ACWA News for Jan. 24, 2014 by ACWA

NEWS

ACWA ACWA’s • Member • Newsletter

Volume 42 | No. 1 January 24, 2014

(Left to right) Gov. Jerry Brown declares a state of emergency due to drought conditions in California at a Jan. 17 press conference in San Francisco. Brown made the announcement after consulting with John Laird, secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency; Mark Cowin, director of the Department of Water Resources; Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board; and Mark Ghilarducci, director of the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Photo courtesy of the Office of Edmund G. Brown Jr.

Governor Declares Drought Emergency

Proclamation calls on Californians to reduce their water usage by 20% Gov. Jerry Brown on Jan. 17 declared an official drought state of emergency and launched a statewide water conservation campaign that urges all Californians to conserve water by at least 20%. The drought declaration eases some state and federal regulations governing water management and pushes the state’s water crisis into the forefront of the public eye. Brown directed Californians to the Save Our Water program

— a partnership between ACWA and the State Department of Water Resources — for information on how to reduce water use. “We’re facing perhaps the worst drought California has seen since records began being kept 100 years ago…,” Brown said during a morning press conference in San Francisco. “This takes a coming together of all Californians.” Drought Continued on page 4

Water Leaders Call for Action on Water Crisis

Legislators say 2014 water bond is needed to shore up state’s water system Addressing a rally of about 800 people at the state Capitol, a bipartisan group of legislators and water leaders on Jan. 16 called for decisive action on California’s water crisis, including passage of a 2014 water bond and a drought declaration by Gov. Jerry Brown.

possible to bring federal and state relief to communities hard hit by the state’s third year of record dry weather. Speakers also voiced support for a 2014 water bond, saying the measure must move forward to provide money to shore up the state’s water system.

Organized by the California Latino Water Coalition and other groups, the rally attracted hundreds of farmworkers and residents from throughout the state who carried signs that read, “No Water, No Jobs” and “No Water, No Future.”

“We need a water bond…that includes (funding for) surface storage so we can store water in wet years so we can use it in weather like this,” said Assembly Member Henry Perea (D-Fresno).

Nearly all of the speakers called for Gov. Jerry Brown to declare a drought as soon as

Mario Santoyo, director of the California Latino Water Coalition, highlighted the state’s dire predicament this year in terms of water supply. water rally Continued on page 3

Executive Director Timothy Quinn’s Column: Ultra-Low Folsom Lake

Water Bond Back in Spotlight at Capitol

Save Our Water Ramps Up as GoTo Source for Water Conservation Education

State Officials Discuss Transfer of Drinking Water Program

ACWA News is a publication of the Association of California Water Agencies 910 K Street, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95814-3512 Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, CA. POSTMASTER: send address changes and subscription requests to ACWA News, 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3514 Phone: 916.441.4545 Fax: 916.561.7124 Website: acwa.com Executive Director Timothy Quinn Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Operations Jennifer Persike Director of Communications Lisa Lien-Mager Communications Specialist Pamela Martineau Communications Specialist Matt Williams Graphic Designer Katherine Causland Outreach & Social Media Specialist Ellen Martin 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.

Executive Director’s Column

By Timothy Quinn

Ultra-Low Folsom Lake Underscores Power of 2014 Drought Conditions I had a chance to hike down to Folsom Lake on Martin Luther King Jr. Day under sunny skies and a daytime high temperature of about 68 degrees. My wife and I were curious to witness what thousands of people have been trekking out to see as the shrinking lake reveals acre after acre of dry lake bed and even the remnants of a long-submerged Gold Rush-era town. We stood there by a tree stumped more than half a century ago when the lake was filled, a stump that this time of year should be 100 feet under water. In the distance, we could see the entire main dam at Folsom Lake and a nearby saddle dam — not a single inch of either in contact with water. The eerie and disconcerting sight had a big impact on us, and it struck me that everyone should have this stark and visual experience of the power of drought. As I write this, Sacramento is poised to log the longest dry stretch in its recorded weather history, dating back to the 1870s. The utter lack of rain and snowfall — on the heels of two consecutive dry winters — has created graphic evidence at Folsom Lake that Mother Nature is just not delivering the precipitation we need this winter. Each dry and sunny day that passes makes it less likely that will happen. Folsom — and the greater Sacramento region — are among the most visible pain points as the drought rages on. Sacramento and communities such as Willits in Mendocino County, coastal cities such as Santa Cruz and water-deprived agricultural

communities in the San Joaquin Valley are ground zero for areas that will need assistance this year. With the governor’s statewide drought declaration now in place, it will be critical for the state to focus on ensuring that stressed areas such as these get the help and relief they need to manage the crisis this year. Longer term, we know we have to invest in additional water storage (both above and below ground), conveyance improvements, water use efficiency, water recycling and other strategies as part of a comprehensive plan to improve water supply reliability statewide. The governor has released a draft of such a plan that is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. The plan is not unlike our own Statewide Water Action Plan, which was adopted by the ACWA Board of Directors in September and has garnered the support (as of January 21) of more than 80 public water supply agencies from all 10 ACWA regions. As drought dominates the headlines and perhaps even the policy discussion in the Capitol, we stand ready to help advance such a plan and the necessary investments to secure our water future. In the meantime, I reflect back to my day at Folsom Lake standing near that exposed tree stump. The stump — and the eerie message it sends — is a testament to the need for a comprehensive water plan for California.

Connect with us:

At left, Timothy Quinn stands next to an exposed stump that should be under 100 feet of water. At right, remnants of a Gold Rush-era foundation are visible.

2 • ACWA NEWS

Vol. 42 No. 1

State Relations

Water Bond Back in Spotlight at Capitol, Amended Bills Emerging The governor’s drought declaration and local agency actions in response to record dry conditions are fueling renewed focus on the 2014 water bond at the state capitol. Senate President Pro Tem Darrel Steinberg (D-Sacramento) told reporters Jan. 15 that it is time for lawmakers to “seriously consider” placing a revised water bond measure on the ballot this fall. “I think what’s going on now creates an urgency to seriously consider putting a bond on the ballot in 2014, and not later,” Steinberg said in published reports. He also called for money from past bond measures to be appropriated to meet immediate needs. On Jan. 9, Sen. Lois Wolk introduced a new water bond bill that calls for a $6.5 billion bond measure that would be known as the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Flood Protection Act of 2014. The measure, SB 848, is similar to Wolk’s SB 42, which was introduced

last year and is awaiting action in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee. A Jan. 14 hearing on SB 42 was postponed. SB 848 is now the vehicle that Senator Wolk will try to advance, and it is set for hearing Feb. 11 in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee. On the Assembly side, Assembly Member Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) amended his AB 1331 on Jan. 7. His bill calls for a $6.5 billion bond measure that would be known as the Clean and Safe Drinking Water Act of 2014. The bill is awaiting action in the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee. ACWA’s State Legislative Committee is slated to consider both SB 848 and the amended version of AB 1331 at its next meeting. Meanwhile, the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee, chaired

by Rendon, has scheduled three more informational hearings on the need for a 2014 water bond. The upcoming hearings — set for Jan. 31 in Hanford, Feb. 7 in Eureka and Feb. 20 in Fresno — are the latest in the series of hearings designed to get local perspectives on bond funding needs. ACWA continues to seek support for an $8.5 billion water bond proposal as part of its go-forward direction last year from the ACWA Board of Directors. See http://www.acwa.com/spotlight/2014water-bond for details. Reducing the overall size of the bond from the current $11.14 billion proposal and avoiding earmarks in the bond are expected to aid its passage. ACWA would like to see the bond modified and passed in 2014, which will require a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the Assembly and approval by the governor.

water rally Continued from page 1

“2014 is going to be California’s worst water supply year in recent history,” said Santoyo, stressing that it could exceed the drought of the late 1970s. “If you look at the reservoir levels, there’s no water….When there is no water, you have no jobs.” Sen. Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) stressed the importance of a water bond. “We’re in the third year of drought… We need to increase storage, have a drought emergency declaration that tells everybody we need more resources,” said Fuller. “Now is the time for passing that bond. Now is the time for water.” ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn also addressed the crowd and highlighted the fact that ACWA member water agencies from throughout the state have joined together to support a broad array of statewide actions to strengthen the state’s water system.

“Members from throughout the entire state are working together..,” said Quinn. “Now is the time. We can’t wait two years. We need to act now.” Speaker after speaker called for passage of a water bond on this November’s ballot. Many said the bond must include funds to bolster the state’s storage system as well as improve water quality in disadvantaged communities and strengthen the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. “In California, we’re using a water system that was built 50 years ago for half the population…,” Sen. Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres) told the crowd. “We need to put a bond before the voters. Not next year, but this year.” Other organizers of the rally included the Nisei Farmers League, League of California Cities Latino Caucus and the NAACP. More than 10 legislators attended the rally and many of them

ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn speaks during a Jan. 16 rally calling for decisive action on California’s water crisis. Photo by Katherine Causland.

addressed the crowd. Several mayors from throughout the Central Valley also spoke in support of bold action to shore up the state’s water system. Following the rally, some participants visited lawmakers in their Capitol offices to discuss the need for action on water issues. january 24, 2014 • 3

Reactions to Gov. Brown’s Drought Declaration From Around the State Westlands Water District “After several consecutive dry years, compounded by regulations that have restricted water deliveries throughout the federal Central Valley Project and the California State Water Project, the people who live and work in agricultural areas of the valley are facing a disaster,” said Tom Birmingham, Westlands Water District’s General Manager. State Water Contractors “We support the governor’s call to encourage all Californians to reduce water use wherever and whenever possible, but it’s imperative that we also modernize our statewide water delivery system so we can be better prepared,” said General Manager Terry Erlewine. LA Department of Water and Power “Angelinos use less water per capita than residents of any major U.S. city with a population over 1 million. Southern California water agencies have invested in storage over the past decade. But we need to make sure all of us are fully complying with current water use restrictions.” Coachella Valley Water District “The Coachella Valley desert is in a perpetual state of drought,” said CVWD General Manager Jim Barrett. “The district is fortunate to have a diverse portfolio of water sources, including a vast aquifer, to help it endure dry years. However, the aquifer isn’t an endless supply that can be irresponsibly wasted.” Alameda County Water District ACWD is requesting that area residents, businesses and institutions voluntarily cut back water use by 20% in response to the governor’s declaration. “In light of continued dry conditions, the district is concerned and continues to monitor the situation very closely,” said Board President Paul Sethy.

Folsom Lake has retreated significantly during the past year, a result of the meager snowpack in the Sierra and ongoing water managment needs. Water at the reservoir is so low that onlookers are visiting the remains of an old Gold Rush town that’s usually under water. Approximately 500,000 people in the Sacramento region depend on water from the reservoir. Photos courtesy of the Department of Water Resources. Drought Continued from page 1

Brown stressed that the state also will continue to work to streamline voluntary water transfers to “make it easier for someone who has water to sell it to someone who needs more.” The governor cautioned, however, that the state can’t govern its way out of a drought. “There is no government program that can compensate for the lack of rain…,” said Brown. “We ought to be ready for a long, persistent, sustained effort to collaborate.” ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn issued a statement following Brown’s announcement, applauding the governor’s drought declaration. “The governor’s action today is exactly what we needed to underscore the severity of the dry conditions in California,” Quinn stated in a press release. “Many key reservoirs are at record low levels and our critical snowpack is non-existent. This translates to a dismal water supply for the state. “A formal drought declaration signals that the state is prepared to channel resources and assistance to the areas in greatest stress this year, and paves the way for water transfers and other actions that can provide relief.” Quinn added in his statement that ACWA, in partnership with the Department of Water Resources, “is stepping up to educate Californians on the need for conservation through the Save Our Water program.” Brown’s State of Emergency declaration directs state officials to assist farmers and communities that are

economically impacted by dry conditions and to work to ensure the state can respond if Californians face drinking water shortages. The governor also directed state agencies to use less water and hire more firefighters. “We can’t make it rain, but we can be much better prepared for the terrible consequences that California’s drought now threatens, including dramatically less water for our farms and communities and increased fires in both urban and rural areas,” Brown said in a press release issued after he signed the proclamation. Brown cautioned during his press conference that in coming weeks if the dry weather continues, state officials may “recalibrate” and “look at the possibility of mandatory (water) reductions.” ACWA is moving quickly on several fronts to respond to drought conditions in 2014 and to keep its members apprised of all developments related to the drought. Activities include: 1. Statewide coordination: ACWA is working with members and other external groups to coordinate messaging and activities and produce tools to assist with communicating drought impacts and issues. 2. Information clearinghouse: As it has in past droughts, ACWA is serving as an information clearinghouse for the media and general public, tracking and communicating impacts on local agencies and their actions in response. 3. Consumer-focused public education: In partnership with the Department of Water Resources, ACWA is leading the Save Our Water

Reactions to Gov. Brown’s Drought Declaration From Around the State San Diego County Water Authority As of Jan. 22, both Lake Oroville (left) and Lake Shasta (right) are at just 36% of full capacity, half of what is average for this time of year. Shasta currently holds 1.6 million acre-feet, while Oroville has 1.2 million acre-feet. Reservoirs across the state are suffering with this year’s dry start bringing no relief from record-dry conditions in 2013. Photos courtesy of the Department of Water Resources.

program to channel conservation information directly to consumers and provide overarching messaging and turn-key tools and resources that ACWA member agencies can use for local outreach. ACWA has launched a special drought section on its website with information on conditions around the state and other resources. The section can be accessed directly at http://www.acwa.com/ spotlight/2014-water-supply-conditions. To help gather the most current information on local agency responses, ACWA is launching an online survey. Please watch for an alert with a link to the survey in the coming days. Some of the specific provisions in the governor’s drought declaration include: • Ordering an expanded statewide water conservation campaign built on the existing Save Our Water campaign, which ACWA and the Department of Water Resources launched jointly in 2008; • Directing state agencies to immediately implement water use reduction plans for all state facilities; • Notifying water rights holders that they might be directed to curtail or cease water diversions; • Streamlining approval of voluntary water transfers; • Accelerating funding for shovel-ready water supply enhancement projects; • Ensuring the protection of water quality and water supply in the Delta while monitoring impacts on aquatic species; and

• Hiring additional firefighters to suppress wildfires and protect public safety. The governor’s drought declaration is available at http://gov.ca.gov/news. php?id=18368. Last summer, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) declared all but one county in California a drought disaster area, making farmers, ranchers and other agricultural operations eligible to apply for low-interest emergency loans from the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. It is not likely that a presidential drought declaration or federal water shortage disaster declaration is forthcoming. The last presidential drought declaration was issued in New Jersey in 1980, according to the Congressional Research Service. But U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, along with Rep. Jim Costa (D16) have called on President Obama to issue a broad federal disaster declaration if California requests it. In recent years, drought declarations have not been uncommon in California. The last two gubernatorial drought declarations came in 2008 and 1991. Since 1987, California has issued 14 drought-related proclamations — four statewide, two others included more than 19 counties — and three executive orders, according to statistics from the Department of Water Resources. In 1977, a severe drought year with just 21% of average rainfall, 47 of 58 California counties declared droughtrelated local emergencies.

(SDCWA) announced that it has adequate supplies for 2014 and is not projecting the need for countywide water-use restrictions this year in a release issued on Jan. 17. The authority is encouraging residents and businesses to use water as efficiently as possible to avoid water waste. Metropolitan WD of Southern California MWDSC affirms the district “fully supports the declaration as an important first step. Lowering water demand in Southern California is a big reason why this region has sufficient supplies short term, but this drought is a wakeup call to re-examine all of our water use and redouble the commitment to conserve every possible drop.” Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal WD “Southern California ratepayers have invested billions to deal with droughts without severe water rationing. Nonetheless, it is incumbent on all of us to make water conservation a way of life and meet the Governor’s call for a 20% voluntary reduction in water use,” said President Anthony Fellow. Sonoma County Water Agency “We will get through this drought by working together and saving every drop of water we can,” said Water Agency Chairman David Rabbitt. Water Agency Director Efren Carrillo added, “Bottom line; there’s a drought on. Turn your water off.” Placer County Water Agency PCWA is considering declaring a water shortage emergency in western Placer County. The agency is expected to authorize actions to supplement water supplies where possible and at the same time to implement a plan to dramatically curtail water use by all PCWA irrigation and treated water customers served by its Western Water System.

SAve our water

Register Now for ACWA DC Conference The Feb. 4 registration deadline is quickly approaching for ACWA DC 2014, the association’s annual Washington, D.C., conference scheduled on Feb. 25-27 at the Washington Court Hotel. The conference is a one-of-akind opportunity to hear from California’s congressional delegation, federal officials and Beltway insiders. Attendees will get the latest information about possible regulatory actions and water-related federal programs, as well as valuable perspective on the priorities of the Obama administration, Congress and California’s elected representatives. A full slate of panel discussions and speaker programs is planned, and evening receptions at the U.S. Botanic Garden Conservatory and The Liaison Capitol Hill will showcase the people and places of the nation’s capital. For registration, a preliminary conference agenda and more information please go to acwa.com and click on the ACWA Conferences and Events button.

ACWA DC2014

Annual Washington D.C. Conference

Feb. 25-27, 2014

Liaison Capitol Hill • Washington D.C.

Save Our Water Ramps Up as Go-To Source for Water Conservation Education in California Gov. Jerry Brown’s official drought declaration on Jan. 17 put the Save Our Water program squarely in the spotlight as a key resource for Californians. In addition to urging state residents to reduce their water use by 20%, the governor directed consumers to the Save Our Water program to learn ways to reduce household water use, indoor and outdoor.

Fortunately, Save Our Water — a partnership between ACWA and the California Department of Water Resources — has been preparing for drought since last fall. With the statewide drought proclamation now in place, Save Our Water is moving all of its resources and attention to educate Californians about the drought and steps they can take to help stretch the state’s water supply. The drought public education program for 2014 includes: • Paid radio and social media advertising — radio ads will begin statewide in the coming days. • A robust earned media program that will include weekly outreach to television weather reporters and producers to channel drought education information through the daily TV weather reports. • Outreach to the California Legislature to update members on the Save Our Water program and ask them to make their constituents aware of the program and its tools.

partner webinars, which will continue in 2014.

• Community outreach: Save Our Water, in coordination with ACWA and DWR’s efforts, will work with CSAC, the League of California Cities and other statewide, regional and local organizations to educate Californians about the drought and ways to conserve. • Website: Save Our Water added new content for both the public and partners on the drought, the January snow survey and facts on the state’s water supply. The website will continue to be updated as necessary. • Collateral: The program is developing turn-key materials, graphics and videos for the local water agencies to use directly with the consumer. To stay up-to-date on conditions and engage in Save Our Water activities, ACWA members should consider the following steps: • Bookmarking the SOW “Drought 2014: What You Need to Know” page (http://www.saveourh2o.org/content/ Drought2014WhatYouNeedtoKnow) for updated information on the drought. • “Like” the Save Our Water Facebook page and share our tips, photos and informational posts. • Follow Save Our Water on Twitter and retweet our tweets.

• Participate in Save Our Water’s • Ongoing partner outreach: Save quarterly partner webinars, such as Our Water will continue to send the one set for April 23 at 10 a.m. regular e-blasts to its partners and continue to solicit new partners to Governor Declares official extend the program’s reach. In 2013, immediate 20% reduction in Water Use Urged Save Our find out what you can do. Water began to hold quarterly

Drought

Learn More

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Vol. 42 No. 1

State Relations

ACWA Comments on Proposed Hydraulic Fracturing Regulations ACWA and the Groundwater Resources Association (GRA) have submitted joint comments on California’s proposed regulations for hydraulic fracturing, well acidification and other “stimulation” techniques utilized in oil and gas production.

In a letter addressed to Tim Kustic, state oil and gas supervisor for Conservation’s Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources (DOGGR), ACWA and GRA wrote that they are “focused on preserving the water quality of local and regional aquifers and watersheds.”

fully be addressed through DOGGR’s regulatory package,” the letter says.

The California Department of Conservation began accepting public comment on the rulemaking draft of the regulations two months ago. Officials expect the rules to be finalized by 2015.

“The potential for degradation of water quality, and material reduction in actual volume of available water through the increased oil and natural gas development in California is an issue that must

Last month the Department of Conservation issued an emergency rulemaking enacting interim fracking rules until the permanent regulations are finalized.

The associations comment on several aspects of the proposed regulations, such as well integrity, water sampling and testing, groundwater monitoring and well stimulation fluids.

State Officials Discuss Transfer of Drinking Water Program to SWRCB The proposed transfer of the state’s Drinking Water Program from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to the State Water Resources Control Board was scrutinized during a public meeting in Sacramento on Jan. 15. Organized by the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) and the California Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA), the hearing was held at Cal/EPA offices and chaired by Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Board. Opening remarks were delivered by: Cal/ EPA Secretary Matt Rodriquez, HHSA Secretary Diana Dooley, Community & Rural Affairs Advisor Debbie Davis from the Governor’s Office of Planning & Research, Director Ron Chapman of CDPH and Liz Haven, director of Transitions of the State Water Board. Additionally, the other four members of the State Water Board were present in the audience. Davis described the reorganization effort as aimed at “aligning the state’s drinking water and water quality programs in a single integrated structure.” She also indicated that the Administration will release a final “Transition Plan” in February 2014 that incorporates input gained from the Drinking Water Reorganization Task Force and the public meeting. ACWA Water Quality Committee Chair Jill Duerig represented ACWA on this Task Force which met every other week from October 2 through December 18.

Secretary Dooley said that the reorganization will result in an “integrated approach to water quality—from source to use to reuse.” She also noted that California water systems have a 98% rate of compliance, among the highest of any state nationally, and emphasized the need for the protection of both the environment and public health. Finally, she noted that the focus of the Drinking Water Program on public health will remain the same, and every effort will be made to avoid disruption to the work of the program. Secretary Rodriquez commented that the transition will mean the state “will now have one agency looking at water from source to tap, looking at water through all stages of use.” He indicated that the transition plan does not envision changing the current drinking water permitting system, and said that the Drinking Water Program should continue to work collaboratively with local water agencies. The goal of the transition is to “continue to work to ensure that all Californians have access to safe drinking water.” It was clear from the remarks of both members of the Governor’s Cabinet that the Administration had heard ACWA’s concerns about the transfer and was working in good faith to address the concerns. For example, ACWA members had concerns about permitting potentially moving to the Regional Water Quality Control Boards. The Administration has commit-

ted that the permitting system will not be delegated to the Regional Boards. ACWA Deputy Executive Director Cindy Tuck provided testimony to the agency and administration representatives. Tuck noted that the water community representatives to the Drinking Water Reorganization Task Force had united to submit a joint comment letter with a set of 10 key recommendations to the agencies. For example, ACWA and other representatives are suggesting that there be a stakeholder advisory group after the July 1 transfer. Tuck emphasized that the proposed planned transfer date of July 1, 2014, is fast approaching, and she expressed ACWA’s willingness to assist the State Water Board and the Department of Public Health in making the transition a seamless one. The Administration is proposing the transfer through the state budget process, and July 1 is the start of the 2014-’15 Fiscal Year.

january 24, 2014 • 7

ACWA Board Q & A

President John Coleman Anticipates Busy Times Ahead for ACWA The 2014-’15 ACWA Board of Directors term is officially under way, and President John Coleman is ready for the association to engage on many important water issues that must be addressed. With the state mired in a serious drought, Coleman does not expect the next two years to go quietly. Coleman is a familiar face at ACWA, having served as vice president of the association since January 2012. He has been a member of the East Bay Municipal Utility District board since 1990 and served as president from 1996 to 2000 and again from 2009 to 2010. He is a past president of the board of the California Association of Sanitation Agencies and currently chairs the Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Authority and immediate past chair of Freeport Regional Water Authority. He was appointed chair of ACWA’s Federal Affairs Committee in December 2009. He spent a few minutes with ACWA News discussing how he plans to the lead the association into the future and what he thinks are high-priority water issues for ACWA members.

What do you hope to accomplish during your two-year term as president of ACWA? We will be working with the administration and the legislature on the development and implementation of a water bond — hopefully for the November 2014 ballot — which can be successful, pass the voters’ test and be approved. We need to educate Californians that droughts come and go and it has economic impacts on jobs and lives. To the best of our ability we need to minimize the impacts of the drought so we don’t have economic disruption and job loss. The economic impacts aren’t just urban or agriculture — it’s statewide. We need 8 • ACWA NEWS

Vol. 42 No. 1

to understand that we can be in a lowstorage water year and still, if we plan properly and have supplies, make sure we are in a position to help the environment as much as the economy.

Is there an emerging water issue you will be keeping your eye on? Groundwater across California, especially in the Central Valley, needs to be replenished. I’m a firm believer in storage — above ground, below ground, the entire portfolio of options. But the reality is we’re going to have greater success with groundwater through conjunctive use. There are fewer environmental hurdles to overcome than above-ground storage, and we need to start looking at water that way. We need to look into pumping more water into the ground during high flows. In December 2012 we had 700,000 acrefeet of water that went out the (Golden) Gate. If we had been able to capture some of that, either above ground or below ground, we could have helped recover some of these depleted basins and we would not be in as bad a situation as we are today. That water also would have been available for environmental needs as necessary. How do you see the roles of local water agencies and ACWA changing and evolving to meet the water needs of California? ACWA clearly represents the water interests in the state, and we need to do a great job of educating the public and local, federal and state agencies about the importance of water planning and development. When we can, we also should work closer with the pragmatic environmental community and the labor community because our interests are similar. If we don’t work together, we won’t have the success that we need. From a local agency perspective, we need to take off our blinders, where all too often each local agency has its own

parochial interests. That’s fine, but to have success we’ll have to work together, look at the big picture in terms of what our needs are, and we’re going to have to collaborate. That will allow us to generate economic resources — the bond funding and grants — that we wouldn’t have otherwise in an era of belt-tightening.

What motivated you to seek a leadership position with ACWA? I don’t know if I so much have sought positions, but the positions have evolved as time goes on. I’ve been in office 24 years, and I’ve had the opportunity to help East Bay MUD draft the principles that led to the Freeport project, which cooperatively takes surface water from the Sacramento River and provides it to customers in central Sacramento County and the East Bay. To be able to do something like that and make a positive change is great. I was president of the California Association of Sanitation Agencies, and we put in a lot of changes. I am not the kind of person who likes to sit back. I like to get involved. Do you have any additional thoughts about the next two years that you would like to share? ACWA is a phenomenal organization and we have a great staff who has worked under difficult conditions the last several years because of budget constraints. We need to recognize that as we move into a statewide, prolonged drought, we’re going to be calling more upon the staff resources in the various local agencies to do more than they’ve done in the past. Although we’re in a tough era, it’s also an opportunity: We’re in a difficult situation that might get more difficult, but if we don’t stay on top of this we have nobody to blame but ourselves. I don’t want to be in this role to watch something happen where we could have done something and we didn’t. That’s not why I’m here.

ACWA Board Q & A

Tiegs Looks Forward to Working on Behalf of ACWA Members Kathleen Tiegs, a member of the Cucamonga Valley Water District Board of Directors, is ACWA’s vice president for the 2014-’15 term. Tiegs has served on the Cucamonga Valley board since 2005, has been a member of ACWA’s Region 9 Board of Directors and serves on the board of the ACWA / Joint Powers Insurance Authority. Tiegs is actively involved in special district advocacy and serves on the California Special Districts Association’s Board of Directors and the local chapter of the Association of San Bernardino County Special Districts, where she serves as president. In this short question-and-answer session with ACWA News, Tiegs talks about her role at ACWA during the next two years.

What do you hope to accomplish during your two-year term as vice president of ACWA? My goal is to continue to reach out and listen to all ACWA members and work toward developing a coherent water policy that meets the needs of all water users today and in the future without harming one over the other. Water agencies throughout the state have, at the least, one common goal: to provide safe, reliable and affordable water to their customers. Focusing on this common goal aligns our interests and makes our industry a force to reckon with when developing sound and sensible water policy for the future.

Each ACWA Board officer tends to focus on priorities that are of particular interest to them. What do you anticipate will be your focus areas?

My priorities are the priorities of our membership; in my discussions with agencies throughout the state I became aware of numerous issues that plague the largest to the smallest member of ACWA. My focus will be on the implementation of the Statewide Water Action Plan. Developed by ACWA membership, SWAP provides a roadmap to address some of the larger policy issues identified by our membership. It will be my focus to work with the regions and committees to ensure the elements of the plan are implemented.

How do you see the roles of local water agencies and ACWA changing and evolving to meet the water needs of California? California’s water delivery and management system is composed of many systems that have been designed to meet local needs. These systems have unique interests involving water rights, water supply, storage, groundwater, and water quality challenges. Local influence and the autonomy of water agencies will always be a key ingredient to managing water in California; however, promoting policies that allow water agencies to work together toward increasing regional and statewide collaboration will be vital to our future success. Regarding ACWA’s mission, mission statements should always be evaluated to ensure they are still relevant to the needs of the organization. At my own agency we have taken a second look at our mission statement to ensure its consistency with our purpose. With that being said, I don’t believe ACWA’s mission is changing. It still holds true: To assist its members in promoting the development, management and reasonable beneficial use of good quality water at the lowest practical cost in an environmentally balanced manner.

What may be changing, however, is the manner in which we accomplish our mission. Ensuring an open and transparent process in decision-making is critical and essential for an organization with so many diverse interests.

What motivated you to seek a leadership position with ACWA? ACWA is a well-respected and trusted organization. What drove me to seek the office of vice president was a deep desire to have a positive influence in shaping some of the more critical policy issues that challenge the water industry, along with using my passion for building collaboration to bring groups and agencies together. Do you have any additional thoughts about the next two years that you would like to share? In addition to working together with ACWA President John Coleman and Immediate Past President Randy Record to lead this organization, I’m extremely excited and honored to have the opportunity to represent ACWA member agencies and to work with an elite group of staff and members. There is a tremendous amount of work that needs to be done over the next few years, and I am calling upon all of the ACWA member agencies to be a part of the solution. Each and every one of you decided, at some point in time, to run for public office and represent your constituents, or you selected to work in the water industry because you saw the value and importance of managing and protecting our water supplies. Whatever motivates you to do what you do, it is your passion that is needed to move our organization forward into a new era.

january 24, 2014 • 9

ACWA

Broad Range of Actions in a Big Year: ACWA’s 2013 Accomplishments From building broad consensus around a Statewide Water Action Plan to upgrading the organization’s technical capabilities, 2013 was a seminal year for ACWA. Key successes, including two major efforts related to improving statewide water supply reliability, were made possible in part by changes implemented internally in 2012 as part of the association’s Reorganization and Revitalization Plan. The plan set the stage in 2013 for ACWA to virtually reinvent its operations, from a complete overhaul of technology to streamlined financial processes and improvements to member services and programs. The measures positioned ACWA for success on policy issues important to members in 2013. Here is a look at some key accomplishments.

Implementing the Comprehensive Package • Developed ACWA’s Statewide Water Action Plan (SWAP) as the water community’s recommendations for the Brown Administration’s California Water Action Plan. • Adopted guidelines for modifying the 2014 water bond and developed proposal for an $8.2 billion bond that has been well received in briefings with legislators and coalition partners. • Through Clean Water and Jobs for California, conducted two polls to guide strategy; initiated jobs study to estimate job creation potential of investments in water infrastructure. • Provided recommendations to the Delta Stewardship Council for its Implementation Committee. • Included strong water rights protections within SWAP and secured universal support among water community. • In partnership with the California Water Commission and Delta Stewardship Council, launched statewide survey on small surface/groundwater 10 • ACWA NEWS

Vol. 42 No. 1

storage projects in accordance with a Delta Plan recommendation. • Advocated for inclusion of storage funding in the modified bond; all bond bills now include a storage category despite opposition.

Achieving Legislative Priorities Sacramento • Successfully led effort to stop AB 145 (Perea), which proposed to transfer the entire drinking water program from the California Department of Public Health to the State Water Resources Control Board. • Convened a workgroup of ACWA members, including member agency attorneys with CEQA practice expertise, and developed CEQA Reform Policy Principles to help guide amendments to CEQA legislation. • Successfully opposed SB 731 (Steinberg), which in its current form would have worsened CEQA problems. • Coordinated with DWR on additional California Statewide Groundwater Elevation Management (CASGEM) program implementation and outreach activities. • Provided comments on the Department of Gas, Oil and Geothermal Resources’ hydraulic fracturing regulations. Washington, D.C. • Successfully opposed the House of Representative proposed cuts to EPA’s State Revolving Fund for FY 2014. • Advocated for H.R. 518, the Emergency Drought Relief Act Extension that would provide the Bureau of Reclamation with the tools it needs to help states plan for and mitigate the impacts of droughts. • Working with WateReuse, conducted a nationwide survey to help build Congressional support for water recycling projects. Ninety-two organizations/agencies in 14 states responded.

• Aided members in tracking federal budget developments by maintaining a chart showing spending levels outlined in the president’s budget as well as the House and Senate’s appropriations bills. • Supported adding language to the House 2014 appropriation bills stopping the EPA and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from working on Clean Water Act guidance, which would broaden the scope of the Federal Clean Water Act.

Improving Member Services • Created a Membership Development & Service Plan Framework under the direction of the Membership Committee. • Developed strategies statewide for addressing member issues, building relationships with members and advancing ACWA policy goals and recruiting new members. • Dedicated the month of August as ACWA’s Membership Appreciation Month. • Created a program on Special District Transparency to continue to encourage member agencies to be transparent, including a “transparency toolkit”, a “transparency” section on acwa.com; and a transparency program as part of Water Trends Track at Fall Conference. • Planned and executed a program for ACWA’s Legislative Symposium to educate ACWA members about the possibility of property tax formulas. • Developed comprehensive member toolkit to assist members in understanding and responding to proposed Chromium-6 drinking water standard, including fact sheets, sample comment letters and talking points;

Improving Organizational Effectiveness • Developed a comprehensive plan for total technology upgrade, “Operation Continued on page 16

Newswatch

City of Sacramento Adopts Stage 2 Water Shortage Plan for 2014 The Sacramento City Council voted Jan. 14 to require water customers to cut their water use by at least 20%. Although Sacramento isn’t facing an immediate water supply emergency, city officials said the cutbacks are necessary due to concern about continuing dry conditions and unusually low water levels in the American River and Folsom Reservoir. The City of Sacramento Department of Utilities said a 20%-30% reduction in water use will be achieved through more enforcement of the city’s existing conservation ordinance, which limits when residents may wash vehicles and water outdoors; reduced watering days in the spring and summer; enhanced water conservation measures at city facilities; and an enhanced public education campaign. The city reportedly also will add more staff and enlist volunteers to enforce the conservation ordinance and spot water waste.

“The City Council’s declaration is an important step toward the protection of American River resources and ensuring that we have an adequate water supply for the dry summer ahead,” said Dave Brent, director of the Department of Utilities. “We are committed to helping our customers reduce their water use by 20% and offer several incentive programs and services to help them.” Folsom Reservoir currently contains less than 172,000 acre-feet of water — only 35% of average for the date. Citing the reservoir’s low level, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation cut flows last week into the American River from 1,100 cubic feet per second to just 500 cfs, the lowest amount in more than 20 years. The city of Sacramento gets its water supply from diversions on the Sacramento and American rivers, as well as groundwater.

Sacramento’s Tower Bridge. Photo by Michael Grindstaff

Sacramento is one of several communities across California that are enacting conservation measures due to the drought. For an updated list of what local agencies are doing, please visit acwa.com and click on 2014 Drought Watch.

LADWP to Help Thousands of Small Businesses Save Energy and Water The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has provided free energy efficient building upgrades for 1,200 small businesses, and plans to help thousands more become more energy and water efficient by next spring. Targeting businesses with a demand of 30 kilowatts or less, the Small Business Direct Install Program (SBDI) offers a free energy and water use assessment as well as the funding and installation of recommended energy efficient and watersaving upgrades. “Encouraging energy efficiency among small businesses is particularly important because they represent 72% of LADWP commercial customers,” said Aram Benyamin, LADWP senior assistant general manager. Through the SBDI program, businesses that receive an assessment

will be provided with a detailed report indicating how their business can benefit from energy and water saving measures. These include measures such as energy efficiency lighting systems and lamps, LED exit signs, low-flow toilets and faucet aerators, pipe and water heater insulation, and pre-rinse spray valves. Since April 2013, LADWP has provided 1,200 businesses with free energy efficiency upgrades, which have been estimated to reduce each customer’s energy bill by an average of $900 per year. This represents an energy savings of 6.3 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. Along with energy savings, LADWP estimates that the program will save 22 million gallons — approximately 68 acre-feet — of water for more than 1,000 small business customers who have received assessments since the program

Small Business Direct Install

Free Efficiency Upgrades for Your Business

Description

Energy and Water Saving Measures Include

LADWP’s Small Business Direct Install Program is available to qualifying businesses whose average monthly electrical demand is 30 kilowatts (kW) or less. If you are interested in making your operation more energy and water efficient, we can help.

• • • • • • •

How It Works: A trained Energy Service Representative (ESR) will contact you and arrange a time to visit your business and evaluate your energy and water use. This free assessment will identify areas where you can save energy and water. If you agree with the recommendations, our representative will have you sign an Authorization Form and schedule an appointment to install the equipment at a time most convenient to you.

Upgrades to energy efficient lighting system and lamps LED exit signs Pipe and water heater insulation Pre-rinse spray valves Low-flow showerheads Faucet aerators Low-flow toilets

Qualifications Open to LADWP business electric customers, in good standing, in rate class A-1, whose average monthly electrical use is 30 kW or less. Customers who lease their business are eligible for program participation, but landlord permission is required.

The installation of the recommended equipment will be done without significant interference to your normal business operation – so you can stay open!

How to Apply Participation is easy. Everything including the assessment, energy-efficient products, and the installation are provided at no cost to you! To signup, visit www.ladwp.com/sbdi or call 1- 877-714-1254.

For More Information

Visit: www.ladwp.com/sbdi Call: 1- 877-714-1254

Please note: This program shall at all times be subject to change or termination without notice. 03/2013

Efficiency Solutions

began in April. For more information visit www.ladwp.com/SBDI.

january 24, 2014 • 11

newswatch

Eastern Municipal Kicks Off Campaign Promoting Tap Water That is what Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) is encouraging its customers to do this year, as Riverside County’s largest water agency kicks off a new campaign that will promote the quality, reliability and value of drinking tap water. The campaign, initiated by EMWD and in partnership with Western Municipal Water District, Riverside Public Utilities, Rancho California Water District, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District and Corona Department of Water and Power, will spread the message of the three core advantages to drinking tap water:

•

Quality: Tap water is held to stringent standards set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Public Health. EMWD conducts more than 46,000 water quality tests each year to ensure its water meets and exceeds those standards. Reliability: Public water agencies have made significant investments to ensure that when you turn on your tap, you can be assured that water will be available. Through these investments, few things are more reliable than tap water.

•

Value: At less than a penny per gallon, drinking tap water is an economically sound decision and among the best values around. Compare those costs to bottled water, which has the largest mark-up of any item at a grocery store.

“At EMWD, we pride ourselves on ensuring that our customers receive the best quality, reliability and value in their drinking water supply. We invite everyone to leave the bottled water behind and tap into the tap in 2014,” said EMWD Board President Phil Paule.

Sonoma-Marin Partnership Tells Public to Turn the Water Off

Vol. 42 No. 1

IP NERS

SAVING WATER

12 • ACWA NEWS

There’s a Drought On. Turn the Water Off. WaterOff.org

NERS

MA - MA NO

RIN

SAVING WATER

SAVING WATER RT

MA - MA NO

RIN

MA - MA NO

Last year was one of the driest years Sonoma County has seen in 120 years. No significant rainfall is forecasted anytime soon, leaving local water supply reservoirs at record lows, including the region’s two largest reservoirs Lake Mendocino (38% of water supply capacity) and Lake Sonoma (67% of water supply capacity).

“The drought is on. Turning your water off and having a dirty car is completely acceptable and shows that you are doing your part,” said Sonoma County Water Agency Director Efren Carrillo. “We encourage our community to take advantage of water conservation rebate programs offered by their local water utility, and to visit wateroff.org.”

NERS

easy water saving tips. Every drop of water matters at this point.”

RIN

“The Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership’s goal is to increase awareness of the drought and introduce some fun and creative ways to save water,” said Jake Mackenzie, Rohnert Park City Councilman and Chairman of the Water Advisory Committee. “We hope this campaign will create a buzz and get our community to not only talk about saving water, but take action by following some

There’s There’s a Drought a Drought On. On. Turn Turn the Water the Water Off. Off.

There’s a Drought On. Turn the Water Off.

WaterOff.org WaterOff.org

WaterOff.org

Newswatch

Carlsbad Desalination Plant on Schedule to Produce Water in 2016 Project on track to deliver up to 50 million gallons of water per day by early 2016 The Western Hemisphere’s largest seawater desalination plant is more than a quarter complete this January after a year of construction. The $1 billion Carlsbad Desalination Plant, launched in late 2012, is on schedule to start producing water in 2016. In addition to the plant, the project includes a large-diameter pipeline in northern San Diego County, along with upgrades to San Diego County Water Authority facilities. It will account for about one-third of all the water generated in the county, helping reduce reliance on imported water as part of the Water Authority’s multi-decade strategy to improve the reliability of the region’s water supply by diversifying its portfolio of water sources. “We are thrilled to see this project progressing so efficiently after more than 10 years of hard work of development to bring it construction,” said Carlos Riva, CEO of Poseidon Water, the project developer. “This project would not have been possible without the support of the Water Authority, Kiewit Shea Desalination contractors, IDE

Technologies, NRG Energy and the cities of San Marcos, Vista and Carlsbad.” In November 2012, the Water Authority signed a 30-year agreement to purchase at least 48,000 acre-feet of desalinated seawater each year from Poseidon, as long as it meets pre-set quality and quantity requirements. The Water Authority may purchase up to 56,000 acre-feet annually, enough to serve about 112,000 typical singlefamily homes. The reverse-osmosis plant in Carlsbad will connect to the Water Authority’s aqueduct via a 10-mile pipeline through Carlsbad, Vista and San Marcos. Pipeline installation is nearing completion in San Marcos and Vista; construction in Carlsbad is under way and expected to continue through 2015. In addition, the Water Authority is making about $80 million in upgrades to its own facilities so it can deliver desalinated seawater into its Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant for distribution throughout the region. In 2020, the project will meet about 7% of the region’s water demand.

During the three-year construction process, the desalination project is supporting an estimated 2,500 jobs and infusing $350 million into the local economy.

“The past two dry years in California, plus the likelihood of a third dry year, underscore the importance and value of investing in long-term, drought-proof water sources such as the Carlsbad Desalination Project,” said Thomas V. Wornham, Chair of the Water Authority’s Board of Directors.

Boxer, Feinstein, Costa Call for Federal Drought Task Force U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, along with Rep. Jim Costa (D-16 ), have called on President Obama to form a federal drought task force and appoint a federal drought coordinator. California already has taken similar steps. In mid-December Gov. Jerry Brown convened a task force to review water allocations and the state’s preparedness, as well as coordinate with federal and local agencies. The governor declared a drought on Jan. 17. Last month the California Department of Water Resources named Bill Croyle the department’s drought manager.

High-level engagement and immediate action is needed at the federal level, Boxer, Feinstein and Costa wrote to Obama in the Jan. 16 letter. California and the state’s agricultural economy, particularly the Central Valley, are at risk. Costa represents the Fresno area. “Federal agencies, backed by support from the White House, should ensure that they are doing all they can to coordinate and expand on all drought mitigation opportunities identified by the state agencies that involve federal authorities, in addition to the ongoing work by federal agencies to

identify areas of flexibility within their own authorities,” the three Congress members wrote. They asked the President to issue a broad federal disaster declaration if California requests it. “We also urge that you direct the federal agencies to maximize opportunities for expedited water transfers, assist with infrastructure improvements, and exercise their discretion in regulatory decisionmaking within the confines of the law to deliver more water to those whose health and livelihoods depend on it,” the letter says.

january 24, 2014 • 13

People news

Public Member Agencies Brown’s Valley Irrigation District Browns Valley Irrigation District (BVID) has appointed Ryan McNally to the Assistant General Manager position with BVID effective Feb. 24 and to the General Manager position in January 2015, when Walter Cotter retires. McNally began as a deputy sheriff for Yuba County in 2001 and later transitioned into overseeing the county’s Parks and Landscape Division in 2006. For the last two years, McNally has served as a manager in the Yuba County Office of Emergency Services. During the past decade, he has been involved in a variety of disciplines: water management, delivery, flood control and emergency management. McNally, lifelong resident of Yuba County attended Marysville High School and later graduated from Western Governor’s University with a bachelor’s degree in business management.

Dublin San Ramon Services District The Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) Board of Directors has elected Georgean M. VonheederLeopold as president and Edward R. Duarte as vice president for 2014. Vonheeder-Leopold was appointed to the DSRSD board in July 2009 and has 16 years of experience in public office, having served previously on the DSRSD board from 1992-2000 and on the Dublin City Council from 19861990. She also has served on various city

and county commissions and nonprofit boards, and was elected to the Alameda Local Agency Formation Commission for a four-year term. She recently retired as an enrolled agent with more than 35 years of experience in tax accounting. Duarte, first elected to the DSRSD board in 2012, is a general engineering contractor with more than 50 years of experience. His construction firm specializes in public works projects. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Fresno State University and is a graduate of the UCLA Anderson School of Business, Management Development for Entrepreneurs program.

East Valley Water District On Jan. 3 the East Valley Water District (EVWD) Governing Board voted to appoint James Morales, Jr. as the new district chairman and Ben Coleman as vice chairman. “I am looking forward to the continued success of the district as we move forward to meet the opportunities ahead,” said Chairman Morales, Jr. “With the completion of our new headquarters building approaching, East Valley Water District has a new chance to engage with this community regarding our water system today while preparing for the forecasted growth over the next five years. Morales, Jr. was elected to the EVWD Governing Board in April 2008 and

served as the vice chairman from 2011 – 2013. Coleman was elected to the East Valley Water District Board of Directors in August 2011.

Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Representing Monterey County, Javier Zamora joined the Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency Board of Directors in December 2013. Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, Zamora came to the U.S. when he was 21. Zamora’s father was an adept farmer with a specialty in irrigation. Together, they built Zamora Farms, growing 20 acres of specialty vegetables. “The success of the agency’s work is critical to small farmers like me and our families, not to mention the economy of the entire Pajaro Valley,” said Zamora.

Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Board James Famiglietti, director of the Center for Hydrologic Modeling and professor of earth science at the University of California, Irvine, has been appointed to the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board. A professor at Irvine since 2001, Famiglietti also taught geological sciences at the University of Texas and earned a doctorate in civil engineering from Princeton University and a master’s degree in hydrology from the University of Arizona. Famiglietti is a member of the Geological Society of America and the American Geophysical Union.

Isenberg Steps Down as Chair of Delta Stewardship Council Phil Isenberg announced in a letter Jan. 13 that he is stepping down at the end of January as chair of the Delta Stewardship Council since his statutory term soon will end. 14 • ACWA NEWS

Vol. 42 No. 1

Isenberg took over as the first chair of the newly formed Council in 2010. A new DSC Chair and Vice Chair will be selected by councilmembers at the DSC meeting Jan. 23. “Implementation of the Delta Plan is

what really matters,” Isenberg wrote in his letter. “In creating the Council, the Legislature recognized the need for an independent agency who can keep the focus on the long-view, and who can promote a comprehensive approach.”

CALENDAR 2014 January 23 – 24

ACWA Events

May The California Irrigation Institute will hold its 2014 annual conference, “Building a Water and Energy Efficient California,” Jan. 23-24 at the Sacramento Arden West Hilton in Sacramento. Visit www.caii.org for more information.

6 – 9

ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition is May 6-9 at the Portola and Marriott Hotels, Monterey. For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545.

O.C. Water Summit on May 16 will bring together more than 500 Southern California business professionals with international, national and state water industry stakeholders, elected officials, environmentalists, scientists and community leaders to discuss ongoing global water issues and how water supply challenges impact our economy and public safety. Prominent authors, world-renowned experts and distinguished speakers also will be a part of this critical dialog. Visit www.ocwatersummit.com for more information.

February 24 – 26

The California Water and Environmental Modeling Forum will hold its 20th annual meeting at the Lake Natoma Inn in Folsom from Feb. 24-26. Highlights of the annual meeting include many excellent technical sessions, a joint day with the Interagency Ecological Program (IEP) on Feb. 26, keynote address by Gary Bardini, deputy director of the Department of Water Resources, the presentation of the Hugo B. Fischer and Life Membership awards, and an evening social at Sudwerk.

25 – 27

ACWA DC2014, the annual Washington D.C. conference, is Feb. 25-27 at the Liaison Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C. ACWA DC2014 provides a unique opportunity to meet with members of Congress and the Obama administration. Highlights will include learning about key Congressional committee agendas, understanding the direction of federal agencies and developing insight into where the Congress will be headed. Register at http://www.acwa.com/content/ event-registration. For more information, contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545.

March 5

ACWA 2014 Legislative Symposium, an annual event on water-related issues facing California and the State Legislature, is March 5 at the Sacramento Convention Center. For more information, contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@ acwa.com or 916.441.4545.

26 – 27

Children’s Water Education Festival presented by the Orange County Water District, Disneyland Resort, National Water Research Institute and the OCWD Groundwater Guardian Team on March 26-27. The festival presents a unique opportunity to educate Orange County’s third, fourth and fifth grade students about water and the environment. More than 7,000 students are expected to attend. Volunteers, presenters and sponsors are needed to support this educational event. Learn more at www. childrenwaterfestival.com.

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.

ACWA DC2014

Annual Washington D.C. Conference

Feb. 25-27, 2014

Liaison Capitol Hill • Washington D.C.

classifieds

Association of California Water Agencies 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3577

Positions Open Deputy Director-Environmental Services

Periodicals Postage Paid at Sacramento, CA

Time Valued Material

City of Santa Rosa Applications accepted online only at: http:// agency.governmentjobs.com/srcity/default. cfm Monthly salary: $8,365.00 - $10,820.00

The City of Santa Rosa is located just 55 miles north of San Francisco and 30 miles east of the Pacific Ocean with a population of approximately 170,000. Santa Rosa is the seat of Sonoma County and the center of trade, government, commerce and medical facilities for the North Bay. The surrounding area is home to over a hundred wineries and vineyards, many beautiful parks and recreational facilities, including 16 golf courses, and the spectacular Northern California coastline. Santa Rosa is in the center of a nationally recognized cycling area. It boasts many attractions associated OFFICE SPACE FORincluding LEASEa symphony, with large cities, performing arts center, theater productions and internationally-recognized restaurants, yet still retains the warmth and small town feel of decades past. Santa Rosa has been named one of the 50 greenest cities in the UITE 300 ±2,200 Rentable United States withSF one of the top five midUITE 350 ±1,850 Rentable SF sized downtowns in California.

Continued from page 10

Fix I.T.” and secured Board approval and authorization for Phase I and II. • Implemented upgrade of all technology to state-of-the-art initiatives over 910 K with STREET 12 months working myriad SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA consultants. • Created a new Board Business Development Workgroup to review and evaluate TWO SUITES AVAILABLE ACWA’s non-dues revenue programs and to make recommendations to further increase revenue and improve

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customer service to members. • Restructured I.T. function to establish a Technology Group to manage revamped technology post “Operation Fix I.T.” • Revamped all job descriptions to improve linkage to post reorg expectations/S&BP goals. • Issued RFP, retained consultant and facilitated/managed comprehensive Compensation / Benefits / FSLA Study for all ACWA positions. 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

Welcome Our New Member ACWA is pleased to welcome back Cambria Community Services District as an association member.

êFormed in 1967, Cambria CSD provides water and sewer, wastewater, fire protection, lighting, refuse, and parks, recreation, and open space within a five-square-mile service area in the seaside community of Cambria.

The village of about 6,000 residents in San Luis Obispo County is a popular tourist destination on the Central Coast, with close access to picturesque beaches, shops, restaurants and art galleries. San Simeon State Park and Hearst Castle also are a short drive north on Highway 1.

t 2011 - Cushman & Wakefield Inc. - All rights reserved. No warranty or representation, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy of the information herein, and same is submitted subject to errors omissions, change of price, rental or other conditions, withdrawal without notice, and to any specific listing imposed by our principals.

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