Santa Margarita Water
District
Urban Water Management Plan
Santa Margarita Water District (District) is updating its Urban Water Management Plan (Plan), which was last updated in 2000. Since 1985, urban water purveyors have been required to prepare a Plan every five years to document water use and project water needs. Initially, the plans focused narrowly on conservation; over the years, the plans have evolved into a planning tool for both water and land use planners.
The Urban Water Management Planning Act (Water Code Section 10610 et seq.) calls for preparation of a Plan that evaluates the water demands and water supplies for a minimum prospective 20-year period. In addition, to addressing water supplies and demands, the Plan must specify conservation programs, recycled water, transferring and selling water, groundwater use and reliability, and drought contingency procedures. Every five years the adopted Plan must be submitted to the California Department of Water Resources and to the local land use planning agencies.
The Plan preparation and adoption process is relatively straightforward. The steps include consulting with local cities and the County, as well as the wholesale water agencies and neighboring water and wastewater districts. Input from the general public is also welcome and encouraged.
The District’s Plan projects water supply in five-year increments for 25 years (exceeding the minimum 20-year requirement) from 2005 to 2030 and incorporates existing and projected new customers. The District’s ongoing water conservation program is also documented, including residential water surveys, retrofitting of plumbing with low-flow fixtures, and public information and school education programs.
The District’s water recycling and water reuse programs are highlighted in the Plan, including a description of the collection and treatment systems and a plan for further expansion of the recycled water distribution system.
The
District Board of Directors will hold a public hearing to receive comments and
discuss the UWMP on