The City of Fullerton is taking steps to improve its water resources management by allocating $950,000 for the Water Master Plan Project and an additional $200,000 for a Water Rate Study. These initiatives are part of the city’s Capital Improvement Program budget for the Water Fund.

In September 2022, the city enlisted Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. to spearhead both projects. Current expenditures for the Water Master Plan have reached $929,221.17, while the Water Rate Study has incurred costs of $11,985.52. This leaves a total combined balance of $208,793.31 available for further funding.

According to the existing Purchase Order with Stantec, there remains a balance of $173,900.75. Of this amount, $34,892.56 is set aside for outstanding expenses associated with the Water Master Plan, which includes costs related to staff management and unforeseen change orders.

The last update to the Water Master Plan dates back to 1997, making the upcoming 2025 update a critical step for the city. This new plan aims to provide a structured roadmap for a five-year, ten-year, and twenty-year Capital Improvement Program. It addresses key challenges such as aging infrastructure, projected water demand, and management of existing water resources. The updated plan aspires to ensure a reliable water supply for residents while meeting essential regulatory requirements and safeguarding fire protection capabilities.

Stantec’s report, which comprises twelve detailed chapters, examines various aspects of the city’s water system, identifying critical deficiencies and recommending necessary improvements. The chapters cover a range of topics, including:

– Executive Summary
– Existing System Facilities
– Water Supply
– Water Quality
– Water Use
– Planning and Evaluation Criteria
– Model Development and Calibration
– Water System Evaluation
– Planning Scenarios
– Facility Condition Assessment
– Risk Assessment
– Capital Improvement Program

The final chapter outlines a series of capital improvement projects addressing both new and existing water wells, booster pump stations, reservoirs, and fire protection systems, while also catering to future developments.

Alongside the Water Master Plan, the Stantec contract includes a Water Rate Study aimed at devising a comprehensive financing strategy. This study seeks to evaluate options, recommend alternatives to address system deficiencies and develop a five-year and ten-year financial management plan. It projects revenue, operating costs, capital expenditures, and other financial metrics, proposing equitable rate structures to balance service costs with minimal impact on ratepayers, in accordance with Proposition 218 and other legal stipulations.

The last Water Rate Study was conducted back in 2019, prompting the City Council to establish a Water Rate Study Ad Hoc Committee tasked with exploring multiple alternative project schedules. Staff members recommend appointing this committee to facilitate discussions on financing approaches for the new recommendations, potentially leveraging the expertise of the Infrastructure and Natural Resources Advisory Committee.

The Committee plans to conduct informational workshops with consultants and city staff to review water rate models and discuss possible rate increases. Meetings will be open to the public, ensuring transparency in deliberations. Recommendations are expected to be presented to the City Council for final decision-making in Winter 2025.

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