Scott M. Lesch

The 2025 Urban Water Management Plan for Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) serves as a roadmap to ensure long-term water supply reliability, regulatory compliance, and sustainable water resource planning through 2050. The plan details the management of primary water sources, including local groundwater and recycled water, complemented by imported water agreements. It addresses projected increases in water demands, evaluates drought risk until 2050, and outlines a comprehensive Water Shortage Contingency Plan. RPU's strategy also incorporates active water conservation programs, regional planning coordination, and public engagement to promote efficient water use and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

The board conducted public hearings for the 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan and the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan, recommending their adoption. Actions taken included awarding contracts for water pipeline replacement projects, approving gas turbine maintenance and automation module purchases for the Riverside Energy Resource Center, and adjusting legal budget expenditures. Furthermore, the board approved various annual purchase orders for fiscal year 2026-27, a land sale agreement, and received the 2050 General Plan and Climate Action updates. Finally, the board approved a consultant services agreement for laboratory testing and adopted a resolution for electric and water user fees.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the revocation of a minor conditional use permit for a downtown bar and nightclub, which was continued for 90 days. The commission also considered and approved a conditional use permit for a new public charter school, determining the project was exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. Additionally, it was announced that the upcoming meeting for June 18, 2026, would be cancelled.

The 2025 Urban Water Management Plan for Riverside Public Utilities serves as a comprehensive roadmap for ensuring long-term water supply reliability, regulatory compliance, and sustainable water resource planning. The plan focuses on managing diverse water supplies, including primary local groundwater and recycled water, complemented by imported water. It addresses projected increases in water demands through detailed Demand Management Measures and outlines strategies for drought risk assessment and contingency planning, integrating considerations for climate change impacts, with a vision to meet water demands through 2050.

The Board received a comprehensive update regarding the state-mandated Public Benefits Energy Surcharge Fund. Key topics included the legislative history of energy efficiency requirements, an overview of fund revenue and expenditure patterns over the last decade, and specific details on various residential and commercial energy efficiency, renewable energy, and low-income assistance programs. The presentation also covered educational outreach initiatives, program inspection and compliance protocols, and current administrative expenditures. The Board was recommended to accept the update and instruct staff to develop a future Public Benefits Energy Surcharge plan incorporating potential program enhancements and new offerings.