Helix Water District 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan

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4.6.6 Seismic Risk and Resilience Mitigation ... 29

4.7 Shortage Response Action Effectiveness ... 30

5. COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS ... 32

5.1 Regional Coordination ... 32

5.2 Communication Objectives ... 33

5.3 Communication Channels ... 33

5.4 Communication Protocols for Current or Predicted Shortage ... 34

5.5 Water Shortage Communications ... 34

5.5.1 Levels 1 and 2 ... 35

5.5.2 Levels 3 and 4 ... 35

5.5.3 Levels 5 and 6 ... 36

5.6 Catastrophic Communications ... 36

6. COMPLIANCE AND ENFORCEMENT ... 38

7. LEGAL AUTHORITIES ... 39

8. FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF WSCP ... 41

9. MONITORING AND REPORTING ... 42

10. WSCP REFINEMENT PROCEDURES ... 43

11. SPECIAL WATER FEATURE DISTINCTION ... 44

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INTRODUCTION

A water shortage may occur due to a number of reasons, such as drought, climate change, or catastrophic events. A water shortage means that there are insufficient water supplies to meet normal customer water use demands at a given point in time. The California Water Code (CWC) mandates that water agencies include a water shortage contingency plan (WSCP) in their Urban Water Management Plans (UWMP). A WSCP, which is a detailed proposal for how an urban water supplier intends to act in the case of an actual water shortage condition, exists as a stand-alone document and can be amended, as needed, without amending the UWMP.

The Helix Water District (District) has developed this WSCP to serve as an operating manual to prevent catastrophic service interruptions through proactive, rather than reactive management. If and when shortage conditions arise, the WSCP allows the District’s board, staff, and the public to identify and efficiently implement predetermined steps to manage a water shortage. The District’s WSCP includes and addresses the following elements:

1) Water supply reliability assessment

2) Annual water supply and demand assessment procedures 3) Six standard water shortage stages

4) Shortage response actions 5) Communication protocols 6) Compliance and enforcement 7) Legal authorities

8) Financial consequences of the WSCP 9) Monitoring and reporting

10) WSCP refinement procedures 11) Special water feature distinction

12) Plan adoption, submittal, and availability

The WSCP was developed in cooperation and coordination with the San Diego County Water Authority (Authority), the District’s wholesaler. It is intended to be consistent with the District’s UWMP and the Authority’s UWMP and is further intended to complement the Authority’s WSCP. The Authority’s WSCP is a response program developed by the Authority in consultation with its member agencies for responding to water supply limitations resulting from drought conditions. The response levels included in the District’s WSCP correspond with the Authority’s WSCP.

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1. WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT

The District is located in a region with limited local water supplies. Since 1948, the District has relied on imported water as its primary water supply source, and it maximizes the use of available local supplies to supplement imported supplies.

Historically, water from the Authority has accounted for the majority of the District’s water supplies and has accounted for 86 percent of the District’s water supply, on average, since 1962. Imported water is purchased from the Authority, the water wholesaler for the San Diego region. The imported supplies from the Authority are a mix of sources including water from the Delta and Colorado River. Looking forward, imported water is estimated to account for 20,509 to 22,944 acre-feet (AF) of the district’s annual water supplies over the next 20 years. Due to constraints on the Delta and Colorado River supplies, the Authority has developed a mix of projects to diversify the imported water supply portfolio to increase reliability and reduce dependence solely on the Delta and Colorado River. Projects completed by the Authority to increase reliability of supply for the region and the District include the Imperial Irrigation Conservation and Transfer Agreement, All American Canal and Coachella Canal Relining projects, San Vicente Dam Raise and Carryover Storage project and the Carlsbad Desalination project. Additional details on the Authority’s water supply reliability are discussed in Chapter 9 of the Authority’s UWMP and are incorporated by reference herein.

Local water accounts for 14 percent of the District’s supplies, on average, and is obtained from both runoff and groundwater. Runoff is impounded behind the dams at Lake Cuyamaca and El Capitan Reservoir. The district estimates that groundwater will provide 1,542 AF annually of the district’s water supplies over the next 20 years, which is the 25-year historical media runoff value less evaporation. Groundwater, which is sourced from the El Monte Valley Basin within the San Diego River Valley Basin, accounts for less than 1 percent of the District’s water supply and is pumped from a well referred to as Well 101. In fiscal year 2020, the well produced 136 AF. The district anticipates Well 101 will provide 100 AF annually of the district’s water supplies over the next 20 years. From year to year, a significant amount of variability in the mix of imported and local water supplies can be observed, as these fluctuations are sensitive to seasonal climatic changes. Looking to the future, the District is investing in the regional East County Advanced Water Purification (ECAWP) project to create a new, local, sustainable, and drought-proof drinking water supply using state-of-the-art technology to purify locally sourced recycled water. The District projects the ECAWP will provide up to 28.6 percent of the district’s future supplies to meet water demands in a normal year.

Every five years, the District updates its Urban Water Management Plan, which includes projecting supplies over the next 25 years, in five-year increments, for a normal water year, a single dry year, and a drought lasting five consecutive years.

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The Authority notes that certain of its supplies, which consist of the Imperial Irrigation District water transfer, All-American Canal and Coachella Canal lining projects, and regional seawater desalination, no reduction in the availability over the five-year drought period is assumed due to the drought resilience of those supplies.

Local runoff supply is expected to be significantly reduced during dry years. Conversely, the production of local groundwater from the District’s single groundwater well is expected to remain constant at 100 acre-feet per year production, as is the projected water resulting from the ECAWP.

Given the development of the Authority’s and the District’s supplies as planned and the achievement of conservation targets, as quantified in the District’s Urban Water Management Plan, the District anticipates having sufficient supplies to meet demand during future normal water years, single dry years, and for a drought lasting five consecutive years.

However, low probability, high impact events can result in sudden, unanticipated loss of water supply on a catastrophic scale. These threats can be naturally occurring, such as earthquakes, wildfires or lightning that could result in dependency hazards such as loss of utility power that in turn could affect the conveyance of imported water or the functionality of the District’s treatment plant. These threats can also be malevolent, such as various forms of acts of terrorism. The Authority, as the regional wholesaler, has created an Integrated Contingency Plan (ICP) in conjunction with its member agencies to address catastrophic events that could eliminate access to imported water supplies. The Authority’s ICP identifies potential emergency situations and incidents that could trigger activation of the Authority’s ICP and Emergency Operations Centers, along with the policies, procedures, multi-agency coordination, mutual aid agreements and activation/deactivation guidelines associated with emergency response activities.

The Authority has also created the Emergency Storage Project (ESP) which is a system of reservoirs, pipelines, pump stations and other conveyance facilities (See Section 8.2 of the Authority’s 2021 Water Shortage Contingency Plan) intended to improve San Diego County’s regional water storage capacity and allow stored emergency water to be delivered to the Authority’s member agencies within San Diego County during a prolonged regional interruption. The ESP facilities can be used to help deliver emergency water supply to member agencies during two- and six-month emergency events in which the region is either completely unable or partially able to receive imported water deliveries due to a disaster that renders their transmission system inoperable. The Authority also has Emergency Water Delivery Plans, which identify emergency water supply deliveries to its member agencies during two- and six-month emergency events through the Authority’s Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA) transfers, spot transfers, out-of-region storage supplies, and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) supplies.

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2. ANNUAL WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND ASSESSMENT

PROCEDURES

Water Code Section 10632(a)(2) requires urban water suppliers to conduct an annual water supply and demand assessment and submit an Annual Assessment Report to the state beginning July 1, 2022.

The following information provides an overview of the District’s process to annually assess projected water supplies and customer demands. The assessment is used to determine if there will be a shortfall in District supplies for the current year and one dry year. If the assessment identifies a shortfall in District supplies, it would trigger the District’s shortage response actions as outlined in the District’s WSCP.

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2.1 Decision-Making Process

This section summarizes the decision-making process that the District will use each year to determine, and subsequently report to the state, its annual water supply and demand assessment:

Timeframe

(No Later Than) Action Responsible District Department

May 1 Authority announces member agency allocation determination for current year, if applicable

Authority provides to Systems, if applicable

May 1

Authority determines carryover (and emergency storage apportionments if under emergency), if applicable

Authority provides to Systems, if applicable

May 1 District determines District local supply _available Systems

May 1 District determines total supply available – inclusive of local and imported supplies

Systems

May 1 District determines infrastructure _constraints Systems

May 1 District determines expected demands Finance

May 1

District compares supply and demand and makes a determination of the water supply reliability for the current and one dry year

Water Conservation

June 15 District prepares and submits Annual Assessment Report to the state in coordination with the Authority

Water Conservation

July 1, if applicable

District implements its water shortage response actions as outlined in this WSCP, if there is a gap between available water supplies and projected demand

Water Conservation makes recommendation to General Manager and/or Board as outlined in WSCP, if applicable

Table 8-A: Decision Making Process for Annual Water Supply and Demand Assessment Procedures

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2.2 Data and Methodologies

The District will evaluate current year available supply and one dry year available supply in its annual assessment. The District’s systems department will conduct the water supply evaluation annually by May 1 and by assessing the following hydrological conditions:

2.2.1 Local Sources

• Local surface water – Determine storage in each reservoir available for transfer.

•_{Well 101 – Determine last year’s production and potential production constraints.}

•_{East County Advanced Water Purification project – Not currently applicable as project is}

still being developed. ECAWP is projected to be online beginning in 2025.

2.2.2 Imported Sources

•_{Imported water – Allocation determined by the Authority, including available Authority}

carryover and Authority emergency storage, based on local and statewide hydrological conditions and contractual availability, if applicable. The Authority’s supply allocation methodology, developed in collaboration with the Authority and its member agencies, is detailed in the Authority’s WSCP.

Since the District relies primarily on imported water, continued coordination with the Authority is crucial in determining the District’s available water supply.

2.2.3 Infrastructure Considerations

The District’s systems department will also consider the District’s existing infrastructure capabilities and potential constraints for the upcoming fiscal year and one dry year. The District’s existing water supply infrastructure is documented in the District’s geographical information system (GIS), including its dams, reservoirs, treatment plant, storage tanks, pump stations, pipelines and valves. Constraints that could potentially limit water supply availability include shutdowns due to maintenance, construction impacts and water quality impacts. The District will also coordinate with the Authority to identify regional infrastructure constraints to determine if, and how, they would impact District water supply availability. Once constraints have been

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identified, the District will determine if the total water supply identified as available under local and imported sources should be adjusted.

2.2.4 Projected Water Demand

The annual assessment will use the District’s latest demand forecast. The demand forecast is completed by the District’s finance department by May 1 each year. Key inputs include, but are not limited to, the District’s unconstrained demand, recent water demand trends, pending water use efficiency regulations, mandatory water use restrictions, weather, and population and economic growth.

2.2.5 Water Supply Reliability Annual Assessment Report

The District’s systems and finance departments will provide projected water supply and demand data to the District’s water conservation department by May 1. The District’s water conservation department will compare supply and demand and make a determination of the water supply reliability for the current and one dry year by June 1. The water conservation department will also complete and submit the District’s Annual Assessment Report, and will coordinate with the Authority as appropriate. The report will be submitted to the state within 14 days of receiving final allocation from the State Water Project (SWP) or by July 1.

2.2.6 Gap Between Available Water Supplies and Projected Water Demand

If there is a gap between available water supply and projected water demand, the District’s water conservation department will recommend implementation of the District’s water shortage response actions as outlined in this WSCP, or reasonable alternative action, provided that descriptions of the alternative actions are submitted with the Annual Assessment Report pursuant to Water Code 10632.1.

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3. SIX STANDARD WATER SHORTAGE LEVELS

The District has established six levels of water shortages, outlined in this WSCP and in coordination with the Authority, to be implemented in times of shortage, with increasing restrictions on water use in response to decreasing available supplies due to drought or emergency events. See Submittal Table 8-1 below. To determine the appropriate level, the District will conduct an assessment of water supply and demand per the procedures outlined in Section 2.

Shortage

Level Shortage RangePercent Shortage Response Actions (Narrative description)

1 Up to 10% Communicates supply shortage with customers and promotes voluntary water conservation measures including recommended watering schedules and ways to reduce water waste.

2 Up to 20% Increases conservation communications. Begins the enforcement of mandatory water use prohibitions and places limits on watering days and times.

3 Up to 30% Increases water use efficiency and conservation communication. Deploys more restrictive water use prohibitions and gives District opportunity to issue water allocations and/or ban new connections.

4 Up to 40% Makes more restrictive water use prohibitions. Focuses communication on extraordinary need for conservation. Expands resources for customers to help avoid damage from extreme conservation.

5 Up to 50% Stops all landscape irrigation except for specific reasons. Bans all new

connections unless project meets stringent criteria. Focuses communication and messaging to handle imminent needs.

6 >50%

Limits exemptions for watering days. Communicates the need for all businesses and residents to work together to help weather the situation. NOTES:

Submittal Table 8-1

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4. SHORTAGE RESPONSE ACTIONS

Although the District has ongoing demand reduction measures in place, the District has identified three additional potential supply mitigation tools that can be utilized in response to water shortages:

1) Communication plan

2) Mandatory water use prohibitions 3) Operational changes

As noted in Table 8-B, below, the Shortage Response Matrix includes a list of potential shortage response actions available to the District at each of the six standard water shortage levels. To determine the locally appropriate actions that should be taken at each level, the District will evaluate conditions specific to the timing, supply availability, supply reduction levels, costs and other variables. Depending on the situation, the District may not implement each of the identified

actions in a response level but select only those that are most appropriate.

4.1 Demand Reduction

The District has adopted policies and procedures manual Section 4.9, which is also known as the Water Shortage Response Policy and Procedure and has been provided by the District in Appendix A. This policy and procedure establishes both permanent water use efficiency measures and additional demand reduction measures to be implemented during times of declared water shortages, or declared water shortage emergencies. It establishes six levels of water shortage response actions to be implemented in times of shortage, with increasing restrictions on water use in response to worsening drought conditions and/or decreasing

Water Shortage Level Ongoing Water _{Use Efficiency} Communication _Plan Mandatory Water use Prohibitions Operational Changes Normal Conditions X Level 1: Up to 10% (Voluntary) X X Level 2: Up to 20% (Mandatory) X X X X Level 3: Up to 30% (Mandatory) X X X X Level 4: Up to 40% (Mandatory) X X X X Level 5: Up to 50% (Mandatory) X X X X

Level 6: Above 50% (Mandatory) X X X X

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available supplies. The demand reduction measures correspond to the District’s six water shortage levels and the Authority’s WSCP, as noted in Table 8-C:

Additionally, Table 8-2 summarizes the demand reduction actions, estimated percent demand reduction per action, and whether a penalty applies.

Water Shortage Response /

WSCP Shortage Level Use Restrictions Conservation Target

1 Voluntary Up to 10% 2 Mandatory Up to 20% 3 Mandatory Up to 30% 4 Mandatory Up to 40% 5 Mandatory Up to 50% 6 Mandatory Above 50%

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Shortage Level

Demand Reduction Actions

Drop down list

These are the only categories that will be accepted by the WUEdata online submittal tool. Select those that

apply.

How much is this going to reduce the shortage gap?

Include units used (volume type or percentage)

Additional Explanation or Reference (optional) Penalty, Charge, or Other Enforcement? For Retail Suppliers Only

Drop Down List

1 Expand Public Information Campaign 5% No

1 Other 2%

Expand existing water use survey and indoor/outdoor rebate programs

No 1 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific times 2% Voluntary No 1 Other - Customers must repair leaks, breaks, and _{malfunctions in a timely manner} 1% Voluntary No

2 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific times 2% Yes 2 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific days 2% 3 days per week Yes 2 Water Features - Restrict water use for decorative _{water features, such as fountains} 1% Yes

2 Increase Water Waste Patrols 1% Yes

2 Other 1%

Reduce water budget allocation for irrigation

accounts Yes

2 Decrease Line Flushing 1% No

2 Reduce System Water Loss 1% No

3 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific days 3% 2 days per week Yes 3 Other - Prohibit vehicle washing except at facilities _{using recycled or recirculating water} 1% Yes 3 Implement or Modify Drought Rate Structure or _Surcharge 3% Water allocations Yes

4 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific days 4% 1 day per week Yes 4 Water Features - Restrict water use for decorative _{water features, such as fountains} 1% Stop filling or refilling ornamental lakes or

ponds (exclusions apply)

Yes

5 Landscape - Prohibit certain types of landscape _irrigation 4%

Stop all ornamental landscape irrigation except crops, trees, active public parks and playing fields, etc.

Yes

5 Moratorium or Net Zero Demand Increase on New _Connections 1% Exclusions apply No

6 Landscape - Prohibit all landscape irrigation 5% Exclusions apply Yes

Submittal Table 8-2: Demand Reduction Actions

NOTES: Demand reduction actions will be flexibly deployed as appropriate to each unique water shortage situation. Customer restrictions are cumulative.

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PERMANENT WATER USE EFFICIENCY MEASURES

At all times, the following practices shall be in effect:

A. Washing down paved surfaces, including but not limited to sidewalks, driveways, parking

lots, tennis courts, or patios, except when it is necessary to alleviate safety or sanitation hazards, is prohibited.

B. Water waste resulting from inefficient landscape irrigation, such as runoff, low head

drainage, or overspray, etc., is prohibited. Similarly, stop water flows onto non-targeted areas, such as adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, hardscapes, roadways or structures.

C. Irrigating turf and ornamental landscape during and for at least 48 hours following

measurable precipitation is prohibited.

D. Irrigating ornamental turf on public street medians is prohibited.

E. Use recirculated water to operate ornamental fountains.

F. Wash vehicles using a bucket and a hand-held hose with positive shutoff nozzle, mobile

high pressure/low volume wash system, or at a commercial site that recirculates (reclaims) water on-site. Avoid washing during hot conditions when additional water is required due to evaporation.

G. Serve and refill water in restaurants and other food service establishments only upon

request.

H. Offer guests in hotels, motels, and other commercial lodging establishments the option

of not laundering towels and linens daily.

WATER SHORTAGE RESPONSE LEVEL 1

A. A water shortage response Level 1 condition applies when the Authority notifies its

member agencies that due to drought or other supply reductions, there is a reasonable probability there will be supply shortages and that a consumer demand reduction of up to 10 percent is required in order to ensure that sufficient supplies will be available to meet anticipated demands. The general manager shall declare the existence of a water shortage response Level 1 and take action to implement the Level 1 conservation practices identified in this policy.

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B. During a water shortage response Level 1 condition, the District will increase its public

education and outreach efforts to emphasize increased public awareness of the need to implement the following water conservation practices.

1. Irrigate residential and commercial landscape before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. only.

Consider limiting lawn watering and landscape irrigation using spray sprinklers to no more than 10 minutes per day. Irrigation run time should be adjusted to avoid runoff.

2. Use a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle or bucket to water

landscaped areas, including trees and shrubs located on residential and commercial properties that are not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system.

3. Irrigate nursery and commercial grower’s products before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

only. Watering is permitted at any time with a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shutoff nozzle, a bucket, or when a drip/micro-irrigation system/equipment is used. Irrigation of nursery propagation beds is permitted at any time. Watering of livestock is permitted at any time.

4. Repair all water leaks within five days of notification by the District unless other

arrangements are made with the general manager.

C. During a water shortage response Level 2 condition or higher, all persons shall be required

to implement the conservation practices established in a water shortage response Level 1 condition.

member agencies that due to cutbacks caused by drought or other reduction in supplies, a consumer demand reduction of up to 20 percent is required in order to have sufficient supplies available to meet anticipated demands. The District board of directors shall declare the existence of a water shortage response Level 2 condition and implement the mandatory Level 2 conservation measures identified in this policy.

B. All persons using District water shall comply with water shortage response Level 1 water

conservation practices during a water shortage response Level 2, and shall also comply with the following additional conservation measures:

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1. Limit residential and commercial landscape irrigation to no more than three days

per week. Watering days may be established and assigned by the general manager and posted by the District. This section shall not apply to commercial growers or nurseries.

2. Limit lawn watering and landscape irrigation using spray sprinklers to no more

than 10 minutes per watering station per watering day. This provision does not apply to landscape irrigation systems using water efficient devices, including but not limited to: weather based controllers, drip/micro-irrigation systems, stream rotor sprinklers and rotating nozzles.

3. Water landscaped areas, including trees and shrubs located on residential and

commercial properties, and not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system governed by Section 8(B)(2), on the same schedule set forth in Section 4.9-8(B)(1) by using a bucket, hand-held hose with positive shutoff nozzle, or low-volume non-spray irrigation.

4. Stop operating ornamental fountains or similar decorative water features unless

recirculated water is used.

member agencies that due to increasing cutbacks caused by drought or other reduction of supplies, a consumer demand reduction of up to 30 percent is required in order to have sufficient supplies available to meet anticipated demands. The District board of directors shall declare the existence of a water shortage response Level 3 condition and implement the Level 3 conservation measures identified in this policy.

B. All persons using District water shall comply with Level 1 and Level 2 water conservation

practices during a water shortage response Level 3 condition and shall also comply with the following additional mandatory conservation measures:

1. Limit residential and commercial landscape irrigation to no more than two days

per week. Watering days may be established and assigned by the general manager and posted by the District. This section shall not apply to commercial growers or nurseries.

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governed by Section 8(B)(2), on the same schedule set forth in Section 4.9-9(B)(1) by using a bucket, hand-held hose with a positive shutoff nozzle, or low-volume non-spray irrigation.

3. Stop washing vehicles except at commercial car washes that recirculate water, or

by high pressure/low volume wash systems.

4. Repair all leaks within 72 hours of notification by the district unless other

C. Upon the declaration of a water shortage response Level 3 condition, the District may

suspend consideration of annexations to its service area.

D. The District may establish a water allocation for property served by the District using a

method that does not penalize persons for the implementation of conservation methods or the installation of water saving devices. If the District establishes a water allocation it shall provide notice of the allocation by including it in the regular billing statement for the fee or charge or by any other mailing to the address to which the district customarily mails the billing statement for fees or charges for ongoing water service. Following the effective date of the water allocation as established by the District, any person that uses water in excess of the allocation shall be subject to a penalty for each billing unit of water in excess of the allocation. The penalty for excess water usage shall be cumulative to any other remedy or penalty that may be imposed for violation of this policy. The District board of directors, by resolution, shall establish the amount of the penalty in accordance with applicable law.

member agencies that due to increasing cutbacks caused by drought or other reduction of supplies, a consumer demand reduction of up to 40 percent is required in order to have sufficient supplies available to meet anticipated demands. The District board of directors shall declare the existence of a water shortage response Level 4 condition and implement the mandatory Level 4 conservation measures identified in this policy.

B. All persons using District water shall comply with Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 water

conservation practices during a water shortage response Level 4 condition and shall also comply with the following additional mandatory conservation measures:

1. Limit residential and commercial landscape irrigation to no more than one day per

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and posted by the District. This section shall not apply to commercial growers or nurseries.

commercial properties, and not irrigated by a landscape irrigation system governed by Section 8(B)(2), on the same schedule set forth in Section 4.9-10(B)(1) by using a bucket, hand-held hose with a positive shutoff nozzle or low-volume non-spray irrigation.

3. Stop filling or refilling ornamental lakes or ponds, except to the extent needed to

sustain aquatic life, provided that such animals are of significant value and have been actively managed within the water feature prior to declaration of a water shortage response level under this policy.

member agencies that due to increasing cutbacks caused by drought or other reduction of supplies, a consumer demand reduction of up to 50 percent is required in order to have sufficient supplies available to meet anticipated demands. The District board of directors shall declare the existence of a water shortage response Level 5 condition and implement the mandatory Level 5 conservation measures identified in this policy.

B. All persons using District water shall comply with Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4

water conservation practices during a water shortage response Level 5 condition and shall also comply with the following additional mandatory conservation measures:

1. Stop all landscape irrigation, except crops and landscape products of commercial

growers and nurseries. This restriction shall not apply to the following categories of use:

a. Maintenance of trees and shrubs that are watered on the same schedule

set forth in Section 4.9-10(B)(1) by using a bucket, hand-held hose with a positive shutoff nozzle, or low-volume non-spray irrigation;

b. Maintenance of existing landscaping necessary for fire protection as

specified by the fire marshal of the local fire protection agency having jurisdiction over the property to be irrigated;

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d. Maintenance of plant materials identified to be rare or essential to the

well-being of rare animals;

e. Maintenance of landscaping within active public parks and playing fields,

day care centers, school grounds, cemeteries, and golf course greens, provided that such irrigation does not exceed two days per week according to the schedule established under Section 4.9-9(B)(1);

f. Watering of livestock; and,

g. Public works projects and actively irrigated environmental mitigation

projects.

2. Repair all water leaks within 48 hours of notification by the District unless other

C. Upon the declaration of a water shortage response Level 5 condition, the District may

implement restrictions whereby no new potable water service shall be provided, no new temporary meters or permanent meters shall be provided, and no statements of immediate ability to serve or provide potable water service (such as, will serve letters, certificates or letters of availability) shall be issued, except under the following circumstances:

1. A valid, unexpired building permit has been issued for the project; or

2. The project is necessary to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare; or

3. The applicant provides substantial evidence of an enforceable commitment that

water demands for the project will be offset prior to the provision of a new water meter(s) to the satisfaction of the district.

This provision shall not be construed to preclude the resetting or turn on of meters to provide continuation of water service or to restore service that has been interrupted for a period of one year or less.

A. A water shortage response Level 6 condition applies when the Authority declares a water

shortage emergency pursuant to California Water Code Section 350 and notifies its member agencies that Level 6 requires a demand reduction of more than 50 percent in order for the District to have maximum supplies available to meet anticipated demands.

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The District board of directors shall declare a water shortage emergency in the manner and on the grounds provided in California Water Code Section 350.

B. All persons using District water shall comply with Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, and

Level 5 water conservation practices during a water shortage response Level 6 condition and shall also comply with the following additional mandatory conservation measures:

1. Stop all landscape irrigation, except crops and landscape products of commercial

growers and nurseries. This restriction shall not apply to the following categories of use:

a. Maintenance of existing landscaping necessary for fire protection as

specified by the fire marshal of the local fire protection agency having jurisdiction over the property to be irrigated;

b. Maintenance of existing landscaping for erosion control;

c. Maintenance of plant materials identified to be rare or essential to the

well-being of rare animals;

d. Watering of livestock; and,

e. Public works projects and actively irrigated environmental mitigation

projects

4.2 Supply Augmentation

The District purchases the majority of its water from the Authority, the regional water wholesaler for the San Diego region. The Authority and its 24 member agencies, including the District, have worked collaboratively over the past two decades to diversify water supplies and develop robust water supply shortage plans. If the Authority identifies a water supply shortfall, it evaluates the use of stored water reserves from the Authority’s Carryover Storage or pursues supply augmentation measures, such as dry-year transfers, to reduce or eliminate the shortfall. Details on the Authority’s supply augmentation plan are available in the Authority’s WSCP, referenced and incorporated herein as Appendix B. These supply augmentations occur before the district purchases water from the Authority, therefore they are not included in Table 8-3 below.

At a local level, the District maintains several water supplies that include imported raw and treated water, local raw water, and treated water emergency interconnections with agencies that border the District, which may be available during certain water supply shortages.

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Additionally, the district maintains 75 days of emergency storage in Lake Jennings, El Capitan Reservoir and Lake Cuyamaca based on the average projected demand for the next six months. The district would consider using this emergency storage in shortage Levels 5 and above. The exact amount of emergency storage available, and how long it would last, depends on projected demands and the water shortage level. See Table 8-3.

4.3 Operational Changes

When faced with a potential water shortage, the District will consider the following operational changes, as appropriate, to help address the shortage on a short-term basis:

• Evaluate customer water monthly using bimonthly billing data which is available on a

rolling basis

• Increase customer communications

• Expand free water use survey and rebate programs

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• Implement customer water shortage penalties

• Begin water patrols and enforcement

• Expedite system repairs and prioritize maintenance projects to reduce water loss

• Defer routine maintenance projects that involve extensive flushing/draining

4.4 Additional Mandatory Restrictions

The District’s mandatory restrictions, which include limitations on outdoor watering and restrictions on using water for certain functions, are outlined in the District’s Water Shortage Levels 2 through 6. See Section 4.2 under Demand Reduction measures. These will be flexibly deployed as locally appropriate to each unique water shortage situation.

4.5 Emergency Response Plan

The District maintains an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that establishes policies, procedures, and organizational structure for responses to major emergencies such as natural disasters, power outages and water supply disruptions. The EOP establishes emergency organization, assigns tasks, specifies policies and general procedures, and provides for coordination of planning efforts that utilize the Standard Emergency Management System (SEMS), as described by Government Code 8607(a) for managing the response to emergencies in California. The EOP also incorporates the elements of the National Incident Command System (NIMS) which is a nationwide standardized approach to incident management and response. The EOP meets state and federal emergency response and recovery requirements.

The District is a member of the Cal-WARN network of public and private water and wastewater agencies. This network supports and promotes statewide emergency preparedness, disaster response and mutual assistance between agencies. In addition, the District’s EOP anticipates

coordination with the Authority and the County of San Diego.

Supply interruption is possible by several means, including but not limited to, natural disasters such as earthquakes and local or regional power interruptions. The District maintains several water supplies that include imported raw and treated water, local raw water, and treated water emergency interconnections with agencies that border the District. The District also maintains a fleet of stationary and mobile power generators capable of operating District facilities in the event of local or regional power outages. Additionally, the District maintains an inventory of critical system supplies including piping and valves for use in system repairs.

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The EOP addresses assessment and utilization of all water supply sources, stationary and mobile power generators, and critical inventory as required to meet the emergency at hand in order to maintain system supply during emergency interruptions.

4.6 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan

In 2019, Helix commissioned Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. (Jacobs) to conduct a Risk and Resilience Assessment (RRA) in accordance with the relevant requirements of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 (AWIA), Section 2013. This RRA addresses the following key goals and objectives:

• Identifying and evaluating risks for the Helix water system by employing an all-hazards

approach to include evaluation of natural hazard, dependency, and proximity threats in addition to malevolent threats.

• Conducting an RRA applying the current industry-standard methodology.

• Developing cost-effective risk-reduction recommendations to address the risks identified in

accordance with industry best practices.

To meet these needs, the RRA team used the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA’s) methodology entitled J100-10 Standard for Risk and Resilience Management of Water and

Wastewater Systems, which is the current water and wastewater industry standard for RRAs.

The RRA contains seismic risk analysis and mitigation recommendations. Accordingly, the District relies on and incorporates herein its RRA for its seismic risk assessment and mitigation plan.

4.6.1 Threat Characterization

Natural hazards were determined using information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service and the California Geological Survey. The J100-10 method provides four default natural hazards for utilities to consider: earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. Natural hazards selected for analysis were identified that (1) occur in the District’s area and (2) could result in a substantive consequence to utility system assets or operations, and this included risks from earthquakes, or seismic risk.

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4.6.2 Consequence Analysis

Following asset and threat characterization, consequence analysis estimates the loss to the District associated with each high-consequence earthquake-asset pair. Specifically, this step estimates the life/health, operational, asset/workaround, and/or other types of losses associated with each threat-asset pair identified in as a result of the threat characterization findings. It is important to note that “consequence” is not the same as “risk.” In other words, the consequence analysis is used for planning-level estimates of the severity of the incident if it were to occur independent of the asset’s vulnerability to the respective threats or the likelihood of the threat. It does not constitute a risk analysis.

4.6.3 Vulnerability

Once potential losses/consequences related to a particular threat/hazard have been evaluated, such as a seismic event, the vulnerability analysis is completed. The vulnerability analysis estimates the likelihood that, given a threat/hazard occurs, it causes the consequences estimated in Section 4.6.2, above. For natural hazards, the location and configuration of the asset with respect to the hazard was used to estimate vulnerability. The following is a list of natural hazard protection elements considered for each of the District’s water system facilities when faced with a threat of earthquake.

•_{Facility or System Hardened: Is the facility reinforced or hardened in such a way that the event}

does not cause an impact? Examples include seismic retrofitting and, ensuring that the facility meets current building code standards and fireproofing.

•_{Protected Location: Is the facility or system located in an area that is earthquake-resistant.}

•_{Alternative/Redundant Capability: Are redundant elements in place to allow the facility or}

system to be taken off-line or out of service? Examples include redundant facilities, backup systems (such as generators and UPS systems), and the ability to run in manual mode. Also, having adequate spare parts on hand to repair components and a good network of vendors or suppliers to repair/replace damaged components can enhance redundancy.

• Notification Measures in Place: Elements include receiving timely notification that an event

has occurred. SCADA systems that monitor process conditions (flow, level, output, concentration, etc.) and/or automated notification elements (warning horns, staff mass notification methods) will help with timely notification. Having attendant staff in place will also help with notification.

• Response Measures in Place: Elements that support response include an up-to-date

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include calling the fire department or law enforcement, initiating emergency protocols, notifying and mobilizing staff, and related actions. Having proactive staff on-site who can mobilize and take action will also support an effective response.

• Other Protective Measures in Place: Other measures that support resilience to natural

hazards include a well-trained staff that have practiced emergency response measures and having adequate response elements on hand (spare parts, spare stock, fire extinguishers, etc.). Having mutual aid agreements in place with other utilities and emergency protocols in place with critical suppliers also mitigates vulnerability.

A relative score of 1 (not in place; well below industry standard; expected to be ineffective) to 5 (in place; at or above industry standard; expected to be highly effective) was assigned for each of the District’s assets when faced with a threat of earthquake.

Table 8-D contains a matrix describing the vulnerability findings related to earthquakes for the District’s water system facilities. Over 96 percent of the District’s facilities were rated a 3 or higher, and 46 percent were rated a 4 or higher. Less than 4 percent of the District’s facilities were rated at level 2 (e.g., Lake Cuyamaca and Lake Jennings were rated a 2 for redundancy in capacity. However, it is not feasible financially or geographically for the District to develop another similar local supply reservoir for added redundancy).

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Asset Threat Facility or System Hardened to

Withstand Event? Facility or System in a Protected Location? Alternatives or Redundant Capability Exist? Notification Measures in Place? Response Measures in Place? Other Protective Measures in Place? (Generic) Flow

Control Facilities "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

(Generic) Pump

Stations (no Tanks) "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

(Generic) Raw

Water Pipelines "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

(Generic) Storage

Tanks (no PS) "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

(Generic) Storage Tanks and Pump

Station(s)

"Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

54/20 Flow Control

Structure "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

Administration

Office "Earthquakes N(E)" 4 4 3 5 5 4

Chet Harritt Dam "Earthquakes N(E)" 4 4 3 4 5 4

Chet Harritt PS "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

Clearwell "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

Cuyamaca Dam "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 4 3 4 5 4

Diverting Dam "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 4 3 4 5 4

Fletcher Hills

Combo "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

Flume Pipeline "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

Flume Valve

Control Structure "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

Gravity Line

(54/48) "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

Grossmont

Reservoir "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

Hill Street

Connector "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

IT - Communications

Infrastructure "Earthquakes N(E)" 4 4 3 5 5 4

IT - Server

Infrastructure "Earthquakes N(E)" 4 4 3 5 5 4

Julian Vaults "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

Lake Cuyamaca "Earthquakes N(E)" 2 2 2 4 5 4

Lake Jennings "Earthquakes N(E)" 2 2 2 4 5 4

Los Coches PS "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

Operations Center "Earthquakes N(E)" 4 4 3 5 5 4

R.M. Levy WTP "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 4 3 4 5 3

Raw Water Valve

Complex "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

Warren Buckner PS "Earthquakes N(E)" 3 3 3 4 5 3

Table 8-D: Seismic Vulnerability Matrix

Threat-Asset Pairs

Natural Hazards: Protection Elements

From 1 (Not in Place; Well Below Industry Standard; Expected to be Ineffective) to 5 (In Place; at or Above Industry Standard; Expected to be Highly Effective)

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Suppliers are encouraged to also assess the vulnerability of external facilities, that although are outside the jurisdiction of the supplier, may pose risk of supply disruption following a seismic event. In Section 11.2 of its UWMP, the Authority references its Integrated Contingency Plan and Emergency Storage Project, both of which were developed to protect health and safety and to prevent or limit economic damage that could occur from a severe shortage of water supplies. In these plans, actions are defined that can be taken in the event of an earthquake or power outage, including steps that can be taken to address up to a six-month supply interruption. For example, the Authority is prepared for potential power outages that can occur as a result of an earthquake by operating and testing standby and mobile generators that can provide power for essential or critical facilities. In accordance with CWC 10632.5(a), more detailed information on the Authority’s vulnerability assessment is defined in its UWMP.

4.6.4 Likelihood of a Seismic Event

Earthquake likelihoods were determined using shaking potential likelihood data from the California Geological Survey. District assets were mapped against fault locations and shaking potential likelihood areas. In general, the estimated annual likelihood of a mission-defeating seismic event on the District’s systems is estimated to be very low, on the order of 2 percent per year or less.

4.6.5 Seismic Risk and Resilience Analysis

The risk analysis step of the J100-10 process estimates the relative risk associated with each threat-asset pair, based on the consequence, vulnerability, and threat likelihood estimates associated with each. The majority of the District’s annual risk among assets and threats/hazards considered in the RRA, and incorporated into this risk assessment, are associated with the earthquake threat, which was considered high consequence and assessed in the risk analysis of the water system. Elements to consider when evaluating earthquake effects on assets include:

• Potential strength of earthquakes in the area of the asset.

• Age of asset and whether the asset’s design is up to modern building code.

• Whether or not the structure has been seismically retrofitted.

The seven highest-risk threat-asset pairs in the RRA, and incorporated into this risk assessment, all contain earthquake as threats for the following assets (listed in order of risk value): Chet Harritt Dam, Cuyamaca Dam, R.M. Levy Water Treatment Plant, Grossmont Reservoir, Raw Water Valve Complex, Los Coches Pump Station, and the Flume Valve Control Structure. Overall, there are nine risks with earthquakes as the threat within the top 15 risks evaluated in the RRA and incorporated into this risk assessment.

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4.6.6 Seismic Risk and Resilience Mitigation

Generally speaking, the risk associated with a threat-asset pair can be reduced by reducing its consequences, vulnerability, threat likelihood, or a combination thereof. In developing and evaluating risk reduction options, this assessment distinguishes “protection” (preventing an event from occurring) from “mitigation” (reducing the consequence of an event if it does occur). Both are important elements of a robust, multi-disciplinary approach to managing the risk of utility systems. Table 8-E summarizes recommendations identified by Jacobs in the RRA and incorporates input from District staff to mitigate critical threat-asset pair risk, constituting the District’s mitigation plan. The table identifies the following:

• The asset/facility or assets/facilities to which the recommendation applies.

• The category of the recommendation.

• The recommendation.

• Implementation of recommendations and decision-making regarding risk management

depends on several factors such as:

o Available budget and competing demands for staff/budgetary resources.

o Aesthetic/community concerns.

o Alignment or timing with larger capital improvement projects or organizational

initiatives. For example, if refurbishing a system site is planned, it might represent a good opportunity to address physical security recommendations rather than creating a separate project.

o Potential workplace behavior/culture considerations of security improvements.

o Dual benefits. Some recommendations made for security or risk reduction

consideration may have day-to-day operational or other benefits. For example, connecting a facility to a SCADA system to enable centralized intrusion alarm monitoring may include benefits relative to monitoring or controlling day-to-day facility operations. These “dual benefits” provide additional justification to fund risk reduction improvements.

Some of the recommendations made in Table 8-E are already planned or underway as noted in the table. The recommendations included herein emphasize the benefits. Further, some improvements, such as retrofits of District facilities to reflect the latest standards and applicable building codes are evaluated on a case by case basis as a natural part of the District’s capital improvement program.

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4.7 Shortage Response Action Effectiveness

For each specific Water Shortage Level, the District has estimated the extent to which that action will reduce supply and demand based on the District’s experiences during the 2006-2010 and 2012-2016 droughts. Based on past experiences, percent reductions for certain actions are

Category Timeline

Emergency

preparedness Evaluated Annually

Emergency

Hardening addressed per CIP Master Each facility shall be

Plan

Hardening addressed per CIP Master Each facility shall be

Plan

Hardening

This recommendation shall be evaluated in the District's future CIP Master

Plan

Seismic

The District currently does not have plans for real-time

monitoring, however the District manually measures

movement of the dam annually and in response to

qualifying seismic events

Seismic

The District currently does not have plans for real-time

monitoring, however the District manually measures

movement of the dam annually and in response to

qualifying seismic events Evaluate areas constructed prior to 1997 and identify critical equipment (such as large

pipes, valves, vaults, and structures) that require seismic reinforcement to help withstand a strong earthquake (magnitude > 6.0).

Los Coches was recently built to seismic code. Recommended improvements include evaluating adding seismic sensors and early warning notification systems to sense any ground movement or similar seismic activity that could affect the facility or associated structure.

Evaluate incorporation of seismic sensors or electronic monitoring technology for dam and integrate into real-time monitoring program.

Asset-Specific: Cuyamaca Dam Asset-Specific: Chet Harritt Dam Asset-Specific: Los Coches PS

Asset-Specific: Los Coches PS, Grossmont Reservoir, Flume Valve Control Structure, Flume Pipeline, (Generic) Pump Stations (No Tanks), Raw Water Valve Complex

Asset-Specific: R.M. Levy WTP

Table 8-E: Risk Mitigation Plan Utility-wide

Evaluate areas constructed prior to 1997 and identify critical equipment (such as large pipes, valves, and structures) that require seismic reinforcement to help withstand a strong earthquake (magnitude > 6.0).

Recommendation

Continue training with emergency action plan (EAP) on dams - include other outside agencies as appropriate.

Continue to do high-risk threat training from the RRA into emergency preparedness exercise program. Expand notification system and integrate notification into training. Per updated ERP/EAP, train and exercise response to these in conjunction with key partners.

Develop post-incident damage assessment priorities, taking into account system redundancies, site criticality, and seismic vulnerability.

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expected to fluctuate on a monthly basis. For example, the District is likely to see a small reduction in water use as a result of outdoor irrigation prohibitions during the winter months and a high percent reduction in summer due to weather patterns in the District’s service area. Additionally, the District will choose which of the shortage response actions are appropriate to implement based on percent reduction needs. See Table 8-2.

Note: Shortage response actions from previous drought response levels will remain in effect for later levels. For complete shortage response actions, see Section 4.2.

Shortage Level

Demand Reduction Actions

Drop down list

These are the only categories that will be accepted by the WUEdata online submittal tool. Select those that

apply.

How much is this going to reduce the shortage gap?

Include units used (volume type or percentage)

Additional Explanation or Reference (optional) Penalty, Charge, or Other Enforcement?

For Retail Suppliers Only Drop Down List

1 Other 2%

Expand existing water use survey and indoor/outdoor rebate programs

No

1 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific times 2% Voluntary No

1 Other - Customers must repair leaks, breaks, and _{malfunctions in a timely manner} 1% Voluntary No

2 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific times 2% Yes

2 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific days 2% 3 days per week Yes 2 Water Features - Restrict water use for decorative _{water features, such as fountains} 1% Yes

2 Other 1% Reduce water budget allocation for irrigation

accounts Yes

2 Decrease Line Flushing 1% No

2 Reduce System Water Loss 1% No

3 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific days 3% 2 days per week Yes 3 Other - Prohibit vehicle washing except at facilities _{using recycled or recirculating water} 1% Yes 3 Implement or Modify Drought Rate Structure or _Surcharge 3% Water allocations Yes

4 Landscape - Limit landscape irrigation to specific days 4% 1 day per week Yes 4 Water Features - Restrict water use for decorative _{water features, such as fountains} 1% Stop filling or refilling ornamental lakes or

ponds (exclusions apply) Yes

5 Landscape - Prohibit certain types of landscape

irrigation 4%

Stop all ornamental landscape irrigation except crops, trees, active public parks and playing fields, etc.

Yes

5 Moratorium or Net Zero Demand Increase on New _Connections 1% Exclusions apply No

6 Landscape - Prohibit all landscape irrigation 5% Exclusions apply Yes

Submittal Table 8-2: Demand Reduction Actions

NOTES: Demand reduction actions will be flexibly deployed as appropriate to each unique water shortage situation. Customer restrictions are cumulative.

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5. COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

The District’s communication protocols include the various channels the District will utilize to convey critical messages regarding voluntary and mandatory water shortage actions and allocations, if applicable.

Public outreach programs can help increase awareness of water shortages, while customer classes and workshops can encourage ratepayers to actively participate in demand reducing strategies. A strong communication plan will help educate District customers, including local leaders and the business community, on the water supply situation; what actions are proposed; what the intended achievements are; and how these actions are to be implemented.

While specific types of messaging are deployed at various shortage response levels, how these messages can be conveyed to the public are described here. The communication protocols can be initiated upon declaration of a water shortage Level 1. Utilization of the communication protocols will continue through all subsequent water shortage levels. At times, specific communities may require specialized outreach. The District will ensure outreach efforts are reaching key audiences.

The District will communicate to ratepayers the following when urgent conservation is needed:

• Specific actions needed to save water;

• How much water needs to be saved and for how long;

• Why water needs to be saved; and

• What the district is doing to correct the supply problem or address the situation.

5.1 Regional Coordination

In order to communicate effectively, avoid confusion and maintain credibility, the District will work in close coordination with the Authority at various organizational levels. These levels include the Joint Public Information Council/Conservation Coordinators (JPIC; staff level), the Member Agency Managers group (management level), and the Authority Board’s Legislation and Public Outreach Committee (Board level). During droughts or other times of limited supply, the frequency and extent of coordination will increase to ensure outreach tactics are consistent with the changing needs of the District and its ratepayers. The District will seek opportunities to leverage external resources to complement its own outreach.

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5.2 Communication Objectives

Communication objectives during the various water shortage levels of the WSCP include the following:

•_{Motivate water users to quickly increase conservation in ways that are consistent with}

any voluntary or mandatory actions called for at the current level of the WSCP.

•_{Raise awareness and understanding of the drought, regulatory, or other condition}

affecting water supplies and the need for increased conservation.

•_{Minimize confusion and maintain regional consistency with conservation messages using}

an appropriate tone that preserves credibility and avoids noncompliance backlash.

•_{Make water users feel appreciated for existing accomplishments in improving their}

water-use efficiency, and for supporting regional and local investments in water supply reliability.

• Educate regional civic and business leaders, elected officials, and the public that the

District, in conjunction with the Authority and its member agencies, has greatly improved its regional water supply reliability.

• Prepare the District for any potential escalation (or de-escalation) of the WSCP based on

trending supply conditions.

• Ensure all stakeholders believe they are being treated fairly in relationship to other

stakeholders.

• Maintain communication effectiveness by soliciting or monitoring feedback from member

agencies, key stakeholders, and the general public to update or adapt messages or communication tools.

• Exit WSCP implementation having demonstrated the effectiveness and value of

conservation actions and water supply reliability investments in minimizing impacts to the District’s economy and quality of life.

5.3 Communication Channels

The District has developed various channels and means of implementing its communication to customers. The District may update its website, newsletters, envelope snipes, direct mailers, blog posts, and social media platforms to reflect conditions and convey key messaging. The District may also provide press releases, media packages, and host interviews or hold other events to announce or explain changes in conditions. Finally, the District may modify content in school programs to include key conservation messages.

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5.4 Communication Protocols for Current or Predicted Shortage

A current or predicted shortage, as determined by the annual assessment, will be communicated to the public upon submittal of the Annual Assessment Report in June of any given year.

The existence of a water shortage response Level 1 condition may be declared by the general manager upon a written determination of the existence of the facts and circumstances supporting the determination. A copy of the written determination shall be filed with the board secretary and provided to the board of directors. The general manager may post in the lobby of the administration office and publish a notice of the determination of existence of drought response Level 1 condition in one or more newspapers, including a newspaper of general circulation within the District. The District may also post notice of the condition on its website. The existence of water shortage response Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, or Level 6 conditions may be declared by resolution of the District board of directors adopted at a regular or special public meeting held in accordance with state law. The mandatory conservation measures applicable to drought response Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, or Level 6 conditions shall take effect on the tenth calendar day after the date the response level is declared. Within five days following the declaration of the response level, the District shall publish a notice of the resolution in a newspaper used for publication of official notices. If the District establishes a water allocation, it shall provide notice of the allocation by including it in the regular billing statement or by any other mailing to the address to which the District customarily mails the billing statement or fees or charges for ongoing water service. Water allocation shall be effective on the fifth calendar day following the date of mailing or at such later date as specified in the notice. The existence of a water shortage response Level 6 condition may be declared in accordance with the procedures specified in California Water Code Sections 351 and 352. The mandatory conservation measures applicable to water shortage response Level 6 conditions shall take effect on the tenth day after the date the response level is declared. Within five days following the declaration of the response level, the District shall publish a notice of the resolution in a newspaper used for publication of official notices.

The District’s board of directors may declare an end to a water shortage response Levels 2 through 6 by the adoption of a resolution at any regular or special meeting held in accordance with state law.

5.5 Water Shortage Communications

To reduce water use consumption during any water shortage level, the District will increase its public education and outreach efforts to build awareness of needed actions from the public. In

Helix Water District 2020 Water Shortage Contingency Plan

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Contents

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INTRODUCTION

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1.

WATER SUPPLY RELIABILITY ASSESSMENT

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2.

ANNUAL WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND ASSESSMENT

PROCEDURES

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2.1 Decision-Making Process

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2.2 Data and Methodologies

2.2.1

Local Sources

2.2.2

Imported Sources

2.2.3

Infrastructure Considerations

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2.2.4

Projected Water Demand

2.2.5

Water Supply Reliability Annual Assessment Report

2.2.6

Gap Between Available Water Supplies and Projected Water Demand

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3.

SIX STANDARD WATER SHORTAGE LEVELS

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4.

SHORTAGE RESPONSE ACTIONS

4.1 Demand Reduction

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4.2 Supply Augmentation

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4.3 Operational Changes

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4.4 Additional Mandatory Restrictions

4.5 Emergency Response Plan

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4.6 Seismic Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan

4.6.1

Threat Characterization

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4.6.2

Consequence Analysis

4.6.3

Vulnerability

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4.6.4

Likelihood of a Seismic Event

4.6.5

Seismic Risk and Resilience Analysis

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4.6.6

Seismic Risk and Resilience Mitigation

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4.7 Shortage Response Action Effectiveness

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5.

COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

5.1 Regional Coordination

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