ACWANEWS
ACWA’s Member Newsletter • www.acwa.com
What’s Next for State Water Board Emergency Conservation Regulations? As urban water suppliers continue their full-court press on mandatory conservation, the State Water Resources Control Board is turning its focus to potential extension and modification of the emergency conservation regulations set to expire in February 2016. Early November snowstorms are raising hopes that El Niño will bolster the state’s recordlow snowpack. Climatologists warn, however, that temperatures will need to dip lower than last year to support the significant snowpack needed for spring and summer runoff. (Top) A few inches of snow grace outdoor tables at Squaw Valley on Nov. 5. (Bottom) Donner Summit sports a snow cap on Nov. 2. Credit: (top) Squaw Valley – Alpine Meadows. (Bottom) Shelly Tse.
The State Water Board has set a public workshop for Dec. 7 in Sacramento to gather input on what modifications, if any, should be made if the existing regulations need to be extended. The workshop will include presentations on various precipitation scenarios for the coming months, and comments are requested on how the State Water Board should factor in precipitation received after
January 2016 in any extension of the regulations. Written comments are due by noon on Dec. 2. The emergency regulations were adopted in May and require urban water suppliers to meet state-mandated conservation targets ranging from 4% to 36%, compared to 2013 water use. The regulations are aimed at implementing the 25% statewide reduction in water use mandated by Gov. Jerry Brown in his April 1 executive order on drought. State Water Board staff has indicated that a draft regulatory proposal to succeed the existing regulations may be released in mid-December, with CONSERVATION Continued on page 5
ACWA 2015 Fall Conference & Exhibition: “Game Changer” on Tap in Indian Wells ACWA has locked in its program for the 2015 Fall Conference & Exhibition in Indian Wells Dec. 1-4 and will launch the three-day event with a breakfast address titled “Godzilla vs. the Blob: Which Weather Monster Will Win?” The Opening Breakfast address will be delivered by Michael Dettinger, a research hydrologist with the U.S. Geo-
logical Survey National Research Program. Dettinger will discuss predictions about whether California will face a Godzilla of an El Niño this winter or instead have the Blob, a giant pool of warm water off the West Coast, continue to block storms. The question is critical as parched California grapples with its fourth year of drought. Themed “2015: A Game Changer,” the conference will feature more than 80 programs, panel discussions and presentations on key California CONFERENCE Continued on page 11
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November 13, 2015
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As Term Winds Down, ACWA Members are “Game Changers”
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Save Our Water Wraps Up Successful Fall With TV Commercial and Direct Mail
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Senate Committee Hearing Focuses on El Niño Preparedness NOVEMBER 13, 2015 • 1
ACWA News is a publication of the Association of California Water Agencies Periodicals postage paid at Sacramento, CA. POSTMASTER: send address changes and subscription requests to ACWA News, 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3514 Phone: 916.441.4545 Website: acwa.com Executive Director Timothy Quinn Deputy Executive Director of External Affairs & Member Services Jennifer Persike Director of Communications Lisa Lien-Mager Communications Specialist Pamela Martineau Communications Specialist Emily Allshouse Graphic Designer Katherine Causland Outreach and Social Media Specialist Marie Meade Copyright 2015. All Rights Reserved. Call ACWA for Permission to Reprint. USPS 334030
Questions on Classifieds? ACWA public agency members may post job descriptions, RFPs, items for sale and other miscellaneous classified ads in ACWA News and/or online at acwa.com. More information is at acwa.com or contact Director of Communications Lisa Lien-Mager at lisalm@ acwa.com or 916.441.4545.
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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN • JOHN COLEMAN
As Term Winds Down, ACWA Members are “Game Changers” In just a few short weeks, ACWA members from across the state will converge on Indian Wells for the 2015 Fall Conference & Exhibition, themed “2015: A Game Changer.” As the year draws to a close, I’ll also face my own personal game-changer – the end of my term as ACWA president. Barely two weeks into my term in January 2014, Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of drought emergency that focused massive attention on California and the water supplies managed by ACWA member agencies. Over the subsequent months, ACWA and its members mobilized — as we’ve done throughout the history of this association — to respond to rapid-fire developments and provide leadership at a critical time. While the drought brought challenges, it also presented opportunities. With strong direction from ACWA’s Board of Directors, we issued groundbreaking recommendations on groundwater sustainability that helped shape historic legislation signed in September 2014. We also played a role in the successful passage of Proposition 1, capping years of effort by ACWA and its members to craft a responsible water bond. Even as the drought tightened its grip in 2015, we continued our push for comprehensive solutions and issued bold policy recommendations on improving the management of California’s headwaters areas, investing in 21st century water storage and
developing a more effective water market. We also took every opportunity to provide input and policy recommendations to the State Water Resources Control Board as it implemented first-ever mandatory conservation targets for urban water supplies. And throughout this time, ACWA managed a greatly expanded, multimilliondollar public outreach program — Save Our Water — to reach millions of Californians with the conservation message and provide tools and resources to assist ACWA member agencies. I continue to be impressed by the hard work and professional dedication of ACWA members up and down the state. I have enjoyed meeting so many of you during conferences, events, tours and meetings and hearing your unique perspectives and lessoned learned. I’m truly proud to have served as ACWA’s president through some of the most challenging times in recent memory. It has been a privilege to stand before you as ACWA’s president and I look forward to once again standing beside you in 2016. Collectively, we are the ultimate game changer for California water. Together, we can succeed in advancing the comprehensive solutions we need for California’s future.
Save Our Water Wraps Up Successful Fall With TV Commercials and Targeted Direct Mail to Help Californians “Fix It For Good” With $3 million in funding for its late summer and fall “Fix It For Good” public education campaign, Save Our Water produced and aired two television commercials for the first time ever, reaching Californians more than 32 million times. The first television commercial, “Helping Hands,” started airing in early September on ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox networks in six targeted media markets. The spot shows how Californians are working together to save water. It also was prominently featured as part of Save Our Water’s digital media campaign. The second commercial, called “Stepping Up,” shows how Californians are shifting the way they think about and use water after four years of historic drought. “Stepping Up” was particularly well received on digital and social media platforms with a high level of engagement and sharing. In mid-October, the digital portion of the “Fix It For Good” campaign was shifted to further promote the commercial online into November. All ads are available on Save Our Water/ACWA’s Vimeo page: www. vimeo.com/acwa. Also for the first time ever, Save Our Water included targeted direct mail in the “Fix It For Good” campaign. The mailer, featuring indoor and outdoor water saving tips, was mailed to 2.8
million households statewide in high water-use reduction target areas. The mailer also was designed to encourage cost-sharing partnerships with local water agencies. In all, seven agencies partnered on the mailer, which was printed to include the agencies’ logos. The partner mailings reached almost 700,000 households.
Save Our Water Expands 2015 Research by Partnering with Field Poll Save Our Water, which already this year has conducted two statewide surveys, partnered with Field Research Corporation to survey Californians attitudes toward continued water conservation into fall and winter and their willingness to make permanent landscape changes. More than 95% of Californians polled said it was “very” or “somewhat important” for residents across the state to continue to reduce their use of water, both inside and outside their homes. Respondents also were asked how important they think it is for California homeowners to make permanent changes to their outdoor landscaping – whether the state remains in drought or not. More than 85% indicated they thought it was “very” or “somewhat important” to make permanent changes in their outdoor landscaping.
Water Saving Segments with Curiosity Quest Now in PostProduction Earlier this fall, Save Our Water partnered with award winning PBS educational television series “Curiosity Quest,” which “explores the answers to what kids are curious about.” Curiosity Quest is currently in post-production on two interstitial segments targeted to children and their parents. The videos will cover “Preparing your garden to save water” and “What do you do to save water at home?” and are targeted for a mid-November release to PBS stations across California. The segments will also be used on Save Our Water social media channels. Visit Save Our Water at Fall 2015 ACWA Conference in Indian Wells Save Our Water will have a strong presence at the upcoming ACWA Conference in Indian Wells. In addition to a booth in the Exhibit Hall, Save Our Water will present a year-in-review video at the Wednesday morning breakfast. Be sure to visit the booth and speak with the Save Our Water team in person about ways Save Our Water can support your local efforts in 2016.
Reduce shower time to five minutes or less. Install low-flow showerheads.
Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes.
Upgrade to a water- and high-efficiency toilet and clothes washer.
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth, shave, or wash your face.
Helping Hands
Check your household plumbing fixtures to find and repair leaks.
from ACWA 2 months ago
NOVEMBER 13, 2015 • 3
WATER NEWS DIGEST CWC Approves SGMA Regs The California Water Commission on Oct. 21 approved the California Department of Water Resources’ emergency regulations for modifying groundwater basin and subbasin boundaries. The regulations are expected to take effect Jan. 1, 2016, as required by the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. More information about the basin boundary regulations is available at www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/ basin_boundaries.cfm.
ACWA and Ag Groups Support Western Drought Bill ACWA and more than 100 agriculturerelated associations in the West sent Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Committee leaders a letter Oct. 27 urging passage of compromise legislation to bring drought relief to the Western States. The letter asks committee members to “put aside partisan differences and work together to produce compromise legislation that can be passed by both the Senate and the House, and signed into law by the president this year.”
Congress Votes to Extend Train System Change The U.S. Senate on Oct. 28 passed a short-term highway transportation bill that will extend the deadline for railroads to install the automated train navigation system known as positive train control (PTC). The bill will move the deadline back by a minimum of
three years, to the end of 2018. Many ACWA members have been concerned that railroads unable to implement PTC by Jan. 1 would decide to curtail shipments of vitally important water treatment chemicals.
Regulatory Summit Presentations Available Online PowerPoint presentations from ACWA’s 2015 Regulatory Summit, “Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA): One Year Later,” are now available online at www.acwa.com/ content/RS15-presentations. The one-day summit, held Oct. 14 in Ontario, featured presentations from local and state officials.
Senate Committee Hearing Focuses on El Niño Preparedness The California Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee held a special hearing in Van Nuys Oct. 28 to examine flood preparedness in Southern California in the event of flooding from El Niño.
between four years of drought and the impending predicted El Niño, California is experiencing “weather and climate whiplash.” Patzert added that preparedness will “essentially deaden the blow from El Niño.”
The hearing, titled “Flood Management: Are We Ready for El Niño?,” featured weather experts and government officials who described preparations for expected floods. Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills, lead the meeting as chair of the committee.
Patzert also said that California is 2.5 degrees warmer than in decades past. That warmth means that in the future “we’re going to be less dependent on snowpack and more dependent on local stormwater capture.”
Pavley opened the hearing by saying that the threat of this winter’s huge El Niño shows “the impacts of climate change with more intensive weather patterns.” William Patzert, a climatologist with the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, testified to committee members that
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Officials with the California Department of Water Resources later detailed some of the flood preparations that the department is spearheading in advance of El Niño. DWR is working to train 1,200 people in flood fighting. It also is purchasing resources such as sand bags to be ready to go in the event of flooding.
Officials with the City of Los Angeles also discussed flood preparedness and indicated that more information on El Niño and the city is available at www. lamayor.org/elnino. RESOURCE Committee hearing telecast: senate. ca.gov/externalvideos
CONSERVATION Continued from page 1
workshops in early January and possible action by the State Water Board at its Jan. 19 meeting. ACWA members can get the latest developments and ask questions about the emergency regulations during a town hall session with State Water Board Chair Felicia Marcus on Dec. 3 at the ACWA 2015 Fall Conference & Exhibition in Indian Wells. The session is set for 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Work Group Process Underway ACWA and several member agencies have been participating in informal work group meetings convened by the State Water Board staff. After several participants expressed concern about the purpose and scope of the process, State Water Board members directed staff to focus solely on the types of changes that should be considered if drought conditions continue and the emergency regulations need to be extended in 2016. However, the State Water Board continues to signal its intent to pursue permanent changes to water conservation regulations as well. The Oct. 26 work group meeting featured four presentations by ad hoc water agency groups laying out independent but complementary proposals to address the following: 1) climate, growth and recycled water adjustments; 2) credit for desalination and potable reuse as drought-proof supplies; 3) credit for groundwater as a reserve water supply; and 4) an option
for regional compliance. State Water Board staff made no commitments but asked whether adjustments and credits for some agencies should be balanced with increased targets for other agencies to ensure that the state could continue to meet the overall 25% statewide water use reduction goal.
65% of the total goal of saving 1.2 million acre-feet by February 2016. Despite summer temperatures that were among the hottest on record, conservation efforts have continued to exceed the statewide target, although September’s numbers reflected a decrease from August’s 27% conservation level.
Another work group meeting is set for Nov. 13. Agendas and materials related to the work groups are available on ACWA’s website at www.acwa.com/ content/urban-water-conservation.
Most urban water suppliers (72%) met or were within 1% of their conservation target in September, while 52 suppliers (13%) fell short of their target by 1% to 5%. Forty-nine suppliers (13%) were between 5% and 15% short of meeting their target, while six water suppliers (2%) were more than 15% away from meeting their target.
ACWA Special Projects Manager Dave Bolland has convened several water agency caucus webinars to date to brief member agencies on the work group process and next steps. ACWA members can direct questions to daveb@acwa.com.
June-September Conservation Exceeds Mandates According to numbers released in late October, Californians reduced water use by an average of 26.1% statewide in September, bringing total cumulative savings for June through September to 28.1% over 2013 levels. It marked the fourth consecutive month that Californians have exceeded the 25% mandate laid out in the emergency regulations adopted by the State Water Board in May. Statewide cumulative water savings from June through September total 777,739 acre-feet, which represents
Penalties Imposed on Four Water Suppliers Also in late October, the State Water Board announced it had issued enforcement actions against four urban water suppliers that “have consistently failed to meet their water conservation goals.” The suppliers are the City of Beverly Hills, the City of Indio, the City of Redlands and the Coachella Valley Water District. The State Water Board issued a civil liability complaint and a $61,000 penalty for each of the suppliers for failing to meet their state-mandated conservation target. The penalties are based on the State Water Board’s authority to fine suppliers up to $500 per day for violations of the emergency conservation regulations.
Urban Water Suppliers Meeting September 2015 Water Conservation Target 72%
Met or were within 1% of conservation target
13%
Fell short of target by 1%-5%
13%
Fell short of target by 5%-15%
2%
Fell short of target by more than 15%
NOVEMBER 13, 2015 • 5
Region 9 Examines Local Drought Response From All Angles By Region 9 Chair Harvey Ryan More than 70 ACWA members gathered Sept. 18 at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency in Chino for a one-day Region 9 program titled, “The Heat is On! Managing the Drought.” The event opened with ACWA Region 9 Vice Chair Craig Ewing welcoming the attendees and giving an overview of the day. The program portion of the event began with a panel discussion titled “Conservation in the Inland Empire” moderated by ACWA Vice President Kathy Tiegs. Attendees also heard from Palm Springs Director of Public Works Marcus Fuller about the city’s efforts to reduce water usage, including desert landscape conversion of 17 acres of turf
at city parks. San Bernardino Unified School District Maintenance and Operations Director Ed Norton talked about the school district’s partnerships with local water agencies to install weather-based irrigation controllers to reduce water usage while still maintaining areas for students to enjoy outdoor activities. Rancho La Quinta Country Club Director of Golf Course Operations Director Stu Rowland described the water conservation efforts used in the golf industry, including reducing turf in non-essential areas as well as upgrades in watering technology. After a brief break for lunch, Jennifer Persike, ACWA deputy executive director for external affairs and members services, gave a presentation on key water policy issues in 2015 including the drought, headwaters, storage, water transfers and Chromium 6.
Panelists discuss new development and drought during a Region 9 event in Chino on Sept. 18. (l-r) City of Coachella’s David Garcia, EMWD’s Charles Bachmann, Joseph Brady with The Bradco Companies and Camille Bahri of Sunland Communities.
ACWA IS
thankful Happy Thanksgiving
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The next panel — “Development During a Drought” — was moderated by Inland Empire Utilities Agency General Manager
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Joe Grindstaff. City of Coachella City Manager David Garcia discussed the LA Entrada development that will include water efficient landscaping, no common area water features and purple piping among its conservation efforts. Eastern Municipal Water District Assistant General Manager of Planning, Engineering and Construction Charles Bachmann talked about how EMWD deals with water supply assessments including a three year expiration date and landscaping efficiency requirements. The Bradco Companies President Joseph Brady spoke about the leadership of the Mojave Water Agency in conservation and the challenges that developers face including differing city rules, as well as the state’s onesize-fits-all approach to conservation. Sunland Communities, LLC President Camille Bahri wrapped up the panel with a presentation on his Mediterra at East Highlands development that includes less ornamental lawn area and a community pool to reduce the need for individual pools. I want to thank Inland Empire Utilities Agency for hosting our event. For those who were not able to attend, the event materials are available on ACWA’s website www.acwa.com. The Region 9 membership will meet at ACWA’s Fall Conference in Indian Wells. I hope to see you there! .
FOR MEMBERS LIKE YOU!
Region 4 Focuses on Regional Cooperation in Water Management By Region 4 Chair Mike Hardesty Region 4 hosted an event on Oct. 9 in Woodland titled, “Achieving Solutions through Regional Cooperation.” The program and tour highlighted several examples of regional cooperation that resulted in water management solutions. Members first gathered at the Woodland Community Center in Woodland. Bill Marble, vice chair, WoodlandDavis Clean Water Agency and City of Woodland Mayor Pro Tempore welcomed us to Woodland and remarked how proud he is of the collaboration between the City of Woodland and City of Davis and the resulting DavisWoodland Clean Water Project. ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn kicked off the presentations with an update on activities and initiatives that ACWA has been working on. Then, we handed the program over to ACWA President John Coleman to moderate the panel discussion, “Examples of Regional Cooperation.” Included on the panel were Modesto Irrigation District Irrigation Operations Manager John Davids, Solano County Water Agency District Engineer Thomas Pate, and Woodland-Davis Clean Water Agency General Manager Dennis Diemer. Each panelist shared how his agency worked with
surrounding agencies or cities to achieve mutually beneficial water management issues. Presentations and materials from this discussion are available online at www.acwa.com. Diemer wrapped up the panel discussion with his presentation on how the cities of Woodland and Davis worked to build a sustainable water future in Yolo County. He also provided the background and context for the afternoon tour. Attendees then boarded a bus to visit the construction site of the DavisWoodland Clean Water Project Treatment Facility, and the Joint Intake and Fish Screen Project site. The Joint Intake and Fish Screen Project is being constructed by Reclamation District 2035 for use by both the Reclamation District 2035 and Woodland-Davis Clean Water Agency. I’d like to extend a special thank you to the Woodland-Davis Clean Water Agency for its help to facilitate this event. I would also like to thank our sponsors – West Yost & Associates and CH2MHill. Sponsor support plays an important role in facilitating opportunities locally for agencies to come together and learn from each other.
(Top) ACWA members tour the DavisWoodland Clean Water Project Treatment Facility during the Region 4 event on Oct. 9. The event focused on regional water management cooperation. (Bottom) Region 4 Chair Mike Hardesty addresses attendees during the Region 4 program, “Achieving Solutions Through Regional Cooperation.”
For information about upcoming Region 4 activities, please visit www. acwa.com.
Governor Declares Emergency to Protect Against Tree Die-Off Citing the worst epidemic of tree mortality in modern history, Gov. Jerry Brown on Oct. 30 declared a state of emergency and requested federal action to protect against unprecedented tree die-off.
Tom Vilsack. “Tree mortality across California’s forests is putting lives and critical infrastructure at risk – greatly increasing already dangerous wildfire conditions and exacerbating threats posed by falling trees.”
“Four years of drought and resulting native bark beetle infestation have killed millions of trees on federal, state and private land, and millions more trees are currently dying,” Brown wrote in a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary
The letter requests several actions by federal agencies to reduce risks, including providing funding to augment state resources, deploying more technical assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service to assist private
land owners, and redirecting U.S. Forest Service funds to remove trees on federal lands adjacent to communities. The emergency proclamation directs state and local agencies to remove dead or dying trees in high-hazard zones that threaten power lines, roads and other infrastructure and structures. RESOURCE Proclamation: www.gov.ca.gov/ docs/10.30.15_Tree_Mortality_State_ of_Emergency.pdf
NOVEMBER 13, 2015 • 7
SPOTLIGHT
Water Replenishment District of Southern California: 56 Years of Protecting Groundwater Resources DISTRICT
FACTS
Location Lakewood, Los Angeles County Service Area The district manages the Central and West Coast Groundwater Basins. In WRD’s 420 square-mile service area, groundwater provides about 40% of the total demand for water for 4.3 million residents. Established 1959 Water Sources Groundwater, recycled water, stormwater capture, and imported water from the Colorado River and Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta Notable Projects • Leo J. Vander Lans Advanced Water Treatment Facility expansion
As one of California’s largest groundwater agencies and one formed with the express purpose of protecting groundwater resources, the Water Replenishment District of Southern California is no stranger to the challenges currently facing water districts statewide following the passage of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014. From its very inception in 1959, WRD has replenished and protected groundwater for basins covered by one of the first adjudicated groundwater agreements in the state. Because pumpers in the district are allowed to remove more water each year than is naturally replenished, WRD’s mission of sustainably managing groundwater resources is absolutely critical. “We have spent the past 55-plus years successfully maintaining the groundwater basins and developing new ways to optimize them by maximizing our use of local supplies through the use of recycled water, stormwater capture, and conservation,” said WRD Board President Sergio Calderon. To keep its basins from being depleted, WRD uses local supplies and imported water for replenishment of its 420-squaremile service area. The district’s groundwater provides drinking water for 43 Southern California cities that are home to roughly 4.3 million people – or about 10% of the state’s population.
With its 30-member staff, WRD has tackled important challenges. For the past 10 years, under its Water Independence Now (WIN) initiative, the district has been working to completely eliminate its dependence on imported water. “WRD’s Water Independence Now program is a suite of projects and programs designed to work together to make the Central and West Coast Groundwater Basins 100% locally sustainable. WIN includes the increased use of recycled water, optimized stormwater capture, and advanced water treatment facilities,” said WRD General Manager Robb Whitaker. As part of the WIN initiative, the district in 2014 completed an expansion of the Leo J. Vander Lans Advanced Water Treatment Facility. Since 2005, the district has injected recycled water from the facility into the Alamitos Barrier to fight seawater intrusion in the Central Basin. The expansion project boosted the plant’s recycled water production from 3 million gallons per day to 8 mgd and improved its water efficiency by 15%. What’s more, the plant now provides 100% of the water needed to combat seawater intrusion in the Alamitos Barrier, which has translated to a reduction in imported water purchases of 3,000 acre-feet per year.
• Groundwater Reliability Improvement Project (GRIP) Website www.wrd.org
Unveiled at a ceremony on Nov. 3 celebrating the completed design, this architectural rendering illustrates the district’s vision for its new GRIP advanced water treatment facility.
Although the district reduced its reliance on imported water with its water treatment facility expansion, WRD still purchases about 21,000 acre-feet per year to meet its needs. But thanks to WRD’s new Groundwater Reliability Improvement Project, known as GRIP, that will be soon be changing. GRIP is expected to replace 21,000 acre-feet of imported water purchased by the district annually for groundwater replenishment with locally recycled water. The ambitious project has earned the support of close to 40 stakeholders including strong support from the Long Beach Board of Water Commissioners. “The cornerstone of WIN is our Groundwater Reliability Improvement Project, with its future advanced water treatment facility. When completed in 2018, the GRIP Advanced Water Treatment Facility will give us true independence from reliance on water imported from the Bay Delta and the Colorado River. Our innovative WIN program and its components will allow us to drought-proof the Central and West Coast Groundwater Basins now and well into the future,” said Whitaker. Over the summer, the GRIP project moved forward at a strong pace. In June, the project’s final environmental impact report was completed. In July, the district’s board of directors selected a final design for the facility and in August the district purchased a fiveacre plot in Pico Rivera to house the facility. WRD staff also met with local residents to discuss the project and plans for the
facility. According to Senior Public Affairs Representative Tracey Burke, those plans include offering onsite garden, educational opportunities, tours, and recycling more than just water. The district plans to “deconstruct and repurpose” or recycle materials from buildings already on the project site as it constructs the new facility. “In addition to providing billions of gallons of locally purified water each year, this facility will transform an ugly, industrial site into an attractive and useful neighbor. We sought and received extensive community input on the aesthetics and amenities of the facility and will be incorporating much of that into the final design,” Burke said. Coinciding with the district’s 56th anniversary this month, WRD held an official unveiling of the final architectural renderings for the GRIP facility during a public ceremony on the project’s site on Nov. 3. The ceremony was attended by close to 200 elected officials, water professionals, groundwater pumpers and members of the public and was covered by local news outlets. California Assembly Speaker-designate Anthony Rendon (DLakewood) keynoted the event, praising the district for its GRIP project and initiative toward “drought-proofing” the region. With the final design in place, WRD and GRIP supporters now await the project’s groundbreaking in 2016 and the realization of the district’s WIN initiative when the facility becomes operational in late 2018.
(Left) This aerial view shows the completed expansion of WRD’s Leo J. Vander Lans Advanced Water Treatment Facility. WRD completed the expansion project in November 2014. (Right) Pico Rivera area residents participate in a community workshop June 6 to discuss plans for the GRIP facility.
“The GRIP Advanced Water Treatment Facility will give us true independence from reliance on water imported from the Bay Delta and the Colorado River.” — Robb Whitaker, WRD general manager NOVEMBER 13, 2015 • 9
ACWA Officer Elections, Approval of Bylaws Amendments Set for General Session at Fall Conference & Exhibition in Indian Wells Elections for ACWA president and vice president for the 2016-’17 term are set for Dec. 2 at ACWA’s 2015 Fall Conference & Exhibition in Indian Wells. The ACWA Nominating Committee announced a slate that recommends current ACWA Vice President Kathleen Tiegs for ACWA president and ACWA Region 2 Board Member Brent Hastey for ACWA vice president. The vote will take place during the General Session Membership Meeting immediately following the luncheon program. The session is expected to begin at 1 p.m. As provided by ACWA’s bylaws, nominations from the floor will be accepted prior to the vote. Nominations and seconds must be supported by resolutions from the board of directors of the agency offering and seconding the nomination. Following the elections for president and vice president, ACWA members will be asked to vote on proposed amendments to ACWA’s bylaws.
About the Nominees Kathleen Tiegs has served on the Cucamonga Valley Water District Board of Directors since 2005. Prior to her board service, she enjoyed a career in water resource management for a local wholesale water agency for over 30 years. Tiegs was elected vice president of ACWA in December 2013 after serving a two-year term as vice chair of the Federal Affairs Committee. She has served on the ACWA Local Government Committee as well as its Region 9 Board of Directors. She also currently serves on the California Special Districts Association Board of Directors and the ACWA/JPIA Board of Directors. 10 • ACWANEWS
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Brent Hastey has served on the ACWA Region 2 Board since February 2015. He is a member of the Yuba County Water Agency Board of Directors and a former member of the Yuba County Board of Supervisors, Yuba County LAFCO, Regional Council of Rural Counties, Board of Reclamation District 784 and the Sacramento Area Council of Governments.
Proposed Bylaws Amendments Following the election of officers, ACWA members will be asked to vote on proposed amendments to the association’s bylaws. The amendments are intended to update the association’s bylaws to be consistent with state law and align with recent organizational changes. The proposed bylaws have been reviewed by a work group of the ACWA Legal Affairs Committee and address the following issues: Consistency with the updated ACWA Board Policy Manual •
Consistency with California nonprofit corporation law requirements
•
Consistency with business practices following the 2012 reorganization
•
Clarification of roles and responsibilities
•
Clarification of election procedures for ACWA’s Board officers
•
Other minor clean-up items.
The proposed amendments and related instructions are available at www.acwa. com/general_session_info.
How to Participate ACWA members are asked to designate a voting delegate to participate in the officer elections and the vote on bylaws. The voting delegate must sign in and pick up a proxy card between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 2. Upon registration and sign-in, the voting delegate will receive a proxy card to use in voting. Proxy cards may be picked up at the General Session Desk in the alcove area outside of the Crystal Ballroom, Renaissance Indian Wells. To expedite the sign-in process at the General Session Desk, ACWA members are encouraged to indicate their voting delegate on the proxy form and return it by email to ACWA’s Executive Assistant/ Clerk of the Board, Donna Pangborn (donnap@acwa.com) or fax (916) 5542350, as soon as possible.
Thanks to Associates That Support ACWA’s Sponsorship Program Thank you sponsors! Because of your generosity, ACWA’s membership wins by being able to attend high-quality, educational and timely events at reasonable prices. The information ACWA members
take home from these events is specific to their needs, which ultimately enables high-quality water to be delivered to California’s cities, farms and businesses. And this is good for all Californians.
For more information on how your organization can be a sponsor contact Jacob Rowe at jacobr@acwa.com.
EXCLUSIVE PARTNER
DIAMOND SPONSORS
ACWA/JPIA
Black & Veatch
CH2MHill
Mesa Water District
GOLD SPONSORS
ARCADIS US, Inc Bank of America Merrill Lynch Bartle Wells Associates Best Best & Krieger Brown and Caldwell Bryron-Bethany Irrigation District
California Water Political Action Committee Carollo Engineers Coachella Valley Water District Cucamonga Valley Water District DeLoach & Associates, Inc. HDR Engineering, Inc.
Krieger & Stewart Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard Metropolitan Water District of Southern California NBS Nossaman LLP Parsons
RMC Water and Environment Santa Clara Valley Water District Southern California Edison SunEdison Todd Groundwater
BRONZE SPONSORS Advanced Microgrid Solutions Cardno CST Industries El Dorado Irrigation District Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District HydroMetrics Water Resources Inc.
Kennedy/Jenks Consultants Kleinfelder Michael Baker International Mojave Water Agency Orange County Water District Reed Government Relations
Ron Davis Advocacy Sage Engineers, Inc. San Juan Water District Sanexen Environmental Services, Inc. – Aqua Pipe Smart Utility Systems SolarCity
Three Valleys Water District Vallecitos Water District Vali Cooper & Associates, Inc. Western Municipal Water District
SILVER SPONSORS
CONFERENCE Continued from page 1
water issues. Topics will include the ongoing drought, groundwater, Colorado River issues, water infrastructure financing, water storage, what’s next for emergency conservation regulations, local government issues and more. Former U.S. Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt and California Natural Resources Secretary John Laird are
among the high-level speakers set to deliver keynote addresses at the conference. Babbitt, a former governor of Arizona who served as Interior secretary from 1993 to 2001, will provide perspective on water issues and the environment at the luncheon program on Thursday, Dec. 3.
Laird is slated to provide an overview and update on the California Water Action Plan at the luncheon program on Wednesday. The CWAP is the Brown Administration’s comprehensive statewide water plan that provides a roadmap for a more resilient water future. Visit www.acwa.com to register and get additional program information.
NOVEMBER 13, 2015 • 11
Member News
East Valley WD Honored with Spirit of Public Service Award East Valley Water District garnered a 2015 Spotlight on Excellence Award from the Public Employees Retirement System at an educational forum in San Jose on Oct. 26.
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Encouraging water efficiency while maintaining a fair and equitable structure with the implementation of a budget-based rate billing program;
Each year, CalPERS recognizes only one recipient among its 3,100 member agencies to receive the Spotlight on Excellence award. Nominees must exhibit the spirit of what it means to be of service to the public, have a proven record of building community success, and serve as a model that other agencies can follow.
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Expanding a surface water treatment plant;
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Pledging commitment to leadership, partnership and stewardship; and
EVWD was selected for the award based on its work in maintaining the district during the drought, specifically in the areas of:
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Understanding the need to educate the community on the efforts involved in maintaining a reliable water system.
“Our customers have an increased sense of trust that their drinking water supply is protected by an organization
EVWD General Manager/CEO John Mura receives the 2015 CalPERS Spotlight on Excellence Award on behalf of the district.
committed to the overall enhancement and protection of their quality of life. This award exemplifies that commitment,” said John Mura, East Valley general manager and CEO.
Inland Empire Utilities Agency Takes on “Water-Energy Nexus” The Inland Empire Utilities Agency on Nov. 9 announced the launch of a water-energy project that uses an advanced energy storage system to integrate solar, wind, biogas and grid resources in order to optimize renewable generation, reduce demand on the electric grid and lower energy costs. As part of the project, IEUA will install approximately 3.5 megawatts of advanced energy storage systems at its regional water-recycling facilities and
IEUA’s solar panels, located at three of the Agency’s recycled water facilities and IERCF, generate 3.5 MW of clean solar power and reduce electrical costs at its facilities.
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pump stations in Southern California. The agency signed an agreement with San Francisco-based Advanced Microgrid Solutions to design, install and manage the project. The energy storage systems will range in size from 150 kilowatts to 1,250 kilowatts and will be customdesigned to optimize IEUA’s on-site generation including solar, wind and biogas resources. The batteries will store excess renewable energy and use stored energy to power facilities when demand on the electric grid is high. The energy storage systems also will provide an added layer of protection against outages and enhance the agency’s ability to share the benefits of renewable resources between facilities. “We are proud of our investments in energy efficiency, renewable generation and sustainable water management practices,” said IEUA Board President Terry Catlin. “Energy storage is the key to maximizing the value of those investments, allowing us to use our resources more efficiently, reduce costs
for our customers and participate in building a more resilient electric grid for the whole region.” Susan Kennedy, CEO of AMS, applauded IEUA’s leadership. “IEUA’s leadership when it comes to technology and water management is recognized across the whole industry,” said Kennedy. “Tackling the waterenergy nexus head on takes that leadership to a whole new level. This groundbreaking project is designed to optimize energy resources in the management, treatment and distribution of water while enhancing the reliability and resiliency of both the electric grid and water management systems.” Integrating IEUA’s on-site renewable energy resources will reduce its peak demand from the grid by as much as 14% and reduce total energy costs by 5% to 10%, the agency estimates. AMS will use “Powerpack” commercial battery systems procured from technology leader, Tesla Energy, for the IEUA project.
GCID to Make Water Available for Rice Decomposition, Habitat The Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District on Oct. 27 received approval from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to conduct a fall water program to provide 24,370 acre-feet of water for rice decomposition and to create habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds within its service area. The district is coordinating with the Bureau and conservation groups to optimize the benefits of the program. “This fall water program will assist GCID in carrying out its commitment to preserving and protecting vital wildlife habitat in the region,” said GCID
General Manager Thad Bettner. Under the program, GCID will distribute water to approved district landowners and water users. The water diversions, which began Nov. 1, will continue until Dec. 10. Per Term 91 restrictions imposed by the State Water Resources Control Board, once the 24,370 acre-foot water supply is used, GCID will not be able to divert any more water from the Sacramento River unless there is significant rainfall. If the State Water Board lifts Term 91 restrictions, GCID will continue to provide water until Jan. 7, 2016.
The memo sent to GCID landowners and water users with additional information on the fall water program is available at www.gcid.net.
ACWA Regulatory Summit Explores Progress on SGMA One Year After Enactment ACWA’s 2015 Regulatory Summit — titled “Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: One Year Later” — attracted more than 130 attendees from around the state Oct. 14. Participants gathered to take stock after the first full year of implementing SGMA and to look ahead to the near-term and longer-term challenges on the horizon. The event was held at the Doubletree Hotel in Ontario. Kathy Tiegs, ACWA vice president, opened the conference by acknowledging the work that has been done around the state on groundwater management, while noting that this conference would be focusing on the center of the state. The overarching themes throughout the day were the need for cooperation and collaboration among public entities, counties, cities and private well owners, with some direction from the state, but allowing for ample local freedom to make decisions. Speakers from leading groundwater management agencies and other local governments, state regulators, policy leaders and technical experts provided presentations in backto-back sessions on formation of
Groundwater Sustainability Agencies, SGMA implementing regulations, data management considerations, coordination with land use planning processes, new legislation and funding sources. Several speakers talked about how the new partnerships and alliances that need to be formed may require new paradigms to be constructed, such as land use planning that incorporates land use designation for groundwater recharge, and public-private partnerships that are transparent while also being sensitive to the privacy of proprietary information. Others highlighted how the state will need to provide additional specific information that will assist local decision-makers while avoiding becoming overly prescriptive. Some speakers said that groundwater management will need to be adaptive, as decisions should be informed by data, although data that currently exists varies in quantity and quality. As partnerships are formed and more data is gathered, they said, basin boundaries and management decisions will need to be revised. Data also will need to be gathered in a format that will enable
ACWA Vice President Kathy Tiegs (left) introduces an afternoon panel on coordination of groundwater and land use management activities during the Oct. 14 Regulatory Summit. Panelists are: (l-r after Tiegs) Kirby Brill, general manager, Mojave Water Agency; Pete Parkinson, former director of Sonoma County Permit Resource Management Department and president-elect of California Chapter of the American Planning Association; and Bob Page, principal management analyst with San Bernardino County.
its use for management decisions. All of this costs money so new funding mechanisms may need to be created, some speakers said. David Orth, commissioner with the California Water Commission, addressed the attendees during lunch and provided background on the decades-long developments that led to adoption of SGMA. Presentations from the summit are available at www.acwa.com/content/ RS15-presentations. NOVEMBER 13, 2015 • 13
People News Plumlee Hired as Director of Research and Development at OCWD The Orange County Water District on Oct. 19 announced Dr. Megan Plumlee as the district’s new director of research and development. Plumlee holds doctorate and master’s degrees in environmental engineering from Stanford University, is a registered professional engineer, and has worked on various water-related projects for municipal and industrial clients.
Martinez Joins East Valley Water District as Assistant GM East Valley Water District on Oct. 16 announced the addition of Jose Martinez to the district as assistant general manager. Martinez has more than 20 years of experience in water, including service to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, where he began his career, and most recently as the administrative services manager at Walnut Valley Water District. He also is a part time instructor at Citrus College teaching courses related to water conservation and water resources.
The district’s R&D department is responsible for physical, chemical and biological research to support and enhance the district’s operations, including recycled water treatment and groundwater recharge. “We are honored Dr. Plumlee joined the OCWD family and we look forward to her advancing the district’s tradition of research and innovation,” said OCWD President Cathy Green in a statement.
“My experience lends itself to the district’s commitment to giving back to the community and balancing the delivery of reliable water and sewer services through conservation and education efforts,” Martinez said in a statement announcing his new position. As assistant general manager, Martinez will assist EVWD General Manager/CEO John Mura in implementing EVWD goals and programs, overseeing departmental work plans, recommending improvements to the district’s water and sewer systems and ensuring cost effective operations.
OBITUARY
King Moon, Longtime Presence in California Water, Passes
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Laura King Moon, a longtime presence in California’s water community, died Oct. 27 following a long battle with cancer. She was 62.
the East Bay Municipal Utility District. She also previously served as director of strategic planning at the San Luis Delta-Mendota Water Authority.
Moon served most recently as chief deputy director of the California Department of Water Resources. She previously served as project manager at DWR for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, and earlier, as assistant general manager of the State Water Contractors. Moon’s previous positions included working as senior staff scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council and as an environmental affairs officer at
Moon was a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, receiving both her undergraduate and graduate degrees there. She lived in Woodland with her husband Greg Moon.
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DWR Director Mark Cowin said in a memo to staff following Moon’s death that she will be remembered by all who worked with her as someone who was “always willing to listen and to provide wise counsel.” .
October Feedback
How is your agency preparing for potential flood emergencies when heavy rains return? Here are excerpts from replies sent to acwanews@acwa.com.
Castaic Lake Water Agency – “In preparation for potential heavy rains and flooding, the agency has cleaned out all catch basins and water drainage courses, installed additional erosion protection at particularly vulnerable locations throughout our distribution system, and stockpiled materials such as sand bags, plastic sheeting, etc. that may be needed during flood events...We are also providing additional training for our treatment plant operators to deal with significantly higher turbidity levels expected from large rain events (all the surface water we treat is from Castaic Lake, which is the terminus of the West Branch of the California Aqueduct).” — Dan Masnada, General Manager Monterey Peninsula Water Management District – “While flood control is primarily the county’s responsibility, we have undertaken vegetation management in the Carmel River watershed in advance of anticipated wet weather. We have also ensured funding of our drought/flood reserve so that we can undertake remedial restoration activities if necessary after the fact.” — Dave Stoldt, General Manager
Send us your feedback!
How can ACWA provide more value to its members through events and member services? Email your answer to acwanews@acwa.com by Dec. 7, 2015. Please put in subject line “Feedback November 2015.”
PRIME DOWNTOWN LOCATION Suite available in Sacramento, one block from the State Capital (910 K St.). • Move-in ready office space – suite 350 – 868 sq. ft. • Immediate access to I-5 and I-80 • 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
OFFICE FOR LEASE
EMPLOYMENT Controller Westside District Water Authority $85,000 – $97,000 annually, DOE Westside District Water Authority is seeking applicants for the position of Controller to assume all financial responsibilities for a multi-entitied three-District water operation, with offices located in Bakersfield, CA, and covering western Kern County farmlands. The Position: The ideal candidate will be an experienced professional who performs a variety of non-routine and professional level financial duties in support of departmental and District wide activities; oversees and performs complex professional accounting, investing, budgetary, statistical and operational analyses and payroll and reporting functions for the District; recommends action and assists in formulating accounting policy, procedure and work flow designs, and other duties as assigned. The Controller reports directly to the Managers. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or closely related field; a Master’s degree and/or CPA designation highly desirable; ten (10) years of accounting or finance experience; and five (5) years of professional management level experience preferably in governmental fund accounting. A valid California driver’s license and current automobile insurance is also required. Benefits: Pension Plan includes District contribution of 5% with additional 5% match of employee contributions to Deferred Compensation Plan; 10 days of paid vacation per year, up to a maximum of 20 days per year; 8 days of sick leave per year; 10 paid holidays per year; Medical insurance (choice of HMO or PPO) and Dental insurance paid 100% for employee and 85% for dependents; Life and Vision insurance paid 100% by District for employee and dependents; education reimbursement. Filing Date: For additional detailed job duties and required knowledge of position, please see District website at: www.Lhwd. org/ContactUs/EmploymentOpportunities. Completed District application as well as your resume are required. Applications will be accepted until Friday, November 20, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. Please send to: Westside District Water Authority, Attn: Mary King, 1405 Commercial Way, Suite #125, Bakersfield, CA 93309, or email to: mking@Lhwd.org.
NOVEMBER 13, 2015 • 15
MOST CLICKED Here are some of the latest mostclicked stories on ACWA’s website, www.acwa.com. Be sure to subscribe to ACWA’s eNews to get the latest news in your email box each week. See www.acwa.com/newsletters/ ACWA-eNews for more.
Periodicals Postage PAID Sacramento, CA
Association of California Water Agencies 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3577
Time Valued Material
PBS News Hour Explores Water Storage, Features ACWA’s Timothy Quinn — 11/04/2015 ACWA and Ag Groups Send Letter Urging Passage of Western Drought Bill — 11/02/2015
UPCOMING EVENTS
Statewide Conservation Exceeds Target for Fourth Consecutive Month — 10/30/2015
VISIT ACWA.COM FOR COMPLETE LISTING 31
Senate Committee Hearing Focuses on El Niño Preparedness — 10/28/2015 California Water Commission Approves SGMA Basin Boundary Emergency Regulations — 10/21/2015
TWITTER CHATTER
DECEMBER 2015 1 – 4
JANUARY 2016 25 – 26
WaterSmart @GetWaterSmart • Nov. 2 | Big #water users, take note: DWP is considering outing you ACWA @ACWAWater • N ov 2 | Calling it “worst epidemic of tree mortality in modern history,” Gov. declares Tree Die-Off Emergency
23 – 25
Eric L. Garner @bbkericgarner • O ct. 23 | #ElNino may be coming… but @WehoCity warns we must still conserve #cawater ACWA @ACWAWater • Oct 20 | Californians Must Prepare for Winter Floods While Still Conserving Water
ACWA DC2016 Conference will be held at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. More details to come.
MARCH 2016
MAY 2016 3 – 6
SNC @CAsWatershed • Oct 28 | CA SNC Retweeted CA – DWR Sierra watersheds continue to be in a critical state. What’s being done?
California Irrigation Institute is holding its 54th annual meeting, California’s New Water Realities: Solving the Puzzle, at the Hilton Arden-West, Sacramento. For more information, please visit the Institute website at www.caii.org.
FEBRUARY 2016
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The Sacramento Bee @sacbee_news • Oct. 28 | LA Aqueduct flows after dam built for drought is dismantled
ACWA 2015 Fall Conference & Exhibition, “2015: A Game Changer,” will be held at the Renaissance and Hyatt Regency in Indian Wells, CA. Online registration is closed. For more information go to www.acwa. com/events/acwa-2015-fall-conference-exhibition.
ACWA 2016 Legislative Symposium will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center. More details to come.
ACWA 2016 Spring Conference & Exhibition will be held at the Portola and Marriott Hotels in Monterey.