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Tinder Dry Conditions Fuel Wildfires in North State
ACWA’s • Member • Newsletter
(Left) Firefighters from Cal Fire and the US Forest Service have been battling the Bald Fire in the Lassen National Forest in Shasta County since it was ignited by lightning on July 30. The Bald fire was one of 11 large wildfires burning over 145,000 acres across California as of Aug. 7. (Right) The Sand Fire in Amador County charred more than 4,240 acres before it was contained on Aug. 2. According to Cal Fire, state, local and federal firefighters were battling intense wildfires in early August in Modoc, Siskiyou, Shasta and Mendocino counties and in the Klamath, Lassen and Sierra national forests.
Water Bond Talks Heat Up as Deadline Approaches With the deadline fast approaching to put a modified water bond on the November 2014 ballot, discussions were in full swing among legislative leaders in both houses and the Governor’s Office in the days since the Legislature returned from summer recess on Aug. 4.
state printing deadlines for the voter pamphlet.
At press time, negotiations were continuing to reach closure on a reduced bond measure to replace the existing $11.14 billion measure already set for the November ballot. ACWA was urging the Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown to reach agreement in time to file a modified version of the bond with the Secretary of State’s office by Aug. 11 to meet
On the Senate side, talks were centered on a $7.5 billion proposal contained in SB 848 (Wolk). ACWA has an oppose-unlessamended position on the July 3 version of SB 848 and distributed a floor alert on the bill Aug. 7. SB 848 would provide just $2 billion for water storage, which is $1 billion short Water Bond Continued on page 6
State Board Conservation Regulations Now in Effect; Water Agencies to Report Production Data by Aug. 15 The state’s first-ever emergency regulations mandating urban water conservation became effective July 29 following final approval by the Office of Administrative Law on July 28. Many of ACWA’s member agencies have responded quickly in moving to adopt mandatory water restrictions. Also, in a recent call with water suppliers, the State Water Resources Control Board indicated that water agencies must supply
AUGUST 8, 2014
water production data to the state by Aug. 15. The emergency water conservation final regulations, adopted by the State Water Board on July 15, prohibit certain outdoor water uses and require local water agencies to activate their water shortage contingency plans at a level that includes mandatory outdoor irrigation restrictions. The regulations will be in effect until April 25, 2015, unless they are extended or repealed. Conservation Continued on page 7
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Multiple proposals remained in play, with the specific funding level for water storage, watershed / ecosystem restoration issues and a handful of other concerns among the key points in contention.
Drought, Drinking Water and 2014 Water Bond Explored at ACWA Board Workshop
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Drought Top Environmental Concern of Californians
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SCWC, Clear Channel Launch Conservation Campaign
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Water in the 21st Century Legislation Introduced
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:
Panelists discuss state and local responses to the drought during an ACWA Board workshop July 24. They are: (l-r) Alex Coate, general manager of East Bay Municipal Utility District; Bill Croyle, drought manager, Department of Water Resources; Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board; and moderator Jennifer Persike, ACWA deputy executive director for external affairs and operations.
Drought, Drinking Water and 2014 Water Bond Explored at ACWA Board Workshop in July California’s historic drought, the state’s drinking water program and the importance of passing a water bond in November were explored in depth July 24 during a workshop with ACWA’s Board of Directors. Top state officials and other key players spoke to Board members of pressing concerns in their respective fields, painting a picture of a unique period in time for California when several critical water challenges are hitting simultaneously. During a panel discussion on responses to the drought, Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, discussed the factors that led the State Board to adopt emergency water conservation regulations on July 15. “We didn’t think that folks were acting with the urgency the drought required,” said Marcus, adding later: “So many people didn’t realize this was a drought.” Marcus said the State Board adopted the restrictions on outdoor water use because that is where most urban water is used and represents the “low hanging fruit” in terms of making easy changes that save a lot of water. Bill Croyle, drought manager at the Department of Water Resources, said the impacts of the drought are just now starting to hit some areas of the state particularly hard.
“It’s becoming more extreme,” said Croyle, adding that local, state and federal agencies are collaborating on drought responses in an unprecedented manner. Alex Coate, general manager of the East Bay Municipal Utility District, said that water agencies “are pretty much employing all the tools available” to conserve and spread the conservation message. Coate said East Bay MUD already is 20% below the 20% by 2020 water reduction target mandated by the state. During a panel on the state’s drinking water program, Cindy Forbes, the newly named deputy director of the Drinking Water Division of the State Board, said local water agencies and state drinking water officials in local offices know best how to meet the unique challenges of their areas’ drinking water systems. “The boots on the ground in the local areas become very familiar with the specific water quality issues in their areas,” said Forbes. Laurel Firestone, co-executive director of the Community Water Center, discussed some of the water issues facing disadvantaged communities. She said there are many small communities struggling for safe, affordable drinking water, especially in the Central Valley. She said officials need to be proactive in creating economies of scale to Board Workshop Continued on page 4
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State Relations Update
Drought Top Environmental Concern of Californians, PPIC Report Finds A newly released survey by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) reveals that drought and wildfires are at the top of the list of public worries about the impacts of global warming. The survey also found that 75% of respondents believe public water agencies should require residents to reduce water use. “Many Californians are very concerned that global warning will lead to more severe droughts, yet most believe that the current water crisis is a result of natural weather patterns,” said PPIC president and CEO Mark Baldassare. Some 35% of respondents also cited water supply or drought as the most important environmental issue facing California today in response to an openended question. This is an increase of 27 points since July 2011, and the first time in environmental surveys dating back to 2000 that air pollution has not been the top issue. Pollsters also queried the respondents about the $11.1 billion state bond for water projects that is currently slated for the November ballot, asking them how they would vote on the measure with a price tag of $11.1 billion. Among likely voters, some 51% said they would vote yes, while 26% said they would vote no. When those who would vote “no” are asked how they would vote if the bond were a smaller amount, support increases by 8 points among likely voters (59% yes, 18% no). Asked how important it is that voters pass the state water bond, 46% say it is very important and 30% say it is somewhat
important (likely voters: 44% very important, 24% somewhat important). Most Californians queried also support the state’s landmark law mandating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. More specifically, strong majorities support two aspects of the state’s efforts to address global warming: a requirement that oil companies produce cleaner transportation fuels and the goal that a third of California’s electricity come from renewable energy sources. But residents’ support declines significantly if these two efforts lead to higher gas prices or electricity bills. Some 62% of respondents say global warming already is having an impact, while 23% say global warming’s effects will be felt in the future, and 12% say they will never happen. A strong majority say they are very concerned (40%) or somewhat concerned (34%) about global warming. Only about a quarter are not too concerned (11%) or not at all concerned (15%). Amid reports of worsening drought conditions, 54% of respondents say water supply is a big problem in their part of the state, 25% say it is somewhat of a problem, and only 21% say it is not much of a problem. Regionally, Californians living on the coast (52%) are about as likely as those living inland (58%) to say that water supply is a big problem in their areas. In another measure of their concern about drought, strong majorities of respondents (75%) and likely voters (70%)
say they favor their local water districts requiring residents to reduce water use. Residents across the state are in favor, with those in Los Angeles (80%) the most supportive. The survey is the 14th on the environment by the PPIC since 2000. Findings are based on a telephone survey of 1,705 California adult residents interviewed on landlines and cell phones from July 8 – 15, 2014. Interviews were conducted in English or Spanish, according to respondents’ preferences. The sampling error, taking design effects from weighting into consideration, is ±3.7 percent for all adults, ±4 percent for the 1,408 registered voters, and ±4.7 percent for the 984 likely voters.. The report is on the PPIC website http://www.ppic.org/main/publication. asp?i=1110.. ppic state wide surve y
J U LY 2 0 1 4
Californians
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the environment
Mark Baldassare Dean Bonner Sonja Petek Jui Shrestha
CONTENTS About the Survey Press Release Policy Preferences
2 3 6
Overall Perceptions and Political Context
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Regional Map
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Methodology
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Questionnaire and Results
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in collaboration with
The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and The Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation
DWR Releases List of High and Medium Priority Groundwater Basins The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released a list of unmonitored high and medium priority groundwater basins. As outlined in California’s Water Code, some counties and groundwater management agencies in unmonitored basins may be ineligible for water grants and loans administered by the state.
A map showing unmonitored high and medium priority groundwater basins is available at http://www.water. ca.gov/groundwater/casgem/pdfs/ CASGEMcompliance07232014.pdf. A list identifying the fully and partially unmonitored high and medium priority groundwater basins is available at http://www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/
casgem/pdfs/Web_High_priority_basin_ status_07232014.pdf. Information on the prioritization process is available at http://www.water. ca.gov/groundwater/casgem/basin_ prioritization.cfm. Questions should be directed to the appropriate region office.
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ACWA Board
ACWA Board Discusses Go-Forward Direction on 2014 Water Bond During its July 25 meeting in Sacramento, the ACWA Board of Directors discussed a go-forward direction on a water bond for the November ballot and heard updates on groundwater legislation, new emergency state regulations on water conservation and the latest on the Save Our Water program. ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn briefed Board members on the latest proposals in play to replace the $11.14 billion water bond measure currently on the ballot with a down-sized measure. Discussions continue in both houses of the Legislature, he said, and legislative leaders have identified the water bond as a top priority. Quinn stressed the need for a negotiated bond that can be approved by the necessary two-thirds vote in both houses and signed by the governor. “I see ACWA playing a role in defining something that can get broad-based support,” Quinn told the Board. Board members agreed that ACWA
should be prepared to support a compromise bond in the $7 billion to $8.2 billion range. Storage funding should remain a top bond priority, the Board agreed. Other key elements include funding for local resources development projects, including IRWM programs; groundwater cleanup; safe drinking water, including for disadvantaged communities; recycling; water conservation; watershed enhancement and protection; and flood management. Once a modified bond is passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor, ACWA’s Board will take a formal position on the final measure. The Board also heard an update from ACWA Senior Regulatory Advocate Dave Bolland on the State Water Resources Control Board’s adoption of statewide mandatory water conservation regulations. Bolland said ACWA worked with the State Board in refining the proposed regulations, which give local agencies the flexibility to enforce new
outdoor water use restrictions through their existing mechanisms. The Board listened to an update on the Save Our Water campaign, the statewide water conservation program comanaged by ACWA and the California Department of Water Resources. ACWA Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Operations Jennifer Persike updated the Board on Save Our Water’s recent efforts and showcased a video of a water conservation public service announcement by Lady Gaga. “Save Our Water is viewed as the official statewide campaign for water conservation,” Persike said of Save Our Water. Persike also described upcoming endeavors by SOW, including partnerships with Major League Baseball and the release of new PSAs featuring celebrities. The SOW campaign also launched a new messaging drive — “Brown is the New Green” — which encourages Californians to cut back on outdoor watering during the drought.
Board workshop Continued from page 2
better help small water systems create the structure needed for water treatment. Firestone also praised ACWA for its recent recommendations on groundwater management. “The leadership that this association has taken on (groundwater) is just crucial to addressing water issues,” said Firestone. Jim Barrett and Steve Bigley of Coachella Valley Water District talked about some of the challenges their district faces in meeting the new drinking water standard for chromium-6. Barrett said he believes the science behind setting the standard could be better. He also said that he believes the economic impact of the standard has not been adequately studied. Bigley said he estimates it will cost his agency about $69 million a year to comply with the standard and that 4 • ACWA NEWS
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cost will be passed on to ratepayers. In the final panel on the 2014 water bond, Janelle Beland, undersecretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, said Gov. Jerry Brown understands the importance of passing a bond to meet statewide water needs but wants to “keep the bond small and keep it around $6 billion.” “We want people to start thinking about what it is, and not what it isn’t,” she said of the governor’s bond proposal. Danny Curtin, director of the California Conference of Carpenters, said he believes if the bond size is reduced and “the governor supports it, I think the potential for passage is enormous.” Richard Lyon, senior vice president of public policy for the California Building Industry Association, and Richard
Members of ACWA’s Board of Directors listen to a series of panels at a Board workshop in Sacramento July 24. The panels addressed state and local responses to the drought, issues facing California’s drinking water systems and priorities for a 2014 water bond.
Matteis, administrator of the California Farm Bureau Federation, also spoke of the importance of passing a water bond this year.
Drought Update
SCWC, Clear Channel Unveil New Campaign Featuring “Lawn Dude” Southern California Water Committee and Clear Channel Outdoor unveiled a new partnership and advertising campaign on July 31 to encourage Californians to save water during the ongoing drought. The campaign features a water-saving character called Lawn Dude who will appear on digital billboards across Southern California and share conservation tips on social media. Clear Channel has donated space on 25 digital billboards throughout the region for the campaign, which was announced at a press conference in which state and regional water leaders discussed new mandatory conservation measures enacted by the state and the need for informational campaigns to help Californians reduce their water use, particularly outdoors. The State Water Resources Control Board adopted emergency regulations on July 15 prohibiting certain outdoor water uses, including excessive watering, using potable water to wash sidewalks and
driveways, washing cars without a shutoff nozzle, and using decorative fountains that do not recirculate water. The regulations became effective this week. State Water Resources Control Board Vice Chair Fran Spivy-Weber said the new partnership will help spread the word about the importance of conserving water. “Lawn Dude’s presence on digital billboards is going to be a great way to engage people and share water-saving tips,” Spivy-Weber said. Los Angeles City Councilmember Felipe Fuentes said every Californian must step up to save water and limit outdoor watering. “We know we can save water inside, but we use so much water outside, that is really the focus of this effort,” he said. “Each of us can and should do our part. We have made great progress here in Southern California and Los Angeles, but there is so much more to be done.” Jeff Kightlinger, general manager of Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California, also noted that the region has made great strides in conservation and uses almost half the water per capita today than it did in 1990. “But this is an extraordinary, crippling drought in California,” he said. “It is time to step up and do extraordinary conservation.” The @Lawn_Dude ads will appear on digital billboards across Southern California throughout the summer. SCWC and Clear Channel are encouraging Southern Californians to interact with @Lawn_Dude on Twitter and share billboard sightings and personal water saving practices.
Santa Clara Valley Launches New Conservation Media Campaign The Santa Clara Valley Water District has launched a new summer water conservation media campaign that encourages residents to reduce outdoor watering and let lawns go a little brown this summer. The “Brown is the New Green” campaign highlights how a lawn can survive even with significantly reduced water.
haviors among both home and business owners to reduce outdoor watering during summer months. Doing so will have a great impact in helping to reach the state’s and our county’s water reduction goal of 20 percent,” said Teresa Alvarado, deputy administrative officer at the water district.
Santa Clara Valley Water District – like other districts in Californria – is targeting outdoor summer use because it is typically up to 60% higher than in non-summer months. Lawns are generally the single largest water user for any typical property, both personal and commercial, which means proper care and maintenance of lawns offers the greatest potential for water savings. Even a small lawn can use more than 18,000 gallons of water per year.
The $460,000 multi-lingual ad campaign includes the distribution of free Brown is the New Green lawn signs and water collection buckets to encourage residents to capture cold water from the shower while it’s warming up for use in the yard or to flush a toilet.
“The Brown is the New Green campaign aims to change immediate be-
The Brown is the New Green campaign is launching in the wake of Governor Brown signing AB 2100 (Campos, D-San José) into law, which bars homeowners associations from fining residents who stop watering lawns during drought emergencies. Brown is
the New Green also is a slogan in the statewide Save Our Water campaign, comanaged by ACWA and the California Department of Water Resources. Free lawn signs and water collection buckets, one each per household, can be requested at www.valleywater.org, via email at Drought@valleywater.org or by phone at 408-630-2000. More information on water-saving tips and rebates is available at www. save20gallons.org and at Save Our Water’s microsite www.saveourwater.com.
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W21: Water in the 21st Century Legislation Introduced in U.S. Senate California Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein along with their House colleagues Reps. Grace Napolitano (D-CA-32) and Peter DeFazio (D-OR) introduced legislation to promote water conservation and recycling on July 31. The identical House and Senate bills, entitled “W21: Water in the 21st Century,” expand rebates and grants for water conservation and efficiency; support local investments in water recycling and improved groundwater management and storage; invest in research into water-saving technologies and desalination; and establish an open water data system. The measures also help local communities take steps to become better prepared for drought. “Anyone who knows California knows that we have forever fought about water and it’s time to change the story,” Boxer said. “We’re doing just that with W21:
Water in the 21st Century, which will help us prepare for the future by conserving, recycling and better managing our precious water supplies.” “I am pleased to cosponsor the Water in the 21st Century act. It includes practical, effective programs for conservation, recycling, research and water projects that are important elements to help meet California’s water challenges,” Feinstein said.“This bill complements the Emergency Drought Relief Act — which we are currently negotiating with the House — to help California and the West confront this and future droughts.” “The Water in the 21st Century Act will help our entire state address ongoing drought cycles by providing funds and support to our local water agencies and residents for water use efficiency, water conservation, desalination, and water recycling projects,” Napolitano said.
“I am proud to sponsor this bill in the House and ask my colleagues to join us to develop a reliable water supply for the 21st century.” The bill summary and press release with information about the bill can be found here: http://www.feinstein. senate.gov/public/index.cfm/pressreleases?ID=3f66e5c0-bbb7-4524-babf5458b5edf5a1.
Water Bond Continued from page 1
of the $3 billion number that ACWA and Republican lawmakers have been advancing. There also are some policy concerns with the measure. Meanwhile in the Assembly, lawmakers were trying to reach agreement on an Assembly version of the water bond in the $8 billion range that could go into AB 2686 (Perea). ACWA has a support position on the current version of the bill, which is in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
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Gov. Jerry Brown jumpstarted discussions Aug. 5 with an email communications to supporters calling for action on a $6 billion bond tied to his California Water Action Plan. The proposal includes $2 billion for storage, $1.175 billion for watershed protection / restoration, $750 million for regional water reliability, $475 million for Delta restoration, $450 million for water recycling, $450 million for groundwater sustainability, $400 million for safe drinking water and $300 million for flood management. On Aug. 6, the California Alliance for Jobs released results of two public opinion polls it commissioned jointly with ACWA and The Nature Conservancy that showed likely voters favor a scaled-down water bond for the November 2014 ballot. A key finding of the polling indicated that, while the state’s prolonged drought has increased voter concerns about the availability of water supplies, voters are
nevertheless cautious about how much debt the state should incur through new bond spending to improve and upgrade water facilities. Another key finding showed that the credibility Gov. Jerry Brown has gained with voters on fiscal issues could have a significant impact on the success or failure of a potential water bond.
ACWA’s Direction ACWA remains optimistic that an agreement can be reached. At its July 25 meeting, the ACWA Board of Directors discussed the need for a negotiated bond that can be approved by the necessary two-thirds vote in both houses and signed by the governor. Based on the Board’s direction, ACWA is prepared to support a compromise bond with the following features: •
Total funding: The final package is expected to be in the $7 billion Water Bond Continued on page 7
Conservation Continued from page 1
More information is available on the State Board’s Conservation Regulation Portal and in a new Frequently Asked Questions document. In addition to requiring mandatory conservation, the regulations require local water agencies to report monthly water production data. They also prohibit Californians from using potable water to do any of the following: •
Wash down sidewalks and driveways
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Water outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes excess runoff
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Wash a motor vehicle with a hose that does not have a shut-off nozzle
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Operate a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is part of a recirculating system
The regulations make an exception for circumstances where the action is necessary to address an immediate health and safety need or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued by a state or federal agency. Here are some examples of how ACWA members have responded since the regulations were approved.
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Carmichael Water District – Effective Aug. 1: Stage 2 mandatory water use restrictions.
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City of Burbank – Mandatory restrictions.
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City of Fresno – Effective Aug. 1: Stage 2 of water contingency plan. mandatory restrictions.
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Crescenta Valley Water District – Declared Yellow Alert – stage II, mandatory compliance.
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Monte Vista Water District – Changed from voluntary to mandatory. The district’s Ordinance 33, adopted in 2010, establishes “best practices” mandatory at all times: automatic irrigation timers set between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.; no runoff; turn off during rain; use shut-off nozzles; no washing down of paved surfaces; recirculation technologies.
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Olivenhain Municipal Water District – July 23: Level 2 Water Supply Shortage.
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Rio Alta Water District – Effective Aug. 15: mandatory restrictions. – $500 fine.
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Riverside Public Utilities – Aug. 1: mandatory restrictions
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San Diego Water Authority – July 24, 2014 – Board of Directors unanimously activated the next stage of the region’s drought response plan and declared a Drought Alert condition calling for mandatory water conservation measures to keep as much water as possible in storage for 2015. It is up to the water authority’s 24 member agencies to set appropriate restrictions for their communities. See more at: http://www.sdcwa.org/waterauthority-board-declares-droughtalert-condition-mandatory-water-userestrictions#sthash.LDudKDwL.dpuf.
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Vallecitos Water District – Aug. 6: Board of Directors unanimously voted to move to a Level 2 Drought Alert. The new drought level will prompt mandatory wateruse restrictions for all Vallecitos customers starting immediately and into the foreseeable future. This action will help San Diego County keep as much water as possible in storage for 2015.
Water Bond Continued from page 6
consistent with the 2009 comprehensive legislation, but the governor has stated he would only support a bond that is BDCP-neutral. ACWA supports the governor’s position.
to $8.2 billion range, given the governor’s desire to reduce the size of the bond. •
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Storage: The bond must provide substantial funding for water storage. With significant cuts being proposed in all versions of the bond including the Assembly, Senate and governor’s proposals, the total amount for storage may end up being reduced from the original $3 billion. Storage remains ACWA’s highest priority. Delta: ACWA previously proposed $2.25 billion for Delta restoration
•
Other categories: ACWA believes the bond must provide funding for local resources development projects, including IRWM programs; groundwater cleanup; safe drinking water, including for disadvantaged communities; recycling; water conservation; watershed enhancement and protection; and flood management.
Once a modified bond is passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor, ACWA’s Board will take a formal position on the final measure.
Next Steps ACWA’s big-picture goal is to secure a bond that advances a comprehensive, statewide plan to address California’s water needs. ACWA will provide updates as developments unfold.
AUGUST 8, 2014 • 7
State RElations Update
Amended Versions of Groundwater Reform Bills Now in Print Two bills aimed at advancing sustainable management of California’s groundwater basins were amended Aug. 4. The new versions of SB 1168 by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) and AB 1739 by Assembly Member Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento) are now in print. Discussions continue to refine the bills and address outstanding issues. At least one more set of amendments is expected in the final weeks of the legislative session.
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Both bills have made it through their respective policy committees in the second house. They will have two more steps in the legislative process before going to the governor for signature. ACWA currently has a support-ifamended position on both bills. The association’s State Legislative Committee was set to review the Aug. 4 versions of the measures on Aug. 8.
MCWD Board Unanimously Votes to Pursue Lawsuit Against Air District The Mammoth Community Water District (MCWD) announced Aug. 1 that it will be suing the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District for certifying the environmental impact reports for the Casa Diablo IV geothermal power plant. The project’s proponent, Ormat Technologies, Inc., will be listed as a real party of interest in the lawsuit, which will assert that the Final Joint Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report (FEIS/EIR) for Casa Diablo IV is inadequate and violates the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) in several respects.
sessments despite what it calls a flawed analysis of the project’s likely effect on Mammoth’s potable groundwater.
MCWD charges that the air district illegally approved Casa Diablo’s state and federal Environmental Impact as-
MCWD has determined that the FEIS/EIR is inadequate on numerous accounts, including:
“Our Board’s decision to pursue a lawsuit against Great Basin and Ormat is in line with our top priority: the protection of our local water supply,” said Patrick Hayes, MCWD’s general manager. “Unfortunately, the environmental document certified by Great Basin for Casa Diablo IV was blatantly inadequate in its consideration of the project’s potential negative impacts on our water supply, an error that we cannot overlook, particularly during a record statewide drought.”
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The FEIS/EIR conclusion that there will be no adverse impacts to Mammoth’s groundwater resources is lacking any credible scientific support;
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There was a lack of transparency evident throughout the FEIS/FEIR process; and
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There was a failure to disclose critical documents concerning the hydrological connection between Mammoth’s groundwater and the geothermal zones.
MCWD plans to file the lawsuit against Great Basin in the weeks ahead.
Conan O’Brien Urges Californians to Save Water in New Series of PSAs Comedian and television talk show host Conan O’Brien is featured in a series of new public service announcements (PSAs) released Aug. 5 that call on Californians to conserve water during the state’s historic drought. Six videos were released Aug. 5 featuring O’Brien and his sidekick Andy Richter talking about simple ways to save water so Californians can do their part in cutting personal water use by 20%.
director of the California Department of Water Resources. “As serious as this drought may be, Californians of all stripes can get behind Conan O’Brien’s humorous take on how to save water,” said ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn. “Governor Brown has called for everyone in California to cut their water use by 20 percent, and that includes famous comedians,” added Steve Fleischli, director of NRDC’s water program. “Conan and Andy, true to form, offer their unique twist on how to cut water use in our everyday lives. Mixing humor and advocacy is an effective way to reinforce the message that we can all do our part.”
superstar and five-time Grammy winner Lady Gaga.
O’Brien released a mock drought PSA a few weeks ago after the State Water Resources Control Board approved emergency regulations to cut excessive outdoor water waste.
The PSAs are available at www.nrdc. org/teamcocoh2o and SaveOurWater. com, and will be featured statewide across digital, social media, TV and radio networks. SaveOurWater.com is designed to help Californians find ways to conserve at home and at work every day.
Save Our Water connects Californians with daily drought tips and news via www.SaveOurWater.com. Save Our Water’s Facebook page, Twitter and Instagram are also great resources for Californians looking to join the effort to save water.
“Conan O’Brien’s call for conservation will help us spread the message to even more Californians,” said Mark Cowin,
Last month, Save Our Water released a short public service announcement on the drought by international pop
The PSAs are the product of a partnership between the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), California Water Foundation and the state of California’s drought awareness program, Save Our Water. Save Our Water is comanaged by ACWA and the California Department of Water Resources.
To download broadcast quality versions, go to https:// nrdcfilms.sharefile.com/download. aspx?id=c6b6e8830fd94c41.
AUGUST 8, 2014 • 9
People News
Compton Mayor Aja Brown Appointed to Delta Stewardship Council Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins appointed Aja Brown to serve as a Council member on the Delta Stewardship Council on Aug. 1. She replaces Gloria Gray, whose term expired. Brown is mayor of Compton in Los Angeles County and is a community development professional with more
than 10 years of experience working in urban communities. Brown holds both a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, Urban Planning and Development, and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning with a concentration in Economic Development from the University of Southern California.
The seven-member Council is composed of six members serving four-year terms (four appointed by the Governor, one by the Senate and one by the Assembly) and one member who is chair of the Delta Protection Commission.
Zone 7 Water Agency Swears in New and Incumbent Board Members Newly elected board member Jim McGrail was sworn into office at the July Zone 7 Water Agency Board of Directors meeting, as were three incumbent board members who were returned to office in the June elections — John Greci, Sarah Palmer and Bill Stevens. McGrail is a local attorney and, as a vine-
yard and winery owner, knowledgeable about water issues facing local agriculture. Greci, a retired Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory supervisor for groundwater cleanup and environmental quality issues, was selected by his colleagues as board president for the 2014-15 fiscal year. Palmer, a PhD bio-
chemist who teaches environmental science with the Tri-Valley Regional Occupational Program, was named vice president. The board also commended AJ Machaevich, who served from 2010 to 2014, for his “invaluable contributions” to the agency in matters of improving budget transparency and fiscal management, along with watershed stewardship and planning for future capital project investments.
East Valley Water District Mourns the Loss of Governing Board Member East Valley Water District is mourning the loss of long-time Governing Board Member Kip Sturgeon, who passed away unexpectedly on July 30. Sturgeon was well known for his dedication to East Valley, where he served as a board member for many years and for his commitment to the community, which he supported through numerous philanthropic organizations. He was former ex-
Office for Lease
ecutive director of the non-profit United Cancer Research Society in Redlands, which raises money for cancer research and was co-founded by Sturgeon’s mother. He also served with the Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern California, Rotary Club of San Bernardino North and the California YMCA, where he completed more than 14,000 volunteer hours. Sturgeon was a sergeant in the California State Military Reserve. “Mr. Sturgeon was a treasured member of the East Valley family, and a valued
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Vol. 42 | Digital
friend to Highland and San Bernardino,” said James Morales, Jr., East Valley Water District Chairman of the Board. “We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.” Funeral arrangements are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the Highland Senior Center, 3102 Highland Ave., Highland, Calif., 92346, where Sturgeon was recently involved in fundraising activities.
CALENDAR August 13 – 14
19 – 20
ACWA Events
acwa.com or Shaun Rundle at shaunr@acwa. com or 916.441.4545.
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.
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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.
October
September 9 – 12
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Other 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 available at 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 at the Sacramento Suburban Water District’s Antelope Garden. The half-day program will focus on the effects of climate change on Northern California water storage. Registration available online Aug. 18 at www.acwa.com. Deadline for online registration is Sept. 12. For more information contact ACWA Regional Affairs Representatives Katie Dahl at katied@
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.
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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.
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.
AUGUST 8, 2014 • 11
Resources Agency Releases Updated Climate Change Assessment
Association of California Water Agencies 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3577
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Time Valued Material
The California Natural Resources Agency on Aug. 1 released the Safeguarding California Plan for Reducing Climate Risk, a document intended to provide policy guidance for state decision makers on preparing for climate change. The report seeks to plan and prepare for the unavoidable risks of climate change and is an updated version of the 2009 climate change assessment. The plan outlines an integrated, three-R’s strategy: •
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Reducing Emissions – A centerpiece of the state’s efforts is the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, which set the goal of reducing heat-trapping emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, a target the state is pursuing by various means. The AB 32 Scoping Plan, updated every five years, outlines our strategies and defines our priorities for reducing emissions and driving the transition to a clean-energy economy. Readiness – While these efforts are essential for reducing the magnitude of climate change, they will not prevent it from occurring. Given the risks, investments are needed to protect California’s
people, environment and economy from these inevitable impacts. The Safeguarding California Plan provides guidance for state and local decision makers in their efforts to prepare for climate-related risks and minimize economic losses. •
Research – This approach is built on science. Research helps policy makers identify climate change impacts and risks, informs the development of policies, and helps measure progress toward goals. Among the most recent scientific assessments are Indicators of Climate Change in California (2013) and the Third Climate Change Assessment (2012).
Any questions regarding the report may be directed to Richard Stapler, Deputy Secretary for Communications, at the California Natural Resources Agency at Richard.Stapler@ Resources.ca.gov or (916) 653-9402.
As Temperatures Rise, NCWD Saves Power and Ratepayer Dollars Newhall County Water District (NCWD) and Southern California Edison (SCE) are working together to protect the community from power outages. The partnership, which recently went into effect, calls for NCWD to power down facilities during potential energy crises. This energy is then redirected back to the grid, which helps protect homes and businesses from rolling blackouts or power outages, especially during peak demand times and hot summer months. This is especially important as temperatures are expected to top 100 degrees in the coming days. “By participating in this program, NCWD is doing its part to protect our community from power outages,” said NCWD General Manager Steve Cole.
“Water infrastructure uses a lot of energy, so we’re targeting specific facilities, especially pumps and lift stations, that can be safely powered down to put power back to the grid.”
tively impacted. The district worked closely with the engineering team at EnerNOC, an energy demand response provider, to design the most effective program for shutdown during potential energy crises.
The program utilizes the latest technology — called Auto Demand Response — that allows NCWD to pre-determine specific, energy-hungry facilities that can be safely shut down when necessary without impacting water service or public safety.
While the primary purpose is to protect the community from blackouts, the program also provides value to the district and its ratepayers. It takes power to gather, purify and distribute water, and keeping the grids up and running is crucial.
When the grid is threatened, SCE sends a signal to NCWD that it will automatically shut down facilities that require a lot of energy to preserve power. The whole process takes just 30 minutes and is done wirelessly and automatically. However, the district maintains full control of the process and can override any potential shutdown if it deems water service or public safety would be nega-
SCE provided significant incentives to install the technology needed to operate this program and the NCWD will be compensated for any energy that’s redirected from its facilities during emergencies. This provides tremendous value to the community without burdening district ratepayers with added costs.