Adopt resolution declaring a level two drought response in the El Macero and Willowbank County Service Areas to implement mandatory water conservation measures consistent with the level 2 water shortage implemented by the City of Davis, which provides water service to the El Macero and Willowbank County Service Areas. (No general fund impact) (Echiburu/Villa)

Adopt resolution declaring a level two drought response in the El Macero and Willowbank County Service Areas to implement mandatory water conservation measures consistent with the level 2 water shortage implemented by the City of Davis, which provides water service to the El Macero and Willowbank County Service Areas.

The State of California is in the third consecutive year of extremely dry conditions due to historically low rainfall totals.  With the ongoing drought conditions, Governor Newsom proclaimed a State of Emergency on May 10, 2021, in 41 counties and has since expanded the drought emergency to all counties in the State.  This executive order called on Californians to voluntarily reduce water usage by 15% of their 2020 levels.  

Due to the ongoing drought conditions, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted Resolution 2022-0002 on January 4, 2022, moving to further reduce the "wasteful and unreasonable water uses." On March 28, 2022, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-7-22 emphasizing the ongoing drought and calling for greater conservation efforts due to the ongoing drought. On May 24, 2022, the SWRCB adopted an emergency regulation requiring urban water suppliers to implement level 2 of their respective water shortage contingency plans to implement mandatory water conservation measures (SWRCB Resolution No. 2022-0018).  Consistent with the Governor's Executive Order and the SWRCB emergency regulations, the City of Davis implemented its Level 2 water conservation requirements for City water customers on May 24, 2022. The City's level 2 drought response limits sprinkler irrigation to three days per week and prohibits vehicle washing except at a commercial carwash that recirculates water or by high pressure/low volume wash systems with a goal of achieving a 20% reduction from normal water demand. 

The El Macero and Willowbank CSAs receive water from the City of Davis under agreements 77-90 and 99-142.  The existing agreements require the County to cooperate with the City in regard to the conservation of water and to abide by the City's water supply rules and ordinances.  On September 14, 2021, the Board of Supervisors also adopted Ordinance No. 1540 pursuant to Water Code section 375, establishing a drought conservation program that includes the El Macero and Willowbank CSAs and authorizes the Board of Supervisors to declare a drought response level.  The Level 2 drought response measures in Ordinance No. 1540 are similar to the City's water conservation requirements, including limiting outdoor irrigation to three days per week.  

Therefore, staff is recommending the adoption of a resolution proclaiming a Level 2 Drought Response in the El Macero and Willowbank CSAs and implementing the Level 2 water conservation requirements.