Laserfiche WebLink
2025 URBAN WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN <br /> MAY 2026/FINAL DRAFT/CAROLLO <br /> 9.1.1.5 Water Loss Control <br /> SB 1420 signed into law in September 2014 requires urban water suppliers that submit UWMPs to <br /> calculate annual system water losses using the water audit methodology developed by the American <br /> Water Works Association (AWWA). SB 1420 requires the water loss audit be submitted to the California <br /> Department of Water Resources (DWR) every five years as part of the urban water supplier's UWMP. <br /> Water auditing is the basis for effective water loss control. DWR's UWMP Guidebook includes a water <br /> audit manual intended to help water utilities complete the AWWA Water Audit on an annual basis. <br /> Since 2015,A the City has performed and submitted validated Water Loss Audits,which have identified <br /> areas for improvement and quantified total loss.Through expressing water loss audit results in terms of <br /> real losses per service connection per day allows for standardized comparison across retail agencies and is <br /> a metric consistent with the Water Board's forthcoming economic model. Each year, the City has taken <br /> and identified steps to reduce water losses. Recent efforts have included implementation of the <br /> Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) project, pipeline, and service replacements, maintaining a leak <br /> registry, and developing a City acoustic leak detection program.As part of the Automated Meter <br /> Infrastructure (AMI) project, water usage trends can be monitored more closely that will allow the ability <br /> for customers to detect leaks.. Proactive pipeline and service replacements have resulted in a fewer leaks. <br /> The City developed a Leak Detection Program in 2022 in collaboration with MWD and MWDOC that has <br /> utilized MWD member agency funding to support acoustic leak detection performed by MWDOC and <br /> staff and crews. Program has been successful in finding real leaks that have all been fixed by City staff and <br /> crews. <br /> 9.1.1.6 Metering <br /> The City requires individual metering for all water connections and bills by both a fixed-rate utility charge <br /> and volume-of-use, per meter size. <br /> In 2020,the City Council approved the deployment of AMI technology, which included replacing or <br /> retrofitting all meters within the system.AMI uses a two-way communication network to remotely collect <br /> water usage data, replacing the need for manual meter readings.This gives the City the ability to detect <br /> abnormal meter operations, which allows for targeted testing and replacement methodologies. As part of <br /> the AMI program, the City also upgraded its billing system software and established an online portal <br /> where customers can view their water usage, set water budgets, and be notified of unexpected <br /> consumption that may indicate water leaks. <br /> In accordance with the City's municipal code, all new development with over 1,000 square feet of <br /> landscape requires the installation of dedicated landscape meters.The City has also adopted a policy <br /> requiring individual metering of all users such as individual tenants of commercial plazas, residential <br /> condominiums, and apartments. <br /> Public Outreach and Education <br /> The City administers its own public education and outreach program and also utilizes and supports the <br /> programs administered by MWDOC and MET.The City develops, coordinates, and delivers a substantial <br /> amount of public information, education, and outreach programs aimed at elevating water agency and <br /> consumer awareness and understanding of current water issues as well as efficient water use and water- <br /> saving practices, sound policy, and water reliability investments that are in the best interest of the region. <br /> CITY OF SANTA ANA <br />