Title
Water System Plan Update Project Briefing and Water Use Efficiency Goal Public Forum
Recommended Action
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive a briefing on the Water System Plan update, host a Water Use Efficiency Goal Public Forum and provide support for a public comment period on the Draft Water System Plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the Water System Plan Update Project, host a Water Use Efficiency Public Forum and provide support for a public comment period on the Draft Water System Plan.
Staff Contact:
Susan Clark, Engineering and Planning Supervisor, Public Works Water Resources, 360.753.8321
Erin Conine, Senior Water Resources Specialist, 360.570.3793
Presenters:
Susan Clark
Erin Conine
Background and Analysis:
Background
Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-290-100) requires water utilities with 1,000 or more connections, or those that are expanding, to develop water systems plans every 6 to 10 years. Water system plans are reviewed and approved by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and are formatted to demonstrate the utility’s capacity to remain in compliance with relevant local, state and federal regulations.
The 2015-2020 Water System Plan (WSP) was approved by DOH on January 22, 2016 and our 2021-2026 WSP is due by January 22, 2022.
To conduct the update, an internal cross-sectional writing team has been formed.
Water System Briefing
The UAC has received briefings on the WSP update on three occasions (November 5, 2020, April 1, 2021 and August 12, 2021). Subjects covered include:
• Water System Planning Requirements
• Focus of the WSP update
• Draft WSP goals, objectives and strategies
• Proposed Water Use Efficiency Goals
• Source capacity analysis results
• Storage capacity analysis results
• Reliability analysis results
The following remaining WSP required elements will be presented to the UAC at the November meeting:
• Hydraulic analysis (of the distribution system)
• 6 and 20-year capital facilities program
• Financial program
Water Use Efficiency Goal Public Forum
In 2007, the State of Washington adopted water use efficiency regulations (WAC 246-290) which require water utilities to establish measurable conservation goals using a public process, among other requirements. The following two goals are proposed for incorporation into the WSP for implementation during the planning period:
• Reduce water use by five percent per service connection
• Maintain water loss below 10 percent of production
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known): None known at this time. Community outreach, particularly through the Utilities Advisory Committee, will occur as a component of the water system planning process. Comments on the proposed water use efficiency goals could be received during the UAC’s November 4, 2021 water use efficiency goals public forum.
Options: None at this time. Briefing only.
Financial Impact: None at this time. The Water System Plan Update will include a financial and rate analysis and a 6-year and 20-year capital improvement program.
Attachments:
DOH Pre-Plan Checklist
Draft WSP Executive Summary & Draft Goals, Objectives and Strategies
Draft WSP Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,12
Draft WSP List of Appendix Items