Report Prepared by: Debbie Forte, Water Conservation Coordinator, Public Works
Title
SUBJECT: Public Hearing to Review and Consider the Adoption of the Draft 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Draft Water Shortage Contingency Plan
REPORT IN BRIEF
Request City Council approve resolutions approving the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan following a Public Hearing.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Adopting Resolution 2026-36 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving and adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan for the City of Merced; and,
B. Adopting Resolution 2026-37 a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Merced, California, approving and adopting the 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan for the City of Merced; and,
C. Authorizing submittal of the Final Plans to the Department of Water Resources.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve as recommended by staff; or,
2. Return to staff to review public comments and revise; or,
3. Deny.
AUTHORITY
California Water Code Sections 10608-10656 requires that the City provide an updated Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP) and Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) every five years. Grant funding is dependent on having an updated UWMP in place.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
At the City Council meeting of February 17, 2026, Blackwater Consulting Engineers, Inc., was selected to update the City's Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan. Draft final reports have been completed and the link (https://www.cityofmerced.org/departments/public-works/water/urban-water-management-plan) to both plans was sent to Merced County, Merced Irrigation District, Merced County Association of Governments, UC Merced, Merced City School District and Merced Union High School District. Staff prepared a Notice of Public Hearing (see Attachment 1), advertised the...
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