Town Hall Meeting Director Brian Probolsky Learn About the Drought Wednesday, June 3, 2015
About MNWD Formed in 1960 Water, wastewater, recycled water 7 elected Board Members 120 employees District Facilities – 700 miles of potable (drinking) – 11 recycled water reservoirs water pipelines – 39 pump stations – 140 miles of recycled water – 19 lift stations pipelines – 54,550 water connections – 537 miles of sewer pipelines – 50,200 sewer connections – 28 potable water reservoirs 2
Who We Serve Service area includes: – Laguna Niguel – Mission Viejo – Laguna Hills – Aliso Viejo – Dana Point Population served about 170,000 3
Division 5 Service Area ▪ Approximately 10,000 customers ▪ Large portion of Laguna Niguel • Kite Hill • Pacific Island Villages • Laguna Niguel Regional Park • Village Niguel Heights • Laguna Woods • Niguel Summit • Lake Park 4
MNWD’s Water Supply ▪ MNWD is 100% reliant on imported water from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California – Colorado River – State Water Project Transfers & Storage Local Supplies LA Aqueduct (1913) Colorado River State Aqueduct Water (1941) Project (1972) Conservation Local Supplies Groundwater & Recycling 5
Rate Setting ▪ Board sets rates based on the cost of service and in compliance with Proposition 218 • District has implemented 7 rate increases in the past 30 years • New rates became effective April 1, 2015 ▪ Changed the rate structure in 2011 to a water budget based structure ▪ Allocation of Costs • District completed a cost of service study • Ensure rates are proportional for each customer type 6
Unprecedented Drought ▪ An era of firsts • No water from State Water Project in 2014 • State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) issue emergency regulations • Hottest March on record • Lowest Sierra snowpack on record • Worst drought of the last 1200 years • Lake Mead at lowest levels since it was filled Lake Mead 7
Governor’s Drought Actions January 2014 Governor declared a “State of Emergency” and requested 20% voluntary reduction in water use July 2014 SWRCB adopts emergency drought regulations for statewide urban water conservation August 2014 Emergency drought regulations go into effect SWRCB approves MNWD’s Alternate Plan March 2015 SWRCB expands and extends drought regulations April 2015 Governor issues Drought Executive Order mandating 25% statewide water use reduction MET reduces water delivery allocations by 15 % starting July 1, 2015 May 2015 SWRCB adopt regulations to implement the Governor’s Executive Order 8
MNWD Response ▪ Submitted Water Conservation Alternate Plan to the SWRCB • 1 of 2 approved statewide ▪ Engaged with SWRCB members and staff and provide formal comments throughout regulation development ▪ Coordinate our efforts with surrounding agencies ▪ Working with our communities to educate and plan for reduced water supply 9
Water Budget Based Rate Structure ▪ Recognized by state as an effective tool for water conservation ▪ Encourages conservation through pricing ▪ Proven to work in our service area • Over 20% water use reduction since implementation of structure ▪ Complies with Proposition 218 and all applicable regulations • Completed cost of service study and public hearing ▪ Recently reduced water budgets and adjusted rates • 60 gallons per person per day • 0.7 plant factor – Combination of turf and California native 10
Water Shortage Contingency Plan ▪ Incremental water use reductions dependent on water supply condition ▪ Board recently adopted implementing the plan • June 1, 2015, Stage 1 – customers to remain within budget • July 1, 2015, Stage 2 – customers must remain within budget or pay penalties Stage 2 Penalties $10.00 $9.00 ▪ Targeted reductions $8.00 $7.00 $6.00 • Inefficient water users $5.00 $4.00 • Outdoor water use $3.00 $2.00 • Indoor water use $1.00 $0.00 Tier 1 Tier 2 Tier 3 Tier 4 Tier 5 ▪ WSCP was adopted as an ordinance which may impose penalties if violated 11
Customer Communication ▪ Current communication • Postcards • Website • Community events • Bill inserts • Media ▪ Future communication • Children’s program • Outdoor messaging • Targeted communication 12
Future Outlook ▪ Expanded / extended regulations ▪ Regulations to develop rate structures to maximize water conservation ▪ Permanent water use regulations • Current regulations are in effect for 270 days 13
Going Forward ▪ More planning ▪ Continue to work with the SWRCB and staff ▪ Continue to increase customer communication ▪ Explore funding opportunities ▪ Create a new way of thinking about water use ▪ Evaluate resource needs for both long and short term drought response ▪ Consolidate District operations center to maximize efficiency and engage our customers 14
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