ACWA News August 21, 2015

ACWANews

ACWA’s Member Newsletter • www.acwa.com

Legislature Returns For Final Weeks of Session With the Legislature’s return to the Capitol on Aug. 17, Senate and Assembly members have a little less than a month left to wrap up remaining business before adjournment on Sept.

11. A number of items of importance to ACWA members are expected to be addressed, while others have been shifted into the second year of the twoyear legislative session.

The Jerusalem Fire burns near portions of Knoxville Recreation Area in Napa County on Aug. 12. The fire was one of 18 active wildfires burning in the state as of mid-August. According to CalFire, about 12,000 firefighters were battling blazes throughout California as of Aug. 18 during this intense fire season. Photo credit: Wes Schultz, CAL FIRE

Water Conservation Exceeds Statewide Target; El Niño Likely, But May Not Be Drought Breaker Keep saving water and don’t expect El Niño to end California’s drought.

That’s the overarching message from state and local water officials as Californians continue to ratchet up water conservation, achieving some of the largest gains in savings to date.

Conservation figures released by the State Water Resources Control Board in late July showed Californians exceeded Gov. Jerry Brown’s call for an overall 25% reduction in water use – saving an average of 27.3% statewide in June. Though July figures won’t be released until late August,

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several ACWA members report that their conservation targets were met and exceeded in July as well.

The conservation figures are welcome news to state and local officials who have been working diligently to send the message of conservation during the state’s ongoing drought. The June figures were the first reported under new State Water Board regulations that require water agencies to reduce use by 4% to 36% over 2013 figures. The regulations will remain in effect through February.

Conservation Continued on page 12

Region Board Elections Underway for Next TwoYear Term

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Federal Preview: Key Water Issues and Budget Still in Play

ACWA-Sponsored Legislation This year ACWA sponsored two bills: AB 291 (Medina), related to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) noticing requirements for multi-county water projects, and SB 385 (Hueso), related to compliance with the state’s chromium-6 drinking water standard. While AB 291 has become a two-year bill, SB 385 is awaiting action on the Assembly floor.

SB 385 would authorize the State Water Resources Control Board to grant a limited period of time for affected water systems to work toward achieving compliance without being deemed in violation as long as strict safeguards are met.

Legislature Continued on page 8

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Case Study: Upper San Gabriel Valley MWD Challenges Cities to be• 1 August 21, 2015 “Water Smart”

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 for External Affairs and Operations 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.

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Executive Director’s Column • Timothy Quinn

Drought Resilience Shows Value of Local Agency Investments For most ACWA member agencies, the summer of 2015 has been one for the record books.

Urban water agencies are largely meeting state-mandated conservation targets, while agricultural water suppliers are finding ways to keep fields in production in a world of zero surface water deliveries and curtailment notices. It’s been a huge lift in a short amount of time, and ACWA members deserve applause for the hard work and creative approaches they are taking to meet the challenge this year.

Because response to the drought has been focused on meeting state-imposed conservation targets, it could leave the impression that local water agencies were unprepared or somehow caught off guard by this drought. That is simply not the case.

Since the last drought ended in the early 1990s, ACWA member agencies have invested close to $20 billion to augment and diversify their water supply portfolios by expanding water recycling and conservation, building local and regional water storage projects, cleaning up contaminated groundwater basins and even bringing ocean desalination facilities online.

Those investments prepared us for the current drought and have allowed the state’s $1.9 trillion economy to remain relatively unscathed – even in a fourth year of a millennial drought.

And these investments continue. According to a recent report by the Public Policy

Institute of California, local water and wastewater agencies are spending more than $25 billion a year on local water-related programs and projects. State and federal agencies spend just a fraction of that on water in California each year. With passage of Proposition 1 last year, local agencies are poised to make the single-largest investment ever in programs such as water recycling, conservation, stormwater capture and groundwater cleanup.

So while past investments have allowed us to respond successfully to this drought and largely have shielded the state’s economy from the drought’s impacts, the ongoing focus on individual conservation targets overshadows the value of these investments. If the current regulatory approach continues, we could find ourselves in a world where water agencies have little incentive to make further investments if they are not allowed to use those assets during droughts. That must change.

We need to shift the conversation.

California would be better served by a long-term approach that is more flexible, recognizes past investments, emphasizes market mechanisms and promotes future investments as part of a comprehensive plan to meet 21st century water needs.

Advancing such an approach will be a top priority for ACWA in the coming months.

ACWA Committee Appointment Process Underway ACWA members wishing to be considered for appointment to an ACWA committee for the 2016-’17 term must submit consideration forms by Sept. 30. Those submitting their names for consideration should do so with the understanding that committees need active, involved individuals who are able to expend their time and provide their expertise if appointed.

All ACWA members will receive a packet in the mail with details on the committee process. Those interested may also download the committee consideration form on ACWA’s website www.acwa. com, under the About ACWA tab. If you have any questions regarding the committee process please contact Paula Quinn at paulaq@acwa.com.

ACWA Board Adopts Water Market and Energy Policy Principles Citing the need for a more robust water market — especially in the context of the state’s ongoing drought — the ACWA Board of Directors on July 31 approved a policy statement on developing an effective water market in California.

The Board also adopted policy principles on energy and heard updates on a variety of legislative and regulatory developments as well as the Save Our Water program, managed by ACWA in partnership with the California Department of Water Resources.

The policy statement on a more robust water market is aimed at guiding the association’s advocacy efforts with the Brown Administration to advance a water market-based approach to reduce the impacts of drought and other water shortages on the state’s economy.

Developed by a Board-appointed Water Transfers Work Group with members from throughout the state, the statement notes that a more efficient and effective water market should be seen as a primary tool to leverage local and regional investments to increase water supply reliability. Used in conjunction with these investments, an effective water market can help the state weather multiple years of drought while protecting economic and environmental uses of water. The

statement is available at www.acwa. com/content/acwa_policy_principles.

Energy Principles Adopted The energy policy principles, developed by the ACWA Energy Committee, emphasize the importance of the waterenergy nexus but identify the need for differing approaches to water resource and energy resource planning and management. The energy principles will be finalized and posted soon on ACWA’s website.

Executive Committee Member Elected At the start of July 31 meeting, ACWA President John Coleman recognized outgoing Board Member David Orth, who previously announced he would step down as general manager of the Kings River Conservation District on Aug. 15 and therefore would resign his seat on the ACWA Board and the Executive Committee. The Board voted to fill the Executive Committee vacancy by electing Region 6 Vice Chair Matt Hurley to serve for the remainder of the two-year term.

Updates on Policy Issues, Conservation Outreach Also during the meeting, the Board heard updates by ACWA leadership

and staff on a variety of current and emerging issues, including the potential for last-minute 2015 legislation or a 2016 ballot initiative to advance a public goods charge on water. ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn assured the Board that ACWA, and a broad coalition of stakeholders, would be prepared to respond quickly to any political push for such a tax on water.

The Board also heard highlights of a recent public opinion poll commissioned by ACWA on behalf of the Save Our Water program regarding water conservation. Findings of the poll, which focused on California voters in communities with the highest statemandated water conservation targets, are being used to frame messaging for the Save Our Water program this summer. Survey highlights are available in the Save Our Water toolkit at www. saveourwater.com.

Board members also heard updates and presentations on key issues at a halfday workshop the day before the Board meeting. The agenda included panel discussions on tiered water pricing and potential changes to Proposition 218, the state’s new framework for improving access to safe drinking water for disadvantaged communities, and an update on revisions to ACWA’s Board Policy Manual.

Region Board Elections Underway for Next Two-Year Term Sept. 30 is Deadline to Cast Votes for Chairs, Vice Chairs, Board Members in All 10 ACWA Regions ACWA’s region nominating committees announced their recommended slates for ACWA’s 10 region boards by issuing an official ballot to all agency general managers and board presidents on July 31. Votes can be cast until Sept. 30. The election results reflecting the new region boards for the 2016-2017 term will be announced Oct. 5.

Each ballot contains the recommended slate, candidates listed by position, and voting instructions. Each agency

is entitled to cast only one vote for their region board and must have an authorized person sign the ballot before it’s returned to ACWA. Your agency’s vote is very important. The region board members are elected to represent the issues, concerns and needs of your region. The region chair and vice chair will serve on ACWA’s Board of Directors for this two-year term of office. The newly-elected chair will communicate

the region board’s committee recommendations to the ACWA president for the 2016-2017 term.

Either the chair or vice chair will serve on the ACWA Finance Committee.

If you have any questions, contact Regional Affairs Representatives Katie Dahl (katied@acwa.com) or Brandon Ida (brandoni@acwa.com) or call (916) 441-4545. Additional region election information is available online at www. acwa.com/content/region-elections.

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Dear ACWA Members: August is Member Appreciation Month at ACWA, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your membership. For more than 100 years, ACWA members have volunteered their expertise, time and effort to empower ACWA as the premier voice for California water issues.

2015 has continued the tradition of collaboration among ACWA members with diverse perspectives working together for a statewide vision for California water. In addition to ACWA’s highly respected reputation, ACWA’s clout before the state Legislature, Congress, regulators and other key audiences including efforts to shape state and federal water policy as well as the success of our annual conferences, and region events is a testament to your hard work.

This year ACWA members continue to tackle California’s historic drought while also leading the charge on several critical statewide issues. In 2015, ACWA’s drought response has included sustained advocacy before the State Water Resources Control Board, a high-profile drought briefing in April, a special webinar series on urban water conservation, an interactive Drought Response Gallery on our website (droughtresponse.acwa.com), and continued administration of the state’s official, statewide conservation education program, Save Our Water. In addition, ACWA developed and released important policy documents on improving management of the state’s headwaters areas and investing in 21st century water storage projects, and is sponsoring legislation on chromium-6 compliance and CEQA notification streamlining. These efforts could not have happened without ACWA members successfully working with one another across geographic and ideological barriers to provide valued input.

Member Appreciation Month gives us a chance to pause and honor our valued members. ACWA has planned various appreciation activities throughout the month and we encourage you to visit www.acwa.com to learn more about these activities and about ACWA member benefits and services in general.

ACWA is member-powered! On behalf of the ACWA Board of Directors, we want to thank you for the energy you bring and for your continued membership.

Sincerely,

John Coleman ACWA President

Kathleen Tiegs ACWA Vice President

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Water News Digest Ag Guidebook Targets Mid-Sized Districts The California Department of Water Resources on Aug. 3 released its 2015 Agricultural Water Management Plan Guidebook that this year has been expanded to provide assistance to midsized farm water districts.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s April executive order on drought expanded the agricultural water management reporting requirements to include agricultural water suppliers serving 10,000 to 25,000 acres. Previously, only agricultural water suppliers serving more than 25,000 acres needed to submit plans.

AWMPs provide information on water supplies, demands and deliveries to farm customers and must include reporting on water efficiency measures.

According to DWR, its guidebook is intended to help agricultural water suppliers understand AWMP requirements and assist them in developing a plan.

The guidebook also describes how U.S. Bureau of Reclamation water conservation plans can be supplemented to satisfy AWMP requirements.

More information about AWMPs is available on DWR’s website www. water.ca.gov.

California WaterFix Comment Period Extended to Oct. 30 The California Department of Water Resources and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on July 22 announced a 60-day extension on the public comment period for the recirculated environmental documents for California WaterFix, a proposed water conveyance improvement plan for the SacramentoSan Joaquin River Delta.

The public comment period is extended from Aug. 31 to Oct. 30.

California Water Fix is the Delta conveyance plan preferred by state and federal officials that is also known 6 • ACWANEWS Vol. 43 No. 8

as alternative 4a of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan. On July 9, officials released the Partially Recirculated Draft Environmental Impact Report (RDEIR)/Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) on the plan. The documents analyze only the changes made to the plan since last summer.

To view or download the RDEIR/ SDEIS, please go to www.

BayDeltaConservationPlan.com.

You also may call (916) 978-5100 or email mppublicaffairs@usbr.gov.

Written comments should be mailed to BDCP/WaterFix Comments, P.O. Box 1919, Sacramento, CA 95812 or emailed to BDCPComments@icfi.com.

Supreme Court Denies Request to Depublish Capistrano Ruling The California Supreme Court on July 22 denied a request to depublish a lower court ruling that found the City of San Juan Capistrano’s tiered rate structure violated Proposition 218.

ACWA, the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties filed a formal request June 15 asking the Supreme Court to depublish the April 20 ruling by the Fourth District Court of Appeal in Capistrano Taxpayers Association, Inc., v. City of San Juan Capistrano.

California Attorney General Kamala Harris sent a similar letter June 5 on behalf of the State Water Resources Control Board.

The appellate court ruled that the tiered rate structure adopted by the City of San Juan Capistrano in 2010 violated Proposition 218 because it was not based on the actual cost of service.

In the June 15 request to depublish the ruling, ACWA and the other associations argued that the ruling could create confusion about tiered rates, ultimately thwarting a powerful

tool for water conservation.

EDA Mapping Tool Unveiled The California Department of Water Resources has developed a web-based tool to assist local agencies and others in evaluating Economically Distressed Area status using the definition in the 2014 water bond – Proposition 1.

Defining an EDA is critical to submitting as an economically distressed area with a state grant or loan program.

DWR officials note that the newly released mapping tool is in draft form.

The EDA mapping tool at water. ca.gov/irwm/grants/resources_eda. cfm is an interactive map application that allows users to overlay numerous Geographic Information Systems layers onto a map of California to assist with evaluating EDA status. Other GIS layers relevant to the Integrated Regional Water Management grant program also are shown. DWR emphasizes that the application is for informational purposes only. The boundaries do not establish legal rights or define legal boundaries.

People with questions may email DWR_IRWM@water.ca.gov.

State Accepting Pre-Apps for Groundwater Funding Preliminary applications for Groundwater Quality Funding Projects are now being accepted electronically through the online Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST), officials with the State Water Resources Control Board announced in early August.

Filing a GWQF pre-application is the first step in the process of requesting funds from Proposition 1 Groundwater Sustainability or the Site Cleanup Subaccount Program. The preliminary information is needed in order to review proposed projects based on the Continued on page 7

Water News Digest Continued from page 6

current requirements in law.

The GWQF pre-application must be submitted electronically using FAAST. The State Water Board will determine which program, if any, is most appropriate for each project. Applicants whose pre-application is successful may submit a final application, either for Proposition 1 Groundwater Sustainability or the Site Cleanup Subaccount Program, or may be advised to apply for another potential source of funds.

Additional information can be found at www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/ programs/grants_loans/gw_funding/.

For questions or comments call (800) 813-FUND (3863) or email gwquality. funding@waterboards.ca.gov.

Reclamation Awards $1.49 Million for Desalination and Water Purification Projects The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation recently announced nine projects — four of which are in California — that will receive $1.49 million through its Desalination and Water Purification Research Program.

Funding is provided for one year and is capped at $150,000 per project. The new California projects are: • Carollo Engineers – $150,000 (California): Membrane life in seeded slurry environment • Regents of the University of California – $150,000 (California): Membrane desalination via hybrid RO-NF processes Pilot-scale projects are: • Padre Dam Municipal Water District – $200,000 (California): Brine minimization – innovative recovery RO testing • WateReuse Research Foundation –

City of San Diego, CA – $200,000 (California): Reverse osmosis potential for potable reuse – demonstrating enhanced pathogen removal

Congress Receives Report on Proposed Shasta Dam Raise While stopping short of a formal recommendation, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation submitted to Congress on July 29 a final feasibility report identifying a preferred option for raising Shasta Dam. The preferred option — CP4A — proposes raising the dam by 18.5 feet to increase storage to 634,000 acre-feet. Of the additional storage, 191,000 acre-feet would be reserved for increasing the supply of cold water for anadromous fish and the remainder would be available to help reduce water shortages.

The report evaluates the benefits and impacts of seven proposed courses of action. The report also identifies federal responsibilities, outstanding funding, legal and regulatory considerations that could affect the project.

While it does not specifically recommend any of the proposals, the report does conclude that alternatives CP4, CP4A and CP5 best address the objectives and would be cost effective.

The report also identifies CP4A as the preferred plan because it is believed to achieve the highest economic and environmental benefits.

To review the final report, visit www. usbr.gov/mp/slwri/documents.html.

California to Receive Nearly $16 Million to Help Protect Threatened and Endangered Species As part of a larger grant allocated to a total of 20 states, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Aug. 13 announced that California will receive nearly $16

million from the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund to assist in wildlife conservation planning and habitat restoration for threatened and endangered species.

According to USFWS, the competitive grants, authorized under the Endangered Species Act, enable states to work collaboratively with other agencies, stakeholders and governmental agencies to protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats.

The complete list of the CESCD awards with descriptions is available at www.fws.gov/endangered/esalibrary/pdf/FY%2015_Press_Release_ Statements%20Combined.pdf.

More information on USFWS efforts to protect endangered species, please visit: www.fws.gov/endangered.

DWR Announces $30 Million to Replace “Turf and Toilets” The California Department of Water Resources on Aug. 12 announced two new statewide rebates to help Californians replace inefficient toilets and remove thirsty turf.

The “turf and toilets” program, funded

by Proposition 1, will pay out a total of $30 million in rebates – $24 million for turf and $6 million for toilet replacements. The turf program will offer rebates of up to $2 per square foot of turf, up to $2,000 per household.

The program will target $12 million towards residents in disadvantaged communities. The toilet program will offer a $100 customer rebate per household for replacing an old toilet with a high-efficiency model.

According to DWR, the programs will help the state meet Gov. Jerry Brown’s conservation mandate by replacing more than 10 million square-feet of lawn and more than 60,000 inefficient toilets.

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Legislature Continued from page 1

ACWA’s Positions on Bills Available Online ACWA’s positions on bills and the latest status on other critical state and federal issues are available on acwa.com to members who log in to the website.

Up-to-date Information on state legislation, federal relations, regulatory affairs and other issues may be found under the Advocacy tab on ACWA’s homepage.

SB 385 advanced through the Senate and the Assembly without a single no vote due to strong advocacy efforts by ACWA and its members. ACWA anticipates SB 385 will be approved on the Assembly floor consent calendar. It would then return to the Senate for concurrence on amendments made in the Assembly.

Groundwater Bills A number of groundwater bills emerged this session following last year’s passage of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) of 2014.

The following groundwater bills remain in play this session: AB 453 (Bigelow): Groundwater Management – ACWA Position: Watch.

This bill would authorize a local agency to amend its existing groundwater management plan in furtherance of, and consistent with, the groundwater management plan’s objectives until a groundwater sustainability plan under SGMA is adopted. ACWA continues to advocate for operational flexibility and will analyze late-session amendments for impacts to ACWA member agencies. This bill is awaiting action in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

AB 1390 (Alejo): Groundwater Adjudication – ACWA Position: Support if Amended.

This bill would establish special procedures for groundwater adjudication actions, which are defined as actions filed in superior court to determine the rights to extract groundwater within a basin or store water from a basin. The bill would authorize the court to determine all rights to groundwater in a basin whether based on appropriation, overlying right, or other basis of right. The bill would require these special procedures to govern all adjudication actions except in cases not involving allocation of a basin’s groundwater supply. ACWA is seeking amendments that would clarify that the bill is not intended to sidestep SGMA. This bill is awaiting action in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

SB 13 (Pavley): Groundwater – ACWA Position: Favor.

This bill would add basins that are designated high- or medium-priority, but that are not subject to critical conditions of overdraft to the list of basins that could be designated as probationary by the State Water Board after the required period of time allowed to remedy deficiencies, and to the list of basins for which the State Water Board could develop an interim plan. This bill also makes changes to the process by which the California Department of Water Resources determines whether undertaking its own review of monitoring wells and potentially monitoring groundwater is necessary and also clarifies the noticing process for local agencies that form a groundwater sustainability agency to reach agreement with other agencies where overlapping authority exists. This bill has been placed on the Assembly Consent Calendar and is awaiting action by the Assembly.

SB 226 (Pavley): Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: Groundwater Rights – ACWA Position: Not Favor Unless Amended Similar to AB 1390 (Alejo), this bill would establish special procedures for groundwater adjudication actions, where the court would determine all rights to the groundwater in a basin and would require initial broad public noticing and disclosures to other parties.

However, SB 226 does not provide for stays to allow a collaborative process to develop a Groundwater Sustainability Plan through SGMA nor does it provide an initial hearing with the court to determine if groundwater adjudication is necessary. This bill is awaiting action by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Consolidation Language Cleanup Despite intense opposition by ACWA and a large coalition of local government stakeholders citing both the circumvented process and the policy of SB 88 — the trailer bill that grants the State Water Board authority to order consolidation of public water systems under certain circumstances — the bill was passed on a strict party line Legislature Continued on page 9

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Locating Agencies on ACWA’s Drought Portal as Easy as Your A-B-Cs Locating agencies’ creative drought busting campaigns on ACWA’s new Drought Response Gallery is now as easy as knowing your A-B-Cs. That’s because ACWA recently unveiled a new alphabetical sort option to help people find agencies and campaigns more quickly.

The Drought Response Gallery showcases conservation programs by ACWA members throughout the state.

Designed similar to a Pinterest-style bulletin board, the gallery features more than 60 #DroughtBusters cards that describe agencies’ water conservation efforts.

The newly added alphabetical sorting option now allows visitors to narrow the viewable cards by agency name, making it easier to find a local water agency profile. To find a specific water agency and learn more about their drought response actions, just click the first letter of the agency’s name in the alphabetical strip at the top of the display under the blue “Agencies” header.

Visitors can also sort cards by program or region. For example, to see how many agencies offer “Rebates & Incentives,” click the orange “Programs” header and select “Rebates & Incentives.” To find participating water agencies in the Bay Area, click the orange “Regions” header and select “Bay Area.”

By clicking the “more” button on each individual card, visitors will see a checklist of programs and actions implemented by the featured agency.

To share a card on Facebook, Twitter or Google+, just click the appropriate social media share button located above the “more” button. (Don’t forget to use ACWA’s #DroughBusters hashtag when sharing cards on Twitter.)

ACWA member agencies can join the Drought Response Gallery by taking a short 3-5 minute survey.

Participating in the gallery is a great way to display the creative ways ACWA member agencies are working to meet mandatory conservation targets and

helping customers save water.

For questions about using or joining ACWA’s Drought Response Gallery, please contact Emily Allshouse at emilya@acwa.com or (916) 4414545. resource Survey: outreach.acwa.com/site/ Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ ID=2681

Legislature Continued from page 8

in both the Senate and Assembly and signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in late June.

Shortly after its hasty passage, SB 552 (Wolk) emerged as a clean-up bill to address a number of omissions and errors contained in the trailer bill language. SB 552 would include provisions limiting the State Water Board’s consolidation authority to “disadvantaged communities” and establishing a series of findings the State Water Board must make before ordering consolidation.

While SB 552 had been expected to undergo amendments in the final weeks of the current legislative session, work on the bill is now expected to roll over into 2016. ACWA and its coalition of local government groups will continue

to advocate for important cleanups that will help protect local water agencies.

fees or higher taxes to fund state spending.

Remaining Issues and Special Sessions The Legislature is expected to address an as-yet-to-be-agreed-upon plan to spend dollars produced by AB 32 cap-and-trade program which assesses fees on certain industries that produce greenhouse gas emissions.

Heads up: Public Goods Charge Efforts on the Horizon While it remains to be seen exactly how and when it may be pursued, there are signs that a proposed public goods charges or other tax on water bills could emerge in the near future. The Legislature may attempt to address this issue through a budget trailer bill or other vehicle in the final weeks before adjournment. Proposals also could emerge through a longer term ballot initiative process.

The Legislature will also hold two special sessions, which will convene in the fall, to explore possible funding to pay for a budget shortfall for both state transportation and infrastructure needs and financing for the state’s Medi-Cal public health program which covers almost one-third of California’s population, or 12 million people.

Discussions will likely involve additional

ACWA is organizing a response to both scenarios and will keep members updated as more information is available.

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Federal Preview: Key Water Issues and Budget Still in Play As summer transitions into fall, expect the budget battles within Congress to heat up. These battles will impact important water issues still in play, such as drought and wildfire legislation, State Revolving Funds funding levels and riders to defund Waters of the United States and floodplain rulemakings. Here’s a preview:

Budget Battles With less than two months until government funding expires on Sept. 30, Congress has not managed to pass any of the 12 government appropriations bills through both houses. That raises the prospect of a government shutdown come Oct. 1.

To make matters worse, both houses have left Washington for congressional recess and are not expected to come back to work until the second week of September. That leaves Congress with a mere 15 days of legislative activity to reach a deal to keep the government funded. Complicating the matter further, a number of Republicans in the House and Senate have vowed to include provisions defunding Planned Parenthood into any appropriations bill, provisions that Democrats vociferously oppose.

And Democrats are determined to add anti-Confederate flag amendments as well. Add it all up and you have a tempestuous mix of partisan maneuvering.

If Congress is able to reach a budget deal, the most likely vehicle is a continuing resolution (CR) that will keep the government funded at current levels through Dec. 18, when members of congress would again try their hands at a comprehensive funding deal.

Boxed in by sequester-driven caps, Republicans are maneuvering to raise defense spending under emergency mechanisms while Democrats are equally determined to increase domestic spending.

Drought Bill Hurdles Now that Sens. Dianne Feinstein (DCA) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) have introduced “S. 1894, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2015,” Washington insiders are trying to figure out how best to overcome remaining hurdles to secure passage of a bipartisan California and Western States drought bill this fall. The senators still need to hold a hearing, committee markup and passage by the Senate to initiate a formal conference with the House, which passed drought legislation (H.R. 2898, the Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015) on July 16.

Upon introduction of the bill, Feinstein acknowledged the hurdles ahead but expressed hope that passage of S. 1894 could relieve some of the pain being felt as a consequence of the drought: “I’m hopeful the bill we’re introducing today will serve as a template for the kinds of short-term and long-term solutions California needs to address this devastating drought,” Feinstein said.

“Next steps for this bill will include a public committee hearing in the fall, after which I expect California-specific language will be folded into a broader Western drought bill in the Energy Committee. In the meantime, my staff will continue to collect feedback on ways to improve and build on the bill.”

The Senators’ introduction statement on S. 1894 noted the inclusion of several provisions from the House bill that were provided by Rep. David Valadao (R-21) and Rep. Jeff Denham (R-10). While the House and Senate bills vary significantly in their overall approaches, the inclusion of similar language can improve chances for an eventual House-Senate conference agreement. The listed provisions include language on: 1) monitoring for smelt 2) reviewing transfers and barriers 3) cross-channel gates 4) water transfers 5) predator species.

Finally, securing the support of the

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Brown Administration for drought legislation remains an essential ingredient for success. At the center of that deliberation will be Joaquin Esquivel, newly appointed assistant secretary for federal water policy, California Department of Natural Resources, who will be located in the Governor’s Washington DC office. A familiar player amongst the California water community, Esquivel previously handled water policy issues for Boxer.

WOTUS Rule Effective Aug. 28 The EPA’s new rule redefining the definition of “waters of the United States” will go into effect on Aug. 28 unless a court injunction is issued. ACWA’s request that groundwater recharge basins, stormwater retention basins, constructed wetlands, and water recycling facilities be exempted from the final rule was addressed. These facilities are clearly exempted. The caveat to this exemption is that it is only for facilities “constructed on dry land.” There is still a great deal of discussion about what the phrase “constructed on dry land means” and EPA states this will be worked out during implementation.

ACWA also requested that EPA maintain existing guidance on irrigation ditch maintenance. In EPA’s response to ACWA’s comment letter and in a separate letter sent Aug. 1, EPA affirmed that the regulatory guidance RGL No. 07-02, “Exemptions Continued on page 11

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for Construction or Maintenance of Irrigation Ditches and Maintenance of Drainage Ditches under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act” will be retained.

Additionally, ACWA requested that water conveyance systems be excluded from the new definition of tributary.

EPA officials indicated in meetings prior to the release of the rule that water canals are already “waters of the US (WOTUS).” The final rule reaffirms EPA’s position that water canals and aqueducts are tributaries. The full impact of this determination will depend on how this change is implemented.

ACWA will continue to meet with EPA and others to discuss this issue.

Corps Secret WOTUS Memos The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee released a series of internal WOTUS memos from various staff at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to Jo Ellen Darcy, the assistant secretary of the Army Corps. In these memos, Corps staff objected to various aspects of the proposed rule including both the economic analysis and technical support document. The memo states these documents were “flawed in

fundamental ways” and recommended that references to the Army Corps be removed from those documents. Both the House and Senate will hold hearings on these memos when Congress returns in September. Meanwhile, litigation on the proposed rule is starting to make its way through the court system and all of the court cases have been consolidated in the U.S. Court of Appeals Sixth Circuit.

Flood Plains Risk Management Standard President Barack Obama’s Executive Order 13690 established a new Federal Flood Risk Management Standard in January 2015. The FFRMS replaces the current 100-year flood protection standard with one of three options: 1. Using best available climate science.

2. Adding two to three feet of freeboard to the 100-year floodplain elevation.

3. Adopting a 500-year floodplain standard for protection.

ACWA, along with the Western Coalition of Arid States and the Texas Water Conservation Association, commented

on the draft implementation guidelines before the comment period closed May 6 and expressed concerns with each of the three options. While the first option is to use best available climate science, the guidelines do not identify what is considered to be an accepted “climate based science” standard for determining a floodplain, particularly in areas like the arid West, which differ markedly from many other regions.

Option 2 would require extra freeboard protection to be employed in all cases by federal agencies despite the fact that this might add little to flood protection while incurring a substantial increase in local costs. Finally, the comments point out that Option 3 which is flood protection to the 500-year flood level would be beyond the ability of government at any level to provide financing for the necessary infrastructure.

The final version of the guidelines is scheduled to be released this fall. Both the House and Senate Energy and Water Appropriations bills, currently stalled over partisan wrangling, include language blocking the implementation of the executive order and associated guidance document.

Steve Hall Fierce Competitor Golf Tournament Date:

September 18, 2015

Time: Registration at 8:30 a.m. | Shotgut at 9:30 a.m.

Location: DarkHorse Golf Club, 2415 Darkhorse Drive, Auburn, CA Entry Fee: $125/player (includes green fees, cart and catered lunch) Format:

4-Person Scramble (If you do not enter as a team, we will pair you with others to complete a foursome.)

Entry form and sponsorship information available online at www.acwa.com/events/2015-steve-hallfierce-competitor-golf-tournament

August 21, 2015 • 11

ACWA Seeks Legislative Proposals for Second Half of Session ACWA is seeking legislative proposals from its member agencies for the second half of the 2015-‘16 legislative session.

The deadline to submit proposals is Friday, Sept. 4. The association’s State Legislative Committee will hear presentations and consider proposals at its meeting Oct. 23 in Sacramento.

Agencies interested in submitting legislative proposals for ACWA to sponsor or support next year should take the following steps: • Complete the Legislative Proposal Form available at www.acwa.com/sites/ default/files/news/statebudget-fees/2015/06/legproposal-form-2015.pdf • Obtain a resolution passed by the agency’s governing body in support of the proposal (or at a minimum have noticed by Sept. 5 for consideration of the resolution) • Submit all proposals and resolutions by Sept. 4 to ACWA State Relations Assistant Katie Almand.

• Agencies submitting proposals will be contacted

by ACWA staff to schedule a presentation at the Oct. 23 committee meeting.

Contact Katie Almand at katiea@acwa.com with any questions or comments.

12 • ACWANEWS Vol. 43 No. 8

Conservation Continued from page 1

“The June numbers tell a story of conscious conservation,” Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Board, said in a media call. “We do need to keep it up…We need to keep exceeding that 25% figure over the summer months.”

State officials highlighted several agencies that exceeded their conservation targets, including the City of Roseville, which cut water use by 39%, and Menlo Park, which cut use by 46%.

Some districts did not reach their targets, including 16 that were more than 15% away from the target. State Water Board officials said they will be meeting with those agencies to talk about mandatory increased conservation and specific actions that may be taken.

In a statement released July 30, ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn commended applauded local water agencies for their water conservation messaging.

“We applaud local water agencies for the hard work and creative approaches they are taking to reach the public. It’s been a huge lift in a short amount of time, requiring significant resources and customer engagement,” said Quinn. “Many agencies began rolling out messaging in late May and June, and it’s great to see those efforts are bearing fruit. We are pleased to showcase their innovative programs in our Drought Response Gallery.”

Possible Adjustments to Conservation Mandates During a meeting with San Diego area leaders Aug. 11, Governor Brown indicated that he is willing make “adjustments” to mandated conservation targets to provide consideration for agencies that have developed new water supplies since 2013.

Brown spent 90 minutes discussing the drought, progress towards conservation targets and remaining water challenges with various San Diego area leaders.

According to San Diego County Water Authority Board Chair Mark Weston, who participated in the meeting, the group discussed the importance of

The shoreline at Lake Tahoe has receded significantly due to California’s ongoing drought, as revealed in this photo of the dock at Tahoe City that was taken in mid-August. Photo Credit: ACWA Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Operations Jennifer Persike.

both demand reduction and supply creation, citing projects like the Carlsbad Desalination Project and Pure Water San Diego. The discussion also highlighted the economic challenge of drawing businesses to the San Diego region due to current water uncertainties despite the development of these new reliable water supplies.

Following the meeting, Brown participated in a news conference in which he applauded the San Diego region for its water supply investments and conservation efforts and indicated his willingness to revisit mandatory conservation tiers.

Earlier this year, ACWA and others suggested that the State Water Board consider providing some type of credit or adjustment for past water supply investments as well as for variations in state climate when creating conservation targets. The final emergency regulations did not incorporate those suggestions.

No official comment has been released from the Brown Administration on how or when potential adjustments will be addressed.

El Niño No Drought Buster Amid increasing reports that a strong El Niño is likely to hit California this winter, Conservation Continued on page 13

Urban Water Suppliers’ June 2015 Conservation Source: State Water Resources Control Board

265 Suppliers 27.2 million people served

53 Suppliers 3.9 million people served

71 Suppliers 3.6 million people served

16 Suppliers 1 million people served

Met or within 1% of standard

Between 1% and 5% of meeting standard

More than 5% and less than 15% from meeting standard

Greater than 15% from meeting standard

Conservation Continued from page 12

Michael Anderson, California’s state climatologist, issued a statement Aug. 13 cautioning that El Niño is far from certain this winter, and even if it does arrive, it likely will not bring enough needed snow and water to Northern California.

“California cannot count on potential El Niño conditions to halt or reverse drought conditions,” Anderson said in a prepared statement. “Historical weather data shows us that at best, there is a 50/50 chance of having a wetter winter. Unfortunately, due to shifting climate patterns, we cannot even be that sure.”

According to the statement from Anderson, past years with similar forecasts of El Niño conditions provide little guidance as to what California might expect this winter. Of the seven years since 1950 with similar El Niño signals — the 1958, 1966, 1973, 1983, 1988, 1992, and 1998 — three were wet years, one was average and three were dry.

California also has experienced record

-high temperatures and recordlow snowpack during its current drought. Five of the 10 lowest snowpacks on record have occurred in the last decade, including the past four years. California’s warmer temperatures also will impact the rain/ snow boundary for any storms that materialize this winter. More rain, but less snow, decreases the state’s snowpack, which is a critical part of California’s water system.

State Water Board and the California Department of Technology.

State Launches Water Waste Portal Statewide conservation efforts continue with more tools coming online to report water waste. This summer state officials launched SaveWater.CA.Gov, a new mobile-optimized website that allows residents to send pictures of water waste or simply report it from their smartphones, tablets and computers. The reports are then filed directly with the local water agency where the alleged waste is occurring.

More than 300 water agencies throughout the state already have signed up to use the tool. All waters suppliers are encouraged to join SaveWater.CA.Gov to access detailed reports of apparent water waste in their areas.

The water waste reporting portal arose from a partnership between the

Many local water agencies throughout the state already have their own methods for reporting water waste, whether by email, phone or online app. SaveWater.CA.Gov is modeled on sites maintained by local water suppliers and is intended to assist those water suppliers that may not have the resources to build their own online reporting system.

resource ACWA Statement: www.acwa.com/news/ press-release/acwa-comments-junewater-conservation-levels Conservation report: www.waterboards. ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/ programs/drought/conservation_ reporting_info.shtml

August 21, 2015 • 13

Case Study

Upper San Gabriel Valley MWD Challenges Cities to be “Water Smart” Amid Relentless Drought

Well before Gov. Jerry Brown issued his April 2015 executive order mandating statewide urban water use reductions, local water agencies up and down the state already had developed innovative, new water conservation programs.

California’s relentless drought has pushed agencies even further to find creative ways to amplify their conservation messages and promote their unique programs.

As the quest for deeper cuts in water use continues, water agencies are asking themselves if there are other stakeholders with which to join forces to promote water conservation. And can conserving water be fun and rewarding?

Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District found a creative way to answer these questions with its San Gabriel Valley Smart Water City Challenge, which ran from June 2014 to April 2015.

Approach Following the governor’s declaration of drought emergency in January 2014, Upper District reviewed its existing conservation programs and noticed that some San Gabriel Valley cities weren’t taking full advantage of the district’s available programs. After some inspired brain-storming, Upper District decided to repackage its existing conservation programs into a creative new challenge for cities with an added incentive.

The challenge? Participating cities would be required to complete a total of eight out of 12 challenges by April 30, 2015 and obtain the highest rebate dollars per-capita by city residents and businesses. Challenge options included actions such as adopting a water conservation ordinance, hosting a water efficient landscape class in partnership with Upper District and conducting a large scale landscape water audit at a city facility that could contribute to the city’s overall water use reduction. The top three cities that completed the challenge and paid out the most rebate dollars would be crowned winners.

“We incorporated our existing conservation programs into a creative new program that inspired a friendly competition among our cities and promoted drought awareness in a creative way. Some of the challenges required a little more work than others, but they were created with the intention to allow each city the flexibility to select which requirements they wanted to complete,” said Upper District Director of Community & Government Affairs Patty Cortez.

And the incentive? Upper District would award each of the winning cities a $50,000 grant to implement a district-approved sustainable watershed project.

In order to enter the contest, cities were required to send a letter of intent by July 2014. Twelve of 18 eligible cities did just that to begin the 2014-’15 challenge: Azusa, Baldwin Park, Duarte, El Monte, Glendora, La Puente, Monrovia, Rosemead, South El Monte, South Pasadena, Temple City and West Covina.

Results According to the district, managing the largescale challenge required flexibility, hard work, and a lot of program support.

The City of Rosemead receives a $50,000 award during a July 24 ceremony honoring the winners of the 2015 Water Smart City Challenge. (l-r) Assembly Member Ed Chau (D-Arcadia), Upper District Board Secretary Bryan Urias, Upper District Vice President Anthony Fellow, Ph.D., Rosemead Mayor Margaret Clark, Sen. Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar), Rosemead Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Armenta, Acting Rosemead Public Works Manager Sean Sullivan and Upper District Board Member Charles Treviño.

Have an idea for a case study?

We’d love to hear it. Please email your suggestion to acwanews@acwa.com, and put case study in the subject line.

“The challenge certainly kept us busy, but everyone at Upper District stepped up and pushed to make this program successful. It was a matter of personal pride for all employees. We all wanted this program to be successful and exciting for our cities that participated,” Cortez said of the logistics of administering the challenge.

successful,” said Upper District General Manager Shane Chapman. “We look forward to expanding this program to highlight the work of our ‘Water Smart’ residents that have switched their turf to drought-tolerant landscapes and also to our schools by implementing a similar challenge for school districts in Upper District’s service territory.”

In June, the district announced that Azusa, Rosemead and West Covina were the 2015 winners of San Gabriel Valley Water Smart City Challenge. Each city was awarded a $50,000 grant for their sustainable watershed project and honored during a district ceremony in July.

The challenge also garnered some noteworthy water conservation statistics. As a direct result of the challenge:

“This unprecedented drought could not be more serious and our region is on the cutting edge for utilizing creative measures that can impact change at the local level,” Michael Touhey, president of the Upper District Board of Directors, said in a statement announcing the winners.

Additionally, for their completion of the challenge, South El Monte, Temple City, Glendora and South Pasadena each earned the title “San Gabriel Valley Water Smart City” and were awarded free large landscape surveys and retrofit grants for their city halls.

“All the cities that participated did an outstanding job! We are proud of the work and effort made by every council member, city staff and resident. Their enthusiasm for water conservation helped make this program so

• $1.2 million dollars in rebates paid were paid to residents in Upper District’s service territory through socalwatersmart.com (an increase of almost 1,100%); • 1,200 high-efficiency toilets were distributed by South El Monte, Azusa, Duarte, and West Covina;

“All the cities that participated did an outstanding job. We are proud of the work and effort made by every council member, city staff and resident.” — Upper District General Manager Shane Chapman

• More than 345,000 square feet of turf was removed; • 26 large landscape surveys were completed at various city parks and facilities and of those, 19 sites were retrofitted to save water.

• 24 city council members and 26 city staff were educated through a variety of Upper District’s water-related forums and events.

All told, the total water savings from the challenge is estimated by Upper District to be more than 350 acre-feet a year — more than 113 million gallons of water annually. We’d say that’s very “Water Smart!”.

Left photo: Residents receive information about water conservation during a community event in Temple City.

Right photo: Volunteers prepare for a free highefficiency toilet give away event. The cities of South El Monte, Azusa, Duarte, and West Covina collectively distributed 1,200 high-efficiency toilets during the Water Smart City Challenge.

August 21, 2015 • 15

ACWA members gather in Tiburon for Region 1’s Marin Water Forum. (Left) ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn thanks Carol Rische for her dedicated service to California’s water community upon her retirement as general manager from Humboldt Bay MWD. (Center) ACWA Vice President Kathy Tiegs moderates a discussion about local water management perspectives in the North Bay. (Right) Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) gives an update on what’s happening water-wise at the Capitol.

Region 1 Forum Focuses on Marin Water Management, Drought

By Judy Mirbegian ACWA members gathered in Tiburon on July 24 for a Marin Water Forum.

The 2015 Region 1 program drew a crowd of more than 50 and highlighted water management in Marin County.

Support from the program sponsors — Vali Cooper & Associates, Inc., RMC Water and Environment, ACLARA, Marin Municipal Water District, and North Marin Water District — helped make the event possible. We send them a big thank you! We began our program by introducing our sponsors and hearing a little more about the services they provide.

ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn kicked off the program with an update on ACWA activities. Quinn’s update focused on the drought – the near-term actions, what’s expected in the long term, and statewide solutions.

Following the ACWA update, we heard from state Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg). The senator talked about the conversations taking place at the Capitol about the drought and water management. He also updated us on his Medical Marijuana Safety and Environmental Protection Act — SB 643 — an issue that is very important to our region.

Next, ACWA Vice President Kathy Tiegs moderated a panel discussion on local water management. The discus16 • ACWANEWS Vol. 43 No. 8

sion featured presentations from local water providers Bolinas Community Public Utility District, Marin Municipal Water District, North Marin Water District, and a wholesaler to the Marin area, Sonoma County Water Agency.

Bolinas Community Public Utility District General Manager Jennifer Blackman began the discussion with an overview of her district’s water supply, water treatment methods, and conservation efforts by customers. Up next, Sonoma County Water Agency General Manager Grant Davis described how the wholesaler provides its carbon-free water to several agencies in Marin and the North Bay region. Marin Municipal Water District General Manager Krishna Kumar’s explained his district’s water distribution system and how the district is fairing with current drought restrictions. Wrapping up the conversation, North Marin Water District General Manager Chris DeGabriele gave an overview of his district and highlighted the Sonoma-Marin Saving Water Partnership program.

After a break for lunch and networking, Marin Municipal Water District President Jack Gibson brought us back to the program with his presentation on the history of water management in Marin and how California’s oldest municipal water district, Marin Municipal Water District, came to be in 1912.

Harry Seraydarian, executive director of North Bay Watershed Association, presented next on collaborative and integrated approaches to watershed management. After sharing some background about his association, Seraydarian gave some examples of collaborative and integrative approaches across political and functional boundaries. He also discussed some future opportunities and challenges.

The program concluded with a presentation about Our Coast Our Future’s sea level rise and storm surge vulnerability assessment tool. Sam Veloz, Ph.D., a spatial ecologist at Point Blue Conservation Science, described the technology system that is web-based and available for anyone to use. The system provides San Francisco Bay Area coastal resource and land use managers and planners locally relevant, online maps and tools to help understand, visualize, and anticipate vulnerabilities to sea level rise and storms in the region.

I would like to thank Region 1 Board Members Krishna Kumar, Marin MWD and David Bentley, North Marin WD, and their districts for planning such a wonderful program for our members in Marin. Presentations from the program are available at www. acwa.com.

Save Our Water Expands Messaging with New Celebrities, Partners and Tools – and Viral #KeepSavingCA Campaign Save Our Water has continued a busy summer of educating Californians with new partners and tools.

Save Our Water’s Saving Together viral campaign has taken off this summer with TV star Mario Lopez of “Extra” on NBC, joining the effort, taking part with a selfie and a #KeepSavingCA hashtag. His selfie went out to almost 1 million of his followers on Twitter (@MarioLopezExtra) and 569,000 followers of his Instagram account. The Saving Together campaign also got a major boost as Starbucks stores across the state displayed a special Save Our Water poster. The campaign hashtag #KeepSavingCA has been trending as the second most popular droughtrelated on social media.

Save Our Water has been busy on the earned media front as well, partnering with California ReLeaf to raise awareness of the importance of proper tree care during this historic drought.

California ReLeaf is a statewide urban forest nonprofit providing support and services to over 90 community nonprofits that plant and care for trees.

With potentially millions of urban trees at risk, Save Our Water, California ReLeaf and a coalition of urban forest and other concerned organizations across California are focusing on a simple yet urgent message: Save Our Water and Our Trees! The Save Our Water and Our Trees partnership is highlighting

tips for both residents and agencies on how to water and care for trees so that they not only survive the drought, but thrive. The trees page is seeing more than 2,000 visitors a week and the Save Our Water website is averaging more than 50,000 visits each week.

To help Californians save more water this summer, the State Water Resources Control Board, the California Department of Technology and Save Our Water launched SaveWater.

CA.Gov. The new mobile-optimized website allows residents to report suspected leaks and water waste anywhere in the state from their smartphones, tablets and computers.

Modeled on sites maintained by water suppliers throughout the state, SaveWater.CA.Gov is a tool for Californians to help their communities and state save water and assist those water suppliers that may not have the resources to build their own online reporting system. The site is available statewide and complements local efforts by providing an easy-to-use tool that directly reports water waste to the proper authority – anywhere in California.

Save Our Water has released a new Spanish-language public service announcement featuring San Francisco Giants star pitcher Sergio Romo. The PSA, filmed at the World Champion Giants’ Garden in AT&T Park,

TV star Mario Lopez of NBC’s “Extra” tweets a selfie with the #KeepSavingCA hashtag as part of Save Our Water’s Saving Together viral campaign. Lopez’ selfie went out to his almost 1 million Twitter followers and his roughly 569,000 Instagram followers.

urges Californians to do their part in cutting water consumption. The PSA is part of a statewide public outreach effort intended to educate individuals and families in Spanish-speaking communities with tips, tools, and inspiration to help this population of Californians find new and creative ways to conserve.

Raley’s and Save Our Water (@SaveOurWater) joined forces for a Twitter Chat to talk about helpful tips to conserve water inside and outside, every day. More than two dozen fans participated in the chat, which reached more than 50,000 people on Twitter.

Save Our Water’s partnership with Shock Top in its “Shock The Drought” campaign has generated multiple news stories across the state, with ACWA Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Operations Jennifer Persike being quoted in the Los Angles Times and making an appearance on KGO Radio.

August 21, 2015 • 17

Member News

Three Valleys Municipal Water District Celebrates 65th Anniversary Three Valleys Municipal Water District honored its 65th anniversary with a celebration at its headquarters on July 15 that was attended by more than 100 people, including local elected officials and a representative from U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s office.

Guest speakers at the celebration included Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and Dr. William Blomquist, author of Dividing the Waters.

Three Valleys Municipal – formerly known as Pomona Valley Municipal Water District – was formed by a vote of the people in 1950. At that time, the area was experiencing tremendous growth and housing development.

Local water supplies could not sustain the demand. To provide supplemental imported water, Three Valleys Munici-

Members of the Three Valleys MWD Board of Directors and guests celebrate the district’s anniversary on July 15. (l-r) Director Joseph Ruzicka, Board President Bob Kuhn, guest speaker Dr. William Blomquist, Director Dan Horan, Director Carlos Goytia, retired Director Sandra Baldonado, Director David De Jesus, Director John Lantz, MWD General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger, Three Valley’s General Manager Richard Hansen, and Director Brian Bowcock.

pal sought to become a water district to annex into the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Voters overwhelmingly approved the plan, voting 80 to 1 in favor of becoming a local water importer.

Three Valleys Municipal’s mission is to supplement and enhance local water supplies to meet the region’s needs in a reliable and cost-effective manner.

East Valley WD Receives Grant for Budget-Based Rates Billing East Valley Water District announced July 28 that it received a grant award to assist with implementing a budgetbased rate billing program. The Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority awarded the district a $337,000 grant through the Integrated Regional Water Management Implementation Grant Program funded by Proposition 84.

“East Valley Water District is pleased to serve as an example for other water districts exploring a budget-based rate structure,” James Morales, Jr., chairman of the district’s board, said in a written

18 • ACWANEWS Vol. 43 No. 8

statement. “Our extensive outreach effort allowed us the opportunity to increase the dialogue we have with our customers on a regular basis.”

The district launched its new rate structure June 1. It is designed to consider the water needs of each customer and allow the lowest cost water to be utilized for essential use indoors. The customized approach gives families and businesses an allocation of water based upon their unique indoor and outdoor water needs, while also encouraging conservation.

“Budget-based rates are designed to look at each customer’s unique water needs while showing them their potential for increased efficiency,” John Mura, general manager/CEO of the district, said in a written statement. “We are experiencing positive customer response to the conservation messaging inherent in the new rate structure and have seen a decrease in water consumption.”

For more information about budgetbased rates visit the district website at www.eastvalley.org/rates.

Sacramento Water Forum Honored for Resource Management The Sacramento Water Forum will be honored this fall with a prestigious national award for its unique water resource management as well as its stewardship of the lower American River ecosystem and the native species that thrive there.

The American Water Resources Association will present the forum with its prestigious Csallany Institutional Award for Exemplary Contributions to Water Resources Management during AWRA’s 50th Annual Water Resources Conference in Denver this fall.

In a written statement, Sacramento County Water Resources Director Michael Peterson highlighted the importance of the forum, especially during drought.

“As the drought persists, the water forum has collaborated with members to ensure the delicate balance of protecting the river and water supply continues,” said Peterson. “Just as the lower American River is an invaluable resource to residents of the Sacramento region, the water forum has served as an invaluable resource for water purveyors, environmentalists, and local governments.”

The Sacramento Water Forum is a broad coalition of business and agricultural leaders, environmental groups and water providers who are bound together by an historic Water Forum Agreement. The agreement outlines a regional commitment to two coequal objectives: providing a safe and reliable water supply to support the region’s

economy, and preserving the environment of the lower American River.

Among its many projects, the Sacramento Water Forum has worked to restore steelhead and Chinook salmon spawning and rearing habitat. The forum also this spring partnered with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in an unprecedented attempt to manage water temperature in real-time through releases from Folsom Dam. “The water forum is much more than just an organization or agreement. It’s a culture that allows the Sacramento region to work collaboratively to address challenges and resolve conflicts,” said John Woodling, executive director of the Regional Water Authority.

LADWP Solicits Bids for Phase One of Stormwater Project The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Flood Control District are now soliciting construction bids for the first phase of the $27 million Tujunga Spreading Grounds Enhancement project. The project will receive $3 million in grant funds from the Proposition 84 water bond.

Phases two and three of the project, which will cost $5 million, will address the construction of new high-velocity intakes and new automated system and telemetry equipment. According to the district, when the project is complete it will double the capacity of the spreading grounds and help Los Angeles reduce its dependence on imported water.

Phase one of the project, expected to begin in February 2016, requires the deepening and consolidation of the existing percolation basins to support the capture of 16,000 acre-feet (5.2 billion gallons) of stormwater in the San Fernando Groundwater Basin each year. This phase of the project is expected to cost $22 million.

“This important collaboration by LADWP and LA County Public Works is critical to increasing LA’s independence from expensive, imported water,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “The expansion of the Tujunga Spreading Grounds will allow us to capture more water for the San Fernando groundwater basin – a

step in the right direction to increase our access to local resources. As we continue to address our epic drought, the need is greater than ever to build our water resilience now.”

For more on the Tujunga Spreading Grounds Enhancement Project, please visit www.ladwp.com/TSG.

Correction While Dublin San Ramon Service District’s residential recycled water fill stations have been hugely successful, they have not distributed 73.6 million gallons of recycled water as reported in ACWA News in July. The fill stations have distributed 7.6 million gallons of recycled water. We regret the error.

August 21, 2015 • 19

West Basin Recognizes Hahn and Hall as Legislators of the Year In acknowledgement of the legislators’ efforts to support water programs and projects, the West Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors on Aug. 3 presented U.S. Rep. Janice Hahn (CA-44) and state Sen. Isadore Hall (D-Compton) with the district’s 2014 Legislator of the Year awards.

Hahn was recognized for her efforts in reaching a bipartisan deal on H.R. 3080 – the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014. Hall was recognized for his long-standing commitment to water issues, including his efforts to urge fellow legislators to support a water bond package that would include adequate funding for water recycling and ocean water desalination projects.

In a statement announcing the awards, the district called Hahn and Hall’s efforts “crucial” to West Basin’s Wa-

ter Reliability program and the district’s goals of reducing dependence on imported water and developing local water supplies, including recycled water, groundwater desalting and ocean water desalination.

“Congresswoman Hahn and Senator Hall are strong advocates for water issues in Southern West Basin Municipal Water District directors honor California and are both legislators of the year. (l-r) Director and Treasurer very deserving of this Harold C. Williams, Director Donald L. Dear, U.S. Rep. recognition,” said West Janice Hahn, Sen. Isadore Hall III, Director and Board Basin Board President President Gloria D. Gray, and Director and Secretary Scott Houston.

Gloria Gray. “As California has continued fortunate to have Congresswoman to experience the worst Hahn and Senator Hall’s support drought in recorded history, West Basin during this drought.”. and the entire water industry have been

NID Launches Studies for New Centennial Reservoir, Power Project The Nevada Irrigation District on July 22 took a significant step toward launching construction of its proposed new Centennial Reservoir and Power Supply Project.

The NID Board of Directors awarded a $1.2 million environmental consulting services contract for the proposed project to HDR, Inc., a worldwide engineering and planning firm with offices in Folsom.

Centennial Reservoir is so named because construction of the project is expected to get underway in 2021, the district’s centennial. The reservoir will be built on the Bear River below Rollins Reservoir and above Combie Reservoir. When finished, it will hold approximately 110,000 acre-feet of water and include two hydroelectric power plants and low impact public recreation.

NID began the multi-year process of constructing the new reservoir in August of 2014 in filings with the State Water Resources Control Board. NID holds water rights on the Bear River, some dating to the district’s earliest years. The project’s environmental studies are expected to begin later this year and extend into 2017. The district is planning for the reservoir to be in operation by 2023.

Imperial ID Releases Framework for Salton Sea Restoration The Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors on July 29 released a multi-phased framework to support its Salton Sea Restoration and Renewable Energy Initiative.

The 260-page draft document – a joint effort between IID and Imperial County – details short-, medium- and longterm implementation plans that seek to incrementally restore the Salton Sea. 20 • ACWANEWS Vol. 43 No. 8

The framework is based on five specific goals: ensuring water supply reliability for California, protecting public health, developing carbon-free energy, protecting and restoring the sea’s ecosystem and providing for economic growth.

The newly unveiled initiative includes construction of habitat in designated areas and the build-out of infrastructure that promotes development of

renewable energy. The final stage of the initiative includes construction of geothermal and other renewable energy projects.

IID is taking public comments on the framework document. A full version of the document will be on display at local libraries and available for download at www.iid.com/saltonsea.

July Feedback

Now that mandatory water use reductions have been in place for a few months, what is your agency doing to sustain the momentum with your customers to conserve?

Here are excerpts from replies sent to acwanews@acwa.com.

Mesa Water District – Mesa Water District is off to a good start, having exceeded its 20% conservation target, with 26% savings in June and 25% savings in July. Mesa Water® partially attributes this success to its uniform volumetric rate structure that represents the full, true cost of water service with a consistent rate for each and every unit of water used, providing a clear price signal for customers to conserve. To sustain water conservation over the next several months, the district will continue using every tool in the kit including educating and informing customers of the watering restrictions via its robust Mesa Water Saver “drought-reach” campaign, promoting rebates for water-efficient appliances and tools, enforcing the watering restrictions with Mesa Water® ambassadors patrolling the service area, and partnering with the district’s C2 and top 250 water-using customers to achieve savings through customized/personalized communications.

Vallecitos Water District – Vallecitos continues to press forward with drought outreach. Recently, we mailed all of our residents a drought restriction postcard and just completed a video explaining the drought restrictions in a lighthearted way (from a 5-year-old’s perspective). We have been aggressive at increasing our social media followers as we post daily messages related to conservation/drought/etc. We have also increased our presence at events throughout the community to answer the public’s questions and concerns.

East Bay MUD – EBMUD is encouraging sustained low water use with “thank you” bill inserts; since July about 27% of single family residences received thanks and encouragement to keep conserving. Online, EBMUD launched videos demonstrating how to adjust irrigation controllers to run only two times per week, how to install inline drip irrigation and the benefits of mulching and how to do it properly. EBMUD also started a free drought theater program at summer community events. Local entities have been enthusiastic about providing stage time for 15-20 minute shows featuring live actors performing skits or doing magic tricks and delivering drought messages. EBMUD representatives have averaged 35 community presentations per month since the start of the drought.

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Everyone Wins with MSWD’s Turf Replacement Rebate “Lottery” In mid-July, Mission Springs Water District announced that all 134 preliminarily qualified applicants for the district’s firstever turf replacement rebate lottery will walk away winners.

This year, MSWD dedicated $300,000 of its share of a Proposition 84 grant for the Coachella Valley Regional Turf Reduction Program to a new residential turf rebate program.

To ensure that all customers would have equal chance at the rebate funds, the district created a “lottery” system and required applicants to obtain preliminary qualification for the program.

However, following the application deadline the total number of rebate requests came in under the program budget, making it possible to award funding to every qualified applicant.

According to MSWD, the turf replaced using the rebates will result in a water savings of 5 million gallons of water per year.

“We couldn’t be happier and I’m sure our customers will be just as pleased,” MSWD Board President Nancy Wright said in a statement.

Email your answer to acwanews@acwa.com

by Sept. 14, 2015. Please put in subject line “Feedback August 2015.”

August 21, 2015 • 21

People News United Water Hires Guardado as New General Manager The Board of Directors of United Water Conservation District on July 8 announced the appointment of Mauricio E. Guardado, Jr. as the district’s new general manager.

Guardado succeeds Mike Solomon who is retiring after seven years as general manager.

Guardado, who started in his new position Aug. 10, joins United Water after serving the past nine years as retail manager/CEO of the Santa Clarita Water Division of Castaic Lake Water Agency. Prior to his service at Santa Clarita Water, Guardado served as director of engineering for Cucamonga Valley Water District and as project engineer with San

Orth Named First Executive Officer of Newly Formed North Friant Authority After stepping down as general manager of the Kings River Conservation District, David Orth began a new assignment Aug.17 – heading up the newly formed North Friant Authority as its first executive officer. Orth will act as an independent contractor for North Friant as part of his new consulting business.

Prior to his July resignation, Orth served as the general manager of the Kings River Conservation District for 13 years. His

Gabriel Valley Water Company.

Guardado holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from California State University, Northridge and a master’s degree from the University of Southern California’s Executive Master of Leadership Program. He is registered civil engineer.

“After a long search, we are very happy to have a person of Mauricio’s experience and many talents to lead United into the future,” United Water’s Board President Lynn Maulhardt said. “We have a number of challenges ahead of us, and our board unanimously felt that Mauricio is the right person for this agency.”.

experience also includes roles as vice president of Resource Management for Woolf Enterprises, general manager of Westlands Water District, and deputy Fresno County treasurer. Orth also is a member of the California Water Commission and previously served on the ACWA Board of Directors.

North Friant Authority formed this year after the Friant Water Authority lost several members. North Friant members include the Fresno Irrigation District, Madera Irrigation District, Chowchilla Water District and Gravelly Ford Water District.

Got an outreach program worth talking about?

Calling for Entries

Enter your agency’s outstanding public relations efforts in ACWA’s Huell Howser Best in Blue Award!

The award recognizes outstanding achievements by public water agencies in communicating with customers, legislators, media and the public.

The award will be presented at ACWA’s 2015 Fall Conference & Exhibition. Entries must be submitted by Sept. 1.

Details and entry forms are at www.acwa.com.

22 • ACWANEWS Vol. 43 No. 8

Deadline Nears for ACWA’s Best in Blue and Emissary Awards The Sept. 1 deadline is fast approaching for submissions and nominees for the 2015 Huell Howser Best in Blue award and the ACWA Emissary award.

The awards will be presented during ACWA’s Fall Conference & Exhibition in Indian Wells in December.

communications, employee relations, self-promotion campaigns, customer education, legislative outreach, and agency anniversary campaigns. School education programs are not eligible for this award.

Huell Howser Best in Blue Award ACWA’s Huell Howser Best in Blue Award honors outstanding public water agency efforts in communicating with customers, legislators, media, the public and others. The award focuses on innovation and transparency, and takes budget into consideration.

ACWA Emissary Award ACWA’s Emissary Award, established in 2006, recognizes individual ACWA member volunteers who have made remarkable and visible contributions to the enhancement, protection or development of water resources in California by participating in, supporting and advancing ACWA’s goals.

A variety of communications programs are eligible, including: short- and long-term public outreach, crisis

Any ACWA committee member, ACWA region board member or ACWA Board member who is

employed by an ACWA public agency member is eligible to nominate any staff, consultant or board member of an ACWA public agency member.

Individuals who have previously served on any of the above may also submit a nomination.

For questions about these awards, please contact ACWA Outreach and Social Media Specialist Marie Meade at (916) 441-4545. resource Best in Blue guidelines and entry form: www.acwa.com/sites/default/files/ page/2013/06/best-blue-entry-form.pdf Emissary guidelines and nomination form: www.acwa.com/sites/default/files/ page/2010/02/emissaryaward-form.pdf

Calling All Nominations Objective

ACWA

Emissary Award 2015 Recognizing Remarkable Contributions

The award recognizes individual ACWA member volunteers who have advanced ACWA’s mission and goals through their direct involvement.

Individuals demonstrate: Leadership in the course of service on ACWA committees • Advocacy / outreach at local, state and / or federal levels • Commitment of time and expertise for the benefit of an ACWA program or issue

Who Is Eligible?

Any ACWA committee member, ACWA region board member or ACWA Board member who is employed by an ACWA public agency member is eligible to nominate any staff, consultant or board member of an ACWA public agency member.

When Are Nominations Due? Nominations must be received at the ACWA offices by September 1, 2015.

An official nomination form and further details about the award, eligibility and selection process are available at www.acwa.com.

August 21, 2015 • 23

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

U.S. Sens. Feinstein and Boxer Release Bill to Address Drought — 7/29/2015 Majority of Californians Believe Water Supply is Most Important Environmental Issue — 7/29/2015

Upcoming Events

Californians Cut Water Use by More Than 27% in June — 7/30/2015

Visit acwa.com for complete listing

DWR Announces $30 Million in New Rebates to Replace “Turf and Toilets” — 8/12/2015 Don’t Look to El Niño to End Drought, State Climatologist Warns — 8/13/2015

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September 2015 1 – 2

A two-day drought tour sponsored by the Water Education Foundation explores the impacts of California’s four-year drought. Visit www. watereducation.org/tour/drought-tour-2015 for more information.

10 – 11

ACWA’s 2015 Continuing Legal Education will be held at the Waterfront Hotel in Oakland, CA. You can earn up to 12.25 hours of general credit by attending these workshops. Online registration is available at www.acwa.com.

18

ACWA’s Region 9 is hosting a program, The Heat is On! Managing the Drought, will be held at Inland Empire Utilities Agency in Chino, CA. Online registration available at www.acwa.com/events/acwaregion-9-program-september-18-chino-ca.

Los Angeles Times @latimes • July 29 | Drought now Californians’ top concern, poll finds.

18

The annual Steve Hall Fierce Competitor Golf Tournament will be held at DarkHorse Golf Club in Auburn, CA. Sponsorship and entry information is available online www.acwa.com/events/2015-steve-hallfierce-competitor-golf-tournament.

ACWA @acwawater • July 30 | ACWA applauds CA #DroughtBusters! @ CaWaterBoards reports 27.3% reduction for June!

24 – 25

A groundwater tour sponsored by the Water Education Foundation will travel through the Sacramento region to view sites that explore groundwater issues. For more information, visit www.watereducation. org/tour/groundwater-tour-2015.

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A financing sustainable water workshop hosted by Regional Water Authority at the Sierra 2 Center, Sacramento CA. Learn about the newest resources and strategies that can help you navigate the challenge of developing rate structures. For more information, visit www.acwa.com — go to the events calendar.

Twitter Chatter NBC Bay Area @nbcbayarea • A ug.

6 | “California is burning:” Gov. Jerry Brown.

sdcwa @sdcwa • Jul 27 | Eyes Look To Carlsbad’s Desalination Plant UC Water Institute @ucanrwater • Aug. 14 | Late nights and cold pizza – the stuff California groundwater management plans will be made of?

Warren Gorowitz @waterguru2 • Aug. 17 | Drought sets up ‘emergency situation’ for California’s trees

October 2015 14

ACWA’s 2015 Regulatory Summit will be held at DoubleTree Hotel, Ontario. Online registration available at www.acwa.com/events/acwa2015-regulatory-summit.

25 – 26

ACWA’s Region 5 is hosting a program, The Lake Cachuma Project, in Buellton, CA. The program will begin with a visit to Lake Cachuma and reconvene at the Santa Ynez Valley Marriott for a program featuring Santa Barbara County water management.