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California Water in Spotlight During D.C. Conference
ACWA’s • Member • Newsletter
Volume 42 | Digital March 7, 2014
ACWA members converge on the U.S. Capitol during the association’s annual D.C. Conference Feb. 25-27. The event featured an array of programs and panel discussions with Obama Administration officials and members of Congress. The California drought, water storage, Endangered Species Act implementation and safe drinking water issues were key topics.
Governor Signs Emergency Drought Legislation Gov. Jerry Brown has signed emergency drought legislation that provides $687 million to assist drought-stricken communities and accelerate projects to better capture, manage and use water resources. The governor signed SB 103 and SB 104 on March 2, two days after the bills cleared both houses of the Legislature. The package includes funding for drought relief, housing and food assistance, and expedites more than $500 million in existing bond funding for local and regional projects that are already planned or under way to improve storm water capture, expand use of recycled water, enhance ground-
water management and recharge, and expand water conservation. In addition, the legislation increases funding for state and local conservation corps to assist communities with efficiency upgrades and reduce fire fuels in fire risk areas. It also includes $1 million for the Save Our Water program — a partnership between ACWA and the California Department of Water Resources — to expand public education and help Californians do their part to conserve water. “Legislators across the aisle have now voted to help hard-pressed communities that face drought Continued on page 7
Storage Becomes Key Issue for 2014 Water Bond California’s drought has put a spotlight on the need for more storage capacity in the state’s water system, and lawmakers at the State Capitol appear to be taking notice. Eleven bills on the water bond have been introduced since the beginning of 2014, and several of them would provide significant funding for the construction of above- and below-ground water storage.
AB 1331 now contains $2.5 billion for surface and subsurface storage, up from $1.5 billion. The bill also would provide $1 billion for water quality, $1.5 billion for protection of rivers and watersheds, a total of $2 billion for regional projects and integrated regional water management (IRWM), and $1 billion for the Delta. The total proposed investment is $8 billion.
On March 5, Assembly Member Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) announced he has added an additional $1 billion for water storage in an amended version of his water bond bill.
Rendon, chair of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, said he added more funding to AB 1331 after listening to feedback
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Need for Storage, ESA Flexibility Comes Through at D.C. Conference
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Rainfall Helps But Does Little to Quench California Drought
Water bond Continued on page 9
Feinstein and Valadao Drought Bills Featured at D.C. Conference
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NASA Helping Improve California Water Data, Drought Planning
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 2014. All Rights Reserved. Call ACWA for Permission to Reprint. USPS 334030 Digital Only
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Blog Post
By John A. Coleman and Kathleen J. Tiegs
Need for Storage, ESA Flexibility Comes Through at D.C. Conference When ACWA members arrived in Washington, D.C. in late February for the association’s annual D.C. Conference, three topics were on everyone’s mind: California’s drought and the need for both shor-term and long-term solutions. In discussions with Administration officials and meetings on Capitol Hill, the conversation quickly turned to the drought and how it is affecting farms, communities and the entire economy of our state. With Congress weighing legislation to provide relief to drought-stricken California, ACWA members used the opportunity to urge the state’s congressional delegation to work together to fashion a bipartisan bill that can meet the state’s needs and advance the coequal goals of improved water supply reliability and Delta ecosystem health. Leaders on both sides of the aisle took the time to share their thoughts on shortand long-term solutions. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) delivered impassioned remarks about the need for additional storage (as did all other leaders) to capture water from the wet years for use in dry times. She mentioned the potential benefits of raising Shasta Dam as well as the possibility of constructing new reservoirs at Temperance Flat and Sites in order to provide more storage for both north- and south-of-Delta water users. She also cited an additional proposal that should be investigated further: increasing the storage capacity at San Luis Reservoir while seismic work is being done. Early analysis by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation suggests the reservoir’s capacity could increase by as much as 130,000 acre-feet. We also heard from U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-21), who described how the drought is affecting Californians in his district and stressed the need for a bipartisan solution.
(See story on page 5 for more on remarks from Sen. Feinstein and Rep. Valadao. The senator’s complete remarks can be found on www.acwa.com.) In addition to storage, it’s clear that we need a more flexible approach to implementing regulations such as the Endangered Species Act. As we look at the universe of actions needed to improve our water supply reliability and combat the effects of future droughts, modifying how the federal government implements the ESA should be on the table. The ESA did not cause the drought, but the manner in which the ESA has been implemented by the federal government has made the impacts of the drought worse by constraining a system already stressed by historically dry conditions. Four years ago, the ACWA Board developed policy principles on ESA implementation, urging the federal government to implement this powerful law in a manner more consistent with the coequal policy goals in California law of water supply reliability and Delta ecosystem restoration. Now is the time for the federal government to heed this advice. As we emphasized in our conservations in Washington D.C., California is indeed facing crisis conditions. Congress and federal agencies have a key role to play in responding to that crisis. The federal government operates the state’s largest water supply project and it sets powerful regulations that impact federal, state, and local water supply projects in California. We cannot face the challenges of this or future droughts in California without a functional partnership with the federal government. We urge all members of our congressional delegation to work together to craft a bill that can move forward with bipartisan support. This is an unprecedented drought. But it is also an unprecedented opportunity to advance solutions so future generations do not find themselves in a similar crisis.
Drought Watch
Rainfall Helps But Does Little to Quench California’s Ongoing Drought Recent storms boosted the Sierra snowpack and runoff into reservoirs, but state officials say it’s far from enough to end drought conditions in California.
Storm activity since that date has boosted the snowpack to 33% as of March 6, according to more recent updates using automated devices.
According to the California Department of Water Resources, it would take half an inch of rain every day in March from Redding to Bakersfield to bring the state to average precipitation for the year in key watersheds that supply much of California’s water. Even average precipitation would not be enough to avert water shortages and end the drought because major reservoir storage remains so far below typical levels for this time of year.
By contrast, January’s snow survey by DWR revealed the lowest snowpack content in the history of such record keeping. Manual and electronic snowpack readings taken then measured the statewide water content at only 12% of average for that time of year. The measurement was just 7% of the average April 1 measurement when the snowpack normally is at its peak.
The 2014 water year (Oct. 1, 2013 through Sept. 30, 2014) has been one of the driest in decades and follows two consecutive dry years throughout the state. With two-thirds of the rainy season now behind us, DWR says there is little chance of recovering reservoir storage this year.
Some Improvement for Snowpack The first three snow surveys this year — conducted in early January, late January and late February — found a statewide snowpack water equivalent far below average for the dates of the surveys. The Feb. 27 survey showed the water content in the statewide snowpack to be 24% of average for the date and 21% of the average April 1 reading.
Rainfall precipitation also has been far below normal during this water year as recorded by stations throughout the Sierras. The eight stations in the Northern Sierra recorded little more than 15 inches from October through February, or only 44% of the seasonal average of about 35 inches during that period.
CVP Allocations at Record Low The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on Feb. 21 announced some of lowest initial water allocations on record for the Central Valley Project (CVP), with agricultural water users both north and south of the Delta expected to receive none of their water allocations in 2014. The zero percent initial allocation forecast for agricultural users is a first for the CVP project and did not occur
during the record-setting drought of 1977. Reclamation cited California’s unprecedented drought in making the announcement. The allocation forecast, while dismal, was not entirely unexpected by growers and others. Timothy Quinn, executive director of ACWA, said the allocation forecast illustrates the “unprecedented drought conditions gripping California.” “While this news had been anticipated, it still rings alarm bells for key regions of the state that produce nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables,” Quinn continued. “It’s truly a reminder that we need urgent action this year to address the severe impacts this will have on local economies.” State officials announced Jan. 31 that the State Water Project would likely deliver zero water to customers in 2014.
Video of ACWA-Sponsored Drought Briefing Available Online A video of the ACWA-sponsored drought briefing held in Sacramento Feb. 14 is now available online. The briefing, which was held at the Crest Theatre, featured several panels of local, state and federal officials who discussed various aspects of drought response and planning. About 175 people attended the event and more than 1,400 watched it via webcast.
The briefing was sponsored by ACWA, the California Department of Water Resources, League of California Cities, California State Association of Counties, California Farm Water Coalition, California Farm Bureau Federation, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and others.
local, state and federal agencies because of the record-breaking dry weather.
During the event, speakers outlined the unprecedented pressures placed on
The video is available at http://dwr. videossc.com/archives/021414/.
“We’re in a different arena right now. We need to take a new approach..,” ACWA President John Coleman, who moderated the event, told the crowd. “We are one state and we need to work together.”
March 7, 2014 • 3
Drought Watch
State Board Workshop Explores Possible Drought Relief Actions Rural, agricultural and urban stakeholders described to members of the State Water Resources Control Board on Feb. 26 some immediate actions the State Board could take to provide assistance during the drought. The workshop at the State Board was the second held in recent weeks concerning the drought. A previous workshop was held Feb. 18-19 that allowed the public and stakeholders to comment on urgency actions the State Board had taken in response to the drought. Those actions included easing water quality standards in the Delta, notifying some water rights holders of possible curtailments and allowing more flexibility in the operation of the Delta Cross Channel. On Feb. 26, the State Board heard testimony on how it might provide drought assistance in the agricultural sector, urban arena and in small and rural communities. Janice Waddell, a program manager with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s rural health programs, said $500,000 grants are available through the USDA to assist rural and small communities in developing emergency water supplies during the drought. Those funds are being used to help small communities link with other systems, dig a well or obtain temporary water. The money can’t be used to fix
leaky pipes that are wasting precious water supply, however. “Some systems have said if they could fix their pipes they could get through this year,” said Waddell. Waddell said small and rural communities also could use financial help paying for the permitting process required to set up recycled water systems as well as funding to pay for energy improvements. Omar Carillo of the Community Water Center said more outreach needs to be done to notify small and rural communities of the resources available to them. State Board Chair Felicia Marcus said her department may develop a onepage fact sheet that provides information on who to call if a community is close to running out of water. Kevin Wattier, general manager of the Long Beach Water Department, described how his customers cut water use by 17% from 2007 to 2009. He said his department achieved the goal through an aggressive outreach campaign and he believes the state needs to take a similar approach. “The state of California needs to do the same thing with wasting water as they did with smoking,” said Wattier, referencing the aggressive anti-smoking campaigns launched by the state several years ago.
During a panel on agricultural water measures, Tim O’Halloran, general manager of the Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, described the efforts his district has taken to conserve its water supply. As a conjunctive water use district, Yolo relies heavily on its groundwater in dry years. For that reason, the district works hard to maintain its aquifer, operating unlined water canals so a portion of the water in those canals recharges the aquifer. “Groundwater provides our drought protection and we take it seriously,” said O’-Halloran. Kelly Bell, director of community and environmental issues for Driscoll’s Strawberry Associates, Inc. in Watsonville, said it might be useful for the State Board to help growers adopt systems to measure their water use and nitrate movement so they can measure themselves against their peers. “Growers want this data, they are hungry for it,” said Bell. Peter Gleick, of the Pacific Institute, stressed the importance of water agencies adopting tiered pricing or conservation pricing to help incentivize water savings.
Change Your Clocks, Check Your Sprinklers on March 9 Recent rains are not enough to end the drought, but they are enough to eliminate the need to water lawns and landscaping in many parts of California for at least the next few weeks. The Save Our Water program is calling on Californians to check their sprinklers when they move their clocks forward on Sunday, March 9, for Daylight Saving Time. Most people use more water outdoors than indoors. Sprinkler systems are the biggest culprit. Stopping leaks and
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setting sprinkler timers correctly — or turning them off completely — will save water and protect lawns and plants from the damage caused by overwatering. For more information on how to shut off and re-program your sprinklers, go to the Save Our Water website at http://saveourh2o.org/.
D.C. Conference
Left photo, (left to right) ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), ACWA President John Coleman and Vice President Kathleen Tiegs greet one another Feb. 26 at the ACWA DC Conference, where Feinstein spoke about the urgent need for developing additional water storage in California. At right, Quinn, Coleman and Congressman David Valadao (R-21), who discussed the need for legislation that addresses the drought.
Feinstein and Valadao Drought Bills Featured at D.C. Conference During ACWA’s annual Washington, D.C. conference, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Rep. David Valadao (R-21) spoke separately with ACWA members about how their different bills would help alleviate California’s drought. Feinstein emphasized the impact of the drought in her remarks on Feb. 26 to nearly 100 ACWA members at the Capitol Visitor Center: “My worry is not just about farmers, but the entire economy of our state. Businesses, fishermen, factories, schools, hospitals, fire departments, social and government services — everyone is affected.” She said her legislation, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014 (S 2016), is designed to increase water supplies in California beginning this year. In her words, the bill “would cut red tape and free up federal agencies to operate with maximum flexibility and speed so they can move water to those who need it.” The bill also “allows the
federal government more flexibility in pumping decisions as long as it doesn’t harm endangered species.” Feinstein made an impassioned case for the need for more storage. “The lesson is clear: we must build more storage to prepare for the next drought which is sure to come.” She went on to give brief remarks about Sites Reservoir, Temperance Flat and San Luis Reservoir. “I have pressed Reclamation for a decade to finish the CALFED storage feasibility studies. In 2014, we passed legislation that would allow Reclamation to partner with non-federal entities to accelerate these studies,” she said. Rep. Valadao began his remarks by describing how the drought impacts residents in his district and emphasized the need for a bipartisan solution. “Congress does not have the power to make it rain, but we can make the situation better for
our constituents. We need both parties to come together for a solution”. Valadao’s bill, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Emergency Drought Relief Act (HR 3964), passed the House on Feb. 5 by a 229 to 91 vote. Valadao said his bill restores water reliability to California communities by codifying the Bay-Delta Accord and reforming federal laws that have severely curtailed water deliveries. Valadao indicated he met with Feinstein and hopes to find a path forward that includes authorizing storage projects. ACWA has a “support if amended” position on both S 2016 and HR 3964 and urges the Republicans in the California House delegation and the state’s Democratic senators to work together to fashion a bill that they can jointly support. More coverage of the ACWA’s Washington, D.C., Conference will appear in the March 21 issue of ACWA News.
New Radio Spots Remind Californians the Drought’s Still On Save Our Water launched a new set of radio ads in February aimed at raising awareness of the severity of the drought and the need to conserve. Even with rain falling in some areas of the state, the need to save water is as real
as ever, the ads stress. The spots include helpful tips on how to conserve water and direct the public to www.saveourh2o.org for more information.
To listen to the spot airing go to www. saveourh2o.org for the spot airing in Southern California. The radio spots will air statewide in major markets through March 7 and in smaller markets until March 17.
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Legislative Symposium
(Left) ACWA President John Coleman meets with officials after a panel on the state’s drinking water program reorganization during ACWA’s Legislative Symposium. (l-r) Coleman; Martha Guzman-Aceves, Brown administration deputy legislative secretary; Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board; Mark Starr, deputy director for environmental health, California Department of Public Health, and Cindy Tuck, ACWA deputy executive director for government relations. (Middle) ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn moderates a panel on a 2014 water bond. (l-r) Quinn; Assembly Member Anthony Rendon, (D-Lakewood) and state Sen. Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield). (Right) Panelists discuss ways to achieve transparency with the public in special districts. (l-r) Dorothy Holzem, legislative representative, California Special Districts Association; Lisa Lien-Mager, director of communications, ACWA; and Wendy Ridderbusch, director of state relations, ACWA.
Legislative Symposium Explores Water Bond, Drinking Water Program The importance of passing a water bond and keeping a public health focus within the state’s drinking water program were highlighted by speakers March 5 at ACWA’s 2014 Legislative Symposium in Sacramento. Several speakers said the state’s current drought has elevated California’s water needs to the forefront of the public eye, which could make it easier to explain to voters why a water bond should be passed in November. “The drought has brought attention to the California water system…and it has become very clear to people on both sides of the aisle that we have to do something now,” said Assembly Member Anthony Rendon, (D-Lakewood). Rendon, who is carrying a bill to place a new water bond on the ballot in November, was joined by State Sen. Jean Fuller, (R-Bakersfield) on a panel on how to pass a water bond. Fuller said lawmakers need to decide what size of a water bond to place before voters. “What’s the magic number that we think the public will pass that actually gets to the coequal goals and some new water – which is storage,” said Fuller. ACWA Executive Director Timothy 6 • ACWA NEWS
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Quinn, who moderated the panel, said the state needs to develop a new funding mechanism to “transition to a policy of coequal goals.” “We don’t want to wait any longer and the drought could be the game changer,” said Quinn. Several speakers throughout the day-long event stressed the importance of bolstering the state’s water storage system. During a press conference after his talk, Rendon announced that he had modified his bill to increase funding for storage to $2.5 billion. (See story on page 1.) ACWA President John Coleman kicked off the event by talking about state water policy and the drought. He recounted the severity of the drought’s impact on California — with job losses estimated at 300,000 and fallowed land estimated at 500,000 acres. He said the proposals within ACWA’s Statewide Water Action Plan — SWAP — and the governor’s California Water Action Plan, lay a framework for making broad changes to the state’s water system that will help California weather this and future droughts. “If we are here in 10 years talking about the same thing, we haven’t done
our jobs,” said Coleman. Jennifer Persike, ACWA Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Operations, updated attendees on how ACWA and the state have responded to the drought. She outlined the efforts of Save Our Water – a conservation campaign co-managed by ACWA and the Department of Water Resources. The www.saveourh2o.org website has been revamped and updated to provide more information on conservation both inside and outside the home. “The bad news is we are in a drought. The good news is all eyes are on California water,” said Persike. Another panel focused on the impending reorganization of the state’s drinking water program from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board). ACWA Deputy Executive Director for Government Relations Cindy Tuck praised the Brown administration for the task force it assembled to bring various stakeholders together to discuss the transition. Martha Guzman-Aceves, deputy legislative director for the Brown Continued on page 7
Drought Watch Drought Continued from page 1
water shortages,” the governor said in a statement. “This legislation marks a crucial step — but Californians must continue to take every action possible to conserve water.” Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez and Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg also offered statements on the legislation. “Like the rain this weekend, this package is badly needed to help mitigate the effects of the historic drought California is facing. But also like the rain, we need to see more,” Pérez said. “That’s why every Californian needs to continue to conserve water, and there’s
more work to do on storage, water quality improvement and environmental protections. If we don’t act now, the problems we face will only get worse.” Steinberg said the package will help drought-affected areas, but will not end historic drought conditions and their impacts. “Neither the rain storms we’re having now nor this legislation will eliminate the drought and its impacts,” Steinberg said. “But just like any amount of rain and snow will help, saving a year or even a few months in getting money out the door and getting water projects on-line can benefit California enormously.”
In addition to the funding provided by the package, the legislation calls for the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to adopt new groundwater replenishment regulations by July 1, 2014, and for the State Water Resources Control Board and CDPH to work on additional measures to allow for the use of recycled water and storm water capture for increasing water supply availability. The legislation also makes statutory changes to ensure existing water rights laws are followed, including streamlined authority to enforce water rights laws and increased penalties for illegally diverting water during drought conditions.
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administration, described the process of the reorganization and said a “transition paper” detailing the changes would be issued soon. Mark Starr, deputy director of environmental health at CDPH, said that his department intends to continue to work closely with the State Board after the reorganization takes place July 1. State Board Chair Felicia Marcus said all of the staff in the CDPH district offices will stay where they are but will come under the auspices of the State Board. She said the State Board also will develop a new division of drinking water quality with its own chief deputy,
likely someone with a public health background. “We are absolutely committed to public health,” said Marcus. Later, during a lunch address on sustainable groundwater management, Marcus said the issue of groundwater management has moved higher on the public’s agenda. She said groundwater management is a community issue and “that’s where it should be solved.” She added that she envisions the state’s role in the process to be more of a “backstop” to step in only if local efforts aren’t working.
“Our first choice is that (management) happens at the local level and we ask — ‘How can we help?’” she said. During an afternoon panel on building transparency with the public, ACWA Director of Communications Lisa LienMager and Dorothy Holzem, legislative representative for the California Special Districts Association, stressed that agencies and local districts should be proactive in telling their stories to the public. Agencies also should maintain robust websites with current information on budgets, board members and their contact information.
Zone 7 Receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded Zone 7 Water Agency the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the budget year beginning July 1, 2013. The GFOA established the Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program in 1984 to encourage
and assist state and local governments to prepare budget documents of the very highest quality that reflect both the guidelines established by the National Advisory Council on State and Local Budgeting and the GFOA’s best practices on budgeting and then to recognize individual governments that succeed in achieving that goal.
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Drought watch
(Left) Jeanine Jones, the California Department of Water Resources’ interstate resources manager and deputy drought manager, talks about how NASA’s expertise is helping California monitor the impacts of the drought, during a press conference Feb. 25 in Sacramento. (Middle) A panel of NASA scientists and administrators explain that the space agency’s research is contributing to the improvement of everything from mid-range weather forecasting to measurement of soil moisture. (Right) Tom Farr, a geologist from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, says the advancements could eventually help close California’s water budget. Photos by Kelly Grow / Department of Water Resources
NASA Helping Improve California Water Data, Drought Planning NASA is partnering with the California Department of Water Resources and other state agencies to collect better water data. Researchers hope it ultimately will help water managers make better on-theground decisions, especially during this year’s drought. At a press briefing Feb. 25 in Sacramento, scientists from the U.S. space agency spoke about how the state and federal collaboration is resulting in aerial measurement of the Sierra snowpack, mapping of fallowed agricultural land and ground subsidence, improved weather forecasting and other water-related research. Lawrence Friedl, director of NASA’s Applied Sciences Program, said the space agency’s relationship with California has been “blossoming” and that the intent is to help DWR utilize measurements coming from NASA’s existing instruments and upcoming missions. Friedl said a new satellite for studying global precipitation is launching and later this year another space satellite measuring soil moisture will be put into orbit. NASA is also working with California to expand monitoring programs such as the Airborne Snow Observatory, a plane that flew over the Tuolumne River Basin in the Sierra last spring to pro8 • ACWA NEWS
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duce detailed maps of the snowpack’s total water content. The reconnaissance helped develop runoff calculations that were more accurate than what was previously available from a limited number of ground sensors, said Tom Painter of NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the principle investigator for the flyover program. Accurate runoff data can help reservoir managers decide when to release and hold back water in order to maximize storage, he said. This year’s flyovers begin next month, and DWR and NASA are working together to eventually map the entire Sierra instead of just one watershed. Scientists also are making advances in the development of accurate mid-range weather forecasts for the West Coast and California. Until the last few years, there hasn’t been a way to provide reliable forecasts with week-to-week outlooks. But that is slowly changing. NASA scientists have found a correlation between activity in the Madden-Julian Oscillation, a recurring weather pattern in the tropics over the Pacific and Indian oceans. Forecasts derived from the MJO, as it’s called, accurately predicted the series of storm systems that arrived in California recently, said NASA’s Duane Waliser.
Waliser said mid-range forecasting also is important to anticipate the arrival of atmospheric rivers, a narrow band of weather emanating from the tropics that brings sustained, heavy rainfall and the potential for flooding. Recent research indicates that 40-50% of California’s droughts are ended by an atmospheric river, and on average nine days of atmospheric rivers bring in 40% of the state’s snowpack, he added. Jeanine Jones, DWR’s interstate resources manager and deputy drought manager, said of all NASA’s research, the new forecasting techniques excite her most. The technologies hold promise and provide forecasting that hasn’t been available before, she said. NASA and the DWR also are monitoring and mapping fallowed agricultural land and ground subsidence in California using detailed satellite imagery. Jones said the maps will have an impact on drought planning efforts. The California Department of Food and Agriculture is eager to use the data to help identify areas and communities that are in greatest need of food banks and other assistance, she said. The NASA scientists were in Sacramento for a two-day workshop on measurement and remote sensing of water resources.
Water Bond Water Bond Continued from page 1
during a series of town hall meetings on the water bond the committee is hosting across the state. “There are clearly projects where we could expand existing capacity … but there are new projects we could look at as well,” Rendon said during a press conference March 5 at the State Capitol. Rendon also spoke the same day at ACWA’s Legislative Symposium in Sacramento and noted the urgent need for the water bond. (See story on page 6) Rendon was joined at the press conference by Assembly Members Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) and Brian Dahle (R-Bieber) and state Sen. Andy Vidak (R-Hanford) as well as representatives from the building and construction trades. Dahle and Vidak said they are eager to work with Rendon on a bipartisan bill, and that they appreciate input from their communities is being heard. But they stopped short of supporting AB 1331 outright. Dahle said he and other Republicans want continuous appropriation of the storage funding included to ensure water projects are built. Rendon said AB 1331 as of now includes a “modified” form of continuous appropriation. “We’re going to continue to listen and the bond could continue to change,” Rendon said. The Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee is scheduled to hear AB 1331 on March 25. Rendon’s announcement came on the heels of a bipartisan group of state lawmakers introducing their own legislation on Feb. 21 that would place a $9.25 billion water bond on the November 2014 ballot. AB 2686 by Assembly Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno) and co-authoring Assembly Members Adam Gray (D-Merced) and Rudy Salas (D-Bakersfield) along with Sen. Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) would
downsize the existing $11.14 billion bond to $9.25 billion. The legislation would include a $3 billion continuous appropriation for water storage projects, $2.25 billion for Delta sustainability, $1.5 billion for regional water management projects, $1.5 billion for protection of watersheds, lakes, streams and coastlines, along with another $1 billion toward projects ensuring clean and safe drinking water. The bill’s author said one of the legislation’s distinguishing features is that it provides for continuous appropriation of storage with significant funding that’s locked in. AB 2686 is one of a handful of bills related to the water bond that state lawmakers on both sides of the aisle introduced ahead of the Feb. 21 deadline for introducing new legislation. On Feb. 20, Assembly Members Frank Bigelow (R-O’Neals) and Connie Conway (R-Tulare) and a group of co-authoring Republican Assembly members introduced AB 2043, a $7.935 billion bond to finance a safe drinking water and water supply reliability program. The bill includes $3 billion for water storage, $800 million for groundwater protection and water quality, $1.5 billion for Delta sustainability, nearly $1.19 billion for regional water supply reliability, $1.05 billion for water recycling projects and advanced water treatment technology, and $395 million for drought relief, wastewater treatment, and safe drinking water. State Sen. Ben Hueso (D-San Diego) introduced SB 1250, a water bond spot bill. On Wednesday, state Sen. Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) introduced SB 1080, another spot bill for the water bond. A steady stream of water bond bills have been introduced since the beginning of the year.
SB 848 by Sen. Lois Wolk (D-Davis) would place a $6.825 billion water bond on the November ballot. It has cleared three policy committees in the Senate and will next be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee. ACWA has taken an oppose-unlessamended position on SB 848 because it would dramatically reduce funding for water storage and Delta sustainability compared to the current version of the bond now set for the November 2014 ballot. The funding areas are seen as critical to achieving the coequal goals of ecosystem health and water supply reliability. SB 848 also fails to provide for continuous appropriation for storage, creating uncertainty for expanded water storage needed to improve water supply reliability. Other bills: • In SB 927, State Sens. Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) and Andy Vidak (R-Hanford) introduced a $9.217 billion bond proposal Jan. 29. • AB 1331, the Clean and Safe Drinking Water Act of 2014, was amended and reintroduced last month by Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Chair Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood). AB 1331 would authorize a $6.5 billion bond measure. • SB 1370 by State Sen. Cathleen Galgliani (D-Stockton) introduced on Feb. 21 a $5.1 billion bond that would fund specific surface storage projects. • AB 1445 by Assembly Member Dan Logue (R-Marysville) would put a $5.8 billion bond on the ballot, allocating $4.8 billion toward water storage and the remaining $1 billion for water quality projects. ACWA continues to play a leadership role in water bond discussions at the Capitol.
March 7, 2014 • 9
Newswatch
California’s Water Future Explored at Sacramento Conference Water conservation, multi-agency collaboration and diversification of water supplies were touted by several speakers at a water conference in Sacramento Feb. 20 as ways California can grapple with its current – and long term – water needs. The conference, sponsored by Capitol Weekly and UC Center Sacramento, featured several panels where speakers explored the economic, ecological and social issues surrounding some of California’s long-standing water disputes.
has been made to unite the state around the common coequal goals of water supply reliability and ecosystem restoration. He said the framework for a solution to the state’s water problems requires a statewide approach that includes a diversified portfolio of such management practices as water conservation, recycling, storage and other system improvements. “There has to be a comprehensive, statewide approach,” said Quinn.
“Everywhere you go today in California, people are talking about the weather, water and drought,” said Fiorini. “It’s real. It’s now. And it’s serious.”
Quinn said that water managers with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California worked hard after the droughts of 1977 and 1991 to bolster water conservation and build more storage facilities to bank water during times of plenty. He said Met increased its storage 20-fold from 200,000 acrefeet to 4 million acre-feet and launched aggressive water conservation messaging campaigns.
Fiorini said the drought is highlighting the need for water conservation.
“Instead of chastising them, maybe we should learn from them,” said Quinn.
“The message is crystal clear. We all have to conserve as never before,” said Fiorini, adding that the drought is creating “unprecedented” cross agency collaboration.
Thad Bettner, general manager of Glenn Colusa Irrigation District, said the state’s current water system cannot meet the competing demands placed on it.
Randy Fiorini, chair of the Delta Stewardship Council, delivered the lunchtime keynote address and stressed how California’s current drought is pushing the state’s water needs to the forefront of the public eye.
ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn, speaking on a panel titled North versus South which explored regional water conflicts, stressed that much progress
“We need to optimize the system we have and bring it up to 21st century standards,” said Bettner. Speaker after speaker at the conference stressed the importance of water
conservation now and in the future. “Every molecule of water people can save wherever they can frees up the system,” said Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board. Other panels explored the fiscal impacts of water management in the state, controversies in the SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta and the different stakeholders in the water world. Sen. Lois Wolk (D-Davis), speaking on a panel about the Delta, said state officials should “be practical” and “stop talking” about the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and instead look to support more immediate solutions to the state’s water problems. She said the state needs to pass a water bond that gives local communities the tools they want. Others speakers at the forum included: Jerry Meral, former deputy secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency and now with the Natural Heritage Institute; Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez (R-San Diego); Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway (R-Tulare); Marguerite Patil, of the Contra Costa Water District; Barbara Parrigan-Parrilla, of Restore the Delta; John Woodling of the Regional Water Authority and Roger Patterson of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
During California’s Drought, Water Guzzling Toilets “Got to Go” The Desert Water Agency (DWA) teamed up with the Hilton Palm Springs and Niagara Conservation to fight water waste by dumping 170 of the hotel’s inefficient toilets. Construction workers are in the process of removing and recycling the old water guzzling toilets and replacing them with water-efficient Stealth 0.8 Gallon-Per-Flush Toilets. Installing conservation-friendly toilets is an effective way to save water during the ongoing drought and another step DWA is taking to work toward efficient use of the region’s aquifer. 10 • ACWA NEWS
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“DWA recognizes the importance of the hospitality industry in our region and we are pleased to see the Hilton Palm Springs’ enthusiasm to contribute to our conservation efforts,” said DWA Board President Craig Ewing. “We have long worked with hotels to encourage their visitors to conserve, and this is another important step toward making permanent changes that will reduce water demand for years to come.” “The Hilton Palm Springs is proud to be part of the water conservation solu-
tion,” said Hilton General Manager Aftab Dada. “Making this change is beneficial to the citizens of Palm Springs as well as to the guests who love this city and want to help us preserve all of the wonderful things about it.”
Newswatch
Bay Delta Conservation Plan Comment Period Extended 60 Days The comment period for the draft Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) and its accompanying environmental documents has been extended 60 days by federal and state officials, allowing the public until June 13 to comment on the documents. “Keeping with our continued effort of transparency, additional time has been granted for review of the Draft BDCP documents facilitating greater public involvement,” California Secretary for Natural Resources John Laird said in release announcing the extension. “All public comments received on the draft documents will be carefully evaluated and addressed in the Final EIR/EIS.” The addition of 60 days creates a 180day comment period for the draft plan and draft environmental impact review and environmental impact statement. The comment period began December 13, 2013. The Draft BDCP and Draft EIR/ EIS are being made available to the public in accordance with the California Natural Community Conservation
Planning Act (NCCPA), Section 10 of the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA,) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Written comments may be submitted via mail or hand delivery to Ryan Wulff, National Marine Fisheries Service, 650 Capitol Mall, Suite 5-100, Sacramento, CA 95814 or via email to BDCP. comments@noaa.gov. State officials stated in the announcement on the extension that no final decisions have been made regarding moving forward with the BDCP or in selecting an alternative. Those decisions, the release said, will occur after completion of the CEQA and NEPA processes. The draft documents are available electronically on the project website and electronically at libraries throughout the state. Visit www.BayDeltaConservationPlan.com to find a location near you. Hard copies of the draft documents are available at the following locations:
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Department of Water Resources: 3500 Industrial Blvd., Room 117, West Sacramento, CA 95691
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National Marine Fisheries Service, 650 Capitol Mall, Suite 5-100, Sacramento, CA 95814
Copies of the documents referenced in the Draft EIR/EIS will be available at the DWR Office at 3500 Industrial Blvd., Room 117, West Sacramento, CA 95691. For a DVD copy of the documents send an email request to BDCP. comments@noaa.gov.
Reclamation Looks Again at Possibility of Temperance Flat Reservoir The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation recently released a draft report that investigates the feasibility of constructing a new dam and reservoir on the Upper San Joaquin River at Temperance Flat. The idea of a reservoir at Temperance Flat has been talked about for years. If ever built, the project would be located about 25 miles northeast of Fresno upstream of Millerton Lake. According to Reclamation, the new dam would be 665 feet high with a capacity of 1.33 million acre-feet.
like this one to help meet the challenges of lean water years,” Murrillo added. According to the study, a reservoir at Temperance Flat could improve water reliability for growers and other users downstream, as well as improve water temperature for Chinook salmon and other fish.
Bureau Regional Director David Murillo called the new feasibility report “a vital step to building drought resilience in California.”
The report noted that when the State of California studied the idea of building a dam on the Upper San Joaquin River more than 80 years ago, Temperance Flat was identified as the superior option over dam sites at Friant and Fort Miller. But the Friant location ultimately was chosen in part to reduce costs, and that led to the creation of Millerton Lake in 1942.
“The unprecedented drought conditions that we are currently facing firmly reinforce the need to investigate projects
Public comment on the Temperance Flat feasibility study, available at usbr. gov, is due April 21.
In a related development, Rep. Jim Costa, (D-Fresno), introduced legislation Feb. 28 that would authorize construction resulting in a dam and reservoir at Temperance Flat, an expansion of Shasta Dam, and expanding San Luis Reservoir by 130,000 acre-feet.
March 7, 2014 • 11
Newswatch
Salton Sea Gets Boost from Newly Signed Collaboration Agreement The Salton Sea Authority and the U.S. Department of the Interior recently agreed to a 10-year memorandum of understanding to improve collaboration between federal, tribal and local entities on natural resource issues involving the Salton Sea. The pact calls on each party to share available technical and scientific information and expertise, and to prioritize partnerships to improve resource conditions in and around the sea. Officials say the agreement is a key step forward on the path to finding a longterm restoration plan for the Salton Sea that works for the local community and state and federal agencies. For more than a decade progress has been slow, but efforts have picked up because a large ag-tourban water transfer set to begin in 2017 will take away much of the sea’s inflow and is expected to accelerate the sea’s decline unless other measures are taken. The sea currently is fed primarily by agricultural runoff. Located in Riverside and Imperial counties, the 375-square-mile Salton Sea has been plagued by increasing salinity, low oxygen levels, algae blooms and other environmental problems that have resulted in fish die-offs and diminished air quality.
Both the Salton Sea Authority and the Department of Interior — via the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other federal agencies — have been implementing pilot projects at the sea to restore fish and bird habitat and to investigate the sea’s potential for generating renewable energy, which could eventually create steady revenue for restoration efforts. “We support the push for practical and implementable projects to protect the resources of the Salton Sea and surrounding communities,” said Anne Castle, assistant secretary of Interior. “The department has a key role to play – ensuring that these efforts are prioritized and based on the best available technical and scientific information.” Castle joined Salton Sea Authority President James Hanks and officials from the Imperial Irrigation District, Imperial County, and the California Natural Resources Agency for the signing in Washington, D.C. The trip also featured an informal briefing on Feb. 27 hosted by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Reps, Raul Ruiz (CA-36) and Juan Vargas (CA51) in which officials discussed the present and future of the Salton Sea. The Congress members heard remarks from
IID General Manager Kevin Kelley and Roger Shintaku, general manager of the Salton Sea Authority, among others. Last year IID and Imperial County — both members of the Salton Sea Authority — announced a partnership aimed at restoring the sea and pursuing geothermal and other renewable energy projects there. Boxer, Ruiz and Vargas sent a letter in February to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell urging her to designate land at the Salton Sea a renewable energy area. “There is a lot of work to be done to solve the Salton Sea issues. I am encouraged by the meetings we have had in Washington, D.C. and I look forward to developing the partnership with our federal agencies,” Imperial County Supervisor Ryan Kelley said.
Transparency Certificate of Excellence Awarded to Hi-Desert WD The Hi-Desert Water District (HDWD) received the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation (SDLF) in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote transparency and good governance. “This award is a testament to Hi-Desert Water District’s commitment to open government,” said Ed Muzik, HDWD general manger. “The entire district staff is to be commended for their contributions that empower the public with 12 • ACWA NEWS
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information and facilitate engagement and oversight.” In order to receive the award, a special district must demonstrate the completion of eight essential governance transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings, and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the state controller in a timely manner. The Hi-Desert Water District also fulfilled 15 website requirements, including providing readily available information
to the public, such as board agendas, past minutes, current district budget, and the most recent financial audit. Finally, the district must have demonstrated outreach to its constituents that engages the public in its governance, through regular district newsletters and a community engagement project. SDLF is an independent, nonprofit organization formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs.
Newswatch
Orange County wins Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize Orange County Water District (OCWD) was awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize on Feb. 18 for its work in groundwater management and water reclamation using advanced water reuse technologies. The Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize, named after Singapore’s founding prime minister Lee Kuan Yew, was launched in 2008 to honor outstanding contributions by individuals or organizations towards solving the world’s water problems by applying innovative technologies or implementing policies and programs which benefit humanity. The Singapore Millennium Foundation, a philanthropic body supported by Temasek Holdings, is the sponsor of the award. Based on research and demonstration efforts by OCWD, a three-stage advanced treatment process of microfiltration, reverse osmosis and ultraviolet or hydrogen peroxide has
been established as industry standard for potable water reuse. The agency launched its Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) in 2008. Reclaimed water is injected into a series of injection wells to create a hydraulic barrier that guards against seawater intrusion, preventing contamination of drinking water wells. It also provides a new source of high-quality water for year-round recharge to the aquifer. The system is currently capable of supplying 265,000 cubic meters of water per day, which is enough to meet the needs of about 600,000 people. It is produced using half the energy required to pump water from other places. To date, the GWRS has produced 129 billion gallons of water. OCWD also engages in extensive public outreach to gain public acceptance of water recycling for indirect potable use. It has been the model for water
agencies in countries such as Australia and Singapore as well as some other states in the United States. Michael Markus, general manager of OCWD, said that the experience of his agency is especially relevant for modern urban areas where natural water resources are scarce. The project also has financial benefits, as the cost of producing the water is only about one third of getting water from other regions. OCWD received a prize of 300,000 Singapore dollars — the equivalent of $237,000 (U.S.) — a certificate and a gold medallion.
Beware of ‘Housing Poachers’ When Booking Hotel for Spring Conference ACWA is warning its members of potentially fraudulent activity associated with hotel reservations for ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition. Hotel rooms for this conference should be handled exclusively through the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Recently ACWA was made aware of an organization called “Exhibitor Housing Management” that is contacting exhibitors of the 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition in an attempt to solicit hotel bookings for the conference. These types of organizations are known in the
CAUTION
meetings industry as “housing poachers.” As a member and/or attendee of the 2014 Spring Conference, you may be approached via phone, fax or email by this organization or another like it regarding hotel rooms. The poacher will say or imply that they are affiliated with or working on behalf of ACWA or the host hotel, which is not true. The poacher most likely will offer hotel rooms at discounted rates and ask for your credit card information. Most often, the reservations made through a poacher are nonexistent or the hotel is located far from the conference location.
ACWA requires attendees to register for the conference prior to receiving official booking information for the host hotels. All housing links, forms and information for ACWA conferences come in the form of an ACWA email confirming your conference registration. If you receive a solicitation of any other kind, do not respond and do not provide credit card information. If you believe a housing poacher has contacted you, please contact Paula Currie, ACWA Director of Member Services & Events, at 916.441.4545 or paulac@acwa.com.
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People News
Public Member Agencies LA Department of Water & Power The Los Angeles City Council unanimously confirmed Anaheim City Manager Marcie Edwards on Feb. 21 as the new general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). Edwards is the first woman to hold the LADWP’s top job, and is coming back to the utility where she previously worked for 24 years. Edwards brings decades of experience in the utility industry to her new post. She ran Anaheim Public Utilities for 13 years prior to her appointment as Anaheim City Manager in July 2013. She had previously worked at LADWP in numerous positions of increasing responsibility. As the LADWP general manager, she will oversee the nation’s largest municipal utility with an operating budget of $5.5 billion, 8,800 employees and providing water and power to nearly 4 million Angelinos. Following her confirmation, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said, “I chose Ms. Edwards because her leadership rests on a comprehensive knowledge of the business of water and power, having risen through the ranks at the DWP, and amassing more than 35 years of experience in utility operations inside and
outside L.A. She’s savvy and tough, and I’m confident she will continue our efforts to reform the DWP and save money for ratepayers.” “I am honored to lead LADWP during this challenging period — it’s like coming home to the utility I grew up with,” Edwards said. She praised LADWP employees, saying, “This is a tough job and no one person can do it alone. It will take a group effort to meet the challenges now facing LADWP. I am heartened to work with such dedicated, intelligent and innovative people, many of whom are among the best in the water and power utility industry.” Edwards replaces Ron Nichols, who resigned effective the end of January after three years on the job.
Municipal Water District of Orange County The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) Board unanimously elected Larry Dick as board president and Wayne Osborne as vice president on Feb. 19.
Dick was first elected to the MWDOC Board in 2000 and three years later was appointed to serve as one of MWDOC’s four representatives on the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s board of directors. He is a longtime member of the Water Advisory Committee of Orange County, where he served twice as chairman. He currently serves as president of the Orange County Water Facilities Corporation, he serves on the Board of Directors of the Urban Water Institute and he has served as an officer of the Independent Special Districts of Orange County. Dick is president and CEO of the La Salle Group in Orange. Vice President Osborne was appointed to the MWDOC Board in 2012. Osborne worked for the city of Fountain Valley for 33 years as the director of public works and city engineer. During that time, he developed the city’s water supply master plan, implemented long-term capital improvement programs for water supply, and oversaw the maintenance of all public works facilities, including water and wastewater systems.
U.S. Senate Confirms Michael L. Connor as Deputy Secretary of Interior The U.S. Senate has confirmed the nomination of Michael L. Connor to serve as deputy secretary of the Department of the Interior, by a 97-0 vote. Connor has served as commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation at Interior since 2009. Under Connor’s leadership the past five years, Reclamation has completed two major agreements with Mexico on the Colorado River, negotiated and implemented Indian water rights settlements, and expanded hydropower generation at Reclamation Bureau facilities. Connor also led the federal gov14 • ACWA NEWS
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In his new role, Connor will work closely with Interior Secretary Sally Jewell.
Committee. From 1993 to 2001, Connor worked first in the Solicitor’s Office and then as director of the Secretary’s Indian Water Rights Office.
President Obama nominated Connor for the promotion last summer to replace David J. Hayes, who left the administration after the president’s first term for a position as senior fellow at the Hewlett Foundation and professorship at Stanford Law School.
The New Mexico native has a law degree from University of Colorado Law School and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from New Mexico State University. Connor lives in Maryland with his wife and their two children.
Connor has worked in various capacities at Interior for more than two decades. From 2001 until 2009, Connor served as counsel to the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Lowell Pimley, deputy commissioner of operations at Reclamation, will serve as acting commissioner. Pimley is a civil engineer who joined Reclamation in 1980.
ernment’s negotiations on the California Bay-Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP).
CALENDAR
ACWA Events
March
21 A 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. 23 – 24
26 – 27
April 3 – 4
7 – 9
ACWA Region 5 is hosting a program to highlight how the Santa Cruz water community works together to find regional solutions on March 23-24. Attendees will learn about the area’s Integrated Regional Water Management efforts, how local agencies are building relationships within the community to find solutions, and the importance of these partnerships during the current dry climate. Attendees will also gather for a walking tour at the Watsonville Area Water Recycling Project facility. Registration deadline is March 18. Space is still available and open to all regions. Registration is available online at www.acwa.com. For more information please contact Regional Affairs Representative Katie Dahl at katied@acwa.com or Regional & Member Services Specialist Ana Torres at anat@acwa.com. 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.
The California Water Policy Conference is set for April 3-4 at The Roberts Environmental Center at Claremont McKenna College. For more information and registration go to http://www.cawaterpolicy.org/ index.htm. Green California Summit and Exposition is set for April 7-9 at the Sacramento Convention Center. For registration and more information go to http://www.
Other Events
green-technology.org/gcsummit/educationprogram.html.
16 The 2nd Annual Climate Change Water and Society (CCWAS) IGERT State of the Science workshop is set for April 16. “Climate Change and the Future of Groundwater in California” aims to bring together scientists, water managers, policy and decision makers, engineers and other interested stakeholders to identify key challenges and solutions for a sustainable groundwater future. More details can be found in the attached flyer and at http://ccwas. ucdavis.edu/State_of_the_Science_and_Policy_ Workshop/2014/.
May
6 – 9
ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition is May 6-9 at the Portola and Marriott Hotels, Monterey. Register online at www.acwa.com. Registration deadline is April 10. For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545.
16
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.
September 9 – 12
The International Water Association is holding a specialists’ conference for water basin science and management Sept. 9 to 12 in San Francisco. More information on the conference is http://iwa2014sanfrancisco.org/. Questions may be directed to Chelsea Spier at 209.946.2595, iwa2014wrbm@gmail.com.
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. March 7, 2014 • 15
classifieds
Position Open District Accountant/Treasurer Rosamond CSD Salary: $74,521 – $95,110 annually plus excellent benefits. The District Accountant/ Treasurer performs advanced level professional accounting duties; which includes general ledger, payroll, accounts payable, work order management/cost accounting, and accounts receivable. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and CPA is required, seven (7) years’ experience in the public sector, four (4) of which will have been in a supervisory/managerial capacity. APPLY BY: March 31, 2014. Applications are available at www.rosamondcsd.com. Please send completed application to: Rosamond Community Services District, Attn: Director of Administration, 3179 35th Street West, Rosamond, CA 93560. Further information can be obtained by visiting the District website at: www.rosamondcsd.com. EEO/AA
Treatment and Distribution Supervisor I Alameda County Water District The Alameda County Water District located in Fremont, California, is seeking to hire a Treatment and Distribution Supervisor I. This position under direction from the Water Production Manager will supervise, schedule, and coordinate the installation, repair, operation and maintenance of water treatment plants, blending and pumping facilities and related distribution and storage facilities; respond to unplanned facility shutdowns and other significant operational problems as appropriate; coordinate work activities with appropriate District personnel, outside agencies and contractors; establish, revise and implement operating procedures to meet changing conditions; prepare the annual budget request for the work unit, estimating staffing and capital equipment needs; monitor and control unit expenditures after budget adoption; assist in planning and coordinating capital projects associated with plant or distribution facilities; and perform other related work as required. Education and Experience – Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be
Association of California Water Agencies 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3577
Periodicals Postage Paid at Sacramento, CA
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the equivalent of: High school diploma or its equivalent supplemented by college or technical school course work in a field related to the job; and Three (3) years of experience as either (1) an operator in responsible charge of a conventional water treatment plant, (2) an engineer or other professional with responsible charge over water treatment and distribution projects and/or operations, or (3) an equivalent combination of education and relevant current experience which would enable the candidate to take full responsibility for the scope of occupational functions required; and with at least two (2) years in a lead capacity directing the work of others.
Additional Requirements: Must possess a California Department of Public Health Water Treatment Plant Operator Certificate, Grade T4 at time of appointment; must obtain California Department of Public Health Water Treatment Operator Grade T5 and California Department of Public Heath Water Distribution Operator Grade D3 certifications within 18 months of appointment to the classification. Possession of a valid California Driver’s license and satisfactory driving record is also required. Please visit the District’s website in order to submit a District application and Supplemental Questionnaire by Monday, March 3, 2014 at www.acwd.org.