Sacramento Water Committee Meeting - April 13, 2021

The Sacramento Water Committee met on April 13, 2021, to discuss three major items: an amended regional wastewater management agreement, the city's storm drainage system challenges and funding, and an update on sustainability and water efficiency efforts. The meeting was reordered to address the wastewater agreement first, followed by the storm drainage overview, and concluded with the sustainability update, which was cut short due to time constraints. A public comment on a non-agenda matter was also heard.

Discussion Items

• Amended Sacramento Regional Wastewater Management Program Master Interagency Agreement (MIA): Ryan Pham, Business Services Division Manager, presented the proposed amendments to the MIA, which includes the City of West Sacramento as a new contributing agency, extends the agreement term to 50 years, and shifts responsibility for sewer rate collection and bad debt absorption to Regional San. The county's role is being phased out via a sunset clause ending in 2024. Chair Harris asked about the rationale for the county's departure; Bill Busath clarified that Regional San no longer needs the administrative services provided by the county. A motion to forward the item to the City Council was made and seconded.

• City of Sacramento Storm Drainage System Overview: Bill Busath, Director of Utilities, presented an overview of the city's unique pumped storm drainage system, which includes 105 pump stations, 850 miles of pipes, and a combined sewer system serving a portion of the city. He highlighted that the system is aging, undersized, and faces a $240 million backlog of needed projects. The drainage fund is unsustainable, with no rate increase since 1996; current revenues are insufficient for capital improvements, and the fund balance is projected to go negative by fiscal year 2026–2027 under current spending. A Prop 218 ballot initiative is being planned to raise drainage rates. A survey of 1,200 customers is underway to gauge support for a potential $5–$6 per month increase, with a goal of bringing a measure to voters in early 2022. Councilmember Valenzuela asked about best practices from other combined-system cities; Busath noted that Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco have much higher rates. Chair Harris emphasized the impracticality of separating the combined system, which would cost over $2 billion and take decades. The item was received and filed.

• 2021 Update on Sustainability and Water Efficiency Efforts: Roshni Das, Sustainability Program Manager, provided an oral report. Key points included: current water supply conditions are trending dry (50% of average rainfall, 83% of average snowpack) but the city is positioned to handle a second dry year through conjunctive groundwater use. State mandates (AB 1668 and SB 606) will require new water efficiency targets by 2024 with enforcement in 2026. The city's water demand has stabilized at 168 gallons per capita per day, well below pre-drought levels. Conservation programs have been successful, including a national award for the Wyland Mayors Challenge, turf conversion rebates, smart meter leak detection, and equity-focused programs like "Redo the Loo" and "Leak Pre-Sacramento." Councilmember Valenzuela requested district-level data on program usage. The presentation was cut short due to time; Chair Harris asked for the sustainability plan to be brought back to the next Water Committee meeting for further discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• The committee heard one public comment on a matter not on the agenda. A caller, identifying themselves as "Sanqua," demanded that the City Council approve all recommendations from the Police Review Commission from the last three years and grant the commission subpoena power and independent legal counsel. Chair Harris noted that the caller had reached the wrong meeting (Water Committee) and suggested they call back for the appropriate council meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Item 2 (Amended MIA): The committee voted unanimously (3–0) to forward the item to the full City Council for approval. Councilmember Valenzuela made the motion; Councilmember Vang seconded. The vote was recorded: Councilmember Valenzuela – yes, Councilmember Vang – yes, Chair Harris – aye.
• Item 3 (Storm Drainage System): The presentation was received and filed. No action was taken, but staff will continue outreach and survey efforts toward a potential ballot measure in early 2022.
• Item 1 (Sustainability Update): The update was received and filed, with a commitment to continue the discussion at the next Water Committee meeting.