Council told a third watering day could nearly exhaust Ceres’ conservation cushion

Public works staff (Sam) presented an update on the city's water conservation performance and new state rules that set an "urban water use objective" for each supplier under Senate Bill 606 and Assembly Bill 1668.

Sam said Ceres was roughly 98 million gallons under its objective for the fiscal reporting period but warned that adding a third annual watering day would increase consumption by an estimated 97 million gallons, leaving only about 1 million gallons of reserve. "If the third water day were added to our year round watering schedule, we project an increase of nearly 97,000,000 gallons per year," Sam said.

Staff noted the State Water Resources Control Board can impose monetary penalties beginning in 2027 for suppliers that fail to demonstrate compliance (staff cited fines up to $1,000 per day and up to $10,000 per day during declared drought). Given the proximity to the objective and enforcement risk, staff recommended keeping the existing two‑day schedule and preparing for future reductions rather than adding a third day now.

Council members suggested modeling a seasonal third watering day (summer only) or targeted exceptions for newly planted street trees; staff cautioned that seasonal rules increase outreach and enforcement complexity and offered to prepare additional analysis. The item was discussion only; no action was taken.