilities
AtlacllmeolS: Ordinances {2)
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W. RANI>6'lPH BAlDSCHUN
Assistant Director or Utilities
Administrative .Sei..;.ces
Proposed Utility Rate Schedule W-l
Proposed Utility Rate Schedule W...{J
Proposed Utility Rate Schedule W· 7
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ORDINANCI! NO.
ORDDlMlCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PAll)
AL1'O AMENDING CIIAP'l'ER 12.32 OF THE PALO ALTO
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO WATER USE REGULA
TIONS AND ESTABLISHING PENALTIES FOR VIOIA
TrOllS TlIEREOF
WHEREAS I the
unreaaonab Ie or vas tet"Ul.
beneficial use of water;
california Constitution probibit. the
use of water and encouraqes the maxi.um
and
1iBEIIEAS, the City of Palo Alto recoqniz". the continui"9
need to aan&q_ water resources under ita jurisdIction and control
in a aanner consistent vi th the COMtl tLltion r and.
WKEI!l!AS, the re<JUlations hereby enact<!d, in conjunction
with Palo Altorl!l ext_tine; water use rules, requlations, and
ordinance. aplellent the constitutional water policy of California.
NOW, TI!ElIZFORll, the Council of the City of Palo Al to doe.
ORDArN aa follovs.
SECTION 1. Section 12.32.010 of Chapter 12.32 of the
Palo Alto JOIunlcipal Code i8 bereby aDended to read as follows.
12 .. 32 .. 010 •• tel' a •• 2egulat.lons. Ho purchaser of 'Water
trOll the city of Palo Alto, nor any customers of the .,,,ter utility
of the City of Palo Alto, shall use water or allow any other person
to uae vater under the control of such C"..lStoaer or purcha6er in the
following way.:
Cal Potab~e water fe~ a~~.eer i~l!a~iaft shall not
be allowed to flood or run eff into qutters, driveways,
sidewalks I .treets or other unlandscapeCI areas.
(b) By ~an. of a hose to wash cars, boats, trail
er., buses or other Vehicle .. or to wash sidewalks, bu.ildinq.
structures, other hard-surfaced areas or parts thereof without
an operating autoaatic: shut-Off valve. Use of a bose for such
purposes should be avoided whenever possible.
(cj Potable water for ccnsolidation of backfill and
o~er non-cm.estic uses in construction shall not be used if
other water sources such as reclaimed vater are available, as
deterained by the director of utilities or bis ~ design
ee. Applicants fDr bydrant peralts fro. the City of Palo Alto
.. ball be dee.ed to have consented to restrictions on va.ter use
which aay be ilIIposed by the director of utilities or bis B
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(d) Any broken or defective plumbing, sprinkler.,
vatari"9 or irrigation .yat..... Which pe1"llit the escape or
l.akaq. of water .hall be repnired or replaoed aB Boon as
po •• ibl., Mli. nil'" Ieee. it than the 4!i.e .e~i:~.JIII
_tablbhad by the director of utilities, or his _
d_lgn .. , aa reasonable after observation at the broken or
4efective .yetes.
SECTIOI!' 2. section 12.32.030 La hereby ad<1ed to Chapter
12.32 of the Palo Alto Municipal Code to read a8 follows:
SECTIOJ! 3. The council Unds that the prOVisions of this
ord1nanca do not constitute .. project under the california Environ
IleJ\ta1 QWlllty Act becauae it can l>e seen with certainty that no
significant environ.ental blpact will occur as a result of the
ord1nanca.
SEC'l'tOJ! f.. This Ordinance shall become effective upon
the ~t of the thirty-first day after the day of its pas
sage ..
III'l'ROOOCED:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT.
ATTEST:
City Clerk
APPROVED AS '1'0 FORM:
, "
APPROVED:
Kayor
2
cIty Attorney
APPROVED:
city Hanager
Director of Utliiti ••
l
,
ORDllIAIICl! I/O.
OROII/AIICE OF 'I'IIE COCIICIL OF rIfE CITY OF PALO
ALTO A!!EIIIlIIIG CHAPTER 12.32 OF TIlE PALO ALTO
IItIIIICrpAL CODE 'rO ENACT SOPPLEKENTAL AND
AMENDED WATEIl SHORTAGE EMERGENCY REGUlATIONS
III!EREAS, in Ordinance No. 3960 the City Council duly
declared a vater abortag8 eaerqlUlCY pursuant to the notice and
bearing procedures set forth in Water COde section 350 t &t ~.;
and
III!EREAS.. the vater short-aqe so declared remains an
ongoinq emerqency; and
III!EREAS, the San Francisco Water Department (. S FWD-) has
imposed mandatory 25' water use reduction re.quirements. on ita
customers: and
III!EREAS, Palo Alto must achittve a 28' vater use reduction
in order to meet the SFWD requiresent because Palo Alto·s cliaate
and pattern of development results in a hiqher outdoor irriqation
requireaent than that of the City of San Francisco; and
III!EREAS, in order to achieve the necessary vater use
reductions it is necessary teo enact supplem.enta1 and amended v&ter
shortaqe emerqency regulations.
I/OW, '!'IIEREFORE, the council of the City of Palo Alto does
~ as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 12.32.015 ot Chapter 12.32 of the
Palo Alto MUnicipal COde io hereby amended to read as follows:
12.32.015 water V.. Jtequlatioll8. TJle following
uaergency regulations of the use of water are effective in the City
of Palo Alto:
(al Except for drip irrigation .ysteas~ soaker hose irriqa
i~ .. tell8' and hand-vaterinq, landseape irriqation ~ff!!]~.
shall not be allowed between 10:00 a.1II. and' '6:'60'1":,,:'
rilgation at all tt.es must contorm with section 12.32.010.
(b) Potable water ather than wben used from containers of
five (5) gallons or leas I shall not be uBed to clean sidewalks,
walkways, driveways, patios, parking lots, and other hard surfaced
areas or building structures.
o
SEmON 2. The Council f!ndB that the provisi<>nB of this
ord.t.nanc.. do not constitute .. project Under the California Environ
_nbl Quality Act because it can be ...... r: with certainty that no
aiqnificant eovironmental bpact will occur ... a result of the
ordinance. Moreover, the Council finds that e.nactsent of: this
ordinance is exempt trOJI provisions of the California Environment
Quality Act because it 110 lmIediate action necessary to mitigate a
va tar lIhortaqe emerqeney.
SECTIOH J. The Council finds and declares that, based
upon the flndinqa and declarations "et forth above, the .... terial
furnished to the City Council by the City ~taff, and oral and
doe<mentary t .... timony at the Council .eeting-at wIIicb this .... tt.r
was considered, tbe enacbent. of t.h ia ordinance i8 necessary as an
eaergeney aeasure to preserve public health and safety.
'This ordinance was introduced at a reqular meeting of the
Council of the City of Pa.lo Alto 0.-" Monday" the third day of June,
1991, and was passed by a tour-fifths vote of all council members
present at the meeting as follows:
PASSED:
AYES:
NOES'
ABSTEllTI OilS:
ABSPT:
ATTI!ST: APPROVED:
•
cl ty clerk Mayor
city Attorney
APPJtOv:co:
;)
,
. -.
APPLIWIlITY.
/.
'EIIERAL WATER SERVICE
UTILITY RATE SCHEDULE V-I
I"'ide and outside the incorporated limits of the Cit] of Polo Alto ond land owned
or leased by the Cfty.
RATtS:
SCDle, Charge;
For 5/8-inch lleter
For 3/4 inch .. ter .
For 1 inch .. ter _
For I 1/2 inch .. ter
far 2-1nch ~ter .
for 3-1nt~ ~t~r .
For 4-Inch .. ter
For i-inch .. ter •
For 8-inch .. ter •
For 10-inch .. tor _
QtI. But. (To be added to Service Charge)
per Hundred (ubic Feet
frtssure Zones
Per lleter
Per !!onth
S 2.sa
2.60
2.80
3.90
5.10
8.sa
12.50
22.65
35. IS
43.50
Per lleter
PIt eont,.. through 4 50 thrgugh 7
Ftrst
Next
Next"
H.ot
Next
Over
.2.0 -+ Ccf
,"0 .. Ccf
10 Ccf as Eef
11.00
+-* Z./1
~5.7$
1.61
Temporary u~tered service to resfdent111
subdivision deyeTopers~ per connection ..
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Superseded Sheet No. V'I-l dated 7 I 89
7-•. .,,,
11.16
+.iI&-~. 'f~
f':* ,./2.
2.87
52. SO per ""nth
7-1-'11
Effective 1 1 '0
Sheet Ho. V-l·l
---_ .. _ ............. -----,. ~'""'-~-,------.-'-.
•
Al'PLlWILlD:
'-
DROUGHT RATE SCHEOUU
UT! LID RATE smptJu 11-5
This schedule c"""l ... nts Rate Schedule W-I and appl ies to single f .. ily resioenti.l
water service during i period wh~n a water shortage emergency cond;tlo~ exists in
the City of 'al0 Alto and Its distribution orea_
I TERRITORY:
.!
Inside the incorporated It.its of the City of P.l0 Alto, on land owned or leased
by the City, and any other lind serviced by the P.lo Alto lIater Utility.
RATES:
Seryjc9. O.l.rne
For 5/B-inc:il .. ter
For 3/4-lnch eeter
for I-I nc:il .. t.r
For 1/2 Inch .. ter
for 2 i~ch ~ter
For 3-lnch .. ter
For 4-in~ eeter
For 6-lnch Deter
For 8-inch ~ter
For IO-lnch .. ter
C9!!PJdity Rates: [to be added to Service C~argel
Per Heter
Per Month
First 7 ccf (8aselin. Allowance)
8 ccf -14 ccf.
15 ccf -20 ccf.
21 ccf -~ ccf.
Over SO ccf ..
HARDSIIIP EXCEPTIOO:
Per Meter
Per fi:ontb
$ 2.~
2.60
2,80
3.90
5.10
8.50
IL20
22.65
35.15
43.50
Per Hundred Cubic Feet
All pressure Zones
$ 1.00
~ :/·'9
?':W r.7r
_S.7$"
~ ".'"
Any person seekfng an ex,eptton to any provision of this rate schedule shall fiTe
"jfY"/~ " ~ :;2~n jlDPli~atiQn with thnt"aflager, bltilities Rahs .. 11:1 R:egl:lll\isfIIs "e. ' in .... ;:). The ~(,. or hi 5 er designee alay act upon said appl ;c.at ion, --~ ....
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by t~e C;ty CounCil
Supersedes Sh •• t No. W-6·1 dated 8 15 88
"-I-~O
Effective ~ '1-/-'1
Sheet No. W-6-1
------_.-.-
..
'.
/
DROUGHT RATE SCHEDULE
IITILIn RAH scHED!B.E W-€
seek further infonlation. or hold an infoMial hearing.
estaolishing. hardship sh.ll be upcn the applicant.
The burden of
Appl ieat ions shall be granted only after the <ust ... r has adopted .11 practicable
water conservatfcn .easures, and if t~e .ppl~clnt establishes t~at this rate
schedule or its .pplicltion to applicant's ,itu,tion creates or would tend to
create: .) • detrimentll co~ition .ffecting the health, sanitation Dr safety
af the applfcant Dr t~e general public. or b} baye an extraordinary or unusual
idverse ec.onomic. impact sud! IS loss of production or jobs!' Basea on the
applicant est;~~~~ t~lt one aT .oTe of the foregoing ha~dshjp conditions
exists, t~e ·~iliY adjust the c.ustOBr .. :.!..RJll or serve such customer under
an alternate water rale schedule. The .~~ ~y deny an applicants request
for an e~emptiDn to t~is rat~ schedu1e if he or she de~s t~at granting such
exemption is inequitable) adainistrativel, impricticable, or materially f~acts
the Utility system costs iD an adverse "nner. Applications denied by the
~."..; .... :Maug8P-aay be appea1ed to the Director of Utlliths withi" five days
there,fter. The decision of the Director of Utilities Shill be final.
CHAaG£S FOR FLOW RESTltICTING DEVICES: . _ .• ~ _, __ '" s ... .....t ,. _u.oit
vMIfj. ~ .. ~ t:~dU ...., ..sc III ---.....-... r----, r. .. --'""" ....... e. ~ the event it beco~s necessary to install Dr remove i flow-restrtcting device
o~ the service line of any custoeer wiolding any provisions of the Cit,Y's
ordinance on water us'lo, the fol1awing charg .. wil1 apply
M <C1lC*UI-t'tJllr&: ..,........ ~ .. ,r., n~"I""""'"
Ehlt,SI ~r 1 s a a lon 0 ow-res r C lng eVlces or or restoring service
• i H he 1 e"i@;I I6i foP ow •
Meter Size
SIB' to )'
1·1/2' to 2'
3' and larger
$25.00
50.00
Act"al Cost
Rimv,l Cost
S25.00
5D.DO
Actual Cost
Actual cost will include all material. libor, equip~nt~ ind overhead charges.
CISCOHTINUAHCE OF WATER SERVICE:
Continued water consumption ;~ violation of t~e Cit,'s o~inance on Water Use
Restrictions .ay result in the discontinuance of water service by the City. A
charge of SZ5D shall be paid prior to reactf~iting the service.
CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Superseded Sheet Nos. W·6·2 dated e 15 Be
(,. • 1-"'''
Effective ~ "1-"'"
Sheet W·6·2
.-----...• _---
/'
" _.
API'lICoUIL m.
_ DRDUIIfT UTt SCHEDUlE
UIlLJD IIAT£ StlWlIlU V -7
\ , ,
llth schedul. cClllpI_nts bte Scheeluloll'-l .nd ""plle. t. non-... slofent1l1 "ator
servlc. durill!! • period ,."." a ".ter s~.rtlg. _rg.ncy condItion uUts In the
tlty Of Palo Alto end Its dlstributl ...... 1_ . TII!s schedu1e fs .100 applicabl.
b .. lit-f .. lly resident!., eust_rs served through I ... ter _t.r .mI In so,,",
easts. slngl. (..rtly residential custoaers who hive ~n granted .n exemptIon
frooo servlc. under bte Schedul. II'-i_
TORmIIV,
Inside the fncorporated 11.lts of the Cfty of PI'O Alto, on lind owned or le.sed
~ the Cfty, an4 .ny other land servIced by the 1'.,. Alto lI'.tor Utlllty_
!tATES,
For
For
For
for 1
For
For
For
For
For·
for
service Cblm
SIB-Inch .. tor _
3/e-Inch .. ter •
1.·1!'IC~ at!T .
liZ Inch .. ter •
2 Inch _ter _
3-lnch .. ter •
4-lnth .. ter •
'-!n<:h _ter
8-Inch _te" •
10-lnc~ _ter •
[?"?dity 'ft,s; (to be added to Service Charg"
frppPrt'pn pf Itself". Cpn;ugpt,on
NOlES:
"11owanc, lBCAl
o to .90 BCA __ •
• 90 to I.SO BCA •
I.SO to Z.O BCA.
2.0 to 5 BCA.
OYer S BCA.
s
,
Per Met or
Ptr Itpnth
2.50
2.60
2.80
3.90
5.10
8.50
12.20
U.6S
35.15
43.50
per Rundrrd Cyhlc Feet
All PtJ5~U~' Zenes
S ],50
2.00
7'* ;5."4
+.tt-'.0#
+-*1,.40
lhe 8I.el !ne ConSlIII>tlDn All .... nc. (8eA) Is lotended to represent I cust_r' 5
.. nt~ly ess.ntlll ... ter consuaptlan rOQulr .... t far Indo.r use Dr business
operations. 1he BCA Is based on the .,enge consuaptlon (I. ~nlh of hundred cubic
feet) far an Indlvldull c.st ... r ( .. ter) during the bIlling periods of february and
llarch Ul9O. LInder certll. cfrcUIIShncu, ,uch as the un.valhbilitlof billing d.t.
or the granting of I cust ... r', requ.st for a ,"rlonce, the Utility "1 s.lect
.It.rnath • ...,ths or .. thods tc arrl,. It a "lSc.,bl. BCA. hrllnces lilY be
granted ~sed on , deoonstr.tlon of s •• ,onal fluctuations In Intern. I buSiness
CITY Of 'ALa ALTa UTILITIES
Issued by the tlty touncll
Effective ++i& 1-""
8t I;fnal Sheet Nc~ V-7-)
•
"
-r\ RATE SCHmU\.E vmIDl'AT£ SCl!£W!.E 11-7
wlter needs or other e.ldonce of econ""ie.l busino .. hordship_ (See Hlrdship Exceptions
below) _
_ I. EXC£l'TIOllS.
Any person s.otfng .n exception to Iny provfslon of this rato schedule sh.l1 fil.
a ,"itt .. appl leltlon with the,.IHiII!:Ui'~l~~~'IIIi!<l,tt~.ClItM,,,).
The ~ Dr .is/ller d .. ilfiif·1iiy ·muupOWT.Td Ip)i1 mnan',-re.T-r6rth.r
IB' • or hold In infonlll he.ring. Tho burden of •• tlblishlng I hardship
shill be upon the appllclnt.
Appllcltions sh.ll be gr.nted onl1 If tor the cust .... r bas .doptod III practicable
oter consorvltion .Isur .. , Ind if tho Ippliclnt .. tlb1 Ishes that thh r.t.
schedule Dr fts IPPlicatlon to .ppllclnt·o oltultton erelhs or would tond to
creat.: I) • detrl.ntll condition Iffectlng the health, slnltltlon or s.fotl of the
.ppllclnt or the generl' public, Dr b) hlvo In extr,ordlnary Dr unusull ad.ers.
eCDn .. lc tI'Plct such IS lou of production of jobs. B .. od on the Ipplicant
ostlbHshl1l9 that on. or .. re of the foregoing hlrdshlp conditions exists, the j\'P:' .... IIaY Idjust the cust .... r·' bill Including the baseline con 5 """t ion
• owlnc:e Dr serve sue" cwstOiler under Ion alternlte wlter rite schedl.ll t. The
~r?7't· .ay deny an applicants request for In exe.ptten to this rite scheaule if
Dr he d ..... that granting such exemption Is Inequitable, administratively
i~ractlc.bl., Dr .. teri.ll, I.,octs the Utility systea costs In In adver •• ~nner_
Applications denied by the ;.1t~~ .IY b •• ppe.led to the Director of Utilities
withi. fiYe dlY' therelfter. • ecislon of the Directo. of UtIlities .hal1 be
final.
CIIAR&ES fOR FLOII RESTlICTIN& DEYlCES: to _.. . .
•
~ eM1'1''; ~,;,..., I c. •• ...,eu ""'" ~~S"~ ~,;. 6C'II -.., ill So-Ur~ ... I".,. ... ." , .. ~ ~~
h the .... nt it bec_s nocessary to inshl1 or removo I now-restricting device on ~
the service line CJf Iny custDJDer violating any provisions of the City's ordinanc:e *"'r.e...
on oter uso., the following charges will IPplYt, '~I"'U ~1n$tl'ht1on of flow·restrfcHng devices Dr fDr restoring s.ervice;~
ae 1 ev ... 15 f,llin ~
Meter $1ze
5/S" to I"
1-1/Z" to 2"
J" and larver
Inst)'1Itipn Cpst
$25.00
50.00
Actual Cost
Rernov,' C9st
$Z5.00
50.00
Actu.l Cost
Actull cost will Includo all .. t.rill, lobor, eqUipment, Ind o.erhead charges.
DISCOHTIIlUAllCE OF WArD SERYICE:
Cont1nu~ water consumption in "fetation of the City'.5 erdinance on Witer Use
RestrictIons .. , result fo the dlscontlnulnct of wlter servic. b)' the City. A
chlrge of $Z5O shall be plid prior to reactl.atlng the service.
CITY Of PAlO AlTO UTILITIES
Issued by the City Council
Effect I ve 6 1 ge 7-'-, I
91 iliFl.l Sheet No. "'·7·2