Council: SP steps up water
conservation as state tightens the tap
June 24, 2015
By Mike Kelley
Santa Paula News
The city is stepping up water conservation as the state continues to tighten the tap with even stricter drought caused mandates according to a report given Monday to the City Council.
Interim Public Works Director Brian Yanez updated the council at the June 15 meeting and noted “The water hotline continues to ring...it’s been a good tool,” in locating water wasters and those not abiding by new water use rules.
The city had been trying to cut water by 20 percent over 2013 usage but Caesar Hernandez of Public Works told the council that goal has been raised to 30.
All in the entire city has reduced its water use by 18 percent.
Hernandez said, “residents must comply” with a variety of water saving measures from not washing down walkways and driveways, using a shutoff hose, watering landscaping only two days a week and only at certain times and restaurants not serving water to customers except by request.
Hernandez said the city is poised to start an aggressive public awareness campaign to show customers how to read their own water meters for tracking purposes and exploring turf replacement rebate programs as well as offering more education about water use and conservation.
During public comment Rita Stafford told the council that other municipalities throughout Southern California and Ventura County are giving grants for turf removal, “but not Santa Paula...”
Without local rebates for turf removal and replacement with drought tolerant plants or other ground covering, Stafford said she has a “feeling we’ll get a lot of nuisance properties that will look like vacant lots...we don’t want that. There should be some way to help residents make the transition.”
Stafford also questioned mandatory cutbacks and how such conversation is accomplished and tracked.
Yanez noted Santa Paula is collaborating with Ventura, ”The lead agency,” in distributing Prop. 84 revenue, although Santa Paula must go through a process to qualify for the program.
The program is for turf removal but he noted a certain percentage of growth must be met to qualify for the rebate.
“I encourage the public not to stop watering your lawns yet,” said Vice Mayor Martin Hernandez until a program is finalized.
The council learned if the city is included on the turf removal program it would provide a local match of 25 percent and the funds likely available would provide about $500 per property.
The vice mayor noted that other parts of Ventura County that are already involved in such programs get their water from other water agencies unlike Santa Paula that relies on groundwater.
“On this side of the hill we obviously,” have to find other funding said public works’ Hernandez, who estimated the city might receive about $126,000 for the program that requires careful measurement and also relies on rate of water consumption.
Vice Mayor Hernandez noted the city’s water bills are going to be “more user-friendly” and mandated reductions are counted citywide, ”not per resident...we’re not going to monitor your meter...”
Yanez said the bill will be easier to read and understand: “People are always concerned about their money,” and staff wants customers to understand how and how much they are using water.
Councilwoman Ginger Gherardi asked what sanctions could be for not meeting mandated cutbacks and how often reporting is required.
Hernandez said sanctions have not been defined but reporting is required monthly; he noted entities with large property such as the school district have been contacted on ways to save water.
The school district has cut back on watering to twice a week and the council will receive updates “as numbers come in,” on usage.
Councilwoman Jenny Crosswhite asked about reporting water breaks noting she has received calls about apparent leaks.
“Call 911,” or public works said Yanez, who noted the direct number for an after hours’ report of a water emergency is listed on the bill.
Either way, “We get right out there...”
Councilman Jim Tovias said a baseline should be established for water customers but Yanez said the city already has “everyone’s records and historical data” for reference.
