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ACWA
NEWS
The King Fire Lends an Eerie Glow to the Evening Sky
ACWA’s • Member • Newsletter
A massive plume of smoke from the fast-moving King Fire looms above the tree line in Placer County on Sept. 17. The fire, believed to have been set by an arsonist on Sept. 13, has burned 97,099 acres and threatened the water and power resources of several ACWA member agencies. See story on page 2. Photo credit: YubaNet.com
Water Year 2014 Ends Among Driest Years on Record; Water Managers Brace for Dry 2015 California’s water year 2014 — which ended Sept. 30 — will go down as one of the driest years in the state’s recorded history, marked by dismally low 5% of water deliveries from the State Water Project and thousands of acres of cropland idled, according to newly released figures from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). Water year 2014 ended with less than 60% of average precipitation and is the third consecutive year the state has battled record-low precipitation. It is the fourth-driest year on
October 3, 2014
Forecasts are unclear as to whether 2015 will bring more rain. The federally run Central Valley Project has reduced deliveries down to zero for some junior rights holders. CA Water Continued on page 8
Water Law Expert Eric Garner to Address Groundwater in Keynote Remarks at ACWA Fall Conference & Exhibition Eric Garner, a leading authority on water law and a managing partner at Best Best & Krieger LLP, will discuss California’s historic new groundwater legislation Dec. 4 at ACWA’s Fall Conference & Exhibition in San Diego.
The conference, which will take place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego from Dec. 2 – Dec. 5, is themed: “Moment of Truth: One State, One Water Future.” Garner’s keynote speech is titled, “Groundwater Legislation: History in the Making or Another Dead End?” Garner has litigated cases and negotiated key agreements involving major Conference Continued on page 12
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record according to runoff data, exceeded only by 1977, 1924 and 1931. Reservoirs are low and dropping daily; some are approaching 1977 levels. As of Oct. 2, Lake Oroville was at 30% of capacity, Shasta Reservoir – 26% of capacity, Folsom Lake – 35% of capacity and San Luis Reservoir – 23% of capacity.
ACWA Member Agencies Affected by King Fire Concerned About Watershed
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PPIC Poll Shows 58% of Voters Support Prop. 1
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Governor Signs Various ACWASupported Planning and Conservation Bills
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Report Outlines How Climate Change May Impact Central Valley
ACWA News is a publication of the Association of California Water Agencies 910 K Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95814-3512 Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, CA. POSTMASTER: send address changes and subscription requests to ACWA News, 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3514 Smoke from the King Fire encroaches on the road leading to Placer County Water Agency’s Middle Fork Powerhouse. Last month, the fire threatened the hydroelectric plant and prompted PCWA’s board of directors to adopt an emergency resolution to respond to the fire. Photo credit: Placer County Water Agency
Phone: 916.441.4545 Fax: 916.561.7124 Website: acwa.com Executive Director Timothy Quinn Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Operations Jennifer Persike Director of Communications Lisa Lien-Mager Communications Specialist Pamela Martineau Communications Specialist Emily Allshouse Graphic Designer Katherine Causland Outreach and Social Media Specialist Marie Meade Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved. Call ACWA for Permission to Reprint. USPS 334030 Digital Only
Questions on Classified Ads? ACWA public agency members may post job descriptions, RFPs, items for sale and other miscellaneous classified ads in ACWA News and/ or online at acwa.com. More information is at acwa.com or contact Director of Communications Lisa Lien-Mager at lisalm@acwa.com or 916.441.4545. Connect with us:
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ACWA Member Agencies Affected by King Fire Concerned About Watershed, Power Resources Since it began on Sept. 13 the fast-moving King Fire has charred 97,099 acres and threatened the water and power resources of several ACWA member agencies. Although recent rains helped firefighters reach 92% containment for the massive fire by Sept. 30, it has already done significant damage. The fire has destroyed 12 homes and 68 other structures, burned power lines, ruined recreation areas, threatened hydroelectric facilities at the Hell Hole and Stumpy Meadows Reservoirs and has raised concerned about the area’s watershed. In response to immediate threats to its Middle Fork American River Hydroelectric Project at Hell Hole Reservoir, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) board of directors enacted an emergency resolution authorizing district managers to take all steps necessary to obtain supplies and manpower needed to respond to the King Fire quickly. The King Fire also torched a major PG&E power line affecting two of PCWA’s power plants, damaged recreation areas and burned large sections of Placer County’s watershed. “We’re extremely concerned and we’re monitoring the situation very closely. We’ve moved all of our employees out of the danger zone, so now our number one concern is protecting PCWA’s Middle Fork American River Project hydroelectric gen-
eration facilities and PG&E’s transmission lines. The agency and PG&E are coordinating with fire command and emergency services officials in El Dorado and Placer counties,” PCWA General Manager David Breninger said in a Sept. 19 statement. The fire’s effect on the area’s watershed also has become a serious concern, according to PCWA Director of Strategic Affairs Einar Maisch. “Sedimentation into the county’s waterways will become a major environmental concern once rain and runoff occurs this year and next,” said Maisch. Similar concerns also were faced by El Dorado Irrigation District (EID) officials as the blaze threatened structures at its hydroelectric plant and 27 old wooden flumes that make up portions of its 22mile water transport channel. At one point, EID had to evacuate 17 people from its hydroelectric system headquarters, known as Camp Five. However, firefighters were able to protect the areas, according to EID Communications and Community Relations Director Mary Lynn Carlton. “Fortunately, we dodged a couple bullets,” said Carlton. “We were really lucky.” The areas surrounding the Stumpy Meadows Reservoir were not as lucky, however, and have been severely burnt. Continued on page 3
PPIC Poll Shows 58% of Voters Support Prop. 1 on November Ballot Some 58% of likely voters say they support Proposition 1, the $7.5 billion water bond slated for the November ballot, according to a new poll released Sept. 23 by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC).
“The state water bond is supported by a 2-1 margin,” said Mark Baldassare, PPIC president and CEO. “More and more Californians perceive the drought as the top state issue and their region’s water supply as a big problem.”
After having read the ballot measure’s title and summary, 58% of likely voters say they would vote yes on the Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014. Some 29% would vote no, and 14% say they are undecided on the bond. Majorities across regions also favor the bond, with support highest in the San Francisco Bay Area (64%) and Inland Empire (62%), followed by the Central Valley (55%), Los Angeles (55%), and Orange/San Diego (51%).
The poll also highlights the public’s concern about water in California. Some 72% of likely voters say the supply of water is a big problem in their part of the state — up 11 points in just two months (61% in July). The survey also asked how Californians would vote if their local water district had a bond measure on the ballot to pay for water supply infrastructure projects. A strong majority of likely voters (67%) say they would vote yes. Majorities of registered Democrats (77%), independents (67%), and Republicans (56%) say they would vote yes, as do residents
across regions. And when asked the most important issue facing the state’s residents today, 29% of likely voters named water and drought, second only to jobs and the economy (32%). The PPIC statewide survey findings are based on a telephone survey of 1,702 California adult residents interviewed on landlines and cell phones from Sept. 8-15. Interviews were conducted in English or Spanish, according to respondents’ preferences. Likely voters are more divided on two other statewide ballot initiatives, one that would establish a budget stabilization account — or rainy day fund — and another that would give the state insurance commissioner authority over changes in health insurance rates.
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Stumpy Meadows Reservoir is the sole source of water for 2,400 residents in Georgetown served by Georgetown Divide Public Utility District (PUD).
“Our big concern currently … is what may have been done to the watershed,” said George Sanders, Georgetown Divide PUD interim general manager.
While the water distribution system has not been damaged by the fire, there are serious concerns about the fire’s effect on its water supply as silt, mud and ash will eventually wash into the reservoir with winter rain and snow.
Canyon areas near the Rubicon River, which is a designated wild trout river, and the Leonardi Falls Botanical Interest Area also are expected to suffer environmental impacts from the fire.
The U.S. Forest Service is already planning restoration efforts including a Burn Area Emergency Response Team that will determine the need for erosion control measures. For the most up-to-date information on the King Fire please visit CalFire’s website at www.calfire.ca.gov.
ACWA Board Votes to Support Proposition 2, Rainy Day Fund The ACWA Board of Directors voted Sept. 26 during its regular board meeting to formally support Proposition 2, the Rainy Day Budget Stabilization Act. The Rainy Day Budget Stabilization Act, which was placed on the ballot by Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature, would change the way the state’s existing “Rainy Day Fund” — known as the Budget Stabilization Account (BSA) — functions. The act would require annual
deposits of 1.5% of the state’s general fund revenues into the account. Prop. 2 also would direct personal capital gains revenues exceeding 8% of the general fund into the BSA. ACWA has prepared a Proposition 2 fact sheet available on its website, which details the measure’s provisions, lists arguments by supporters and opponents, and provides additional resources. More information on Proposition 2
can be found in the Secretary of State’s Official Voter Information Guide at www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov.
California
General Election October 3, 2014 • 3
Governor Signs ACWA-Supported Planning and Conservation Bills Gov. Jerry Brown has signed several ACWA-supported bills including AB 2067 (Weber) and SB 1420 (Wolk), related to Urban Water Management Plans, as well as AB 2104 (Gonzales) and SB 922 (Nielsen), related to homeowners associations’ landscape rules. These bills are expected to help California achieve its goal of a 20% reduction in water use statewide by 2020.
HOA Watering and Landscape Rules Under AB 2104, HOAs may continue to provide rules for outdoor landscaping but will now be prohibited from penalizing homeowners that opt to replace their lawns with drought-resistant plants. AB 2104 will become effective on Jan. 1, 2015 and does not require a drought emergency in order for the water-friendly plants to be allowed. “Brown is beautiful, and around the state HOAs are penalizing good-intentioned homeowners who replace their lush, water-intensive lawns with attractive, well-designed landscaping centered on drought-resistant plants,” said Assembly Member Lorena Gonzales (D-San Diego) in a statement. “Allowing homeowners
the freedom to use conservation-friendly landscaping is one important ingredient in reaching our goal of protecting our economy by saving water.” SB 922, which does not apply in HOA neighborhoods that use recycled water, prohibits HOAs from fining homeowners that reduce or discontinue lawn watering during a statewide drought emergency. The law goes into effect immediately. Nearly 25% of the state’s residents live in a neighborhood governed by an HOA.
Urban Water Management Plans SB 1420 and AB 2067 amend the Water Code to require that Urban Water Management Plans include analyses of distribution water losses and a narrative description of water demand management measures currently being implemented or scheduled for implementation (including the steps necessary for their implementation) to achieve water-use reduction targets. ACWA has a program session scheduled at the upcoming 2014 Fall Conference and Exposition on Thursday, Dec. 4 that will cover the Urban Water Manage-
ment Plan preparation cycle and changes required under the new laws. If you have questions regarding any of these recently signed bills, please contact ACWA’s Legislative Advocate Whitnie Wiley at whitniew@acwa.com or 916-441-4545.
House Natural Resources Committee Supports Three Storage Bills The House Natural Resources Committee on Sept. 18 voted to report three bills of interest to ACWA members out of committee. The votes on the bills, HR 3980, HR 3981, and HR 5412, fell largely along party lines.
The first bill, HR 3980: the Water Supply Permit Coordinating Act, passed out of the committee by a vote of 2318. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-CA), the sponsor of the bill, argued that the bill would streamline the current multi-agency permitting process for new storage projects into a single agency process that would be handled by the Bureau of Reclamation. He commented that it would cut down on many of the permitting delays that effect new storage projects. In response, Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-CA), said that the true impediment 4 • ACWA NEWS
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to new storage projects was not a lack of coordination between federal agencies, but instead a lack of users who are willing and able to cover the projects’ non-federal cost shares.
The second storage bill of interest to ACWA members, HR 3981: the Accelerated Revenue, Repayment, and Surface Water Storage Act, was passed out of committee by a vote of 25-16. The sponsor of the bill, Rep. Doc Hastings (R-WA), said that the purpose of his bill is to fix the current piecemeal approach to allowing water districts to prepay what they owe to the federal government. The bill would then use some of those early payments to fund storage projects. The final storage bill that the committee considered, HR 5412, the Bureau
of Reclamation Surface Water Storage Streamlining Act, was approved by a vote of 22-16. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Hastings, told the committee that his bill would force the Bureau of Reclamation to be more transparent and accountable. At the same time, Rep. Hastings argued that the bill would streamline and expedite the bureau’s approach to feasibility studies, which, in turn, would promote new and/or expanded storage projects. In response, Rep. Napolitano noted that the bill’s streamlined process would actually be more cumbersome, leading to more red tape. She also complained that the bill contained no new funding. The three bills now await a vote on the House floor where their passage is likely.
Governor Issues Order to Assist Households with Water Shortages Gov. Jerry Brown issued an executive order in mid-September aimed at streamlining assistance to households that rely on domestic wells or very small water systems and are currently without drinking water due to declining groundwater supplies as the drought continues. In a statement released Sept. 19, the governor calls the shortage of water for drinking and sanitation purposes a threat to human health and safety that will require the combined efforts of multiple agencies to combat.
The order makes funding available under the California Disaster Assistance Act and creates a cooperative effort between the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Water Resources and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and Planning and Research in identifying drinking water shortages and working with local agencies to implement solutions. In addition to creating a Drought Task Force, earlier this year the governor put forth a comprehensive Water Action Plan, signed historic groundwater
legislation, and put Proposition 1, the Water Quality, Supply and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014, on the November 2014 ballot. This latest action demonstrates Gov. Brown’s continued commitment to finding solutions to our current water crisis. For tips on how you can answer Gov. Brown’s call to all Californians to reduce their water use by 20% visit www.SaveOurWater.com.
Comment Period Opens on Funding for Proposed Drought Projects The Department of Water Resources (DWR) on Sept. 23 announced its recommendations for $200 million in grants for projects intended to alleviate the impacts of the current drought and improve regional drought preparedness.
Earlier this year, the governor and Legislature directed DWR to expedite the solicitation and award of the $200 million to support projects and programs that:
The public comment period on the recommendations is now open until Oct. 8.
• Increase local water supply reliability and the delivery of safe drinking water;
DWR is proposing allocating funds to 23 Integrated Regional Water Management Groups (RWMGs) for at least 110 projects and programs that will help alleviate drought conditions and improve regional drought preparedness. The expedited funding of the grants is made possible through the $687.4 million package of drought-response legislation signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in March.
• Assist water suppliers and regions to implement conservation programs and measures that are not locally costeffective;
DWR recommends fully funding 18 RWMG proposals and partially funding five. Following an expedited consideration of public comments, DWR anticipates announcing final awards by Oct. 31. Funding will be through the Proposition 84 program, a $5.4 billion general obligation bonds measure approved by voters in 2006, which authorized $1 billion in funding for IRWM, including $900 million that provided dedicated allocations of funding to 11 hydrologic regions in California.
• Provide immediate regional drought preparedness;
• Reduce water quality conflicts or ecosystem conflicts created by the drought. DWR issued a solicitation in June and received 39 proposals requesting approximately $339 million for a total of 180 projects, with a total project cost of approximately $970 million. The proposals were reviewed and evaluated consistent with program guidelines and the proposal solicitation package that are posted at DWR’s website. DWR’s funding recommendation covers 23 proposals for projects with an estimated total cost of $600 million. DWR grants will help leverage approximately $400 million in additional funds from local and federal sources. The draft funding recommendations
would provide funding to a wide variety of projects, including the following examples: • Installation of approximately 13,000 linear feet of pipeline to serve recycled water to 2,000 acres of San Benito County agricultural land that is currently irrigated with potable water. • Construction of three new wells and the upgrade of three existing interties and construction of two new interties to strengthen the water supply reliability of six disadvantaged community public water systems in Ukiah, the county seat of Mendocino County. • Replacement of 18 miles of the unlined Amador Water Agency Canal with a pipeline that will conserve about 1,800 acre-feet/year (AFY) of water lost through seepage and evaporation. • The development of two groundwater recharge basins and installation of new reverse flow pumps to conserve approximately 1,000 AFY in the Arvin-Edison area. The proposals recommended for funding are linked at www.water.ca.gov. DWR held a public comment meeting on Sept. 30.
October 3, 2014 • 5
Report Outlines How Climate Change May Impact Central Valley Projected changes in temperature and precipitation, combined with a growing population, will significantly impact water supplies, water quality, fish and wildlife habitats and other elements of California’s Central Valley this century, according to a report released Sept. 22 by the Department of the Interior’s Deputy Secretary Michael L. Connor. “These projections by Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation show the importance of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to address challenges like those California’s Central Valley will face to provide a sustainable water supply for its citizens and economy,” Connor stated in the press release. “As President Obama will emphasize once again at the UN Summit this week, climate change is not a problem we can leave to future generations to solve. The challenges to our water supplies illustrated in this study provide graphic examples of how acting now is an economic imperative as well as an environmental necessity.” The Sacramento and San Joaquin Basins Climate Impact Assessment projects temperatures may increase as the distance grows from the Pacific Ocean. Although most of the Central Valley may warm by 1°C in the early 21st century, a 2°C increase is projected by mid-century. Precipitation patterns indicate that there is a clear north to south decreasing precipitation trend compared to historical trends.
In the northern parts of the Sacramento Valley there may be an overall increase to average annual precipitation. “This assessment is one of several that studies climate risks to water supplies and related resources in river basins in the western United Sates,”Connor continued in the release. “Although it is quite sobering to see the projections, we will follow up these assessments by continuing our work with the state of California and interested stakeholders to implement climate adaptation strategies in the Bay-Delta and other regions of the state. I am confident this ongoing collaboration along with the Climate Action Plan and the state’s water action plan will help ensure that California has the necessary water supply to meet its future needs.” The study released Sept. 22 presents an overview of the current climate and hydrology over the entire Central Valley including the Sacramento, San Joaquin and Tulare Lake basins. It also evaluates how projected climatic and hydrologic changes could impact water availability, management and demands while analyzing impacts of future urban growth and changes in land-use within the Central Valley. Some findings of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Impact Assessment that show a potential for significant implications for water management, human infrastructure and ecosystems include the following:
Mountain snowpack in many parts of California is expected to melt more quickly in coming years due to climate change.
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Due to the warming conditions, the runoff will increase in winter and decrease in spring as more precipitation falls as rain instead of snow. Reservoirs may fill earlier and excess runoff would have to be released earlier to ensure proper flood protection is maintained. This may lead to reduced storage in reservoirs when the summer irrigation season begins.
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Water demands are projected to increase. Urban water use is expected to increase due to population increases in the Central Valley while agricultural uses are projected to decrease because of a decline in irrigated acreage and to a lesser extent the effects of increasing carbon dioxide.
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Water quality may decline by the end of the century. Sea levels are predicted to rise up to 1.6 meters in that time frame which will lead to an increase in salinity in the Delta and a decline of habitat for fish and wildlife. River water temperatures may increase because cold water availability from reservoir storage would be reduced.
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The food web in the Delta is projected to decline. Projected lower flows through the Delta and reduced cold water due to lower reservoir levels will make less water available for species, including endangered species such as migrating salmon.
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Hydropower generation is projected to decline in Central Valley Project facilities due to decreased reservoir storage. However, net power usage is also expected to decline due to reductions in pumping water and conveyance.
The climate projections utilized the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 3, CMIP3, climate projections with demographic and land use estimates based on the California Department of Water Resources Water Plan 2009. Continued on page 7
Newswatch
Sacramento-Area Agencies Reduce Water Use by 20% or More in August The Regional Water Authority (RWA) on Sept. 18 announced that 14 of the water providers it represents have accomplished impressive water savings of at least 20% or more in August 2014, as compared to last year’s August numbers. RWA’s analysis of data submitted by local water suppliers shows that in August alone the regional reductions came in at an average of 21%. Since the beginning of the year, the area has averaged a 19% reduction in water use. The RWA’s “Drought Busters” are: • California-American Water (25%); • El Dorado Irrigation District (25%); • Rio Linda/Elverta Community Services District (25%); • Orange Vale Water Company (24%); • Placer County Water Agency (24%);
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City of Sacramento (24%); City of West Sacramento (24%); Carmichael Water District (23%); Citrus Heights Water District (23%); Fair Oaks Water District (23%); San Juan Water District (23%); City of Roseville (21%); Elk Grove Water District (20%); and Sacramento Suburban Water District (20%).
RWA Water Efficiency Program Manager Amy Talbot praised the “spectacular” efforts of residents in the region and noted that a continued commitment is needed. “As we move into fall and winter, it will be important for residents to continue conserving water,” she said. “Even normal or above-average precipitation is
unlikely to erase the effects of three dry years. We’re in this for the long haul.” Sacramento-area water suppliers were among those highlighted by the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) earlier this month for noteworthy conservation efforts. Under emergency regulations adopted by the State Board in July, urban water suppliers are required to report monthly water production data to help track progress towards reducing water use statewide. The RWA has launched a redesigned website at bewaterwise.info offering drought information, water saving tips and helpful tools like its sprinkler scheduling tool sponsored by the Water Forum.
Continued from page 6
This study supports the broader Sacramento and San Joaquin Basins Study, part of the Department of the Interior’s WaterSMART Program. The basin study, which is expected to be completed in 2015, will provide additional analysis including the evaluation of adaptation strategies to mitigate impacts of climate change and meet future water demands. It will also update the climate projections using the recently-released Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5, CMIP5, climate projections and land use - demographic projections based on the recent California State Water Plan 2013 update, which were not available
when the analysis was completed for this impact assessment.
Reclamation Commissioner Lowell Pimley said.
“This study confirms that the current status quo for water supply in California is not sustainable,” Deputy Secretary Connor said. “Reclamation and its partners in California are already developing solutions to meet the projected imbalances between future supply and demand within the Central Valley.”
The WaterSMART program focuses on improving water conservation, sustainability and helping water resource managers make sound decisions about water use. It identifies strategies to ensure that this and future generations will have sufficient supplies of clean water for drinking, economic activities, recreation and ecosystem health. The program also identifies adaptive measures to address climate change and its impact on future water supply and demand.
“The Sacramento and San Joaquin Basins Study will provide a roadmap forward for Reclamation and the State of California to ensure a sustainable water supply well into the future,” Acting
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Office for Lease October 3, 2014 • 7
Newswatch
New Poll Shows Orange County Voters Support Desalination A poll released Sept. 17 by Probolsky Research shows that 69% of likely voters within the boundaries of the Orange County Water District (OCWD) support construction of the proposed Huntington Beach desalination facility. “For the first time in many years we are seeing water supply as a top issue of concern for Orange County voters. The current drought facing the region and the state is driving this interest,” said Adam Probolsky.
should be creating new water supplies like seawater desalination; and
The survey also showed that: •
86% of respondents are concerned about the availability of water in their community;
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70% of respondents say that desalination is the best option for reliable local water;
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60% of respondents would support a partnership between OCWD and Poseidon Water to purchase drinking water from the facility;
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13% of respondents are opposed to the facility.
The poll was conducted from Aug. 12 through Aug. 24. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 5.4% with a 95% of confidence. Full poll information is available on the Probolsky Research website at www.probolskyresearch.com.
37% say OCWD’s top priority
Reclamation District 1000 Awarded SDLF Transparency Certificate The Reclamation District 1000 (RD 1000) announced last month that it has been awarded the Special District Leadership Foundation’s (SDLF) Transparency Certificate of Excellence in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance. The SDLF is an independent, nonprofit organization that promotes good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through various recognition programs. In order to receive the SDLF transparency award, a special district
must demonstrate the completion of eight essential governance transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting public meetings, and filing timely financial transactions and compensation reports with the State Controller.
“This award is a testament to Reclamation District 1000’s commitment to open government,” said General Manager Paul Devereux. “The entire district staff is to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with information and facilitate engagement and oversight.”
RD 1000 also fulfilled 15 website requirements, including posting board agendas, minutes, and the district’s budget and most recent audit. RD 1000 also completed a salary/benchmarking survey and community transparency reviews.
RD 1000 maintains over 40 miles of levees surrounding the perimeter of the Natomas basin and operates and maintains hundreds of miles of canals and seven pump stations in the interior to collect and safely discharge the rain that falls within the Natomas basin back into the river.
Still, some communities are scrambling for drinking water and on Sept. 19, the governor streamlined the delivery of water to families in need.
DWR and the Association of California Water Agencies urge all Californians to conserve water by following the advice and tips found at SaveOurWater.com.
Many experts believe the deepening drought has increased the severity of the fire season, with fires spreading more rapidly and farther due to dry conditions.
DWR’s California Data Exchange Center websites show current water conditions at the state’s largest reservoirs and weather stations.
Officials with DWR note that while cumulative reservoir storage in 1977 — California’s driest year on record — was approximately five million acre-feet less than today, the state’s population has increased dramatically since that time so the state’s water now must serve far more people.
Reservoirs: http://cdec.water.ca.gov/ reservoir.html
CA WATER Continued from page 1
“The immediate certainty is that dayto-day conservation — wise, sparing use of water — is essential as we face the possibility of a fourth dry winter,” DWR Director Mark Cowin said in a prepared statement. Gov. Jerry Brown declared a drought state of emergency in January and called for a 20% reduction in water use. Water agencies up and down the state have responded to the call for conservation, adopting mandatory water restrictions and ramping up their conservation messaging. Many communities have exceeded the 20% reduction in water usage over last year’s figures. 8 • ACWA NEWS
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Precipitation: http://cdec.water.ca.gov/ snow_rain.html
Newswatch
Sierra Nevada Forest Health in Rapid Decline, New Report Says A new report released on Sept. 22 by the Sierra Nevada Conservancy shows that many Sierra Nevada forests are in critical condition and that natural benefits that these forests provide, such as clean air and water, are at risk from large, intense fire. Sierra watersheds are the origin of over 60% of the state’s developed water supply, and store significant amounts of carbon. According to the report, the current drought and a changing climate are rapidly intensifying the situation in the Sierra. The State of Sierra Nevada Forests Report compiled current science and research that tells the story of a region of great value to the state in extreme danger. According to the report, Sierra communities and forests are faced with unprecedented fire danger due to current forest conditions, and numerous other values such as air quality, water supply, wildlife habitat, tourism and recreation, and carbon storage are at risk. In order to protect these values, the report highlights the urgent need for an increase in the pace and scale of ecological forest restoration in the Sierra. “The health of many of our Sierra forests is not good and getting worse,” commented Jim Branham, executive officer of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. “Failing to understand the urgency of the situation and act appropriately will have
devastating consequences to California’s environment and economy.” The 25 million-acre Sierra Nevada Region encompasses one-quarter of the state, and all or part of 22 counties. In addition to serving as California’s primary watershed and storing vast amounts of carbon, Sierra forests provide clean air, provide habitat for hundreds of wildlife species, and are a world- renowned tourist destination. The report cites research that indicates that the size and severity of wildfires has been increasing, and with that comes increased post-fire erosion in Sierra streams and reservoirs, increased greenhouse gas emissions, higher levels of air pollution from smoke, loss of recreational opportunities, loss of critical habitat, and negative impacts to local economies. Impacts in the forested watersheds of the Sierra Nevada affect virtually all Californians. The State of Sierra Nevada Forests Report identifies specific obstacles that need to be addressed in order to put Sierra Nevada forests on a path to ecological health and protect California’s air and water quality. The report also calls for a commitment from a variety of state, federal, and local entities to address these challenges. Based on the conclusions in the report, the Conservancy is developing an action
plan to address the issues. They intend to use a collaborative approach in doing so, involving state, federal and local entities, as well as a wide range of stakeholders representing various interests. “We need a dramatic increase of pace and scale of ecological restoration, especially on our federally managed lands,” Branham continued. “There is broad consensus on the need to act and to do so in an ecologically sound manner.” To download the full report visit http://www.sierranevada.ca.gov/ourwork/state-of-the-sierra.
Urgent action is needed in the Sierra Nevada to avoid devastating impacts on California’s environment and economy.
The State of the Sierra Nevada’s Forests
B.J. Kirwan, Board Chair Sierra Nevada Conservancy Jim Branham, Executive Officer jim.branham@sierranevada.ca.gov Joan Keegan, Assist. Executive Officer joan.keegan@sierranevada.ca.gov
USGS Streamflow Database Shows Increase After Napa Earthquake Data from the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) national streamflow database has confirmed an interesting hydrogeologic phenomenon — an increase in streamflows in previously dry creeks, rivers and streams following the Aug. 24 earthquake in South Napa. A mere 30 minutes after the earthquake, the database recorded an increase in streamflow in Sonoma Creek. By Sept. 12, data showed that the streamflow had intermittently increased from 0.1 cubic
feet per second to almost 3 cubic feet per second. The increase is believed to be the result of groundwater being released by the 6.0-maginatude earthquake. According to the USGS, increased streamflows caused by earthquakes have been recorded for many years. Based on previously observed patterns, the USGS expects to see the increased streamflows drop again in the next several months provided there is not significant rainfall.
The USGS national streamflow database has been recording data from 182 streamgages throughout California for the past 30 years. The database currently shows that 62% of rivers and streams in the state are flowing at less than 25% of normal, while 44% of rivers and streams are at flows of less than 10% of normal. For more on the USGS national streamflow database please visit the USGS website at www.usgs.gov.
October 3, 2014 • 9
People News
WMWD Board Recognizes Dedicated Service as Charles Field Resigns Longtime board of directors member Charles D. Field, a retired Riverside County Superior Court judge and longtime community member, retired from the Western Municipal Water District (WMWD) Board of Directors on Sept. 19 after seven years of service. Field represented WMWD’s Division 1 which includes a portion of the city of Riverside located south of the Santa Ana River and north of the 91 Freeway to the San Bernardino County line. His tenure included serving as WMWD’s representative to the Chino Desalter Authority, member of the Chino Basin Watermaster Board and participating on behalf of the
WMWD on a special committee with the city of Riverside. While practicing law with Riversidebased Best, Best & Krieger from 1963 to 1990, he worked his way up to managing partner of the firm. Field was then appointed to the Riverside Superior Court by Gov. George Deukmejian where he worked for the juvenile court before moving to the civil division where he served until retiring in August 2004. During a 40-plus year career, he also served his community in various capacities with local committees and organizations such as the University of California, Riverside (UCR) Alumni Association, UCR Foundation, the California State Bar, The Press-Enterprise, the Riverside Arts Council, the Riverside Arts Founda-
tion and the Public Service Law Corp. of Riverside County, where he sits on the board of the Riverside County Law Library today. In 2011, Field and his wife Virginia received a Life Achievement Award from the mayor of Riverside for their tireless community involvement and significant contributions to the quality of life in the city of Riverside. “To have such an outstanding leader on our dais these last several years has been a true asset to the district,” said General Manager John Rossi. “Charlie has brought such a depth of experience and knowledge to bear on the challenges of providing reliable water supply to our region.” Field’s successor as WMWD’s Division 1 director is Bob Stockton.
San Diego County Water Authority Board Elects New Officers The San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors (SDCWA) has elected new officers s to serve two-year terms which began on Wednesday, Oct. 1. Mark Weston, representing the city of Poway, will serve as board chair. Mark Muir, representing the San Dieguito Water District, will serve as vice chair. Jim Madaffer, representing the city of San Diego, will serve as board secretary.
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Vol. 42 | Digital
Weston says he is honored to take lead of the board during such an important time. “This will undoubtedly be a challenging tenure in light of the ongoing drought, which has shown no signs of abating. But the San Diego region is a statewide leader in water conservation, and I have no doubt that our residents, businesses and civic leaders will once again pull together to save more water,” he said. Weston joined the SDCWA board in December 2011 and has served as vice chair since January 2013. He currently sits on SDCWA’s Water Planning and Administrative and Finance committees. He previously served as chair of SDCWA’s Water Planning Committee and vice chair of its Legislation, Conserva-
tion and Outreach Committee. Weston replaces Thomas V. Wornham. Incoming Vice Chair Muir joined SDCWA as a representative for the San Dieguito Water District in 2013. He currently serves as vice chair of SDCWA’s Imported Water Committee and as a member of its Legislation, Conservation and Outreach Committee. Muir represented the Olivenhain Municipal Water District on the board from 20032011. Newly elected Secretary Madaffer, a SDCWA member since 2012, is currently the vice chair of SDCWA’s Legislation, Conservation and Outreach Committee, and a member of its Water Planning and Audit committees.
CALENDAR October 6 – 7
CalDesal 3rd Annual Conference is Oct. 6 – 7 in Monterey. The conference will be attended by desalination industry professionals, CalDesal member agency representatives, local and state/federal agency staff and decision makers, California legislators, nongovernmental organizations and other special guests. For more information contact Ron Davis at rond@ caldesal.org, or by phone at (916) 492-6082.
14 The Santa Ana River Watershed Conference for the 6th Annual OWOW event is set for Oct. 14 at the Riverside Convention Center, Riverside. For more information go to http://www.watereducation.org/ sawpa2014. 17
ACWA Regions 6 & 7 are co-hosting a forum to discuss San Joaquin Valley policy issues in Visalia on Oct. 17. Registration deadline is Oct. 10 and is available online at http://www.acwa.com/ ACWARegions6_7. For more information contact Regional Affairs Representative Katie Dahl at katied@ acwa.com.
19 – 20
ACWA Region 5 is hosting a program on outsidethe-box approaches to watershed sustainability in the Tri-Valley on Oct. 19-20 in Livermore. Registration is available online at http://www.acwa. com/ACWARegion5. For more information contact Regional Affairs Representative Katie Dahl at katied@ acwa.com.
26 – 27
ACWA Region 8, 9, and 10 joint tour and program is Oct. 26-27 in San Diego. Registration is available online at www.acwa.com. For more information please contact Member Services Group Manager Tiffany Giammona at tiffanyg@acwa.com.
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Groundwater Land Use Symposium scheduled for Oct. 29 in Clovis will present a statewide panel of experts to provide thought-provoking discussions about the correlation between land use and groundwater. Registration deadline is Oct. 17. To register and more information go to http://www. kingsbasinauthority.org/groundwater-symposium.
ACWA Events
Other Events
and rearing, flood management, agricultural diversions, and gravel mining impacts. The tour begins and ends in Fresno. For more information go to www.watereducation.org.
12 – 14
The 2014 NWRA Annual Conference at the prestigious Hotel Del Coronado in Coronado, California is Nov. 12 – 14. Online registration is available at http://www.shop.nwra.org/main.sc.
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Mono Lake at 20: Past, Present and Future, a Berkeley Law Symposium is set for Nov. 17 at Byron Sher Auditorium, CalEPA Headquarters, Sacramento. For more information and registration go to http://www.law.berkeley.edu/ MonoLake20.htm.
December 2 – 5
ACWA’s 2014 Fall Conference & Exhibition is Dec. 2 – 5 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego. Registration available online at www. acwa.com. Deadline for online registration is Nov. 7. For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545.
November 6 – 7
The Water Education Foundation is hosting a tour of the San Joaquin River Restoration on Nov. 6 – 7. Tour stops include Friant Dam, Interim San Joaquin River Salmon Conservation and Research Facility, Chowchilla Bifurcation and Canal, Mendota Pool, Sack Dam, Sand Slough Control Structure, and the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. Participants learn about water project operations, salmon spawning October 3, 2014 • 11
classifieds
Positions Open District Manager San Lorenzo Valley Water District
Association of California Water Agencies 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3577
Periodicals Postage Paid at Sacramento, CA
Time Valued Material
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District seeks a District Manager. Bachelor’s Degree in Business or Public Administration, Engineering, or a related field and five years of increasingly responsible upper-level management experience in a public sector setting (preferably in the area of water treatment and distribution) are required, as is possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License and a safe driving record. A master’s degree is desirable. Salary under review and DOQ.
Water Bond Public Education Toolkit No. 2 Available
Apply online at www.bobmurrayassoc.com. Contact Regan Williams at (916) 784-9080 with questions. Brochure with full details available on website. Closing date October 10, 2014.
ACWA has prepared a second toolkit with additional tools for members to use in educating the public about Proposition 1 – the $7.5 billion water bond slated for the November ballot.
Water Quality & Compliance Supervisor Mesa Water District Mesa Water District is seeking highly motivated, self-starter qualified applicants for Water and Quality Compliance Supervisor. This position directs and supervises the District’s Water Quality, Environmental Compliance and Safety and Emergency Planning Programs. For more information about this opportunity, including the application process, go to MesaWater.org and click on the Human Resources tab. First consideration will be given to completed application packages received no later than Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014 at 11:00 p.m. $6,971-$9,610/mo.
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western U.S. water bodies, including the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the Mojave River, the Santa Ana River and the Santa Maria, Chino, Monterey and Antelope Valley groundwater basins. Garner is one of several speakers at the annual conference. Other issues explored will be the state’s response to the drought, the future of water transfers and protecting water rights.
This kit includes a checklist of suggested actions water agencies may choose to take locally, a new fact sheet on Proposition 1 with pro and con arguments, an FAQ, talking points, a basic Proposition 1 PowerPoint presentation, an infographic and a variety of sample materials for use in reaching out to local cities, counties or community groups with information on Proposition 1. Also included are guidelines for public agencies regarding permissible activities with respect to ballot measures. An initial toolkit was distributed in
Water bond 2014 August with basic information and a sample resolution on Proposition 1 for agencies interested in taking a position on the measure. The initial toolkit is available on ACWA’s website www.acwa.com. To download Member Toolkit No. 2, the Proposition 1 PowerPoint and a list of supporters, visit http://www.acwa.com/ spotlight/2014-water-bond. Member login is required. ACWA members may direct questions to Jennifer Persike, ACWA Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Operations at jenniferp@acwa.com or (916) 441-4545.