Staff Report
PAGE
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: WATER CONSERVATION
AUGUST 21, 2015
DISCUSSION (cont'd):
SJWC also continues to work with its largest water users to reduce usage. For example, the
utility identified its top 100 residential water users (29 of which are in Los Gatos) and reached
out to them individually to help them conserve. Town wide water use savings were 2% through
April 2015, compared to the 2013 baseline. Following the urgency ordinance, conservation rates
grew to 38% for the period of May through August 15, 2015. Combined, the Town's year to
date total conservation level through August 15 is 26 %.
The SCVWD continues to lead in the area of outreach and education in partnership with SJWC
and local jurisdictions. On August 7, the SCVWD set up outreach efforts at the Los Gatos
Public Library to distribute drought gear (shower buckets, low flow shower heads, shower
timers, etc.) to local residents. Additionally, the Town will provide ongoing distribution of
drought gear from the Parks and Public Works office at 41 Miles Avenue.
Town staff has taken additional steps to reduce water locally. One very successful event on July
19 "' and 20'h resulted in replanting many of the Downtown planters with drought tolerant plants.
The Town provided the plants and soil and the adoptees for the planters provided the labor. This
allowed staff to reduce the amount of irrigation to the planters. In addition, a new contract for
pressure washing downtown will utilize recycled water that the contractor will truck in. This
will allow for the continued cleaning of sidewalks.
Staff continues to monitor and adjust water levels at Town facilities. Staff has verified that low
flow toilet fixtures are in use throughout and irrigation levels are adjusted to balance the need for
irrigation with usage.
Usage levels on Town water accounts continues to exceed expectations. In comparison with the
2013 baseline data, water usage through the first seven months of 2014 showed reductions of
40% and for the first seven months of 2015, reductions of 46 %. The chart below demonstrates
annual usage.
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PAGE
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: WATER CONSERVATION
AUGUST 21, 2015
DISCUSSION (cont'd):
Parks staff has undertaken additional measures to aid in water conservation. These include
aerating turf areas to allow for water to penetrate to the roots of the turf and a pilot project that
uses an engineered all natural soil amendment in turf areas to help with water retention.
Staff has conducted research on the cost and availability of recycled water. Because there is not
a piping infrastructure in place, recycled water would need to be trucked in. Staff evaluated this
for both contracted and in house service. Due to the high cost of transport and lengthy demand
as well as Town success with other measures, staff has detennined that trucking in recycled
water for irrigation proposes is not currently cost effective. This could remain an option if the
drought continues and conservation goals increase.
The urgency ordinance currently in place will expire on May 5, 2016. The Town Council may
extend the ordinance for a period of one additional year. Staff will continue to monitor the
drought conditions and, if warranted, bring forward a Town Council agenda item, including the
opportunity to extend the ordinance prior to its expiration. Staff will provide another update
prior to the end of the calendar year on the Town's program in conserving water.
CONCLUSION
Staff will continue to monitor water usage and address as necessary.
Staff recommends that the Town Council accept the staff report on water conservation.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project as defined under CEQA and no further action is required.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no further fiscal impacts from this action.