May 5, 2015

Important Notice Concerning Public Water Supply & Notice of Public Hearing on Amendments to Ordinance #52, “Prohibition of Nonessential Water Use” and Implementation of a Water Conservation Program

The water reservoir levels, snow water content and rainfall are below record levels throughout the State of California. The outlook for the rest of 2015 is not encouraging. The current dry conditions are affecting MPUD water resources as well. MPUD water sources include the Stockton Creek Reservoir, pumped water from the Merced River near Saxon Creek and three ground water wells.

 Stockton Creek Reservoir is currently 65% of capacity. Run off from the Stockton Creek water shed is almost non-existent and not expected to improve before the end of 2015.

 Merced River at Saxon Creek – The District is currently diverting water from the Merced River, (pumping) to the Stockton Creek Reservoir. Merced River water is only available when the river flow is above the minimum permit limits and water right curtailments have not been enacted by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). Currently the District has access to the River; however curtailments are expected in late May or June 2015.

 The ground water well pumping will continue this summer and is expected to yield an additional six million gallons per month. District staff monitors draw down levels of wells monthly.

The State Water Resources Control Board has adopted 2015 regulations pertaining to drought emergency water conservation as follows:

1. Limit outdoor irrigation of ornamental landscapes or turf with public water by the persons it serves to no more than two days per week; or

2. Implement another mandatory conservation measure or measures intended to achieve a 20 percent reduction in water consumption by the persons it serves relative to the amount consumed in 2013.

3. Prohibit application of public water supply to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall.

In 2014, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted water conservation requirements which were incorporated in Ordinance #52. Pursuant to Water Code sections 351 and 352, the MPUD Board of Directors will be holding a public hearing to:

 Hear comments from the public on amendments to existing Ordinance #52, “Prohibition of Nonessential Water Use”, to be consistent with State regulation. (Amendment to include #1 and #3 above)

 Declare a water shortage exists and implement Stage 2 of Amended Ordinance #52. Stage 2 water use restrictions will be in effect as of May 11, 2015. (Stage 2 restrictions also incorporate all restrictions in Stage 1)

Complete copies of the Amendment to Ordinance #52 and Draft Resolution Declaring a Water Shortage of District Water Sources Exists and Implementing Amended Ordinance #52 – Water Use Restrictions, Stage 2 conservation requirements is available at the MPUD web site www.mariposapud.org, MPUD administrative office at 4992 7th Street and can be mailed upon request.

PUBLIC HEARING

MPUD Fire Station #1
5273 Highway 49 North
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
6:30 p.m.

Stage 1 and 2 water use restrictions (effective May 11, 2015) are as follows:

SECTION 4: Water Use Restrictions - Stage 1

During a Stage 1 - Drought Response condition, the following uses of public water supply is prohibited:

A. Use of water from hydrants for construction purposes, fire training or any use other than the uses required for the proper maintenance of the public water distribution and wastewater collection systems by district staff.

B. Use of public water through any meter when the consumer has been given ten (10) days notice to repair one or more leaks and has failed to achieve such repairs.

C. Out of District water sales via mobile water transport vehicles.

D. Use of public water for out of district fire suppression purposes after declaration of containment.

E. Washing of sidewalks, walkways, driveways, parking lots, tennis courts, and all other hard-surfaced areas by hosing or by use of water directly from faucets or other outlets, except it is not unlawful to wash such areas from water contained in a bucket or container not exceeding three-gallon capacity.

F. Service of water in glasses, cups, or other containers by restaurants to customers, except upon prior request of such customers.

G. Irrigation of residential and commercial landscape between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

H. The use of any hand-held hose not equipped with an automatic positive shut-off nozzle to water landscaped areas located on residential and commercial properties.

I. Irrigation of nursery and commercial grower’s products between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Watering is permitted at any time with a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle, a bucket, or when a drip/micro-irrigation system/equipment is used. Irrigation of nursery propagation beds is permitted at any time.

J. Operation of ornamental water features without re-circulating water systems.

K. The use of any hand-held hose not equipped with an automatic positive shut-off nozzle to wash any equipment outside of structures, including motor vehicles, trailers, tractors etc.

L. The application of public water on any premises in a manner that results in such water flows to, non-irrigated areas, adjacent properties, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots and structures.

SECTION 5: Water Use Restrictions - Stage 2 (underline and strike outs of text indicate Ordinance #52 amendments)

During a Stage 2 - Drought Response condition, all persons using Mariposa Public Utility District water shall comply with Stage 1 Drought Response water conservation practices during a Stage 2 Drought Alert, and shall also comply with the following additional mandatory conservation measures:

A. Limit residential and commercial landscape irrigation with public water supplies to no more than three two assigned days per week. during the months of June through October on a schedule established by Board Resolution. During the months of November through May, landscape irrigation is limited to no more than once per week on a schedule established by the Board. This section shall not apply to commercial growers or nurseries.

B. Repair all water leaks within seventy-two (72) hours of notification by MPUD unless other arrangements are made with the General Manager.

C. Initial filling of swimming pools, or otherwise the full capacity of a pool over 2,500 gallons is prohibited.

D. The washing of motor vehicles, trailers, airplanes, or boats by hosing or by use of water directly from faucets or other outlets, except:
1. It is not unlawful to wash such motor vehicles, trailers, airplanes, or boats from water contained in a bucket or container not exceeding three-gallon capacity, and
2. This subsection shall not be applicable to the washing of motor vehicles, trailers, airplanes or boats at commercial vehicle washing facilities operated at fixed locations.

E. The application of water from public water supply to outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours after measured rainfall is prohibited.