Picture of the week

There has been a lot of discussion and confusion about development south of Highway 50, its water supply, Measure W, and the drought.

FIRST:  In 2004, Measure W was passed by Folsom voters.  It states that water used to serve the area “….shall not cause a reduction in the water supplies designated to serve existing water users north of Highway 50 and the new water supply shall not be paid for by Folsom residents north of Highway 50.”

I interpret this to mean:
Existing residents will neither pay for nor contribute to water supplied to homes south of Highway 50.

SECOND:  A few days ago, on September 30th, the California Department of Water Resources declared the end of water year 2014 with little promise expected for water year 2015.

THIRD:  In May 2011 the Folsom South of U.S. 50 Specific Plan Project EIR/EIS was finalized in a standard and suitable way.  The public commented on all aspects of it and officials responded to the valuable commentary.  This project paves the way for 10,000 homes south of Highway 50.

While it is certainly not easy to track the source of water identified in 2011 that was supposed to serve the newly developing area, it is certain that existing residents are concerned about the sustainability of their water supply.  They wonder, “How long will our water supply hold out at the current rate of use?”

It would appear perfectly logical to ensure our current residents have a consistent water supply before constructing new homes.  However, our current City Council declares that construction will proceed.

Folsom’s Environmental Resources Director, Marcus Yasutake, said that through a special survey, our city found and repaired leaks and holes in our existing water system. The repair resulted in recovery of 4600 acre feet of water on an annual basis.  It is thought another 1000 acre feet/year of water can be recovered following the Willow Hill Pipeline fix.  All costs of these projects have been born by South of Hwy 50 fees and assessments.

Estimated Recovered Water	5600 Acre Feet
Max Required Acre Feet	5577 Acre Feet

According to the June 2010 Folsom Specific Plan Area Water Supply Assessment, the plan area will need between 5421 and 5577 acre feet/year.   Because the City recovered 4600 acre feet/year with a possible 1000 acre feet more, it appears there would be enough water to serve the new area under normal conditions.

However, we are entering our fourth year of drought – described as extreme and exceptional in areas.  While we all hope that this drought will be short lived, none of us are certain.  It is time to proceed with caution.  What is driving the NEED to build?

What normally drives the need to build?  If you take a look at the City of Folsom’s Operational Budget for 2013-2014, it is clear that our general fund has depended heavily and consistently on property tax and has done so for many years.  It is time for a change.