HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-21 RPEC Supplemental PacketCity of Palm DesertResource Preservation and Enhancement Committee
August 21, 2023Conservation Updates
Item 5A-1
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Long-Term Water Management GoalsMeet current & future water demands with 10% municipal
supply buffer
Avoid chronic groundwater overdraft
Manage and protect water quality
Collaborate with tribes and state and federal agencies on
shared objectives
Manage future costs
Minimize adverse environmental impacts
Reduce vulnerability to climate change and drought impacts
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Major Sources of Water SupplyGroundwater
Natural Replenishment
Imported Surface Water
Colorado River
State Water Project
Recycled Water
Conservation
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State Water Project •3.8 million AF replenished atthe Whitewater GroundwaterReplenishment Facility since1973.
•SWP allocation is 138,000 AFannually.
•Since 2002 an average of 45%of SWP allocation has beenreceived.
•Replenishing 1,000 AF per day.
•Storing water in thegroundwater basin
SWP allocation is set for 100% in 2023
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75%
100%
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Thomas E. Levy Groundwater Replenishment Facility
Lake Mead, June 2019
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Colorado River500+ Plan ($200 M)
•Replenishment curtailment program
•9,083 af conserved in 2022
•$2.38 M reimbursed ($261.60/af)
Lower Colorado Conservation and Efficiency Program ($4 B)
•short-term actions (execution stage)
•Replenishment Facilities Curtailment Program
•up to 35 taf/yr for 3 years (up to 105 taf total)
•$42 M total reimbursed @ $400/af
•short-term actions (in negotiations)
•Colorado River Water Conservation Program (ag fallowing)
•up to 10 taf/yr for 3 years (up to 30 taf total)
•longer-term actions (Submitted 7/19)
•seeking authorization to submit proposals for recycled water expansion & golf course conservation
Thomas E. Levy Groundwater Replenishment Facility
Voluntary actions to reduce demand on the river
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Colorado RiverAgricultural & Golf Conservation Actions
•About 60% of farms use drip irrigation.
•Water is delivered through a closed pipe
system to reduce water losses with 100%
customers metered.
•Replacing 70-year-old pipelines and
irrigation laterals to increase operational
efficiency, improve reliability, enhance
water conservation, and improve
customer service.
•Funded with a $60 million low-interest
loan from the US Bureau of Reclamation.
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Non-functional Turf“A ground cover surface of mowed grass that is solely
ornamental and not otherwise used for human recreation
purposes. Non-functional turf does not include school fields,
sports fields and areas regularly used for civic or community
events.”
•Applies to Commercial, Industrial,
Institutional users, including HOAs
•Applies to potable water only
•AB 1572 –Proposed legislation to
make the regulation permanent
•Residential property is not impacted,
including those within HOAs
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Determining functional turf?HOAs should review turf areas and determine if the turf is functional
or not. CVWD may defer to HOAs determinations.
Key Considerations
•Turf is played on and used
•Large enough to allow active use
•Distinguishable by signage or postings
•Easily accessed, safe to reach and use
•Health of Trees and Non-Turf plantings
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Conservation By The Numbers•$19.5 million investment for rebates
programs that save water use since July 2020.
•Customers reduced water use in 2022 by
13% compared to 2013, a reduction of more
than 4.8 billion gallons of water.
•23.5 million square feet of grass converted
into desert-friendly landscaping, saving
about 29,195 acre-feet of water since 2009.
•HOA and commercial customers have
converted to drip irrigation systems on more
than 1.3 million square feet of irrigated
landscape since 2017. Ironwood Country Club, Palm Desert
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•Less green, more desert color/beauty
•Greater indoor water efficiency
•Changing mindsets and behavior
•Expectations from part-time residents
•Overseeding discouraged
•Laws and regulations change requirements for water use
•AB 1572 (Friedman) nonfunctional turf
•Outdoor water efficiency
•Indoor water efficiency
Future of water
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Lorraine Garcia
Communication Manger &
Public Information Officer
Lorraine.Garcia@cvwd.org
www.cvwd.org
www.cvwd.org/ourpromise
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CIVIC ACADEMYCity of Palm Desert
EXPERIENCE THE CITY FROM ART TO ZONING
The Palm Desert’s Civic Academy is a free ,
fun, and interactive way for community
members to get first-hand knowledge of our
city's many municipal processes and daily
functions.
This dynamic multi-week program will give
an insider's view of the City through hands-
on demonstrations, presentations, and
tours.
Academy participants will have the
opportunity to grow in their leadership skills,
analyze issues using data, connect with
decision-makers, and learn how they can
make a difference in our community.
For more information about Palm Desert's
Civic Academy, including eligibility
requirements, please view our webpage;
www.palmdesert.gov/CivicAcademy .
Class schedule
Citizen's Academy is held on five
consecutive Monday evenings,
from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Light food
will be provided.
October 2:
City Manager, City Clerk,
Homelessness & Disaster
Management
October 9:
Finance, Tourism, Marketing, &
Communications
October 16:
Economic Development,
Affordable Housing, &
Development Services
October 23:
Public Art, Parks & Recreation,
Environmental Programs, & Events
October 30:
Public Works, Capital Projects, &
Public Safety
Apply Today
To participate in the Civic Academy, apply at
www.palmdesert.gov/CivicAcademy. Applications
will be accepted through September 20th, 2023.
Stay Connected
For questions or updates about this program,
email Ryland Penta at rpenta@palmdesert.gov.
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