(A) A reliable minimum supply of potable water is essential to the public health, safety, and welfare of the people and economy of the Central Valley region. The City of San Joaquin is located in Central California which is a semi-arid region and is largely dependent upon water supplies. A growing population, climate change, environmental concerns, and other factors in other parts of the state and western United States, make the region highly susceptible to water supply reliability issues.
(B) Careful water management that includes active water conservation measures not only in times
of drought, but at all times, is essential to ensure a reliable minimum supply of water to meet current and future water supply needs.
(C) Article X, Section 2 of the California Constitution declares that the general welfare requires that water resources be put to beneficial use, waste or unreasonable use or unreasonable method of use of water be prevented; and that one to the fullest extent of which they are capable; the conservation of water be fully exercised with a view to the reasonable and beneficial use thereof in the interest of the people and for the public welfare.
(D) Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution declares that a city may make and enforce within its limits all local, police, sanitary and other ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws.
(E) Cal. Water Code § 375 authorizes water suppliers to adopt and enforce a comprehensive water conservation program to reduce water consumption and conserve supplies by ordinance or resolution.
(F) The adoption and enforcement of a water conservation program is necessary to manage the city's potable water supply in the short and long-term and to avoid or minimize the effects of drought and shortage within the city. Such program is essential to ensure a reliable and sustainable minimum supply of water for the public health, safety, and welfare.
(Ord. 15-103, passed 6-9-2015)