CC Min 2002-08-26 Reg - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Works Services Director Ingram stated that the report addresses the feasibility, alternatives and options. He further stated that over a period of approximately one year, staff would come before Council on a variety of water -- supply and water demand initiatives. If Council chooses to proceed with the project, the next step would be the design phase, construction, then ultimately to operate and maintain the system. Craig Whitcomb of Kennedy/Jenks stated that the City is 100% reliant on the Hetch Hetchy supply and currently 1,000 acre feet per year over the level in the contract with Hetch Hetchy. The City has several water supply options available at this time and of those, water conservation and recycled water are under the City's direct control. Water recycling has several benefits and some added value benefits that the other supplies do not. The first is that it represents a new supply for many users, and secondly, it is drought proof. Hetch Hetchy, like most surface water supplies in California, is subject to drought cycles. He stated that the final report defines the technical feasibility and costs for an expanded recycled water system in the City. Public Comment: Mr. Lee spoke in Chinese and Christina Lai translated his statements as follows: Mr. Lee stated that every night he passes by red capped areas that are labeled "do not drink - recycled water", in areas where recycled water is being used. The bothersome point is that the sprinkler comes on at 10:00 p.m. and a bad odor __ emits that is similar to the odor from the treatment plant at SBSA. The other issue is that when the recycled water dries it forms a layer of some sort of residue. He asked Council to consider his thoughts and thanked Council for listening to him. Peter Lin stated that he understood the cost for one acre foot of water is from $18,000.00-$20,000.00. He further stated that he investigated and found in Southern California that the cost is $300.00-$500.00 to buy water. His question is really where is the money going to come from? Will there be an assessment or a higher water bill? He also asked if there are better alternatives for using the $35M to recycle water. Maureen Smith stated that she would like to see other methods of conservation used and education of the community before asking residents to use recycled water. Greg Greenway, from Seaport Industrial Association, spoke in support of the project. He stated that the companies represented are generally in support of infrastructure development and they have a particular interest in what goes on east of 101 and the greater Bayfront area. He further stated that infrastructure is essential and water is one, if not the most crucial, resources that we possess. It is REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 26, 2002 MINUTES PAGE 5 MINUTES Book No. 59 Page No. 239