07-25-2022 BPU RPT 07 - Laserfiche WebLink

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RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES Board Memorandum BOARD OF PUBLIC UTILITIES DATE: JULY 25, 2022 SUBJECT: WATER CONSERVATION SURCHARGE PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS FOR WATER USE EFFICIENCY REBATE PROGRAMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $310,000 ISSUE: Consider program enhancements and additions to the Water Conservation Surcharge programs as a response to the California Drought for an estimated additional investment for fiscal year 2022/23 of $310,000. RECOMMENDATIONS: That the Board of Public Utilities approve and recommend that the City Council: 1. Approve the change to the Residential Turf Removal Program, to increase funding from $3 per square foot of turf to $5 per square foot of turf, estimated total fiscal impact for fiscal year 2022/23 of $125,000; 2. Approve the change to the Commercial Turf Removal Program, to increase funding from $3 per square foot of turf to $5 per square foot of turf, estimated fiscal impact for fiscal year 2022/23 of $150,000; 3. Approve the new Residential Flow Monitoring Device Program, estimated fiscal impact for fiscal year 2022/23 of $25,000; 4. Approve the new Residential Hose Bib Program, estimated fiscal impact for fiscal year 2022/23 of $10,000; and 5. Approve the purchase of soaker hoses for the Tree Care Program, estimated fiscal impact for fiscal year 2022/23 of $10,000. LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: On May 24, 2022, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted an emergency water conservation regulation that will ensure more aggressive conservation by local water agencies across the state. The new regulation bans irrigating turf at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties, such as grass in front of or next to large industrial or commercial buildings. The ban does not include watering turf that is used for recreation or other community purposes,