1. Water Use and Conservation Plan & Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB) Palm Springs Unified School District Board Study Session July 28, 2015

2. Water Use and Conservation On April 9, 2015, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) ordered the water companies under its jurisdiction to notify customers of emergency regulations that were put into place by the State Water Resources Control Board on March 17, 2015, in order to preserve sufficient potable water and ensure safe drinking water for Californians. 2

3. Water Use and Conservation On April 1, 2015, Governor Brown issued an Executive Order mandating a 25 percent state- wide reduction or cut in water use through February 2016 as compared with 2013 water usage data for all urban water users 3

4. Water Use and Conservation The new restrictions are in effect through February 2016, and set a different target for each agency depending on how much water its customers use per capita and conservation progress since last year 4

5. Water Use and Conservation The governor also called for urban water agencies to create rate structures, fees and penalties that encourage customers to use less water 5

6. Water Use and Conservation It also can be expected that if the mandates are met, utility bills will increase for the District regardless, as a result of lost revenue by the water companies. 6

7. Water Use and Conservation Each water district is responsible for enforcing restrictions, and each is responsible for determining its own enforcement approach. Violations typically start with a written warning, followed by a monetary penalty for subsequent violations and could include discontinuance of service, depending on the agency. 7

8. Water Use and Conservation 2015 restrictions – Ornamental landscapes or turf with potable water is allowed, but the company must limit such irrigation to the appropriate water restriction limits – Turf or ornamental landscapes prohibited during and up to 48 hours following measurable precipitation – Leak abatement 8

9. Water Use and Conservation Desert Water Agency, which serves Palm Springs area including outlying county areas, Desert Hot Springs, part of Cathedral City and Palm Springs Coachella Valley Water District, which covers approximately 1,000 square miles, serves mostly within the Coachella Valley Mission Springs Water District, which serves Desert Hot Springs and its surrounding area 9

10. Water Use and Conservation Desert Water Agency, which serves Palm Springs area including outlying county areas, Desert Hot Springs, part of Cathedral City and Palm Springs – Reduction goal: 36% – Billing structure Flat rate of $1.57 per 100 cubic feet (not including other charges and fees) – Reclaimed water is $.79 per 100 cubic feet – Watering restrictions Water alternate days depending on address; 7pm until 7am 10

11. Water Use and Conservation Coachella Valley Water District, which covers approximately 1,000 square miles, serves mostly within the Coachella Valley – Reduction goal: 36% – Billing structure Tier 1 Domestic/Interior use Tier 2 Irrigation $1.12 per centum cubic feet (ccf, or 100 cubic feet of water) Usage above 64% of budget results in an increase to $3.63 per ccf – Watering restrictions No daily restrictions Water budget is for exterior use only 11

12. Water Use and Conservation Mission Springs Water District, which serves Desert Hot Springs and its surrounding area – Reduction goal: 32% – Billing structure Flat rate of $1.74 per ccf (not including other charges and fees) – Watering restrictions Watering permitted four days per week – Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday- June 1 to September 30; 6pm to 6am 12

13. Water Use and Conservation Currently, we use over 80% of our water for exterior uses (grass and landscaping) – In 2014-2015, we spent approximately $1,100,000 on water from the three agencies In 2013-2014, we used 413 million gallons of water – $725,438 13

14. Water Use and Conservation Landscape Areas (trees, shrubs, grass) Non Functional Ornamental Turf Functional Ornamental Turf Play Turf Where are we using water outside?

15. Water Use and Conservation It is important to note that all (3) three water companies allow exceptions where necessary to address an immediate health and safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a state or federal agency. 15

16. Water Use and Conservation Current PSUSD Measures – Reducing district-wide watering station start times from operating twice per night at each school site to only once – Reset irrigation controllers with the seasons – Routinely check sprinkler heads to assure they are spraying properly – Set the lawn mower to a higher setting – Use drought tolerant plants where practical – Trying to stay within our water budget 16

17. Water Use and Conservation Obstacles and Challenges – Mainline breaks and stuck valves – Time needed to replace grass with xeriscape (cost of grass replacement is approximately $7-$8 per sq. ft. Rebate is minimal- approximately $2/sq. ft. – Artificial turf – “Fields are classrooms” 17

18. Water Use and Conservation PSUSD Measures for Consideration – Overseeding pros and cons 18 ProsCons Overseeding results in a aesthetically pleasing facility for students and visitors Water costs associated with germinating overseeded areas increases 50%-75% (CVWD will not allot additional water for overseeding) Overseeding results in a “softer” playing environment for students and reduces minor injuries associated with sports like football and soccer Fertilizer and seed costs associated with supporting the growth of overseeded areas (approximately $5- $10K per high school) Overseeding greatly enhances the playability of fields in the spring and summer months when dormant Bermuda grass begins its growing season Maintenances costs of equipment used to mow, trim, and otherwise maintain overseeded turf

19. Water Use and Conservation PSUSD Measures for Consideration – Board Direction 1.Continue to overseed, fertilize, water, and maintain stadium fields? 2.Continue to overseed, fertilize, water, and maintain common areas at Palm Springs High School and Rancho Mirage High School? 3.Continue to allow high schools to solicit donations for seed and then grow that seed on non-stadium fields (typically baseball and softball fields)? 4.Only allow PSHS to overseed because they have access to non-potable water for irrigation? 5.Replace grass parking lot island areas with hardscape and/or desert landscaping 6.Upgrade irrigation control devices for $36,000? 7.Install flow and master valve sensors for $103,000? 19

20. Water Use and Conservation PSUSD Measures for Consideration – Board Direction 1.Continue to overseed, fertilize, water, and maintain stadium fields? 20 RecommendationRationaleCostFund YesGreatly helps preserve the playing surface; creates a safer playing surface Water: ~$17,000- ~$49,000 (RMHS and CCHS only) DHSHS and PSHS- no increase from last year Seed and Fertilizer: ~$26,400 Total: ~$59,400 General Fund; Routine Restricted Maintenance

21. Water Use and Conservation PSUSD Measures for Consideration – Board Direction 2.Continue to overseed, fertilize, water, and maintain common areas at Palm Springs High School and Rancho Mirage High School? 21 RecommendationRationaleCostFund NoGrass is for aesthetics and not for safety. Water: RMHS and PSHS- ~$4,000 to ~$12,000 Seed and Fertilizer: ~$8,925 Total: ~$25,000 General Fund; Routine Restricted Maintenance

22. Water Use and Conservation PSUSD Measures for Consideration – Board Direction 3.Continue to allow high schools to solicit donations for seed and then grow that seed on non-stadium fields (typically baseball and softball fields)? 22 RecommendationRationaleCostFund NoOverseeded areas mainly for aesthetics with limited impact to the playability in regards to safety Water: ~$24,000- ~$70,000 at RMHS; ~$38,000-~$100,000 at CCHS; no increase at DHSHS or PSHS; Fertilizer: ~$36,000 Total: ~$152,000 General Fund; Routine Restricted Maintenance

23. Water Use and Conservation PSUSD Measures for Consideration – Board Direction 4.Allow PSHS to overseed and fertilize their stadium field because they have access to non-potable water for irrigation? 23 RecommendationRationaleCostFund YesA non-potable water supply was planned for and installed for the purposes of servicing the stadium field at PSHS. Non- potable water is not subject to drought regulations. Seed and Fertilizer: $6,600 (no increase from last year) Total: $6,600 General Fund; Routine Restricted Maintenance

24. Water Use and Conservation PSUSD Measures for Consideration – Board Direction 5.Replace grass parking lot island areas with hardscape and/or desert landscaping 24 RecommendationRationaleCostFund YesBased on the recommendation from all water districts. The area in question is not for student use and is for aesthetics only (“non-functional ornamental turf”) ~$7-$8 per sq. ft.General Fund; Routine Restricted Maintenance

25. Water Use and Conservation PSUSD Measures for Consideration – Board Direction 6.Upgrade irrigation control devices? 25 RecommendationRationaleCostFund YesWill bring all school sites on a central control; efficient- based on “evapo- transpiration rate” related to relative humidity ~$36,000Routine Restricted Maintenance

26. Water Use and Conservation PSUSD Measures for Consideration – Board Direction 7.Install flow and master valve sensors? 26 RecommendationRationaleCostFund YesAutomatically shuts water off when a mainline break is detected. Currently, we average two mainline breaks or stuck valves per week. $103,000 for 24 schools or ~$4,291 per school. Total: ~$103,000 Routine Restricted Maintenance