6.20.010 - Findings.

(a)

A reliable supply of potable water is essential to the public health, safety, and welfare of the people and economy of City of Commerce.

(b)

Article X, Section 2 of the California Constitution declares that the general welfare requires that the water resources of the state be put to beneficial use to the fullest extent of which they are capable, that the waste or unreasonable use or unreasonable method of use of water be prevented, and that the conservation of such waters is to be exercised with a view to the reasonable and beneficial use thereof in the interest of the people and for the public welfare.

(c)

On January 17, 2014, the Governor of California proclaimed a state of emergency to exist throughout the State of California due to severe drought conditions.

(d)

On April 25, 2014, the Governor of California proclaimed a continued state of emergency to exist throughout the State of California due to the ongoing drought.

(e)

The drought conditions that formed the basis of the Governor of California's emergency proclamations continue to exist as the present year is critically dry and has been preceded by two or more consecutive below normal, dry, or critically dry years.

(f)

On April 1, 2015, the Governor of California proclaimed a continued state of emergency to exist throughout the State of California due to water shortage and drought conditions. The governor issued an executive order mandating a twenty-five percent statewide reduction in water use for all urban water users.

(g)

On May 5, 2015, the State Water Board adopted an emergency water conservation regulation effective June 2015 that requires a mandatory twenty-five percent reduction in urban water use statewide. The State Water Board may use various means to enforce the conservation mandate, including fines.

(h)

The adoption and enforcement of water conservation regulations is essential to ensure a reliable supply of water to meet current and future needs.

(Ord. No. 667, § 1, 7-7-2015)