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Impacts of Climate Change on Redwood City Decreased Availability and Quality of Water The 2012-2016 California drought led to the most severe moisture deficits in the last 1,200 years and a 1 -in -500 -year low in Sierra snowpack. The record low snowpack resulted in $2.1 billion in economic losses and exacerbated an ongoing trend of ground water overdraft.30 While the total amount of precipitation in the Bay ' Area is not projected to change significantly (models project an additional 2 to 5 inches), the amount and timing of water available _ — as drinking water may change. Under a high emissions scenario, average Sierra Nevada snowpack is projected to decline by nearly 20 percent in the next two to three decades, 30 percent to 60 percent in mid-century and by over 80 percent in late century.31 Rising bay water and groundwater levels will also increase salinity intrusion and subsurface flooding inland. Climate change will require improved storm water management in the Bay Area as extreme storm events increase in size and frequency. Redwood City purchases all of its potable water from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), which collects 85% of its water from the Hetch Hetchy watersheds and 15% from various Alameda County and San Mateo County watersheds. In wet years, SFPUC will sell Redwood City all of its needed drinking water. However, in drought years, SFPUC reserves the right to cut the water deliveries to its customers like Redwood City. In 2000, Redwood City launched a wide variety of water conservation and water recycling programs to restrict water demand and boost supply. The City's recycled water program pilot was launched, successfully delivering "tertiary" grade water to Redwood Shores customers. In 2003, the City Council approved the recycled water project, successfully delivering water today and designed to accommodate future water demand as well. Redwood City also has a goal for water storage within City borders in the event of a disaster. If Redwood City cannot access water sources outside of its jurisdiction, the City needs to have enough water stored within its jurisdiction to have one full day's worth of water as well as the water needed for "fire flow" to put out fires. The City has completed connecting its various water tanks with pumping stations so water can be transported from one section of the City to another as needed. Redwood City continues to plan for future water needs and enhance the resiliency of our water system. Increased Impact on Energy Systems The Bay Area electrical grid is vulnerable to power outages during wind and wildfire events such as Public Safety Power Shutoffs P� SPS) — planned power outages to prevent occurrences of electrical equipment starting wildfires.32 Many of our natural gas pipelines are located along waterways and will be impacted by flooding from sea - level rise and extreme storm events. California's transportation fuel sector, which distributes oil from refineries to end users, will be increasingly exposed to extreme weather events such as flooding and wildfire. City of Redwood City Climate Action Plan 30