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ACWA
NEWS
Water-Wise Gardens Beat the Heat This Summer
ACWA’s • Member • Newsletter
Volume 42 | Digital June 6, 2014
Saving water on outdoor irrigation by planting water-wise landscaping helps Californians do more with less during the drought. Here are some examples. (Left to right) Bigleaf lupine, in addition to its stunning beauty, is water efficient and known for attracting butterflies. (top right) Homeowners receive personalized design advice May 28 from a landscape professional during the San Diego County Water Authority’s WaterSmart Landscape Makeover Series. (bottom right) Sweetwater Authority recognizes its 2014 California-Friendly Landscape Contest winning entry.
State Water Board Issues Curtailment Notices to Thousands of Junior Rights Holders in California Notices have been sent to junior water-rights holders in the Sacramento River watershed, upper Russian River, and San Joaquin River watershed ordering the water rights holders to immediately cease diverting water as part of a drought emergency plan, officials with the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) have announced. Approximately 1,634 junior water-rights holders in the San Joaquin River watershed were the latest to receive curtailment notices, with the State Water Board announcing May 30 that they would issue the orders.
The May 30 action affects the remaining holders of junior “appropriative” water rights in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River watershed and Delta area that did not receive the previous May 27 notice. The May 30 curtailment affects water-rights holders in the San Joaquin River watershed, which includes many creeks and rivers draining to the river and the South Delta. The watershed includes the Stanislaus River, Tuolumne River, Merced River, and all other portions and tributaries of the San Joaquin River. Curtailment Continued on page 7
Critical Stretch in Weeks Ahead for Water Bond; Letters Requested on ACWA’s Must-Have Elements With water at the forefront of public attention to a degree not seen in a generation, the next four weeks promise to be a critical time for legislative action on a water bond for the November 2014 ballot.
ACWA continues to support two bills that closely align with ACWA’s Board-approved principles for a 2014 water bond: AB 2686 by Assembly Member Henry Perea (D-Fresno) and SB 1250 by Sen. Ben Hueso (D-San Diego).
Legislative leaders in both the Assembly and Senate are now engaging in the water bond discussion, and negotiations are taking place in both houses to determine which bills will emerge as the main vehicle in each house.
ACWA has an oppose-unless-amended position on the other two primary bond bills – AB 1331 by Assembly Member Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) and SB 848 by Sen.
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Groundwater Fixes Require Local Control and State Backstop
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ACWA-Supported Groundwater Bills Move Forward in the Legislature
Water Bond Continued on page 3
U.S. Senate Passes Emergency Drought Relief Bill
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Chromium-6 Drinking Water Standard Set to Become Effective July 1
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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Vol. 42 | Digital
Groundwater Fixes Require Local Control and State Backstop, Speakers Tell Food & Ag Board Improving California’s groundwater sustainability requires strong oversight by local entities with backup support from the state, as well as comprehensive statewide water planning that improves surface water availability. Those were some of the key messages delivered June 3 to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture during a meeting that focused on ways to manage the state’s groundwater sustainably. ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn addressed the board at the meeting and provided an overview of ACWA’s groundwater sustainability recommendations that were unanimously approved by the ACWA Board in March, then publicly released in April. “We’re for maximum flexibility to let the locals figure it out…,” said Quinn. “And we believe there has to be a strong backstop that almost never needs to be used.” Several speakers praised ACWA’s efforts in releasing the groundwater recommendations. “ACWA should be commended for stepping up and showing great leadership and presenting a thoughtful proposal,” said Gordon Burns, of the California Environmental Protection Agency. Burns added that he sees “remarkable convergence” in proposals on groundwater monitoring that have been released recently by various organizations including the California Water Foundation and the Groundwater Resources Association of California. Burns and other speakers stressed that groundwater sustainability also must be looked at in the context of surface water reliability, because surface water is needed to replenish aquifers. During this drought year, as much as 65% of the state’s water is being pumped from the ground. If more water were available through surface water storage or other means, groundwater pumping would not be so severe, said Burns.
“You can’t solve groundwater by only focusing on groundwater. It’s all interconnected,” said Burns. Burns said Gov. Jerry Brown’s California Water Action Plan seeks to address the state’s water issues comprehensively and sets out a “more sustainable system going forward.” Burns also said the variability of the state’s 515 groundwater basins requires that each maintain a location-specific monitoring plan, rather than a one-size-fits-all program throughout the state. “You can’t just take one model (of groundwater monitoring) and apply it everywhere,” said Burns. Lester Snow, executive director of the California Water Foundation, called the state’s groundwater problem a “slowmoving disaster that’s picking up speed.” He said it’s important that the state adopt a definition of sustainable groundwater management. He added that local entities may need to be created to cover so-called “white spots” – areas that are not represented by water agencies or other entities. Those entities might develop as Joint Powers Agreements (JPAs) or even Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). Tim Parker of the Groundwater Resources Association said that the state also needs to work on efforts to help local entities develop metrics for establishing goals and thresholds for groundwater monitoring. “We all need to get a better handle on the metrics,” said Parker. How groundwater management plans should be funded and what should trigger state intervention were among the many other questions raised during the meeting.
Groundwater
ACWA-Supported Groundwater Bills Move Forward in the Legislature Floor votes in the Legislature in late May advanced two ACWA-supported bills aimed at sustainably managing California’s groundwater.
and authorities for local agencies to improve groundwater management and outline specific steps for monitoring and reporting groundwater data.
On May 28 the Assembly approved AB 1739 by a 44-24 vote.
On the Assembly floor, Dickinson explained the bill as written would give local entities six years to develop a sustainable groundwater management plan and provide the tools and mechanisms needed to achieve sustainable groundwater management.
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 also would enhance and clarify tools
“The core of this bill is to keep the action local,” Dickinson said, adding that “for too long we have done too little.” Continued on page 9
Water Bond Continued from page 1
Lois Wolk (D-Davis) – because they fall short of our “must-have” criteria and contain policy elements we do not support. At press time, Senate discussions were focused on SB 848. Sen. Wolk is likely to amend her bill soon and take it up on the Senate floor. Although the new version of the bill may include some positive elements from SB 848 and SB 1250, it is expected to have some problematic language as well (e.g., new bureaucratic hurdles for Integrated Regional Water Management Program funding), and ACWA and its members may need to oppose the bill. It is yet to be determined which bill will be the Assembly vehicle, and what language it will include. The association is working with coalition partners to ensure that key elements of the Perea and Hueso bills are incorporated into the ultimate bond vehicles and problematic provisions are left out.
Timing Legislative leaders are interested in seeing definitive action on a bond bill after the state budget is completed in midJune (constitutional deadline is June 15) and before the Legislature adjourns for summer recess on July 3. The governor has yet to weigh in on
the water bond discussion, but may do so after the budget is done. State officials have said the deadline for legislative action on the bond is June 26 to allow time for changes to the November 2014 ballot pamphlet. That deadline, however, has been extended into July in past years. The existing $11.14 billion water bond will remain on the November ballot unless the Legislature approves legislation to remove or modify it by a two-thirds vote and the governor signs it. ACWA supports the existing $11.14 billion bond, but believes some modifications are needed to aid its passage this fall.
Letters Requested ACWA is asking its members to send letters to their legislators urging that any final bill on a water bond be consistent with ACWA’s principles, which include the following: • Eliminate earmarks that allocate funds for specific projects without a competitive process • Provide $3 billion continuously appropriated for surface and groundwater storage, with the language from the storage chapter in the existing bond with updated dates
• Fund Delta sustainability at levels identified in the 2009 legislative package ($2.25 billion) • Provide substantial funding for: • Safe drinking water for disadvantaged communities • Local resources development projects, including Integrated Regional Water Management programs, recycling and water conservation • Groundwater cleanup • Watershed protection In addition, ACWA wants to ensure that the bond legislation does not create any new burdens or costs for implementing local resources strategies or include provisions that make programs more bureaucratic. Finally, the legal status of the water bond or the issuance of the bonds it authorizes should not be made contingent on passage of groundwater legislation, as has been suggested recently. Though ACWA wants good groundwater legislation to be enacted this year, the outcome on groundwater legislation should not control the availability of critical water bond funding. ACWA members should be ready to respond to future alerts on specific bills as things begin moving in the next few weeks. June 6, 2014 • 3
Federal Update
U.S. Senate Passes Emergency Drought Relief Bill with Key Provisions The U.S. Senate unanimously passed an Emergency Drought Relief Act on May 22 that provides federal and state water agencies with additional flexibility to deliver water where it is most needed during California’s historic drought. The legislation was sponsored by California Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer as well as Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Dean Heller (R-Nev.). The bill must now be reconciled with a separate bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn highlighted the importance of passage of the drought relief act in a press statement issued May 23. “Senate passage of this legislation comes at a critical time for California as we deal with a severe drought and unprecedented challenges this year. We greatly appreciate Senator Feinstein’s leadership and hard work on this bill, and congratulate her on its passage by unanimous consent in the Senate,” Quinn wrote. “As this drought relief legislation moves forward, we urge Democrats and Republicans to work on a bipartisan basis to advance immediate actions that can help California manage
through the drought this year and pave the way for long-term solutions to the state’s water supply challenges.” The Emergency Drought Relief Act is described as a narrowly-focused bill that addresses the “most dire” effects of drought in California. The bill leaves federal laws and regulations untouched — including the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Water Act and all biological opinions. The bill includes five key provisions for California to maximize water supplies during the drought while operating within environmental laws and regulations. Under its provisions: • Federal agencies must open the Delta Cross Channel Gates for as long as possible while salmon are not migrating, which will allow additional water to be pumped without harming fish or water quality. • The Bureau of Reclamation would be required to monitor turbid (cloudy or opaque) water, which will allow water pumping operations to be adjusted when endangered fish that are attracted to turbid waters swim close to pumps. • Movement of voluntary water transfers must remain at a one-to-one ratio for
the months of April and May while the governor’s drought declaration remains in effect. This means any water transfers sent down the San Joaquin River are allowed to be pumped out of the Delta at an equal amount. This provision only applies to voluntary water transfers, not the river’s regular flow, and must adhere to current law. • Federal agencies must provide maximum water supplies possible from Delta pumping while remaining consistent with the Endangered Species Act and biological opinions for both smelt and salmon. • The review process for installing temporary barriers and operable gates in the Delta must be expedited, which will help manage salinity and improve the quantity and quality of water.
Bipartisan WRRDA Bill Awaiting President Obama’s Signature The Senate on May 22 passed the Conference Report on H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013 (WRRDA), by a vote of 91-7. The bipartisan vote came after the House voted to approve the measure, which will now go to President Obama, who has indicated that he will sign it. Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, shepherded the bill through the Senate and the bicameral conference committee, and said she was overjoyed by the bipartisan nature of the vote. Sen. David Vitter (R-LA), the ranking member on the Environment and Public Works Committee, was equally enthusiastic. 4 • ACWA NEWS
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The conference report authorizes four new projects in California that have undergone extensive review by the Corps of Engineers and have been recommended by the Chief of Engineers, making them eligible for federal construction funding. Other features include: • Natomas Basin: WRRDA authorizes over $1 billion to strengthen the levees in the Natomas Basin in Sacramento to safeguard over 100,000 residents and protect over $7 billion in property. • San Clemente Shoreline: The conference report authorizes $99 million for construction and continuing maintenance of coastal protection measures along the San Clemente shoreline.
• Orestimba Creek, San Joaquin River Basin: WRRDA authorizes approximately $45 million for flood control measures in the San Joaquin River Basin to protect the city of Newman. The project includes over four miles of levees designed to withstand a 200-year flood • Sutter Basin: WRRDA authorizes approximately $689 million for a flood control measures in Sutter River Basin, including Yuba City. The project would strengthen 41 miles of existing levees, reducing expected annual damages by approximately $50 million. Continued on page 5
Water News
Chromium-6 Drinking Water Standard Set to Become Effective July 1 The nation’s first drinking water standard for hexavalent chromium — or chromium-6 — is set to become effective in California on July 1 following approval of final regulations by the Office of Administrative Law (OAL), officials with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced June 3. The regulations set the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for chromium-6 at 10 parts per billion (ppb). That MCL is one fifth the current total chromium standard in California of 50 ppb, which includes both trivalent chromium (chromium-3) and chromium-6. The federal MCL for total chromium is 100 ppb. “California is the first and only state in the nation to establish a maximum contaminant level specifically for chromium-6 in drinking water,” Dr. Ron Chapman, director and public health officer of CDPH, said in a written statement. “Establishing this maximum contaminant level (MCL) underscores California’s commitment to safe drinking water standards to protect the public
health.” Chromium-3 is less toxic than chromium-6 and is an essential nutrient at low dosages. Chromium-6 may pose a risk of cancer when ingested. In 2001, California adopted a law requiring an MCL for chromium-6. In recommending an MCL, CDPH performed a series of analyses that considered, among other things: the occurrence of chromium-6 in drinking water sources statewide; the methods, feasibility and costs of detection; and treatment and monitoring technology. The department also considered extensive public comment from public and private stakeholders during the regulatory process, including from public water systems. CDPH considered more than 18,000 public comments on the proposed standard before submitting a final proposal for approval. The state’s Drinking Water Program will review the chromium-6 MCL at least every five years after its adoption. The California Manufacturers &
Technology Association and the Solano County Taxpayers Association in May jointly filed suit challenging the chromium-6 MCL. The groups say the MCL is unnecessary and will be too costly to taxpayers to implement. ACWA provides resources on its website for use by member agencies in communicating with the public about this proposed new standard. Questions may be directed to Adam Walukiewicz, ACWA regulatory advocate, at adamw@ acwa.com or call 916-441-4545.
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• Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund: The conference report calls for increased expenditures from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) to support increased maintenance of the nation’s ports, including many ports in California. The legislation also includes reforms to the HMTF that will ensure equity for ports that contribute the most to the fund but receive little funding in return, such as the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. For the first time, these critical ports will be able to use funding for additional projects such as berth dredging and contaminated sediment disposal. • WIFIA: The conference report establishes a five-year pilot program, known as the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), to allow the Corps of Engineers and
the Environmental Protection Agency to provide loans and loan guarantees for flood control, water supply, and wastewater infrastructure projects. This program, which is based on the successful TIFIA program for transportation projects, will provide critical financing for water infrastructure projects identified by local communities. These include projects to help with California’s ongoing drought, including desalination, water recycling, and repair of aging water supply infrastructure. • Prioritization of Ecosystem Restoration: The conference report prioritizes ecosystem restoration projects that address identified threats to public health and preserve or restore ecosystems of national significance. The provision will provide those threat-
ened ecosystems around the nation with additional focused attention, including places like the Salton Sea. • Levee Vegetation: The conference report requires the Corps of Engineers to update its guidelines for the removal of vegetation on Corps levees after seeking public input. This will ensure that the Corps of Engineers’ policy is focused on the highest priority safety concerns for California communities. • Crediting: WRRDA allows local communities to carry out work in advance of the Corps of Engineers and receive credit for work performed. This is important to many California communities that have state or local funding sources that are ready to be invested immediately.
June 6, 2014 • 5
BDCP
Comment Period for Bay Delta Conservation Plan Extended to July 29, Draft Implementing Agreement Released for Public Review To allow more time for review by members of the public and stakeholders, state and federal officials announced that they have extended the public comment period on the draft Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) and its accompanying environmental documents by more than a month from June 13 to July 29. Officials also announced the release of a draft agreement that would govern implementation of the BDCP. The so-called “implementing agreement” is available for public review for 60 days, until July 29. The draft document details the roles and responsibilities of the various agencies under the BDCP. “This is the second time we are extending the public comment period of the BDCP documents,” Mark Cowin, director of the Department of Water Resources, said during a conference call with reporters. “We continue to look forward to comments that help or improve the plan.” Cowin described the BDCP as a “suite of actions to help species on a large scale over a sustained period of time.” Federal and state officials say the twin goals of the BDCP are to stabilize water deliveries from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta while also contributing to the recovery of threatened and endangered species in the region. Proponents of the BDCP have been crafting the plan since 2006. It seeks to improve the viability of 54 species and bolster thousands of acres of habitat. It also proposes building twin tunnels to improve the conveyance of water under and around the Bay Delta. Both the draft BDCP and its corresponding environmental review documents were first made available for official public comment on December 13, 2013. The public comment periods on both sets of documents have been extended twice. “It’s a broad-scale, ambitious effort to turn things around in the Delta,” Chuck 6 • ACWA NEWS
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Bonham, director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said of the BDCP. Federal and state officials stressed that they have been working jointly to craft the plan and the implementing agreement. “We’ve been able to work very closely with the state in providing input in helping to develop these documents,” said David Murillo, regional director of the Mid-Pacific Region of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Dan Castleberry, assistant regional director of the Pacific Southwest Region of USFWS, said the Fish and Wildlife Service has been “closely involved” in preparing the draft implementing agreement. Karla Nemeth, deputy secretary for water policy with the California Natural Resources Agency, said the extension of the public comment period was in “response to requests received over the last several weeks from interest groups.” Nemeth added that the extension of the public comment period on the BDCP documents allowed them to be reviewed in context with the newly released draft implementing agreement. The draft implementing agreement “provides expectations, assurances and protections, and sets forth remedies and recourse should any party to the BDCP fail to perform its obligations,” according to a description of the agreement in a press release from the California Natural Resources Agency. Parties to the draft agreement are the California Department of Water Resources, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, certain contractors of the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Marine Fisheries Service. Terry Erlewine, general manager of the State Water Contractors, praised the release of the implementing agreement. “Public water agencies have worked diligently with state and federal agencies
to ensure that there is a clear path for how the Bay Delta Conservation Plan would be executed. Implementing such a significant project requires thoughtful consideration and challenging decisions on a host of issues,” Erlewine wrote. “The agreement announced May 30 represents considerable work and a major milestone in this process. The commitments made here will enable us to move forward, working in the best interests of the millions of people, businesses and farms that would benefit from the reliable water supplies this project would provide.” The BDCP seeks permits to cover operation of water projects in compliance with the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the California Natural Community Conservation Planning Act (NCCPA). In order to issue the 50-year permits sought under the BDCP, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service must determine, among other things, that the plan will not reduce the likelihood of survival and recovery of federally-protected species including Chinook salmon and Delta smelt. To issue permits under the NCCPA, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife also must determine, among other things, that the BDCP adequately provides for the conservation and management of covered species and their habitat, according to a press release from the Resources Agency, The NCCPA requires habitat conservation plans such as the BDCP to include an implementing agreement. The draft implementing igreement released Friday describes various parties’ roles as they relate to implementation of the 22 conservation measures included in the BDCP. It also describes how permits may be suspended or revoked by wildlife agencies in the event the water agencies fail to adequately fund or make progress on the implementation of conservation measures. Continued on page 7
Curtailment Continued from page 1
The notices advise junior water-rights holders to stop diverting water from the watershed in order to allow it to flow to more senior water-right holders, as required under state law. “While the storms we enjoyed from February through April brought us some minimal relief, it wasn’t enough to alter the fact that there is simply not enough water to satisfy all water-rights holders,” Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Board, said in a prepared statement issued May 28. “We recognize how challenging this drought is for junior water-right holders and their customers, and we will make adjustments in real time, based upon the flow in our rivers and streams, adequate voluntary agreements, and other new information, to give notice of water availability and lift restrictions whenever possible, as quickly as possible.” Water-right holders in several watersheds are developing local cooperative agreements in an effort to “share” available water and avoid curtailment. The State Water Board will consider these voluntary agreements and has advised cooperatives that the agreements must not result in injury to more senior water-right holders or unreasonably harm fish and wildlife.
Approximately 2,648 junior water-right holders in the Sacramento River watershed will receive curtailment notices under the State Water Board’s recent actions. The curtailment notices in the Russian River watershed affect water-rights holders upstream of the Russian River’s confluence with Dry Creek. Only water rights with a filing date of February 19, 1954 or later – a total of 652 rights – are being curtailed in that area at this time. The curtailment notices advise suppliers of water for municipal or domestic uses to contact the State Water Board’s Division of Water Rights regarding emergency needs for continuing diversions to meet very limited public health and safety requirements when there is no other water supply available. Many of these suppliers also have other local sources, such as local storage, groundwater, recycled water or stormwater. Despite late-season rains, California remains in a drought due to low water supplies in reservoirs from two previous dry years and a low Sierra snowpack. The May 1 snow survey by the Department of Water Resources measured the moisture content of the Sierra snowpack at 18% of normal for this time of year. The action by the State Water Board affects holders of junior “appropriative”
water rights in the Sacramento River watershed and North Delta area. An appropriative water right is one obtained on land that is not directly abutting a waterway. Junior water-rights holders are those with permits and licenses issued after 1914, also referred to as “post-1914 appropriative rights.” In April, the State Water Board launched a web page to assist water-right holders in several important watersheds to plan for possible limits. The web page is titled “Watershed Analysis” and details projected water supply, demand and availability for the watersheds most likely to face restrictions during the drought as demand outstrips available water supply. It can be found at www.waterboards.ca.gov. The right holders being curtailed in the Sacramento River watershed, include many creeks and rivers draining to the Sacramento River and the North Delta. The watershed includes the Pit, McCloud, Feather, Yuba, and American Rivers as well as the Sacramento River Delta (North Delta). The holders of water rights in the San Joaquin River and San Joaquin River Delta (South Delta) are not receiving this notice at this time, because the State Water Board is reviewing voluntary agreements in lieu of curtailments for the San Joaquin River and South Delta.
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The estimated cost of the BDCP is $25 billion. The majority of those costs would be paid by the public water agencies that buy water from the State Water Project and Central Valley Project. Potential sources of funding for the remainder of BDCP costs include bonds issued by water districts, bonds issued by DWR, federal agency appropriations, and state and federal grants.
According to the Resources Agency, there are two main elements to the draft BDCP now under public review — the construction of new intakes on the Sacramento River near Hood to ameliorate the unnatural flows now created by south Delta pumping plants, and protection or restoration of 140,000 acres of habitat, much of it tidal wetlands.
As a federal agency, Reclamation also must comply with the U.S. Endangered Species Act through a separate process.
To review the draft BDCP, its accompanying draft Environmental Impact Report/Statement, and the draft
Implementing Agreement, go to www. baydeltaconservationplan.com. Written comments on all documents 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 email to BDCP.comments@noaa.gov. Comments on the Draft BDCP, associated Draft EIR/EIS, and draft IA must be received electronically or postmarked on or before July 29, 2014.
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ACWA Board
ACWA Board of Directors Accepts Report on Local Drought Impacts, Gets Update on Water Bond, Groundwater Principles and Other Issues During its regular meeting May 30 in Sacramento, the ACWA Board of Directors heard the latest developments surrounding the water bond and efforts to achieve sustainable groundwater management in California, and formally accepted a report by the association’s Drought Action Group on drought impacts occurring across the state. The report, which will be distributed to ACWA members and released publicly in the coming days, draws upon the contributions and knowledge of 40 water agency experts from all parts of California — rural and urban, north and south. The report summarizes and describes significant drought impacts across the areas of agriculture, wildlife protection, ecosystems, commercial industries and trade. It also identifies future vulnerabilities and recommends strategies and priority actions to address this and future droughts. “This is a powerful document and I think it will change how people think about the drought,” ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn told the Board. The report’s “bottom-up” perspective will give a fresh view of what’s happening on the ground in local communities, Quinn said. The Drought Action Group report comes on the heels of ACWA’s recommendations for improving management of groundwater basins throughout California. Developed by a task force of ACWA members and released in April, the well-received recommendations have positioned the association at the center of an important statewide dialog. “It’s given us a seat at the head table and invited us into discussions,” David Orth, general manager of Kings River Conservation District and vice chair of ACWA’s Groundwater Sustainability Task Force, told the Board. The report also has garnered praise and positive
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comments from unexpected audiences, Orth said. ACWA’s recommendations for groundwater sustainability — including legislative and administrative changes that strengthen groundwater management and accountability where it is deficient, provide new tools and authorities to accelerate progress by local and regional agencies, and guide enhanced state support where needed — have proved influential in discussions with the Brown Administration and within regulatory legislation under consideration at the Capitol. On the water bond, ACWA staff briefed the Board on the rapidly evolving landscape in the Legislature. Lawmakers face a June 26 deadline to pass legislation that would modify the $11.14 billion bond measure that’s currently slated for the November ballot. ACWA continues to support two water bond bills — AB 2686 and SB 1250 — that most closely align with Board-approved principles for a 2014 bond. But the picture might change significantly during the coming weeks as discussions continue; negotiations are taking place in both the Assembly and Senate to decide which bill among several still in play will be the main water bond vehicle in each house. The governor has yet to formally weight in. ACWA is asking its member agencies to send letters to their state legislators urging that any final bill on a water bond be consistent with ACWA’s principles, which include the following: • Provide $3 billion continuously appropriated for surface and groundwater storage; • Fund Delta restoration at levels identified in 2009 legislative package ($2.5 billion); • Eliminate earmarks that allocate funds for specific projects without a competitive process;
Recommendations foR achieving
groundwater April 2014
SuStainability
Prepared by
• Contain substantial funding for safe drinking water for disadvantaged communities, local resources development projects, groundwater cleanup and watershed protection. The association also is seeking to ensure that final bond legislation does not create any new burdens or costs for implementing local resources strategies or include provisions that make state funding programs more bureaucratic. The Board also heard an update on recent polling conducted on behalf of Clean Water and Jobs for California, a coalition led by ACWA as well as business, labor and agricultural interests to educate Californians about the need to invest in the state’s water system. The poll, conducted in early May, found that public concern about the drought and water supply is at an all-time high. Updates also were presented on the Save Our Water program, which ACWA leads in partnership with the California Department of Water Resources, action in Washington, D.C. to approve drought legislation, recent curtailment orders by the State Water Resources Control Board, and other drought developments.
Newswatch
PPIC Poll Shows Drought Hitting Home with Most Californians A record-high percentage of Californians say water supply is a big problem in their part of the state and most say they are using less water both indoors and outdoors this year, according to the latest statewide survey by the Public Policy Institute of California. As temperatures rise and the state’s severe drought continues, nearly 60% of Californians say the supply of water is a big problem in their region, with another 26% saying it is somewhat of a problem.
The share of Californians viewing it as a big problem is up from 55% who viewed it that way in March. By comparison, just 44% held that view in December 2009 during the last major drought, according to the PPIC. Concern about water supply is highest in the Central Valley, with 67% calling it a big problem. In the Inland Empire, 47% see it as a big problem and 33% say it is somewhat of a problem.
Two out of three survey respondents say they are following news about the drought closely, including 25% following very closely and 41% fairly closely. About HOW BIG A a third of respondents said they are not PROBLEM IS WATER SUPPLY IN following drought news closely. YOUR REGION? Nearly 80% of Californians say they are using less water on indoor activities 59% BIG PROBLEM such as showers, baths and washing 26% SOMEWHAT A PROBLEM dishes. Nineteen percent report they are 15% NOT MUCH A PROBLEM not reducing indoor water use. Among Central Valley respondents, 45% said
they are using a lot less water indoors, while just 16% said they were not using less. In the Inland Empire, 33% said they were using a lot less, while 25% said they were not reducing indoor water use. When asked about water use for outdoor landscaping and lawns, a strong majority of Californians say they are using less water, including 38% who say they are using a lot less water and another 28% who say they are using a little less water. Eleven percent say they are not using less water outdoors, and 23% say they have no outdoor space or are not responsible for its upkeep. The survey, the latest in the PPIC’s “Californians and Their Government” series, was conducted May 8-15 among 1,702 California adult residents in both English and Spanish. A complete summary is available at www.ppic.org.
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Assembly Member Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), chair of the Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, also voiced his support for AB 1739, noting that groundwater management in California is at a crossroads due to concerns about subsidence and well water levels. Opponents of AB 1739 expressed concerns before the vote. Assembly Member Frank Bigelow (R-O’Neals) called the legislation “overly broad” and said groundwater pumping needs to be managed, but not at the expense of property rights. Assembly Member Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) said the legislation could harm the economy. In a separate development May 27, the Senate approved SB 1168 by a 24-12 vote.
SB 1168, by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), in its current form would establish a statutory framework to achieve sustainable management of groundwater basins throughout the state. According to SB 1168, all groundwater basins and subbasins in California would be managed sustainably by local entities and asked to adopt a sustainable groundwater management plan. ACWA has taken “support if amended” positions on both SB 1168 and AB 1739 and is working closely with the authors as the bills move forward to incorporate principles from ACWA’s recommendations for sustainably managing California’s groundwater resources.
The ACWA recommendations introduced last month 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. Dickinson said AB 1739 includes many of AWCA’s groundwater recommendations and he applauded the association’s “groundbreaking efforts” on the issue.
June 6, 2014 • 9
Newswatch
Marin Municipal Water District honored several local residents, officials and businesses as “water-saving heroes” in May, kicking off a new monthly conservation recognition program. Honorees included (left to right) Nancy and Mike Duran of San Rafael, Chief Jason Weber of the Marin County Fire Department, and San Rafael Mayor Gary Phillips.
Marin Municipal Launches “Water-Saving Heroes” Program Marin Municipal Water District’s new conservation recognition program, “Water-Saving Heroes,” acknowledges customers who are significantly reducing their water use. When the district’s board requested a 25% voluntary water use reduction in January, these customers immediately rose to the challenge.
sumption. After the driest calendar year recorded in Marin’s history, the need for conservation is greater than ever. Customers have taken real steps to conserve, and we want to recognize them for their contribution and encourage others to conserve as well,” said MMWD Board President Armando Quintero.
“Conservation is the most effective tool we have for reducing water con-
MMWD invites all customers to nominate themselves or others to be publicly
recognized as “Water-Saving Heroes” at future Board of Directors meetings. The district has created a web page at marinwater.org/WaterSavingHeroes where customers in the MMWD service area can nominate residents, businesses, schools, or organizations they feel are making a significant conservation effort. All water-saving heroes will be featured on MMWD’s website and in conservation promotional materials.
Southern California Investing More in Water Conservation Efforts Southern California is taking additional steps to stretch its water supply during this year’s drought and meet demand for 2014, officials said May 22. Metropolitan Water District is launching a $5 million television and radio ad campaign this summer urging the region to conserve water, and wants residents to utilize the district’s turf rebate program that Met doubled to $2 per square foot as well as other water-saving incentives. The water district also is bringing back its Water Alert gauge, an online meter showing the region’s surface and groundwater storage levels. Met, which supplies 55% of Southern California’s water, built up 3 million acre-feet in reserve by 2013. But General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger expects the district to draw down as much as 1 mil10 • ACWA NEWS
Vol. 42 | Digital
lion acre-feet by the end of 2014, lowering Diamond Valley and the region’s other reservoirs. “It could be the biggest pull we’ve ever done [in one year] from our storage,” Kightlinger said. With the drought possibly extending into 2015 and beyond, Kightlinger and Met Board Chair Randy Record — ACWA’s Immediate Past President — said now is the time to conserve. Every drop saved is supply that Southern California can use in the future. “Bottom line, here at Met we’re trying to prudently manage our way through this drought,” Record said. Although Metropolitan has adequate reserves in the short run, Kightlinger said the region’s water system is under strain due to an unprecedented supply imbalance in California. An above average water year in the Up-
per Colorado River Basin is giving Met its full allotment of water from the Colorado River, but only a 5% allocation is slated to come from the State Water Project fed by reservoirs in Northern California. Consequently Metropolitan has been forced to push Colorado River water farther north in the district’s service area than ever before, and Kightlinger said Met’s water system wasn’t designed for it. Southern California has made significant progress in reducing water consumption, but Kightlinger said even more can be done, especially on outdoor irrigation and more widespread use of drought-friendly landscaping. “We want to see a permanent transformation,” Kightlinger said. For more information about drought actions in Southern California, go to http://www.bewaterwise.com/Drought. html.
Newswatch
Support on the Upswing for Recycled Water Facility in San Diego The city of San Diego is taking steps toward development of an advanced treatment facility for recycled water after a successful trial run. The city council, the San Diego County Water Authority and other local agencies are backing the project, which could eventually provide as much as one-third of San Diego’s future water supply. San Diego has begun work on an implementation strategy and technical studies to refine concepts developed in its 2012 study on recycled water, which determined a multi-phase potable reuse project could add up to 83 million gallons per day of drought-proof water to the region. San Diego has been operating its Water Purification Demonstration Project facility located near University Towne Center to study the feasibility of producing purified water that would augment San Vicente reservoir as part of a full-scale potable reuse project. The test project — capable of producing 1 million gallons per day that meets all federal and state drinking water standards — includes a three-step treatment process of membrane filtration, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation with ultraviolet light
and hydrogen peroxide. An initial 15-million gallon per day purification facility is planned to be in operation by 2023, and the long-term goal of producing 83 million gallons of purified water per day could happen by 2035. Officials say the large-scale potable reuse project, called Pure Water San Diego, would give the region a droughtproof water supply and reduce reliance on imported water, as well as reduce wastewater discharges to the ocean and help address regulatory compliance at the city’s Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant. “This is a critical juncture for the City of San Diego. Imported water supplies have doubled in cost since 2008 and are expected to continue to rise, which translates to rate increases for our residents,” said Halla Razak, San Diego’s public utilities director. “The Pure Water Program is a comprehensive effort that will provide a secure and reliable longterm local water supply for San Diego while resolving decade-long issues associated with Point Loma.” Direct potable reuse of purified recycled water currently isn’t allowed under state regulations. Indirect potable
Water Purification Demonstration Project
reuse is permitted, in which purified wastewater is exposed to the environment by injecting it into groundwater basins or other means, before it’s used to augment drinking water supplies. If San Diego builds a permanent water purification facility, it would join other successful projects of its kind in California. Orange County Water District’s Groundwater Replenishment System has been operating since 2008 with capacity to produce enough purified wastewater for nearly 600,000 people. San Diego City Council approved a formal resolution April 29 stating full support of the city’s Pure Water Program. On May 22, San Diego County Water Authority’s Board of Directors passed a support resolution of its own.
San Diego Reaches Tour Milestone at Advanced Purification Facility The city of San Diego hit a milestone May 13 by welcoming the 5,000th tour guest to the Advanced Water Purification (AWP) Facility. The free tours are part of Pure Water San Diego, a 20year education and outreach program developed to provide a safe, secure and sustainable local drinking water supply for the city. During the tour, the water purification process is explained in detail and participants get an up-close look at the technology used.
Since July 2011, more than 350 tours have been given to groups including scouting troops, elected officials, contractors, neighborhood councils, water industry professionals and school classes ranging from elementary to postdoctoral.
ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide. One million gallons of water are purified every day that meet all federal and state drinking water standards, but are for testing purposes only. Currently the water is not added to the drinking water supply.
The AWP Facility, located at the North City Water Reclamation Plant, takes recycled water and turns it into safe drinkable water through a three-step treatment process of membrane filtration, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation with
The program has increased understanding and approval of water purification in San Diego, with public support rising from 26% in 2004 to 73% in 2012. Learn more about Pure Water San Diego at www.purewatersd.org.
June 6, 2014 • 11
People News
Governor Brown Makes Water Policy Appointments to State Posts Gov. Jerry Brown on May 27 announced three water policy appointments, including the appointments of Susan Tatayon to the Delta Stewardship Council (DSC) and Karla Nemeth as deputy secretary for water policy at the California Natural Resources Agency. Brown also announced the appointment of Kristopher Tjernell as special assistant for water policy at the California Natural Resources Agency. Tatayon, 55, of Rocklin, has served as an associate director at the Nature Conservancy since 2006. She was supervising resource planner at the Schlumberger Water Division from 2001 to 2005 and special assistant to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific regional director from 2000 to 2001. Tatayon also served in multiple positions at the Cali-
fornia Department of Water Resources from 1996 to 2000, including research program specialist and special assistant to the chief deputy director. She is a member of the Floodplain Management Association Board of Directors. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $40,669. Tatayon is registered without party preference. Nemeth, 43, of Sacramento, will serve as the Governor’s senior advisor on water policy. She has served as Bay Delta Conservation Plan project manager at the California Natural Resources Agency since 2009. From 2005 to 2009 she was environmental and public affairs director at the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Zone 7. Prior to that, she was community affairs manager at Jones and Stokes from
2003 to 2005. Nemeth also served as a legislative assistant at AESOP Enterprises from 2001 to 2003 and held multiple positions for King County, Washington from 1998 to 2000, including legislative assistant and program manager. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Washington. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $150,000. Nemeth is a Democrat. Tjernell, 32, of Sacramento, has been a policy consultant at the Conservation Strategy Group since 2007, in the areas of integrated water management, water supply, ecosystem conflict resolution and public finance. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $114,456. Tjernell is a Democrat.
ACWA Regulatory Summit to Focus on Headwaters Management Sustainably managing California’s headwaters will be the focus of ACWA’s annual regulatory summit which this year will be held Aug. 13-14 in South Lake Tahoe.
• Who’s in Charge? Understanding Forest Management in California
The event, titled “Looking Upstream: Managing California’s Headwaters for Sustainability,” begins on August 13 with a tour of a Forest Management Demonstration Area in South Lake Tahoe.The tour will be followed by poster session and a welcome reception.
• SFPUC Upper Tuolumne Watershed Update: Partnership and Innovation
On August 14, the summit will continue, covering topics such as:
• Red Tape Ahead: Evaluating the Impact of Potential Expansions in Clean Water Act Jurisdiction
• A Growing Problem: Marijuana Cultivation Impacts on Water Quality and Supply • Managing Forests for Water Quality: Local Perspectives
Pests on California’s Headwaters In the closing session, leadership from ACWA’s Headwaters Framework Workgroup will provide an inside look at ACWA’s latest major policy document to advance sustainable management of California’s headwaters. A continental breakfast will be available (Aug. 14, 8-9 a.m.) and lunch also will be served between meetings. More information and registration is available at acwa.com.
• Beneath the Bark: Impacts of Forests
Got an outreach program worth talking about? Enter your agency’s outstanding public relations efforts in ACWA’s Huell Howser Best in Blue Award this fall! The award recognizes outstanding achievements by public water agencies in communicating with customers, legislators, media and the public. The award will be presented at ACWA’s 2014 Fall Conference & Exhibition. Entries must be submitted by Sept. 3. Details and entry forms are at acwa.com.
12 • ACWA NEWS
Vol. 42 | Digital
CALENDAR July
10 – 11
August 13 – 14
19 – 20
19
October 6 – 7
Other Events
ACWA Region 1 North Coast Issues Forum is set for July 10-11 in Humboldt Bay. Registration is available online at www.acwa.com. Online registration deadline is July 3 or until space is full. For more information please contact Regional Affairs Representative Katie Dahl at katied@acwa.com.
ACWA’s 2014 Regulatory Summit is set for Aug. 1314 at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel, South Lake Tahoe. This year’s theme is, “Looking Upstream: Managing California’s Headwaters for Sustainability.” For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545. 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 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
ACWA Events
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. Steve Hall Fierce Competitor Golf Tournament is set for Sept. 19 at Darkhorse Golf Club, Auburn. For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545
CalDesal 3rd Annual Conference is Oct. 6 – 7 in Monterey. The conference will be attended by desalination industry professionals, CalDesal member agency representatives, local and state/federal agency staff and decision makers, California legislators, nongovernmental organizations and other special guests. For more information contact Ron Davis at rond@ caldesal.org, or by phone at (916) 492-6082.
9 – 10
ACWA Continuing Legal Education Seminar is Oct. 9-10. Location to be determine. For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545.
17
ACWA Region 6 & 7 joint program is Oct. 17 in Visalia. For more information please contact Regional Affairs Representative Katie Dahl at katied@acwa.com.
19 – 20
ACWA Region 5 reception & program is Oct. 19-20 in Livermore. For more information please contact Regional Affairs Representative Katie Dahl at katied@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.
classifieds
Positions Open 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 five-member 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. Continued on page 14
June 6, 2014 • 13
Continued from page 13
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.
Association of California Water Agencies 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3577
Periodicals Postage Paid at Sacramento, CA
Time Valued Material
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.
Managing Director The WateReuse California Board of Trustees is seeking proposals from qualified individuals to provide Managing Director services. Managing Director Position The Managing Director is expected to have a strong presence in Sacramento and be available to travel throughout the State. The duties of the Managing Director are as follows: • Representing WateReuse California in regulatory and legislative affairs relevant to fulfillment of WateReuse California’s mission with a presence in Sacramento as needed, including management of WateReuse California legislative advocate; • Assuring that WateReuse California’s obligations under the Direct Potable Reuse (DPR) Initiative (a partnership with the WateReuse Research Foundation – WRRF), which include developing public and regulatory acceptance for DPR, advising WRRF on DPR research needs, and fundraising support, are fulfilled; • Maintaining contact with and awareness of the needs of member agencies, including assisting members recognize and address precedential regulatory issues; • Developing agenda material for, planning and attending meetings of the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and Legislative and Regulatory Committee; and supporting other committees as needed; • In collaboration with the Treasurer, developing budgets for Board approval, managing expenditures and developing
revenue consistent with the adopted budget; • Liaison with WateReuse California chapters to exchange information about important developments in the Association, California section, chapter, and State regulatory and legislation affairs; • Liaison with WateReuse Association and WRRF to help assure the mission of WateReuse California, WateReuse Association, and WRRF is fulfilled to the fullest possible extent; • Liaison with other interest groups to assure WateReuse California’s mission is fulfilled to the fullest possible extent; • Assuring successful planning and execution of membership recruitment and retention activities; • Assuring successful planning and execution of conferences and events; and Minimum Qualifications The successful candidate will have the following experience: • California water regulation, legislation and/or technical fields; • Degree from a four-year college in a related discipline; advance degree preferred • 10 or more years’ experience in water policy, regulatory or management issues; California experience desirable. • Supporting the work of a board of directors; and • Successfully creating and adhering to budgets.
The Managing Director reports to the WateReuse California Board of Trustees, and works most closely with the President and Executive Committee. The Managing Director position is a full time position. The Board of Trustees is flexible regarding whether the Managing Director is an employee (with benefits) or a contractor. In either case, the Managing Director will be responsible for providing administrative support services considered necessary. Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, their qualifications including resume, and maximum 5-page proposal describing your approach to providing Managing Director services and related administrative functions by email to dsmith@watereuse.org not later than 3 pm on June 20, 2014. The submittals will be distributed to a committee of the Board for review. The committee expects to interview candidates on July 10 at a Sacramento location to be determined, and then recommend a preferred candidate for Board approval. All submittals will be considered confidential. Prospective applicants may contact the current Managing Director, Dave Smith at (916) 669-8401 or dsmith@watereuse.org.
Public Member Agency Madera Irrigation District The Madera Irrigation District Board of Directors on May 27 announced the appointment of Jim Erickson as director for the district’s Division 4 in accordance with Government Code section 1780. Erickson was appointed to the division vacancy after the resignation of Gary Bursey in April. Erickson is a resident and landowner within Division 4.