2020-06-15 MP 2019-0004 2553 MSA Consulting1
Nichole Romane
From:Rowe, Mike <mrowe@msaconsultinginc.com>
Sent:Monday, June 15, 2020 5:10 PM
To:Nicole Criste (Contract Planner);Brizuela, Christopher;Consulting Planner
Cc:Depalatis, Paul;Garrett Simon;Vann, Nicole
Subject:RE: 2553: MP 2019-0004 [2553-MSA1.NRzf]
EXTERNAL:This message originated outside of the City of La Quinta.Please use proper judgement and caution when opening
attachments,clicking links or responding to requests for information.
Great.If you need anything else let us know.We look forward to getting this project turning dirt.
Mike Rowe, PE
Director of Business Development / Vice President
MSA Consulting,Inc.
From:Nicole Criste ncriste@terranovaplanning.com>
Sent:Monday,June 15,2020 5:05 PM
To:Rowe,Mike mrowe@msaconsultinginc.com>;Brizuela,Christopher cbrizuela@msaconsultinginc.com>;Nicole
Criste Ncriste@laquintaca.gov>
Cc:Depalatis,Paul pdepalatis@msaconsultinginc.com>;Garrett Simon gsimon@meriwetherco.com>;Vann,Nicole
nvann@msaconsultinginc.com>
Subject:Re:2553:MP 2019 0004 2553 MSA1.NRzf]
Thank you Mike.No,we only have the letter from CVWD.I’ll upload the WSA for you.
Nicole
Nicole Sauviat Criste
Consulting Planner
City of La Quinta
TERRA NOVA PLANNING & RESEARCH, INC.®
42635 Melanie Place, Ste 101
PALM DESERT, CA 92211
760) 341-4800
FAX#: 760-341-4455
E-Mail: ncriste@terranovaplanning.com
From:Rowe,Mike"mrowe@msaconsultinginc.com>
Date:Monday,June 15,2020 at 5:03 PM
To:Nicole Criste ncriste@terranovaplanning.com>,Brizuela,Christopher"
cbrizuela@msaconsultinginc.com>,Nicole Criste Ncriste@laquintaca.gov>
Cc:Depalatis,Paul"pdepalatis@msaconsultinginc.com>,Garrett Simon gsimon@meriwetherco.com>,
Vann,Nicole"nvann@msaconsultinginc.com>
Subject:RE:2553:MP 2019 0004 2553 MSA1.NRzf]
2
That has already been approved.It should be in your approved file.here is a copy.
Mike Rowe, PE
Director of Business Development / Vice President
MSA Consulting,Inc.
From:Nicole Criste ncriste@terranovaplanning.com>
Sent:Monday,June 15,2020 4:55 PM
To:Brizuela,Christopher cbrizuela@msaconsultinginc.com>;Nicole Criste Ncriste@laquintaca.gov>
Cc:Rowe,Mike mrowe@msaconsultinginc.com>;Depalatis,Paul pdepalatis@msaconsultinginc.com>;Garrett Simon
gsimon@meriwetherco.com>;Vann,Nicole nvann@msaconsultinginc.com>
Subject:Re:2553:MP 2019 0004 2553 MSA1.NRzf]
Thank you Chris.When can we expect the WSA?
Nicole Sauviat Criste
Principal
TERRA NOVA PLANNING & RESEARCH, INC.®
42635 Melanie Place, Ste 101
PALM DESERT, CA 92211
760) 341-4800
FAX#: 760-341-4455
E-Mail: ncriste@terranovaplanning.com
From:Brizuela,Christopher"cbrizuela@msaconsultinginc.com>
Date:Monday,June 15,2020 at 4:25 PM
To:Nicole Criste Ncriste@laquintaca.gov>
Cc:Rowe,Mike"mrowe@msaconsultinginc.com>,Depalatis,Paul"pdepalatis@msaconsultinginc.com>,
Garrett Simon gsimon@meriwetherco.com>,Vann,Nicole"nvann@msaconsultinginc.com>
Subject:2553:MP 2019 0004 2553 MSA1.NRzf]
Resent From:ConsultingPlanner@laquintaca.gov>
Hi Nicole,
It was my understanding that the upload process created a time stamped list.That said,please see below for an
itemized list of what was uploaded:
CORAL MOUNTAIN SPECIFIC PLAN:
Zone Change Exhibit
General Plan Amendment Exhibit
Coral Mountain Specific Plan Document
Tentative Tract Map
Preliminary Engineering Plans
o Conceptual Sewer Exhibit
o Conceptual Water Exhibit
o Conceptual Grading Exhibits
o Preliminary Hydrology Report
Initial Study
3
Technical Studies
o Geotechnical Report
o Paleo Report
o Traffic Report and Appendix
o Preliminary Hydrology Report
o Biological Report
o Noise Report
o Cultural Report
o GHG Report
o Air Quality Report
Authorization Letter
AMENDMENT V OF ANDALUSIA COUNTRY CLUB SPECIFIC PLAN:
Andalusia Country Club Specific Plan document clean)
Andalusia Country Club Specific Plan document redline)
Signed SPA and EA applications
Best,
Christopher Brizuela
Planner
MSA Consulting, Inc.
From:Nicole Criste ncriste@terranovaplanning.com>
Sent:Monday,June 15,2020 4:03 PM
To:Vann,Nicole nvann@msaconsultinginc.com>
Cc:Garrett Simon gsimon@meriwetherco.com>
Subject:MP 2019 0004
Nicole,
I received 26 emails for uploads to the Master Project for the Wave.The transmittal that is included in them,however,
does not provide a list of the documents that are supposed to be there.Please provide a list of what documents are
included in the upload,so that I am sure of what has been provided.
Nicole
Nicole Sauviat Criste
Consulting Planner
City of La Quinta
TERRA NOVA PLANNING & RESEARCH, INC.®
42635 Melanie Place, Ste 101
PALM DESERT, CA 92211
760) 341-4800
FAX#: 760-341-4455
E-Mail: ncriste@terranovaplanning.com
Aid in Future COVID 19 Relief Funding and Get Your Community Counted!Take the 2020 Census Online Here:
https://my2020census.gov/,Everyone Counts!
COACHELLA VALLEY WATER DISTRICT
Es:ta:b:lis:he:d~in~1:9~1B~a~sa~p:u~b/1:·c ~ag~en:cy~-----,------: ~~ -----===============
GENERAL MANAGER
Jim Barrett
April 16, 2020
Cheri Flores
Planning Manager
City of La Quinta
78-495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta, CA 92253
Dear Ms. Flores:
ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER
Robert Cheng
Subject: Water Supply Assessment/Water Supply Verification, Coral Mountain Specific Plan
The subject Water Supply Assessment and Water Supply Verification (WSA/WSV) for the Coral
Mountain Specific Plan (Project) provides an assessment and verification of the availability of
sufficient water supplies during normal , single-dry, and multiple-dry years over a 20-year
projection to meet the projected demands of the Project, in addition to existing and planned future
water demands of the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), as required by California Water
Code section 10910.
CVWD staff has reviewed this WSA/WSV and has determined that sufficient water supplies exist,
or will exist based on current water planning assumptions, to meet the projected demands of the
Project, in addition to current and future projected water demands within CVWD's service area in
normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry years over a 20-year projection. This WSA/WSV was
approved by the CVWD Board of Directors in its regular meeting of April 14, 2020. Approval of
the WSNWSV does not constitute an approval ofthe Project or relieve the Project from complying
with all applicable existing and future state, county, city, and local ordinances or regulations
including, but not limited to, the City of La Quinta and CVWD landscape ordinances, and indoor
water use performance standards provided in the California Water Code.
This WSA/WSV will be reviewed every five years, or in the event that the water planning
assumptions have changed, until the Project completes construction to ensure it remains accurate
and no significant changes to either the Project or available water supply has occurred. The Project
applicant shall notify CVWD when construction begins. If neither the Project applicant nor the
lead agency contact CVWD within five years of approval of this WSA/WSV, it will be assumed
that the Project no longer exists and the WSA/WSV provided by this document will become
invalid.
Sincerely,
Steve Bigley
Director of Environmental Services
Coachella Valley Water District
P.O. Box 1058 Coachella, CA 92236
Phone(760)398-2651 Fax(760)398-3711 www.cvwd.org
Cheri Flores
Planning Manager
City of La Quinta
April 16, 2020
Page2
cc: Marco Celedon, PE
Vice President/Director of Public Works
MSA Consulting, Inc.
34200 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
MN: ms \Env Srvs\WR\2020\April\Coral Mountain Specific Plan_ WSA_ WSV _Approval Ltr.docx
File : 0483.05, 042 l .2
Coachella Valley Water District
P.O. Box 1058 Coachella, CA 92236
Phone(760)398-2651 Fax(760)398-3711 www.cvwd.org
ec: Steve Bigley
Zoe Rodriguez del Rey
Michael Nusser
MN: ms\Env Srvs\WR\2020\April\Coral Mountain Specific Plan_ WSA_ WSV _Approval Ltr.docx
WATER SUPPLY ASSESSMENT
and
WATER SUPPLY VERIFICATION
for the Proposed
Coral Mountain Specific Plan
Prepared for:
Coachella Valley Water District
P.O. Box 1058
Coachella, California 92236
Prepared by:
MSA Consulting, Inc.
34200 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, California 92270
March 2020
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................... 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................. 3
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ............................................................................. 3
1.1.1 Regional Setting .............................................................................. 3
1.1.2 Community Setting ......................................................................... 3
1.1.3 Specific Plan Overview .................................................................... 4
1.2 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS ................................................................. 5
1.3 Purpose and Validity of Document ........................................................ 10
1.3.1 Water Supply Assessment ............................................................. 10
1.3.2 Water Supply Verification ............................................................. 12
1.4 WATER SYSTEM AND SUPPLY ................................................................. 12
1.4.1 Water System ............................................................................... 12
1.4.2 Water Supply ................................................................................ 12
1.4.3 Historical Context .......................................................................... 13
1.5 EXISTING WATER MANAGEMENT PLANS ............................................... 14
1.5.1 Coachella Valley Water Management Plan 2010 Update .............. 14
1.5.2 CVWD 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, SBx7-7, and Water
Shortage Contingency Ordinance .................................................. 16
1.5.3 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan .............................. 18
1.5.4 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act Alternative Plan ....... 18
2.0 WATER DEMANDS .......................................................................................... 20
2.1 Project Specific Water Demand Estimate ............................................... 20
Indoor Residential Water Demands ....................................................... 21
Indoor Non-Residential Water Demands ............................................... 22
Landscape Irrigation Demand ................................................................ 23
Summary ............................................................................................... 24
2.2 Water Conservation Measures .............................................................. 24
2.2.1 Desert Landscaping/Native and Drought Tolerant Plants .............. 24
2.2.2 Project Specific Water Conservation Measures ............................. 25
3.0 WATER SUPPLY ASSESSMENT ....................................................................... 26
3.1 GENERAL ................................................................................................ 26
3.2 IDENTIFICATION OF WATER SOURCES ................................................... 26
3.2.1 Primary Water Sources ................................................................. 26
3.2.2 Additional Water Sources ............................................................. 26
ii
3.3 ANALYSIS OF WATER SUPPLY ................................................................. 27
3.3.1 Groundwater ................................................................................ 27
3.3.2 Annaul Recharge Deliveries ........................................................... 27
3.3.3 Description of the Aquifer ............................................................. 29
Groundwater Storage .................................................................... 30
Groundwater Levels ...................................................................... 31
Groundwater Production ............................................................... 32
Groundwater Inflows and Outflows............................................... 34
Aquifer Adjudication ...................................................................... 36
Overdraft Status of the Aquifer ..................................................... 36
Overdraft Mitigation Efforts .......................................................... 37
Coachella Valley Water Management Plan Update ....................... 37
CVWD Landscape Ordinance ......................................................... 37
Source Substitution ....................................................................... 37
Conservation Program ................................................................... 39
Historical Groundwater Use .......................................................... 39
Groundwater Sufficiency Analysis ................................................. 39
3.3.4 Additonal Water Sources .............................................................. 40
Colorado River Water ................................................................... 40
3.3.5 State Water Project ....................................................................... 42
3.3.6 Surface Water ............................................................................... 45
3.3.7 Stormwater ................................................................................... 45
3.3.8 Wastewater and Recycled Water .................................................. 46
3.3.9 Desalinated Shallow Brackish Groundwater .................................. 47
3.3.10 Purchases, Exchanges or Transfers.............................................. 48
3.3.11 Summary of Primary and Additional Water Source ..................... 48
3.4 ANALYSIS OF WATER SUPPLY AND DEMAND ......................................... 49
Effects of the 2008-2011 Recession .............................................. 50
Groundwater and Groundwater Storage ...................................... 51
Coachella Canal Water .................................................................. 52
Additional Table A Amounts ......................................................... 52
State Water Project Reliability ...................................................... 52
Metropolitan Water District Callback ............................................ 53
Long Term Average SWP Deliveries .............................................. 53
3.5 CONCLUSIONS ...................................................................................... 58
4.0 WATER SUPPLY VERIFICATION .............................................................. 59
4.1 General ............................................................................................ 59
iii
4.2 Water Source ................................................................................... 59
4.3 Supporting Documentation .............................................................. 59
4.4 Factors of Reliability ......................................................................... 59
4.4.1 General ......................................................................................... 59
4.4.2 Historical Availability of Supply ..................................................... 59
4.4.3 Reduction of Water Supply ........................................................... 60
4.4.4 SWP and Colorado River Water ..................................................... 60
4.5 Impacts on Other Projects ................................................................ 60
4.6 Rights to Groundwater ..................................................................... 61
4.7 Verification ...................................................................................... 61
5.0 LIST OF ACRONYMS ..................................................................................... 62
6.0 REFERENCES ................................................................................................ 64
iv
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURES Page
1 Regional Location Map ....................................................................................................... 7
2 Andalusia at Coral Mountain Vicinity Map ......................................................................... 8
3 Coral Mountain Site Plan .................................................................................................... 9
4 Historical and Annual Change in Groundwater Storage in the Indio Subbasin ................ 17
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
1.0-1 Specific Plan Conceptual Land Use Summary ..................................................................... 5
2.0-1 Indoor Residential Water Demands.................................................................................. 21
2.0-2 Indoor Non-Residential Water Demand ........................................................................... 22
2.0-3 Outdoor Water Demand ................................................................................................... 23
2.0-4 Summary of Project Demands .......................................................................................... 24
3.0-1 East Whitewater River GRF Annual Recharge Deliveries.................................................. 28
3.0-2 Groundwater Storage Capacity of the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin .................. 31
3.0-3 Groundwater Production and Surface Water Diversions within the West Whitewater
River Subbasin Management Area ............................................................................................... 33
3.0-4 Groundwater Production within the East Whitewater River Subbasin ............................ 34
3.0-5 Annual Water Balance in the Indio Whitewater River Subbasin Management Area for
Calendar Year 2017-2018.............................................................................................................. 35
3.0-6 Annual CVWD Colorado River Diversions at Imperial Dam 1964-2018 ............................ 41
3.0-7 CVWD Deliveries under the QSA ....................................................................................... 42
3.0-8 State Water Project Source............................................................................................... 43
3.0-9 DWR Table A Water Allocations ....................................................................................... 44
3.0-10 Current and Projected Recycled Water Direct Beneficial Use - CVWD Service Area ....... 47
3.0-11 Projected Average Urban Water Supply ........................................................................... 50
3.0-12 Supply and Demand Comparison Normal Year ................................................................ 55
3.0-13 Normal Year Supply Demand Comparison Urban Supply ................................................. 55
3.0-14 Supply and Demand Comparison Single Dry Year ............................................................ 55
3.0-15 Supply Demand Comparison Urban Supply Single Dry Year ............................................ 56
3.0-16 Supply and Demand Comparison Multiple Dry Years ....................................................... 56
3.0-17 Supply and Demand Comparison Multiple Dry Years ....................................................... 57
3.0-18 Impact of Project Demand on Groundwater Supply ........................................................ 57
Coral Mountain Specific Plan WSA
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Water Supply Assessment and Water Supply Verification (WSA/WSV) is intended to
document the sufficiency of the local water supply to meet the demand of development that
could occur under the proposed project, “The Coral Mountain Specific Plan” (Project). The
Project site was previously a part of The Andalusia at Coral Mountain Specific Plan which is
currently undergoing a 5th Amendment to separate the “Andalusia” plan area east of Madison
Avenue from the land area west of Madison Avenue. This Coral Mountain Specific Plan will
dictate the development of the area west of Madison Avenue into a boutique resort with a
wave lagoon and master-planned residential community.
The Project consists of twelve parcels totaling approximately 384.55 acres of vacant land
located at the southwest corner of Madison Street and Avenue 58 in the City of La Quinta,
Riverside County.
At project buildout, the Project could accommodate approximately 7.77 acres of Neighborhood
and Wave Farm Commercial uses; 232.07 acres of Low Density Residential; 117.70 acres of
Hotel/Resort uses comprised of the hotel, the Wave Lagoon, attached residential uses and various
resort related amenities; and 27.01 acres of Open Space. The low-density residential land use will
include 496 units of detached residential. The hotel resort land use proposes 150 hotel keys, 104
attached resort residential units and 55,000 square feet of commercial uses.
The public water supplier for the Project will be the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD).
The domestic water supply (potable) for the Project will be the Indio Subbasin in the Coachella
Valley Groundwater Basin via CVWD’s potable water distribution system. This Project proposes
the development of the following building floor areas over a phased twenty-year buildout:
5,000 square feet of Neighborhood Commercial Uses
5,000 square feet of Wave Resort Farm Commercial Uses
150 Hotel Rooms and 55,000 square feet of Hotel complimentary related Commercial
Uses
104 Resort Residential Units
496 Single Family Detached Homes, Short-Term Rentals
Based upon this analysis, the estimated total domestic water demand for indoor and outdoor
use is approximately 941.03 acre-feet per year (AFY), or 2.45 acre-feet per acre. The residential
indoor demand estimate is 97.22 AFY, the non-residential indoor use estimate is 42.34 AFY, and
the outdoor estimate is 801.47 AFY.
Estimates are based on the California Water Code performance use standards for indoor
residential water demand, the American Water Works Association Research Foundation
Commercial and Institutional End Uses of Water, and CVWD’s Landscape Ordinance No. 1302.4.
This document examines the current condition of the Indio Subbasin of the Coachella Valley
Groundwater Basin and finds the water supply from the Indio Subbasin, the State Water Project
Coral Mountain Specific Plan WSA
2
SWP), the Colorado River, and other sources adequate to supply the Project in accordance with
California Water Code Section 10910 et seq. This document also verifies the ability of the water
supplies from the Indio Subbasin, the SWP, the Colorado River, and other sources to serve the
Project in accordance with the California Government Code Section (GCS) 66473.7.
The GCS defines the Project as a subdivision subject to the California Environmental Quality Act
CEQA). The GCS requires that a WSA be completed by the Public Water System (PWS) to
ensure that adequate supplies exist to complete CEQA compliance. A written WSV is required
pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act.
This WSA/WSV provides an assessment and verification of the availability of sufficient water
supplies during normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry years over a 20-year projection to meet the
projected demands of the Project, in addition to existing and planned future water demands of
CVWD, as required by Senate Bill 610 (SB 610), SB 221, and SB 1262. This WSA/WSV also
includes identification of existing water supply entitlements, water rights, water service
contracts, or agreements relevant to the identified water supply for the Project and quantities
of water received in prior years pursuant to those entitlements, rights, contracts, and
agreements.
This WSA/WSV has been prepared in compliance with the requirements under SB 610, SB 221,
and SB 1262 by CVWD in consultation with the City of La Quinta. This WSA/WSV does not
constitute an endorsement of the Project or relieve the Project from complying with all
applicable state, county, city, and local ordinances or regulations including the CVWD
Landscape Ordinance, and indoor water use performance standards provided in the California
Water Code. This WSA/WSV will be reviewed every five years, or in the event that the water
planning assumptions have changed, until the Project completes construction to ensure it
remains accurate and no significant changes to either the Project or available water supply has
occurred. The Project applicant shall notify CVWD when construction begins. If neither the
Project applicant nor the lead agency contacts CVWD within five years of approval of this
WSA/WSV, it will be assumed that the Project no longer exists and the WSA/WSV provided by
this document will become invalid.
Coral Mountain Specific Plan WSA
3
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The environmental review of The Coral Mountain Specific Plan (Project) is being prepared in
compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process. The City of La Quinta
City) is the Lead Agency for the planning and environmental review of the proposed Project.
The City has identified the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) as the Public Water System
PWS) that will supply water for the proposed Project. Because the Project is subject to CEQA
and includes a subdivision as defined by the California Government Code Section 66473.7, it is
required to secure approval of a Water Supply Assessment (WSA) and a Water Supply
Verification (WSV).
The Project is an approximately 384.55-acre, master planned mixed-use development
comprised of 7.77 acres of neighborhood commercial uses, 232.07 acres of low-density
residential and recreational uses, 117.70 acres of hotel resort and commercial uses, and 27.01
acres of open space.
5,000 square feet of Neighborhood Commercial Uses
5,000 square feet of Wave Resort Farm Commercial Uses
150 Hotel Rooms and 55,000 square feet of Hotel complimentary related Commercial
Uses
104 Resort Residential Units
496 Single Family Detached Homes, short-term rentals
1.1 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1.1.1 Regional Setting
The Project is situated in the easterly portion of the Coachella Valley within the corporate limits
of the City of La Quinta, Riverside County. The Project community will be accessible from
Interstate 10 by way of Monroe Street with immediate access to Avenue 58 to the north as
shown in Figure 1: Regional Location Map.
1.1.2 Community Setting
The Project site was previously a part of The Andalusia at Coral Mountain Specific Plan which is
currently undergoing a 5th Amendment to separate the “Andalusia” plan area east of Madison
Avenue from the land area west of Madison Avenue. The Project is surrounded on the north
and west by developed residential land within the City of La Quinta’s jurisdiction. Vacant land,
including Coral Mountain, lies east of the Project, and scattered residential and vacant land lies
south of the Project. The Project and the surrounding properties all are situated within the
jurisdictional boundaries of the City of La Quinta. The Project is bounded by Madison Street on
the west and Avenue 58 on the north. Figure 2: Andalusia Vicinity Map
Coral Mountain Specific Plan WSA
4
1.1.3 Specific Plan Overview
The Coral Mountain Specific Plan (“Specific Plan”), will dictate the development of
approximately 384.55 acres of vacant land, within the City of La Quinta. The original Specific
Plan for this project was adopted in 1988 by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Since
the project’s annexation into the City of La Quinta, there have been multiple amendments and
entitlement activities associated with the property. Amendment V of the Coral Mountain
Specific Plan bifurcates the “Andalusia” plan area east of Madison Avenue from the land area
west of Madison Avenue. This “Coral Mountain Specific Plan”, will dictate the development of
the area west of Madison Avenue into a boutique resort and master-planned residential
community.
This Specific Plan is intended to incorporate the development of a master planned community
and boutique surf resort with a surf wave basin and lagoon that will serve as the focal point of
the development. The proposed land use plan is presented in Figure 3: Site Plan. The proposed
Project will feature approximately 496 residential units and associated facilities, amenities and
infrastructure. The Project also includes a 150-room resort hotel and 104 resort residential
units with ancillary resort amenities, the development of the wave lagoon as a recreational
surfing wave amenity, community farm, and variety of neighborhood/resort commercial uses.
The Project site would total approximately 384.55 acres as is shown in Table 1.0-1: Specific Plan
Conceptual Land Use Summary. Total buildout of the Project is expected to take approximately
4-6 years. Construction is set to begin in 2021 with full buildout of the project by 2026.
Coral Mountain Specific Plan WSA
5
Table 1.0-1
Specific Plan Conceptual Land Use Summary
1.2 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
The Project is subject to the CEQA process and is a subdivision as defined by the California
Government Code Section 66473.7. The City of La Quinta as the Lead Agency, and CVWD as the
PWS, for the Project requires a WSA to complete CEQA compliance, and that a written WSV will
be required pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act.
CVWD completed its 2015 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) in compliance with the
Urban Water Management Planning Act established in 1983 and most recently amended by
Senate Bill x7-7, which requires a 20 percent reduction in per-capita water use by 2020. The
CVWD also maintains a separate water management planning document, the 2010 Coachella
Valley Water Management Plan (CVWMP) Update. The two planning documents are considered
the primary reference documents for this WSA/WSV. The 2010 CVWMP Update discusses the
Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA), which allocates Colorado River water resources.
The QSA and related agreements were signed in 2003. A number of lawsuits have
unsuccessfully challenged the QSA in state and federal courts.
Coral Mountain Specific Plan WSA
6
The State of California Department of Water Resources (DWR) issues its Final State Water
Project Delivery Capability Report (SWPDCR) generally every two years. The 2015 SWPDCR
report was utilized in the 2015 UWMP. The 2017 SWPDCR contains the most recent information
and accounts for the impacts to water delivery capability through 2035 associated with climate
change and recent federal litigation. Based on information from the 2017 SWPDCR, the average
capability of State Water Project (SWP) Table A deliveries through 2035 has remained the same
as the 2015 SWPDCR and is projected to be 62 percent of SWP Table A amounts after taking
into consideration the effects of climate change. In order to anticipate future reductions in
capability, the 2010 CVWMP Update and the 2015 UWMP assume an even lower long-term
reliability of 50 percent.
Effective January 1, 2017, Senate Bill 1262 (SB 1262) amends Water Code Section 10910, the
WSA statute, to require that information regarding the Sustainable Groundwater Management
Act (SGMA) be included in a WSA if a water supply for a proposed project includes groundwater
from a basin that is not adjudicated and is designated medium- or high-priority by DWR. The
water supply for this project will come from the Indio Subbasin, an unadjudicated, medium-
priority subbasin. CVWD is a Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) in the Indio Subbasin
and has submitted the 2010 CVWMP Update to DWR as the Alternative to a Groundwater
Sustainability Plan (Alternative Plan) for the Indio Subbasin. On July 17, 2019, the DWR
determined that the Alternative Plan for the Indio Subbasin satisfies the objectives of SGMA
and notified CVWD that the Alternative Plan was approved, and that they would be required to
submit an assessment and update of the Alternative Plan pursuant to the SGMA by January 1,
2022, and every five years thereafter. The 2022 Alternative Plan Update for the Indio Subbasin
is in progress.
AVENUE 60
AVENUE 58
MADISON ST.
MONROE STREETCORAL MOUNTAIN ANDALUSIA
at
CORAL MOUNTAIN 2
N.T.S.
Water Supply
Assessment Coral Mountain
MSACONSULTING, INC.PLANNING > CIVIL
ENGINEERING > LAND SURVEYING 34200 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho
Mirage, CA 92270 760.320.
9811 msaconsultinginc.com
AVENUE58AVENUE
Coral Mountain Specific Plan WSA
10
1.3 Purpose and Validity of Document
CVWD, as a Public Water System (PWS), is required by law to provide a WSA document during
the CEQA process and is required by law to provide a WSV following approval of the Tentative
Map for the residential portion of the Project. This information is included in the CEQA
documentation and it becomes evidence used in the approval process for the proposed
development.
This WSA/WSV provides an assessment and verification of the availability of sufficient water
supplies during normal, single-dry, and multiple-dry years over a 20-year projection to meet the
projected demands of the Project, in addition to existing and planned future water demands of
CVWD, as required by Senate Bill 610 (SB 610), SB 221, and SB 1262. This WSA/WSV also
includes identification of existing water supply entitlements, water rights, water service
contracts, or agreements relevant to the identified water supply for the Project and quantities
of water received in prior years pursuant to those entitlements, rights, contracts, and
agreements.
This WSA/WSV has been prepared in compliance with the requirements under SB 610, SB 221,
and SB 1262 by CVWD in consultation with the City of La Quinta. This WSA/WSV does not
constitute an endorsement of the Project or relieve the Project from complying with all
applicable state, county, city, and local ordinances or regulations including the CVWD
Landscape Ordinance, and indoor water use performance standards provided in the California
Water Code.
The WSA/WSV will be reviewed every five years, or in the event the water planning
assumptions have changed, until the Project completes construction to ensure it remains
accurate and no significant changes to either the Project or available water supply has
occurred. The Project applicant shall notify CVWD when construction has begun. If neither the
Project applicant nor the lead agency contacts CVWD within five years of approval of this
WSA/WSV, it will be assumed that the Project no longer exists, and the WSA/WSV provided by
this document will become invalid.
1.3.1 Water Supply Assessment
Requirements for the preparation of a WSA are set forth in Senate Bill 610 (SB 610), which was
enacted in 2001 and became effective January 1, 2002. SB 610 amended Section 21151.9 of the
Public Resources Code. It requires cities and counties and other CEQA lead agencies to request
specific information on water supplies from the PWS that would serve any project that is
subject to CEQA and is defined as a “Project” in Water Code Section 10912. This information is
to be incorporated into the environmental review documents prepared pursuant to CEQA.
The Water Code requires a WSA be prepared for any project that consists of one or more of the
following:
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11
A proposed residential development of more than 500 dwelling units
A proposed shopping center or business establishment employing more than 1,000
persons or having more than 500,000 square feet of floor space
A proposed commercial office building employing more than 1,000 persons or having
more than 250,000 square feet of floor space
A proposed hotel or motel, or both, having more than 500 rooms
A proposed industrial, manufacturing, or processing plant, or industrial park planned to
house more than 1,000 persons, occupying more than 40 acres of land, or having more
than 650,000 square feet of floor area
A mixed-use project that includes one or more of the projects specified above
A project that would demand an amount of water equivalent to, or greater than, the
amount of water required by a 500-dwelling unit project
For public water systems with fewer than 5,000 service connections, a project that
meets the following criteria: any proposed residential, business, commercial, hotel or
motel, or industrial development that would account for an increase of 10 percent or
more in the number of public water system’s existing service connections, or a mixed-
use project that would demand an amount of water equivalent to, or greater than, the
amount of water required by residential development that would represent an increase
of 10 percent or more in the number of the public water system’s existing service
connections.
The proposed development is a "Project" as defined by Water Code Section 10912 and requires
a WSA because it proposes over 500 dwelling units.
Effective January 1, 2017, SB 1262 amends Water Code Section 10910, the WSA statute, to
require that SGMA-related information be included in a WSA if a water supply for a proposed
project includes groundwater from a basin that is not adjudicated and is designated medium- or
high-priority. The Project will use groundwater from the Indio Subbasin, which is designated
medium-priority by DWR and is not adjudicated. CVWD is a GSA in the Indio Subbasin and has
submitted the 2010 CVWMP Update to DWR as an Alternative Plan for the Indio Subbasin. On
July 17, 2019, the DWR determined that the Alternative Plan for the Indio Subbasin satisfies the
objectives of SGMA and notified CVWD that the Alternative Plan was approved, and that they
would be required to submit an assessment and update of the Alternative Plan pursuant to the
SGMA by January 1, 2022, and every five years thereafter. The 2022 Alternative Plan Update for
the Indio Subbasin is in progress.
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1.3.2 Water Supply Verification
Senate Bill 221 (SB 221) was enacted in 2001 and became effective as of January 1, 2002. SB
221 amends Section 11010 of the Business and Professional Code, and Sections 66455.3,
66473.7, and Section 65867.5 of the Government Code. SB 221 establishes the relationship
between the WSA prepared for a project and the project approval under the Subdivision Map
Act. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65865.5 and 66473.7, the approval of a
development agreement or tentative map that includes a subdivision for a project including
more than 500 units shall be conditioned to obtain a WSV.
The purpose of the WSV is to provide the legislative body of a city, county or the designated
advisory agency with written verification from the applicable public water purveyor that a
sufficient water supply is available, or, in addition, a specified finding is made by the local
agency that sufficient water supplies are, or will be, available prior to completion of the project.
Therefore, a WSV is required since this Project has over 500 housing units and is a "Subdivision"
as defined by Government Code Section 66473.7.
1.4 WATER SYSTEM AND SUPPLY
1.4.1 Water System
The public water supplier for the Project will be the CVWD. The domestic water supply
potable) for the Project will be the Indio Subbasin in the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin
via CVWD’s potable water distribution system. All of the in-tract water distribution facilities will
be shown on subsequent improvement plans and will be designed and constructed in
accordance with CVWD requirements.
CVWD’s existing water supply and conveyance systems include, or will include, adequate
capacity for daily demands and emergency fire protection. This includes groundwater pumping,
transmission pipelines, distribution storage and surface pumping within internal roadways or
other rights-of-way to provide domestic service to each residential and commercial tenant
within the Project.
Recycled water facilities of CVWD do not currently extend to the Project vicinity. The potable
system is currently the only water delivery system for the Project from CVWD. The Project
proposes to utilize an existing irrigation line for common area lakes and for irrigation of
common areas around the development.
1.4.2 Water Supply
CVWD is the PWS that will provide water for the proposed Project following Project approval.
Established in 1918 under the County Water District Act provisions of the California Water
Code, CVWD provides water related services for domestic water, wastewater collection and
treatment, recycled water, agricultural irrigation water, drainage management, imported water
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supply, groundwater replenishment, stormwater management, and flood control and water
conservation.
CVWD currently has approximately 109,714 domestic water connections and provided
approximately 87,959 AF of water in 2018. CVWD serves all of Rancho Mirage, Thousand
Palms, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and a portion of Indio and Coachella. Other areas
served with domestic water by CVWD include a portion of lands near Desert Hot Springs, the
Indio Hills area, and a portion of Cathedral City. CVWD also serves other rural communities,
including Thermal, Mecca, Oasis, Desert Shores, Salton Sea Beach, Salton City, North Shore,
Bombay Beach, and Hot Mineral Springs and other portions of unincorporated Riverside and
Imperial Counties.
The CVWD service area encompasses approximately 640,000 acres, mostly within Riverside
County, but also extends into northern Imperial and San Diego Counties; however, CVWD
provides no urban water services to San Diego County. The Coachella Valley is bordered on the
west and north by high mountains, which provide an effective barrier against coastal storms,
and which greatly reduce the contribution of direct precipitation to recharge of the Coachella
Valley Groundwater Basin. The majority of natural recharge comes from runoff from the
adjacent mountains.
1.4.3 Historical Context
The need to enhance the public water supply in the Coachella Valley has been recognized for
many years. The formation of CVWD in 1918 was a direct result of the concern of local
residents about a plan to export water from the Whitewater River to Imperial County. Early on,
Coachella Valley residents also recognized that action was needed to stem the decline of the
water table, which was occurring as a result of local pumping in the eastern Coachella Valley.
As a result, CVWD entered into an agreement for the construction of the Coachella Branch of
the All American Canal in order to bring Colorado River water to the Coachella Valley. Since
1949, the Coachella Branch Canal has been providing water for irrigation use in the area that
generally encompasses the Cities of Indio and La Quinta southerly to the Salton Sea. Colorado
River water is delivered by an underground irrigation distribution piping system from the
approximately 120-mile canal to farms and a growing number of golf courses in the Coachella
Valley. Since 2009, CVWD began recharging the aquifer in the eastern Coachella Valley with
this source.
The need for additional water supplies was recognized due to the onset of development in the
western Coachella Valley. As a result, in 1963 CVWD and the Desert Water Agency (DWA),
whose boundaries include the Palm Springs area, a portion of Cathedral City, and the City of
Desert Hot Springs, entered into separate contracts with the State of California in order to
ensure that SWP water would be available. Because a direct pipeline from the SWP system to
the Coachella Valley does not exist, CVWD and DWA entered into an exchange agreement with
the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) to receive water from the MWD
Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA), which crosses the upper portion of the Coachella Valley near
Whitewater. Since 1973, in exchange for their SWP water, CVWD and DWA have been
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receiving Colorado River water from MWD's CRA turnout located at Whitewater Canyon to
replenish groundwater in the western Coachella Valley.
In addition, CVWD has recognized the need to provide other sources of water to meet the
needs of the Coachella Valley. CVWD has been recycling reclaimed wastewater since 1967 and
operates five water reclamation plants, two of which currently recycle water. Recycled water is
currently used for golf course and greenbelt irrigation in the cities of Palm Desert, Indian Wells,
and Indio, thereby reducing demand on groundwater in the basin.
1.5 EXISTING WATER MANAGEMENT PLANS
1.5.1 Coachella Valley Water Management Plan 2010 Update
CVWD initiated the first water management planning process in the early 1990s to address the
overdraft conditions in the aquifer and to ensure that there would be adequate water supplies
in the future. The plan is a 35-year blueprint for wise water management and the basis for all
of CVWD’s efforts to preserve the Coachella Valley’s groundwater source.
The CVWMP was adopted by the CVWD Board in September 2002. The goal of the CVWMP is to
reliably meet current and future water demands in a cost effective and sustainable manner.
The CVWD Board recognized the need to update the CVWMP periodically to respond to
changing external and internal conditions. The 2010 CVWMP Update meets that need. It
defines how the goal will be met given changing conditions and new uncertainties regarding
water supplies, water demands, and evolving federal and state regulations.
The 2010 CVWMP Update calls for a multifaceted approach including:
Increased water conservation by all types of water users
Increased imported water supply from the Coachella Canal and State Water Project
Increased use of the imported supply and recycled water, instead of groundwater, for
irrigation
Expanded groundwater replenishment efforts, especially in the eastern Coachella Valley
The 2010 CVWMP Update identifies several water conservation measures with the goal to
reduce overall municipal water consumption by 20 percent by 2020, and the goal to maintain
this level of reduction through 2045. These measures included water efficient landscaping and
irrigation controls, water efficient plumbing, tiered or seasonal water pricing, public
information and education programs, alternative water supplies, water restrictive municipal
development policies, appointing a CVWD conservation coordinator and refining the maximum
water allowance budget for landscaped and recreational areas. The 2010 CVWMP Update
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reduces reliance on groundwater sources by utilizing more Colorado River water, SWP
Exchange water and recycled water over the long term.
The 2010 CVWMP Update emphasizes cooperation with municipalities, local water agencies,
and tribes in regional planning and implementation. The following are among some of the
recommended activities outlined in the 2010 CVWMP Update for the CVWD Board of Directors
to consider over the next 35 years.
Provide incentives and support to agricultural customers to conserve water, such as
through converting from flood/sprinkler irrigation to more efficient micro-sprinkler/drip
systems.
Encourage existing golf courses to convert landscaping to meet the most current
landscape ordinance, requiring no more than 4 acres of grass per hole and 10 acres of
grass per practice area.
Expand landscape conversion rebates for domestic customers to encourage less grass
and more desert appropriate landscaping.
Complete construction of subsequent phases of the Mid-Valley Pipeline system to
provide a blend of recycled and Colorado River water for up to 50 golf courses in-lieu of
groundwater.
The 2010 CVWMP Update recognizes that groundwater storage makes up the difference
between demand and supply, particularly during dry years. Other than canal water for irrigation
and groundwater recharge, and recycled water, all water delivered to the end users is obtained
from the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin. The Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin has a
capacity of approximately 39.2 million acre-feet (AF). It is capable of meeting the water
demands of the Coachella Valley for extended periods.
The 2010 CVWMP Update discusses many CVWD programs to maximize the water resources
available including:
Recharge of Colorado River and SWP Exchange supplies
Recycled wastewater, desalinated shallow semi-perched brackish groundwater, and
conversion of groundwater uses to canal water; and
Water conservation including tiered water rates, landscape ordinance, outreach and
education.
The 2010 CVWMP Update and CVWD’s Replenishment Assessment Program establishes a
comprehensive and managed effort to eliminate groundwater overdraft. These programs allow
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CVWD to maintain the groundwater basin as its primary water supply and to recharge the
groundwater basin as other supplies become available.
CVWD prepared the 2014 and 2016 CVWMP Status Reports to evaluate the effectiveness of the
2010 CVWMP Update, including progress on eliminating groundwater overdraft. Both Status
Reports demonstrated that the 2010 CVWMP Update is working and that continued
implementation ensures that groundwater overdraft will be eliminated by approximately 2022.
The status of the Annual Change in Storage is updated annually in the Indio and Mission Creek
Subbasin SGMA Annual Reports by Water Year. Since 2009, there has been an increase in
groundwater storage mainly as a result of increases in urban conservation and increases in
imported water deliveries to the Coachella Valley. Between 2014 and 2016, imported water
deliveries were significantly reduced as a result of the statewide drought, however,
groundwater pumping was also significantly reduced due to the Governor’s drought
restrictions.
Groundwater levels have increased in the Palm Springs area and in the eastern Coachella
Valley. However, water levels are still declining in some areas of the Mid-Coachella Valley near
Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert and Indian Wells. Groundwater levels in this area will continue to
decline until full implementation of Mid-Coachella Valley programs that reduce pumping take
effect. These Mid-Coachella Valley Programs include urban conservation, source substitution
programs including non-potable water system expansion to golf courses and landscaping, and
additional groundwater recharge. The Palm Desert Groundwater Replenishment Facility began
operation in early 2019 to recharge Colorado River water in this area. The 2014 and 2016
CVWMP Status Reports are publically available at www.cvwd.org.
1.5.2 CVWD 2015 Urban Water Management Plan, SBx7-7, and Water
Shortage Contingency Ordinance
CVWD has completed its 2015 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and it was approved by
the State on September 29, 2016. Water Code Section 10910(c)(2) states that if demand from
potential future growth is accounted for in the most recently adopted 2015 UWMP, the water
supplier may incorporate the requested information from the 2015 UWMP in preparing the
WSA/WSV. CVWD water demand projections contained in the 2015 UWMP take into account
the increased growth throughout its service area.
In November 2009, SB x7-7 was approved and adopted by the State. DWR provides alternative
water use reduction “targets” for urban water suppliers to select, and guidance to achieve the
target goal. The legislation includes requirements to improve the management of CVWD water
resources by monitoring groundwater basins, developing agricultural water management plans,
reducing statewide per capita water consumption by 2015 and 2020, and reporting water
diversions and uses in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.
SB x7-7 creates a framework of future planning and actions by urban and agricultural water
suppliers to reduce California’s water use. This bill requires the development of agricultural
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water management plans and requires urban per capita water consumption to be reduced by
20 percent by the year 2020. CVWD is not required to prepare an agricultural water
management plan as it receives Colorado River water as a primary source of irrigation water,
and instead filed an Agriculture Water Conservation Plan to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
The recent drought that began in 2013 resulted in record low precipitation both statewide and
in the Coachella Valley, and resulted in implementation of severe water use restrictions
mandated by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB).
Since the CVWMP was adopted in 2002, increased imported water recharge combined with
reduced pumping due to water conservation and source substitution are expected to bring the
basin into a long-term balance. CVWD evaluates groundwater balance using ten-year (purple
line) and twenty-year (teal line) historical periods as shown on Figure 4: Historical Annual
Change in Groundwater Storage in the Indio Subbasin. Since 2009, there has been an increase
in groundwater storage. Implementation of the programs recommended in the 2010 CVWMP
Update is expected to result in elimination of overdraft by about 2022, assuming average
hydraulic conditions.
Figure 4
Historical Annual Change in Groundwater Storage in the Indio
Subbasin
On January 17, 2014, Governor Brown proclaimed a State of Emergency due to severe drought
conditions. The governor issued Executive Order B-29-15, which ordered the SWRCB to adopt
emergency regulations imposing restrictions to achieve a 25 percent reduction in potable water
usage across the State. Agencies assigned to Tier 9, including CVWD, having residential water
use above 215 gallons per capita per day (gpcd), were required to reduce water use by 36
Coral Mountain Specific Plan WSA
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percent compared to 2013 water use. This reduction was reduced to 32 percent in February
2016 and became locally implemented in May 2016.
Following an above normal snowpack in Southern California, Governor Brown issued Executive
Order B-37, in May 2016. This Executive Order focused on long-term water use efficiency. In
response to that order, the SWRCB adopted revised emergency regulations in May 2016 that
transition the mandates away from demand-based regulations. Under the new regulations,
individual districts will self-certify the level of available water supplies assuming three
additional dry years and the level of conservation necessary to ensure adequate supply over
that time. It is anticipated that the new self-certification process will result in a reduction in the
emergency mandatory reduction target imposed on CVWD by the SWRCB.
CVWD’s urban water shortage contingency planning efforts are described in detail in Section 8
of CVWD’s 2015 UWMP including a description of each ordinance CVWD has adopted during
Governor Brown’s drought emergency declaration, stages of implementation, and restrictions
and prohibitions on end users.
1.5.3 Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
The Coachella Valley Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan serves as a
combined plan that addresses the requirements of the DWR. The IRWM program presents a
regional approach for addressing local water management issues through a process that
identifies and involves water management stakeholders, individuals, and groups; and attempts
to address the issues and different perspectives of all the entities involved through mutually
beneficial solutions. In 2008, the five public water agencies in the Coachella Valley formed the
Coachella Valley Regional Water Management Group (CVRWMG); and in 2010, they adopted
the Coachella Valley IRWM Plan. The Coachella Valley IRWM Plan was updated in 2014, and a
2018 update has been completed, which includes a Stormwater Resource Plan. These efforts
demonstrate the cooperative and collaborative approach that the CVRWMG has adopted to
ensure that the Coachella Valley as a whole will focus on sustainable water resources. All water
agencies in the Coachella Valley work together, share information, discuss concerns and
viewpoints, and build consensus in supporting future projects that benefit all of the region.
Since its formation, the CVRWMG has added Valley Sanitary District as member and has
provided this opportunity to other planning partners.
1.5.4 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act Alternative Plan
In September 2014, Governor Brown signed three bills into law, Assembly Bill 1739 (AB 1739),
SB 1319, and SB 1168, that became collectively known as the Sustainable Groundwater
Management Act (SGMA), creating a framework for sustainable management of groundwater
throughout California, primarily by local authorities.
The SGMA was adopted by the California Legislature in 2014 in response to the severe
overdrafting of groundwater in what was then the third year of a historic drought. The final
legislation created a framework that requires the most heavily used groundwater basins in the
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state (127 of 515 basins identified by the DWR in its Bulletin 118 Groundwater Update) to be
managed sustainably by 2042 (or 2040 for the most critically overdrafted basins). SGMA was
amended in 2015 by SB 13.
SGMA requires local agencies to establish a new governance structure, the Groundwater
Sustainability Agency (GSA), and to develop Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) for
groundwater basins or subbasins that are designated as medium- or high-priority. SGMA
established a process for local agencies to develop an alternative in-lieu of a GSP (See Water
Code Section 10733.6) for evaluation by DWR. According to the SGMA, an Alternative to a GSP
Alternative Plan) is required to be submitted to DWR for review no later than January 1, 2017,
and every five years thereafter. In general, Alternative Plans must be consistent with one of the
following (Water Code Section 10733.6(b))
A plan developed pursuant to Part 2.75 (commencing with Section 10750) or other law
authorizing groundwater management;
Management pursuant to an adjudication; or
An analysis of basin conditions that demonstrates that the basin has operated within its
sustainable yield over a period of at least 10 years.
The Indio, Mission Creek, and San Gorgonio Pass Subbasins of the Coachella Valley
Groundwater Basin have been designated by DWR as medium priority subbasins. Pursuant to
California Water Code section 10723.8 of the SGMA, CVWD filed a notice on November 6, 2015
of its election to serve as a GSA for the portions of the Indio Subbasin (DWR Sub-Basin No. 7-
21.01) underlying the CVWD boundary. CVWD did not elect to be the GSA for those portions of
the subbasin within the water service boundaries of DWA, Indio Water Authority (IWA), and
Coachella Water Authority (CWA).
DWA, CWA, and IWA separately filed a notice of election to serve as the GSA for the portions of
the Indio Subbasin underlying their service boundaries.
CVWD, DWA, CWA, and IWA jointly submitted the 2010 CVWMP Update with a supporting
Bridge Document to DWR as the Alternative Plan for the Indio Subbasin on December 29, 2016.
On February 1, 2018, DWR notified all GSAs who submitted Alternative Plans that they would
be required to submit annual reports pursuant to SGMA by April 1, 2018, and every year
thereafter. CVWD, CWA, DWA, and IWA have collaboratively prepared and jointly submitted
the Indio Subbasin Annual Report for Water Years 2016-2017, and 2017-2018. On July 17, 2019,
DWR determined that the Alternative Plan for the Indio Subbasin satisfies the objectives of
SGMA and notified the CVWD, DWA, CWA, and IWA that the Alternative Plan was approved,
and that they would be required to submit an assessment and update of the Alternative Plan
pursuant to the SGMA by January 1, 2022, and every five years thereafter. The 2022 Alternative
Plan Update for the Indio Subbasin is in progress.
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2.0 WATER DEMANDS
2.1 Project Specific Water Demand Estimate
The unit water usage for this Water Supply Assessment/Water Supply Verification (WSA/WSV)
are based on indoor water use performance standards as provided in the California Water Code
for residential water demand Water Code Section 10910 approved November 10, 2009,
codified in California Water Code section 10608.20 (b)(2)(A), the American Water Works
Association Research Foundation’s (AWWARF’s) Commercial and Institutional End Uses of
Water, and the Coachella Valley Water District’s (CVWD’s) Landscape Ordinance No. 1302.4.
The overall goal of CVWD’s Landscape Ordinance 1302.4 is to reduce landscape water use,
reduce or eliminate runoff in streets, and limit turf. Specific landscape design for the Coral
Mountain Specific Plan (Project) is unknown at this time. CVWD’s Maximum Applied Water
Allowance (MAWA), as outlined in Appendix D of CVWD’s Landscape Ordinance No. 1302.4, is
used to estimate outdoor landscape irrigation usage. The MAWA complies with Division 2, Title
23, California Code or Regulation, Chapter 7, Section 702. CVWD’s Estimated Total Water Use
ETWU), as outlined in Appendix D of CVWD’s Landscape Ordinance No. 1302.4, is used to
estimate usage by water features. Any water applied to the landscape for non-irrigation or
decorative purposes, including fountains, streams, ponds, and lakes are considered water
features. Water features use more water than efficiently irrigated turf grass and are assigned a
plant factor of 1.1 for a stationary body of water and 1.2 for a moving body of water.
CVWD recycles more than 2 billion gallons of wastewater each year. Recycled/non-potable
water is a safe alternative when the guidelines are followed and is used for its intended
purpose. CVWD’s recycled water facilities do not currently extend to the Project vicinity.
However, the Project is proposing to utilize an existing irrigation line for common area lakes
and for irrigation of common area around the development. This could provide a source
substitution of recycled water.
The Project planning area includes a total of approximately 384.55 acres and the estimated
water demand is 941.03 acre-feet per year (AFY), or 2.45 acre-feet per acre. To provide an
accurate estimate of the Project’s water demand, a site-specific analysis was completed.
Potable water demand was calculated for all indoor and outdoor uses based on Project specific
estimates.
The following factors are pertinent to the Project:
Indoor Residential (Multi-family) = 55 gallons per day (gpd) per person
City of La Quinta density per home is 2.63 people per home (CA Dept. of Finance) =
144.65 gpd per home
Outdoor landscape irrigation based on CVWD’s MAWA
Indoor non-residential (retail, grocery, office, restaurant) based on AWWARF
Water feature demand based on CVWD’s ETWU
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Indoor Residential Demand
Project water demand is distinguished between indoor and outdoor usage. Table 2.01 Indoor
Residential Water Demands summarized below outlines the water demand of the indoor
residential portion of the Project.
Table 2.0-1 Indoor Residential Water Demands
Indoor Non-Residential Demand
For the purposes of this WSA/WSV, the AWWARF’s Commercial and Institutional End Uses of
Water (2000) was used to estimate indoor non-residential water use. In the absence of
documented local indoor non-residential usage factors that would accurately represent water
use trends, the AWWARF document provides water use data applicable to mixed use
commercial development projects of desert areas within southern California and Arizona and
sets water efficiency benchmarks for specific commercial uses. Based on these benchmarks,
usage factors for the distinct uses of Hotel, Office Building, Restaurant, and Supermarkets were
developed for the Project. Table 2.0-2 Indoor Non-Residential Water Demand summarizes
indoor non-residential demands.
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Table 2.0-2 Indoor Non-Residential Water Demand
Outdoor Landscape Irrigation and Water Feature Demand
The Coachella Valley receives an annual rainfall of less than 6 inches, and experiences
extremely high temperatures with a wide daily temperature range. Several maximum monthly
average temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Table 2.0-3 Outdoor Water Demand
summarizes outdoor demands.
The total potential evapotranspiration (ETo) is well above the total rainfall and is due to the
high temperatures and abundant sunlight. The Coachella Valley rarely experiences a water
surplus condition with respect to precipitation versus ETo. Prime ETo sites in the Coachella
Valley are well watered lawns, lakes, decorative water fountains, and golf courses.
Landscape water demand for the Project is based on the estimated landscape irrigation area
and water usage equations of the CVWD’s Landscape Ordinance No. 1302.4. Although the
landscape design is unknown, this method ensures that a sufficient budget is provided to have a
sustainable landscape that meets the criteria established in CVWD’s Landscape Ordinance.
Therefore, the MAWA equation for the Project was used to estimate the Project’s outdoor
landscape irrigation demand. The equation uses the estimated area in square feet, a reference
ETo rate of 64.22 inches per year (CVWD Zone 3), and an ETo adjustment factor (ETAF) of 0.45.
Outdoor water feature demand for the Project is based on the ETWU equation of the CVWD’s
Landscape Ordinance No. 1302.4. The equation uses the estimated area in square feet, a
reference ETo rate of 64.22 inches per year (CVWD Zone 3), and a Plant Factor of 1.10 for a
stationary body of water, and 1.20 for a moving body of water.
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Project landscaping may need to be modified to ensure that the entirety of the Project is
meeting the MAWA established in CVWD’s Landscape Ordinance or other applicable
regulations; such an analysis is beyond the scope of this WSA/WSV.
Table 2.0-3 Outdoor Water Demand
The following language is an excerpt of standards included in the Project’s Specific Plan and
shall be implemented throughout the Project.
The theme of the landscape architecture of the Specific Plan project is to create a lush desert
character of visual variety and textural interest while complying with water conserving
techniques based on plant selection and technical irrigation system design. Consistent with this
goal, use of drought tolerant plant material is a primary consideration in the development of the
plant palette to further aid in the conservation of water while promoting this lush desert theme
in the prevailing landscape image”.
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Summary
The Project would have a total water demand of 941.03 AFY, or 2.45 AF per acre. The
residential indoor water demand is 97.22 AFY, the non-residential indoor demand is 42.34 AFY,
and the outdoor water demand is estimated to be 801.47 AFY. This estimation includes indoor
and outdoor use for the Residential and Non-Residential areas. This quantity is approximately
0.49-percent of the total project water supplied by the CVWD in 2035 (194,000 AFY).
Table 2.0-4, Estimated Project Water Service Demands for Residential, Commercial, and
Other Uses, provides a summary breakdown of the water demand that would need to be
provided to the Project.
Table 2.0-4, Estimated Project Water Service Demands
for Residential, Commercial, and Other Uses
Land Use AFY
Residential Indoor Demand 97.22
Non-Residential Indoor Demand 42.34
Outdoor Demand 801.47
Total Project Demand 941.03
2.2 Water Conservation Measures
CVWD has made a significant effort to provide private and public consumers of local water
resources with information to help conserve these resources through the use of drought
tolerant desert plants and efficient irrigation systems. In addition, the City of La Quinta (City)
has adopted Landscape Ordinance 544 and requires that development within the City be water
efficient.
The 2010 Coachella Valley Water Management Plan (CVWMP) Update identifies several
conservation measures with the goal of reducing urban water demand by 20 percent by 2020.
The 2010 CVWMP Update includes water efficient landscaping and irrigation, water efficient
plumbing and appliances, tiered or budget-based water pricing, public information and
education programs, alternative water supplies, water restrictive municipal development
policies and maximum water allowance for landscaped and recreational areas. CVWD employs
a full-time conservation coordinator with sufficient staffing to review all new landscape plans
for compliance with CVWDs Landscape Ordinance.
2.2.1 Desert Landscaping/Native and Drought Tolerant Plants
The need for progressive water conservation and control of landscape maintenance costs has
also prompted the greater use of native and non-native drought-tolerant planting materials
within the Project. The Coachella Valley and CVWD have been a leader in the promotion of
these desert landscape materials and design themes, most notably in CVWD Landscape
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Ordinance 1302.4. As a result, thoughtful and conservative management and use of water
resources have guided development of this Project landscape plan.
2.2.2 Project Specific Water Conservation Measures
An Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) is being prepared for the Project, and a
broad range of design components and mitigation measures have been included in the MND to
address the Project's potential impacts on water resources.
Project developers shall be required to implement the following measures in order to assure
the most efficient use of water resources and to meet and maintain the 2010 CVWMP Update
goals throughout the life of the Project:
1. To the greatest extent practicable, native plant materials and other drought-tolerant
plants shall be used in all non-turf areas of Project landscaping. Large expanses of lawn
and other water-intensive landscaped areas shall be kept to the minimum necessary and
consistent with the functional and aesthetic needs of the Project, while providing soil
stability to resist erosion.
2. In the event recycled water becomes available to the Project, the potential use of
tertiary treated water will be reviewed to determine feasibility of its use for on-site
landscaped areas to reduce the use of groundwater for irrigation.
3. The installation and maintenance of efficient on-site irrigation systems will minimize
runoff and evaporation and maximize effective watering of plant roots. Drip irrigation
and moisture detectors will be used to the greatest extent practicable to increase
irrigation efficiency.
4. The use of low-flush toilets and water-conserving showerheads and faucets shall be
required in conformance with Section 17921.3 of the Health and Safety Code, Title 20,
California Code of Regulations Section 1601(b), and applicable sections of Title 24 of the
State Code.
5. Project developers will pay any required CVWD groundwater replenishment fees for the
purpose of buying additional supplies of water for importation into the basin.
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3.0 WATER SUPPLY ASSESSMENT
3.1 General
Having established that the 2010 Coachella Valley Water Management Plan (CVWMP) Update
and 2015 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) are applicable to this Wave at Coral
Mountain (Project), the next requirement of a Water Supply Assessment (WSA) is to identify
and describe the water supply sources of the Public Water System (PWS) that will serve the
Project. State Water Code Section 10910(d) requires a WSA to identify and describe the
existing water supply sources available to the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) that will
serve the Project. State Water Code Section 10910(d) requires a WSA to include identification
of any existing water supply State Water Project (SWP) Table A amounts, water rights, or water
service contracts relevant to the identified water supply for the proposed Project. The WSA
shall include a description of the quantities of water received in prior years by the PWS.
According to the 2015 UWMP, the aquifer and other sources of supply are adequate for an
average year, single dry year and also multiple dry years, for a 20-year period (UWMP, Section
5.)
3.2 IDENTIFICATION OF WATER SOURCES
3.2.1 Primary Water Sources
The primary source of water supply in the Coachella Valley, and for this Project, is the Indio
Subbasin in the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin via the Coachella Valley Water District’s
CVWD’s) potable water distribution system. Colorado River water via the Coachella Branch of
the All American Canal supplies water for irrigation of the eastern Coachella Valley. The
proposed Project is located in the eastern Coachella Valley which does not currently have
access to Colorado River water. The Mid-Valley Pipeline Project, when completed, will deliver
recycled water and Colorado River water via the Coachella Canal in the Indio Subbasin.
3.2.2 Additional Water Sources
In addition to Colorado River water and groundwater, CVWD and the Coachella Valley have
additional sources of water that include imported SWP Exchange water, recycled water, and a
limited amount of surface water. These sources are described in the following analysis of the
Water Supply section. In the future, shallow, semi-perched brackish groundwater in the
eastern Coachella Valley could be treated and used to meet non-potable uses as described in
the 2010 CVWMP Update. Colorado River water is also available for potential domestic use if
treated. The area within the Project is planned for access to recycled water when it becomes
available for source substitution.
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3.3 ANALYSIS OF WATER SUPPLY
3.3.1 Groundwater
Since the early part of the 20th century, the Coachella Valley has been dependent primarily on
groundwater as a source of domestic water supply. Groundwater is also used to supply water
for crop irrigation, fish farms, duck clubs, golf courses, greenhouses, and industrial uses in the
Coachella Valley.
California Water Code Section 10910 requires that cities and counties conduct a WSA for
projects that are subject to CEQA. If the water supply for the proposed Project includes
groundwater, the WSA is required to include additional information such as a description of the
groundwater basin, the rights of the PWS to use the groundwater basin, the overdraft status of
the groundwater basin, any past or planned overdraft mitigation efforts, historical use of the
groundwater basin by the PWS, projected use of the groundwater basin by the Project, and a
sufficiency analysis of the groundwater basin.
3.3.2 ANNUAL RECHARGE DELIVERIES
The annual amounts of water delivered for recharge in the East Whitewater River Subbasin
Area of Benefit are shown in Table 3.0-1 East Whitewater River Subbasin Area of Benefit
Groundwater Replenishment Facility Annual Recharge Deliveries on the following page.
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Table 3.0-1
East Whitewater River Subbasin Area of Benefit Groundwater
Replenishment Facility Annual Recharge Deliveries
Calendar Year Colorado River Water Delivered
AF)
1997 415
1998 1,364
1999 2,802
2000 1,813
2001 3,572
2002 2,360
2003 1,671
2004 3,450
2005 4,743
2006 2,648
2007 5,775
2008 7,473
2009 21,735
2010 37,401
2011 32,417
2012 33,166
2013 35,192
2014 36,030
2015 37,262
2016 37,495
2017 34,614
2018 33,348
Total 376,746
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3.3.3 Description of the Aquifer
Groundwater is the principal source of municipal water supply in the Coachella Valley. CVWD
serves domestic water to most of the developed portions of the Coachella Valley and along
both sides of the Salton Sea in the Imperial Valley. CVWD obtains water from both the Indio
Subbasin and the Mission Creek Subbasin of the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin. A
common groundwater source, the Indio Subbasin, is shared by CVWD, Desert Water Agency
DWA), Indio Water Authority (IWA), Coachella Water Authority (CWA), Myoma Dunes Water
Company, and numerous private groundwater users.
The Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin, as described by the California Department of Water
Resources (DWR) in Bulletin 118 is bound on the north and east by non-water bearing
crystalline rocks of the San Bernardino and Little San Bernardino Mountains, and on the south
and west by the crystalline rocks of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains. At the west end
of the San Gorgonio Pass, between the Cities of Beaumont and Banning, the basin boundary is
defined by a surface drainage divide separating the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin from
the Beaumont Groundwater Basin of the Upper Santa Ana drainage area.
The subbasins present in the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin are the Mission Creek, Desert
Hot Springs, San Gorgonio Pass, and Indio. The Indio Subbasin in the Coachella Valley
Groundwater Basin can be described as a giant tilted bathtub full of sand, with the high end at
the northwest edge of the Coachella Valley near the community of Whitewater and the low end
at the Salton Sea. The aquifer underlies the Cities of Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho
Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, and Coachella, and the unincorporated
communities of Thousand Palms, Thermal, Bermuda Dunes, Oasis, and Mecca. The Indio
Subbasin includes five subareas: Palm Springs, Garnet Hill, Thermal, Thousand Palms and Oasis.
The Palm Springs Subarea is in the forebay or main area of recharge to the subbasin, and the
Thermal Subarea comprises the pressure or confined area within the subbasin. The other three
subareas are peripheral areas having unconfined groundwater conditions. The subbasins with
their groundwater storage reservoirs are defined without regard to water quantity or quality.
They delineate areas underlain by formations, which readily yield the stored groundwater
through water wells and offer natural reservoirs for the regulation of water supplies.
The Indio Subbasin comprises the major portion of the floor of the Coachella Valley and
encompasses approximately 400 square miles. The historical fluctuations of water levels within
the Indio Subbasin indicate a steady decline in the levels throughout the subbasin prior to 1949.
After 1949, levels in the eastern Thermal Subarea (south of Point Happy) where imported
Colorado River water is used for irrigation rose sharply, although water levels continued to
decline elsewhere in the subbasin. With the use of Colorado River water from the Coachella
Canal, the demand on the groundwater subbasin declined in the eastern Coachella Valley
generally east and south of Washington Street below Point Happy). Water levels in the deeper
aquifers rose from 1950 to 1980. However, water levels in this area declined due to increasing
urbanization and groundwater usage from 1980-2010. Recharge in the eastern Coachella Valley
has resulted in water levels rising in the past few years.
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The Indio Subbasin is located northwest of the Salton Sea and receives low precipitation,
averaging about 6 inches per year, and a wide range of temperatures. The Banning fault bounds
the subbasin on the north and the semi-permeable rocks of the Indio Hills mark the northeast
boundary. Impermeable rocks of the San Jacinto and Santa Rosa Mountains bound the subbasin
on the south. A bedrock constriction separates the Indio Subbasin from the San Gorgonio Pass
Subbasin on the northwest. The Salton Sea is the eastern boundary and the subbasin’s primary
discharge area. A low drainage divide forms a short boundary with the West Salton Sea
Groundwater Basin in the southeast.
In the western part of the Indio Subbasin, groundwater is unconfined, whereas to the south and
southeast groundwater is mostly confined except on the edges of the subbasin where
unconfined conditions are found. Depth to groundwater varies widely in the southeast part of
the subbasin and some wells historically delivered artesian flow.
From a management perspective, the Indio Subbasin is commonly divided into west and east
Areas of Benefit (AOBs), with the dividing line extending from Point Happy in La Quinta to the
northeast and terminating at the San Andreas Fault and the Indio Hills at Jefferson Street. The
West Whitewater River Subbasin AOB is defined generally as that portion of the Thermal
Subarea west of this line and includes the Palm Springs and Thousand Palms Subareas.
The Indio Subbasin is recharged naturally with runoff from the San Jacinto, Santa Rosa, and San
Bernardino Mountains. Since the 1950s, groundwater extractions in the Indio Subbasin have
exceeded the long-term natural recharge, placing the subbasin in a state of overdraft and
resulting in declining groundwater levels.
Groundwater Storage
As shown in Table 3.0-2 Groundwater Storage Capacity of the Coachella Valley Groundwater
Basin, the DWR estimated in 1964 that the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin contained a
total of approximately 39.2 million acre-feet (AF) of water in the first 1,000 feet below the
ground surface, much of which originated from runoff from adjacent mountains. However, the
amount of water in the aquifer has decreased over the years due to the groundwater pumping
to serve urban, rural, and agricultural development in the Coachella Valley, which has
withdrawn water from the aquifer at a rate faster than its natural rate of recharge. DWR has
calculated the storage capacity of the Indio Subbasin to be 29.8 million AF.
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Table 3.0-2 Groundwater Storage Capacity
of the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin
Area Storage (AF) 1
Indio Subbasin
Palm Springs Subarea 4,600,000
Thousand Palms Subarea 1,800,000
Oasis Subarea 3,000,000
Garnet Hill Subarea 1,000,000
Thermal Subarea 19,400,000
Subtotal Indio Subbasin 29,800,000
San Gorgonio Pass Subbasin 2,700,000
Mission Creek Subbasin 2,600,000
Desert Hot Springs Subbasin 4,100,000
Total Coachella Valley
Groundwater Basin:
39,200,000
1. First 1,000 feet below ground surface. DWR estimate (DWR, 1964).
Groundwater Levels
The rate of groundwater level decline has increased since the early 1980s due to increased
urbanization and increased groundwater use by domestic water purveyors, farmers, golf
courses and public parks.
Although water levels have been declining throughout most of the subbasins since 1945, water
levels in the southeastern portion of the Coachella Valley had risen until the early 1980s
because of the use of imported water from the Coachella Branch of the All American Canal and
the resulting decreased pumping in that area. The rate of groundwater level decline increased
from the early 1980s until about 2010 due to increased urbanization and increased use by
domestic water purveyors, local farmers, golf courses, and fish farms. Since 2010, groundwater
levels in the southeastern portion of the Coachella Valley have risen as a result of reduced
pumping in the eastern Coachella Valley combined with recharge of Colorado River water at the
Thomas E. Levy Groundwater Replenishment Facility (TEL GRF).
The historic declining water table in the eastern portion of the Indio Subbasin led to the
determination that a management program is required to stabilize water levels and prevent
other adverse effects such as water quality degradation and land subsidence. CVWD’s
Groundwater Replenishment Program is reducing declining water levels in this subbasin.
Groundwater recharge in the eastern portion of the Indio Subbasin began in 1997, and the
benefits of recharge can be seen in recent groundwater level measurements.
Direct replenishment with imported water from the Colorado River Aqueduct began in 1973 at
the Whitewater River Groundwater Replenishment Facility (GRF). A total of approximately 3.5
million AF of imported water from the Colorado River Aqueduct has been delivered to the
Whitewater River GRF for replenishment of the Management Area. During the last 10 years,
groundwater levels have increased up to about 180 ft around the Whitewater River GRF.
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Groundwater levels observed at monitoring wells throughout the West Whitewater River
Subbasin AOB have demonstrated the benefit and effectiveness of the Ground Water
Replenishment Program (GRP) in sustaining the groundwater supplies.
The Palm Desert Groundwater Replenishment Facility began operation in early 2019 to
recharge Colorado River water in the middle portion of the Indio Subbasin.
Water surface elevations in the western area of the Coachella Valley are highest at the
northwest end of the subbasin, illustrating the regional groundwater flow is from the northwest
to the southeast in the Coachella Valley.
Groundwater Production
CVWD’s total groundwater production in the West Whitewater River Subbasin Management
Area, as shown in Table 3.0-3 Groundwater Production within the West Whitewater River
Subbasin Management Area, was estimated to be 154,755 AF in 2018. Annual water
production within the West Whitewater River Subbasin Management Area (groundwater
extractions plus surface water diversions) for all producers, has averaged 160,496 acre-feet per
year (AFY) for the past 6 years (2013-2018), down from the 191,638 AFY average from the
previous 5-year period (2008-2012). Based on production records, approximately 22 to 25
percent of annual water production within the West Whitewater River Subbasin Management
Area is allocable to DWA, and the remaining 75 to 78 percent is allocable to CVWD.
Table 3.0-4 Groundwater Production within the East Whitewater River Subbasin Area of
Benefit shows the annual water production from 1999 to 2018. The 1999 production value is
from the CVWMP, Table 3-2, Summary of Historical Water Supplies in 1936 and 1999 (CVWD,
2002a). Production values for the years 2002-2011 were determined from reported and
estimated unreported groundwater production. Beginning in 2005, when the replenishment
assessment became effective in the East Whitewater River Subbasin AOB, groundwater
pumpers extracting greater than 25 AFY were required to meter and report their production.
Reported production has been used since 2012.
In 2018, the assessable production was 120,935 AF. This represents a 3 percent increase from
2017 and 6.7 increase from 2016. Assessable production excludes groundwater production
from minimal pumpers who extract 25 AFY or less and tribal uses.
As presented in the 2010 CVWMP Update, groundwater production within the West
Whitewater River Subbasin AOB was estimated to be 208,439 AF during 1999. The reported
production for 2017 was 155,543 AF, and for 2018 was 154,755 AF. Groundwater production
within the East Whitewater River Subbasin AOB was estimated to be 168,300 AF during 1999.
The reported production for 2017 was 177,444 AF and 120,935 AF for 2018. The 2018 total
production for both the East and West Whitewater River Subbasin AOBs is 275,690 AF.
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Table 3.0-3 Groundwater Production and Surface-Water Diversions
within the West Whitewater River Subbasin Management Area
Calendar
Year
Production within Production within
CVWD AOB1 DWA AOB2,3
AF) (AF)
Surface-Water
Diversions4
AF)
Total Production
AF)
1977 67,696 18,661 7,000 93,357
1978 61,172 28,100 8,530 97,802
1979 72,733 29,393 7,801 109,927
1980 84,142 32,092 7,303 123,537
1981 86,973 33,660 7,822 128,455
1982 83,050 33,382 6,512 122,944
1983 84,770 33,279 6,467 124,516
1984 104,477 38,121 7,603 150,201
1985 111,635 39,732 7,143 158,510
1986 115,185 40,965 6,704 162,854
1987 125,229 44,800 5,644 175,673
1988 125,122 47,593 5,246 177,961
1989 129,957 47,125 5,936 183,018
1990 136,869 45,396 5,213 187,478
1991 126,360 42,729 4,917 174,006
1992 128,390 42,493 4,712 175,595
1993 131,314 41,188 6,363 178,865
1994 134,223 42,115 5,831 182,169
1995 134,583 41,728 5,809 182,120
1996 137,410 45,342 5,865 188,617
1997 137,406 43,658 5,626 186,690
1998 142,620 41,385 7,545 191,550
1999 157,148 44,350 6,941 208,439
2000 161,834 44,458 6,297 212,589
2001 125,122 47,593 4,928 208,807
2002 129,957 47,125 4,221 213,410
2003 156,185 43,463 4,627 204,275
2004 159,849 48,093 4,758 212,700
2005 153,462 46,080 4,799 204,341
2006 160,239 48,967 4,644 213,850
2007 157,487 50,037 3,490 211,014
2008 161,695 45,405 3,593 210,693
2009 155,793 41,913 1,443 199,149
2010 141,481 39,352 1,582 182,415
2011 141,028 40,071 1,724 182,823
2012 141,379 39,507 2,222 183,108
2013 143,108 37,730 1,802 182,640
2014 136,027 36,372 1,787 174,186
2015 115,588 30,332 1,539 147,459
2016 115,659 30,705 2,031 148,395
2017 120,383 33,164 1,996 155,543
2018 119,250 33,873 1,632 154,755
Notes:
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1 – Excludes production by minimal pumpers who extract 25 AFY or less and other users exempt from the RAC.
2 – Excludes production by minimal pumpers who extract 10 AFY or less and other users exempt from the RAC.
3 – Production within DWA AOB includes production within DWA's Garnet Hill Subbasin AOB (starting 2016).
4 – Whitewater Mutual Water Company, Chino Creek, Snow Creek, and Falls Creek (DWA AOB).
Table 3.0-4 Groundwater Production
within the East Whitewater River Subbasin Area of Benefit
Groundwater Inflows and Outflows
Total inflows and outflows to the Indio Subbasin for the water year (WY) 2017-2018 are
summarized in Table 3.0-5 Annual Groundwater Balance in the Indio Subbasin for Water Year
2017-2018. Indio Subbasin inflows from outside the Indio Subbasin consist of underflow from
the San Gorgonio Pass area and flows across the Banning fault. Historically, these inflows are
estimated to range from 7,000 AFY to 13,000 AFY. The 2010 CVWMP Update estimated inflow
was approximately 11,405 AFY. This is less than 3 percent of the water balance and does not
change significantly with time. The estimated net subsurface inflow from the Salton Sea is 1,102
AF for WY 2017-2018. Recharge of imported water at the Whitewater GRF was 247,812 AF and
recharge at the TEL GRF was 30,842 in 2017-2018, for a total of recharge amount of 278,654 AF.
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During WY 2017-2018, there was 288,308 AF of groundwater pumped. The annual balance of
the Indio Subbasin is the total inflow less the total outflow for a gain of approximately 151,659
AF of water storage in the subbasin for WY 2017-2018.
Indio Subbasin inflows are variable due to the nature of imported water replenishment
deliveries. High inflows occurred in the mid-1980s when the Metropolitan Water District of
Southern California (MWD) started large scale advanced deliveries to the Indio Subbasin. Other
years of high inflows are due to wet years on the SWP when increased deliveries occurred. In
the late 1980s and 1990s, growth led to increased groundwater production which caused lower
groundwater levels and reduced drain flows. After extended periods of decline, the ten and
twenty-year running average change in storage shows upward trends since 2009 and the 10-
year running average is positive.
Table 3.0-5 Annual Groundwater Balance in the
Indio Subbasin for Water Year 2017-2018
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Surface runoff, surface inflow, and artificial replenishment are significant sources of recharge to
the Indio Subbasin. Annual deliveries of Colorado River water through the Coachella Canal of
approximately 300,000 AFY are a significant component of southeastern Coachella Valley
hydrology. Direct groundwater replenishment within the West Whitewater River Subbasin AOB,
which began in 1973, has so far replenished the western portion of the Indio Subbasin with a
cumulative total of approximately 3,447,907 AF of imported water. Imported water in the
amount of 385,994 AF and 129,725 AF was delivered to the Whitewater River GRF during 2017
and 2018, respectively. Direct replenishment within the East Whitewater River Subbasin AOB,
which began in 1997, has so far replenished the eastern portion of the Indio Subbasin with a
cumulative total of approximately 376,746 AF of imported water. Imported water in the
amount of 34,614 AF and 33,348 AF was delivered to the TEL GRF during 2017 and 2018,
respectively.
Aquifer Adjudication
The Indio Subbasin has not been adjudicated. From a management perspective, CVWD divides
the portion of the Indio Subbasin within its service area into two AOBs designated as the West
Whitewater River Subbasin AOB and the East Whitewater River Subbasin AOB. The dividing line
between these two areas is an irregular line trending northeast to southwest between the Indio
Hills north of the City of Indio and Point Happy in La Quinta. The West Whitewater River
Subbasin Management Area is jointly managed by CVWD and DWA under the terms of the 2014
Whitewater Management Agreement. The East Whitewater River Subbasin AOB is managed by
CVWD.
Overdraft Status of the Aquifer
Groundwater overdraft is manifested not only as a prolonged decline in groundwater storage,
but also through secondary adverse effects, including decreased well yields, increased energy
costs, water quality degradation, and land subsidence. Continued groundwater replenishment
will be necessary to eliminate or reduce overdraft in the future.
Direct groundwater replenishment within the West Whitewater River Subbasin AOB began in
1973 and has so far replenished the western portion of the Indio Subbasin with a cumulative
total of 3,447,907 AF of imported water. Imported water in the amount of 129,725 AF was
delivered to the Whitewater River GRF during 2018. Direct groundwater replenishment within
the East Whitewater River Subbasin AOB began in 1997 and has so far replenished the eastern
portion of the Indio Subbasin with a cumulative total of 376,746 AF of imported water.
Imported water in the amount of 33,348 AF was delivered to the TEL GRF during 2018.
CVWD and DWA request their full amount of SWP Table A amounts each year, for a combined
total of 194,100 AF, and continue to exchange their SWP for Colorado River water with the
MWD. Given that water demand and groundwater extractions are expected to increase in the
future, the current Groundwater Replenishment Program will need to be continued and
possibly increased in the future to eliminate overdraft.
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Projected water requirements through 2040 for the Indio Subbasin are based on the water
balance model utilized in the 2010 CVWMP Update, and the 2014 and 2016 Status Reports for
the 2010 CVWMP Update. The Project requirements are largely offset by potable supplies;
however, on a long-term basis, water requirements are likely to continue to place demands on
groundwater storage. Implementation of the programs recommended in the 2010 CVWMP
Update is expected to result in elimination of storage losses by about 2022, assuming average
hydrologic conditions.
Overdraft Mitigation Efforts
Coachella Valley Water Management Plan Update
In addition to the requirements for the 2015 UWMP, CVWD maintains water management
policies within its 2010 CVWMP Update to comprehensively protect and augment the
groundwater supply. As defined in the 2010 CVWMP Update, CVWD is reducing reliance on
groundwater sources by utilizing more Colorado River water, SWP Exchange water, and
recycled water. Per this plan, CVWD also implements source substitution and conservation
measures to reduce demands on the aquifer. The goal is to reduce the overall water demand
by 20 percent by 2020 pursuant to SB x7-7. The CVWD anticipates this water use reduction
level will be maintained through the remainder of the planning period.
CVWD Landscape Ordinance
CVWD Landscape Ordinance 1302.4 required a series of reduction methods, including
requirements that new developments install weather-based irrigation controllers that
automatically adjust water allocation. Additional requirements included setbacks of spray
emitters from impervious surfaces, as well as use of porous rock and gravel buffers between
grass and curbs to eliminate run-off onto streets. With the exception of turf, all landscaping,
including groundcover and shrubbery, must be irrigated with a drip system. Also, the maximum
water allowance for landscaped areas through the CVWD service area has been reduced. This
new reduction goal requires that developers maximize the use of native and other drought-
tolerant landscape materials and minimize use of more water-intensive landscape features,
including turf and fountains.
Source Substitution
Source substitution is the delivery of an alternate source of water to users currently pumping
groundwater. The substitution of an alternate water source reduces groundwater extraction
and allows the groundwater to remain in storage, thus reducing overdraft. Alternative sources
of water include municipal recycled water from Water Reclamation Plant (WRP)-7, WRP 10, and
the City of Palm Springs Wastewater Treatment Plant, Colorado River water, and potentially in
the future, desalinated shallow semi-perched brackish groundwater and re-use of aquaculture
water. Source substitution projects include:
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Conversion of existing and future golf courses in the eastern Coachella Valley from
groundwater to Colorado River water
Conversion of existing and future golf courses in the western Coachella Valley from
groundwater to recycled water and/or Colorado River water via the Mid-Valley Pipeline
Conversion of agricultural irrigation from groundwater to Colorado River water, in both
the Oasis and Mecca area
Conversion of some municipal use from groundwater to treated Colorado River water
Examples of effective alternative source substitute efforts include the following:
CVWD has a non-potable water system that treats recycled water from two water
reclamation plants, blends in with canal water and delivers to golf courses, schools, and
open spaces for irrigation. Approximately 9,525 AF of recycled water was delivered to
customers in water year 2017-2018.
CVWD has completed construction of a 54-inch diameter pipeline to deliver Colorado
River water to the Mid-Coachella Valley area for use with CVWD's recycled water for
golf course and open space irrigation. This will reduce pumping from the groundwater
basin for these uses.
CVWD has secured rights to the Colorado River and participated in the construction of
the All-American Canal and the Coachella Branch of the All-American Canal. Beginning
in the late 1940’s, CVWD worked with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and
constructed a distribution system to deliver Colorado River water to the farms in the
eastern Coachella Valley. This system delivered 335,035 AF of Colorado River water in
2018.
CVWD has recharged the eastern Coachella Valley with up to 37,495 AFY of Colorado
River water at the TEL GRF, and has completed the construction of Phase I of the Palm
Desert GRF that will expand the recharge program to the Mid-Coachella Valley with an
additional 15,000 AFY of recharge. The largest recharge program is operated at the
Whitewater River GRF in the western Coachella Valley and has recharged up to 385,994
AFY.
CVWD has secured rights to SWP water and negotiated exchange and advanced delivery
agreements with the MWD to exchange CVWD's SWP water for MWD's Colorado River
water source. The SWP Exchange water is used to recharge the aquifer in the western
Coachella Valley. This recharge program was started in 1973 and has replenished the
aquifer with over three million AF of water.
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CVWD plans to utilize treated shallow semi-perched brackish groundwater for irrigation
purposes. A desalination pilot study was completed in 2007.
CVWD intends to implement expansion of the Oasis area irrigation system. This project
will reduce groundwater pumping by extending Colorado River water delivery to the
Oasis Slope. The Oasis system would deliver Canal water and desalinated shallow semi-
perched brackish groundwater to serve urban non-potable water uses such as irrigation.
Conservation Programs
CVWD continues to work with the cities in its service area to limit the amount of water that is
used for outdoor landscaping. As a result of the adoption of statewide indoor water
conservation measures requiring low flush toilets, shower and faucet flow restrictors and other
devices, the amount of water used inside homes has been significantly reduced. With the large
number of new homes constructed, these conservation programs have reduced impacts of new
development on the aquifer. Also, in 2016 CVWD adopted Water Budget based tiered rates to
discourage excessive water use.
The Project will be required to implement the CVWD conservation measures in order to assure
that the most efficient use of water resources and to meet and maintain the 2020 water
conservation goals throughout the life of the Project. In addition, the Project will strictly
adhere to CVWD’s Landscape Ordinance 1302.4.
Historical Groundwater Use
CVWD's annual Engineer’s Report on Water Supply and Replenishment Assessment 2019-2020,
reviews the historical use of groundwater in the Coachella Valley. In 1936, groundwater use In
the Indio Subbasin totaled 92,400 AF and increased steadily to about 369,798 AF in 1999 and
379,524 AF in 2007. Total groundwater use in the Indio Subbasin, including private pumping,
has dropped off slightly since 2007, due to a combination of water conservation efforts, source
substitution projects and the effects of the ongoing economic recession. In 2014, as a continued
result of conservation and source substitution programs, total groundwater use in the Indio
Subbasin dropped even further to approximately 295,864 AF. In 2015, mostly due to mandatory
drought reductions, total groundwater use dropped even further to 259,626 AF. These
reductions represent 25 and 34 percent reductions in reported Indio Subbasin groundwater
pumping, respectively, since 2007.
Groundwater Sufficiency Analysis
The 2015 UWMP reports CVWD’s actual service area urban water demand at 92,974 AF in 2015.
Projected urban water demand in the 2015 UWMP for the year 2040 is anticipated to be
194,300 AF.
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Total buildout water demand of the Project is estimated to be approximately 941.03 AFY, or
2.45 AF per acre, which represents approximately 0.49 percent of the total anticipated urban
demand of 194,300 AF in CVWD’s urban water system projected for 2040.
With almost 30 million AF of combined storage followed by groundwater management planning
adopted in the 2015 UWMP and 2010 CVWMP Update, the aquifer has sufficient available
water to supply the Project and other present and anticipated needs for normal year, as well as
one or more multiple dry years, over the next 20 years.
3.3.4 ADDITIONAL WATER SOURCES
As stated previously, groundwater provides the water supply for the Project via CVWD’s
potable water distribution system. This WSA focuses on the adequacy of groundwater to meet
the water demands of this Project. Additional water sources are considered as a supplement to
groundwater in that they are used to recharge the aquifer, serve as a source substitution for
groundwater, or are used for irrigation in other locations in the subbasin.
Colorado River Water
The Coachella Canal is a branch of the All-American Canal, which brings Colorado River water
into the Imperial and Coachella Valleys. The service area for Colorado River water delivery
under CVWD contract with the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) is defined as
Improvement District No. 1 (ID-1). Under the 1931 California Seven Party Agreement, CVWD
has high priority water rights to Colorado River water as part of the first 3.85 million AF of the
4.4 million AF allocated to California.
California's Colorado River supply is protected by the 1968 Colorado River Basin Project Act,
which provides that the Colorado River supplies to Arizona and Nevada projects constructed
after 1968 shall be reduced to zero before California will be reduced below 4.4 million AF in any
year. This provision assures full supplies to the Coachella Valley except in periods of extreme
drought.
Historically, CVWD has received approximately 330,000 AFY of Priority 3A Colorado River water
delivered via the Coachella Canal. The 2003 Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA) among
some of the California Colorado River contactors provides contractual obligation for the supply
to CVWD. A number of lawsuits have unsuccessfully challenged the QSA agreements and
transfers in state and federal court.
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Table 3.0-6 Annual CVWD Colorado River Diversions at
Imperial Dam – 1964 to 2018
Year Diversion
Volume
ac-ft)
Year Diversion
Volume
ac-ft)
Year Diversion
Volume
ac-ft)
Year Diversion
Volume
ac-ft)
1964 526,417 1979 530,733 1993 318,990 2008 299,064
1965 524,686 1980 531,791 1994 326,102 2009 322,730
1966 489,429 1981 452,260 1995 326,697 2010 251,249
1967 465,053 1982 424,868 1996 331,473 2011 265,270
1968 478,583 1983 362,266 1997 338,466 2012 329,576
1969 495,082 1984 355,789 1998 337,466 2013 331,137
1970 449,263 1985 337,002 1999 333,810 2014 349,372
1971 470,683 1986 339,702 2000 342,871 2015 342,074
1972 511,476 1987 322,625 2001 325,097 2016 356,358
1973 522,356 1988 331,821 2002 331,107 2017 335,321
1974 558,864 1989 359,419 2003 296,808 2018 335,035
1975 570,987 1990 369,685 2004 318,616
1976 524,800 1991 317,563 2005 304,769
1977 508,635 1992 309,367 2006 329,322
1978 509,491 1992 318,990 2007 311,971
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation Lower Colorado Region, Colorado River Accounting and Water
Use Reports for Arizona, California, and Nevada for years 1964 through 2018.
The QSA was entered into and between CVWD, Imperial Irrigation District (IID), MWD, and the
San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA). The QSA quantifies distribution allotments of
Colorado River water rights in California, including CVWD’s Colorado River Rights, for the next
75 years. The agreements provide for additional transfer of Colorado River allocations to CVWD
from the IID and MWD. As of 2015, CVWD receives 378,000 AFY of Colorado River Water.
CVWD’s allocation of Colorado River Water will increase to 419,000 AFY in 2018, and 459,000
AFY in 2026, then reduce to 456,000 AFY in 2048 and remain at the level for the remaining 75-
year term of the QSA.
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Table 3.0-7 CVWD Deliveries
Under the Quantification Settlement Agreement
Water from the Coachella Canal provides a significant supply source for the eastern Coachella
Valley. In 1999, the Coachella Canal supplied over 60 percent of the water used in the eastern
Coachella Valley, but provided less than one percent of the water supply to the western
Coachella Valley. Most of the canal water was used for crop irrigation in the eastern Coachella
Valley.
In 1997, CVWD began operating the Dike No. 4 pilot recharge facility in the City of La Quinta. As
discussed previously in Source Substitution, this facility has successfully demonstrated the
adequacy of this site to recharge the aquifer. This site is now known as the TEL GRF as the Dike
No. 4 site was expanded in 2009 and put into full operation.
Future development and associated increases in water demand, as well as quality concerns, are
expected to increase use of Colorado River water for domestic purposes. Determining the best
way to treat this water in order to substitute for and decrease the area's dependency on
groundwater is an important objective of the 2010 CVWMP Update and 2015 UWMP. The 2010
CVWMP Update calls for the treatment and distribution of as much as 62,000 AF of Colorado
River water for domestic use annually.
3.3.5 State Water Project Water
CVWD and DWA are SWP contractors for the Indio Subbasin. The SWP includes 660 miles of
aqueduct and conveyance facilities extending from Lake Oroville in the north to Lake Perris in
the south. The SWP has contracts to deliver 4.1 million AFY to 29 contracting agencies.
CVWD's original SWP water right (Table A amount) was 23,100 AFY and DWA's original SWP
Table A amount was 38,100 AFY for a combined Table A amount of 61,200 AFY.
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In 2004, CVWD purchased an additional 9,900 AFY of SWP water from the Tulare Lake Basin
Water Storage District, which brought CVWD's SWP allotment to 33,000 AFY.
In addition, CVWD and DWA have also negotiated an exchange agreement with MWD for
100,000 AFY of SWP Table A amount. MWD has permanently transferred 88,100 AFY and
11,900 AFY of its SWP Table A amounts to CVWD and DWA, respectively. This exchange
agreement increases the total SWP Table A amount for CVWD and DWA to 178,100 AFY, with
CVWD's portion equal to 126,350 AFY. This agreement provides that CVWD and DWA generally
receive this water from the SWP during wet years, which allows the two agencies to recharge
the groundwater basin and operate a conjunctive use program, storing water in wet years and
pumping the groundwater basin in dry years.
In 2007, CVWD and DWA made a second purchase of SWP water from the Tulare Lake Basin
Water Storage District. CVWD purchased 5,250 AFY and DWA purchased 1,750 AFY. In 2007,
CVWD and DWA completed the transfer of 12,000 AFY and 4,000 AFY, respectively, from the
Berrenda Mesa Water District for a total Table A amount of 16,000 AFY. Therefore, the total
SWP Table A amount for CVWD and DWA is 194,100 AFY, with CVWD's portion equal to
138,350 AFY. Table 3.0-8, State Water Project Water Sources, summarizes CVWD and DWA
total allocations of Table A SWP water to be delivered when available.
Table 3.0-8 State Water Project Water Sources (AFY)
SWP contractors make annual requests to the DWR for water allocations and DWR makes
an initial SWP Table A allocation for planning purposes, typically in the last month before
the next water delivery year. Throughout the year, as additional information regarding
water availability becomes available to DWR, its allocation/delivery estimates are updated.
Table 3.0-9, Department of Water Resources SWP Table A Water Allocations, outlines the
historic reliability of SWP deliveries, including their initial and final allocations.
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Table 3.0-9, Department of Water Resources SWP Table A Water Allocations
Year Water Year Type 1 Initial Allocation Final Allocation
1988 Critical 100% 100%
1989 Dry 100% 100%
1990 Critical 100% 100%
1991 Critical 85% 30%
1992 Critical 20% 45%
1993 Above Normal 10% 100%
1994 Critical 50% 50%
1995 Wet 40% 100%
1996 Wet 40% 100%
1997 Wet 70% 100%
1998 Wet 40% 100%
1999 Wet 55% 100%
2000 Above Normal 50% 90%
2001 Dry 40% 39%
2002 Dry 20% 70%
2003 Above Normal 20% 90%
2004 Below Normal 35% 65%
2005 Above Normal 40% 90%
2006 Wet 55% 100%
2007 Dry 60% 60%
2008 Critical 25% 35%
2009 Dry 15% 40%
2010 Below Normal 5% 50%
2011 Wet 25% 80%
2012 Below Normal 60% 65%
2013 Dry 30% 35%
2014 Critical 5% 5%
2015 Critical 10% 20%
2016 Below Normal 45% 60%
2017 Wet 60% 85%
2018 Dry 20% 35%
Source: DWR, Water Contract Branch within the State Water Project Analysis Office, Notices to State Water Contractors, 1988-
2018.
1 Water year designation based on Sacramento Valley Water Year Hydraulic Classification which is based on the sum of the unimpaired runoff
in the water year as published in the DWR Bulletin 120 for the Sacramento River at Bed Bridge, Feather River Inflow to Oroville, Yuba River to
Smartville and American River to Folsom reservoir.
As noted previously, CVWD and DWA do not directly receive SWP water. Rather, CVWD and
DWA have entered into an exchange agreement with MWD that allows MWD to take delivery
of CVWD’s and DWA’s SWP Table A water. In exchange, MWD provides an equal amount of
Colorado River water that MWD transports through its Colorado River Aqueduct, which crosses
the Coachella Valley near Whitewater. The exchange agreement allows for advanced delivery
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and storage of water, thereby providing better and more efficient water management. Water
is only recharged when SWP Exchange water is available. The large storage capacity of the
Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin and the large volume of water in storage allows CVWD and
DWA to pump from the aquifer for a number of years without recharging. Large amounts of
water can be recharged into the aquifer when the water is available.
Factors Potentially Impacting SWP Delivery Reliability
DWR issues the State Water Project Delivery Reliability Report every two years. The Final State
Water Project Availability Report, 2017 (Final 2017 SWP Report), accounts for impacts to water
delivery reliability associated with climate change and recent federal litigation. This allocation
percentage is based on computer modeling of the state’s watersheds, and past hydrology
adjusted for factors that affect reliability. In considering future water supply needs in the 2010
CVWMP Update, CVWD considered an even lower SWP delivery reliability to allow for the
uncertainty of future court decisions, State Water Resources Control Board actions, Endangered
Species Act (ESA) and other restrictions, modeling error, levee failure and relaxation in the
biological opinions (BO) as the result of better science.
There are three significant factors contributing to uncertainty in the delivery reliability of the
SWP: 1) possible effect from climate change and sea level rise; 2) the vulnerability of the
Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta levees to failure, and 3) greater operation restrictions
imposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and National Marine Fisheries Service
NMFS) in response to decreasing population of endangered fish species.
CVWD considers purchases of additional Table A Amounts from SWP contractors as they
become available.
3.3.6 Surface Water
CVWD does not currently use or intend to use any local surface water (non-imported surface
water) as part of its urban water supply. Local runoff is captured and used for groundwater
recharge.
Surface water supplies come from several local rivers and streams including the Whitewater
River, Snow Creek, Falls Creek and Chino Creek, as well as a number of smaller creeks and
washes. In 1999, surface water supplied approximately three percent of the total water supply
to the western Coachella Valley to meet municipal demand, and none to the eastern Coachella
Valley. Because surface water supplies are affected by variations in annual precipitation, the
annual supply is highly variable.
3.3.7 Stormwater
The Coachella Valley drainage area is approximately 65 percent mountainous and 35 percent
typical desert valley with alluvial fan topography buffering the valley floor from the steep
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mountain slopes. The mean annual precipitation ranges from 44 inches in the San Bernardino
Mountains to less than 3 inches at the Salton Sea. Three types of storms produce precipitation
in the drainage area: general winter storms, general thunder storms and local thunderstorms.
Longer duration, lower intensity rainfall events tend to have higher recharge rates, but runoff
and flash flooding can result from all three types of storms. Otherwise, there is little to no flow
in most of the streams in the drainage area.
Significant amounts of local runoff are currently captured at the Whitewater River GRF and in
the debris basins and unlined channels of the western Coachella Valley. Additional stormwater
will be captured when the Thousand Palms Flood Control Project is completed and when the
flood control is constructed in the Oasis area. However, limited data exists to estimate the
amount of additional stormwater that could be captured by new facilities in the Coachella
Valley. Consequently, large scale stormwater capture is not expected to yield sufficient water
to be worth the investment as a single purpose project. Small scale stormwater retention
systems located in areas of suitable geology to allow percolation could capture small intensity
storms as well as street runoff. The potential yield of these systems is not known at this time,
and stormwater capture should be considered in conjunction with projects that construct
stormwater and flood control facilities (CVWD, 2012).
3.3.8 Wastewater and Recycled Water
Wastewater that has been highly treated and disinfected can be reused for landscape
irrigation and other purposes; however, treated wastewater is not suitable for direct potable
use. Recycled wastewater has historically been used for irrigation of golf courses and
municipal landscaping in the Coachella Valley since the 1960s. As growth occurs in the eastern
Coachella Valley, the supply of recycled water is expected to increase, creating an additional
opportunity to maximize local water supply.
CVWD operates five water reclamation plants (WRPs), two of them (WRP-7 and WRP-10)
generate recycled water for irrigation of golf courses and large landscaped areas. WRP-4
became operational in 1986 and serves the communities from La Quinta to Mecca. WRP-4
effluent is not currently recycled; however, it will be in the future when the demand for
recycled water develops and tertiary treatment is constructed. The other two WRPs serve
isolated communities near the Salton Sea. A sixth WRP (WRP-9) was decommissioned in July
2015.
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Table 3.0-10 Current and Projected Recycled Water Direct
Beneficial Uses within CVWD’s Service Area
3.3.9 Desalinated Shallow Semi-Perched Brackish Groundwater
The CVWD 2015 UWMP identifies CVWD’s plan to use treated shallow semi-perched brackish
groundwater for irrigation purposes. It is planned that shallow semi-perched brackish
groundwater will be desalinated to a quality equivalent to Canal water for irrigation use. The
amount of shallow semi-perched brackish groundwater that would be treated and recycled
depends on supply availability, the overall supply mix (the amount of additional water needed),
and the cost of treatment and brine disposal. According to the 2010 CVWMP Update the
amount of water recovered through desalination of shallow semi-perched brackish
groundwater will range from 55,000 AFY to 85,000 AFY by 2045.
Product water would be delivered to the Canal distribution system for non-potable use. This
supply would offset groundwater pumping in the subbasin.
Treated shallow semi-perched brackish groundwater could be delivered to the Canal water
distribution system and used as a non- potable supply for agricultural, golf course and
landscape irrigation. Since the desalinated shallow semi-perched brackish groundwater is
local water, it could be used anywhere within the CVWD service area.
A brackish groundwater treatment pilot study and feasibility study was completed in 2008
Malcolm-Pirnie, 2008a and 2008b). The 2008 study recommended a combined source water
strategy involving wells and direct connection to the open drain outfalls. Such a combined
approach will provide additional flexibility and reliability to this new water supply. This study
concluded that shallow semi-perched brackish groundwater can effectively be treated for reuse
as non-potable water and potentially as new potable water.
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3.3.10 Purchases, Exchanges or Transfers
To further help meet its long-term supply needs, CVWD purchases SWP Table A Amounts from
SWP contractors as they have become available and meet CVWD's needs. Additional purchases
from the SWP and from other agencies with water rights, mainly in the Central Valley of
California, will be evaluated as they become available to determine whether they meet CVWD's
needs. If they do, CVWD may purchase additional SWP water rights.
3.4 Analysis of Water Supply and Demand
The analysis of supplies and demands for the Project WSA/WSV is based on the 2015 UWMP
and the 2010 CVWMP Update. In accordance with SB x7-7, CVWD’s 2015 UWMP sets interim
and final urban water use targets for complying with California’s 2020 conservation program
based on DWR’s defined Target Method No. 1 which provides for an agency goal of 80 percent
of baseline demands. The 2015 UWMP relies on and summarizes the water supplies and water
supply program details in the 2010 CVWMP Update.
The 2010 CVWMP Update is a 35-year plan to reliably meet current and future water demands
in a cost effective and sustainable manner. The planning areas for the 2010 CVWMP Update is
the Indio Subbasin including Salton City and areas north of the Banning Fault that are within the
service areas in the Cities of Indio and Coachella. The 2010 CVWMP Update evaluates all of the
water demand and supplies in the planning area through 2045, for all water users including
urban, agricultural and golf and provides a preferred alternative water supply plan for meeting
demands. The 2010 CVWMP Update evaluates long-term risks to water supplies such as
reduced SWP reliability and reduced Colorado River supplies and provides contingencies for
addressing these risks. The elements of the preferred alternative are imported water supplies,
recharge, source substitution and conservation. The preferred alternative identifies projects
and programs that implement these plan elements.
The 2010 CVWMP Update relies on the Riverside County Population Projections 2006 (RCP-
2006). The 2014 CVWMP Status Report updated the Population Projections based on the
Riverside County Population Projections 2010 (RCP-2010) which are lower. The updated
projections are relied upon in the 2015 UWMP.
In 2005, Riverside County was experiencing rapid growth. Recognizing the need for more
accurate growth forecasts the Riverside County Center for Demographic Research (RCCDR) was
established under the joint efforts of the County of Riverside, the Western Riverside Council of
Governments, the Coachella Valley Association of Governments and the University of California
Riverside for the development of demographic data and related support products to serve all of
Riverside County. The RCCDR was tasked with developing the RCP-2006 growth forecast to
provide agencies with a consistent and standard set of population, housing, and employment
forecasts. The RCP-2006 was adopted by the Southern California Association of Governments
for use in their regional growth forecasts.
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Although the growth forecast indicated significant future growth for the Coachella Valley, these
forecasts were based on potential development that had not yet been approved by the cities
and county. Prior to 2008, there was substantial development pressure to transition from
agricultural to urban land uses. As agricultural land converts to urban uses, the characteristic of
its water demands and infrastructure will change. The 2010 CVWMP Update reflects these
changes in its water demand projections and the ways that water is used in this area. As urban
development occurs, land that currently is irrigated with untreated Coachella Canal water could
begin using groundwater replenished with the canal water, or use treated canal water for
indoor use and untreated canal water for outdoor use.
Tribal land in the Coachella Valley makes up over 49,000 acres. While much tribal land in the
western Coachella Valley has been developed to varying degrees, a substantial amount of tribal
land in the eastern Coachella Valley is undeveloped. An understanding of the timing and degree
of development on tribal lands is important. All of the Coachella Valley tribes have developed
one or more major casinos, which have provided them important economic opportunities. As
development continues in the Coachella Valley, it is expected that additional growth will occur
on the remaining tribal lands.
In other portions of the Coachella Valley, development of tribal land is closely coordinated with
the Coachella Valley cities where they are located. RCP-2006 growth forecasts are assumed to
include development of these lands.
As shown in Table 3.0-11, Projected Average Urban Water Supply (AFY), the 2015 UWMP
projects that the percentage of water from each of the current water supply sources will
change significantly by 2040, relative to 2015 conditions.
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Table 3.0-11, Projected Average Urban Water Supply (AFY)
Effects of the 2008-2011 Recession
Riverside County was hit particularly hard by the economic downturn that started in 2008. The
recession resulted in a lower than projected growth rate for the Coachella Valley and, because
the planning period for the 2010 CVWMP Update is through 2045, the effects of the recession
on growth in the Coachella Valley have begun and will continue to attenuate over the long
term. The 2010 CVWMP Update incorporates these factors as it is assumed that development
within the Coachella Valley will continue and that the Riverside County Planning growth
forecast is applicable in the long term.
In CVWD’s 2014 CVWMP Status Report, the RCP-2010 population projections were considered
and future water demands were re-evaluated. Using RCP-2010 results in an estimated 22
percent lower urban water demand in 2035 and a 13 percent higher agricultural water demand.
Overall demand would be about 14 percent lower in 2045. It is important to note that this is not
an elimination of demand but a deferral of demand to later years. Growth will continue but at a
slightly slower rate.
Water conservation is a major component of future water management. CVWD is committed to
reducing its urban water use by 20 percent by 2020. Therefore, CVWD has been conservative in
the calculation of 2015 and 2020 urban conservation targets. 2010 U.S. Census Data was not
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available to be used in the preparation of the 2015 UWMP. CVWD used 2000 census data.
Water Code Section 10608.2 allowed urban water suppliers to update 2020 urban targets in the
2015 UWMP based on the availability of 2010 Census Data. Because CVWD’s recalculated urban
conservation targets were higher than those committed to in the 2010 UWMP, CVWD retained
its 2010 per capita targets of 540 gallons per capita per day (gpcd) by 2015, and 473 gpcd by
2020, which will result in greater water savings. CVWD’s actual 2015 water use was 383 gpcd.
Drought restrictions played a significant role in achieving this reduction.
The golf industry represents a significant water demand sector in the Coachella Valley and is
expected to remain so in the future. CVWD, working in cooperation with the Southern
California Golf Association and the local golf community, has established a Golf and Water Task
Force to reduce overall golf course water use by ten percent.
The 2010 CVWMP Update assumes that the fish farm and duck club growth will be much lower
than projected in the 2002 CVWMP. Some of the large fish farms have moved from the
traditional fish farming business. The replacement use at these farms is suspected to
significantly reduce the water demand. Based on the available information at this time, future
fish farm demand of 8,500 AFY and duck club demand of 2,000 AFY was assumed.
It was also assumed that the growth occurring on tribal land will be similar to other areas in the
Coachella Valley, and land uses will be proportional to the growth that occurs on non-tribal land
in the eastern Coachella Valley. Corresponding water demands are calculated based on this
growth assumption.
The 2010 CVWMP Update increases the water conservation requirement during the next 35
years. A 14 percent reduction in agricultural water use is targeted by 2020. For urban water
use, CVWD’s Landscape Ordinance 1302.4, which was updated in 2019, will govern the
irrigation demands of new golf courses as well as reduce the demands of existing golf courses
by 10 percent.
The 2010 CVWMP Update water demand projections for the Indio Subbasin for the period of
2010 to 2030 in five-year intervals increases from 678,000 AF in 2010 to 783,300 AF in 2030, or
15 percent. During this same period, using RCP-2006, the population in the Coachella Valley is
estimated to increase by over 100 percent, or about four percent per year. In the 2014 CVWMP
Status Report, RCP-2010 projections were used and the Indio Subbasin water demand was
revised to 691,500 AF in 2030, a 12 percent reduction.
Groundwater and Groundwater Storage
As supply and demand changes, the amount of groundwater in storage changes to make up the
difference between the demand and the supply. Other than Canal water and recycled
wastewater, all water delivered to the end users is obtained from the groundwater subbasin.
The Indio Subbasin has the capacity of approximately 29.8 million AF. It acts as a very large
reservoir and is capable of meeting the water demands of the Coachella Valley for extended
periods.
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As discussed in the 2010 CVWMP Update, CVWD has many programs to maximize the water
resources available to it including recharge of its Colorado River and SWP Exchange supplies,
recycled wastewater, desalinated shallow semi-perched brackish groundwater, conversion of
groundwater uses to Canal water and conservation including tiered water rates, a landscaping
ordinance, and outreach and education. The 2010 CVWMP Update and CVWD replenishment
assessment programs establish a comprehensive and managed effort to eliminate overdraft.
The 2014 CVWMP Status Report evaluated progress to date on eliminating overdraft. The
report illustrates the effectiveness of the CVWMP programs. The report also shows that with
continued implementation of CVWMP programs, overdraft will be eliminated by approximately
2022. The effectiveness of the CVWMP’s programs is clear and shows that there will be a steady
increase in water in storage with limited disruption to this pattern through 2045.
Coachella Canal Water
Colorado River supplies available to CVWD under the 1931 Seven Party Water Priority 43
Agreement and QSA agreement are considered in the 2015 UWMP and 2010 CVWMP Update.
CVWD has maximized delivery of these supplies by participating in canal lining projects, which
reduces loss from water transport. In 2008, the Coachella Canal was fully lined. The annual
reporting of CVWD Colorado Diversions at Imperial Dam for the period 1964 to 2008 were
prepared as required by the U.S. Supreme Court decree. CVWD average annual diversion for
this 45-year period was 402,702 AFY. CVWD’s average annual diversion for the period 1983 to
2008 (26 years of decree records) was 328,698 AFY. The difference of 74,004 AFY is the result of
the water conserved by the lining of the first 49 miles of the Coachella Branch of the All-
American Canal by the US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) under repayment contract with
CVWD. In the most recent 6-year period (2008 to 2013), the annual average diversion was
313,971 AFY. The QSA assures that CVWD receives a quantified allotment of Colorado River
water. The QSA has been unsuccessfully challenged in state and federal courts and remains in
effect.
Additional SWP Table A Amounts
DWA and CVWD have increased their SWP contract supplies from a total of 61,200 AFY in 2002
to a current total of 194,100 AFY in 2018.
State Water Project Reliability
The 2015 State Water Project Delivery Capability Report (SWPDCR) projections are the result of
computer modeling by DWR that reflect the results of adjusting 82 years of hydrology data to
incorporate the results of climate change models. The 2015 SWPDCR projections also take into
consideration the existing physical facilities and the regulatory restrictions, which include the
restriction on the SWP and Central Valley Project (CVP) operations in accordance with the
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Biological Opinions of the USFWS and NMFS as issued on December 15, 2008 and June 4, 2009,
respectively.
The 2015 SWPDCR has also been adjusted to allow for the uncertainty of future court decisions,
SWRCB actions, state and federal ESAs and other restrictions, modeling error, levee failure, and
relaxation of biological opinions as the result of improved scientific research.
Although in recent years, uncertainty has resulted in reduced capability, SWP capability has
been 100 percent as recently as 2006 and dropped to 5 percent in 2014 with the onset of the
California Drought. SWP capability increased to 20 percent in 2015, 60 percent in 2016, 85
percent in 2017, and was at 35 percent in 2018 for a 20-year average of 62 percent. CVWD
plans for a long-term average capability of 50 percent in the 2010 CVWMP Update and 2015
UWMP.
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Advanced Delivery
In 1984, MWD, DWA, and CVWD entered into an advanced delivery agreement, which allowed
MWD to store water from its Colorado River Aqueduct in the Coachella Valley. Prior to this
agreement, DWA and CVWD were exchanging their annual SWP Table A amount with MWD for
the same amount of water from MWD's Colorado River Aqueduct. This exchange is necessary
because the SWP conveyance system does not extend into the Coachella Valley. The 1984
agreement allows MWD to deliver more water into the Coachella Valley during wet periods or
periods when it has excess water, and to build a credit that it can use to provide the water in
exchange for DWA’s and CVWD's Table A amounts during dry periods. This ability for advanced
delivery and exchange creates a conjunctive use program among the three agencies.
In 2003, MWD, DWA, and CVWD entered into an exchange agreement whereby MWD
transferred title to 100,000 AF of its SWP Maximum Table A amount to DWA and CVWD. Under
the agreement, MWD obtained the right to callback the SWP water for its use for a maximum
number of times in a given period of years. The 100,000 AF was divided into two 50,000 AF
blocks. The 2015 UWMP and 2010 CVWMP Update assume that MWD will periodically exercise
its option to callback the 100,000 AF. The actual callback would depend on availability of
MWD's supplies to meet their demands. Since 2003, MWD exercised its callback option one
time, in 2005.
Long-Term Average SWP Deliveries
The amount of SWP supply that is available to CVWD for its own use was considered as the
long-term average SWP supply. The published capability of the SWP water has decreased over
time. The factors that could affect the SWP capability are considered in the 2015 UWMP and
the 2010 CVWMP update are:
Uncertainty in modeling restrictions associated with biological opinions,
Risk of levee failure in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta,
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Additional pumping restrictions resulting from biological opinions on new species
or revisions to existing biological opinions,
Impacts associated with litigations such as the California ESA lawsuit, and
Climate change impacts.
Due to these factors and the need to plan for higher contingency, the planning assumption in
the 2010 CVWMP Update and the 2015 UWMP is that the long-term future annual average
SWP capability will be at 50 percent until successful completion of the Bay-Delta Conservation
Plan and Delta conveyance facilities.
Groundwater basin recharge through direct and in-lieu (indirect) recharge is a major element of
CVWD's water management activities. CVWD has recharged at the Whitewater River GRF since
1973. CVWD has spent over $43.5 million on the construction of the TEL GRF in the eastern
Coachella Valley and over $42 million on the construction of the Mid-Valley Pipeline to move
canal water into the western Coachella Valley for source substitution of groundwater. The Palm
Desert GRF was completed in 2018 and began operation in early 2019. The protection of the
aquifer storage will be addressed through additional water supply purchases, water
conservation, and source substitution similar to the ones described in the 2010 CVWMP
Update.
The available supplies and water demands for CVWD's service area were analyzed in the water
supply conditions of the 2015 UWMP to assess the region's ability to satisfy current and future
urban water demands, including those of the Project, under three scenarios: a normal water
year, a single dry year, and multiple dry years. According to the 2015 UWMP, the urban water
demands in the CVWD service area (retail supply totals) are estimated to grow from 114,600 AF
in 2020 to 194,300 AF in 2040. Therefore, the estimated Project demands (941.03 AFY)
represent approximately 0.82 percent of the total water supply number (114,600 AF) for 2020
and would represent 0.49 percent of the total water supply number (194,300 AF) for 2035.
The following tables provide CVWD’s projected water supplies and demands in a normal year,
single dry year, and multiple dry years. These tables combine retail and wholesale numbers to
simplify the presentation. It should be noted that the retail supplies and demands presented in
the tables below include recycled water delivered to CVWD’s non-urban customers based on
DWR’s standardized tables and the 2015 UWMP Guidebook. However, as discussed in Sections
4 and 6 of the CVWD’s 2015 UWMP, recycled water is not considered an urban water supply
and is not delivered to CVWD’s urban water customers. Instead, recycled water is used to offset
the groundwater pumping of private well owners (mainly golf courses) to eliminate overdraft.
The wholesale demand and supply listed is the anticipated sale of raw Colorado River water to
the Indio Water Authority. These tables indicate that CVWD will be able to meet current and
future urban water demand needs through groundwater pumping, recharge with Colorado
River water, and distribution of treated Colorado River water during normal, single dry, and
multiple dry years over at least the next 20 years.
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DWR, requires the supply reliability tables to include both potable and recycled water; this is
summarized below in Table 3.0-12: Normal Year Supply and Demand Comparison (AF)
adapted from DWR Table 7-2 R and DWR Table 7-2 W), for the average year.
Table 3.0-12 Normal Year Supply and Demand Comparison (AF)
CVWD does not use recycled water in its urban water supply; therefore, a version of this table
without recycled water is presented in Table 3.0-13: Normal Year Supply and Demand
Comparison (AF) – Urban Supply Only, which more accurately represents CVWD’s urban water
supply reliability.
Table 3.0-13 Normal Year Supply and Demand Comparison (AF) - Urban Supply Only
Urban water supplies during the single dry year are 100% reliable. Thus, the supply and demand
comparison for the single dry year, shown in Table 3.0-14 Single Dry Year Supply and Demand
Comparison (AF) (adapted from DWR Table 7-3 R and DWR Table 7-3 W) is the same as the
average year.
Table 3.0-14 Single Dry Year Supply and Demand Comparison (AFY)
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Table 3.0-15 Single Dry Year Supply and Demand Comparison (AF) – Urban Supply Only,
presents the urban supply and demand comparison without recycled water.
Table 3.0-15 Single Dry Year Supply and Demand Comparison (AF) - Urban Supply Only
Similar to the single dry year, the multiple dry year urban water supply reliability is 100 percent.
Table 3.0-16 Multiple Dry Years Supply and Demand Comparison (AF) (adapted from DWR
Table 7-4 R and DWR Table 7-4 W), summarizes the multiple dry year supply and demand
comparison.
Table 3.0-16 Multiple Dry Years Supply and Demand Comparison (AF)
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Table 3.0-17: Multiple Dry Years Supply and Demand Comparison (AF) – Urban Supply Only,
presents the urban supply and demand comparison without recycled water.
Table 3.0-17 Multiple Dry Years Supply and Demand Comparison (AF) – Urban Supply Only
Summary
As summarized below in Table 3.0-18 Impact of Project Demand on Groundwater Supply,
projected water demand associated with the Project represents 0.49 percent of CVWD's total
projected urban water demand in 2040.
Per the 2015 UWMP and the 2010 CVWMP Update, CVWD included water demand from new
development that it assumed would occur within its service area. The projected demand for the
Project will therefore account for only a small fraction of the projected demands.
Table 3.0-18 Impact of Project Demand on Groundwater Supply
Andalusia West Specific Plan 2035
Total CVWD Supply 194,000 AF
Total Project Demand 941.03
Total Project Demand 2.45 AF/Acre
Percent of CVWD Supply 0.49
Source: Total supply extrapolated from 2015 UWMP, Table 7-4. Project demand extrapolated from data
Table 7 of this WSA, based on a 20-year build-out.
Note: 2040 is the projected final buildout year for the Project and completion of the Project.
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3.5 Conclusions
Based on the information, analysis, and findings documented in this WSA for the Project, there
is substantial evidence to support a determination that there will be sufficient water supplies to
meet the demands of the Project, as well as for future demands of the Project plus all
forecasted demands in the next 20 years. This is based on the volume of water available in the
aquifer, CVWD's Colorado River contract supply, SWP Table A amounts, water rights and water
supply contracts, and CVWD’s commitment to eliminate overdraft and reduce per capita water
use in CVWD’s service area. CVWD has committed sufficient resources to further implement the
primary elements of the 2010 CVWMP Update and 2015 UWMP, which includes the full
utilization of imported water supplies, purchase of additional water supplies, water
conservation, and source substitution.
The domestic water supply (potable) for the Project will be groundwater from the Indio
Subbasin in the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin via CVWD’s potable water distribution
system. Groundwater storage will be used in dry years to make up the difference between the
demand and the supply. The Indio Subbasin has a storage capacity of approximately 29.8
million AF within the first 1,000 feet below ground surface, simulating the benefit of a very
large reservoir, and is capable of meeting the water demands of the Coachella Valley for normal
and extended drought periods.
As discussed in the 2010 CVWMP Update, the 2015 UWMP, and this WSA, CVWD has many
programs to maximize the water resources available to the CVWD including recharge of the
subbasin using its Colorado River and SWP Exchange supplies, recycled wastewater, desalinated
shallow semi-perched brackish groundwater, conversion of groundwater uses to canal
water and water conservation including tiered water rates, landscaping ordinance, and
outreach and education.
CVWD’s groundwater replenishment programs establish a comprehensive and managed effort
to eliminate overdraft. These programs allow CVWD to maintain the groundwater subbasin as
its primary water supply and to recharge the groundwater subbasin as its other supplies are
available. CVWD has purchased 115,250 AF of additional annual SWP Table A amount since
2002.
Project Water Requirements
As shown in this WSA analysis, the projected demand for the Project will be 941.03 AFY, or 2.45
AF per acre, and accounts for approximately 0.49 percent of the total projected growth in water
demands presented in the 2015 UWMP for 2040.
It is anticipated that the Project will incorporate elements of CVWD’s water conservation plan
as required by SB X7-7. These include conservation elements for indoor and outdoor use for
residential units, the mixed-use town center, and open space uses. This may further reduce the
ultimate Project demands.
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4.0 WATER SUPPLY VERIFICATION
4.1 General
As discussed previously, the Andalusia at Coral Mountain Specific Plan, Amendment V (Project)
is subject to a Water Supply Verification (WSV) subject to the requirements of Senate Bill 221
SB 221) pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act because more than 500 residential dwelling units
are proposed.
4.2 Water Source
Project domestic water supplies and associated landscape irrigation supplies will be provided
from groundwater from the Indio Subbasin in the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin via
Coachella Valley Water District’s (CVWD’s) potable water distribution system. The WSV
addresses: (1) Information included in the CVWD’s 2010 Coachella Valley Water Management
Plan (CVWMP) Update and CVWD’s 2015 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP); (2) issues
related to groundwater recharge of non-groundwater sources, namely Colorado River water
and State Water Project (SWP) Exchange water; and (3) consideration of historical litigation
regarding the 2003 Quantification Settlement Agreement (QSA).
4.3 Supporting Documentation
This WSV relies on CVWD’s 2010 CVWMP Update. Supporting information is also used from
CVWD’s 2015 UWMP, as permitted by Government Code Section 66473.7 (c).
4.4 Factors of Reliability
4.4.1 General
Government Code Section 66473.7(a) requires that all of the following factors be considered:
1) The availability of the water supply over 20 years; (2) the applicability of CVWD’s Water
Shortage Contingency Analysis found in the 2015 UWMP; (3) the reduction of water supply to a
specific user by ordinance or resolution; and (4) the reasonable amount of groundwater supply
that can be relied upon, considering its natural sources as well as the supporting recharge
sources of SWP Exchange water and Colorado River water.
4.4.2 Historical Availability of Supply
As discussed previously in the Water Supply Assessment (WSA), the Coachella Valley has been
primarily dependent on groundwater as a source of domestic water supply since the early part
of the 20th century. The 2010 CVWMP Update and the CVWD 2015 UWMP review the
historical use of water in the Coachella Valley. In 1936, groundwater use was 92,400 acre-feet
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AF), and usage increased steadily to about 376,000 AF in 1999. The groundwater use in 2009
dropped to 358,700 AF due to a combination of water conservation efforts, source substitution
projects, and effects of the ongoing economic recession.
Groundwater use in the Indio Subbasin is currently 288,308 AF as shown in the Indio Subbasin
Annual Report for Water Year 2017-2018. Deliveries of Colorado River water and Metropolitan
Water District of Southern California (MWD) SWP Exchange water help offset groundwater use.
The Colorado River water deliveries have averaged approximately 343,632 acre-feet per year
AFY) over the past five years.
4.4.3 Reduction of Water Supply
No reduction of water supply is expected to any user due to this Project's use of water
resources, or due to CVWD's ongoing management of water resources and planning for growth
within their service area and throughout the Coachella Valley.
4.4.4 SWP and Colorado River Water
CVWD’s Colorado River water rights and SWP Table A allotments will provide supplemental
water for direct use and groundwater recharge to the Coachella Valley. CVWD proposes to
develop direct treatment of Colorado River water for potable uses in the future. The Coachella
Valley Groundwater Basin has the capacity to meet future demands. Based on the information
provided in the 2017 State Water Project Reliability Report (March, 2018), CVWD’s Colorado
River rights, recycled water, desalinated water, and CVWD’s conservation program, water
supplies will be sufficient to meet the Project’s needs and CVWD’s existing and future demands
in the event that additional conservation and/or supply limitations are necessary. The Project
will adhere to any and all limitations associated with their potential reduction in supply.
In addition, the United State Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) has developed interim surplus and
shortage guidelines for management of the Colorado River water supplies. The USBR preferred
alternative provides flexibility for the potential storage of additional conserved Colorado River
or Non-Colorado River water in Lake Mead. The guidelines that were adopted by USBR have
been updated and extended through 2026. The revised guidelines address the operation of
Lake Mead at relatively full elevations and determine when “surplus” water supplies would be
available to water users in Southern California, including the eastern Coachella Valley. As
currently drafted, the guidelines indicate water shortages will not negatively impact the
Colorado River water supply for the Coachella Valley. CVWD benefits from California’s
agricultural entitlement for Colorado River water, which is protected by an overall entitlement
of two million AF of Lower Basin Colorado River water with lower priority.
4.5 Impacts on Other Projects
This Project is within the goals of the 2010 CVWMP Update, and should not have a significant
impact on agricultural, urban, or industrial users. In addition, this Project should not affect the
water supply for future low-income housing projects.
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The Project will comply with CVWD Landscape Ordinance 1302.4. The Project may be
responsible for funding the purchase of additional imported water supplies to support its
projected demands on the public water system (PWS). Based on the findings of the WSV, it is
expected that the impacts to the groundwater subbasin are fully mitigated.
4.6 Rights to Groundwater
CVWD has the legal authority to manage the groundwater basins within its service area under
the County Water District Law (California Water Code, Division 12). The Coachella Valley
Groundwater Basin is not adjudicated. CVWD has the right to extract the groundwater as
needed to supply this Project. In 2015, CVWD filed a Notice of Election with the California
Department of Water Resources (DWR) to become a Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA)
for the Indio Subbasin in accordance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
SGMA). CVWD has submitted the 2010 CVWMP Update to DWR as the Alternative to a
Groundwater Sustainability Plan (Alternative Plan) for the Indio Subbasin, and DWR has
determined that the Alternative Plan satisfies the objectives of the SGMA and has approved the
Alternative Plan for the Indio Subbasin, and that they would be required to submit an
assessment and update of the Alternative Plan pursuant to the SGMA by January 1, 2022, and
every five years thereafter. The 2022 Alternative Plan Update for the Indio Subbasin is in
progress.
4.7 Verification
This document provides verification that adequate water supply for this Project is available, as
required by California Government Code Section 66473.7.
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5.0 LIST OF ACRONYMS
AB Assembly Bill
AF Acre-feet
AFY Acre-Feet per Year
AOB Area of Benefit
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CFS Cubic Feet per Second
CVSC Coachella Valley Stormwater Channel
CVWD Coachella Valley Water District
CVRWMG Coachella Valley Regional Water Management Group
CVWMP Coachella Valley Water Management Plan
CWA Coachella Water Authority
DWA Desert Water Agency
DWR California Department of Water Resources
EIR Environmental Impact Report
ESA Endangered Species Act
ETAF Evapotranspiration Adjustment Factor
gpcd gallons per capita per day
gpd gallons per day
GRF Groundwater Replenishment Facility
GSA Groundwater Sustainability Agency
GSP Groundwater Sustainability Plan
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ID-1 CVWD's Improvement District No. 1
IID Imperial Irrigation District
IRWMP Integrated Regional Water Management Plan
IWA Indio Water Authority
KC Conversion Factor
MAWA Maximum Applied Water Allowance
MGD million gallons per day
MSWD Mission Springs Water District
MWD Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
QSA Quantification Settlement Agreement
RCP Riverside County Projections
SB Senate Bill
SDCWA San Diego County Water Authority
SGMA Sustainable Groundwater Management Act
SWSC Supplemental Water Supply Charge
SWP State Water Project
SWRCB State Water Resources Control Board
USFWS U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
UWMP Urban Water Management Plan
WRP Water Reclamation Plant
WSA Water Supply Assessment
WSV Water Supply Verification
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6.0 REFERENCES
2010 Coachella Valley Water Management Plan Update. Prepared by MWH Americas Inc., and
Water Consult, January 2012.
2015 Urban Water Management Plan. Prepared for Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD),
July 2016.
CVWD Landscape Ordinance 1302.4 Landscape and Irrigation System Design Criteria, Adopted
by the Board of Directors of the Coachella Valley Water District, February 12, 2019.
2017 Final State Water Project Delivery Capability Report. Prepared by State of California
Natural Resources Agency, Department of Water Resources, March 2018.
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), 2018-19 Annual Review.
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), Coachella Valley Water Management Plan 2016 Status
Report, February 2017.
U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Lower Colorado Region, Boulder Canyon
Operations Office. Colorado River Accounting and Water Use Report: Arizona, California, and
Nevada Calendar Year 2016. May 2017.
U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Lower Colorado Region, Boulder Canyon
Operations Office. Colorado River Accounting and Water Use Report: Arizona, California, and
Nevada Calendar Year 2017. May 2018.
U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation Lower Colorado Region, Boulder Canyon
Operations Office. Colorado River Accounting and Water Use Report: Arizona, California, and
Nevada Calendar Year 2018. May 2019.
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), Coachella Water Authority (CWA), Desert Water
Agency (DWA), and Indio Water Authority (IWA). Indio Subbasin Annual Report for Water Year
2016-2017. Prepared by Stantec Consulting, Inc., March 2018.
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), Coachella Water Authority (CWA), Desert Water
Agency (DWA), and Indio Water Authority (IWA). Indio Subbasin Annual Report for Water Year
2017-2018. Prepared by Stantec Consulting, Inc., April 2019.
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Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). Engineer’s Report on Water Supply and Replenishment
Assessment 2016-2017. Prepared by Krieger & Stewart Engineering Consultants and MWH
Americas Inc., April 2016.
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). Engineer’s Report on Water Supply and Replenishment
Assessment 2018-2019. Prepared by Stantec Consulting, Inc. and Krieger & Stewart Engineering
Consultants, April 2018.
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD). 2019-2020 Engineer’s Report on Water Supply and
Replenishment Assessment. Prepared by Wildermuth Environmental, Inc., April 2019.
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) Indio Subbasin Annual Report for Water Year 2017-
2018. Prepared by Stantec March 2019.