ACWA News for May 23, 2014

NEWS

ACWA ACWA’s • Member • Newsletter

Volume 42 | No. 5 May 23, 2014

During the opening breakfast at ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition on May 7, Pat Mulroy reflects on the lessons she learned and perspective she gained about water management in the West during two decades leading the Las Vegas water system. At right, ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn gives welcome remarks to begin the four-day conference in Monterey.

Drought, Groundwater in Spotlight at ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey Nearly 1,700 local and state water leaders from throughout California gathered at ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey May 6-9 to explore topics ranging from drought to sustainable groundwater management to reducing the amount of water used in producing beer.

humanly possible is now an imperative,” said Brown in a videotaped message played at the general session and luncheon May 8.

Gov. Jerry Brown made a videotaped appearance at the conference, telling local water leaders they are on the “frontlines of meeting this water crisis.”

Former Las Vegas water chief Pat Mulroy delivered the opening keynote address at the May 7 breakfast and highlighted the need for “strategic partnerships” as states throughout the West grapple with water shortages. Mulroy

“Meeting today’s water needs and conserving and recycling and using water as wisely as

The four-day event, themed “Running on Empty: Investing to Move the Needle,” was held at the Monterey Conference Center and surrounding hotels.

ACWA Conference Continued on page 4

Governor’s Revised State Budget Proposal Bolsters Drought Funding and Save Our Water Campaign Gov. Jerry Brown on May 13 released his revised budget proposal — a $156.2 billion spending plan that provides an additional $142 million for drought-related expenditures such as increased fire protection, enhanced salmon monitoring and more funding for the Save Our Water campaign.

Brown’s budget replaces his $154.9 billion 2014-15 budget plan released in January. The new proposal reflects an increase in projected

revenues and significantly bolsters spending on Medi-Cal. The increased $142 million one-time funding for drought-related expenses is in addition to the $687 million drought-relief package approved by the Legislature earlier this year.

In introducing the revised budget plan, Brown spoke of the strong link between reliable water and a strong economy.

Budget Continued on page 13

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Water for Agriculture Is a Top Priority as Severe Drought Continues

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Reclamation Updates Central Valley Project Water Supply

10 State Rolls

Out Water Conservation Program in Capitol Park

11 California to

Receive $20 Million for Water Recycling Projects

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President’s Statement: Water for Agriculture A Top Priority as Severe Drought Continues

Executive Director Timothy Quinn Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Operations Jennifer Persike Director of Communications Lisa Lien-Mager Communications Specialist Pamela Martineau Communications Specialist Matt Williams Graphic Designer Katherine Causland Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

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With less than a month until summer officially arrives, there’s no doubt that the impacts of California’s severe drought will be felt far and wide during the months ahead. This year’s fire season could be one of the worst in state history, and water managers will be challenged like never before to balance the water needs of people, the environment and industry.

The state’s economy, particularly the agricultural sector, could be the most vulnerable of all. California’s $44.7 billion agricultural economy supplies nearly half the nation’s seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Without an adequate supply of water, that vital economic engine will stall and lead to everything from job losses and fallowed farmland to higher food prices and lost revenue.

That’s why I felt it was important to kick off ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition earlier this month in Monterey with brief remarks reaffirming the importance of providing water to agricultural operations in the state. Here’s what I said in full on Wednesday, May 7, at the conference’s opening breakfast: “As this historic drought continues to unfold, it’s clear there will be major impacts on the state’s economy. Agriculture — one of the top 10 economic drivers in the state — is bearing the brunt of drought effects this year with some 800,000 acres idled because of lack of water.

“Crops such as broccoli, cantaloupes and garlic are simply not being planted in the

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Vol. 42 No. 5

quantities we normally see in California.

In the San Joaquin Valley, up to 50,000 acres of citrus trees could be pulled out this year where surface supplies are being cut completely and there is no access to groundwater. Cotton acreage is being slashed, and some fear it could mean the end of cotton production in California entirely. This spells potentially disastrous impacts on jobs, families and local communities. For consumers, it means higher prices for food and other products. It also means less locally produced food, which affects food security and our carbon footprint. The ripple effects extend to everything from ports to equipment dealers to the landscape industry.

“Water is indeed the lifeblood of California. Without it, no sector of our economy — from construction to high tech to manufacturing to agriculture — can thrive. Impacts on agriculture must not go overlooked this year. Getting water to the economy simply must be a priority.

“In the coming weeks, ACWA’s Drought Action Group will complete a report identifying many of these impacts and recommending priority actions to protect the state’s economy this year and in 2015 and beyond. Ensuring the resiliency and the sustainability of our water supply system is critical to the future of agriculture and the entire state of California.”

Drought Watch

Reclamation Updates Central Valley Project Water Supply for Southof-Delta Contractors; Increased Releases Begin from Friant Dam For the first time, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will release water from Millerton Lake behind Friant Dam to meet contractual obligations to deliver Central Valley Project water to the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors, federal officials announced May 13.

Increased flows from Millerton Lake were to begin on May 15, said Pablo Arroyave, deputy regional director of Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Region, during a conference call detailing adjustments to Central Valley Project water allocations.

Releases of 200 cubic feet per second from Friant Dam will be incrementally increased to a total of 1,200 cfs.

Due to additional precipitation since February, Reclamation announced May 13 an increase from 40% to approximately 65% of Central Valley Project water supply for the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority, the San Joaquin River Settlement Contractors and south-of-Delta Level 2 refuge water supply contracts.

For the Exchange Contractors, the adjustment means a total of 529,000 acrefeet will be delivered from a combination of two sources: the Delta via the DeltaMendota Canal and, for the first time, the San Joaquin River via Millerton Lake.

Arroyave said roughly 170,000 to 205,000 acre-feet of that total, plus or minus 10% to 20% depending on additional inflow data, will come from the San Joaquin River.

tion District, the San Luis Canal Company, the Firebaugh Canal Water District and the Columbia Canal Company, exchanged their senior water rights to the San Joaquin and Kings rivers for water that Reclamation delivers from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta through the Delta-Mendota Canal. The Exchange Contractors serve about 240,000 acres of farmland located east of Interstate 5 and west of the San Joaquin River.

Water allocations for other CVP contractors, including the CVP’s Friant Unit, have not changed, Reclamation officials said May 13.

Ron Jacobsma, general manager of the Friant Water Authority, said Friant is still at a 0% allocation after Reclamation’s latest water supply update. The Friant Unit delivers water to over one million acres of farmland on the east side of the southern San Joaquin Valley.

Jacobsma called the situation “frustrating” and said Friant Water Authority has asked Reclamation for more information about this year’s CVP operations, including more detail about water releases from Shasta Reservoir, Delta pumping and operations at the state-federal San Luis Reservoir.

Communities in the Friant service area fear that the 0% allocation could be disastrous to the region’s agricultural economy, leading to losses in the billions of dollars.

Reclamation says it’s obligated to deliver water from Friant Dam to the Exchange Contractors when supplies from the Delta alone can’t meet the Exchange Contractors’ minimum water entitlements during a critically dry year.

Arroyave said Reclamation is working daily with the Friant Unit in an attempt to bring forward alternative water supplies and talks continue with non-CVP and non-federal water contractors to find help. Friant and some other CVP contractors are in a tough situation, he said.

In 1939, the Exchange Contractors, composed of the Central California Irriga-

Reclamation has come close once before, in 2010, to tapping Millerton Lake

for the Exchange Contractors, Arroyave said, but it was unnecessary.

Arroyave said further changes to CVP’s water supply allocation are unlikely.

During the past few months, federal officials have been adjusting CVP operations to reflect modest increases in precipitation and runoff this spring. On April 18, Reclamation announced federal deliveries from the Central Valley Project north of the Delta to the Sacramento River Settlement Contractors will rise from 40% to 75%.

San Joaquin River Exchange and Settlement Contractors were initially allocated 40% of their contract supply of 875,000 acre-feet, which was increased to 65% and 529,000 acre-feet in Tuesday’s announcement.

After the driest 13-month period in California’s history, on Feb. 21 Reclamation announced record-low initial CVP water allocations, with agricultural water users both north and south of the Delta both at 0% allocations.

Agricultural water service contractors south-of-Delta remain at 0% of their contract supply of 1.965 million acrefeet, and north-of-Delta agricultural water users are at 0% of 443,000 acrefeet.

May 23, 2014 • 3

ACWA Conference Wrap-up

(Left) The future of water transfers was the topic of a statewide issue forum May 8 featuring (l-r) Randy Fiorini of the Delta Stewardship Council; Dustin Cooper of Minasian, Spruance, Meith, Soares & Sexton, LLP; Dale Melville of Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group; Steve Hirsch of MWD of Southern California; and moderator Danielle Blacet of ACWA. (Center) ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn sets the stage for a keynote presentation on groundwater at the May 8 luncheon program. (Right) Members of the ACWA’s Communications Committee listen to updates at a business meeting May 6.

ACWA Conference Continued from page 1

reflected on lessons learned managing water in the arid West during more than two decades at the helm of the Las Vegas water system.

Also Wednesday, Paul Jones, general manager of Eastern Municipal Water District, was honored with the 2014 Excellence in Water Leadership award.

“This is the time for a larger strategy… one that blurs state lines and…geographic boundaries,” Mulroy told the crowd.

Other programs on May 7 included a luncheon keynote from Kim Marotta, the sustainability director for MillerCoors; panel discussions on statewide water storage solutions and the drought’s ripple effects; and a forum on proposals for action on groundwater sustainability.

Before Mulroy’s address, ACWA President John Coleman stressed the importance of prioritizing water for the California economy.

“Ensuring the resiliency and the sustainability of our water supply system is critical to the future of agriculture and the entire state of California,” Coleman said.

On Thursday, May 8, luncheon keynote speakers Lester Snow, executive director of the California Water Foundation, and Dr. Maurice Hall, senior hydrologist for The Nature Conservancy, discussed how groundwater

in California can be sustainably managed and its important linkages with surface water. Other program sessions that day explored the future of water transfers in California and the history of drinking water regulation in the state.

On Friday, May 9, Field Research Corp. executive Mark DiCamillo delivered the keynote at the ACWA Hans Doe Past Presidents’ Breakfast in partnership with ACWA/JPIA. DiCamillo shared new data on Californians’ attitudes about the drought and what it reveals about actions the public might support as California considers major water infrastructure projects to improve reliability of the state’s water supply.

Brown Delivers Video Message to ACWA at Spring Conference Gov. Jerry Brown addressed ACWA members in a brief video message that was played at lunch on Thursday, May 8, at the 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey.

Here’s what the governor said: “I want to wish you all the best at this year’s spring conference. Meeting today’s 4 • ACWA NEWS

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water needs and conserving and recycling and using water as wisely as humanly possible is now an imperative. These last three years have now been the driest in recorded California history.

“All of you today are on the front lines of dealing with California’s water crisis. Some districts are facing greater challenges than others. But all of us as Californians have to pitch in and do our maximum. I have asked for a 20% reduc-

tion as a conservation measure that everyone can embrace, but beyond that in different areas more particular responses are required.

“You’re there; you’re the ones with the power and the capability. I ask you to do your best as I do my part here in Sacramento to make sure that California meets its water needs in the best way possible. Thank you very much.”

ACWa Conference Wrap-up

Pat Mulroy Urges Water Managers to View Drought as “Wake-Up Call” and Pursue New Strategic Partnerships and Emerging Technology The current drought engulfing the Southwestern region of the United States is both a “wake-up call” and an “opportunity to rethink” water management, Pat Mulroy, former general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority, told attendees at ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition.

Mulroy delivered that cautionary message during her keynote address at the opening breakfast May 7 at the ACWA conference in Monterey. She called on water managers and others to “start thinking strategically” to develop partnerships that can produce maximum benefits in water management.

“The times of going from one drought to the next drought…those days are going to have to end,” said Mulroy. “We have to start thinking differently.”

Mulroy said that in order to adapt to climate change, water management partnerships must be developed that “blur” state lines and geographic boundaries. She added that increased water storage capacity also will become increasingly critical.

“Why would we not want to capture water resources in times of abundance to

be used in times of drought?” she asked rhetorically.

Mulroy cited the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) as an example of a water agency that moved strategically to prepare for water shortages.

“The only reason Southern California is whole (during this drought), is that Met had the foresight to buy dry year options and store water in Lake Mead,” Mulroy said.

Pat Mulroy, former general manager of both the Southern Nevada Water Authority and the Las Vegas Valley Water District, greets a long line of well-wishers and conference goers on May 7 during ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey.

Mulroy added that public education about water shortages and water systems is going to be even more critical moving forward. She said the public needs to know that water conservation is not the “silver bullet” solution to water shortages, but instead is a “baseline” in a broad suite of solutions.

as desalination — will need to be developed, but funding must come from the federal government as it does in Israel and Australia.

“We have to tell our citizenry — ‘Guess what? You’re going to have to pay more,’” she said, referencing how water prices will likely increase amid water shortages and as new solutions are developed.

She concluded by saying that new strategies and technologies need to get under way now, as drought and climate change increasingly impact water systems.

Mulroy said new technologies to develop new sources of water — such

“Quite honestly, we are running out of time,” she said.

“Cultural Shift” Needed in Public and Private Sectors to Reduce Water and Energy Usage, MillerCoors Director of Sustainability Says If there’s no water, there’s no beer. That simple truth — and a desire to make a “cultural shift” toward sustainability companywide — led MillerCoors to launch initiatives that have led to huge reductions in water and energy usage.

That was the take-away message from MillerCoors Director of Sustainability Kim Marotta during her luncheon address May 7 at ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition. Marotta stressed that a “cultural shift” is needed within any

public and private enterprise in order to embrace more sustainable practices.

For MillerCoors, that shift has paid off, said Marotta.

“We’re making more beer, but using less water,” she said.

In 2008, MillerCoors set a 2015 goal to achieve a water to beer ratio of 3.5 barrels of water to one barrel of beer — a 15% reduction in water usage. In 2008, the company was using 4.1 barrels of water to make one barrel of beer. By the end of April of this year, MillerCoors had already achieved a 3.44-to-one barrel ratio — well ahead of the 2015 goal.

Companywide from 2011 to 2013, MillerCoors saved over 1.1 billion gallons of water, enough to fill 1,783 Olympic swimming pools.

Some of the conservation changes made

by MillerCoors, said Marrotta, include changing to cleaning solutions that require less water and tweaking the rinsing and washing cycles of equipment. MillerCoors also reached out to its employees for suggestions on reducing water and energy usage at every level of production.

Since 90% of the water used in making beer is consumed within the agricultural chain, MillerCoors focused heavily on the Continued on page 7

May 23, 2014 • 5

ACWA Conference Wrap-Up

Experts: Groundwater, Expanded Surface Storage Key to Reliability

Maurice Hall

Lester Snow

Effectively managing the state’s groundwater basins and expanding surface storage capability are critical to a reliable water system and sustainable environment in California, speakers said May 8 during ACWA’s luncheon at the 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition.

Before the scheduled speakers addressed the audience, Wade Crowfoot, deputy cabinet secretary and senior gubernatorial adviser to Gov. Jerry Brown, introduced a videotaped greeting from the governor. In his greeting, Brown told water managers that they are “on the frontlines of dealing with California’s water crisis.”

“In different areas, more particular responses are required. You’re there and you’re the ones with the power and the capability,” Brown said in his message.

(See story on page 4.)

age capability, especially with changing weather patterns that may bring larger weather events and earlier spring run-off.

Crowfoot outlined some of the administration’s water management goals, highlighting the critical role of local water agencies in advancing water conservation.

Snow also said more frequent and deeper droughts will increase reliance on groundwater, underscoring the need for effective groundwater management. He said local agencies need to be empowered to monitor groundwater.

“It’s local agencies that know what to do to reduce water use…,” said Crowfoot. “We’re asking you all to exercise leadership as you have been.”

Lester Snow, executive director of the California Water Foundation, and Maurice Hall, senior hydrologist with The Nature Conservancy, then addressed the audience as part of a luncheon program titled, “Surface Storage and Groundwater: How We Maximize Every Drop.”

Snow highlighted how the drought has “revealed fundamental weaknesses in our water management system.” Snow said the state needs additional water stor-

“Paying for storage is investing in reliability,” Snow said.

“This is the moment on groundwater,” said Snow. “I’ve never seen such attention paid to it.”

Hall said opportunities exist for new directions in “integrated storage solutions” that benefit ecosystems and habitat. He said water planners need to “explicitly build ecosystem needs into water systems.”

Hall also said that “robust groundwater management” is critical to both water reliability and ecosystem health.

Public Awareness of Water and Drought at All-Time High, Pollster Says The drought is driving high levels of interest in water this year, and that could translate into support for a water bond this November, Field Poll Director Mark DiCamillo told ACWA members during keynote remarks May 9.

Addressing the audience at the Hans Doe Past Presidents’ Breakfast in Partnership with ACWA/JPIA, DiCamilllo said a recent Field Poll showed California voters are keenly aware of the state’s water supply challenges, with 88% calling the state’s water situation “serious” and 60% labeling it “very serious.”

“The data shows that the public does recognize — more than in any previous drought — the seriousness of the state’s 6 • ACWA NEWS

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water situation,” DiCamillo said. “I don’t think you have a communications problem with the public. They do understand what is going on.”

Fifty-seven percent of respondents indicated they are doing “a lot” to conserve water, he said, with Central Valley respondents most likely to say that.

Though the Field Poll is waiting to see what the Legislature does before it begins tracking support for a water bond, DiCamillo noted that recent work by the Public Policy Institute of California suggests the chances of a bond passing this year are greater than they were a year ago.

The size of the bond, however, could be a factor, especially for undecided voters.

“Size does seem to matter,” DiCamillo said. “Under $10 billion would probably be better. I think size has some bearing on voters at the margin.”

Another factor could be the presence of Gov. Jerry Brown on the ballot as he seeks another term. The governor, currently the most popular political figure in California, is at the “top of his game” in terms of job approval today, he said.

“His being a spokesperson for a bond will have a major effect, as long as he’s on board,” DiCamillo said.

Noting that voters in inland California tend to view issues differently than voters in coastal communities, DiCamillo said it is important to keep those differences in mind during the policy debate about water.

“There’s a fundamental difference in California politics depending on where you live,” he said.

The electorate itself also is changing, he said, with huge increases in Latino and Asian American voters.

ACWA Conference Wrap-UP

(Left) Region 4 hosts an issue forum, “Sustainable Water Supply: Something for Everyone,” featuring panelists Bill Marble, vice chair, Woodland-Davis Clean Water Agency; Dennis Diemer, general manager, Woodland-Davis Clean Water Agency; Gary Reents, Reclamation District 2035; and Jim Yost and Lindsay Smith, West Yost Associates. (Center) The audience packs the house for the Region 2 forum titled “Where’s the Dam Storage? If Not Now, When? If Not Here, Where?” (Right) The Region 9 issue forum called “Surviving the Shakes” featured a panel discussion on seismic preparedness with Brent Yamasaki, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; Craig Ewing, Desert Water Agency and Region 9 chair; Eileen White, East Bay MUD; and Sherrie Collins, Monterey County.

Supply, Storage, Survival: Regions Tackle Big Issues in Monterey ACWA’s regions got right to work during the first conference of the association’s new two-year term. In addition to hosting three region issue forums, all 10 ACWA regions held membership meetings during ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey.

Region 4 started the week’s activities with its program, “Sustainable Water Supply: Something For Everyone” on Wednesday, May 7. This program featured the Davis-Woodland Water Supply Project to demonstrate the interconnected nature of water supply planning and implementation. The program speakers — who included Bill Marble and Dennis Diemer of Woodland-Davis Clean Water Agency, Gary Reents of Reclamation District # 2035, and Jim Yost and Lindsay Smith of West Yost Associates — explained how the project touches virtually every aspect of water resource planning and program implementation.

Up next was Region 2’s program, “Where’s the Dam Storage? If Not Now, When? If Not Here, Where?” This program featured a panel discussion on statewide storage solutions and how the proposed Sites reservoir fits in the puzzle.

Northern California Water Association President David Guy led the discussion with Thaddeus Bettner of Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District, Dr. Maurice Hall of The Nature Conservancy, and Joseph P. Byrne, counsel from Best Best & Krieger.

On Thursday, May 8, Region 9 wrapped up the region programs with its hosted forum, “Surviving the Shakes.”

Moderated by Region 9 Vice Chair Craig Ewing of Desert Water Agency, the program focused on earthquake and natural disaster effects on water storage. Panelists Eileen White of East Bay Municipal Utility District, Sherrie Collins of Monterey County, and Brent Yamasaki of Metropolitan Water District

of Southern California discussed regional approaches to disaster preparedness and provided seismic safety recommendations for districts of all sizes.

All 10 regions wrapped up conference week with membership meetings Thursday afternoon. At the meetings, the region memberships discussed upcoming regional activities and programs and were updated by their committee reporters.

ACWA members also were updated on the 2014 water bond, ACWA’s Statewide Water Action Plan, ACWA’s drought activities, and ACWA’s newly released Recommendations for Achieving Groundwater Sustainability.

The presentations from the region programs and meeting notes from the membership meetings will be made available online at www.acwa.com. For more information on ACWA Regions, visit www.acwa.com.

Continued from page 5

agricultural practices of its barley growers, looking for places to conserve water.

“Barley is to beer, as grapes are to wine,” said Marotta.

MillerCoors has worked directly with more than 800 barley growers in developing long-term sustainable barley production practices. The company also has supported initiatives to protect the water

and land in barley-growing regions, using “site vulnerability experts” to gauge the needs and weaknesses of watersheds and regions. Some of the on-farm water conservation practices promoted by MillerCoors include simple techniques such as using more water efficient water nozzles and retrofitting watering pivots.

Each year, MillerCoors releases a

sustainability report to communicate its challenges and successes in embracing sustainability. The company tracks its progress through its Sustainability Assessment Matrix (SAM) and its 2015 goals. The SAM is a measurement tool and benchmarking system based on input from the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines and U.N. Global Compact principles.

May 23, 2014 • 7

Groundwater

(Left) Representatives of a variety of industries discuss the ripple effects of drought at a town hall meeting on May 7. Panelists included Joe Del Bosque of Del Bosque Farms, Inc.; Ron Fong of the California Grocers Association; Ron Brown of the Oakland Port Authority; Larry Rohlfes of the California Landscape Contractors Association; and Anthony Favro of CalFire. (Center) A panel including new National Water Resources Association President Tom Myrum and Executive Vice President Robert Johnson discusses new direction and leadership at NWRA at a program May 8. (Right) Financing water infrastructure was the topic of a May 7 statewide issue forum featuring (l-r) Ellen Hanak of the Public Policy Institute of California; Randy Fiorini of the Delta Stewardship Council; Beau Goldie of Santa Clara Valley Water District; Matthew Hurley of Angiola Water District; and Susan Mulligan of Calleguas MWD.

Ripple Effects of Drought, Financing of Water Infrastructure and Other Topics Explored During Conference Forums and Town Hall Sessions From exploring the ripple effects of drought to examining the varied methods of paying for water infrastructure, ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition offered a myriad of informative sessions for water managers.

Here are highlights from some of the town hall sessions and issue forums.

The Ripple Effects of Drought Higher food prices. Less shipping traffic. A greater number of wildfires. These scenarios are among the ripple effects of California’s drought, as described during a town hall meeting May 7.

“We’re starting to learn more about the ripple effects of drought. How do they move through the economy? How do they affect jobs?” ACWA Deputy Director for External Affairs and Operations Jennifer Persike said in opening remarks.

The panel on drought’s impacts featured: Ron Fong, president and CEO of the California Grocers Association; Joe Del Bosque, president, Del Bosque Farms, Inc.; Anthony Favro, deputy director, Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; Larry Rohlfes, executive director, California Landscape Contractors Association and Ron Brown, marketing 8 • ACWA NEWS

Vol. 42 No. 5

and commodities representative of the Oakland Port Authority.

Del Bosque said that “a loss of food” means “a loss of jobs.”

“We’re all tied in to agriculture,” he said.

Fong said if drought pushes farmers to idle fields, the impact is felt in higher food prices. “”If (Del Bosque) is growing less, then we have less to buy from and it inflates prices,” said Fong.

Fong added that beef prices and the prices of eggs already have gone up significantly due to drought.

Favro said the dry weather has resulted in huge increases in wildfires.

“In 2013, the fire season really never ended,” said Favro, adding that from Jan. 1, 2014 to May 3, the state experienced 1244 wildfires — and increase of 177% over the same period last year.

Financing Public Benefits: GO Bonds and Beyond How large is the funding gap to pay for the public benefits of water management and the co-equal goals? That was the overarching question probed during

a May 7 statewide issue forum titled, “Financing Public Benefits: GO Bonds and Beyond.”

Ellen Hanak, senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, moderated the forum and presented a recent PPIC report on water funding and costs. The report — titled “Paying for Water in California” — found that general obligation bonds are not a huge piece of the water financing portfolio in California. The study found that of the $30 billion a year spent on California’s water system, only $1 billion of that is derived from state general obligation bonds. About 85% of the funding for the state’s water system is derived locally through fees, local bonds, customer rates and other local measures. Overall, the state pays for about 11% of water infrastructure and programs and the federal government about 4%.

“Because bonds can only do part of the job, we really need to think about broadening the mix,” said Hanak.

Panelists at the forum were: Randy Fiorini, chair of the Delta Stewardship Council; Beau Goldie, general manager of the Santa Clara Valley Water District; Matthew Hurley, general manager of Continued on page 12

Drought Watch

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2 1. Mike Wade, executive director of the California Farm Water Coalition, and Randy Fiorini, chair of the Delta Stewardship Council. ACWA recognized the California Farm Water Coalition’s 25th anniversary.

2. ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn, ACWA President John Coleman and Vice President Kathleen Tiegs greet guests at the conference welcome reception on Tuesday, May 6.

3. Jennifer Bowles, the new executive director of the Water Education Foundation, and ACWA Immediate Past President Randy Record, the new chair of the MWD of Southern California Board of Directors.

4-6. John Coleman, far left, and Kathleen Tiegs, far right, congratulate Clair Hill Award finalists: Irvine Ranch Water District, Mojave Water Agency and the Water Replenishment District of Southern California.

7. Richard Hall, director of the Mojave Water Agency, takes in the sights at ACWA’s 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey.

8. Demand response provider EnerNOC joins other ACWA Preferred Providers with booths in the Exhibit Hall.

9. Dee Zinke with Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Wade Crowfoot, deputy cabinet secretary and senior adviser to Gov. Jerry Brown, who shared the governor’s well wishes with the ACWA membership.

10. Smart Utility Systems is among the dozens of vendors sharing expertise in the conference Exhibit Hall.

11. ACWA President John Coleman presents a resolution to Jerry Gladbach congratulating ACWA/JPIA on its 35th anniversary at the 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition.

12. Brendan Wonnacott, program manager for the Save Our Water statewide conservation program, talks to conference-goers in the Exhibit Hall.

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Drought Watch

State Rolls Out Water Conservation Program in Capitol Park As the state endures its third consecutive year of dry conditions, officials with the California Department of General Services (DGS) have rolled out a new drought-tolerant irrigation and landscaping program in Capitol Park.

The effort seeks to conserve water while preserving Capitol Park — the oldest arboretum west of the Mississippi — and its hundreds of historic trees. Seasonal watering of the park’s historic trees will resume in May following a six-month winter hiatus. The trees are showing signs of stress due to the ongoing drought.

“During this time of historic drought it is incumbent upon our department to be good stewards of all the state’s resources. But while we must safeguard the historic trees and other unique plant assets of the park so that they can be enjoyed by future generations, we must also find forward-thinking ways to save water wherever possible,” said DGS Director Fred Klass.

DGS, which is responsible for maintaining state facilities including the state Capitol grounds, halted spray irrigation in Capitol Park last November to help conserve water during the typicallywetter winter months. Since Gov. Jerry Brown declared a Drought State of Emergency in January, DGS has taken steps to maximize the efficiency of water used at the Capitol, including: • Utilizing state-of-the-art irrigation technologies, including advanced timers.

• Replacing dozens of inefficient spray sprinkler heads with more efficient watering methods such as bubblers, drip irrigation systems and soaker hoses.

• Adding more than a cubic ton of mulch to flower beds and tree wells throughout the park to help retain moisture by reducing evaporation.

Mulch is regularly being replenished.

• Replacing seasonal flowers and annuals with drought-tolerant plants with an emphasis on native California varieties.

• Exploring different irrigation techniques, including cycling between watering different areas for a shorter duration but with greater frequency.

This will allow time for improved absorption, resulting in an overall reduction of water use.

• Enforcing a moratorium on nonessential landscaping projects, including the planting of annuals and other decorative varietals.

• Continuing to idle fountains and decorative water features.

These actions are part of a larger effort

by DGS to reduce overall water use in the park by 20% over 2013 totals in line with the conservation goals outlined in the Governor’s January proclamation.

Capitol Park — established in 1860 — is an important part of California’s vitality and history. The 40-acre park is home to 968 trees — some more than 100 years old — and hundreds of other

plantings with historical and cultural significance.

The trees and plants in Capitol Park rely on a complex irrigation system that includes more than 1,000 spray heads and is operated by a smart irrigation controller that’s monitored on a daily basis.

Areas of lawn that do not overlay tree roots will not be watered and will be allowed to die.

While irrigation will only take place during nighttime hours, testing of sprinkler heads will occur during the day with DGS staff monitoring.

“Bear” Joins Lawmakers to Urge Energy Conservation State Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) embraces “Bear,” the mascot for Energy Upgrade California, an energy-saving campaign launched May 20 at a press event in front of the state Capitol. The statewide campaign urges increased energy and water conservation at home and at work. The Save Our Water campaign — jointly managed by ACWA and the California Department of Water Resources — will engage in joint messaging with the Energy Upgrade California effort later this summer to emphasize the importance of saving water and energy and the linkages between the two resources.

10 • ACWA NEWS

Vol. 42 No. 5

Federal Update

California to Receive $20 Million in Federal Grants for Nine Water Recycling Projects The federal government is committing $20 million for nine water reclamation and reuse projects in California as part of the Obama Administration’s drought response efforts, officials announced this month.

The Department of the Interior’s WaterSmart Program is providing the cost-shared funding for planning, design and construction of the projects, all of which have been previously authorized.

The funding is coming through the Bureau of Reclamation’s Title XVI program. Several of the award recipients are ACWA member agencies.

The nine projects in California set to receive funding are: a water recycling project in Corona; a wastewater collection and reuse facility in Yucca Valley; expansion of the Alamitos Barrier Recycled Water Project in the Long

The Water Replenishment District’s Leo J. Vander Lans Advanced Water Treatment Facility will receive federal funding to expand capacity to 8 million gallons a day.

Beach area; additional capacity for the Chino II Desalter; a water reuse program in Santa Rosa; expansion of the Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility in the San Diego area; a water recycling program in Santa Clara County; and a water recycling project in Watsonville.

Congress Close to Passing WRRDA Bill The U.S. House of Representatives voted on May 20 to approve the Conference Report to H.R. 3080, the Water Resources Reform and Development Act of 2013 (WRRDA), by a vote of 412-4. Every member of the California delegation voted in favor of the motion, with the exception of Rep. Gary Miller (CA-31), who did not vote. The measure now moves to the Senate, which is expected to vote on it soon.

WRRDA would authorize key missions of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, such as modernizing the nation’s system of locks and dams; improving levees, ports and waterways; and restoring ecosystems. Such a bill has not been passed since 2007.

Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA), chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and a sponsor of the bill, lauded the vote, characterizing the WRRDA bill as a fiscally responsible vehicle to repair and enhance some of our

country’s most important infrastructure.

“This legislation supports our water transportation network to keep our nation competitive, improve the flow of commerce, and provide a foundation for job growth,” Shuster said. “WRRDA is also the most policy and reform-focused measure of its kind in decades, and the most fiscally responsible water resources bill in history. It cuts red tape, reforms the federal bureaucracy, accelerates project delivery, and more than fully offsets authorizations for needed infrastructure improvements by deauthorizing unnecessary, outdated projects. This is legislation that’s good for the economy, good for jobs, and good for America.”

Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV), the ranking member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and another original sponsor of the bill, was similarly enthusiastic. He praised the bill as an engine of economic growth and job creation for American workers.

Senate Hearing Considers López for Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner On May 13 the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing to consider the nomination of Estevan López to be the next commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation.

López received warm praise from senators present. Sen. Tom Udall (DNM), in his introduction of López, called water “the defining issue of today’s American West” and described López as someone who is both approachable and “unflappable.” In a similar vein, Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) described López as an “ideal candidate” with “exemplary” qualifications.

Of interest to ACWA members, Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ), referring to the Colorado River’s diminished water levels, asked López what, if anything, the Bureau could do to address the problem. López, who has dealt with the issue extensively having served as New Mexico’s representative to the Colorado River Compact and the Upper Colorado Commission, outlined steps that could be considered in the short term, such as increased conservation measures and agricultural leasing programs. López expressed optimism that the most dire predictions concerning the Colorado River’s water levels would not come to pass.

As the hearing ended, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), the ranking member on the committee, brought up the tension that exists, especially when water resources are low, between allocating water for human use and allocating water for environmental purposes. Murkowski asked López to respond on this issue at a later date.

May 23, 2014 • 11

Newswatch

Report Explores Connectivity of California’s Water and Food Systems A “whole-systems approach” that focuses on multiple benefits is needed to solve California’s water woes, says a new report from a panel of water experts.

The California Roundtable on Water and Food Supply (CRWFS), in “From Crisis to Connectivity: Renewed Thinking About Managing California’s Water & Food Supply,” outlines a framework for reconnecting competing groups of water users and managing the state’s water resources with emphasis on simultaneous benefits.

“In recent decades, water managers have begun to recognize the cumulative impacts of agricultural and urban water development, as well as the need to provide water for the environment,” the report says. “They have also discovered the importance of designing water projects to meet the needs of more than one user, or multiple-benefit projects.”

Efforts of this type already are under way, and the report profiles projects such as the Santa Ana Watershed Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) Plan, Central Valley Habitat Exchange, Kings River Basin Project

and the Knaggs Ranch salmon habitat experiment.

The roundtable of water experts includes representatives from agriculture, government, fish and wildlife, natural resources, academia, local water districts and other sectors. The group convened for the first time in 2010 and has previously issued reports on water storage and agricultural water stewardship.

Participants include David Orth, general manager of Kings River Conservation District and vice chair of ACWA’s Groundwater Sustainability Task Force; ACWA Executive Committee member Thad Bettner, general manager of GlennColusa Irrigation District; and Sarge Green, program director of California Water Institute and chair of ACWA’s Clean Water Subcommittee.

from crisis to connectivity Renewed Thinking About Managing California’s Water & Food Supply Ag innovations network April 2014

The report identifies three initial high-priority areas that can help drive the connectivity approach: institutional linkages, connected thinking and public and stakeholder engagement.

nia — record drought, groundwater contamination and overdraft, environmental degradation, aging infrastructure, a growing population, competing water needs, and climate change — we will develop longer-term and more systemic solutions to California’s water quality and supply reliability issues,” the reports says.

“As more and more of us begin to apply the connectivity approach to the water challenges currently facing Califor-

Read the full “From Crisis to Connectivity” report at http:// aginnovations.org/.

groundwater to give definitions and authorities.”

Myrum said that when California and Texas dropped out of the association last year, NWRA faced a “crisis.”

Continued from page 8

Angiola Water District; and Susan Mulligan, general manager of Calleguas Municipal Water District.

The local water managers described some of the techniques they used to fund unique local water projects. Mulligan described the Salinity Management Pipeline — or Brineline — in her district. One third of that project’s funding — or $36 million — came through grants.

New Leadership, New Direction at NWRA The executive leadership of the National Water Resources Association and some of its members described the association’s new leadership and direction at a water industry trends program May 8.

Fiorini said he would like to see a study that cites the specific investments needed to “move California to a more sustainable future.”

Moderated by Tom Myrum and Robert Johnson, president and vice president respectively of NWRA, the program looked at shifts in the breadth and quality of its services.

Hurley added that for local agencies to manage groundwater, the “Legislature has got to be part of the solution for

“It’s a remarkable story of change,” said ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn.

12 • ACWA NEWS

Vol. 42 No. 5

The association shifted its top staff and hired an outside firm — Water Strategies — to manage its day-to-day operations.

Myrum says NWRA now has “a vision going forward.”

“We’ve put a new face on NWRA up at the (Capitol) Hill,” said Myrum.

Among the priorities for the association are: modernization of the Endangered Species Act, monitoring the needs of hydropower and aging infrastructure as well as advocating for effective implementation of the Water Resources Reform Development ACT (WRRDA).

Newswatch

San Diego Campaign Asks for Heightened Water Conservation A new water conservation campaign from the San Diego County Water Authority is urging additional voluntary water conservation in response to California’s drought.

The “When in Drought” campaign will appear in ads, public service announcements, online communications and elsewhere in coming months, and is located on the web at www.whenindrought.org.

Since Feb. 13 the San Diego region has been in a Level 1 Drought Watch condition, which urges heightened voluntary conservation. The Water Authority said 70% of respondents to a new public opinion survey said they have taken actions in response to the drought and more than 80% said they consider water conservation to be a civic responsibility. Nevertheless, 53% of respondents countywide said they could be doing more to conserve water at home.

Per capita potable water use in San Diego County decreased about 27% between fiscal years 2007 and 2013, and local cities and water districts are on pace to meet their state-mandated waterefficiency targets for 2020, the Water Authority said.

The Water Authority will support When in Drought with approximately $300,000 in drought response grant funds from the Department of Water Resources (DWR), along with backing from local business leaders and civic groups. The campaign will be coordinated with other local, regional and state initiatives to boost water-saving efforts.

The primary statewide water conservation campaign is Save Our Water, a joint partnership of ACWA and DWR that offers tips at saveourh2o.org on how to easily save water every day.

During the last decade the Water Authority has invested $2 billion on

large-scale water infrastructure projects — such as raising San Vicente Dam and supporting an ocean desalination facility under construction in Carlsbad — to improve storage, develop new water sources and diversify the region’s water supply.

“We’ve come a long way in the past 20 years to improve regional water supply reliability, and those investments are paying off,” said Maureen Stapleton, the Water Authority’s general manager.

“But water conservation and water-use efficiency will always be an essential part of life in our region — and they are especially critical when in drought.”

Budget Continued from page 1

“This is an economic necessity that I’ve laid out, not a legacy,” Brown said in reference to the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, a proposed project to restore habitat and improve water reliability in the Delta.

Brown added that water from the Delta is “absolutely important to the economic well-being” of the state.

The immediate drought funding includes: • Department of Forestry and Fire Protection — An increase of $53.8 million General Fund and $12.2 million other funds to expand firefighter surge capacity, retain seasonal firefighters beyond the budgeted fire season, provide additional defensible space inspectors, and enhance air attack capabilities to suppress wildfires. Of these additional resources, $10 million is available to

support local grants for fire prevention projects or public education efforts that benefit owners of habitable structures in state responsibility areas.

• Department of Fish and Wildlife — An increase of $30.3 million General Fund and $8.5 million other funds to implement enhanced salmon monitoring, restore sensitive habitat, improve water infrastructure for wildlife refuges, expand the fisheries restoration grant program and remove barriers for fish passage.

• Department of Water Resources — An increase of $18.1 million General Fund to comprehensively assess current surface and groundwater conditions, expedite water transfers, provide technical guidance to local water agencies, and provide additional public outreach through the Save Our Water campaign.

Save Our Water is a water conservation campaign co-managed by the Department of Water Resources and ACWA. California Natural Resources Secretary John Laird said fire protection is a top priority during this volatile fire season.

“Whatever it takes, we will make sure it’s there,” Laird said of funding for firefighting. “Our first priority is fighting the fires and protecting public safety and making sure the resources are there to do so.”

Chuck Bonham, director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, said the department will use a portion of the drought funds for “immediate shovel-ready habitat restoration in the Delta,” increased salmon monitoring and other actions.

May 23, 2014 • 13

People news

Imperial Irrigation District Named Employer of the Year for Veterans Recognizing Imperial Irrigation District’s veteran hiring practices, the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD) and its local Veterans Employment Committee jointly named IID the veteran employer of the year recently.

The district also received state recognition during an awards presentation in Anaheim on May 15.

“The technical skills that veterans acquire in the service make them ideally

suited for positions with the district,” said human resources manager Dan DeVoy. “We are pleased that the council has chosen to recognize the district for its efforts.”

In 2013, IID adopted a veteran preference policy wherein the district seeks to identify and award preference points to veterans and disabled veterans in the recruitment process. In addition, IID regularly participates in veteranfocused career fairs and other community events geared toward honoring veterans.

Staff also works with EDD’s CalJobs program, which provides veterans with a 24-hour advance notification of job postings.

“IID is an important employer in the Imperial Valley,” said Assembly Member V. Manuel Pérez (D-Coachella). “IID recognizes that a veteran’s military technical training is an asset, and through IID’s preference program the district provides the opportunity for veterans to apply their skills to building a civilian career. I applaud IID’s hiring practices and congratulate them on this award.”

The district was also recognized by the U.S. House of Representatives and the California State Senate and Assembly.

IID employs a total of 123 veterans, three of whom are disabled.

Former ACWA President Record Elected Chair of MWD Board of Directors Former ACWA President Randy Record was elected unanimously May 13 as chair of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Board of Directors.

Record, who has represented Riverside County’s Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) on MWD’s Board since January 2003, will fulfill the remaining term of the late John V. Foley, who passed away in March. In January 2015, Record will begin his first two-year term as chairman.

Record served a two-year term as ACWA’s president in 2012-2013 and another two-year term as vice president in 2010-2011.

Record takes over the helm at MWD as the state grapples with severe water shortages during its third critically dry year.

“The months ahead are critical for Metropolitan and all of California as

14 • ACWA NEWS

Vol. 42 No. 5

we must work together to survive this drought and to solve the ongoing water system-ecosystem crisis in Northern California’s Bay Delta,” Record said in a statement.

“Metropolitan must lead by example, by reaching out and working collaboratively to solve our water problems. I am honored and grateful to have the board’s support to help guide Metropolitan at this crucial time. I only hope that I can lead with the kind of class, dignity and compassion that Chairman Foley exhibited throughout his tenure,” he added.

ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn issued a statement following Record’s election, saying he expects Record will serve MWD well.

“We are pleased to see that ACWA’s Immediate Past President Randy Record was elected unanimously today to serve as chair of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Randy showed great vision and leadership as president of ACWA, and now he will take those skills to MWD,” Quinn said in a statement.

“With California water agencies facing a statewide drought and some of the most arduous challenges in a generation, leadership like Randy’s can go a long way toward advancing long-term water supply reliability for all regions of California,” Quinn added. “We look forward to working with MWD and all ACWA member agencies to move forward with solutions.”

Record has served as one of four MWD board vice chairs since January 2011. Elected to EMWD’s board of directors in January 2001, Record represents the cities of Hemet and San Jacinto.

He served as Eastern’s board president from 2003 to 2005.

Most recently at ACWA, Record served as chair of the ACWA Groundwater Sustainability Task Force.

An owner and partner in agricultural enterprises for more than 37 years, Record is a founding partner in DeAnza Ranch, a Star Ruby grapefruit grove in Hemet, and Paso de Record, a wine grape vineyard in San Miguel.

CALENDAR June 6

July

10 – 11

August 13 – 14

ACWA Events

classifieds MCWRA & ACWA Region 3 Joint Program is set for June 6 at Wedgewood Sequoia Mansion, Placerville.

For more information please contact Regional Affairs Representative Shaun Rundle at shaunr@acwa.com or Regional & Member Services Specialist Ana Torres at anat@acwa.com.

MCWRA & ACWA Region 1 North Coast Issues Forum is set for July 10-11 at Humboldt Bay. For more information please contact Regional Affairs Representative Katie Dahl at katied@acwa.com.

Position Open Assistant Manager James Irrigation District Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree from a 4-year college or university in agricultural business, engineering or related field or a minimum of 4 years’ experience in agricultural management or similar position. Possession of a valid California Driver’s License with a driving record acceptable to our insurance company. The ideal candidate will have experience in water or an agriculturalrelated field.

910 K STREET

SACRAMENTO, The Assistant Manager will beCALIFORNIA trained on the duties of the ACWA’s 2014 Regulatory Summit is set for Aug. 13-14. Location is to be determined. For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545.

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE

Move-in ready office space.

One block from the State Capitol.

19 – 20

The Local Government Commission and the State of California are organizing the first California Adaptation Forum in the state capital, to be held Aug. 19-20. This two-day forum will build off last year’s successful National Adaptation Forum SUITE 300 ±2,200 Rentable SF in Colorado. The attendance of many California SUITE 350 ±1,850 SF leadersRentable there underscored the need for a RATE $1.65 per RSF, FSG event, which will be held every California-focused other year to complement the biennial national forum. More information P Great Downtown CBD location, available only oneat block to www.californiaadaptationforum.org.

State Capitol

General Manager which include operations and maintenance activities, preparation of budgets, developing finance plans, preparation of reports, responding to grower and public inquiries and participating in water agency and related business meetings.

TWO SUITES AVAILABLE

James Irrigation District is comprised of 26,000 acres of agricultural land in western Fresno County, supports a wide Continued on page 16

P Perfect for lobbyists and professional firms P September Walking distance to restaurants, hotels, and professional 9 – 12 The International Water Association is holding a services specialists’ conference for water basin science P Beautiful historic building and management Sept. 9 to 12 in San Francisco.

P Wired for alarm service More information on the conference is http:// P 2/1000 on-site parking

Office for Lease

iwa2014sanfrancisco.org/. Questions may be directed to Chelsea Spierbroker at 209.946.2595, iwa2014wrbm@ full fee to procurring gmail.com.

October

Other Events

17

ACWA Region 6 & 7 joint program is Oct. 17 in Visalia. For more information please contact Regional Affairs Representative Katie Dahl at katied@acwa.com.

19 – 20

ACWA Region 5 reception & program is Oct. 19-20 in Livermore. For more information please contact Regional Affairs Representative Katie Dahl at katied@ acwa.com.

one block to Capitol!

ê

Prime Downtown Location

Three suites available in Sacramento, one block from the State Capital (910 K Street).

• 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 May 23, 2014 • 15

Continued from page 15

variety of crops and is strategically located with various water supplies which presents a number of challenges and opportunities.

Salary will depend on qualifications and experience. Position open until filled.

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

Periodicals Postage Paid at Sacramento, CA

Time Valued Material

Send resume to: Vicki Hokokian, CPA, Wilcox Hokokian Bains & Dill LLP, 1540 East Shaw Avenue, Suite 103, Fresno, CA 93710

Associate/Assistant Civil Engineer Turlock Irrigation District $6,912.00 to $9,724.00 per month Turlock Irrigation District is seeking an Assistant/Associate Civil Engineer, with an emphasis on agriculture, to work under the general direction of the Civil Engineering Department Manager to plan, direct and perform engineering work related to the design, construction, and maintenance of irrigation related facilities as well as miscellaneous project requests from division/departments within the Turlock Irrigation District. Must have knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices, agricultural operations as well as techniques for preparing designs, plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and recommendations related to the civil works of the District. Must have ability to perform technical engineering work of a complex nature and have strong project management skills. This is usually exhibited by a person with a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with a focus on civil engineering and/or agricultural engineering courses; as well as 3 years of increasingly responsible professional experience. At the Associate Civil Engineering level, the applicant must possess a valid certificate of registration as a professional engineer in the state of CA, issued by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers. Also at the Associate Civil Engineer level, this position would have the responsibility for major projects while providing an Engineer’s stamp and signature on drawings in conformance with the government code and regulations. Excellent benefits. Physical exam, drug screen, criminal background check & a valid CA driver’s license prerequisites for employment. Applications accepted until position is filled. For more detailed information & to obtain a required employment application, visit our web site at www.tid.org or contact: Turlock Irrigation District (TID) – Human Resources, 333 East Canal Drive, Turlock, CA 95380

General Manager-Secretary Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District The Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District is recruiting for the position of General Manager-Secretary. Annual salary range is $131,248 – $167,492 DOQ. The General Manager-Secretary is the chief executive of the District and reports to a seven-member citizen Board of Directors, who are appointed by the County of Fresno, City of Fresno, and City of Clovis.

The District has had two General Managers since 1972, and enjoys the benefit of a long-term and stable staff. At present there are 77 authorized positions in engineering, operations and maintenance, and administration. The adopted budget for 2013/2014 is $21.6 million.

The General Manager-Secretary is in charge of the day to day operations of the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District. The incumbent is in a position of trust and confidence and serves as the Agency head and appointing authority for all employees in the District. The General ManagerSecretary provides advice and consultation on all matters related to the requirements of the District.

The ideal candidate will have extensive management experience and be capable of administering all aspects of District planning, budgeting, construction, operations and intergovernmental relations through the oversight of District Departments. Candidate must guide staff of widely-varying specialties and experience to execute the District’s longrange capital improvements, operations, risk management, grant and environmental compliance programs. The incumbent must interface effectively with the District’s Board of Directors, Federal, State and local agencies, organizations, news media, and the general public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The position requires a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Business, Public Administration or related discipline and six years of professional upper-level management experience. Candidate must have considerable knowledge of government budgets, infrastructure planning, contracting, personnel law, risk management and real estate principles, information technology systems and environmental resources regulations. Prior experience working for a California water agency is a plus. A valid CA Driver’s License or eligibility to attain a CA Driver’s License and a good driving record are also required.

EXCELLENT FRINGE BENEFITS Benefits include employee and dependent health care, including medical, dental and vision; Annual Leave program (vacation/sick pay), management leave, long-term disability insurance, life insurance, 11 paid holidays, 457 deferred compensation plan, 401 money purchase pension plan, and participation in the District’s flexible spending account cafeteria plan for medical and dependent care expenses.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE Applications should be submitted in a sealed envelope to the District Board of Directors 5469 E. Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727.

Applications submitted by e-mail will not be accepted. It is recommended a resume and letter of interest be included. Applications must be received in the District office by June 20, 2014. Applications may be received after that date at the option of the District Board of Directors. For an application and the brochure describing the position please contact the District Office at 5469 E. Olive Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727, (559) 456-3292 or visit our website at: www.fresnofloodcontrol.org.