Goal PFS-3: Maintain a level of service in the City's water system that meets the needs of existing and future development while improving water system efficiency.
About 95 percent of the City, including nearly all commercial and institutional development, is served by the Hayward Water System. All water supplies are received from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) Regional Water System. The remaining small portion of north Hayward is served by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD).
The water supplied is delivered through the Hetch-Hetchy aqueducts, but also includes treated water produced by the SFPUC from its local watershed and facilities in Alameda County. The City receives water through two aqueducts along Mission Boulevard and Hesperian Boulevard. In addition, five water wells, certified by the California Department of Health Services for short duration emergency use only, are located within the city limits. Major water system projects in the near term focus on replacing and renovating existing water storage reservoirs to increase storage capacity and improve structural reliability. The City has also made extensive efforts to improve the seismic safetyof the water system, including seismic retrofits of several reservoirs and improvements to pipes at fault line crossings.
Policies in this section ensure existing and future residents a reliable water supply through the City’s Water Supply Agreement with the SFPUC, the City’s distribution system, and facilities within the EBMUD service area. Water conservation policies will be implemented by the City to increase water use efficiency and to address potential water shortages. Existing water infrastructure will be maintained and updated to improve structural reliability and improve seismic safety.
The City shall maintain and implement the Water Distribution System Master Plan.
The City shall maintain and implement the Water Management Plan, including water conservation strategies and programs, as required by the Water Management Planning Act.
The City shall support implementation of the Water Shortage Allocation Plan, which distributes available water from the regional water system among San Francisco Public Utility Commission and wholesale customers in the event of a system-wide shortage of 20 percent or less.
The City shall maintain and implement the Water Shortage Contingency Plan as necessary to address climate conditions or other water shortage emergencies.
The City shall focus major water system projects on improving water system reliability, and shall replace or repair water lines that are leaking or otherwise meet the City’s criteria for replacement, when deemed financially feasible.
The City shall exercise and protect its surface and ground water rights and entitlements in perpetuity.
The City shall continue to participate in the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency and purchase water from the San Francisco Public Utility Commission.
In the event that San Francisco Public Utilities Commission is unable to provide water that meets drinking water standards, the City shall plan, secure funding for, and procure sufficient water treatment capacity and infrastructure to meet projected water demands.
The City shall provide water service that meets or exceeds State and Federal drinking water standards.
The City shall work with the East Bay Municipal Utility District to provide adequate water service to areas in the not served by the City.
The City shall, to the extent feasible, maintain adequate water supply during emergencies. The City shall maintain emergency water connections with the Alameda County Water District and the East Bay Municipal Utility District in case of disruption of delivery from San Francisco Public Utility Commission and maintain emergency wells for short duration use in an emergency and ensure that wells meet primary drinking water standards.
The City shall continue to improve the seismic safety of the water system, including seismic retrofits of reservoirs and improvements to pipes at fault line crossings.
The City shall ensure that water supply capacity is in place prior to granting building permits for new development.
The City shall comply with provisions of the State’s 20x2020 Water Conservation Plan (California Water Control Board, 2010).
The City shall implement cost effective conservation strategies and programs that increase water use efficiency, including providing incentives for adoption of water efficiency measures Water conservation strategies may include a combination of financial incentives, legislative actions, and public education.
The City shall increase use of recycled water where appropriate, cost effective, safe, and environmentally sustainable. The City shall work with regional partners to encourage expansion of recycled water infrastructure.
The City shall promote landscaping techniques that use native and climate appropriate plants, sustainable design and maintenance, water-efficient irrigation systems, and yard clipping reduction practices.