ACWA News for Jan. 10, 2014 by ACWA

NEWS

ACWA digital

ACWA’s • Member • Newsletter

Volume 42 | Digital January 10, 2014

Snow continues to be scarce in the Sierra, where Frank Gehrke, chief of snow surveys for the California Department of Water Resources, takes a reading near Echo Summit south of Lake Tahoe on Jan. 3. The snowpack is about 20% of average for this time of year and officials are bracing for meager runoff in the spring and summer. Photos by Florence Low / Department of Water Resources.

State’s First Snow Survey of 2014 Confirms Meager Water Content to Date in Sierra The Department of Water Resources’ first manual snow survey of the season on Jan. 3 recorded predictably dismal results: the Sierra snowpack in California is about 20% of normal for the date.

DWR took measurements at the traditional location near Echo Summit about 10 miles south of Lake Tahoe. They are as follows: Alpha (7,600 feet), snow depth of 7.9 inches

and 2 inches of water content, 15% of normal for the date; Phillips Station (6,800 feet) 9.3 inches of snow depth and 2.3 inches of water content, 20% of normal; and Lyons Creek (6,700 feet) 15.4 inches of snow and 3.6 inches of water. Officials noted that this snowpack reading is similar to 2012 and accounts for only 7% of Snowpack Continued on page 9

Drought Declaration Could Happen in February if Dry Conditions Persist, DWR Director Says Streamlined water transfers should help, but many challenges remain Federal, state and local water officials briefed the California State Board of Food and Agriculture Jan. 7 on the ongoing impacts of last year’s record-dry conditions and how water transfers might help the state cope with its bleak water outlook.

snow survey. The extra few weeks would give California more certainty that 2014 is destined to be another critically dry year, officials said.

Department of Water Resources (DWR) Director Mark Cowin told the board during an informational hearing Jan. 7 in Sacramento that the governor’s interagency drought task force has talked about the potential timing of a drought proclamation but DWR has urged waiting at least until after the Feb. 1

Federal officials who manage the Central Valley Project water system seem to be of the same mind that another dry year is coming and a drought isn’t far behind.

Executive Director Timothy Quinn’s Column: Looking Back at a Busy 2013 for ACWA

Local Agencies Keeping a Close Watch on Water Supplies

“Frankly, I believe we will have a drought proclamation. The signs are pretty clear at this point,” Cowin said.

“We are in a pretty deep hole right now,” said Paul Fujitani, deputy operations manager Drought watch Continued on page 3

City of San Diego Wins 2013 Huell Howser Best in Blue Award

ACWA Presents Emissary Award to Marion Ashley at Fall Conference

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 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 Matt Williams Graphic Designer Katherine Causland Outreach & Social Media Specialist Ellen Martin Copyright 2013. 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:

2 • ACWA NEWS

Vol. 42 | Digital

Executive Director’s Column

By Timothy Quinn

Looking Back at a Busy 2013 for ACWA With the new year upon us, it’s a good time to look back at what was a busy and productive 2013 for ACWA. Above all, our members once again came together to foster agreement on some of the state’s most complex water issues, choosing to build consensus rather than focusing on differences. Time and again in 2013, we provided effective and unified leadership as California was dealing with several critical water issues of statewide significance — Delta planning, the water bond and groundwater concerns, to name a few. Notably, in September the ACWA Board unanimously adopted the association’s Statewide Water Action Plan (SWAP). Developed through collaboration with a broad cross-section of member agencies, the plan outlines 15 actions to improve water supply reliability, protect water rights and the integrity of the state’s water system, and promote better stewardship. Among many benefits, SWAP places California’s coequal goals of improving the Delta’s water supply reliability and restoring habitat within the larger context of a broader plan to improve California’s entire water system. The Delta can evoke strong opinions, but ACWA members again showed that when it comes to the state’s water future, we have more in common than many Californians realize. I am pleased and excited that 79 agencies so far have adopted resolutions or sent letters supporting SWAP. The number of supporters is growing every day. The diversity of the supporting agencies is extraordinary: They come from all 10 ACWA regions, in Northern and Southern California; they represent agricultural and urban interests, and include export contractors and upstream senior water rights holders. Our members presented SWAP to the Brown Administration last fall, and soon after the Governor released his own water action plan that shares many elements in common with SWAP. We look forward

to working with the Governor next year on the California Water Action Plan to ensure local water agencies have a voice in statewide water action. It’s important to remember that SWAP wouldn’t have been possible without the continued implementation of ACWA’s Reorganization and Revitalization Plan, which is improving the association’s operations and service delivery. Because we are now more efficient since the reorganization began in early 2012, it has allowed me and other key staff to travel around the California to build consensus for SWAP and gather additional support among our members. SWAP certainly has been a cornerstone accomplishment for ACWA this year, but it’s only one of many successful efforts. For example, in March the ACWA Board supported modifications to the 2014 water bond that would result in a smaller $8.2 billion bond. The smaller bond protects key statewide priority areas and will aid its passage. ACWA is eager to share the details of its bond proposal with legislators, as there are indications the Assembly could resume work on the water bond early in 2014. ACWA also has put its focus squarely on groundwater because of mounting concerns about overdraft, subsidence and water quality problems. In November the Board approved formation of a Groundwater Sustainability Task Force that will develop recommended strategies to achieve sustainable groundwater management. Next year could be a defining period for groundwater management, and ACWA should be proactive instead of waiting on the sideline. The modified water bond, SWAP and the Groundwater Sustainability Task Force are just three of many tools ACWA has at its disposal heading into what could be a challenging water year ahead. Our members built a solid foundation in 2013 for future success, and our work toward securing the state’s water future will continue in full force in 2014.

Drought Watch

Dry conditions in Lakehead at Lake Reservoir (left) have dropped water levels well below high times in the 1990s (right). State water managers warn that 2014 could resemble California’s severe 1976-’77 drought. Officials are taking action to prepare for a tough water year. Photo by Robert Morris Photography.

drought watch Continued from page 1

of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Mid Pacific Region.

agreements and other changes in future years, drought or not, he said.

Although weather forecasts can be uncertain, Fujitani said it’s currently a coin toss whether a “Shasta critical” year will occur — meaning less than 3.2 million acre-feet flows into Shasta Lake, limiting Sacramento River Settlement Contractors to 75% of their contracted supply. It’s so dry that it’s unlikely the CVP will be able to fill its share of San Luis Reservoir, he said, even if the Jones Pumping Plant operates this year without restrictions.

Thomas Howard, State Water Resources Control Board executive director, commented that the State Board already is processing “temporary urgency change” requests, such as one approved this week allowing the Sonoma County Water Agency to reduce outflows from Lake Mendocino into the Russian River. A drought declaration could spur more “temporary urgency” changes, Howard said, noting they can be approved in a matter of days.

Bill Croyle, DWR’s newly named drought manager, said despite some precipitation forecasted for the north state in the days ahead, this year’s snowpack and rain data is tracking similarly to 1976-’77, one of California’s worst drought periods. “At the moment it doesn’t look like there is much snow on the way,” Croyle said. DWR has been working on several fronts to carry out a gubernatorial executive order issued in May that instructs the state to streamline the approval process for voluntary water transfers. Croyle said the department is improving contracting procedures, taking steps to fast-track transfers when the appropriate data is available, and improving interagency cooperation. The hope is that the state will be able to leverage standardized

Several speakers noted that many obstacles remain to moving water around the state through traditional water transfers or other emergency mechanisms. Fujitani said he believes there is little operational flexibility in both the State Water Project and Central Valley Project and that consequently water transfers will be “a lot more difficult” to do than they were just a few years ago. Timing the transfers will be crucial, he said, and Reclamation will be looking to support transfers that achieve multiple beneficial uses. Thomas said that although water transfers in California have only two main requirements — no unreasonable impact to fish and wildlife, and no injury to water users — there are still “confounding factors,” such as the 60 days

on average it takes for the State Board to approve them. Croyle said such approvals are a workload issue and more staff may be needed. Representatives from local water agencies on hand for the meeting came with suggestions of their own. David Guy, president of the Northern California Water Association, said the state must manage expectations about the availability of water transfers. Reservoirs near dead pool, combined with less inflow than in 1977, have created a unique circumstance, he said. “There simply won’t be much water in the Sacramento Valley for transfer,” Guy said. Gary Serrato, general manager of Fresno Irrigation District, said growers on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley are in “crisis” and he asked the board to consider supporting what he called a “consolidated place of use” for the Central Valley. The designation, he said, would ease “place of use” water restrictions, allowing the transport of water west from the eastside tributaries and existing groundwater banks. “We can wait and take another snow survey in February or March, but I can tell you we are heading [into a water situation] that could be worse than 1977,” Serrato said. january 10, 2014 • 3

Drought Watch

Local Agencies Taking Action as California’s Water Supply Dwindles With no end in sight to the state’s prolonged dry spell, some local water agencies in California are taking action in order to stretch their water supply. According to data gathered by the California Department of Water Resources, as of Jan. 7, at least four urban suppliers have implemented mandatory water use restrictions: San Juan Water District, city of Folsom, city of Santa Cruz, city of Paso Robles. The Mendocino

County Board of Supervisors voted to declare a drought emergency, citing an “imminent threat of disaster.”

In early January, for example, the utilities director of Tahoe City Public Utility District urged citizens to conserve water.

Six other agencies have enacted voluntary drought response measures, including landscape irrigation restrictions: Sacramento County Water Agency, the Marin Municipal Water Agency, and the cities of Visalia, Arroyo Grande, Cambria, and Modesto.

Worries extend to the Bay Area, where in mid-December the Marin Municipal Water District asked customers to voluntarily conserve water in light of the ongoing dry conditions. Sonoma County Water Agency also got the state’s approval to reduce flows from Lake Mendocino into the Russian River in order to conserve the surface supply.

With Folsom Reservoir at a record-low level, the Bureau of Reclamation decided the first week of January to cut in half flows into the lower American River. The lake is a main water source for 500,000 people living in the Sacramento suburbs, and several communities there have enacted voluntary or mandatory water conservation measures. Mountain communities also are feeling the effects of the statewide dry conditions.

Folsom Lake on Jan. 1.

Southern California water managers say stored groundwater will help their region get by if 2014 continues to be dry. But some Southern California water agencies are looking to do more. On Jan. 7, Desert Water Agency’s Board of Directors gave staff direction to research possible enhancements to the agency’s existing conservation program in light of the record dry conditions statewide.

Central Valley Coalition Plans Jan. 16 Water Rally at State Capitol The California Latino Water Coalition, NAACP, League of Cities Latino Caucus, Nisei Farmers League and others are organizing a Jan. 16 rally on the west steps of the State Capitol to reinforce the importance of a safe, clean

and reliable water supply for the Central Valley and all of California. A press conference also is planned during the 11 a.m. event. Topics will include short-term water solutions for 2014, legislation for new water infrastructure,

water storage development, Delta sustainability and clean water for disadvantaged communities. For more information please contact Manuel Cunha at (559) 251-8468 or Mario Santoyo at msantoyo1@verizon.net.

Gov. Jerry Brown Releases $155 Billion Balanced Budget Gov. Jerry Brown on Jan. 9 released a $155 billion state budget that pays off more than $11 billion in debt while increasing funding for water projects, education and numerous infrastructure projects. Declaring the “decade of intractable deficits behind us,” Brown proposed a balanced state budget that makes a $1.6 billion payment into the state’s rainy day fund – called the Budget Stabilization Account. It is the first 4 • ACWA NEWS

Vol. 42 | Digital

deposit into the account since 2007. The proposed budget also directs $967 million to a Special Fund for Economic Uncertainties. In an effort to advance the Governor’s California Water Action Plan, the budget also proposes $619 million to help expand water storage capacity, improve drinking water in communities where available supplies are substandard, and increase flood protection and regional self-reliance. The budget also proposes investing $850 million in cap and trade auction proceeds to support efforts to reduce

greenhouse gases, with an emphasis on assisting disadvantaged communities. California’s schools and the state’s effort to implement federal health care reform also received budget boosts. The budget proposes $10 billion in new Proposition 98 funding for K-12 schools. The money will increase funding levels per student by $3,410 per student through 2017-’18. The budget also proposes a package of $815 in investments in critical deferred maintenance projects in state parks, highways, local roads, K-12 schools, courts, prisons and other state facilities.

ACWA Fall Conference Wrap-Up

(left photo, Left to Right) Glen Grant, Solano Irrigation District; Dave Brent, City of Sacramento; Rob Roscoe, Sacramento Suburban Water District; Mike Hardesty, Reclamation District No. 2068; Tom McGurk, Stockton East Water District; Tim O’Halloran, Yolo County Flood Control & Water Conservation District. (middle photo, Left to Right) Kathy Tiegs, Cucamonga Valley Water District and ACWA vice president; Harvey Ryan, Elsinore Valley Water District; John Rossi, Western Municipal Water District; Craig Ewing, Desert Water Agency; Ed Pack, Coachella Valley Water District; James Morales, East Valley Water District; Joe Kuebler, Eastern Municipal Water District. (right photo, left to right) Lewis Bair, Reclamation District No. 108; George Barber, Paradise Irrigation District; Stan Wangberg, Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District; Walter Cotter, Browns Valley Irrigation District.

Region Boards Wrap Up a Busy 2012-‘13 Term at ACWA Fall Conference ACWA regions finished out the 2012’13 term with a busy week at the ACWA 2013 Fall Conference & Exhibition last month in Los Angeles, hosting three regional programs and holding membership meetings for all 10 regions.

Porter-Cologne Act and Clean Water Act as related to the State Water Resources Control Board; TMDLs in Malibu Creek Watershed and in the Northern California area; and an attorney’s view of the issue.

Region 1 kicked off the region activities at conference on Dec. 4 with its program, “North Coast Resources Partnership: An IRWM Success Story,” which told the story of how the North Coast region has come together to successfully implement projects by way of the North Coast Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (NCIRWM). Panelists spoke about the history of the North Coast Resources Partnership, projects that received funding from the NCIRWM, and the future of funding within a water bond.

On Dec. 5, Region 5 started the day out with “Water Investments: Coloring Outside the Lines.” With today’s heightened focus on conservation, this program touched on the variety of ways non-potable water can be used for nonconsumptive uses. Panelists discussed how agencies, private industry and urban communities are using black water, grey water and recycled water in ways that extend the water supply and help maintain a healthy water source.

Region 8 followed that afternoon with its program TMDLs: The Gift That Keeps on Giving.” This program covered all aspects of total maximum daily loads, such as how to get started, success stories, and examples of works in progress. Moderator Barry Steinhardt led the panel discussion that focused on the

Regional membership meetings held by all 10 regions capped off the region activities at conference. The meetings included current region board recognitions and updates on committee and outreach activities, the committee appointment process, ACWA’s new Customer Relationship Management system, the Statewide Water Action Plan and regional business items.

ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn addresses the Region 10 meeting at the 2013 Fall Conference and Exhibition in Los Angeles.

The presentations from the region programs and meeting notes from the membership meetings are available online at www.acwa.com. All region boards kicked off a new term on Jan. 1, 2014, and all regions will hold their next membership meeting at ACWA Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey in May. For more information on ACWA regions, visit www.acwa.com.

january 10, 2014 • 5

Federal RElations

Looking Back at the 2013 Fall Conference & Exhibition

6 • ACWA NEWS

1. ACWA Joint Powers Insurance Authority staff. 2. Outgoing ACWA President Randy Record shares the dais with his grandson. 3. ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn and James McDaniel, senior assistant general manager for the LADWP water system. 4. Debra Martinez from Ventura Water, a Best in Blue award finalist. 5. Dick Quigley, Zone 7 Water Agency board member, and Celeste Cantu, general manager of the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority. 6. Rock Zierman, CEO of the California Independent Petroleum Association, and Brianna Mordick, staff scientist for the Natural Resources Defense Council discuss fracking. 7. ACWA honors Rita Schmidt Sudman (right), executive director of the Water Education Foundation, with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Joined by her husband and daughter, Sudman is retiring after leading the foundation for three decades. 8. Col. Kimberly M. Colloton, PMP Commander of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Los Angeles District, speaks during a federal issues forum. 9. Proxy voting for ACWA President. 10. Eastern Municipal Water District’s Paul Jones, general manager, and Debby Cherney, assistant general manager of finance and administration. 11. Telluride Energy’s Kurt Johnson, principal, and project manager Andrea Hart. 12. Las Virgenes Municipal Water District’s Jeff Reinhardt, public affairs and communications manager, and David Lippman, director of facilities and operations.

Vol. 42 | Digital

ACWA Fall Conference Wrap-Up

The six finalists for the 2013 Huell Howser Best in Blue Award, honoring effective communications and outreach programs developed and run by California water agencies, receive accolades during ACWA’s Fall Conference & Exhibition in Los Angeles. They are (top left, clockwise) Zone 7 Water Agency; the City of San Diego; Santa Clara Valley Water District; Irvine Ranch Water District; Eastern Municipal Water District; and Ventura Water.

City of San Diego Wins 2013 Huell Howser Best in Blue Award ACWA presented its Huell Howser Best in Blue Award to the City of San Diego for its multi-faceted public outreach campaign on a new Water Purification Demonstration Project. The City of San Diego’s Department of Public Utilities, Water and Wastewater was among six finalists for the award, which honors stellar communications and outreach programs developed and run by California water agencies. The award was presented Dec. 4 during ACWA’s Fall Conference & Exhibition in downtown Los Angeles. “The City of San Diego’s public outreach campaign is an excellent example of a local agency getting results through an effective outreach and education campaign,” ACWA President Randy Record said. “The city’s public education efforts on its new Water

Purification Demonstration Project actively engaged San Diego residents, explained the state-of-the-art technology and science behind water purification and moved the needle on public acceptance.” Other finalists for this year’s award were: • The Santa Clara Valley Water District for its People Behind Your Water campaign, a public education campaign aimed at increasing agency transparency; • Eastern Municipal Water District for its Metal Theft Awareness Program; • The Zone 7 Water Agency for its Water Jug Pyramid Display, which offered a visual representation of the average daily household water use by displaying 144 one-gallon plastic water jugs;

• Ventura Water for its Water: Take 1 short film contest promoting water conservation; and • Irvine Ranch Water District for its Always Water Smart media campaign promoting proper outdoor water irrigation and water efficient landscape. Last year ACWA renamed the Best in Blue award in honor of Huell Howser, the late public television personality and producer of “California’s Gold,” “California’s Water” and other humaninterest programs. In partnership with ACWA, a total of 26 segments of “California’s Water,” have aired on public television outlets throughout California, covering a variety of topics ranging from climate change to water recycling to the value of tap water.

january 10, 2014 • 7

ACWA Fall Conference Wrap-Up

ACWA Presents Emissary Award to Marion Ashley at Fall Conference ACWA on Dec. 4 presented its eighthannual Emissary Award to Marion Ashley, a longtime water leader known for promoting collaborative solutions. Bestowed at ACWA’s 2013 Fall Conference & Exhibition in Los Angeles, the award recognizes individuals for remarkable contributions to California water through voluntary service to ACWA. Ashley, a member of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and chair of ACWA’s Local Government Committee, has spent the last two decades raising awareness of state and local water issues and advocating for solutions. Ashley served on the Eastern Municipal Water District Board of Directors from 1992 to 2002 and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board of Directors from 2001-2002. During his tenure at Eastern MWD and as a county supervisor, Ashley played an active role

in ACWA, supporting and advancing the organization’s goals through participation in the Water Management Committee and the Local Government Committee. He also served as the first chair of ACWA’s Region 9. “I love water. I love Eastern MWD and I love ACWA. I am very appreciative of this award,” Ashley said. Ashley created the Riverside County Water Task Force to address local water issues and pursued regional water management solutions, particularly while serving on the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority. He has served on other regional water entities such as the One Water One Watershed Integrated Regional Water Management Plan for the Santa Ana watershed and as past chair of the Salton Sea Authority. He is the current vice chair of the Southern California Water Committee. “ACWA’s Emissary Award is our way

ACWA Vice President John Coleman presents the eighth-annual Emissary Award Dec. 4 to Marion Ashley.

of paying tribute to members who have made unique contributions to this association and have contributed to our successes over the years,” said ACWA President Randy Record. “Marion Ashley is a stellar example of a member whose vision, commitment and hard work have helped to strengthen this organization. We thank and honor Marion for his leadership and support of ACWA and its statewide interests.”

Three Valleys Leads ACWA Outreach Award Winners At the Fall Conference & Exhibition Dec. 5 luncheon in Los Angeles, ACWA acknowledged the agencies with the most legislative and regulatory contacts for 2013 as part of the annual Outreach Awards.

outstanding effort and the efforts of all Outreach Ambassadors helped ACWA accomplish its legislative and regulatory goals this year.

This year, ACWA’s Outreach Ambassadors responded to multiple alerts on AB 145, a bill that proposed to move the entire state drinking water program from the California Department of Public Health to the State Water Resources Control Board.

• Region 2: Western Canal Water District

Outreach Ambassadors also sent letters of opposition on SB 731, after it was amended with language that would have created burdensome new CEQA processes. Both bills have been held in committee and have become two-year bills.

• Region 6: Planada Community Services District

Agencies listed to the right were recognized as the top ACWA Outreach winners in each region for 2013. Their 8 • ACWA NEWS

Vol. 42 | Digital

• Region 1: Brooktrails Township Community Services District • Region 3: South Tahoe Public Utilities District • Region 4: San Juan Water District • Region 5: Coastside County Water District

Three Valleys Municipal Water District Board Director David De Jesus and Outreach Task Force Chair Jo Lynne Russo-Pereya accept the overall Outreach Award for 2013.

• Region 7: Indian Wells Valley Water District

• Region 10: Padre Dam Municipal Water District

• Region 8: Three Valleys Municipal Water District

The Overall Outreach Award went to Three Valleys Municipal Water District, for making the most legislative and regulatory contacts through ACWA’s Outreach Action Center.

• Region 9: Cucamonga Valley Water District

Newswatch snowpack Continued from page 1

the average April 1 measurement. Friday’s measurement and the reading taken two years ago are the driest on record, according to DWR. Although it’s still early in the wet season, December’s lack of rain and snow has increased the odds that 2014 will be another dry year. Snowpack accounts for approximately a third of California’s water supply. “While we hope conditions improve, we are fully mobilized to streamline water transfers and take every action

possible to ease the effects of dry weather on farms, homes and businesses as we face a possible third consecutive dry year,” DWR Director Mark Cowin said in a statement. “And every Californian can help by making water conservation a daily habit.” The gloomy data from the manual snow survey isn’t a surprise. Electronic readings taken in recent days showed the snowpack cumulatively at about 20% of normal statewide. According to DWR, electronic readings taken in the northern

mountains indicate that water content there is 11% of normal for the date, while the central Sierra is 21% of normal and the southern Sierra is 30% of average. The governor’s administration has not declared a drought, but agencies involved in managing California’s water supply are watching the situation closely. Irrigators in the San Joaquin Valley are bracing for little or no water allocations this year, and some local water agencies are asking their customers to redouble their water conservation efforts.

ACWA staff enjoyed participating in community service projects, and even spent some quality time with Ronald McDonald.

ACWA Staff Celebrates Giving Back to the Community in 2013 ACWA staff members enthusiastically participated in a variety of community service projects in 2013 and shared their lessons learned during a staff retreat in October. Teams picked their own projects, which included volunteering at the Sacramento Zoo, doing outdoor cleanup work at the Ronald McDonald House,

organizing a food drive and passing out food for the Sacramento Food Bank, hosting an interactive art project for patients at the UC Davis Children’s Hospital, making “journey bags” for Sacramento County children, and gathering school supplies for Operation Backpack. Staff members presented their projects during a staff retreat last fall at a

Sacramento-area bowling alley. The day included a series of team-building exercises. In a separate project last month, ACWA staff led by Danielle Blacet donated time and resources to the Sacramento Adopt-aFamily program, which donates food and gifts to local low-income families for the holiday season. january 10, 2014 • 9

Newswatch

Invasive Mussels Reported in Ventura County’s Lake Piru United Water Conservation District is working with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife to contain a suspected infestation of invasive mussels in Lake Piru in Ventura County.

Lake Piru, which is managed by United Water Conservation District, is located downstream of Pyramid Lake. Lake Piru drains into Lower Piru Creek, a tributary of the Santa Clara River.

The discovery marks the first time quagga or zebra mussels have been found in a Southern California lake or reservoir that does not receive water from the Colorado River, according to the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

United Water General Manager Mike Solomon asked for the public’s continued help in preventing the spread of invasive mussels.

The suspected mussels were found attached to monitoring devices at various locations on Lake Piru, according to a news release issued by United Water. Mussels also were found attached to a Lake Piru patrol boat. The discovery was reported to the Department of Fish and Wildlife on Dec. 18, and staff tentatively identified the mollusks, which range in size from one-half to three-quarters inches long, as quagga mussels. Samples have been sent to the Bodega Bay marine laboratory for testing to confirm the identification. In the meantime, boaters at Lake Piru are being required to clean, drain and dry their watercraft upon exiting the lake.

“While the discovery is not pleasant news, we do not anticipate that this will impact our ability to provide recreation services to our visiting public,” Solomon said in a statement. “We recognize that operational and environmental concerns exist with such a discovery and upon confirmation, United Water will be working with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to comply with and implement any eradication and management practices necessary. As more information becomes available, we will keep our visitors apprised.” Quagga and zebra mussels, non-native freshwater mussels native to Eurasia, multiply quickly and encrust watercraft and infrastructure, and compete for food with native and sport fish species.

According to Fish and Wildlife, the mussels can be spread from one body of water to another attached to nearly anything that has been in an infested waterbody, or via standing water from an infested waterbody entrapped in boat engines, bilges, live-wells and buckets. Quagga mussels were first detected in the Colorado River system in January 2007 and were later found in San Diego and Riverside counties. They are now known to be in 26 waters in California. Zebra mussels were discovered in San Justo Reservoir in San Benito County in January 2008.

Tiffany Giammona Voted 2013 ACWA Employee of the Year Tiffany Giammona was voted ACWA’s 2013 Employee of the Year by her colleagues for her outstanding and dedicated work as the association’s Member Services Group manager. Since being named to the newly created position in 2012, Giammona has led several new projects within the Member Services Group, including development of Member Appreciation Month, a successful member retention and recruitment initiative and outreach for ACWA’s Statewide Water Action Plan. She also has been a big contributor

10 • ACWA NEWS

Vol. 42 | Digital

on several ACWA internal committees, including the Sunshine Committee, which plans potlucks and other social events for staff members. Giammona started working for ACWA in 2006 as a regional affairs representative. A graduate of California State University, Chico, Giammona and her husband Arturo are the proud parents of two children. The Employee of the Year Award recognizes exemplary performance, outstanding service and individual contributions throughout the year.

ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn, wearing some special “flair” recognizing the Statewide Water Action Plan, presents the association’s 2013 Employee of the Year award to Tiffany Giammona.

CALENDAR 2014

May

January 16

23 – 24

ACWA Events

ACWA and the California Department of Water Resources are hosting a series of workshops to discuss prioritizing basins under the California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring (CASGEM) program. The program’s primary goal is to collect groundwater elevations for all of California’s 515 basins and compile that data in an online system. The Jan. 16 workshop is at the State of California Natural Resources Building Auditorium in Sacramento.

6 – 9

ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition is May 6 – 9 at the Portola and Marriott Hotels, Monterey. For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545.

O.C. Water Summit on May 16 will bring together more than 500 Southern California business professionals with international, national and state water industry stakeholders, elected officials, environmentalists, scientists and community leaders to discuss ongoing global water issues and how water supply challenges impact our economy and public safety. Prominent authors, world-renowned experts and distinguished speakers also will be a part of this critical dialog. Visit www.ocwatersummit.com for more information.

The California Irrigation Institute will hold its 2014 annual conference, “Building a Water and Energy Efficient California,” Jan. 23-24 at the Sacramento Arden West Hilton in Sacramento. Visit www.caii.org for more information.

February 25 – 27

March

ACWA DC2014, the annual Washington D.C. conference, is Feb. 25-27 at the Liaison Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. ACWA DC2014 provides a unique opportunity to meet with members of Congress and the Obama administration. Highlights will include learning about key Congressional committee agendas, understanding the direction of federal agencies and developing insight into where the Congress will be headed. Register at http://www. acwa.com/content/event-registration. For more information, contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545.

ACWA 2014 Legislative Symposium, an annual event on water-related issues facing California and the State Legislature, is March 5 at the Sacramento Convention Center. For more information, contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@ acwa.com or 916.441.4545.

26 – 27

Children’s Water Education Festival presented by the Orange County Water District, Disneyland Resort, National Water Research Institute and the OCWD Groundwater Guardian Team on March 26 – 27. The festival presents a unique opportunity to educate Orange County’s third, fourth and fifth grade students about water and the environment. More than 7,000 students are expected to attend. Volunteers, presenters and sponsors are needed to support this educational event. Learn more at www. childrenwaterfestival.com.

Other Events

December 2 – 5

ACWA’s 2014 Fall Conference & Exhibition is Dec. 2 – 5 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego. For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545.

ACWA DC2014

Annual Washington D.C. Conference

Feb. 25-27, 2014

Liaison Capitol Hill • Washington D.C.

classifieds

Positions Open Deputy Director-Environmental Services

Association of California Water Agencies 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3577

Periodicals Postage Paid at Sacramento, CA

Time Valued Material

City of Santa Rosa Applications accepted online only at: http:// agency.governmentjobs.com/srcity/default. cfm Monthly salary: $8,365.00 - $10,820.00 The City of Santa Rosa is located just 55 miles north of San Francisco and 30 miles east of the Pacific Ocean with a population of approximately 170,000. Santa Rosa is the seat of Sonoma County and the center of trade, government, commerce and medical facilities for the North Bay. The surrounding area is home to over a hundred wineries and vineyards, many beautiful parks and recreational facilities, including 16 golf courses, and the spectacular Northern California coastline. Santa Rosa is in the center of a nationally recognized cycling area. It boasts many attractions associated with large cities, including a symphony, performing arts center, theater productions and internationally-recognized restaurants, yet still retains the warmth and small town feel of decades past. Santa Rosa has been named one of the 50 greenest cities in the United States with one of the top five midsized downtowns in California. The Department The City of Santa Rosa Utilities Department provides reliable water delivery and wastewater collection services to nearly 50,000 residential and commercial service locations. The City’s Utilities Department operates the award-winning Subregional Wastewater Treatment, Disposal and industrial Waste pretreatment systems serving Santa Rosa, surrounding Sonoma County cities and South Park County Sanitation District. The Position This position is a senior management level classification, reporting to the Director of Utilities, and responsible for managing, planning, directing and reviewing activities related to environmental compliance, pre-treatment programs, water quality, storm water and creeks management, and laboratory analysis for the Utilities Department; and to provide responsible, professional staff advice.

ACWA Staff Recognized for Years-of-Service Milestones During the association’s holiday luncheon on Dec. 18 in Sacramento, ACWA acknowledged five staff members who reached years-of-service milestones in 2013.

20 Years In two decades as ACWA’s federal relations director, David Reynolds has burnished his reputation as the senior statesman among the lobbying corps in Washington, D.C., for California water policy. He started at ACWA in October 1993 and has proved to be an effective advocate, particularly using his knowledge and political skills to ensure needed water infrastructure funding comes to the state. In 2012, the National Water Resources Association awarded him its President’s award. 10 Years Antonio Alfaro, a legislative analyst for ACWA, has become a vital member of the State Relations Department during the past 10 years, doing everything from serving as the project manager for ACWA’s annual Regulatory Summit to helping prepare State Legislative Committee meetings and packets of bill analyses. He has worked for four different legislative directors during his time at ACWA, all the while displaying his calm demeanor and penchant for teamwork. Lori Doucette came back for a second tour with ACWA in 2003 and now works as a sponsorship and events specialist, where her contributions have helped increase sponsorship revenue. Lori developed an organized approach to working with hundreds of speakers involved in ACWA conferences and created procedures to ensure accurate speaker information in

ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn (far left) and ACWA President John Coleman (far right) recognize (left to right) Katherine Causland, Anthony Alfaro and Lori Doucette for reaching years-of-service milestones in 2013.

conference materials. Lori also worked for ACWA between 1987-’90 in the public affairs group.

5 Years Anthony Alvarez, a business services support specialist at ACWA, has taken on more responsibility each year at ACWA since he began working for the association in 2008. Besides manning the front desk and working on a wide range of back-office tasks, Anthony is currently being trained to help maintain ACWA’s new Customer Relationship Management system. Graphic designer Katherine Causland has made a big impact on the look and feel of many ACWA publications, multimedia presentations, exhibits and displays in her five years with the association. Her work has contributed to the success of many of ACWA’s high-profile programs, including Save Our Water, the California Water Series and the Value of Water. She also designed ACWA’s attractive centennial book.