Los Osos board moves water shortage status from Stage 3 to Stage 2, approves resolution 20246

The Los Osos Community Services District board voted unanimously to receive the 2023–24 water supply and status report and to adopt Resolution 20246, shifting the district from a Stage 3 water supply emergency to Stage 2.

Staff described trends showing declining groundwater production over recent years, the district’s seven operating wells, and work to rehabilitate older lower‑aquifer wells. The report noted elevated chromium‑6 readings at the Third Street upper well that will likely require blending strategies if regulation tightens; the South Bay well needs nitrate removal and provides limited output.

District staff explained updates to the Water Shortage Contingency Plan adopted in October 2023: triggers were revised to use cumulative multi‑year rainfall and a Basin Management Committee water‑level metric to better reflect operational conditions. Based on the updated triggers and recent increases in measured water levels, staff and the Utility Advisory Committee recommended moving to Stage 2.

Moving to Stage 2 would remove mandatory implementation of water allocations and financial penalties that were written into Stage 3; it would also allow the board discretion on new 'intent to serve' applications rather than enforcing a strict moratorium. Directors discussed the conditions under which the board could move to Stage 1 in the future if rainfall and metrics continue to improve.

The board approved Resolution 20246 by roll call vote. Staff said it will return with a revised water conservation and incentives program and continue coordination with Golden State Water on complementary measures.