NEWMAN — The Newman City Council is expected to hold a public hearing Tuesday night on two major water planning documents that outline how the city will manage long‑term water supplies and respond to future droughts.
The council is scheduled to receive public comments on the draft 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and the 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan. If no substantive changes are needed, the council will consider adopting both plans under separate resolutions.
The Urban Water Management Plan, updated every five years under state law, serves as the city’s primary long‑range water resource planning document. It evaluates existing and projected water demands, groundwater supplies, water supply reliability, conservation efforts and drought preparedness through 2050. Newman last adopted its UWMP in 2021.
According to the staff report, the 2025 update follows requirements in the California Water Code and the Department of Water Resources’ latest guidebook. It includes updated data on population projections, water use, distribution system water loss, groundwater conditions, drought risk and demand management. The plan concludes that Newman’s groundwater supplies are expected to meet projected demands under normal hydrologic conditions, assuming continued conservation and efficiency measures.
The Water Shortage Contingency Plan, included as Chapter 8 of the UWMP but adopted separately, outlines the city’s response framework for droughts, supply shortages and emergencies. The updated plan establishes six standardized shortage levels, ranging from up to 10% to more than 50% reductions. Each level includes demand‑reduction targets, water use restrictions, communication strategies, enforcement procedures and operational actions.
The WSCP also details how the city will conduct annual water supply assessments, monitor conditions, respond to catastrophic interruptions and lift restrictions once emergencies end.
City staff said preparation of the draft plans included coordination with nearby agencies and compliance with public participation requirements. The documents were made available at City Hall and on the city’s website, and notices were published in accordance with state law.
If adopted, the city will submit both plans to the Department of Water Resources within 30 days and provide copies to the State Library and affected local jurisdictions.
There is no direct fiscal impact associated with adopting either plan. Staff noted that maintaining a current UWMP is required for eligibility for state grants and loans related to water infrastructure.
The public hearing and potential adoption are scheduled as part of Tuesday’s council agenda.
