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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-09-04 - AGENDA REPORTS - SCV WATER RESOURCES (2)TO: FROM: CITY OF SANTA CLARITA INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM Mayor Weste and Members of the City Council George A. Caravalho, City Manage DATE: September 4, 2001 SUBJECT: SANTA CLARITA VALLEY WATER RESOURCES RECOMMENDED ACTION City Council to receive the presentation on the highlights of the 2000 Santa Clarita Valley Water Report and December 2000 Urban Water Management Plan. City Council to discuss Santa Clarita Valley water issues and partnership opportunities to enhance conservation and water use efficiency with Castaic Lake Water Agency. BACKGROUND On an annual basis (based on Council direction provided on June 27, 2000), the Council reviews the demand for water in the Santa Clarita Valley and the reliability of water supplies to meet projected demand. The Santa Clarita Valley Water Report 2000 (Water Report) and the December 2000 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), which were prepared by CLWA and the local water companies, are submitted for informational purposes. The Water Report provides information on water demand, supply reliability, water quality, sources and the quality of water supplies that serve existing (calendar year 2000) and planned near-term development in the Valley. The UWMP is a management tool that is used to plan for and balance long-term water demand in the Valley with reliable water supplies in normal, dry and draught years. SANTA CLARITA VALLEY WATER REPORT 2000: HIGHLIGHTS The Water Report is produced on an annual basis by CLWA and the three retail providers: Los Angeles County Waterworks District 36, Newhall County Water District, and Valencia Water Company. The major reporting difference between the 2000 Water Report and the previous two reports is that Los Angeles County DMS estimates are not included in total demand projections; instead, three years of demand data are presented. The report presents the actual 2000 use for purveyors, agricultural and miscellaneous, as well as the 2001 and 2002 projected demand for these areas. Water Demand and Supply. The total current use and projected demand for 2000 was 76,311 AF, and includes 60,988 AF of purveyor demand and 15,323 AF of agricultural use. In previous reports, projected water estimates for DMS were also included in the calculation of total Agenda Item:___. Water Study Session September 4, 2001, page 2 projected demand. However, given the five-year update of the UWMP was released in 2000, which is the document used by CLWA for long-term planning purposes, DMS estimates were excluded from the 2000 Water report. The total demand for water in 2000 of 76,311 AF was met through a combination of local groundwater and State Water Project (SWP) supplies. The increase in total demand in 2000 by 1,887 AF over the 1999 levels was met primarily through an increase in SWP deliverables, as total local groundwater use decreased by almost 3,400 AF. The 2000 perennial yield for the Alluvial Aquifer has increased from the 1999 report which was previously 32,500 AFY since recent and historical pumpage has been higher without any downward trend in well levels. In general, groundwater levels throughout the Alluvium have been higher over the last 20 years than was consistently the case of the preceding 30 years, and on a long-term basis (over the past 40-50 years), the Alluvium has shown no signs of water level - related overdraft. The 2000 recharge rate for the Saugus Formation is slightly lower than the 1999 report of 20,000 and reflects a more conservative estimate for planning purposes. An accurate perennial yield on the Saugus Formation has not been determined since information on the characteristics is limited; additional wells need to be drilled and pumped to complete the evaluation. Groundwater in the Saugus is considered confined, and no trend toward a sustained decline in Saugus water levels or storage has been observed that would be indicative of overdraft. CLWA has contractual entitlement to purchase a total of 95,200 AFY from the State Water Project. However, for planning purposes CLWA estimates deliverables at approximately 59%, or 56,000 AF in normal years, and at approximately 39%, or 37,000 AF in dry or draught years. SCV 2000 Water Supply and Demand Water Quality. Overall groundwater quality is considered good and it meets both EPA and California DHS drinking water standards. NO MTBE has been detected in any of the Valley's drinking wells. However, the Saugus has tested positive for perchlorate (Whittaker-Bermite site Normal Year (AFS) Dry Year (AFT) Supply Alluvial Aquifer 30,000 -40,000 30,000 - 35,000 Saugus Formation 7,500 -15,000 15,000 Saugus - New Wells 0 6,000 - 20,000 Imported Water 56,000 37,000 Recycled Water 1,700 1,700 Total Supply 95,200-111,700 89,700-108,70x1 2000 Demand Retail Purveyor 60,988 60,988 Agricultural & Nfisc. 15,323 15,323 Total Dwnan l 76,311 76,311 Surplus Availability 18,889 - 36,389 13,389 - 32,389 Water Quality. Overall groundwater quality is considered good and it meets both EPA and California DHS drinking water standards. NO MTBE has been detected in any of the Valley's drinking wells. However, the Saugus has tested positive for perchlorate (Whittaker-Bermite site Water Study Session September 4, 2001, page 3 is potential source); two wells were immediately shut down in 1997, and two additional wells that tested positive but did not exceed state Department of Health standards are voluntarily not being used. All other purveyor -owned and operated wells are sampled on a routine basis and have not detected perchlorate. In 2000 the purveyors filed suit against Whittaker Corporation, Santa Clarita LLC and Remediation Financial for all costs related to response, removal of contaminant, remedial action, and any liabilities a or damages associated with contamination. 2000 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN: HIGHLIGHTS The UWMP is required by the State of California, and is to be submitted every five years. The UWMP serves to plan for an adequate supply of water in all types of years (average/normal, dry and draught) over a 20 -year time period, including conservation, alternative supply sources, and efficient use of water. If projected imported water and local supplies are developed as planned, no water shortage is anticipated over the next 20 years. Demand Estimates. CLWA estimates that demand will increase by an average of 2,240 connections per year based on average historical use (increased exponentially) and population estimates. In contrast, historic connections have averaged 1,139/year in the Valley, and the SCAG population estimates grow housing connections by 5,300/year. The significant water use identified is residential (60%), and agriculture (24%) for a total of 84% of the demand. Compared to the current supply of available local groundwater of 54%, the Valley has an identified reliance on SWP deliverables of 46%. Water Sources. The UWMP has revised the perennial yield in the Alluvial Aquifer of 30,000- 40,000 AFY in average/normal years and 30,000-35,000 AFY in dry years, which is the average annual amount that can be pumped on a long-term basis without causing negative implications. This amount includes fluctuations above and below the perennial yield amount during wet and dry year conditions. For long term planning purposes, the UWMP has identified an annual recharge rate in the Saugus Formation of 7,500 — 15,000 AFY (since the 1998 estimate was based on part on the water levels in the overlying Alluvium and in light of higher water levels in the Alluvium over the past 30 years). CLWA estimates that in addition to the current sources of water (SWP and local groundwater), additional sources will be necessary to meet anticipated future demand (see Table 2-6 in the UWMP). Although new and expanded sources of water have been identified in the plan, agreements have not been reached and financing has not been achieved/identified to develop future sources of water. Following are UWMP identified future potential water sources and the current estimated cost per acre foot (AF to produce): ■ Additional Saugus Wells (up to 10-20,000 AF in dry year) -- $200/AF ■ Water Banking/Conjunctive-Use (105,000 AF in dry year) -- $220/AF ■ Water Transfers (3,500 — 9,200 AF) -- $400/AF • Water Recycling (1,700 — 17,000 AF) -- $600/AF • Desalination (2-5,000 AF in dry year) -- $9-1200/AF • Stormwater Supplies (approx. 11,600 AFY — no plan to develop) To ensure water reliability in times of dry or draught years, CLWA and the retailers both participate in and have developed a number of firming agreements and applications. At the state level, the Monterey Agreement (1994) allocates water among the 29 SWP contractors during times of shortage. In addition, the CALFED Bay -Delta Program, which is a cooperative State/Federal process with the goal of developing a long-term solution to competing water needs Water Study Session September 4, 2001, page 4 of the Sacramento -San Joaquin Delta, is currently in process. CLWA's Long Term Capital Improvement Program includes purchase of additional SWP entitlements, groundwater storage in/outside the SCV, the state's Draught Water Bank, and short-term exchanges with other agencies on an as -needed basis. Lastly, firming supply options for alternative supplies for one - three years includes the purchase of additional SWP entitlement, use of the Draught Water Bank, local supply augmentation (demand management and conjunctive use), groundwater storage, and short-term exchanges. Environmental Uses. The 2000 UWMP does not plan for or allocate water supply for environmental purposes, for example, keeping the river wet. Environmental groups have charged that CLWA has been deficient in this area, and use this argument to bolster the contention that total Valley water demand is not sufficiently addressed. However, CLWA considers this a Valley -wide policy decision, and would need the City/County to push for this to plan/set aside water for this purpose. Future Costs for Infrastructure. Funding sources for desalination, water banking/conjunctive use, water recycling, and perchlorate cleanup of the Saugus have not been identified and will be significant. Perchlorate cleanup of the Saugus is particularly critical since the plan calls for pumping between 23,000 to 33,000 AFY in multiple dry years (historical average use is 7,400 AF). CLWA's policy has been to develop financing and acquisition strategies as the demand arises, and that acquisition should be done in concert with near-term expected changes in demand. SANTA CLARITA VALLEY WATER ISSUES Long-term Projected Demand. As discussed above under long-term projected demand, CLWA anticipates that demand for water in the Valley will increase on an annual basis by 2,240 connections per year. This figure was extrapolated based on historical water use and historical usage per service connection from 1990 to 1999, as well as housing trends and local influences on housing starts and permitting. In comparison, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) estimates that the average annual number of connections will be 5,300 new homes per year. For planning purposes, the extrapolated projection of 2,240 was used because it takes into consideration sub -regional aspects that affect water use and actual historical usage. In comparison, from 1990 to 1999 the average number of new connections per year in CLWA's service area was 1,139. Long-term Projected Supply. Ensuring the reliability of supply to meet anticipated current and future demand is critical in water management planning. Planning tools such as the UWMP develop alternative and enhanced potential future water supplies to meet anticipated demand, as discussed above. Based on a projected increase of 2,240 connections per year, current SWP and groundwater supplies will meet demand in average/normal years until 2020. However, under prolonged dry or draught conditions, existing supplies are surpassed by projected demand in as early as 2005. Thus, the development of supplemental sources is important to ensure reliability. Developing additional Saugus wells is the most inexpensive option; however, the extent of the groundwater contamination and the ability to drill new wells in uncontaminated areas must be addressed and explored. Water Study Session September 4, 2001, page 5 Water Conservation Efforts. Water conservation plays a significant role in both state and local water resource management. The California Urban Water Conservation Council monitors the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the suppliers, environmental community and other interested parties towards the purpose of expediting reasonable water conservation measures in urban areas. The MOU outlines 14 Best Management Practices (BMPs) to be implemented by signatory water suppliers towards water conservation, and range from public information and education programs, to leak detection and monitoring, to conservation programs for commercial, industrial and institutional accounts. As a signatory, CLWA is obligated to implement each of the 14 BMPs over a 10 -year period to reduce long-term urban demands from what they would have been without implementation of these practices. CITY OF SANTA CLARITA/CLWA PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES California Urban Water Conservation Council Memorandum of Understanding. As a Group 3, or "other interested party" member, the City has the opportunity to become a signatory to the MOU and support application of conservation BMPs in the Santa Clarita Valley. Partnership obligations as a Group 3 member may involve data and information exchange with CLWA to support application of the BMPs, educational community outreach, and commitment to promote the use of recycled water in the City. Development of a Valley Water Partnership Committee. Dialogue between CLWA and City staff, and CLWA's Board "City" Committee and the Council's "Water" Committee revealed an interest in convening a regular meeting to discuss current and emerging water issues in the Valley. The intent of this committee is to replace the former Upper Santa Clara Water Committee with a new committee that reflects representation from CLWA, the Valley's water retailers, the City and the County. ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS 1. Council to direct staff to further develop specific water conservation and water use efficiency partnerships with CLWA. 2. Other action as specified by Council. FISCAL IMPACT None by this discussion. If Council directs staff to pursue becoming a Group 3 signatory to the California Urban Water Conservation Council MOU, additional funding will not be required for the City to participate as a signatory, including public education, outreach and data sharing activities. ATTACHMENTS Santa Clarita Valley Water Report 2000 — City Clerk's reading file Urban Water Management Plan (December 2000) — City Clerk's reading file (CD-ROM version) JAF:ch S:\PBS\FOSSELMAN\WATER\9-4 2000 water report.doc