NEWS
ACWA digital
ACWA’s • Member • Newsletter
(Left) Department of Water Resources Director Mark Cowin outlines actions to respond to the worst drought in modern times during a Jan. 31 press conference in Sacramento. Actions include cutting State Water Project allocations to zero for the first time in the project’s history. (Right) Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Chuck Bonham discusses measures to limit harm to salmon and other species this year. The department is working in “real time” with state and federal agencies to adjust water project operations in the Delta. Photos by Florence Low / Department of Water Resources.
State Announces Worst-Ever SWP Allocations; Actions Under Way to Brace for Historic Drought From announcing an historic zero allocation from the State Water Project to loosening water quality standards in the Delta, state and federal officials have launched a broad suite of actions to brace for this year’s unprecedented drought. The need for bold drought action was underscored Jan. 30 when the California Department of Water Resources’ monthly snow survey revealed the lowest snowpack water content in the history of such record keeping in California, with snowpack at only 12% of average for this time of year. Long term weather forecasts for 2014 promise little relief.
“This is the most serious drought we’ve faced in modern times, and we will have to face it head on,” Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board said Jan. 31 at a press conference. State and federal officials have taken a number of actions in response to the drought in recent days.
Zero Allocation for State Water Project Saying aggressive steps are needed to protect remaining water supplies, the Department of Water Resources put State Water Contractors on notice that they should expect a zero percent allocation for the first time in the project’s history. drought Continued on page 6
ACWA Forms Statewide Drought Action Group With California now in its worst drought on record, ACWA is moving to assemble a group of water community experts to recommend specific actions to combat severe drought conditions this year. ACWA’s Board of Directors voted to establish the Drought Action Group at its Jan. 31 meeting as a way to channel expertise and hands-on drought experience to identify needs and potential solutions. The group’s work will
help guide ACWA’s efforts at the state and federal level to advance actions to reduce impacts this year and in future droughts. “This drought is unprecedented, and we need serious solutions. Many ACWA members have had to invoke mandatory water use reductions, and more will follow suit in the coming weeks,” ACWA President John Coleman said. “The agricultural economy in the Central Valley will be hit especially hard, with Drought Group Continued on page 9
2 Volume 42 | Digital February 7, 2014
Executive Director Column: What’s Next for ACWA’s SWAP?
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State Identifies 17 Communities at Risk of Drought Shortages
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State Finalizes California Water Action Plan
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Groundwater Basins Prioritized: Management and Funding at Stake
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 Copyright 2013. All Rights Reserved. Call ACWA for Permission to Reprint. USPS 334030 Digital Only
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2 • ACWA NEWS
Vol. 42 | Digital
Executive Director’s Column
By Timothy Quinn
A Statewide Water Plan for California: What’s Next? Last month, as local water managers around the state mobilized in response to historic drought conditions, the Brown Administration unveiled final revisions to the state’s California Water Action Plan.
and state agencies to advance actions consistent with the SWAP. We also have initiated internal efforts through ACWA’s committees and work groups to track and advance implementation of key actions within both the SWAP and the California Water Action Plan.
The five-year agenda spells out a suite of actions to improve the reliability and resiliency of California’s water resources — including virtually all key actions identified in ACWA’s landmark Statewide Water Action Plan approved by our Board of Directors in September 2013.
For his part, Gov. Jerry Brown has made it clear that he plans to dedicate substantial attention and resources advancing the California Water Action Plan. His State of the State address may have included just 180 words on water, but they were the right words. In addition to recognizing the severe drought, he called for a state water plan that includes water recycling, expanded storage, groundwater management, investments in safe drinking water, wetlands and watershed restoration, and further progress on the Bay Delta Conservation Plan.
ACWA’s SWAP was submitted to the administration on Oct. 2 as the water community’s recommendations for the state’s own water plan for California. State agencies released the initial draft of their California Water Action Plan on Oct. 31, and then incorporated comments from ACWA and others before unveiling the final version the last week of January. Now that ink has dried, it’s time to take stock of how far we’ve come and focus on the next steps. What started as an ACWAled effort to get a broad cross-section of the members to coalesce around a statewide plan has triggered a larger discussion about the need for a comprehensive set of actions to address water needs throughout California. The conversation has become even more urgent as a drought of unprecedented proportions continues to unfold. The influence of ACWA’s SWAP has been strengthened by the formal support of more than 90 ACWA member agencies and other organizations that have adopted resolutions or sent letters supporting the plan. Endorsements of the SWAP continue to arrive in the ACWA office almost daily. The ACWA SWAP and the administration’s CWAP have many common elements. ACWA already is working with the Brown Administration
ACWA stands ready to work with the administration, the Legislature and others this year to advance such a plan and the necessary investments to secure California’s water future. In the meantime, ACWA members should continue to formally support ACWA’s SWAP. While there are some differences in the details between the two plans, we believe support for ACWA’s SWAP translates into a powerful base for moving forward with the comprehensive investments outlined in the governor’s plan. If your agency has not yet adopted a resolution in support of the SWAP, please do so now. Together, we can make the most of this opportunity to secure a more sustainable path forward for California water.
Drought Watch
ACWA Launches ‘California Drought Update’ With Latest Information The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) has launched a new online newsletter to keep association members, media and other audiences current on drought conditions, impacts, news and other developments. Please visit ACWA’s website for additional information and resources. If you would
like to receive this newsletter, please contact Lisa Lien-Mager, ACWA Director of Communications, lisalm@acwa.com or 916-441-4545. Please visit ACWA’s website and click
California Drought
Update
on the 2014 Drought Watch icon for additional drought-related information and resources.
CDPH Identifies 17 Small Communities Seen As Vulnerable to Severe Water Shortages in Next 60-100 Days Due to Drought The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on Jan. 28 announced that it has identified and offered support to 17 rural communities with vulnerable drinking water systems due to drought conditions. The 17 identified rural communities may face severe water shortages in the next 60 to 100 days. They serve communities ranging in size from 39 to approximately 11,000 Californians. CDPH will work with the impacted systems in implementing required conservation measures that could include no outside watering or rationing. CDPH also will work to identify possible additional sources of water such as nearby water systems or hauled water and to provide guidance on the possible construction of additional wells to meet the system’s needs. The announcement follows Gov. Jerry Brown’s proclamation of a drought state of emergency Jan. 17 in which he directed CDPH’s Drinking Water Program to identify communities that may
run out of drinking water and “provide technical and financial assistance to help these communities address drinking water shortages.” The proclamation also calls on CDPH to “identify emergency interconnections that exist among the state’s public water systems that can help these threatened communities.” CDPH’s Drinking Water Program has identified to date the following drinking water systems at greatest risk:
• Lake Of The Woods Mutual Water Company (Kern County) • Camp Condor (Kern County) • Jackson Valley Irrigation District (Amador County) • City of Willits (Mendocino County) • Redwood Valley Community Water District (Mendocino County) • Brooktrail Township Community Services District (Mendocino County)
• Shaver Lake Heights Mutual Water Company (Fresno County)
• Washington Ridge Conservation Camp (Nevada County)
• Sierra Cedars Community Services District (Fresno County)
• Ophir Gardens (Placer County)
• Bass Lake Water Company (Madera County) • Whispering Pines Apts (Mariposa County) • Boulder Canyon Water Association (Kern County) • Cypress Canyon Water System (Kern County)
• Lompico County Water District (Santa Cruz County) • City of Cloverdale (Sonoma County) • Healdsburg (Sonoma County) This list was developed by surveying the state’s community water systems and may change as solutions for these systems are implemented and additional vulnerable systems are identified.
ACWA to Sponsor Half-Day Drought Briefing Feb. 14 in Sacramento California’s unprecedented drought — its impacts and how best to respond to it — will be the subject of a half-day drought briefing Feb. 14 in Sacramento sponsored by ACWA and other groups. The briefing, titled 2014 Drought Briefing — Impacts and Actions: What You Need to Know, will provide an overview of California’s drought conditions.
Speakers also will discuss local impacts around the state, ways to manage the crisis and efforts to reach the California consumer with messages of conservation. A number of local, state and federal officials will speak at the event. The briefing is sponsored by ACWA, the California Department of Water Resources, the County Supervisors
Association of California (CSAC), the League of California Cities, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the California Farm Water Coalition, the California Farm Bureau Federation and others. It runs from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Feb. 14 at the Crest Theater, 1013 K St., Sacramento.
February 7, 2014 • 3
Drought Watch
ACWA Legislative Symposium On Tap for March 5 ACWA’s annual one-day legislative symposium will be held March 5 this year and will feature water leaders discussing the 2014 water bond, groundwater management, the move of the state’s drinking water program and other topics. Held at the Sacramento Convention Center, the symposium provides water district directors, general managers, attorneys and others from around the state with up-to-date critical information about water policy issues. This year’s panel discussions will focus on the water bond, the Brown Administration’s transfer of the state’s drinking water program, policy developments on sustainable groundwater and the statewide drought. Tools to increase water agency’s levels of transparency also will be discussed. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with a continental breakfast. Opening remarks by ACWA President John Coleman will begin at 9:30 a.m. A block of rooms with a special rate will be held at the Hyatt for symposium attendees. Attendees must register by Feb. 11 at 5 p.m. to ensure the lower rate. To register for the symposium go www.acwa.com. For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services & Events at events@ acwa.com or 916 441 4545.
What Does a 20% Reduction in Water Use Look Like? New Infographic Has Ideas A new infographic from the Save Our Water program shows some easy ways to reduce water use by 20% as requested by Gov. Jerry Brown. Noting that the average Californian uses 196 gallons of water per day, according to state water use statistics, the infographic encourages
readers to find the right combination of actions to trim their water use by 38 gallons a day. For more tips and resources, visit the Save Our Water program’s website at www.saveourh2o.org.
What does a
20% Reduction in water use look like? InsTall aeraTors on baTHroom FauCeTs
saves
1.2 gallons
per person/day
Turn oFF waTer wHen brusHIng TeeTH or sHavIng
saves
10 gallons
per person/day
FIll THe baTHTub HalFway or less
saves
12 gallons
per person
average daIly use
The average Californian uses 196 gallons of water per day. Here are some easy ways to reduce water use. Find the right combination for you to reduce by 20% or 38 gallons a day.
196
gallons per day
wasH only Full loads oF CloTHes
saves
15-45 gallons
per load
Take FIve mInuTe sHowers InsTead oF 10 mInuTe sHowers
saves
12.5 gallons
with a water efficient showerhead
InsTall eFFICIenT, waTersense-labeled sHower Heads
saves
1.2 gallons
per minute
FIx leaky ToIleTs
saves
30-50 gallons
or
10 gallons
per average 10-minute shower
per day/toilet
2014 LEGISLATIVE
SYMpoSIUM March 5, 2014 Sacramento Convention Center Registration is Open
4 • ACWA NEWS
Vol. 42 | Digital
InsTall a HIgH-eFFICIenCy waTersense-labeled ToIleT (1.28 gallon per FlusH)
saves
19 gallons
per person/day
For more tips on reducing water use, visit saveourH2o.org!
run dIsHwasHer wHen Full InsTead oF HalF Full
saves
5-15 gallons
per load
State and Federal Update
State Officials Unveil Final California Water Action Plan on Jan. 27 State officials unveiled final revisions to the California Water Action Plan on Jan. 27. The five-year agenda spells out a suite of actions in California to improve the reliability and resiliency of water resources and to restore habitat and species — all amid the uncertainty of drought and climate change. Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration unveiled a draft of the plan in October and then incorporated input from ACWA and other public commenters.
restoration efforts; and additional detail in the groundwater section, including support for the California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring (CASGEM) program and increased groundwater recharge. The Natural Resources Agency, the California Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Food & Agriculture worked together to develop the plan, which is organized under 10 major actions:
“As we work on emergency actions to manage through one of the driest winters on record, we are also taking proactive, long-term steps to prepare California for future droughts and flood,” said Secretary for Natural Resources John Laird. “Each decade brings improvements, but also significantly highlights what we can do better. The California Water Action Plan gives us clear focus and vision for the next five years.”
1. Make conservation a California way of life;
The final plan includes an expanded focus on the current drought and climate change; new language on the water-energy nexus, including leveraging cap-andtrade auction revenue; more references to the benefits of water use efficiency and conservation; a new section on managing headwaters for multiple benefits, which ACWA asked for in its Nov. 21 comment letter; a new section on Lake Tahoe
6. Expand water storage capacity and improve groundwater management;
2. Increase regional self-reliance and integrated water management across all levels of government; 3. Achieve the co-equal goals for the Delta; 4. Protect and restore important ecosystems; 5. Manage and prepare for dry periods;
7. Provide safe water for all communities; 8. Increase flood protection; 9. Increase operational and regulatory efficiency;
According to the Brown administration, the governor’s 2014-’15 budget proposal supports the California Water Action Plan’s near-term action items, with Brown’s budget recommending nearly $619 million for water efficiency projects, wetland and watershed restoration, groundwater programs, conservation, flood control, and integrated water management, as well as $472 million in Proposition 84 funds to the Department of Water Resources for integrated regional water management. ACWA has provided key leadership toward the development of a comprehensive water action plan. On Sept. 27 ACWA’s Board of Directors adopted its Statewide Water Action Plan (SWAP), which identifies 15 critical actions to improve water supply reliability, protect water rights, protect the integrity of the state’s water system and promote better stewardship. The California Water Action Plan shares some similar principles with SWAP. Eighty-six ACWA member agencies from across California have adopted support resolutions or sent letters of support for SWAP. Read the California Water Action Plan at the California Natural Resources Agency website here.
10. Identify sustainable and integrated financing opportunities.
Federal Spending Bill Preserves Water Program Funding for 2014 The fiscal year 2014 omnibus appropriations bill funding all branches of government for 2014 was signed into law on Jan. 17. Water programs of interest to ACWA members avoided significant budget cuts and will be funded at levels similar to the 2013 budget. The Bureau of Reclamation’s budget was set at $954.1 million for 2014, on par with 2012’s funding level and down slightly from $1.0 billion in 2013.The CALFED program received $37 million, down $2 million from the previous
two fiscal years. Funding for the water recycling program, Title XVI, increased $1.2 million to $21.5 million for 2014. The House appropriations bill proposed large cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency’s state revolving funds (SRF). These cuts were avoided in the omnibus bill. The clean water SRF was funded at $1.45 billion, down $20 million from the previous two fiscal years. The drinking water SRF was funded at $907 million, down $16 million from FY 2013.
The Army Corps of Engineers budget for 2014 was set at $5.5 billion for 2014, up from $4.8 billion in 2013. The construction budget will be $1.66 billion for 2014 compared to $1.47 billion in 2013; and the operations and maintenance budget will be $2.87 billion compared to $2.51 billion in 2013. A chart detailing 2014 funding compared to the past two years for programs of interest to ACWA members is available at http://www.acwa.com/ content/2014-federal-appropriationscomparison. February 7, 2014 • 5
Drought Watch Drought Continued from page 1
The allocation cut was announced during a press conference at the Resources Building in Sacramento. DWR Director Mark Cowin and officials with other state and federal agencies outlined for reporters the actions agencies plan to take in order to hold back water in the state’s reservoirs for use later this year if severe drought continues.
Howard estimated that the order would impact about 5800 water-rights holders, many of whom would likely move to rely on groundwater.
“The harsh weather leaves us little choice,” said Cowin. “If we are to have any hope of coping with continued dry weather and balancing multiple needs, we must act now to preserve what water remains in our reservoirs.”
Delta Operations Adapted, San Joaquin Restoration Flows Reduced
“Failing to take action could result in resources running out later this year,” Cowin added. Gov. Jerry Brown, who declared a drought state of emergency on Jan. 17, called the zero allocation “a stark reminder that California’s drought is real.” “We are taking every possible step to prepare the state for the dry conditions we face,” Brown said in a written statement following the allocation announcement. At the same press conference, officials with the State Water Resources Control Board announced they had approved an urgency petition filed by DWR and Reclamation Jan. 29. The petition requested changes in water quality and flow requirements in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta system that would adjust to allow more water to be held upstream in reservoirs for later use. The petition also sought to allow greater flexibility in operating the Delta Cross Channel, leaving the channel open for longer periods of time so that fresh water may flow through the central Delta, reducing saltwater intrusion. Tom Howard, executive director of the State Board, said the board also will begin to issue curtailment notices to junior water-rights holders along the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers to cut diversions from the waterways. 6 • ACWA NEWS
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State Board Chair Marcus said the board will hold a public workshop Feb. 18 and 19 to discuss some of the actions the state has taken and possibly could take in response to the drought.
Chuck Bonham, director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, said his department will work in “real time” with DWR in operating the Delta Cross Channel in a way that would cause the least damage to salmon. Water rights permits require the SWP, operated by DWR, and the Central Valley Project, operated by Reclamation, to ensure that outflow from the Delta meets an average of 7,100 cubic feet per second (cfs) beginning February 1. Outflow is composed of flows from all tributaries to the Delta, some of which are directly controlled by DWR and Reclamation. Under the urgency petition granted by the State Water Board, DWR and Reclamation officials estimate that outflows will meet an average of 4,500 cfs during February, which is the level currently being achieved in January. To help meet this level of outflow, DWR and Reclamation will export from the Delta a maximum of 1,500 cfs, which will be used to serve health and safety needs. Cowin estimated the change in flows through the Delta would result in about 144,000 acre feet of water being held in storage. That water will be needed later in the year for health and safety and fish and wildlife. On Jan. 31, Reclamation officials announced they would begin reducing San Joaquin River Restoration Program’s Restoration Flows on Feb. 1, one month earlier than called for in the Stipulation of Settlement. The action is intended to support an effort to move juvenile
salmon from the upper river reaches to downstream locations, where there is connectivity to the ocean. This action will free up about 13,000 acre-feet. This water will be made available by Reclamation, in a manner consistent with the Settlement and the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act, to the Friant Division long-term contractors with first priority to meet human health and safety needs due to the current severe drought conditions.
Federal Officials Strive to Bring Relief to California To provide some relief to California’s agriculture industry, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Feb. 4 that the USDA will make $20 million in grants available to California growers and ranchers seeking to bolster water conservation efforts to mitigate the impacts of the state’s unprecedented drought. Growers and ranchers have until March 3 to apply for the funds, which are part of a broader initiative by the Obama Administration to help California grapple with the drought. The funding is through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program or EQIP. “Working with our federal state and local partners, we are doing everything within our power to support those farmers and ranchers affected by this intense drought,” Vilsack told reporters during a morning media call. “These funds will help get a suite of scientifically proven conservation techniques on the ground and helping producers.” The funds may be used to bolster conservation practices including irrigation efficiency, cover crops, rehabilitation of existing spring development, protection of grazing lands and other efforts. Funds will be divided between cropland and grazing lands. Cropland with a reduced water allocation of 85% will be given highest priority. For
Drought Watch additional information, landowners are encouraged to contact their local Natural Resources Conservation Service center. Service center locations and additional information on the drought may be found at www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov. On Feb. 5, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced they will provide up to $14 million in funding for water delivery agencies and agricultural producers to conserve water and improve water management. The projects funded will help communities build resilience to drought, including by modernizing their water infrastructure and efficiently using scarce water resources. “The drought situation is dire throughout the state, and communities, farms, ranches, businesses and the environment are feeling its effects,” stated Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor. “The federal and state governments can provide assistance in a variety of ways, and we are coordinating the federal response to bring resources and assistance to California through the National Drought Resilience Partnership.” President Obama’s Climate Action Plan calls on the National Drought Resilience Partnership to coordinate the federal response to drought impacts, working closely with state, regional and local governments. The partnership includes the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, Energy, and Commerce (NOAA), Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Environmental Protection Agency. “The federal family recognizes how serious the drought is for California,” said NOAA Acting Administrator Dr. Kathryn Sullivan. “NOAA and our partners are strengthening our real-time droughtrelated weather and water predictions for all the western states. As conditions on the ground in California change, we’re working to enable rapid adjustments in operations and water transfers in the
Central Valley, while also looking to the future to plan for, and mitigate, on-going drought scenarios.”
“All-In” Approach of Collaboration by State and Federal Officials On Feb. 5, officials on both the state and federal level came together in a joint press conference to highlight the multiagency collaboration, saying an “all-in” approach is needed to leverage resources to respond to California’s drought. “The effects of this widespread drought are clearly beyond the control of local personnel, services, and facilities in nearly every corner of California,” DWR Director Cowin said in a written statement. “It will require the combined efforts of all of our agencies to address the public health, economic, and environmental ramifications of this drought.” Cowin was joined by Connor and administrators from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Integrated Drought Information System and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Sacramento press conference to demonstrate the coordinated response to the drought. “The drought situation is dire throughout the state, and communities, farms, ranches, businesses and the environment are feeling its effects,” Connor said in a written statement. “The federal and state governments can provide assistance in a variety of ways, and we are coordinating the federal response to bring resources and assistance to California through the National Drought Resilience Partnership.”
Calls for Conservation Continue Calls for water conservation by California consumers also continue. In his Jan. 17 drought declaration, the governor asked for a voluntary 20% reduction by all Californians and on several occasions has directed consumers to the Save Our Water Program – a
partnership between ACWA and DWR – for water conservation tips. The program’s website at www.saveourh20. org has seen heavy traffic from users all over the state. DWR Director Cowin said at a press conference Feb. 5 that the state is leaving it up to local water agencies and jurisdictions to decide whether to implement mandatory water restrictions. He said if drought conditions severely worsen, state officials may have call for mandatory restrictions statewide. “Right now, we’re looking to local agencies to make that call,” he said.
Reaction to Zero Allocations Terry Erlewine, general manager of the State Water Contractors, said water agencies throughout the state will respond differently to the zero allocation. “For the first time in history, we are facing the real possibility of getting no water from the State Water Project — it’s a very serious situation,” said Erlewine in a written statement. “Each of our water agencies will handle the drought differently depending on their circumstances, but across the board water districts are ramping up conservation and efficiency efforts to go beyond the conservation achievements already made.” ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn called the situation unprecedented in California water history. “Water agencies around the state are taking action to deal with this historic drought situation. Specific measures will depend on local conditions and water supply sources, but all will do their part to reduce water use and stretch supplies,” Quinn said. “Fortunately, we can — and will — come together as a state to respond to this statewide crisis. Water leaders in every part of the state are uniting in support of the governor’s call for heightened conservation and cooperation to assist those areas in greatest need.”
February 7, 2014 • 7
Groundwater Basins Prioritized: Management and Funding at Stake The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is soliciting input until Feb. 24 on its approach to groundwater basin prioritization. DWR’s Draft Basin Prioritization findings indicate that 126 of California’s 515 groundwater basins and sub-basins are high or medium priority. These basins account for 92% of California’s annual groundwater pumping and they supply 89% of the population that resides over groundwater basins. The remaining 388 basins are low or very low priority and comprise 75% of the groundwater basins in California. The California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring (CASGEM) program requires local groundwater “monitoring entities” to regularly and systematically monitor groundwater elevations in California’s alluvial basins and sub-basins in order to determine seasonal and long-term trends, with the results made available to the public in an online system. ACWA partnered with DWR to host five workshops in January unveiling the results and the methods used to water managers statewide. A webcast from the Jan. 16, 2014 workshop is available for viewing and presentations from the January workshops are posted at http:// www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/casgem/
pdfs/CASGEM_BP_CombinedFinal_ webpost012114.pdf. ACWA is encouraging groundwater managers to review the individual basin summary sheets for each groundwater sub-basin for which they have information or responsibility. The basin summary sheets document the overall ranking category (high, medium, low, or very low), and the total ranking score based on what range the basin falls into for the specified criteria. DWR especially wants feedback on the information in the gray highlighted area estimating irrigated acres, groundwater use, and percent of total supply. Water managers also are encouraged to review the “documented impacts” and “other” information to see if DWR has captured the major groundwater related issues in your basin. You should email your comments on the basin prioritization process and basin summary sheets to DWR by Feb. 24. Information from this process will be used to identify basins that are classified high or medium for which no “monitoring entity” has yet been identified. Basins for which there is no monitoring entity may be disqualified from receiving state grant or loan funding — although that determination will be made by the state agency that
administers the specific grant program in question. This disqualification could include state funds from the Proposition 84 Integrated Regional Water Management Program, remaining Proposition 50 funds, and funds from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) and the Clean Water SRF programs administered by the State Water Board, among others. ACWA member agencies are encouraged to carefully consider whether they or another water management agency within their groundwater basin should become a monitoring entity for the CASGEM program. If you have questions regarding the basin prioritization process or the CASGEM program, please contact David Bolland, ACWA Senior Regulatory Advocate, at daveb@acwa. com or 916.441.4545. CASGEM Basin Prioritization Process
Public Workshops January, 2014 Dan McManus dan.mcmanus@water.ca.gov
Kings Basin Water Authority Awarded $8.7 Million Water Grant The California Department of Water Resources has recommended that Kings Basin Water Authority receive its full funding request of $8,734,000 in funds from the Prop 84 Round 2 Grant Program. The grant funds will be leveraged to complete the following five water supply and conservation projects at a total cost of $10,438,645: 1) City of San Joaquin Water Supply Reliability & Conservation Project 2) Fresno ID Southwest Groundwater Banking Project 8 • ACWA NEWS
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3) Laguna ID Recharge Basin 11 Project 4) Bakman Water Company Water Supply Reliability and Conservation Project 5) City of Kerman Residential Water Meter Project Once completed, these projects will add an additional 8,150 acre feet of annual recharge to the region’s groundwater supply and 1,190 acre feet of annual water conservation. The Kings Basin Water Authority has a management objective of stabilizing the reduction of groundwater storage over a 20‐year planning horizon.
“We are aggressively addressing that objective through planning and implementing additional recharge capacity, conservation and reuse projects,” stated Kings Basin Water Authority Director David Orth. Over the last several years, the water authority has brought in over $54 million in state and private grant funding to the region. This funding has been leveraged into over $87 million for planning and expanding local water management projects.
People news
Governor Brown Announces Appointments to Several Boards Water Commission Gov. Jerry Brown made several appointments to water-related boards in recent days. Brown reappointed Dorene D’Adamo, 53, of Turlock, to the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) where she has served since 2013. D’Adamo is a member of the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley Board of Directors and served on the California Air Resources Board from 1999 to 2013. The governor reappointed David Orth, 56, of Clovis, to the California
Call foR
EntriEs
Water Commission, where he has served since 2013. Orth has been general manager of the Kings River Conservation District since 2002. Brown also made the following reappointments to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board: Jane Dolan, 64, of Chico, who has been a member of the board since 2012; William Edgar, 74, of Sacramento, also a member since 2012 and Michael Villines, 46, of Placerville, a member since 2010. All of the appointments require Senate confirmation.
CLAIR . Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence
Entries are now being accepted for ACWA’s 2014 Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for excellence. The award recognizes exemplary programs developed by ACWA member agencies in water resource management. An official entry form and further details about the award, eligibility and selection process are available at http://www.acwa.com/content/clair-hill-water-agency-award-excellence-0.
Deadline March 3, 2014
drought group Continued from page 1
forecasts of as much as 500,000 acres of land fallowed due to lack of irrigation water. “As the water community, it is critical for us to pull together an action-oriented group that can leverage our collective knowledge of drought impacts to identify steps that could be undertaken to address this and future droughts.” The Drought Action Group, appointed by Coleman and chaired by Dave Brent, director of the City of Sacramento’s Utilities Department, is tasked initially with developing a report in the next two months. The report is expected to catalog serious drought conditions in the areas of greatest need, water supply alternatives and critical actions. Taj Dafour, chief engineer with Soquel Creek Water District, serves as vice chair. The group, which includes water agency representatives with technical and/or policy expertise from all 10 regions of ACWA, will hold its first meeting Feb. 14 in Sacramento. Its work will complement state and federal efforts under way to address the drought. In addition to establishing the group, ACWA has mobilized to coordinate with several external groups on drought response and is serving as a drought information clearinghouse. The association also partners with the Department of Water Resources to educate consumers through the Save Our Water program.
Urban Water Conservation Council Names New Executive Director Following a national search, Gregory S. Weber has been named the new executive director for the California Urban Water Conservation Council. “We are very pleased to announce his appointment,” said Fiona Sanchez, council chair. “Greg will bring leader-
ship and creativity to the council, along with a broad understanding of California water policy.” Weber has been involved with public policymaking since 1998, working with the Center for Collaborative Policy in Sacramento, predominantly facilitating issues affecting California water resources. His personal law practice has been focused on disputes and policy collabora-
tions in Northern California. Prior to joining the council, Greg was a professor at the McGeorge School of Law, where he specialized in water resources law. The California Urban Water Conservation Council is a statewide organization formed in 1991 to increase efficient water use through partnerships among urban water agencies, public interest organizations and private entities. February 7, 2014 • 9
People news
Public Member Agencies Castaic Lake Water Agency At the Jan. 22 Castaic Lake Water Agency (CLWA) board meeting, Robert J. DiPrimio was sworn in as director for Division 2. This position, vacated by Peter Kavounas, will be subject to a public election in November. Currently serving as the vice president for San Gabriel Valley Water Company, DiPrimio was president of Valencia Water Company (VWC) for 17 years. He was previously elected to Castaic Lake’s Board of Directors in 1987 and then served as an appointed director representing VWC from 1993 to 2010. DiPrimio began his career with the Los Angeles Department of Water Power (LADWP) in 1981 in the Water System’s Engineering Design Division. While at LADWP, he worked on the construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct Filtration Plant and for the Water Quality Division, and also served as an assistant plant manager at the Terminal Island Wastewater Treatment Plant through a transfer to the City of Los Angeles’s Bureau of Public Works. DiPrimio is active in supporting local community organizations. He is a director emeritus and past president of the Santa Clarita Child and Family Center. He is also a past president of the Santa Clarita Valley Athletic Association and a community volunteer for the annual Santa Clarita Century Bike Ride and Expo.
West Basin Municipal Water District Edward C. Little is West Basin Municipal Water District‘s newly elected board president for 2014. Little has served on the West Basin Board since 1989 and previously served as both board president and vice president during his 25-year tenure. West Basin’s state-of-the-art water recycling facility is named after Little in
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Vol. 42 | Digital
honor of his commitment to wastewater recycling and to providing a reliable and diverse water supply for the region. “Over the past 25 years, West Basin has invested in water recycling, desalination research and conservation because we knew we would be prone to drought situations in this dry region and dependent on expensive imported water,” said Little. “In 2014, the Board of Directors will hold a strategic planning session focused on our water recycling program expansion, conservation efforts and local water supply alternatives for short- and long-term reliability for our region. I look forward to serving as president for this industry-leading water agency.” Serving as vice president this year is Donald L. Dear, who has served on the West Basin Board since 2000. Ronald (Ron) C. Smith remains in his post as treasurer.
Western Municipal Water District Brenda Dennstedt, newly appointed Western Municipal Water District board president, is looking to 2014 as a year to provide continued emphasis on controlling costs while addressing drought conditions. A Western board member since 2007 representing Division 3, Dennstedt took the seat as president at the Jan. 15 board meeting. “We work hard to secure reliable sources of water, particularly in our semiarid region. With a drought declaration last month from the governor, controlling costs for customers while addressing dry conditions are my priorities as board president,” Dennstedt said. “We’ll also aim to continue our partnerships with regional agencies, from Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and the Western Riverside Council of Governments, to the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority and the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, among many others.”
Outgoing President and Division 2 Director Tom Evans will continue to serve as Western’s representative on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California Board of Directors. Leasa Cleland, a veteran water and public agency professional, was recently named Western Municipal Water District’s director of water resources. Cleland, who has more than 20 years of experience, is dedicated to continuing Western’s mission of providing safe, secure and reliable water to ratepayers. “Leasa’s proven talent in managing water resources and integrating innovative programs to benefit the public made her the ideal candidate for the position,” said Western Deputy General Manager Craig Miller. “As our region grows, Leasa will no doubt be able to continue our commitment to providing even more local water supplies to our customers, so we can continue to reduce our reliance on imported water.” Prior to Western, Cleland served as the water resource manager at Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District — a Western wholesale agency — where she managed water supply planning, water quality and wastewater engineering programs. She has also served in leadership roles in the water field at Morrison and Associates, Abbott Jakobs Consulting, Alameda County and Eastern Municipal water districts, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Cleland holds a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Additionally, she has taken water law and planning courses at the University of California, Riverside and the University of California, Berkeley.
CALENDAR
ACWA Events
February 24 – 26
25 – 27
March 5
The California Water and Environmental Modeling Forum will hold its 20th annual meeting at the Lake Natoma Inn in Folsom from Feb. 24-26. Highlights of the meeting include many excellent technical sessions, a joint day with the Interagency Ecological Program (IEP) on Feb. 26, keynote address by Gary Bardini, deputy director of the Department of Water Resources, the presentation of the Hugo B. Fischer and Life Membership awards, and an evening social at Sudwerk.
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. 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.
21 New small hydro workshop and tour hosted by ACWA is set for March 21. A half-day workshop at the Cucamonga Valley Water District Frontier Project will include programs on site selection, permitting, financing and small hydropower technologies. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Attendees have the option in the afternoon of touring Fontana Water Company’s Sandhill Small Hydro Facility in Rialto. This workshop may qualify toward the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) continuing education credit. 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
Other Events
this educational event. Learn more at www. childrenwaterfestival.com.
May
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.
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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.
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.
Register Today at www.acwa.com February 7, 2014 • 11
classifieds
Position Open Manager of Regulatory Planning and Analysis
Association of California Water Agencies 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3577
Periodicals Postage Paid at Sacramento, CA
Time Valued Material
East Bay Municipal Utility District $107,100 – $154,692 Excellent Benefits
EBMUD Recruitment and Classification www.ebmud.com EEO/AA
Registration Open for ACWA Small Hydropower Workshop & Tour ACWA is hosting a new workshop and tour on small hydropower on Friday, March 21 in Southern California. A half-day workshop at the Cucamonga Valley Water District Frontier Project will include programs on site selection, permitting, financing and small hydropower technologies. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Attendees then will have the option in the afternoon of touring Fontana Water Company’s Sandhill Small Hydro Facility in Rialto. This workshop may qualify toward the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) continuing education credit. Please visit http://www.acwa.com/content/event-registration to register and view a detailed agenda and tour schedule. The registration deadline is March 14 and space is limited. Questions? Please call ACWA’s Melanie Medina at 916.441.4545.
Registration is open for ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey, May 6-9. The spring conference will be held at the Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay and the Monterey Marriott Hotel. ACWA conferences are the premier gathering place for California’s water community. The events offer a one-of-a-kind
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For detailed application materials, please visit www.ebmud.com. Deadline to apply is Friday, February 21, 2014.
Registration Opens for ACWA 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey
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Call For ding a Wo Buil rld
East Bay Municipal Utility District seeks a water quality expert. The Manager of Regulatory Planning and Analysis for Water Quality will provide a broad range of professional and analytical work to various project teams and decision-makers, and represent EBMUD to the community, state and federal regulatory groups and other agencies. The ideal candidate will have familiarity with drinking water legislation and regulations; experience with drinking water quality research; excellent communication skills; experience working closely with members of an agency’s senior management in a technical advisory capacity; and experience working within and among utilities, professional organizations, the research community and regulatory agencies.
forum for discussing water issues affecting cities, farms, businesses and the environment throughout the state. More information and registration details are available at http://www.acwa.com/ content/event-registration. Questions? Please contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa. com or 916.441.4545.
ACWA Excellence in Water Leadership Award ACWA Excellence in Water Leadership Award
NoMiNAtioNs
Deadline March 3rd 2014
Nominatioins are now being accepted for the 2014 ACWA Excellence in Water Leadership Award – Building a World of Difference®. The award recognizes people (individuals or groups) who have made a remarkable and visible contribution to the enhancement, protection or development of water resources in California. For more information go to http://www.acwa.com/content/acwaexcellence-leadership-award.
Sponsored by Black & Veatch Corporation