To: Honorable Mayor and Members of City Council
From: Phil Brun, Utilities Director
Prepared By: Joy Eldredge, Deputy Utilities Director
TITLE:
Title
Terminate Moderate Water Shortage Emergency
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendation
Adopt a resolution declaring that a moderate water shortage emergency no longer exists, terminating the requirements of the City’s water shortage regulations set forth in Napa Municipal Code Chapter 13.10, and determining that the actions authorized by this resolution are exempt from CEQA.
Body
DISCUSSION:
In 2021 critically dry conditions existed both locally and throughout the state, available water resources were sparse, and concerns of future dry years compelled the City to adopt an initial declaration of a moderate water shortage emergency on May 4, 2021 and an updated declaration on July 20, 2021. In 2022, the moderate water shortage emergency remained in effect due to the continued dry conditions with the State Water Project allocation at just 5% resulting in 1,095 acre-feet (AF) of our total 21,900 AF.
In water year 2022-2023, drought recovery has been significant both locally and throughout the state. Lake Hennessey spilled for the first time in four years and remains at 100% of capacity storing 31,000 AF. Milliken Reservoir is also at 100% of capacity storing 1,390 AF of water. In addition, and most impactful to drought recovery, the State Water Project’s allocation to the City of Napa is 85% resulting in 18,615 AF of available water.
Over the last two years, the City has used 7,400 AF of Advanced Table A (ATA) water from the State Water Project. Use of ATA was very beneficial during the drought years; however, it needs to be paid back over time unless Lake Oroville enters flood control operations or spills. On March 15, 2023, Lake Oroville began flood control operations which zeroed out the City’s ATA balance and relieved the City of the obligation to repay ATA.
In 2023, normal water demands are projected to be 13,400 AF. Current water supply conditions are sufficient to meet normal water demands in 2023 and therefore water shortage regulations are no longer necessary. Interruptible Agricultural Irrigation customers have already been notified that water supplies are available in 2023. Staff plans to present revised Municipal Code language at the May 2nd Council meeting to address water use from a hydrant for residential and construction purposes.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
Post-drought water consumption typically returns to normal over multiple years, depending on the weather. This phased increase in water sales has been included in the draft FY2024 and FY2025 Water Fund revenue budget.
CEQA:
City staff recommends that the City Council determine that the Recommended Action is exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15307, 15308, and 15329 which exempt actions taken by the City to assure the maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of a natural resource or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment; and exempt actions taken by the City to prevent or mitigate the impacts of an emergency.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
ATCH 1 - Resolution Terminating Moderate Water Shortage Emergency
NOTIFICATION:
None.