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Save Our Water Ready to Greet State Fair Crowds
ACWA’s • Member • Newsletter
The California State Fair opened July 11 with two major exhibits featuring Save Our Water, a partnership between ACWA and the California Department of Water Resources. The popular Save Our Water garden (at right) returns to The Farm with stunning and informative displays of water-wise plants and tips for improving irrigation efficiency. Meanwhile, a new indoor exhibit themed “Californians Don’t Waste” features ways to save water in the kitchen, laundry and bathroom at home. The exhibits are expected to reach some 750,000 Californians as the State Fair continues through July 27. Photo credits: Department of Water Resources
State Water Board Proposes Emergency Regulations on Water Conservation; Adoption Slated for July 15 A week after adopting emergency regulations on curtailments, the State Water Resources Control Board proposed a set of unprecedented statewide emergency regulations on water conservation July 9 as part of its ongoing response to California’s worsening drought.
The emergency regulations on curtailments streamline the State Water Board’s process for issuing enforceable water curtailment orders.
The statewide emergency water conservation regulations would restrict certain forms of outdoor water use and would require urban water suppliers to implement their water shortage contingency plans at a level that triggers mandatory restrictions on outdoor water use.
“We are in one of the worst statewide droughts in modern times,” Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Board, said in a call with reporters July 9, the day the State Water Board released its draft conservation
July 11, 2014
Water Board Continued on page 5
Negotiations Continue on 2014 Water Bond
Action Likely Deferred to August as Lawmakers Hammer Out Details Despite tremendous effort over the past weeks, the Legislature adjourned for summer recess July 3 without passing a modified water bond for the November ballot. Though legislative leaders had hoped to finish work on a water bond before the recess, more time was needed to reach a bipartisan agreement on a downsized measure to replace the existing $11.14 billion bond currently set to go before voters this fall. Discussions con-
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Both actions are authorized under emergency powers granted to the State Water Board by Gov. Jerry Brown’s executive orders on the drought.
Save Our Water Ramps Up for Dry Summer
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Groundwater Bills Clear Senate and Assembly Policy Committees
tinue in both houses, with various legislative proposals and a $6 billion initial proposal by Gov. Jerry Brown all on the table. On the Senate side, lawmakers amended SB 848 by Sen. Lois Wolk (D-Davis) on July 3 to propose a $7.5 billion measure, down from the $10.5 billion proposal that fell short of the two-thirds vote required in a Senate floor vote on June 23. Water Bond Continued on page 8
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ACWA Spring Conference Keynote Addresses Now Available on Video
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Impressive Lineup for 2014-’15 ACWA Scholarship Recipients
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 Graphic Designer Katherine Causland Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved. Call ACWA for Permission to Reprint. USPS 334030 Digital Only
Questions on Classified Ads? ACWA public agency members may post job descriptions, RFPs, items for sale and other miscellaneous classified ads in ACWA News and/ or online at acwa.com. More information is at acwa.com or contact Director of Communications Lisa Lien-Mager at lisalm@acwa.com or 916.441.4545. Connect with us:
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Save Our Water Ramps Up for Summer From a major presence at the California State Fair to a robust new summer campaign, Save Our Water is ramping up public education in a big way in response to the state’s worsening drought. Boosted by $1 million in additional funding through emergency drought legislation signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in March, Save Our Water generated significant interest and exposure through the end of June around the “Californians Don’t Waste” theme. The effort generated more than 120 million impressions statewide as well as high engagement on social media channels. The first phase of the campaign wrapped up in June as Save Our Water turned its focus to the hot, dry summer months. In late June, Save Our Water launched Don’t Waste Summer, a campaign devoted to providing daily water saving tips and news on the new microsite – SaveOurWater.com. The new microsite is optimized to improve connections via social media channels and has improved video and updating capabilities. The Don’t Waste Summer news and tips are shared daily on the Save Our Water Facebook page (https:// www.facebook.com/pages/Save-OurWater/68570165885), Twitter account (http://www.twitter.com/saveourwater) and on SaveOurWater.com every morning using hashtag #DontWasteSummer. The effort will continue through the end of summer. Tips range from simple ideas such as shutting water off as you brush your teeth, to checking for leaks, to helpful ways businesses big and small can do their part in saving water during the drought. The campaign also is showcasing the efforts Save Our Water partners — particularly water agencies — are taking to conserve this summer. Save Our Water was funded with an additional $2 million in the 2014-’15 state budget. The program’s goal with this additional funding will be to reach Californians where they are this summer
through continued digital and social media success, enhanced support for local water agency conservation efforts, expanded public awareness efforts and new website offerings. The new funds will facilitate a number of large-scale efforts to take place over the next several months, including: PSAs and Videos: In partnership with the California Office of Emergency Services, more than a dozen new water savings PSAs have been produced and will be rolled out through the summer. Additional PSAs produced by partners NRDC, Toro and Major League Baseball will be released. Major League Baseball: Save Our Water has partnerships with the Giants, Padres, A’s and Angels for in-stadium PSAs and ads, radio spots featuring players and opportunities for earned media with teams and players. California State Fair: DWR-led effort with two large booths at the State Fair, reaching more than 750,000 Californians. The Save Our Water team also is in the process of planning a new marketing campaign set to launch in mid-July. The campaign will be much more aggressive and centered on the concept that this drought requires Extraordinary Measures… more than just your standard water-saving efforts. More information on the campaign will be available as it gets closer to launch.
State Relations Update
Groundwater Bills Clear Senate and Assembly Policy Committees Two ACWA-supported bills aimed at advancing sustainable management of California’s groundwater basins moved out of Senate and Assembly committees June 24, launching what is expected to be several weeks of final negotiations and fine-tuning. SB 1168 by Sen. Fran Pavley (DAgoura Hills) moved out of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee on a 9-4 vote. The bill in its current form would establish a statutory framework to achieve sustainable management of groundwater basins throughout the state. A similar measure, AB 1739, by Assembly Member Roger Dickinson, (DSacramento), cleared the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee on a 7-1 vote. Both authors said the measures may be merged into one bill in coming weeks after they undergo fine tuning based on meetings with stakeholders. The lawmakers already have joined as co-authors on each other’s bills. Both Pavley and Dickinson stressed that they would like to see the bills approved this legislative session so that the state may move quickly toward building a more sustainable groundwater management system. Both members also remarked on the unusual level of cooperation among stakeholders, even those who now oppose the bill. “It’s amazing, really, the level of agreement of all of the speakers,” said Pavley. “I think we can thread this needle…we know what the tasks are ahead of us and I think we can do this.”
Dickinson said that “to do nothing is not a solution. The status quo is not sustainable.” A public stakeholder meeting to discuss potential changes to the bill was held July 2. ACWA Legislative Advocate Whitnie Wiley spoke in support of both measures, as did ACWA Board Member Dave Orth, who co-chaired ACWA’s Groundwater Sustainability Task Force, which issued a series of recommendations in April on improving the state’s groundwater management. Many of ACWA’s concepts have been incorporated into AB 1739. “We are committed to working with both the assemblyman and Sen. Pavley and the administration to find a path for sustainable groundwater management in the future,” said Wiley. Orth said that empowering local entities to monitor local groundwater basins is among the key principles of the ACWA package of recommendations. “The challenge is…not to undo what has been successful at the local level,” said Orth. Orth added that the ACWA principles embrace several key concepts, including that the Department of Water Resources should remain the technical lead agency in helping local entities and that lawmakers should “narrowly craft and define those instances where it is appropriate for the State Water Resources Control Board to step in as a back stop.” He also stressed that the unreliability
of surface water — due in part to drought, poor infrastructure and regulatory restrictions — compounds the groundwater problem by forcing over reliance on the resource. Lester Snow, executive director of the California Water Foundation, said it is “truly historic” to see the “level of agreement that we are seeing in California on the issue and the fact that it needs to be addressed.” “The time is now…difficult issues often result in people saying ‘let’s take it slow,’” said Snow. “But the drought has served to reveal fundamental weaknesses in our water system including groundwater.” Danny Merkley, of the California Farm Bureau Federation, said his constituency is concerned about the short time frame that has been developed for passage of a bill on such a complex issue that could have large economic impact in local communities. “Groundwater management is as diverse and as complex as the over 500 groundwater basins,” said Merkley. “For this reason, we urge you to proceed very carefully and cautiously on this complex issue.” Other speakers expressed concerns about possible reforms impacting the authority of local governments and existing and future land use plans. Pavley and several supporters of the bills said they are committed to working with the Farm Bureau, the California Building Industry Association and other stakeholders in addressing any issues related to land use decisions and local government authority.
Applications Due July 21 for DWR Drought Assistance Grants Water agencies interested in accessing grant funding for drought-related projects and programs have until July 21 to submit applications as part of the Department of Water Resources’ drought proposal solicitation package. Emergency drought relief legislation enacted earlier this year directed DWR to expedite the awarding of $200 million
in existing Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) program funding to support projects that assist with regional drought preparedness, increase local water supply reliability and delivery of safe drinking water, assist with implementation of conservation programs and measures that are not locally costeffective, and reduce water quality and/or
ecosystem impacts related to drought. DWR released a streamlined grant application package in June and held two workshops on the submittal process. More on the grant application process is available on DWR’s website http://www.water.ca.gov/irwm/grants/ implementation.cfm. July 11, 2014 • 3
Regulatory Update
Workshops Set on Draft NPDES Permit for Water System Discharges State Water Resources Control Board staff will hold three workshops around the state in July regarding the draft statewide general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for discharges from drinking water systems.
The workshop dates, times and locations are as follows:
Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Sacramento – Monday, July 21, 1 – 5 p.m., Sacramento Suburban Water District Antelope Gardens Facility, 7800 Antelope North Road, Antelope, CA 95843
The Clean Water Act requires that a discharge of any pollutant to surface waters that are deemed waters of the United States be regulated by a NPDES permit.
Los Angeles – Wednesday, July 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Conference Room US2-145, 700 N.
More information regarding the draft permit is available on the State Water Board website http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/ water_issues/programs/npdes/drinkingwatersystems.shtml. ACWA members with questions regarding the draft permit can contact ACWA Regulatory Advocate Adam Walukiewicz at adamw@acwa.com or (916) 441-4545.
The workshops will be webcast.
Two California Projects Receive Funding From Reclamation Program Bureau of Reclamation Acting Commissioner Lowell Pimley has announced the Bureau will endow nine projects with $1.29 million for title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Feasibility Studies. Two of the nine projects will be located in California.
“Planning and preparation are essential for communities looking to meet their growing water needs,” Pimley said. “This funding will help communities gather critical information in assessing whether
Feasibility Study, Santa Margarita Water District (California), $225,000
these water recycling and reuse projects can meet their future water needs.”
The two California projects are in a funding group that receives up to $450,000 (up to $150,000 per year). Projects within this funding group are required to complete their feasibility studies within 36 months. The two California projects in this group are: •
San Juan Groundwater Basin Recharge, Reclamation and Reuse
•
Indirect Potable Reuse Project Feasibility Study, Eastern Municipal Water District (California), $450,000
The funding comes with the stipulation that all applicants must provide at least 50% non-federal costshared funding for the study.
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.
• SFPUC Upper Tuolumne Watershed Update: Partnership and Innovation
The event, titled “Looking Upstream: Managing California’s Headwaters for Sustainability,” begins on Aug. 13 with a tour of a Forest Management Demonstration Area in South Lake Tahoe. The tour will be followed by a poster session and welcome reception.
• Managing Forests for Water Quality: Local Perspectives
On August 14, the summit will continue, covering topics such as: • Who’s in Charge? Understanding Forest Management in California • Red Tape Ahead: Evaluating the Impact of Potential Expansions in Clean Water Act Jurisdiction
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• A Growing Problem: Marijuana Cultivation Impacts on Water Quality and Supply
• Beneath the Bark: Impacts of Forest 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. More information and registration is available at acwa.com.
Regulatory Update Water Board Continued from page 1
regulations. Marcus said actions proposed in the draft regulations are “the least that Californians can do.” The draft statewide emergency conservation regulations — believed to be the first of their kind in state’s history — also would require urban water suppliers to track water production and use and compare it to the same period last year, then submit that data to the State Water Board by the 15th of each month. The public comment period on the regulations is open until noon July 14 and the State Water Board will consider their adoption at its July 15 meeting. More information and the email address for public comment is at http://www. swrcb.ca.gov/. The proposed regulations include prohibitions against: directly spraying water to hard outdoor surfaces for washing; watering of outdoor landscapes in a way that causes runoff to adjacent property, private and public walkways, roadways, or structures; using a hose without a shut-off nozzle to wash an automobile and using potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature that uses non-recirculating water. Violations of prohibited activities would be considered infractions and would be punishable by fines of up to $500 a day. Any employee of a public agency charged with enforcing laws could write and issue a ticket to the violator.
More on Emergency Curtailment Regulations On July 2, the State Water Board approved emergency regulations that would streamline its process for enforcing curtailment orders and increase fines for non-compliance. The orders issued under the emergency regulations would be immediately enforceable without
a hearing, however an appeals process would be available. State Water Board officials said the curtailment emergency regulations were needed to allow a more efficient, real-time process for enforcing ongoing curtailments. Without the regulatory action, officials said, diverters could potentially delay compliance through procedural measures well into the dry season, or until no water remains. Such delays — and the worsening drought — could result in water right holders with more senior rights being ordered to curtail water, officials said. The emergency regulations were adopted following several hours of public testimony in a hearing that spanned two days – July 1 and 2. Several speakers voiced concerns, saying the regulations did not allow sufficient due process to challenge the orders. In May, the State Water Board began issuing 7,910 curtailment notices. State officials report that only 30% of water right holders who have been sent curtailment notices have responded to the notices to demonstrate compliance. The curtailment notices went out to post-1914 water right holders in the Delta watershed, the Russian River upstream of Dry Creek, and the Scott River watershed. Additional orders were issued to water right holders in the Eel River watershed on July 2. Under current regulations, penalties for noncompliance are $1,000 a day and $2,500 an acre-foot. An additional penalty of up to $500 for each day of violation also would be applied under the emergency regulation.
Impetus for Emergency Water Conservation Regulations The statewide emergency regulations regarding conservation were first discussed by officials following a four-
Pine Flat Lake shows sings of this year’s drought.
hour workshop June 17 in which state and local water officials outlined their efforts to encourage Californians to conserve water. Board members suggested that mandatory restrictions from Sacramento may be needed to address the state’s worsening water outlook. “My view is that at some point, the State Board needs to set the rules and the standards we need to live by,” Marcus said at the June 17 workshop. “The question is – ‘What’s reasonable in a drought?’” The workshop arose out of an April 25 executive order by Gov. Jerry Brown that directed the State Water Board to ask urban water suppliers and agencies for an update on their actions to reduce water usage and the effectiveness of those actions. In response, the State Water Board sent a self-reported survey to all urban water suppliers and agencies on May 23. According to the survey’s results, agencies have experienced an overall 5% reduction in water use from January to May of this year as compared with water use during the same months in 2011-2013. Preliminary data show greater reductions in May.
July 11, 2014 • 5
Newswatch
Coachella Valley Dealing with Impact of New Chromium-6 Standard Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) reports it is working hard to meet challenges presented by the nation’s first drinking water standard for chromimum-6, which went into effect on July 1. California’s new Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for chromium-6, a mineral that occurs naturally in large portions of the Coachella Valley’s groundwater aquifer, has been set at 10 parts per billion (ppb). The new MCL, first announced on April 15, 2014, makes California the first state to develop a regulation specifically for chromium-6, which was previously regulated under total chromium by California at 50 ppb and is currently regulated by the federal government at 100 ppb. Within the next six months, water agencies will have to establish a monitoring program and report chromium-6 levels to the California Department of Public
Health. If levels exceed the new MCL, expensive treatment would be necessary.
$50 per month in coming years, Barrett estimates.
CVWD has been monitoring for chromium-6 since 2001. As a result of the new standard, CVWD will likely need to treat about half of its wells.
CVWD has been working to find the most cost-effective method for treating chromium-6. There are now studies under way with the Water Research Foundation to help CVWD develop a compliance plan.
“We continue to provide our customers with high-quality tap water, and will make every effort to keep our customers informed as we make progress with our compliance plan,” Jim Barrett, CVWD general manager, said in a press release. “Our team is evaluating a variety of options and will find the most cost-effective solution for our customers.” This regulation will have wide-ranging impacts on district operations and infrastructure, and may result in major construction throughout the district service area. As a direct result of the compliance costs, CVWD customers could see bills increase by approximately
“The state has not provided water agencies time to comply with the MCL. CVWD is meeting with legislators to try to obtain a more reasonable compliance period from the state, similar to what the federal government allows for drinking water standards,” said Barrett. The district is reaching out to inform customers and will be seeking input as it develops its compliance plan. For more information on chromium-6 and links to information from the state visit www. cvwd.org/cr6.
House Holds Hearing on Proposed Rule Defining Waters of the U.S. The House Science, Space, and Technology Committee held a hearing July 9 to examine the impacts of EPA’s proposed rule defining “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act. The full committee hearing provided members the opportunity to ask EPA Deputy Administrator Robert Perciasepe questions about the rule. During his opening statement, Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) showed a picture of intermittent and ephemeral
streams in the Western United States that would be regulated under the proposed rule. He noted that “EPA’s rule is so vague that it does little more than extend an open invitation to trial lawyers and government drones.” Rep. Scott Peters (D-Calif.) focused his questions on the difference between a concrete drainage ditch that leads to a “waters of the United States” and a swale drainage ditch that leads to a “waters of the United States.”
Perciasepe indicated that the concrete ditch would need a permit to discharge into waters of the U.S. but the swale might not. He said “as a general matter drainage swale are not jurisdictional.” A webcast of the committee hearing along with additional information can be viewed at: http://science.house. gov/hearing/full-committee-hearingnavigating-clean-water-act-water-wet.
Deputy Director Named for State Board’s New Division of Drinking Water Cindy Forbes, a veteran of the California Department of Public Health’s former Drinking Water Program, was named July 1 as the new Deputy Director of the State Water Resource Control Board’s Division of Drinking Water. Forbes has spent her entire career, over 30 years, in the Drinking Water Program that was formerly under the purview of the California Department of Public 6 • ACWA NEWS
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Health. While with CDPH, she was the Southern California Field Operations Branch Chief, with oversight of 14 drinking water program offices. As part of the 2014-’15 state budget, the Drinking Water Program was moved from CDPH to the State Water Board. The official launch of the newly configured program was July 1. Tom Howard, executive director of the State
Water Board, announced Forbes’ hiring during the board’s regularly scheduled July 1 meeting. In coming weeks, staff from CDPH will be moving to the CalEPA building where the drinking water program will be housed. Forbes earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering at California State University, Fresno.
ACWA Scholarships
Impressive Lineup for 2014-’15 ACWA Scholarship Recipients Each year, ACWA awards several scholarships to deserving students pursuing water-related degrees and careers. This year, an outstanding group of students has been selected to receive assistance from ACWA in the 2014-’15 academic term.
ACWA Scholarships ACWA awarded two $3,000 scholarships to students in water resources-related fields. Recipients are selected based on academics, extracurricular activities, water-related work experience and a personal essay describing their interest and aspirations in water. The 2014-’15 recipients are Martha Moak and Sierra Minchaca. Moak, a senior at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is majoring in agriculture systems management. She grew up in Northern California on her family’s ranch and attended Butte Community College (where she earned two associate’s degrees in ag business and ag science) before transferring to Cal Poly’s BioResource and Agricultural Engineering Department. She is currently employed at Cal Poly’s Irrigation Training and Research Center, where she has the opportunity to work closely with experts in the field of water resource management. “I feel like this experience, combined with Cal Poly’s ‘Learn By Doing’ teaching philosophy, will help prepare me for a career in water resource management where I hope to work alongside engineers as well as farmers and ranchers, designing and implementing irrigation systems that improve efficiencies and help preserve California’s most valuable resource,” said Moak.
Minchaca is majoring in conservation and resource studies at the University of California, Berkeley and is currently employed by the City of Napa’s Recycling Division. She also has served as president of the Napa Valley College Garden Club, working to install drip watering systems to reduce water consumption. Her career goals are in agricultural management. “I envision a future that weds together technological advancements with traditional farm management. To combine the benefits of using multiple crops in the same space and intercropping to monitor moisture levels and the water needs of different species could truly revolutionize our current use of water,” said Minchaca. Having worked with the experienced horticulturists at the UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, Minchaca has gained extensive knowledge about different plant species, especially those that are drought-tolerant.
Clair Hill Scholarship The Clair Hill Scholarship awards $5,000 to a deserving undergraduate student in a water-related field. Students are selected based on academics, extracurricular activities and a personal essay describing their interests and aspirations in water. Contra Costa Water District, the 2013 winner of ACWA’s Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence, presented this year’s scholarship to John MacDougall during a luncheon program at ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference and Exhibition in Monterey. MacDougall is a senior at California State University, East Bay, studying geology with an emphasis in hydrogeology. He has been working on a senior thesis on the post-Morgan fire effects on the Marsh Creek watershed and is working as a research assistant at CSU East Bay.
“One of my career interests is working on the issue of water storage; there is a great need for increased understanding of how complex geologic materials affect infiltration and recharge, so that groundwater banking projects can be successful,” said MacDougall. MacDougall is also the proud single father of his 14-year-old daughter Kyleigh, who he says is his inspiration.
Stephen K. Hall Scholarship The Stephen K. Hall ACWA Water Law and Policy Scholarship was created in 2007 to honor former ACWA Executive Director Steve Hall upon his retirement. The $7,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a qualified graduate student majoring in law, policy or public administration with a focus or concentration in California water resources. This year’s Stephen K. Hall Scholarship has been awarded to Julian Fulton, who is pursuing his PhD in Energy and Resources at the University of California, Berkeley. His research has been conducted in the relationships between water use and economic development, focusing on modeling and governance. He has published his research with the Pacific Institute, in academic journals, and in the upcoming California Water Plan Update 2013. He recently completed a Fulbright Fellowship in the Netherlands and holds an M.S. in civil and environmental engineering and a B.A. in international development studies from UC Berkeley. “I am passionate about both research and teaching, and I plan to pursue an academic career upon graduation,” said Fulton. “As a native of the Bay Area, I enjoy hiking its watersheds and sailing the estuary and outer coastline in my spare time.”
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State RElations Update Water Bond Continued from page 1
The new version of the bill includes $2 billion for water storage, $1 billion for groundwater cleanup, $850 million for the Delta (including $500 million for restoration and $350 million for levees), $500 million for recycling, $100 million for conservation, $335 million for storm water capture and reuse, and $355 million for safe drinking assistance for disadvantaged communities. In the Assembly, lawmakers are discussing a measure in the $8 billion range. A proposal may emerge in the Assembly Ap-
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propriations Committee in early August. Reaching agreement on a modified water bond for the November ballot has emerged as a top priority when legislators return to the Capitol in early August. ACWA remains optimistic that an agreement can be reached. Just over a year ago, the ACWA Board of Directors adopted a policy position envisioning a smaller bond in the $8 billion range. Though the bond that ultimately emerges may be even smaller or larger than that, the big-picture goal is to secure a bond that advances a
comprehensive, statewide plan to address California’s water needs. In the meantime, ACWA continues to seek a bond that works for the entire state and funds investments in water storage capacity, key local strategies such as conservation, recycling, groundwater cleanup and management, watershed protection, and safe drinking water improvements, particularly in disadvantaged communities around the state. ACWA will provide updates as developments unfold.
Newswatch
Popular WaterSmart Plant Checklist Updated for San Diego County The “Nifty 50,” a popular WaterSmart plant guide, has been updated and distributed to local water agencies and conservation gardens by the San Diego County Water Authority as part of the agency’s long-running efforts to promote water-use efficiency. The 50 plants were selected because they are attractive, readily available in retail nurseries, non-invasive and easy to maintain. Highlighted plants typically last for years, fit the scale of residential landscapes and — once established — drought tolerant.
offering a variety of attractive plants that thrive in San Diego County’s semi-arid climate.”
“There are lots of opportunities to trim water use in and around the home,” said Jeff Stephenson, a principal water resources specialist at the Water Authority. “One important strategy is replacing water-loving plants with varieties that don’t require as much irrigation. The Nifty 50 brochure eases that process by
Copies of the guide — complete with full-color photos of each plant — are free at the Water Authority’s headquarters in Kearny Mesa and at the offices of its 24 member agencies. They also are available at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas and the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon, both of which
The Nifty 50 brochure is periodically updated to reflect changing plant preferences. The latest version includes perennials such as French lavender, groundcover such as trailing lantana, and trees such as sweet bay. The pamphlet also offers tips for reducing the amount of water used on landscapes, whether they are filled with conventional plants or drought-tolerant varieties.
San Diego County Water Authority
eGuide to a WaterSmart Lifestyle
display several of the highlighted plants. For an electronic version of the guide, go to WaterSmartSD.org.
Monte Vista Water District Honors Employees at Annual Awards Event Monte Vista Water District held its annual employee awards event in June, naming Betti Conti 2013 Employee of the Year and recognizing several others for their years of dedication, including Barry Rowley for 35 years. Conti, human resources analyst, has been with the district since September 2007. Her responsibilities include making recommendations regarding personnel policies and procedures, coordinating training and development programs, and planning all recruitment and selection activities. Co-workers who nominated Conti for the award said she is “ready and willing to provide support at all times,” and they applaud her “dedication to human resources.” Conti, according to her peers, “does an excellent job providing sound guidance to all staff, and her professionalism and genuine care for all employees is evident in all that she does.” “It is an honor to recognize these
dedicated and loyal employees who make significant contributions in the achievement of the district’s mission and goals,” said Sandra Rose, president of the board of directors. A graduate of California State University, Fullerton, Conti earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an Emphasis in Human Resources and in 2011 she became certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR). She previously worked at Nordstrom as the Human Resources Manager. Conti is married and has two children, ages 14 and 16. Special recognition was given to the following employees for their years of service to the District:
• • • • •
Stephanie Reimer – 5 Years Ron Hazzard – 5 Years Jonathan Dizon – 5 Years Mark Kinsey – 15 Years Barry Rowley – 35 Years
Betti Conti, Monte Vista Water Distric 2013 Employee of the Year.
“It is an honor to recognize these dedicated and loyal employees who make significant contributions in the achievement of the District’s mission and goals,” said Sandra Rose, president of the board of directors.
July 11, 2014 • 9
Classifieds
Positions Open Assistant Manager
James Irrigation District 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
Office for Lease
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
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 10 • ACWA NEWS
Vol. 42 | Digital
General Manager-Secretary Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District The Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District is recruiting for the position of General Manager-Secretary. Annual salary range is $131,248 – $167,492 DOQ. The General Manager-Secretary is the chief executive of the District and reports to a seven-member citizen Board of Directors, who are appointed by the County of Fresno, City of Fresno, and City of Clovis. The District has had two General Managers since 1972, and enjoys the benefit of a long-term and stable staff. At present there are 77 authorized positions in engineering, operations and maintenance, and administration. The adopted budget for 2013/2014 is $21.6 million. The General Manager-Secretary is in charge of the day to day operations of the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. The incumbent is in a position of trust and confidence and serves as the Agency head and appointing authority for all employees in the District. The General ManagerSecretary provides advice and consultation on all matters related to the requirements of the District. The ideal candidate will have extensive management experience and be capable of administering all aspects of District planning, budgeting, construction, operations and intergovernmental relations through the oversight of District Departments. Candidate must guide staff of widely-varying specialties and experience to execute the District’s longrange capital improvements, operations, risk management, grant and environmental Continued on page 12
CALENDAR August 13 – 14
19 – 20
ACWA Events
19 ACWA’s 2014 Regulatory Summit is set for Aug. 13-14 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.
October
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.
18
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. ACWA Regions 2 & 4 will jointly host a program on Sept. 18 in the Sacramento area. The halfday program will focus on the effects of climate change on Northern California water storage. More information about this event will be made available on the ACWA website as it becomes available.
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
6 – 7
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, non-governmental organizations and other special guests. For more information contact Ron Davis at rond@caldesal. org, or by phone at (916) 492-6082.
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.
September 9 – 12
Other Events
December 2 – 5
ACWA’s 2014 Fall Conference & Exhibition is Dec. 2 – 5 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego. For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545.
Got an outreach program worth talking about?
Calling for Entries
Enter your agency’s outstanding public relations efforts in ACWA’s Huell Howser Best in Blue Award! 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. 2. Details and entry forms are at acwa.com.
July 11, 2014 • 11
Continued from page 10
Association of California Water Agencies 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3577
compliance programs. The incumbent must interface effectively with the District’s Board of Directors, Federal, State and local agencies, organizations, news media, and the general public.
Time Valued Material
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The position requires a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Business, Public Administration or related discipline and six years of professional upper-level management experience. Candidate must have considerable knowledge of government budgets, infrastructure planning, contracting, personnel law, risk management and real estate principles, information technology systems and environmental resources regulations. Prior experience working for a California water agency is a plus. A valid CA Driver’s License or eligibility to attain a CA Driver’s License and a good driving record are also required.
deferred compensation plan, 401 money purchase pension plan, and participation in the District’s flexible spending account cafeteria plan for medical and dependent care expenses.
EXCELLENT FRINGE BENEFITS Benefits include employee and dependent health care, including medical, dental and vision; Annual Leave program (vacation/sick pay), management leave, long-term disability insurance, life insurance, 11 paid holidays, 457
APPLICATION PROCEDURE Applications should be submitted in a sealed envelope to the District Board of Directors 5469 E. Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727. Applications submitted by e-mail will not be accepted. It is recommended
General Manager
of management/labor relations and negotiation.
Calaveras County Water District The Calaveras County Water District is seeking a general manager who is a proven professional leader with demonstrated leadership, communication, planning, policy, and development experience in the water and wastewater industry. The ideal general manager would be a person who: •
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Will serve as a role model and mentor to staff with diverse talents, skills, and personalities and take a lead role in developing and coaching them into a cohesive team to help build and maintain employee morale, creating a more efficient and effective working environment, encouraging the sharing of information and feedback to meet the District’s mission and goals. Has the experience and ability to build effective and productive relationships with the local labor leadership, respects the labor relations process, and views employees as valuable assets, is able to nurture mutual respect in the conduct
Periodicals Postage Paid at Sacramento, CA
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Has previous experience working with a governing board in a political environment, will be able to diplomatically build rapport with the CCWD Board of Directors, establish and execute the goals and objectives for the District, and can be relied upon to provide the best professional recommendations to the board at all times. Brings exceptional communication and public relations skills when interacting with employees and the public and can effectively represent the Calaveras County Water District with diplomacy at all times. Is familiar with local, state, federal, regulatory and legislative laws, policies, initiatives, and challenges of importance to the District, along with understanding the current water resource issues and complexities that impact CCWD, in particular, as well as industry issues affecting California in general.
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Possess strong financial management skills.
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Holds customer service and public relations as a high priority.
a resume and letter of interest be included. Applications must be received in the District office by June 20, 2014. Applications may be received after that date at the option of the District Board of Directors. For an application and the brochure describing the position please contact the District Office at 5469 E. Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727, (559) 456-3292 or visit our website at: www. fresnofloodcontrol.org.
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Has the highest ethical standards and will exemplify integrity, work ethic, and collaboration.
Strives to understand the culture and politics of Calaveras County, finds value in making it home, and is actively involved in the community. The ideal candidate will possess a management style that emphasizes teamwork, accountability, participation, communication, collaboration, trust, care, concern and has strategic, analytical and creative problem solving skills. The successful candidate will posses at a minimum: •
Equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree desired) from an accredited college or university
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At least five years of senior level management experience and technical competency for a complex water and wastewater agency.
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At least five years of background experience in municipal, state, or federal government, military, consulting, or private sector business, or a combination thereof.