Here are a few upcoming events worthy of calling to your attention:
DWR to hold public meetings to discuss draft model landscape ordinance: June 16 in Los Angeles, June 19 in Sacramento
“New California yards and commercial landscaping would use far less water under the rules of a model landscape ordinance updated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) at the direction of Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.
The updated draft rules would prohibit installation of turf unless it is used for a specific function such as sports fields or gathering areas, require the installation of efficient sprinkler nozzles, ban turf in street medians and parkways with few exceptions and require use of compost to improve the water-holding capacity of soil.
“About half of California’s urban water is used on landscaping,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin. “We can gain a lot of water savings year after year with smart landscape design, installation and maintenance.”
In all, DWR’s draft revisions to the landscape ordinance are expected to reduce the water use of a new home by 16,000 gallons a year, or 30 percent. Water use on new commercial landscapes would be cut by approximately 40 percent under the draft rules proposed by DWR. … ”
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State Water Board to hold public workshop on summer and fall drought-related SWP-CVP operations in the Delta on June 24
“The State Water Resources Control Board will hold a public workshop on June 24 beginning at 9am to receive public input on drought related operations of the State Water Project (SWP), operated by the Department of Water Resources (DWR), and the Central Valley Project (CVP), operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation), in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta watershed this summer and fall.
Specifically, the State Water Board will receive input regarding proposed operations of the CVP to manage temperatures on the Sacramento River for the protection of winter-run Chinook salmon, and other related operations in the Delta watershed this summer and fall. This will be an informational workshop only and no formal State Water Board action will be taken. … “
Click here for the meeting notice.
State Water Board workshop and solicitation of comments regarding conservation water pricing and implementation of the Governor’s Executive Order
Recognizing the effectiveness of conservation pricing as tool to prevent wasteful water use, Directive 8 of the Executive Order directs the State Water Board to promote water conservation pricing mechanisms. Pursuant to Directive 8, the State Water Board shall direct urban water suppliers to develop rate structures and other pricing mechanisms to maximize water conservation consistent with statewide water use restrictions. The specific form of that direction is left to the discretion of the State Water Board.
Effective water pricing can reduce demand by providing an economic incentive for consumers to conserve water. Many water suppliers have established rate structures and pricing mechanisms to incentivize water conservation, however, as with other conservation measures, additional opportunities to increase water savings remain.
Nevertheless, rate-setting is a complex undertaking that involves numerous local determinations. Conservation water pricing must be carefully tailored to local circumstances to be effective. Moreover, water suppliers must carefully construct and document their rate structures to comply with the constitutional limitations of Proposition 218, as demonstrated recently by the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Three’s opinion in Capistrano Taxpayers Association, Inc. v. City of San Juan Capistrano (G048969).
The State Water Board is interested in hearing from state agencies, water suppliers, and other stakeholders on the financial, technical, political, and legal challenges associated with changing rates, surcharges, and other fees. … ”
Click here for the meeting notice.
