ACWA
NEWS
Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle flank Gov. Jerry Brown as he signs historic legislation on Aug. 13 placing a $7.5 billion water bond on the November 2014 ballot. The bond measure, which will be known as Proposition 1, replaces the $11.14 billion bond previously set for the Nov. 4 ballot.
AC WA’s Member
Legislature Approves Historic $7.5 Billion Water Bond; Prop. 1 Slated to Go Before Voters This November After weeks of intense negotiations among top legislative leaders, representatives of the governor’s office and various water interests — most notably ACWA — voters will go to the polls in November and cast votes on a $7.545 billion water bond that has been five years in the making. The compromise bond contains $2.7 billion continuously appropriated for aboveand below-ground storage projects, funds for regional water reliability, safe drinking water, water recycling, water conservation, groundwater management and cleanup, watershed protection and statewide flood management. Gov. Jerry Brown on Aug. 13 signed AB 1471 by Assembly Member Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), which repealed the $11.14 billion water bond that was slated for the November ballot and replaced it with the bipartisan compromise $7.545 billion water bond. The legislation passed the Senate 37-0 and the Assembly 77-2. Brown vetoed identical legislation — SB 866 by Sen. Lois Wolk (D-Davis) — saying it contained identical provisions.
Newsletter Volume 42
08
No.
August 22, 2014
ACWA Board Votes to Support Water Bond In a special meeting held via teleconference on Aug. 19, the ACWA Board of Directors unanimously voted to support Prop. 1 – the $7.545 billion water bond slated for the November 4 ballot. For ACWA, the vote is the culmination of over five years of work by members of ACWA’s Board, association members and staff.
The bond will appear as Proposition 1 on the November ballot. Brown issued this statement following his signing: “Water is the lifeblood of any civilization and for California it’s the precondition of healthy rivers, valleys, farms and a strong economy,” said Brown. “With this water bond, legislators from both parties have affirmed their faith in California’s future.” ACWA’s leadership also praised the measure, marking it a watershed moment for California, Water Bond Continued on page 4
Column: of the 2 Leadership 4 Specifics 2014 Water Bond Bond Set for – A Watershed Moment
November Ballot
Water 5 New Production Data Requirements Now in Effect
7 Managing Headwaters Focus of Regulatory Summit
ACWA News is a publication of the Association of California Water Agencies
A Message from John Coleman, Kathy Tiegs, Randy Record The outcome on this water bond reminds us once again that when we come together as an association, we make big things happen.
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2 • ACWA NEWS
Vol. 42 No. 8
California’s 2014 Water Bond – A Watershed Moment That Deserves Some Reflection There are moments during our professional and personal lives when it is important to acknowledge a milestone reached. The historic approval Aug. 13 of a modified water bond for the 2014 ballot is one of those moments. After more than five years of hard work, intense negotiation and collaboration, the Legislature on a bipartisan vote approved and Gov. Jerry Brown signed a $7.545 billion bond that is supported by a broad swath of interests from water, business, conservation groups, labor and agriculture. The bond replaces an $11.14 billion measure that was slated for the November ballot and likely would have failed. This new compromise bond will appear on the ballot as Prop. 1 and is a central tenet of Gov. Brown’s comprehensive water policy. In its targeted scaleddown form, the bond stands a solid chance of success at the ballot box in November. We all know what a long struggle it has been to reach this point and the absolutely critical role ACWA has played. The ACWA Board took courageous policy positions, starting in 2009 when the Board insisted that a bond be part of a comprehensive legislative package designed to meet the coequal goals. Then, in 2013, the farsighted ACWA Board was the first organization to make the tough decisions to reduce the size and focus of the bond. In July of this year, the Board showed courage again when it was willing to support controversial compromise positions that helped to rightsize the bond, defining the new middle ground and a path to success. The resulting $7.545 billion bond that is headed to the ballot closely aligns with the Board’s policy position. The bond contains $2.7 billion continuously appropriated for above- and below-ground storage projects, funds for
regional water reliability, safe drinking water, water recycling, water conservation, groundwater management and cleanup, watershed protection and statewide flood management. In a special meeting Aug. 19, the ACWA Board voted unanimously to support the measure. (See story, page 1.) We, as an association working with our members, have stayed focused on the vision of a comprehensive, workable bond that will help secure our water future. Last week, we took a huge step forward in realizing that vision. As leaders of this association, we want to convey how proud we are of this achievement. We applaud our members for standing by the ACWA Board and staff as we grappled with crafting guiding principles for the bond — knowing that not every agency would see all of the elements it wanted in a final bond. We applaud the Board — past and present — for making the tough decisions that led to a bond package that would be viable with the governor, the Legislature and ultimately Californians. ACWA’s executive team supported by all staff helped us get to the finish line, adapting to new proposals as they emerged and providing information to members and the public at every turn. We thank the Legislature and Gov. Brown for the hard work and compromise put into this effort. But we also want to take a moment to reflect on the strength and resiliency of our association. The outcome on this water bond reminds us once again that when we come together as an association, we make big things happen. But our work isn’t finished. Now we must educate Californians about this bond and its importance to California.
Member Appreciation Month 2014 August 1, 2014 Dear ACWA Members: August is ACWA’s Member Appreciation Month, which provides me with an opportunity as President to formally thank you for your membership. Since 1910, our diverse membership, made up of over 430 public water agencies, has provided leadership and an active voice on a wide range of statewide water issues. Across ACWA’s membership, a diverse group of water leaders and interests consistently come together — often with differing perspectives — to work hard to craft statewide solutions. Whether it’s our bi-annual conferences, a regional event, a committee meeting or developing a major statewide policy — working together to find common ground is the foundation of every ACWA activity. In 2014, so far, ACWA membership worked together to seek comprehensive statewide water solutions that will benefit all of California. From ACWA’s Drought Action Group, to its Groundwater Task Force, to advancing solutions through ACWA’s Statewide Water Action Plan and a 2014 water bond, ACWA members have been busy tackling critical issues that will impact the entire state for generations to come. Members have continued to work with one another across geographic and ideological barriers to provide valued input on issues that will shape ACWA’s goals moving forward. ACWA’s strength and clout as the statewide voice on California water issues stem from its members.
ACWA member Delbert Rotelli, director, Tuolumne Utilities District, was the winner of a special drawing at ACWA’s 2014 Regulatory Summit in honor of Member Appreciation Month. The prize included a complimentary Fall Conference registration. Rotelli is joined by ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn and ACWA Vice President Kathy Tiegs.
So as August continues, we want to pause and honor our unique members. ACWA has planned various appreciation activities throughout the month and I encourage you to visit www.acwa.com to learn more about these activities and about ACWA’s services in general. Our members are the “stars” of ACWA and on behalf of ACWA’s Board of Directors, I want to extend our sincere gratitude for your membership. Sincerely,
John A. Coleman ACWA President
FOR YOUR MEMBERSHIP
State RElations Water Bond Continued from page 1
that will allow for much-needed improvements in the state’s backbone water infrastructure system – investments that have not been made in over 50 years. “Legislative approval of a water bond in 2014 has been a top priority for the ACWA Board of Directors this year,” said ACWA President John Coleman. “The targeted monies in this bond will provide the necessary funding to move California forward in implementing a statewide comprehensive water plan that helps to secure our water future. “Gov. Jerry Brown, Senate President pro Tem Darrel Steinberg, Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff, Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins, and Assembly Republican Leader Connie Conway are to be comWater Bond Continued on page 6
Legislators applaud as Gov. Jerry Brown signs a bill approving for the November ballot an historic $7.5 billion water bond that was five years in the making. The bond contains $2.7 billion continuously appropriated for above- and below-ground storage projects, funds for regional water reliability, safe drinking water, water recycling, water conservation, groundwater management and cleanup, watershed protection and statewide flood management.
Specifics of the Water Bond Now Set for November Statewide Ballot Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014 – $7.545 Billion Storage – $2.7B • Continuous appropriation for water storage projects Regional Water Reliability – $810M • Integrated regional water management $510M. •
Stormwater capture $200M.
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Water conservation $100M.
Safe Drinking Water – $520M • Provide clean, safe and reliable drinking water to all Californians. With minimum to leverage federal funds for safe drinking water and clean water programs and for disadvantages communities.
Groundwater Sustainability – $900M • Prevent and reduce groundwater contaminants $800M.
Statewide Flood Management $395M • Statewide flood management projects and activities ($100M).
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Provide sustainable groundwater management planning and implementation $100M.
Watershed Protection, Watershed Ecosystem Restoration, State Settlements – $1.495M • Conservancies $327.5M. •
Wildlife Conservation Board $200M (restoration of flows).
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Department of Fish and Wildlife $285M (out of delta, no mitigation on BDCP).
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Small Community Wastewater Program $260M.
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Department of Fish and Wildlife $87.5M (in delta with constraints).
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Drinking Water Public Infrastructure $260M.
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State settlement obligations including CVPIA $475M.
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Rivers and Creeks $120M.
Water Recycling – $725M • Statewide water recycling projects and activities. 4 • ACWA NEWS
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For Delta levee subvention programs and delta flood protection projects ($295M).
General Provisions • Funding eligibility requires urban or agricultural water management plans and compliance with 2009 Water Conservation Act. •
Bay Delta Conservation Plan neutral.
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Protects existing water rights and reaffirms area of origin protections.
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Assumes repurposing of $105M from Prop. 84, $95M of Prop 50, $81M from Prop 13, $25.5M from Prop 204, $13.5M from Prop 44, $5M from Prop 82, $100M from Prop. IE and $7.120B on new debt.
Drought
New Water Production Data Requirements Now In Effect, Emergency Conservation Regulations Adopted by Agencies Throughout the State Water agencies throughout California have been responding quickly to new emergency regulations by the State Water Resources Control Board that mandate outdoor watering restrictions for urban customers. Agencies also are responding to new requirements to submit monthly data reports on water production. The outdoor water conservation restrictions went into effect July 29 following approval by the State Water Board at its July 15 meeting. Urban water suppliers also are required as of August 15 to file monthly water production data through an online portal set up by the State Water Board. The data must be filed on the 15th of each month going forward while the regulations are in effect. Both actions are allowed under emergency powers granted to the Board through emergency drought proclamation orders signed by Gov. Jerry Brown. The State Water Board issued the following statement Aug. 11 that outlines the protocol for submitting water production data as required under the new regulations: The State Water Board adopted emergency regulations for water conservation that became effective on July 29, 2014. The regulations require urban water suppliers serving more than 3,000 connections to report monthly water production data. Wholesale water suppliers that do not serve any retail customers do not need to submit monitoring reports. The monitoring report must include the amount of potable water the urban water supplier produced, including water provided by a wholesaler, in the preceding calendar month and compare that amount to the amount produced in the same calendar month in 2013. Following is a link to the online reporting tool that should be used to submit your data: https://drinc.ca.gov/dnn/Applications/
PublicWaterSystems/MonitoringReport. aspx. The first time that you use the tool you will need to register and create a password. Monitoring reports must be submitted on the fifteenth of each month with the first report due on August 15, 2014. For your initial report, please submit information for both June and July 2014.
Mandatory Water Conservation Regulation Go Into Effect An emergency regulation to increase conservation practices for all Californians became effective July 29, 2014. The new conservation regulation targets outdoor urban water use. In some areas of the State, 50 percent or more of daily water use is for lawns and outdoor landscaping. This regulation establishes the minimum level of activity that residents, businesses and water suppliers must meet as the drought deepens and will be in effect for 270 days unless extended or repealed. Prohibitions for ALL urban water users in California:
Beginning October 15, 2014, urban water suppliers will also be required to submit estimates of water use in gallons per capita day for their residential customers (R-GPCD). Additional guidance on how to report R-GPCD is forthcoming.
Requirements for Urban Water Suppliers (serving >3000 connections): Implement water shortage contingency plans to a level where restrictions on outdoor irrigation are mandatory. Urban water suppliers without a plan, or without an adequate plan, must either mandate that outdoor irrigation be reduced to no more than twice a week or implement other mandatory use restrictions that provide a comparable level of savings. Report monthly water production beginning August 15. Include an estimate of the gallons per capita per day used by residential customers beginning with the October 15 report. Requirements for Other Water Suppliers (serving <3000 connections):
Additional information on the emergency regulations for water conservation can be found at the following link: http://www.waterboards. ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/ programs/drought/emergency_ regulations_waterconservation.shtml. Should you have any questions regarding the reporting tool, please contact Eric Oppenheimer at (916) 445-5960 or Eric.Oppenheimer@waterboards.ca.gov. ACWA also is prepared to provide its members with guidance throughout the process. Please contact Senior Regulatory Advocate Dave Bolland with any questions at DaveB@acwa.com.
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City of Rio Dell – Rio Dell residents will face an initial 50% increase in their water bills — followed by steeper penalties — if they use more than the allotted 50 gallons a day per person during the water shortage. City of Seal Beach – Aug. 13: Mandatory restrictions include limiting outdoor water use to three days a week before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
Mandate that outdoor irrigation be reduced to no more than twice a week or implement other mandatory use restrictions that provide a comparable level of savings.
No washing of hard paved surfaces; no run-off; vehicles washed with shutoff nozzle and hand held bucket. First offense is written warning, second offense is 15% surcharge on resident’s water bill. After that, water may be restricted. •
City of St. Helena – Phase II Water Emergency. Single family homes 65 gallons per day, 2,500 gallons per month for irrigation.
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City of Truckee – Aug. 12: Stage 2 Mandatory Drought regulations – watering limited to two days per week; no run-off; when washing vehicles, must use hose with automatic shut-off valve. No use of potable water in fountains or other decorative water features unless water is recirculated. There are provisions for penalties and fines.
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City of West Sacramento – Aug. 13: Mandatory restrictions. No washing down of streets, sidewalks, driveways and buildings. No run-off; watering three days a week based on address; no watering between noon and 6 p.m. Violators will receive
Here is a sampling of some of the emergency water conservation regulations that have been adopted by local water agencies following the State Water Board action July 15: •
The application of potable water to any driveway or sidewalk. Using potable water to water outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes runoff to adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots or structures. Using a hose that dispenses potable water to wash a motor vehicle, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle. Using potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is recirculated. Recycled water is not mandated, but encouraged for fountain use.
Continued on page 6
August 22, 2014 • 5
Drought Continued from page 5
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Desert Water Agency – Effective Aug. 5, DWA has implemented Stage 2 of the Agency’s water shortage contingency plan. The following activities are prohibited: Washing hardscape; running water for car washing (bucket allowed, nozzle allowed for rinsing only). Commercial nurseries may only water between midnight and 6 a.m. Parks, golf courses, and schools may only irrigate landscapes between sunset and sunrise. Lawn watering and construction meter use may only occur between 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. Restaurants may only provide water upon request. East Bay Municipal Utility District – Aug. 12: Mandatory restrictions water outdoor landscapes two times
week, no more than 10 minutes per station; no watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; no watering while it is raining; new water-efficient landscaping may be watered at any time for two months; repair all leaks within 72 hours; use recycled water for ornamental fountains and ponds; no washing down of paved surfaces; no run-off; wash vehicles using a handheld bucket and a hose with a shutoff nozzle. Water in restaurants and fresh linens in hotels upon request.
per week. No runoff; no washing of hard-paved surfaces, unless for health or safety reasons. Vehicles may only be washed with hoses with shut-off nozzles. Fountains and decorative water features must be turned off unless they use recirculated water.
two written notices and third and subsequent violations will result in the water bill multiplied by five.
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Indian Wells Valley Water District – Aug. 13: Mandatory water restrictions — no washing down sidewalks and driveways; no watering of outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes excess runoff; no washing a motor vehicle with a hose that does not have a shut-off nozzle; no operating a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is part of a recirculating system; no watering between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Four-step penalty process. Padre Dam Municipal Water District – Aug. 6: Level 2 Drought Alert: Watering limited to three days per
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Vista Irrigation District – Aug. 6: Level 2 Water Conservation. Mandatory water restrictions: no washing down of paved surfaces except for health and safety purposes; no run-off; do not water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.; assigned watering days, 10 minutes per station. Wash vehicles using a bucket and handheld hose with shut-off nozzle.
Water Bond Continued from page 4
mended for hammering out a bi-partisan compromise.”
chance of a successful outcome with voters this November.”
ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn also applauded the legislative action.
In addition to its other provisions, the bond invests in safe drinking water, particularly in disadvantaged communities, and provides for watershed restoration and increased flows in some of California’s most important rivers and streams.
“This water bond is the right size at the right time for California,” added Quinn. “The bond will provide investments where we need them — in new surface and groundwater storage projects, regional water reliability, sustainable groundwater management and cleanup, water recycling, water conservation, watershed protection and safe drinking water, particularly for disadvantaged communities. “It hasn’t always been a smooth road on the way to this bond, but thanks to the work of our fiscally responsible Governor, the Legislative leaders in both the Senate and the Assembly, the bill authors and many other legislators who played key roles, this carefully crafted, targeted bond has a greatly enhanced 6 • ACWA NEWS
Vol. 42 No. 8
The water bond is supported by a broad array of agricultural, business, labor, environmental, water and wildlife organizations, including: Agricultural Council of California, Western Agricultural Processors, Clean Water Action, Association of California Water Agencies, American Rivers, Audubon Society, Bay Area Council, California Alliance for Jobs, California Chamber of Commerce, California Conference of Carpenters, California Farm Bureau Federation, California Labor Federation, California League of Conservation Voters, California-Nevada Conference of Operating
Engineers, California State Pipe Trades Council, California Trout, California Waterfowl Association, California Coalition of Utility Workers, Community Water Center, Defenders of Wildlife, Ducks Unlimited, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Natural Resources Defense Council, San Diego County Water Authority, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, State Association of Electrical Workers, State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, California State Council of Laborers, Sonoma County Water Agency, The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited, Western Growers Association, WateReuse California, Defenders of Wildlife, Northern California Water Association, California Building Industry Association, Westlands Water District, Yuba County Water Agency, California Fresh Fruit Association, Sacramento County, Contra Costa County, Yolo County and Solano County.
Attendees from throughout the state gathered in South Lake Tahoe Aug. 13-14 for ACWA’s fourth annual regulatory summit. (photos left to right): (left) Attendees listen to a panel discussion on forest management titled “Who’s In Charge: Understanding Forest Management.” (middle) l-r Moderator Celeste Cantu, general manager, Santa Ana Watershed Project; Jody Noiron, forest supervisor, San Bernardino National Forest; Joanne Marchetta, executive director, Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and Nancy Gibson, forest supervisor, Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, discuss managing forests for water quality and reliability. (right) l-r, Timothy Quinn, executive director of ACWA; Steve LaMar, president of the board of Irvine Ranch Water District, and Bob Dean, chair of the ACWA’s Headwaters Framework Drafting Team, give an overview of ACWA’s headwaters framework.
Sustainably Managing Headwaters is Focus of Regulatory Summit Attendees from throughout the state gathered on Aug. 13-14 for ACWA’s fourth annual Regulatory Summit, held in South Lake Tahoe at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel. The 2014 event focused on California’s headwaters and source water quality.
The 2014 summit included a number of new features including a tour that took participants to the Angora Fire footprint, which burned 3,100 acres and destroyed more than 250 homes in South Lake Tahoe in 2007. The tour also included a presentation and hike to the Upper Truckee River Reach 5 Restoration and Utility Relocation Project, which is designed to restore a river channel and 120 acres of floodplain that have been degraded by urban development and other activities. The completed project will greatly improve local meadow conditions and groundwater recharge capability along with improving channel stability and restoring aquatic habitat. After the tour, attendees enjoyed networking time with experts and peers at a poster session, another new aspect of the regulatory summit. During this session, six exciting research projects and strategic partnerships were highlighted that demonstrate the ways headwaters management can be improved in the future. On Aug. 14, ACWA Vice President Kathy Tiegs kicked off the main summit with an overview of the six panels on a variety of headwaters management and
source water quality topics. The panel topics were: •
Who’s in Charge? Understanding Forest Management in California
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Red Tape Ahead: Evaluating the Impact of Potential Expansions in Clean Water Act Jurisdiction
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SFPUC Upper Tuolumne Watershed Update: Partnership and Innovation
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A Growing Problem: Marijuana Cultivation Impacts on Water Quality and Supply
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Managing Forests for Water Quality: Local Perspectives
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Beneath the Bark: Impacts of Forests Pests on California’s Headwaters
During lunch, Barnie Gyant, deputy regional forester for natural resources, USDA Forest Service, challenged summit participants to change their “mental models” for how they and their organizations work together because the challenges will not be solved and the forests will not be sustainable if agencies become mired in jurisdictional and ownership issues. Deputy Director Gyant stressed that collaboration must come early and often, and involve all stakeholders if the common goal of improved headwaters management is to be achieved. The afternoon sessions focused on two of the challenges to California’s headwaters: forest pests and the increasing number of marijuana grows throughout the state. In Beneath the Bark, Beverly Bulaon,
Central Sierra Shared Service Area entomologist with the Forest Service, and Tom Smith, forest pest management specialist with Cal FIRE, outlined the multitude of native and invasive pests and diseases that adversely affect trees and shrubs in the upper watersheds. A key message from this panel is to buy firewood where it will be burned because one of the main transportation methods for pests and their larvae is through firewood transported over state lines or to a non-native forest. During the session on problems associated with marijuana cultivation, Humboldt County Supervisor Mark Lovelace detailed the impact of marijuana activities on local landscapes and emphasized the need for a statewide framework to effectively regulate marijuana cultivation. In the last panel of the day, ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn moderated a session on the Headwaters Framework featuring Framework Working Group Chair Bob Dean from Calaveras County Water District and Vice Chair Steve LaMar from Irvine Ranch Water District. The two outlined the process ACWA took to develop the Headwaters Policy Principles and what attendees should expect from the upcoming framework document, which will be released later this fall. Questions for the panelists also focused on the 2014 water bond, including what funding may be available for California’s upper watersheds if the voters approved the bond in November. August 22, 2014 • 7
Newswatch
CPUC Orders Investor-Owned Water Companies to Comply with State Water Board’s Emergency Regulations on Urban Water Conservation The California Public Utilities Commission on Aug. 14 voted to order water companies under its jurisdiction to provide direct notice to their customers of the drought-related mandatory outdoor water use restrictions and potential fines adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board in July.
Within 20 days of the CPUC action, the water utilities must provide direct notice to their customers by either posted mail or email of the emergency regulations.
The CPUC is requiring the water companies to publish notices in local newspapers and on their websites within 10 days of the emergency regulations approved by the State Water Board mandating restrictions on outdoor watering. The utilities also must notify customers of the potential fines of up to $500.
The California Water Association (CWA), which represents 115 investorowned water companies regulated by CPUC, issued a statement saying the association applauded the action.
The investor-owned utilities also are required to file water production reports by the 15th of each month to the State Water Board.
“With the state experiencing one of its worst droughts in decades, California’s
investor-owned water companies fully support the Commission, as the governing agency for investor-owned utilities, as well as the State Water Board and the Governor in their collective endeavor to increase water conservation by water providers and their customers,” the association said in a prepared statement. CWA has released a Frequently Asked Questions sheet about how the CPUC resolution and SWRCB emergency regulations affect investor-owned water companies and their customers. It can be accessed at www.calwaterassn.com.
EVMWD Awarded Grant For Community Conservation Project With help from local students and a $36,805 Environmental Solutions grant from Wells Fargo, the Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMBD) will replace four water-guzzling liquid amber trees at district headquarters with an educational garden designed to inspire residential water conservation. The innovative project will showcase drought-tolerant plants and water-saving irrigation methods that can drastically shrink customer water bills. “It’s one thing to urge conservation; it’s another to create a demonstration project that involves hundreds of elementary school students and will be seen by thousands of customers who pay their bills in person at EVMWD headquarters each month,” said Andy Morris, EVMWD president. The garden will be funded by $51,700 from EVMWD and a grant of $36,805 from Environmental Solutions for Communities, a program sponsored by Wells Fargo and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. This summer, EVMWD will remove four liquid amber trees growing near the 8 • ACWA NEWS
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front entrance of its Chaney Street headquarters in Lake Elsinore. The district will then build four concrete planters equipped with drip irrigation systems. In the fall, Lake Elsinore Unified elementary school students will be invited to plant manzanita, Cleveland sage and other drought-tolerant shrubs and flowers in the planters. The new plants will use just 3,120 gallons per year, a 70% reduction from the 10,000+ gallons consumed by the liquid ambers.
(from l to r) EVMWD Board Director Phil Williams, EVMWD Board President Andy Morris, EVMWD Board Director Judy Guglielmana, EVMWD Board Director EVMWD will then hold an Ben Wicke, Lake Elsinore Unified School District Board Member Tom Thomas, Lake Elsinore Unified art contest in which kinderSchool District Superintendent Doug Kimberly, Wells garten through fifth-graders de- Fargo District Manager Sherry Parks and Studio 395 sign posters promoting conser- Executive Director John Larsen.
vation. The top 16 designs will be converted into ceramic tiles and attached to the concrete planters in January 2015, with assistance from a local nonprofit arts organization, Studio 395.
Combined with other community education efforts, including public tours and
articles in EVMWD’s customer newsletter, the program is expected to reach 40,000 customers with the message that “small changes in outdoor landscaping irrigation systems and plant choices can add up to significant water conserved,” officials said.
Save Our Water has produced new tools to educate Californians on the new water conservation prohibitions and regulations set by the State Water Board. The tools join other materials that ask Californians to join the effort and conserve water. Go to saveourh2o.org.
Updated Save Our Water Toolkit Now Available to ACWA Members Save Our Water has unveiled a fully updated toolkit complete with dozens of new tools and art pieces for member agencies to use in communicating with the public. The toolkit was created with members’ needs in mind — all materials are designed to be customized with your organization’s logo and other key information to help spread the word about water conservation. A new feature of the toolkit is direct downloads via Dropbox, meaning that all art files ranging from PDF to JPG to native art files are available with a simple click of the mouse. The Save Our Water
toolkit is available at www.saveourh2o. org/toolkit. The updated toolkit also features special Save Our Water campaigns — including Californians Don’t Waste, Join the Effort, California Without Water and special art designed around the State Water Board regulations issued last month. Other materials available in the toolkit includes infographics and posters, public service announcements, billboards, social media graphics, bill stuffers, postcards, handouts, door hangers, lawn signs, website widgets, buttons and banners,
newsletter articles, and logos. Save Our Water is a statewide brand and it is vital to maintain consistency on the look, feel and general content of information that is sent out by partners. Please take some time to review the Save Our Water Style Guide — a handy tool to help customize materials for specific audiences. We’re constantly updating and designing collateral to help spread the word about water conservation, so be sure to check back frequently for new materials. For more information on Save Our Water go to www.saveourh2o.org.
Demand High for Metropolitan’s Water-Saving Turf Removal Rebates Demand for water-saving rebates and turf removal incentives offered by the Metropolitan Water District rose sharply during the first seven months of 2014. Southern California consumers and businesses rallied behind the district’s conservation call in response to the state’s historic drought. During that time, commercial rebates nearly tripled and residential incentives doubled compared to the similar period last year. The dramatic growth in the dis-
trict’s turf removal rebate program gained significant momentum when Metropolitan doubled the incentive to replace turf from $1 to $2 per square foot. In July alone, requests for residential turf removal rebates amounted to 2.5 million square feet — equivalent to removing 1,665 typical Southland front yards — from 99,000 square feet in January. The upsurge in Southland business requests was even more pronounced, increasing from 22,000 square feet in
January to 4.7 million square feet of turf — equivalent to 82 football fields — in July. “The increased demand for rebates is setting district records,” said Metropolitan General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger. “Our ongoing advertising and outreach campaign is fueling the demand for replacing turf with drought resistant landscaping. We’re really pleased with the response we’re seeing from both residents and businesses. August 22, 2014 • 9
Newswatch
MWDOC Receives Certificate for Outstanding Transparency Efforts The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) was awarded the Transparency Certificate of Excellence for outstanding efforts to promote transparency in local government. The award was presented by the California Special Districts Association at MWDOC’s July 30 Water Policy Forum & Dinner. In 2013, MWDOC launched an Open Government site (www.opengov.mwdoc. com) to provide the public with quick and easy access to district financial records. Documents including board com-
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pensation figures, employee salaries, and annual audit reports are posted in their original form. The mobile-optimized site enables users to easily locate information on any device without having to submit a Public Records Act request. The Platform has improved online access for the public and media while engaging stakeholders in the decision-making process. “The ratepayers we serve have a right to know how their dollars are being spent,” commented Larry D. Dick, MWDOC Board President. “The Open Govern-
ment site makes us accountable to the public for the decisions we make regarding district finances and expenditures. We hope the site will validate ratepayers’ trust that their dollars are being spent in an efficient and cost-conscious manner.” CSDA Director Bill Nelson, who presented MWDOC with the award, commented, “The MWDOC Board and staff are to be commended for their efforts that empower the public with information and facilitate public engagement.”
CALENDAR
ACWA Events
September 9 – 12
The International Water Association is holding a specialists’ conference for water basin science and management Sept. 9 to 12 in San Francisco. More information available at http://iwa2014sanfrancisco. org/. Questions may be directed to Chelsea Spier at 209.946.2595, iwa2014wrbm@gmail.com. ACWA Regions 2 & 4 will jointly host a program on Sept. 18 at the Sacramento Suburban Water District’s Antelope Garden. The half-day program will focus on the effects of climate change on Northern California water storage. Registration available online Aug. 18 at www.acwa.com. Deadline for online registration is Sept. 12. For more information contact ACWA Regional Affairs Representatives Katie Dahl at katied@ acwa.com or 916.441.4545.
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October 6 – 7
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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.
26 – 27
ACWA Region 8, 9, and 10 joint tour and program is Oct. 26-27 in San Diego. Registration will be available Sept. 2. For more information please contact Regional Affairs Representative Katie Dahl at katied@acwa.com
November 6 – 7
Steve Hall Fierce Competitor Golf Tournament is set for Sept. 19 at Darkhorse Golf Club, Auburn. For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@acwa.com or 916.441.4545
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CalDesal 3rd Annual Conference is Oct. 6 – 7 in Monterey. The conference will be attended by desalination industry professionals, CalDesal member agency representatives, local and state/federal agency staff and decision makers, California legislators, nongovernmental organizations and other special guests. For more information contact Ron Davis at rond@ caldesal.org, or by phone at (916) 492-6082. 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.
Other Events
The Water Education Foundation is hosting a tour of the San Joaquin River Restoration on Nov. 6 – 7. Tour stops include Friant Dam, Interim San Joaquin River Salmon Conservation and Research Facility, Chowchilla Bifurcation and Canal, Mendota Pool, Sack Dam, Sand Slough Control Structure, and the Merced National Wildlife Refuge. Participants learn about water project operations, salmon spawning and rearing, flood management, agricultural diversions, and gravel mining impacts. The tour begins and ends in Fresno. For more information go to http://www.watereducation.org/tour/sanjoaquin-river-restoration-tour-2014.
December 2 – 5
ACWA’s 2014 Fall Conference & Exhibition is Dec. 2 – 5 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego. Registration available online at www. acwa.com. Deadline for online registration is Nov. 7. For more information contact ACWA’s Member Services and Events Department at events@ acwa.com or 916.441.4545.
Got an outreach program worth talking about? Enter your agency’s outstanding public relations efforts in ACWA’s Huell Howser Best in Blue Award!
Calling for Entries
The award recognizes outstanding achievements by public water agencies in communicating with customers, legislators, media and the public. The award will be presented at ACWA’s 2014 Fall Conference & Exhibition. Entries must be submitted by Sept. 2. Details and entry forms are at acwa.com.
August 22, 2014 • 11
Fresno Metropolitan District Names New General Manager Alan Hofmann has been named Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District’s (FMFCD) new General Manager. He replaces Bob Van Wyk, who is retiring after a long and successful career with the district. Hofmann has been with FMFCD for 35 years. Prior to becoming the general manager, he managed the Design Department as the Assistant District Engineer for 13 years and had general oversight of capital projects design, development review, technical resources and GIS. Before that position, he spent over 18 years as the Operations Engineer, involved in the construction, operation and maintenance of the district’s storm drainage and flood control system. Hofmann earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from California State University, Fresno in 1979. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in California. Retiring General Manager Bob Van Wyk has been with the FMFCD for 40 years. He started in 1973, was promoted
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to Assistant General Manager in 1979, and was first interim and then permanent General Manager from 2002 until he retired in July. District Engineer Jerry Lakeman also retired in July. He was hired in 1977 and served as District Engineer from 1980 until his retirement in May of this year.
Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District
classifieds
Position Open Assistant General Manager – Water City of Ventura $109,281 to $146,437/year + xlt benefit package. The City of Ventura is looking for someone who is a strategic environmental leader with broad expertise in the many facets of water resources, including water, wastewater, water resources planning, customer care, asset management, energy efficiency and technology. Requires bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, or related field, and five years of progressively responsible experience in business and/or financial management of a public or private utility, including experience supervising professional-level positions. Visit our website at www.cityofventura.jobs to apply on-line by the 9/9/2014 filing deadline. EOE.
Capitol Event Promotes WaterWise Plants, Landscaping Assembly Member Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) joined water conservation experts and others on Aug. 14 to highlight the need for water conservation and the role drought-tolerant plants can play in saving water at home. Gonzalez is the author of AB 2104, which would prohibit homeowners associations from levying fines against homeowners who install drought-resistant plants and landscaping in their yards. About one-fourth of all homeowners in California are members of HOAs and could be fined for installing plants such as the water-wise varieties displayed at the Capitol event. AB 2104 cleared the Legislature on Aug. 18 and is awaiting the governor’s signature. Participants at the Aug. 14 event included Cindy Tuck, ACWA’s deputy executive director for government relations, (far right in photo) and representatives of the UC Davis Arboretum.