NEWS
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ACWA’s • Member • Newsletter
Save Our Water has launched a statewide outdoor media campaign to bring awareness to and educate Californians on how to save water every day. Eye-catching billboards like the one above are reminding motorists that “Californians Don’t Waste.” Photo courtesy of Department of Water Resources
Governor Brown Commemorates May as Save Our Water Month, Urges Public to Continue Conserving
Statewide Outdoor Media Campaign Launched to Bring Awareness to Drought Gov. Jerry Brown on May 1 commemorated May as Save Our Water Month and reiterated his call to the public to conserve water while the state is “in the throes of a drought.” Brown’s commemoration was released the same day Save Our Water — a partnership between ACWA and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) — launched a statewide outdoor media campaign to increase awareness to the drought and educate Californians on ways to save
water every day. The campaign — dubbed “Californians Don’t Waste” — seeks to tap into Californians’ ethic of conservation. Brown’s message also urged Californians to conserve water, while underscoring the increased fire threat California faces due to drought. “As California approaches the summer fire season in the throes of a drought, I call on all Californians to take a thoughtful approach SOW Continued on page 7
Three Water Bond Bills Advance in Assembly; Senate Committee to Hear ACWA-Supported Bill on May 13 ACWA-supported AB 2686 is among three water bond bills to clear the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee on April 29. The measures are now headed to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration. AB 2686 by Assembly Member Henry Perea (D-Fresno) would replace the $11.14 billion water bond currently on the November 2014 ballot with a new measure authorizing more than $9 billion, including $3 billion continu-
ously appropriated for water storage; $2.25 billion for Delta sustainability; $1.5 billion for protecting rivers, lakes, streams, coastal waters and watersheds; $1.5 billion for regional water management projects; $1 billion for clean and safe drinking water; and separate chapters for water recycling and groundwater. “With the state’s growing demand for water and the impacts of climate change over the next century, California needs to reinvest in Water Bond Continued on page 6
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Sierra Comes Up Dry in Season’s Last Snow Survey
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Assembly Committee Approves Groundwater Legislation
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Award Winners Recognized at ACWA Spring Conference
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ACWA-Sponsored AB 2417 Clears First Committee
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
Frank Gehrke, chief of the California Cooperative Snow Survey, speaks with the media near Echo Summit on May 1 about the dry conditions measured in the season’s last snow survey.
Executive Director Timothy Quinn
Photo courtesy of Department of Water Resources
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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2 • ACWA NEWS
Sierra Comes Up Dry in May Snow Survey The last snow survey of the 2014 water year had no surprises. There isn’t much snow left to help replenish the state’s low reservoirs. The statewide snowpack’s water content was at just 18% of average on May 1, according to electronic readings and a manual survey done by Department of Water Resources snow surveyors. Despite a fleeting snowstorm in late April in the northern Sierra, water content in the region that feeds the state’s biggest reservoirs was at only 7% of average. Electronic water content readings for the central and southern Sierra were 24% and 18% of normal respectively. DWR said there won’t be enough melting snowpack this spring and summer to significantly boost California’s reservoirs. Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s (SWP) principal reservoir, on May 1 was at only 53% of its 3.5 million acre-foot capacity. Shasta Lake, the federal Central Valley Project’s (CVP) largest reservoir, also was at 53% of its 4.5 million acre-foot capacity. San Luis Reservoir, a critical south-of-Delta reservoir, was at 47% of capacity. For up-to-date reservoir levels and conditions, view DWR’s California Data Exchange Center online.
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“Anyone who doesn’t think conservation is important should drive up the hill and take a look,” DWR Director Mark Cowin said May 1. “Coupled with half our normal rainfall and low reservoir storage, our practically nonexistent snowpack reinforces the message that we need to save every drop we can just to meet basic needs.” After late season storms, DWR on April 18 increased this year’s water allocation to 5% of requested SWP amounts. Federal deliveries from the Central Valley also increased slightly. The previous SWP allocation was zero. Even if 5% stands as the final amount, it will be the lowest across-the-board allocation in the 54-year history of the State Water Project, according to DWR. The final SWP allocation for 2013 was 35% of the 4.1 million acre-feet requested. Snow measurements have been dismal all year. The year’s first measurement Jan. 3 showed the snowpack at just 20% of average. By Feb. 27, the snowpack reading had risen to 27% of average for that date due to a band of winter storms, but the reading was still well below average. Some storms in March and April brought small gains which since have disappeared.
Groundwater
Assembly Committee Approves Groundwater Legislation at April 29 Hearing in Sacramento Legislation aimed at achieving sustainable management of the state’s groundwater basins advanced April 29, clearing the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee on a 9-5 vote. AB 1739 by Assembly Member Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) as currently written would establish a statutory definition of groundwater management and provide for enhanced minimum requirements for local groundwater management plans. It would also enhance and clarify tools and authorities for local agencies to improve groundwater management and outline specific steps for monitoring and reporting groundwater data. In comments before the committee, Dickinson said the measure seeks to address a critical challenge while keeping the emphasis on action at the local level. He also noted that the bill incorporates several concepts advanced by ACWA in recommendations it released in April for improving groundwater sustainability. ACWA’s recommendations outline legislative and administrative changes that would strengthen groundwater management and accountability where it is deficient, provide new tools and authorities to restrict pumping or take other measures where appropriate, and define a “backstop” role for the state in cases
where a local or regional agency is unable to protect and manage a basin. ACWA Senior Legislative Advocate Whitnie Wiley said that ACWA is “committed to finding a path to sustainable groundwater management.” She thanked the author for his leadership on the issue and his willingness to incorporate input from ACWA. “AB 1739 is a work in progress,” Wiley said. “We expect to continue to work with the Assembly member and other stakeholders as the bill moves forward.” Dickinson emphasized the bill does not currently address what the state’s role should be, noting it would be a “topic of conversation as the legislation moves.” “I’m pleased to have incorporated the proposal made by ACWA. Their recognition of this as an issue that needs to be addressed now is important,” Dickinson said. “I think this does offer us a watershed moment.” Legislation addressing groundwater also is moving through the Senate. SB 1168 by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), approved by the Senate Natural Resources Committee last week, in its current form would establish a statutory framework to achieve sustainable management of groundwater basins throughout the state.
Report: California Groundwater Levels at Historic Lows, Water Shortages Possible California’s groundwater resources are at historically low levels with some basins facing potential water shortages, according to a new report released April 30 by the Department of Water Resources (DWR). Commissioned by Gov. Jerry Brown’s emergency drought declaration in January, the report details specific basins with potential water shortages and describes gaps in groundwater monitoring. This report will form the
Advisory Group Recommends Rules for Sustainable Groundwater Management The California Water Foundation (CWF) released a new report May 5 that lays out a framework for sustainably managing groundwater. To develop its findings and recommendations, the independent organization convened participants from local water agencies that are active in ACWA, farmers, local elected officials, and others. The dialog began earlier this year at the governor’s request, the foundation said. “Californians are coming together to advance real solutions to our groundwater crisis. This demonstrates a turning point that makes groundwater policy improvements possible this year to ensure this critical water supply is protected in the future,” said Lester Snow, executive director of CWF. “People, farms and the environment all need a more sustainable groundwater supply. This report is a starting point to ignite effective change in the way we view and manage groundwater as part of California’s overall water supply portfolio.” The report includes several findings and seven recommendations: 1. Adopt a definition of “sustainable groundwater management.”
basis for future actions to address current gaps in monitoring and oversight of groundwater resources.
2. Develop a statewide program that establishes a system of prioritization for all subbasins.
According to the report, groundwater levels are experiencing record historical lows in most areas of the state and especially in the northern portion of the San Francisco Bay Hydrologic region, the southern San Joaquin Valley, and also the South Lahontan and South Coast
3. Establish local groundwater management entities (LGMEs).
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4. Provide LGMEs with tools and authorities to achieve sustainability. 5. Require LGMEs to develop management plans with benchmarks and milestones. Continued on page 11
May 9, 2014 • 3
Awards
ACWA Presents Leadership Award to Paul Jones at Spring Conference The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) on May 7 presented its 2014 Excellence in Water Leadership Award to Paul Jones, general manager of Eastern Municipal Water District. Jones has devoted his entire career to California water. Under his leadership, Eastern has significantly reduced its reliance on imported water by achieving 90% beneficial reuse of its recycled
water and strengthening its groundwater recharge programs. Jones also has helped advance recycled water programs throughout California and the nation. He served as past president of the California WateReuse Association and as California’s representative on the WateReuse National Board of Directors. “This award is ACWA’s way of recognizing leadership and contributions that make a lasting difference in California water,” said ACWA President John Coleman. “Paul Jones truly embodies the spirit of building a world of difference.
His contributions to California water will leave an impact for years to come, and we are pleased to present this award to such a deserving recipient.” The Excellence in Water Leadership Award – Building a World of Difference® recognizes groups or individuals who have made a remarkable and visible contribution to California water. The award, sponsored by Black & Veatch Corporation, was presented at ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey.
Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority Wins 2014 Clair A. Hill Award The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) presented the prestigious Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award to the Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority for its fish passage improvement project at the Red Bluff Diversion Dam. The award was presented during the annual ACWA Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey, where local water officials gathered for programs and panel discussions on a variety of key water issues, including drought. The TehamaColusa Canal Authority was selected from among four finalists to receive the award. “The Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority’s fish passage improvement project is a stellar example of a local agency developing creative, collaborative solutions to manage California’s water resources,” said ACWA President John Coleman. “The project helps to ensure economic sustainability while practicing innovative environmental stewardship.” The Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority worked in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to creatively build a project to protect fish while also providing reliable water deliveries. Using $113 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds, the Authority
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constructed a state-of-the-art fish passage project that includes a positive barrier fish screen almost a quarter of a mile long. Since its completion in 2012, the project has provided unimpeded fish passage for threatened species while allowing the Authority to supply water to its 17 districts. ACWA’s Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence is an annual award program that recognizes outstanding achievements by public water agencies. The winning agency has the honor of awarding a $5,000 scholarship to a deserving student in the name of Clair A. Hill, founder of the consulting engineering firm CH2M Hill.
Jeff Sutton, general manager of the Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority, accepts the Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award at the ACWA Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey on May 7.
Project water in the local aquifer and later recovers and distributes the water as a potable supply for local purveyors in the High Desert Region of Southern California.
Other finalists for this year’s award were: •
Irvine Ranch Water District, for its Strand Ranch Water Banking Project which captures and stores surplus water available in wet years for use in drought or other times of shortage. The project allows for the recovery of up to 17,500 acre-feet of banked groundwater in any single year.
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Mojave Water Agency, for its Regional Recovery and Recharge Project, which is a conjunctive use project that stores State Water
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Water Replenishment District of Southern California, for its for Water Independence Now — or WIN — program. The WIN program is a suite of projects that bolsters the district’s local water supply and eliminates the need for imported water for groundwater replenishment. WIN projects include an advanced water treatment plant in Long Beach and a desalter in Torrance.
Water News
ACWA-Sponsored AB 2417 Clears Natural Resources Committee ACWA-sponsored legislation that would cut red tape for local communities to install, maintain and operate recycled water pipelines cleared the Assembly Natural Resources Committee with amendments on April 28. AB 2417 by Assembly Member Adrin Nazarian (D-Sherman Oaks) would exempt new and existing pipeline projects — so long as they are eight miles or shorter and distribute recycled water within a public street, highway or rightof-way — from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) processes, helping local water agencies bring recycled water projects online more quickly. A similar CEQA exemption already exists for oil and gas pipelines. Recycled
water pipelines would continue to be subject to strict California Department of Public Health implementation guidelines.
tool for addressing current and future water shortages. AB 2417 now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
ACWA and the bill’s other co-sponsors, the California Municipal Utilities Association and WaterReuse California, testified that the measure would help reduce project costs and delays, and allow agencies to bring recycled water projects online more quickly. “This measure would provide us an opportunity to expand our recycled water system in a more timely and costeffective manner,” said Danielle Coats of Eastern Municipal Water District. In his opening presentation on the bill, the author called recycled water a key
Governor Brown Issues New Executive Order on Drought Actions As the dry season approaches, Gov. Jerry Brown issued an executive order on April 25 to strengthen the state’s ability to manage water and habitat effectively in drought conditions and called on all Californians to redouble their water conservation efforts. The order directs the Department of Water Resources and the State Water Resources Control Board to expedite approvals of voluntary water transfers to assist farmers and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to accelerate monitoring of drought impacts on winter-run Chinook salmon in the Sacramento River and its tributaries. “The driest months are still to come in California and extreme drought conditions will get worse,” the governor said. “This order cuts red tape to help get
water to farmers more quickly, ensure communities have safe drinking water, protect vulnerable species and prepare for an extreme fire season. I call on every city, every community, every Californian to conserve water in every way possible.” The April 25 directive streamlines contracting rules for the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and CalFire for equipment purchases and enables landowners to quickly clear brush and dead, dying or diseased trees that increase fire danger; and provides a limited waiver of the California Environmental Quality Act through the end of 2014 for several actions limiting harm from the drought. Brown’s order also calls on Californians and California businesses to avoid wasting water, including limiting lawn watering to two days per week and washing vehicles at car washes that use recycled water; recommends that schools, parks and golf courses limit the use of potable water for irrigation; and asks that
hotels and restaurants give customers options to conserve water by only serving water upon request and other measures. The order also prevents homeowner associations from fining residents who limit their lawn watering and take other conservation measures. Of note to ACWA member agencies, the order calls on urban water suppliers to report to the State Water Board by June 15 on their actions to reduce water usage and the effectiveness of those efforts. The governor declared a statewide drought emergency on Jan. 17 and urged all Californians to conserve water, pointing the public to the Save Our Water campaign and saveourh2o.org for tips on how to save water indoors and outdoors every day. Late last year Brown formed a drought task force to coordinate response efforts among agencies.
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WAter Bond water bond Continued from page 1
our water infrastructure. AB 2686 would provide the necessary resources to secure our quality of life for generations to come,” Perea testified to the committee on April 29.
we have a broader conversation about the appropriate amount we should take from the general fund,” Clary said.
Cindy Tuck, ACWA’s deputy executive director for government relations, said the time is now to act on a bipartisan basis on a water bond for the November ballot.
The committee also approved AB 2043 by Assembly Members Frank Bigelow (R-O’Neals) and Connie Conway (RTulare), which proposes a $7.9 billion water bond focusing on creation of “new water” via surface storage projects, and AB 2554 by the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee Chair Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), which would place a $8.5 billion measure on the ballot.
“This water year is tracking to be the third driest on record,” Tuck said. “California is in a drought. Public concern about water is very high. This is the year to act.” Representatives from local water agencies also testified in support of AB 2686. Louie Brown, on behalf of the Friant Water Authority, said California needs more places to capture rainfall because of the state’s shrinking snowpack. “The language in [AB 2686] on storage looks at statewide benefits from above ground, surface storage projects … More surface storage allows us to create more groundwater storage. You can only force groundwater back into the ground at certain rates. So we need to manage the entire system.” Ed Manning, testifying for Western Municipal Water District, Mojave Water Agency and Westlands Water District, said the integrated regional water management (IRWM) and groundwater cleanup funding in AB 2686 “is absolutely critical.” “This bond is structured to do all the things necessary from a statewide perspective,” Manning said. Environmental groups said they oppose AB 2686 as it’s currently written. The $3 billion continuously appropriated for storage and concerns with the Bay Delta Conservation Plan are among the sticking points, said Jennifer Clary, a program associate for Clean Water Action. “I just think that one thing we have to consider is how large a bond is appropriate to put before the voters. I feel this bond has gotten just too large and I hope 6 • ACWA NEWS
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Committee members approved AB 2686 with amendments on an 11-1 vote.
ACWA has a “not-favor-unlessamended” position on AB 2043 and “oppose-unless-amended” on AB 2554 but is working with all authors to craft a successful bond this year. Democrats and Republicans on the committee said the water bond continues to be a work in progress and there’s an urgent need to bring a bill to voters in November that they will approve. Rendon said he is “committed to a bipartisan conversation and one that considers all perspectives.” Meanwhile on the Senate side, ACWAsupported SB 1250, by Sen. Ben Hueso (D- San Diego,) was put over in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee hearing April 29 to allow committee members more time to review amendments proposed by the author. The bill will be heard again May 13. Several speakers spoke in favor of the bill during the hearing, saying the proposed bond measure – if approved by voters – would provide muchneeded funding for water improvements throughout the state to make California more resilient to drought and improve overall water reliability. Several speakers also stressed the bill’s bipartisan support. “We really feel that we need to come together as Californians — as one state — to pass this water bond so we’re better prepared for the next drought,” testi-
Joined by ACWA Vice President Kathleen Tiegs and a broad coalition of supporters, State Sen. Ben Hueso held a Capitol press conference April 28 highlighting SB 1250, which would place a $9.45 billion water bond on the November ballot.
fied ACWA Director of State Relations Wendy Ridderbusch. “It’s written in a way that we feel can garner very important bipartisan support,” Ridderbusch added. Doug Obegi, of the Natural Resources Defense Council, spoke in opposition to the bill, saying that the measure needed more parity between groundwater and surface water storage. As written, Obegi said, the bill would make increased groundwater storage difficult. Ultimately, lawmakers agreed to review the author’s proposed amendments, work on issues raised by committee members and return the bill to committee. SB 1250 would authorize a general obligation bond for a variety of water supply reliability and ecosystem programs, including $3 billion for surface and groundwater storage, $1.15 billion for Delta sustainability, $1.3 billion for watershed protection and restoration, and $1 billion for local resource development. It also would provide significant funding for groundwater quality, water recycling and wastewater treatment, infrastructure improvements aimed at safe drinking water, and levee and flood control infrastructure. Hueso said his bill, The Safe, Clean, and Reliable Water Supply Act of 2014, would provide a comprehensive framework for investing in California’s water needs.
Save Our WAter
Save Our Water launched a statewide outdoor media campaign to bring awareness to and educate Californians on how to save water every day. In tackling the worst drought in a generation, the campaign captures Californians’ spirit of conservation and deliver the message through simple, yet eye-catching billboards, featured above, which appeal to the Californian ethic: We are Californians and we don’t waste. SOW Continued from page 1
to water usage and conservation. Our reservoirs are low after an abnormally dry winter and our forests will be starting the summer drier than they have been in years. Under these conditions, we must plan and prepare for a potentially catastrophic fire season,” Brown wrote. “We can all do our part in ensuring that our firefighters, cities, farms and other vital enterprises have enough water to continue protecting and serving us through this hazardous time,” the governor continued. “There is a great deal of information on how each of us can help at the Save Our Water website, www. saveourh2o.org.”
Billboards bearing the “Californians’ Don’t Waste” message along with tips on ways to conserve will be appearing in locations throughout the state through June. “We are pulling out all the stops over the next several months to reinforce the need to conserve not just during this drought, but also as a way of life in California,” said Jennifer Persike, Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Operations of ACWA. “It will take all of us working together and using less water to get through the hot summer ahead.” To view the billboards, visit www. saveourh2o.org/campaign.
Save Our Water also will leverage its social media channels to further spread the message of water conservation, including hosting the “Californians Don’t Waste” Challenge. The Challenge aims to tap into Californians’ can-do spirit and creativity by encouraging the public to join in and share their methods of conserving water. Californians can share their tips, videos and pictures on Save Our Water’s Facebook page, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #SaveOurWater. Save Our Water will select videos and photos to share as part of its public awareness campaign.
Water Agencies Hosting Events to Highlight May as Save Our Water Month Numerous events this month are underscoring the need for water conservation and highlight May as Save Our Water Month. On May 3, DWR took the water conservation message to the Great Russian River Race in Healdsburg and on May 3-4 to the Elk Grove Western Festival. At ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey on May 6-9, ACWA and DWR staffed the Save Our Water booth. DWR also will take the message to the following events: May 10: Feather Fiesta Days in Oroville. This event also promotes State
Water Project (SWP) recreational opportunities, water safety and invasive species awareness. May 16-18: 12th Annual Solar Cup presented by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California at Lake Skinner. This is an educational program in which high school students build and race solar power boats, learning about conservation of natural resources. May 17: City of Corona’s Garden Festival to celebrate the installation of a California-friendly demonstration garden at City Hall to show residents, business owners and visitors how being water wise can be beautiful.
May 17: Walk on the Wild Side in Freeport. May 17: Jack Splash/Oroville, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Kids Fit-N-Fun day. May 17: 25th annual Kids’ Fish, Swim, & Play Day at San Luis Reservoir in Merced County. Day includes free fishing for children ages 3-15 and is hosted by DWR and California State Parks staff and volunteers. May 17: City of Corona’s Water Awareness Event. May 22: Silver Dollar Fair, Chico.
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Newswatch
Local Water Agencies Celebrate National Drinking Water Week Local water agencies across California celebrated National Drinking Water Week on May 4-10 and organized a range of activities to raise public aware-
ness about the importance of tap water. For example, Coachella Valley Water District on May 3 hosted a “Toast to
Tap Water” event at the district’s administrative building, the second year that the district has hosted the open house celebration. The free event featured water tasting, information booths, and activity stations for children. Reusable water bottles were given away to participants who took the pledge to make tap water their drinking water of choice. New this year, the Coachella Valley Water District held a “Toast to Tap Water” art contest for schoolchildren. The entries were displayed during the celebration.
Delta Stewardship Council Names Jessica Pearson New Executive Officer The Delta Stewardship Council (DSC) on April 24 unanimously selected Jessica R. Pearson as executive officer. Pearson, who currently serves as the Council’s legislative and policy advisor, assumed her new duties May 1. She replaces Christopher Knopp. Pearson was appointed senior policy advisor to the DSC in 2011 by thenGov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. She and was appointed legislative and policy advisor to the Council in 2012 by Gov. Jerry Brown. She previously served as Deputy Secretary for Sustainable Resource
Management at the California Natural Resources Agency and earlier served three years as Policy Advisor to the Director of the Department of Water Resources. “I have worked with Jessica for a number of years and am impressed by the skills, talents and knowledge she brings to the position,” said Council Chair Randy Fiorini. “We are now on course to implement the Delta Plan and facilitate a coordinated approach across state, federal and local agencies. Jessica is the right person to lead this effort.
“Jessica has been a key player on a wide variety of resource management issues including the Delta, drought response, climate change and flood policy. Her experience in coordinating efforts across multiple departments is a real asset for the Council,” Fiorini added. Before working at DWR, Pearson served as an executive fellow as part of the Capital Fellows Program. She earned a B.A. from UC San Diego and a M.S. in Community and Regional Development from UC Davis.
Court Ruling Could Complicate Section 404 Permits for Water Agencies A U.S. Supreme Court ruling handed down recently has ramifications for water agencies that pursue Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permits for water infrastructure projects. On March 24 the Supreme Court denied Mingo Logan Coal Company’s petition for writ of certiorari (“cert petition”). Mingo Logan had filed a cert petition on Nov. 13, 2013, asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the D.C. Circuit’s April 2013 decision that allowed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to modify or revoke a Clean Water Act Section 404 dredge-and-fill permit “whenever” it determines that the permit will 8 • ACWA NEWS
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have an “unacceptable adverse effect.” The Mingo Logan case is the first time that EPA has withdrawn specification of a disposal site (effectively nullifying the permit) four years after it had been issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and despite the permittee’s compliance with and reliance on the permit. On Dec. 13, 2013, ACWA and seven other amici filed an amici curiae brief in support of Mingo Logan’s cert petition. The Supreme Court’s denial means that the D.C. Circuit’s ruling stands as the final decision and will not be reviewed. EPA’s ability to retroactively veto a
CWA Section 404 permit threatens the certainty of all such permits, not just those related to mining. Section 404 permits are often obtained for water resource and other infrastructure projects. If a Section 404 permit is revoked before construction is complete, a water agency could suffer significant delays in a critical infrastructure project or be prevented from constructing it altogether. The case will now go back to the district court, where the court will rule on Mingo Logan’s alternative argument that EPA acted arbitrarily and capriciously in withdrawing portions of the permit.
Newswatch
Helix Water District Awards Scholarships to High School Students Helix Water District awarded $1,000 scholarships to two local high school students at a recent regular meeting of the water agency’s board of directors. The Dr. Lillian Childs and Robert D. Friedgen scholarships are given to local seniors who, through a submitted essay, demonstrate knowledge of the importance of water in Southern California. Recipients also must possess a 2.5 or better grade point average in a 4.0 system. Mackenzie Manns, a student at Grossmont High School, received the Childs scholarship. Aumunique Borja-Snell, a student at Helix Charter High School, received the Friedgen scholarship. “Water is one of the most important substances on Earth,” Borja-Snell wrote in her essay. “Besides its myriad everyday uses, water is also essential for the healthy
growth of crops and all living things.” Borja-Snell said she will be attending UC Berkeley in the fall. “Southern California is an economic engine that drives the state of California and is a significant contributor to the overall health of the United States economy,” Manns wrote in her essay. “Yet none of it would be possible if not for the efforts of the early water system developers. The water rights they established created the environment that has allowed the south region to become an economic powerhouse.” Manns said she will be attending the University of Alabama in the fall. Childs was a director on the district’s board from 1979 to 1999. Friedgen worked for the district for 44 years, serving as general manager from 1979 to 1998.
Aumunique Borja-Snell (left) and Mackenzie Manns (right) accept $1,000 scholarships from Helix Water District.
Sonoma County Water Agency Gives Free Kits at ‘Drought Drive-Ups’ Normally when you see a line of cars it’s at a popular fast food restaurant providing burgers and shakes. But in Sonoma County, located 45 minutes north of San Francisco, thousands of cars lined up to receive something much more priceless: a free drought toolkit. To increase public awareness about the drought and provide its community with water efficient tools to help save water, the Sonoma County Water Agency and its water retail contractors, also known as the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership, on April 23 sponsored “Drought Drive-Up” events. Ten drought drive-up locations were established throughout Sonoma and northern Marin counties, where community members drove up to receive their free drought toolkit, which included water efficient tools such as faucet aerators, toilet dye tab tests, shower timers, shower buckets, low-flow showerheads and conservation tip cards. More than 5,000 drought toolkits were distributed in a matter of hours and the
public’s response was enthusiastic and appreciative for the convenient drive-up method and for the free conservation devices and water-saving tips. Drive-up locations included parking lots at regional shopping malls, community centers, popular retail stores and freeway access points. The most popular items in the toolkit were the five-minute shower timers followed closely by the toilet dye tab tests. In addition, all drive-up participants were entered to win a free high-efficiency toilet or high-efficiency washing machine. The Sonoma County Water Agency and its water contractors agreed that the drought drive-up events were a complete success; all locations gave out every tool kit in supply. To learn more about the drought drive-ups, visit www.wateroff.org or contact Water Agency Community and Governmental Affairs Manager Brad Sherwood at sherwood@scwa.ca.gov.
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Newswatch
San Francisco Celebrates 10-Year Mark of Water System Improvement The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission recognized last month the 10-year anniversary of the Water System Improvement Program. The $4.6 billion project is improving the supply, delivery and seismic reliability of the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System and is more than 80% complete. As part of the program, all but one of 35 water system upgrades have been completed in San Francisco and almost all of 47 pipeline, tunnel, treatment plant and reservoir projects located in the Peninsula, East Bay, and Central Valley are finished.
The Water System Improvement Project is one of the largest water infrastructure programs in the nation and the largest infrastructure program ever undertaken by the City of San Francisco. The objectives are to improve water quality, improve water infrastructure’s resiliency to seismic activity, and ensure a dependable water supply even during drought conditions. The program is funded by a bond measure that was approved by San Francisco voters in 2002 and will be paid for by both retail customers in San Francisco and 26 wholesale customers that serve Alameda, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties.
Sutro Reservoir — San Francisco’s thirdlargest reservoir — is being retrofitted before it’s filled with water.
San Francisco officials recognized the project’s 10-year milestone during a public event April 28 at Sutro Reservoir, where construction crews are performing a seismic retrofit.
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hydrologic regions. In many areas of the San Joaquin Valley, recent groundwater levels are more than 100 feet below previous historical lows.
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The greatest concentration of recently deepened wells is in the fractured bedrock foothill areas of Nevada, Placer, and El Dorado counties.
Thirty-six alluvial groundwater basins throughout the state may possess greater potential to incur water shortages as a result of drought due to a high degree of groundwater use and reliance The basins exist in the North Coast, Central Coast, Sacramento River, Tulare Lake, and South Coast hydrologic regions.
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The Kaweah and Kings sub basins have the greatest numbers of deepened wells in an alluvial groundwater basin.
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Key findings of the report include: •
Groundwater levels have decreased in nearly all areas of the state since spring 2013, and more notably since spring 2010.
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Of California’s 515 alluvial groundwater basins, 169 are fully or partially monitored under the California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Monitoring (CASGEM) program as of April 15, 2014. Forty of 126 High and Medium priority basins are not monitored under CASGEM as of April 15, 2014.
Placer County Water Agency Wins Water Efficiency Award for GIS Mapping System Placer County Water Agency has won a statewide award from the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA) for an innovative program that uses advanced geographic information systems (GIS) mapping technology to identify high-use water areas and notify customers of their
10 • ACWA NEWS
Vol. 42 | Digital
usage. Pictured, from left, PCWA Board Chairman Joshua Alpine, Deputy Director of Customer Services Linda Yager, Director of Customer Services Matt Young, CAD/ GIS Supervisor Abe Hendricks, and PCWA District 3 Director Mike Lee.
There are significant CASGEM groundwater monitoring data gaps in the Sacramento, San Joaquin River, Tulare Lake, Central Coast, and South Lahontan hydrologic regions. •
Several areas of the state lack a current groundwater management plan that addresses all related requirements of the California Water Code.
The report is available at www.water. ca.gov/waterconditions, and DWR will update this report later this year.
CALENDAR May 16
June 6
August
ACWA Events
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.
MCWRA & ACWA Region 3 Joint Program is set for June 6 at Wedgewood Sequoia Mansion, Placerville. 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.
13 – 14
ACWA’s 2014 Regulatory Summit is set for Aug. 13-14. Location is to be determined. For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545.
18 – 20
The Local Government Commission and the State of California are organizing the first California Adaptation Forum in the state capital, to be held Aug. 19-20. This two-day forum will build off last year’s successful National Adaptation Forum in
Other Events
Colorado. The attendance of many California leaders there underscored the need for a California-focused event, which will be held every other year to complement the biennial national forum. More information available at www.californiaadaptationforum.org.
September 9 – 12
October
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.
5 – 6
ACWA Region 5 & 6 joint program is Oct. 5 – 6 in Livermore. For more information please contact Regional & Member Services Specialist Ana Torres at anat@acwa.com.
17
ACWA Region 6 & 7 joint program is Oct. 17 in Visalia. For more information please contact Regional & Member Services Specialist Ana Torres at anat@acwa.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.
Continued from page 3
6. Establish a clear and coordinated state role for assistance, oversight, and enforcement. 7. Provide funding for groundwater management. CWF’s report shares some elements with ACWA’s Recommendations for Achieving Groundwater Sustainability, developed by a special task force and issued last month as discussions continue in the regulatory and legislative arenas
to identify ways to address potentially unsustainable declines in groundwater levels and degraded groundwater quality in some basins of the state. “To make this system work, we must empower local water managers with the authority and the resources necessary to sustainably manage their groundwater basins and protect stored water supplies – goals that are precisely outlined by both ACWA’s and California Water
Foundation’s recommendations,” said David Orth, general manager of the Kings River Conservation District and vice chair of ACWA’s Groundwater Sustainability Task Force. “We look forward to continued collaboration among the diverse stakeholders who contributed to the California Water Foundation report.” Read CWF’s full report at http://www. californiawaterfoundation.org/.
May 9, 2014 • 11
classifieds
Positions Open Assistant Manager James Irrigation District
Association of California Water Agencies 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3577
Periodicals Postage Paid at Sacramento, CA
Time Valued Material
Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree from a 4-year college or university in agricultural business, engineering or related field or a minimum of 4 years’ experience in agricultural management or similar position. Possession of a valid California Driver’s License with a driving record acceptable to our insurance company. The ideal candidate will have experience in water or an agricultural-related field. The Assistant Manager will be trained on the duties of the General Manager which include operations and maintenance activities, preparation of budgets, developing finance plans, preparation of reports, responding to grower and public inquiries and participating in water agency and related business meetings. James Irrigation District is comprised of 26,000 acres of agricultural land in western Fresno County, supports a wide variety of crops and is strategically located with various water supplies which presents a number of challenges and opportunities. Salary will depend on qualifications and experience. Position open until filled. Send resume to: Vicki Hokokian, CPA, Wilcox Hokokian Bains & Dill LLP, 1540 East Shaw Avenue, Suite 103, Fresno, CA 93710
Associate/Assistant Civil Engineer Turlock Irrigation District $6,912.00 to $9,724.00 per month Turlock Irrigation District is seeking an Assistant/Associate Civil Engineer, with an emphasis on agriculture, to work under the general direction of the Civil Engineering Department Manager to plan, direct and perform engineering work related to the design, construction, and maintenance of irrigation related facilities as well as miscellaneous project requests from division/departments within the Turlock Irrigation District. Must have knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices, agricultural operations as well as techniques for preparing designs, plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and recommendations related to the civil works of the District. Must have ability to perform technical engineering work of a complex nature and have strong project management skills. This is usually exhibited by a person with a Bachelor’s
Degree from an accredited college or university with a focus on civil engineering and/or agricultural engineering courses; as well as 3 years of increasingly responsible professional experience. At the Associate Civil Engineering level, the applicant must possess a valid certificate of registration as a professional engineer in the state of CA, issued by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. Also at the Associate Civil Engineer level, this position would have the responsibility for major projects while providing an Engineer’s stamp and signature on drawings in conformance with the government code and regulations. Excellent benefits. Physical exam, drug screen, criminal background check & a valid CA driver’s license prerequisites for employment. Applications accepted until position is filled. For more detailed information & to obtain a required employment application, visit our web site at www.tid.org or contact: Turlock Irrigation District (TID) – Human Resources 333 East Canal Drive Turlock, CA 95380 (209 883-8253
General Manager Utica Water & Power Authority UWPA, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills, delivers the raw water to Murphys and Angels Camp. Its two powerhouses generate green energy revenues which sustain the maintenance of the 27-mile flume and ditch system. There are currently eight full-time employees. The General Manager reports to a fivemember board and is responsible for water and power operations, administration, budgeting, contracting, public relations.
The ideal candidate will be a civil engineer with electrical and mechanical experience familiar with water delivery and water issues with hydroelectric operations supervisory experience, including experience with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. UWPA is seeking a results-oriented leader who will bring human resource and accounting experience as he serves the board and leads the staff. He will be required to represent the UWPA in collaborating with local water districts and complying with county, state, and federal agencies. Must reside within a 30-minute distance. Applicant please state requested salary which will be dependent upon qualifications and experience. Benefits include an excellent health package, dental/vision/life, SIMPLE IRA, holidays and PTO. Submit cover letter, resume, three letters of reference to: Utica Power & Water Authority, Karen Rojas, Admin Secretary at admin@ uticapower.net or P.O. Box 358, Angels Camp, CA 95222 by May 23, 2014.
Office for Lease
Prime Downtown Location
Three suites available in Sacramento, one block from the State Capital (910 K St.). • Suite 350 – 1,850 sq. ft. Suite 300 – 2,200 sq. ft. Suite 340 – 578 sq. ft. • Move-in ready office space • Immediate access to Interstate 5 and Interstate 80 • Walking distance to Westfield Downtown Shopping Center, restaurants, and hotels • Centrally located in the heart of the Sacramento Central Business District For more information, contact Mark Tabak: 916.288.4818 or mark.tabak@cushwake.com