ACWANEWS
ACWA’s Member Newsletter • www.acwa.com
Water on the Radar as Legislative Session Gets Underway With the second year of the 2015-’16 legislative session underway, ACWA and its member agencies are gearing up to deal with a host of issues ranging from water transfers to excessive use penalties to recycled water.
ACWA’s 2016-’17 Board of Directors gathers for a photo Jan. 29 at the State Capitol. Led by President Kathleen Tiegs and Vice President Brent Hastey, the Board is geared up for an active two-year term. (See story on page 6.)
State Water Board Adopts 2016 Emergency Conservation Regulation The State Water Resources Control Board adopted an emergency conservation regulation Feb. 2 that extends the requirements of the original regulation through October with a few limited adjustments to reflect climate, growth and development of some drought-resilient potable water supplies since 2013. The regulation was approved by the Office of Administrative Law on Feb. 11 and will remain in effect for 270 days. State Water Board members adopted the regulation after hearing several hours of testimony from local water agency representatives and others. Prior to the public comment, State Water Board staff presented
VOL.
44
02
February 19, 2016
2
amendments that were made to the regulation since its release on Jan. 15. After the testimony, the board directed staff to make additional changes in a few areas to clarify some issues and reflect the board’s intent to revisit the regulation by May 1 to address water supply conditions. The final language in a resolution accompanying the regulation directs staff to monitor and evaluate data on precipitation, snowpack and reservoir levels and report back to the board in March and April. If conditions warrant, staff is directed to “bring a proposal for rescission or adjustment” of the regulation to the board no later than the second regularly scheduled May meeting.
ACWA’s State Legislative Committee convened its first meeting of the year on Jan. 22 and will meet every three weeks until the legislative session winds down in the fall. The 40-member committee, which welcomed several new faces for this two-year term, will review hundreds of bills over the course of the session and adopt positions to advance the interests of ACWA members and protect against measures with negative consequences for public water agencies. ACWA members can access the latest on legislation and ACWA’s positions by visiting www.acwa.com/content/ state_legislation.
Key Issues on the Radar At least three lawmakers have signaled interest in authoring water marketrelated legislation this year. Assembly Member Bill Dodd (D-Napa) has introduced AB 1755, which would create a water transfer information clearinghouse to share water data across the state. Other bills are expected to be introduced by the Feb. 19 deadline.
EMERGENCY REG Continued on page 7
Column: Our Best Defense Against Drought is Checking the Box Next to “All-of-the-Above”
3
President’s Column: Coming Soon to an Event Near You: ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs
LEGISLATIVE Continued on page 5
5
Legislators Hear Update on Prop. 1 Implementation FEBRUARY 19, 2016 • 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 2016. 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.
Connect with us online: facebook.com/acwawater twitter.com/acwawater
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COLUMN • TIMOTHY QUINN
Best Defense Against Drought is Checking the Box Next to “All-of-the-Above” With the State Water Resources Control Board’s revised and extended emergency conservation regulation now in effect, urban water agencies throughout the state are continuing their intensive efforts to meet mandatory conservation standards in place since June 2015. The 2016 regulation, adopted after several hours of compelling testimony from local water managers from throughout the state, includes some limited adjustments in response to feedback from ACWA and its member agencies. Water suppliers can request modest adjustments to their conservation standard for climate, growth and local drought-resilient supplies developed since 2013.While we would have liked to see more significant changes to the regulation, we appreciate that these adjustments will be helpful to some ACWA member agencies as they continue their conservation programs in 2016. Now that the State Water Board has acted on the emergency regulation, our focus now turns to the longer term discussion of ensuring greater recognition of local water supply investments in the state’s overall drought response strategy. As we have emphasized over the past several months, there is a role for both water supply tools and demand reduction tools in our response efforts. Since the drought of the early 1990s, local water agencies throughout California have taken it upon themselves to invest in everything from water recycling to local and regional water storage to desalination of brackish groundwater and ocean water. They have
invested close to $20 billion on drought-resilient strategies and projects that have added the equivalent of nearly 5 million acre-feet of “new” local and regional water supply across the state. And with the overwhelming passage of Proposition 1 in 2014, this wave of investment is poised to continue. As outlined in Gov. Jerry Brown’s California Water Action Plan, these investments will complement a full suite of actions ranging from new surface water and groundwater storage to improved management of the state’s headwaters to development of a more effective water market. This “all-of-the-above” approach is the hallmark of this generation of local water managers. In fact, it represents a tectonic change from the last major drought, when many agencies had to adopt mandatory rationing because they relied heavily on the State Water Project and lacked alternative supplies. Today, however, we have locally developed drought-resilient supplies that didn’t exist 25 years ago. These supply tools — which have been largely ignored in the current regulatory response to drought — simply must be factored into the equation. As we continue the long-term conversation with the State Water Board and others, we will push for broader recognition of the water supply tools available in 2016. Our best defense against future droughts is to check the box next to “all-of-the-above” and continue the investments made by local agencies and their customers.
Changes on Tap for ACWA 2016 Spring Conference Location Registration is open for ACWA’s 2016 Spring Conference & Exhibition, set for May 3-6 at the Monterey Marriott and Portola Hotels. Please be advised that the Exhibit Hall and some meetings and functions previously located in the Monterey Conference Center are being moved to accommodate a $50 million
renovation project currently underway. The Exhibit Hall and some meetings will be relocated to space in the Monterey Marriott, the Portola Hotel and a special plaza pavilion erected for use during the renovation. Registration and information are at www.acwa.com.
PRESIDENT’S COLUMN • KATHLEEN TIEGS
Coming Soon to an Event Near You: ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs’ Engagement Initiative Every time I attend an ACWA conference or committee meeting, I am struck by the dedication and the diversity of ACWA members. We are a passionate group, united in our mission to work for a reliable water future for California. We are also incredibly diverse, both in terms of the communities we serve and the range of services we provide. But while geography and functions may distinguish us, they should not separate us as we pursue issues critical to our respective agencies. The more we get to know each other, the more we see the common ground and shared purpose that make us strong as an organization. One of my top priorities as ACWA
president is to ensure that members feel connected. My aim is to promote cohesiveness and two-way communication by spending as much time as possible interacting with ACWA members in the field. To that end, I am working with ACWA staff to create opportunities for engagement through a special “Meet the President” initiative over my twoyear term. Through a combination of small-group meetings, agency visits and regional events, I hope to foster an open dialog in a casual environment and hear from ACWA members in every part of this great state. I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to meeting all of our
members so we can increase communication and engagement at all levels. Please keep an eye out for details and direct invitations to gatherings in your area. Together, we can continue to move forward as a united and vibrant organization.
MEET ACWA’S PRESIDENT Member Engagement Tour 2016-’17
Water Commission Soliciting Concept Papers for Potential Storage Projects, Comments on Proposed Regulation The California Water Commission is soliciting concept papers that summarize potential water storage projects and their benefits in an effort to gather information on projects that may qualify for Water Storage Investment Program public benefit funding under Proposition 1. Concept papers will be accepted via email at cwc@water.ca.gov until 5 p.m. on March 31. The commission also has opened a 45day comment period for its proposed WSIP regulations for the quantification and management of the public benefit of water storage projects. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m. on March 14. California voters passed Proposition 1 in November 2014. The proposition dedicated $2.7 billion for investment in the public benefits of water storage projects and designated the CWC as the agency responsible for allocating these funds.
The solicitation of concept papers is intended to benefit both the commission and potential project proponents. The concept papers will be made public, so project proponents will be able to identify potential regional partners or potential conflicts with other projects. Project proponents also will be able to identify potential eligibility issues early and judge the potential competitiveness of their projects. Submission of a concept paper is not mandatory to be eligible for WSIP funding. All of the information provided through these concept papers will be made available on the commission website. The CWC also is seeking comments on the proposed WSIP quantification regulations. The proposed regulations provide a framework for the application process and requirements applicants must follow to measure the public benefits of proposed water storage
projects. The proposed regulations also include ecosystem and water quality priorities that may be considered by the CWC when evaluating proposed projects under the WSIP. Under Proposition 1, the CWC must have the regulations finalized by December 2016. A public hearing to receive public comment on the proposed regulations will be held March 16 at 9:30 a.m. in Sacramento. The agenda will be posted at cwc.ca.gov 10 days prior to the meeting. The CWC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and supporting documents are available on the CWC website at cwc.ca.gov. ACWA member agencies with questions regarding the WSIP should contact ACWA Regulatory Advocate Adam W. Robin at AdamR@acwa.com or (916) 441-4545. FEBRUARY 19, 2016 • 3
WATER NEWS DIGEST DWR Releases Ag Water Use Efficiency Grants Package The California Department of Water Resources has released its final agricultural water use efficiency 2015-’16 grants guidelines and proposal solicitation package, making $30 million in Proposition 1 funding available for a wide range of agricultural water use efficiency projects. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on March 30. Public agencies, state and federally recognized tribal governments, universities and non-profit organizations are eligible for funding. Applicants also are encouraged to collaborate with others and submit proposals on a regional scale.
DWR Increases 2016 SWP Allocation from 10% to 15% Crediting recent storms for improved water supply conditions, the California Department of Water Resources on Jan. 26 announced an increase from 10% to 15% in its initial supply allocation projection for the State Water Project. For 2016, the 29 contractors that receive SWP water requested more than 4.1 million acre-feet of water. With the announced allocation increase, they will receive 631,115 acre-feet of requested supplies.
According to DWR, the SWP allocation may be further increased as winter storms warrant, but approximately 150% of average rain and snow would be needed for conditions to significantly improve. Last year, DWR’s SWP allocation was 20% – the second lowest since 1991. In 2014, SWP deliveries were just 5%.
Feinstein Introduces California Drought Bill Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) on Feb. 10 introduced a sweeping piece of legislation to combat the years-long California drought. The drought bill, her third such attempt in the last two years, was cast by the senator as a compilation of the best ideas from previous bills. “Drafting this bill has been difficult, probably the hardest bill I’ve worked on in my 23 years in the Senate,” Feinstein said. “But it’s important, and that’s why we’ve been working so hard, holding dozens and dozens of meetings and revising the bill over and over again.”
El Niño Bolsters California Snowpack, But Drought Still On Snowpack water content in mountains throughout California was hovering well above historical averages in early February — thanks to El Niño winter storms — but the encouraging water readings do not indicate the state has pulled out of drought.
A manual snow survey Feb. 2 at Phillips Station in the Sierra Neveda reveals snowpack boosted by El Niño storms. Snow water content was 130% of average for the date at that location.
4 • ACWANEWS
Vol. 44 No. 2
That was the overarching message from the California Department of Water Resources Feb. 2 as it released both manual and electronic snow survey readings. The manual snowpack reading at Phillips Station off Highway 50 in the Sierras revealed a snow water equivalent of 25.4 inches, which is 130% of the February average of 19.5 inches at Phillips since 1966.
Rainfall in the three regions tracked continuously by DWR was 123% of the historical average between Oct. 1 and Jan. 31. But while storage has increased in the state’s major reservoirs, they still hold much less than their historical averages for early February, officials said. Electronic readings from 102 stations scattered throughout the Sierra Nevada indicate the water content in the mountains was 20.4 inches, 114% of normal for Feb. 2.
U.S. EPA Announces $182 Million for California Water Projects The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Jan. 27 announced $182 million in new funding for local drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects as well as projects that help reduce water pollution. The funding will be available through the California Clean Water State Revolving Fund and the state’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Among the projects that will receive funding are San Francisco’s planned Lake Merced Green Infrastructure project which seeks to improve stormwater management and a project intended to help the City of Davis meet the requirements of its wastewater discharge permit by switching its drinking water source from groundwater to the Sacramento River.
RESOURCE Ag water use grant program: www.water. ca.gov/wuegrants/SolicitationsProp1AG. cfm CA drought bill summary: www.acwa. com/sites/default/files/news/federalrelations/2016/02/bill-summary.pdf Snowpack readings: cdec.water.ca.gov/ cdecapp/snowapp/sweq.action Water conditions: www.water.ca.gov/ waterconditions/waterconditions.cfm U.S. EPA Funding Program: www3.epa. gov/region9/water/grants/srf-loan-prog. html
Legislators Hear Update on Proposition 1 Implementation Top state agency officials and various stakeholders provided lawmakers with an update Feb. 2 on the status of projects and programs that are now — or soon will be — funded by Proposition 1, the $7.5 billion water bond approved by voters in 2014. The status update was provided during a joint informational and oversight hearing of the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee and the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Resources and Transportation. According to a report from the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the Legislature has appropriated a combined total of $2.1 billion in 2014-’15 and 2015-’16 fiscal years. Some $2.8 billion remains to be appropriated by the Legislature. In 2015-’16, lawmakers approved a multiyear expenditure plan for $1.8 billion in yet-to-be appropriated funds. Some $1 billion for three large
categories remain for appropriation: $475 million for statewide obligations and agreements; $395 for flood protection; and $100 million for Los Angeles River restoration. An additional $2.7 billion from the bond falls under the purview of the California Water Commission for continuous appropriation for water storage projects. Several stakeholders from the water community made comments to legislators about possible ways to maximize the public benefits of the projects and programs the bond funds. ACWA Deputy Executive Director for Government Relations Cindy Tuck was among those who testified to lawmakers. She praised the implementation process. “We give high marks to the Brown Administration for their implementation of Proposition 1…,”
said Tuck. “They are doing a very good job on this.” Tuck stressed the importance of investing in the state’s water system. “We’re getting through this drought pretty well because of investments that were made in the past by local agencies,” she said. “The state funds from Proposition 1 will leverage more dollars that will help the state weather future droughts.” Tuck also said that ACWA is “actively participating” in the CWC process on disbursement of water storage funding. Tuck also stressed the importance of measuring outcomes for the projects and programs that are funded. For instance, the state should quantify how much water actually is recycled from new recycling programs or how much additional storage capacity is built through bond funds.
LEGISLATIVE Continued from page 1
ACWA’s advocacy efforts on water transfers this year are expected to be guided by policy recommendations under development by the association’s Water Market Technical Advisory Committee. The recommendations, which build on policy principles adopted last year by the ACWA Board of Directors, are expected to go to the board for review and approval in March. Another issue on the radar is a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at providing additional ratemaking flexibility for local water agencies. ACWA has been working with the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties to pursue amendments to Article X of the California Constitution to create a new, optional funding method local agencies could
use at their discretion to finance stormwater, flood control and other water and sewer-related projects and pursue conservation-based water rates or lifeline rates for low-income households. As reported in the Dec. 18 issue of ACWA News, the three organizations filed a constitutional amendment with the Attorney General’s office on Dec. 14 as a potential statewide ballot initiative. A revised measure was filed on Jan. 19 with changes reflecting comments received from interested parties. An official title and summary are expected to be issued by the Attorney General’s office in late February. The three organizations will make a determination in the coming months whether to proceed with the initiative.
On a parallel track, the coalition is pursuing a legislative strategy that could see a bill introduced in early 2016. A working group of the State Legislative Committee has been reviewing language, and any bill that emerges will go to the full committee for consideration.
Learn More at March 9 Legislative Symposium ACWA members can hear more about water market-related legislation and Article X amendments at ACWA’s annual Legislative Symposium March 9 at the Sacramento Convention Center. Panel discussions will drill into the details of current proposals and where discussions are headed this year. Details and registration are at www.acwa.com.
FEBRUARY 19, 2016 • 5
ACWA Board Kicks off 2016-’17 Term The ACWA Board of Directors convened for the first meeting of the 2016’17 term on Jan. 29 and heard updates on a range of state and federal issues affecting ACWA member agencies. ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs brought the meeting to order and highlighted the important mission of ACWA and its governing board over the next two years. She noted that open communication and member involvement are key goals for her term as president, and said she intends to engage with ACWA members in the field through a special “Meet the President” initiative over the next two years. The Board approved a plan that will allow ACWA staff to support the initiative. Board members spent a significant portion of the meeting discussing the State Water Resources Control Board’s proposed emergency regulation for 2016. ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn outlined the association’s concern that the State Water Board’s approach does not fully recognize the importance of local drought-resilient supplies developed over the past two decades. He said he did not expect the State Water Board to make any significant changes before adopting the regulation on Feb. 2. “This may take more time,” Quinn said. “Our real focus is on the longer term and making sure we maintain incentives for investments.” Board members also heard an update on development of regulations for Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) under the state’s landmark 2014 groundwater legislation. The California Department of Water Resources is expected to release a draft version of the GSP regulations in February for public review. An ACWA work group will review the draft and provide input into ACWA’s written comments. An update also was provided on ACWA’s Water Market Technical 6 • ACWANEWS
Vol. 44 No. 2
Advisory Committee (TAC) and its work to develop draft recommendations for improving the water transfers process and enhancing the role of a voluntary water market in California. Board Member Paul Bartkiewicz, who is leading the effort as chair of the TAC, said recommendations are expected to go before the ACWA Board for review at the March 29 meeting. The Board heard a recap of the successful Jan. 14 event presented by ACWA in partnership with the Brown Administration on the California Water Action Plan. The Sacramento event, attended by nearly 300 people and close to 1,800 more via webcast, teed up the release of the Administration’s 2016 update to the action plan, initially issued in 2014. Twenty-six media outlets covered the event. Other topics discussed by the ACWA Board included the omnibus appropria-
tions bill signed by President Barack Obama in December, an update on 2016 plans for the Save Our Water program – including $5 million in funding included in Gov. Brown’s proposed budget for 2016-’17, and an update on proposed amendments to Article X of the California Constitution to provide additional ratemaking flexibility for water agencies. The day prior to the Jan. 29 meeting, Board members attended an orientation and team-building workshop aimed at enhancing communication and effectiveness for the new Board over its two-year term.
ACWA Board of Directors Kathleen J. Tiegs ACWA President
Bill Diedrich Region 6 Vice Chair
Larry McKenney Local Government Committee Chair
Brent Hastey ACWA Vice President
Jill Duerig Water Quality Committee Chair
Judy Mirbegian Region 1 Chair
John A. Coleman Immediate Past President
Bill George Region 3 Chair
G. Patrick O’Dowd Region 9 Chair
Joshua Alpine Region 3 Vice Chair
Glen Grant Region 4 Vice Chair
Robert Roscoe Region 4 Chair
Gary Arant Energy Committee Chair
Cathy Green Region 10 Vice Chair
William Rosen Region 5 Vice Chair
Paul Bartkiewicz State Legislative Committee Chair
David Hodgin Region 5 Chair
Harvey R. Ryan Region 9 Vice Chair
Thad Bettner Water Management Committee Chair
Matthew Hurley Region 6 Chair
Tom Scaglione Finance Committee Chair
David Bixler Region 7 Chair
Steven LaMar Federal Affairs Committee Chair
Sue Stephenson Communications Committee Chair
Brian J. Brady Region 10 Chair
Eric Larrabee Region 2 Chair
William Taube Region 7 Vice Chair
Jennifer Buckman Legal Affairs Committee Chair
Joone Lopez Membership Committee Chair
Michael Touhey Region 8 Chair
Stephen Cole Region 8 Vice Chair
Shauna Lorance Bus. Development Committee Chair
Stan Wangberg Region 2 Vice Chair
Thomas A. Cuquet ACWA/JPIA Vice President
Dennis Mayo Region 1 Vice Chair
John Woodling Groundwater Committee Chair
EMERGENCY REG Continued from page 1
It also directs staff to work with the California Department of Water Resources to develop a “proposed framework for enhanced urban water conservation, efficiency and resilience.” Staff is directed to report back to the board on “options for transitioning to a more resilience-based approach to dealing with the future” by May 1. Over the past several months, ACWA and numerous member agencies have called on the State Water Board to allow locally developed droughtresilient water supplies to play a much more significant role in the state’s drought response in 2016. In formal comments submitted Jan. 28, ACWA requested several changes to the draft regulation issued Jan. 15 to make the proposed adjustments more meaningful in practice and better recognize the importance of local water supply investments. In oral testimony Feb. 2, ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn thanked the board for making modest adjustments but reiterated the need for both water supply tools and demand reduction tools to be used as the drought continues in 2016.
Final Regulation Includes Some Adjustments The final regulation extends current mandatory reductions in urban water use through October and continues the mandatory conservation framework that took effect in June. It includes modest adjustments that likely would not have been made without extensive advocacy by ACWA and its member agencies. These adjustments are expected to help some local water agencies as they continue their conservation efforts in 2016. Climate adjustment: The final regulation includes a climate adjustment that could reduce a supplier’s conservation standard by up to 4% for suppliers located in warmer
regions of the state. Some State Water Board members indicated willingness to consider greater adjustments in April. Some additional adjustments were made to broaden the method used to calculate climate data, as proposed by water agencies. Growth adjustment: The final regulation provides a mechanism to account for water-efficient growth since 2013. To qualify for the adjustment, suppliers would have to provide specific data to the State Water Board by March 15. The method for calculating the adjustment was simplified by the latest changes. Drought-resilient supplies credit: The final regulation allows local water agencies to apply for an adjustment of no more than 8% to their individual state-imposed conservation standard if they receive at least 1% of their total potable water production from a qualifying local drought-resilient project developed since January 2013. In order to qualify for the credit, water suppliers would have to submit required certification to the State Water Board by March 15. The definition was broadened in the latest round of changes to include agencies with “financial interest” in qualifying projects. State Water Board staff indicated the adjustments would put the state on track on reduce water use in 2016 by more than 20%, compared to 2013 levels. Cumulative water savings under the original emergency regulation totaled just over 25% through December, according to data released Feb. 2.
ACWA Members Testify at Hearing The State Water Board’s action on Feb. 2 followed several hours of testimony in which local water agency representatives from throughout the state called for modifications to recognize local drought-resilient supplies, address equity issues and reflect on-the-ground conditions in different parts of the state.
Several ACWA members requested adjustments to provide credit for agencies that have invested in local resilient supplies through projects such as water recycling, local and regional water storage and desalination of brackish groundwater and ocean water. Others called for the State Water Board to recognize that different parts of the state are experiencing different hydrologic conditions, and suggested that the regulation allow for modifications by region if rain and snowfall warrant in the coming weeks.
Next Steps and Questions ACWA appreciates that State Water Board staff recognized the need for some adjustments and included some modifications in the final regulation. ACWA and water agencies will continue to advocate that the State Water Board make adjustments in April to address expected above-normal precipitation either by reducing water suppliers’ conservation standards or by rescinding the emergency regulation. ACWA member agencies with questions may contact ACWA Special Projects Manager Dave Bolland at (916) 441-4545 or daveb@acwa.com.
FEBRUARY 19, 2016 • 7
SPOTLIGHT
Del Puerto Water District: Creating a New Water Supply with the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program DISTRICT
FACTS
Location Del Puerto Water District runs parallel on both sides of the Delta-Mendota Canal in Southwestern San Joaquin, Western Stanislaus and Merced counties for approximately 50 miles – from Vernalis to Santa Nella Service Area 45,000 acres of farmland along the Delta-Mendota Canal Established 1947 Water Sources The district’s sole source of supply comes from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Central Valley Project, delivered through turnouts on the DeltaMendota Canal. Notable Projects • North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program • Orestimba Creek Recharge and Recovery Project • Feasibility study on local off-stream storage Project Website www.nvrrecycledwater.org
In the fertile growing grounds of California’s Central Valley, nothing is more precious than water. Just ask the multi-generational farm families in Del Puerto Water District’s service area whose livelihoods depend on water from the Central Valley Project. But California’s devastating drought has decimated Del Puerto’s CVP allocation — its sole source of supply — reducing it to zero, leaving the district and its customers with limited and expensive options. “In the past two years we’ve purchased $21 million in supplemental supplies,” said Del Puerto Water District General Manager Anthea Hansen. “I’m very concerned because I don’t know how long our customers can sustain this.” Del Puerto officials have turned that concern into out-of-the-box thinking, brainstorming with officials in Stanislaus County and neighboring cities to come up with a creative solution: the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program. After years of feasibility studies, planning and reviews, Del Puerto Water District and its partners are on the brink of construction for the innovative water recycling project that will create a new source of water for Del Puerto customers through regional cooperation. The North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program is a collaborative partnership among Stanislaus County, the cities of Modesto,
Turlock, and Ceres, and the Del Puerto Water District to build a pipeline from the City of Modesto’s Jennings Road Treatment Plant that will deliver recycled water from all three cities into the Delta-Mendota Canal. The project will allow the available recycled water to be used for Del Puerto’s irrigation needs instead of being discharged into the San Joaquin River. While the program won’t meet 100% of the district’s needs, it will provide a reliable, consistent supply – as much as 30,600 acre-feet per year when the project is complete. “This project is the most positive thing we’ve ever done. If we want to be able to survive in farming, this is essential for us,” said Jim Jasper, owner of Stewart & Jasper Orchards and long-time Del Puerto Water District board member. As the owner of a 2,500-acre farming operation started by his father in 1948, Jasper knows exactly how critical the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program is to the future success of farms like his. The program will ensure that his son — the third generation of Jasper men to farm in Del Puerto — and other farmers in the area will have a future. “We don’t have a lot of groundwater and we’re going into the third year of zero allocation. If our permanent crops don’t have a reliable supply of water, we’re sunk. I’m a second
North Valley Recycled Water Program partners, including Del Puerto Water District General Manager Anthea Hansen, (center) meet with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation staff in Washington D.C. for project status updates in March 2015.
generation farmer, and I never thought we’d get to the point we’re at today, but being able to use recycled water is a great thing. Anthea Hansen has worked very diligently on this project for many years and I have to applaud both Turlock and Modesto. They have been very helpful in getting this done,” said Jasper. “I can’t say enough good things about this project. It won’t bring all of the water we need but it will bring some and it will be reliable water. It’s a godsend for the farmers in Del Puerto.” Implementing the $100 million project has been no small feat, but Del Puerto has made the project a top priority. Creating an adequate and affordable water supply for its customers is critical. Del Puerto customers agree – and they’re putting their money where their mouths are. During the district’s recent Proposition 218 assessment process, Del Puerto customers decidedly approved the required rate increases to pay for the project. To help bolster project funding, the program is using IRWMP grants and a low interest State Revolving Fund loan. The program also has applied for $15 million in Proposition 1 recycled water funds and continues to seek available state or federal funds, such as federal emergency drought relief legislation. But while they eagerly await word on the status of the Proposition 1 grant, Del Puerto and
its partners have been busily checking off a number of other items on the project to-do list. With its certification of the Environmental Impact Report complete, the district is in the process of finalizing 40-year purchase agreements for buying the recycled water from Modesto and Turlock and working to obtain final water right and discharge permits and a needed record of decision from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. Hansen says these items should be completed in the next few months, and construction on the pipeline will likely begin by July or August. The district also has put in place an interim water transfer to provide some level of reliable water supply for its customers during construction. In the next few months, as soon as the permitting is approved, approximately 900 acre-feet per month of recycled water from the City of Turlock will be diverted by the Patterson Irrigation District into the Delta-Mendota Canal for Del Puerto’s customers. The transfer agreement will remain in place until the new pipeline is completed in December 2017.
Top left: Del Puerto Water District’s service area is home to more than 30 different crops, including these grapes growing in a vineyard in Western Stanislaus County. Approximately, 65% of Del Puerto’s irrigated acreage is dedicated to permanent crops such as grapes, almonds, citrus, walnuts, peaches and apricots. Top right: As the sole source of water supply for the Del Puerto Water District, the DeltaMendota Canal plays an integral role in the district’s operations. The district faces a third consecutive year with a zero allocation. Photo credit: Ryan Doyle, RMC Water and Environment
“The interim water transfer will provide welcome relief to Del Puerto in the next few years,” said Hansen. “We’re trying to hang on until the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program brings some baseline of reliable supply.” .
“This project is the most positive thing we’ve ever done. If we want to be able to survive in farming, this is essential for us.” — Jim Jasper, owner of Stewart & Jasper Orchards and Del Puerto Water District board member
FEBRUARY 19, 2016 • 9
Member News
Tulure ID Launches Winter On-Farm Recharge Pilot Program Looking to capitalize on predicted El Niño storms and possible flooding this winter, Tulare Irrigation District has launched a new pilot program designed to utilize district farmland for groundwater recharge. Some 25 landowners and farming entities — totaling about 6,800 acres — have enrolled in the Winter On-Farm Recharge Pilot Program which will provide free water to the registered parcels during flood release events through April 15. According to the district, the program is not intended to replace normal
winter water sales but to encourage the use of farms and fields for groundwater recharge when district recharge facilities are already fully utilized. Available water in excess of the district’s recharge system capacity will be made available to program participants for on-farm recharge. “The district is very pleased with the sign-ups for our on-farm recharge program. The district and the farmers signed up for the program are now optimistic about the ability to utilize surplus surface water supplies to
enhance our ability to conduct groundwater recharge,” said TID District Engineer Aaron Fukada. As part of the program, TID also is partnering with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and UC Davis to conduct studies on the effects of over application of winter flood waters on permanent crops such as pistachios and alfalfa. For more information on the program, please contact TID District Engineer Aaron Fukuda at (559) 686-3425 or akf@tulareid.org.
TUD Featured in U.S. EPA Drought Response and Recovery Video The Tuolumne Utilities District is featured in a video released in late January in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Drought Response and Recovery Project. The video features water utilities from across the country that have responded to severe drought, including TUD’s efforts throughout the summer of 2014. EPA developed national guidelines to help other water utilities become more drought resilient using the combined lessons learned from the agencies featured in the video.
Filming for the video took place in November 2014 at several Tuolumne County locations including TUD, Phoenix Lake, Lyons Reservoir and Twain Harte. PG&E, Twain Harte Community Services District, Tuolumne Me-Wuk Tribal Council, SPI, CAL Fire, Tuolumne County, and the Tuolumne County Master Gardeners also assisted with the video production. “The summer of 2014 was difficult and challenging…The community came together and managed to achieve significant water conservation which
was needed at the time. Many state and local agencies still talk about this great accomplishment,” said TUD Customer and Public Relations Coordinator Lisa Westbrook. The video can be viewed on TUD’s website at www.tudwater.com.
Madera ID Receives Bureau’s Regional Director’s Award Madera Irrigation District was recognized Jan. 20 with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Regional Director’s Award for its commitment to improving water management practices and promoting water conservation and efficiency. The award was presented to MID during the Bureau’s Mid-Pacific Region Water Users’ Conference in Reno, Nevada. In selecting MID for the Regional Director’s Award, the Bureau specifically recognized the district for its efforts to replace approximately 100 farm turnout meters, install flume gates, 10 • ACWANEWS
Vol. 44 No. 2
and equip ditch tenders with real-time meter reading applications. “This is one of the highest honors that Reclamation can award a district. MID is extremely proud to have received this recognition. This award shows the dedication and commitment of the District’s Board of Directors and staff to improve water management practices for the benefit of our District and our growers,” said MID General Manager Thomas Greci in a statement announcing the award.
The Madera Irrigation District is honored with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Regional Director’s Award on Jan. 20. Displaying the award are: (l-r) MID General Manager Thomas Greci, MID Board President Carl Janzen, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Regional Director David Murillo, MID Assistant General Manager Dina Nolan, and MID Board Member Brian Davis.
Member News
MWD Wins Environmental and Economic Leadership Award The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California was honored Jan. 19 with the Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award for its wide-ranging education program. MWD received the award during a ceremony at the California Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Sacramento. Launched in 1983, MWD’s education program has evolved over the years to meet state Common Core and Next Generation Science standards for all grade levels. The program includes:
Metropolitan’s Solar Cup™: A program that provides months of hands-on learning about water conservation and solar-energy, engineering and team work, and culminates in the nation’s largest solar boat competition each spring. World Water Forum: An 18-month competitive grant program that offers student and professors from community colleges and universities a change to address regional and global water issues. Diamond Valley Lake Education Program: A program for students in
grade 4-7 that includes the “Water is Life” Student Art and Calendar program. “Our education programs not only promote environmental discovery, they are representative of Metropolitan’s overall commitment to balancing environmental protection and keeping California economy strong with innovative water management,” said MWD General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger. More information on MWD’s education programs is available at www.mwdh2o.com.
Central Basin Takes Action on State Auditor’s Recommendations The Central Basin Municipal Water District has announced a number of actions to address recommendations from the State Auditor’s office. At its January meeting, the CBMWD Board of Directors adopted key revisions that include: adopting an independent special counsel for ethics investigations; adopting a general manager termination policy; eliminating individual director outreach funds; reducing director car allowance; and requiring Brown Act training for directors and staff. The CBMWD board also selected Nixon Peabody, LLP to serve as
ding a Wo Buil rld
® ference Dif of
ACWA Excellence in Water Leadership Award
Sponsored ACWA by Black & Veatch Corporation Excellence
in Water Leadership Award
the independent counsel for ethics investigations. “Central Basin is the first agency of its kind to implement a fully independent ethics policy,” said CBMWD General Manager Kevin Hunt. “This policy has a dual purpose, it addresses the State Audit recommendations as well as promotes accountability and improved governance.” The ethics policy is a two-part system. First, it keeps the existing system in place while strengthening the process by defining penalties for violations. The second process involves an independent hotline and investigation. In
that process, Nixon Peabody, LLP will be responsible for reviewing the hotline calls and determining whether the calls should be investigated. The CBMWD board also voted to implement a policy requiring a fourth-fifths vote to terminate the general manager. The policy is intended to encourage more stability in the executive leadership and attract stronger qualified candidates. The policy also will require a four-fifths vote to hire a new general manager. More information on CBMWD’s changes is at www.centralbasin.org.
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Nominations are now being accepted for the 2016 ACWA Excellence in Water Leadership Award – Building a World of Difference®. The award recognizes people (individuals or groups) who have made a remarkable and visible contribution to the enhancement, protection or development of water resources in California.
Deadline
MARCH
1
2016
For more information go to www.acwa.com/content/acwaexcellence-leadership-award.
FEBRUARY 19, 2016 • 11
People News Desert Water Agency GM Dave Luker Retires, Board Names New GM Mark Krause Desert Water Agency General Manager-Chief Engineer Dave Luker retired at the end of January and the DWA Board of Directors selected Assistant General Manager Mark Krause as the new general manager. Dave Luker
“We are grateful for Dave’s thoughtful and humble leadership during his 23 years of service to our agency,” DWA Board President Craig Ewing said in a statement. “He has built an unparalleled foundation of innovative policies and programs that will benefit our community for generations to come, and we look forward to building on that foundation with our agency’s new general manager, Mark Krause.”
Officials stated in a press release that during his tenure, Luker “exponentially” grew DWA’s conservation and recycled water programs, leading the agency to invest in innovative and unique methods to improve regional water quality and stretch limited supplies long before the current drought began. Luker became DWA’s fifth general manager in 2004 after joining the agency as the operations engineer in 1993. Before joining DWA, he worked for Krieger & Stewart Engineering in Riverside, California, where he became vice president in 1987. Krause joined DWA more than two decades ago. Before coming on board, he helped design and build out the agency’s system as an engineer for Krieger & Stewart.
Mark Krause
West Basin Board of Directors Elects New Officers for 2016 The West Basin Municipal Water District Board of Directors in January elected Director Carol W. Kwan as board president and Director Harold C. Williams as board vice president for 2016. Directors Scott Houston and Donald L. Dear were named board treasurer and board secretary, respectively. Director Gloria D. Gray, who previously served as the board president, was named immediate past president.
Carol Kwan
“I look forward to working with my fellow board members to provide water reliability for our region,” Kwan said in a written statement. “This means maximizing our recycled water and conservation programs, and continuing to investigate ocean water desalination as a possible drinking water supply in the future.” Harold Williams
2016 CALL FOR ENTRIES 12 • ACWANEWS
Kwan was first elected to the West Basin board in 1996 as its first female and AsianAmerican member. Kwan represents Division III which includes the cities of Hermosa Beach, Lomita, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and other areas. Kwan also serves as a board member of Cal Desal. Vice President Williams serves the cities of Division I which include Carson, the Palos Verdes Peninsula and portions of San Pedro. He is newly elected to the board. He previously served as president of the American Public Works Association-Southern California Chapter, president of the City and County Engineers Association, and treasurer of the Los Angeles Council of Black Professional Engineers. He also is a board member of the National Water Research Institute. Williams recently received the 2015 Top Elected Official award from the Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association.
Entries are now being accepted for ACWA’s 2016 Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence. The award recognizes exemplary programs developed by ACWA member agencies in water resource management. An official entry form and further details about the award, eligibility and selection process are available at www.acwa.com/content/clair-hill-wateragency-award-excellence-0.
Vol. 44 No. 2
CLAIR . Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence
DEADLINE 03.01.2016
People News
Lana J. Haddad
Western Municipal’s Haddad Selected for Prestigious Leadership Program Western Municipal Water District announced on Jan. 19 that Lana J. Haddad has been selected by Leadership California for its prestigious 2016 California Issues & Trends Program. Haddad, WMWD’s government affairs officer, is one of just 60 women selected for the program, which provides training on critical public and private sector issues. At WMWD, Haddad is responsible for advocating on behalf of the district and customers’ interest in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. She has more than 30 years of professional experience which
Osborne, Barbre Selected for Top Positions on Board of MWDOC The board of directors of the Municipal Water District of Orange County has unanimously selected Fountain Valley resident Wayne Osborne as board president and Yorba Linda resident Brett Barbre as vice president.
Wayne Osborne
Osborne has served on the MWDOC board since 2012. He has a long history of service to the water industry, having worked as the City of Fountain Valley’s director of public works and engineering for 33 years. He is a member of several water industry organizations, including the American Water Works Associa-
Koehler and Russell to Lead Marin Municipal Water District in 2016 In late January, Marin Municipal Water District announced that Cynthia Koehler and Larry Russell have been elected to serve as the district’s president and vice president, respectively. Cynthia Koehler
Koehler joined the MMWD in 2004 and was re-elected in 2014. She represents Division IV, which includes Mill Valley, Sausalito, Marin City, and nearby public lands. She also is the executive director and co-founder of the non-profit Water Now. According to
includes roles with University of California Riverside, Riverside County Water Task Force and City of Glendale City Manager’s office. Haddad serves on ACWA’s Energy and Federal Affairs committees, as well as on legislative committees for the California Special District Association, the California Association of Sanitation Agencies and the California Municipal Utilities Association. “I am so honored to have been selected for Leadership California’s class of 2016. This program provides an exceptional opportunity to learn from diverse leaders across many industries,” Haddad said in a statement.
tion and the Orange County Water Association. He represents MWDOC Division 3, which includes the cities of Cypress, Fountain Valley, Los Alamitos, Stanton, Westminster, portions of Garden Grove, and areas of unincorporated Orange County. Barbre has served on the MWDOC board since 2000. Prior to his election to MWDOC, Barbre served on the board of directors of the Yorba Linda Water District from 1998 to 2000. In 2009, Barbre was appointed to the board of directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California where he serves as chairman of the Finance & Insurance Committee. the district, her goals for 2016 are to make progress on water supply resiliency and customer relations. Russell, who also joined the board in 2004, represents Division V, which includes Corte Madera, portions of Larkspur, San Quentin, Strawberry, Tiburon and Belvedere. He is a licensed professional civil, chemical, and corrosion engineer. The five-member board also includes Larry Bragman, Armando Quintero and Jack Gibson.
Larry Russell
FEBRUARY 19, 2016 • 13
Registration Still Open for ACWA’s 2016 Legislative Symposium Registration is still open for ACWA’s 2016 Legislative Symposium to be held March 9 at the Sacramento Convention Center from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The day-long event will feature several programs including one that details coalition efforts to amend Article X of California’s Constitution to provide a new, optional funding method for local agencies to use to finance stormwater, flood control and other water and sewer-related projects. The symposium also will feature a panel discussion on the challenges of California’s existing water market system and recommendations to improve and enhance the role of voluntary water markets. The luncheon session will focus on issues the Legislature plans to address in 2016 and what it may accomplish, specifically with regard to disadvantaged communities. Online registration is available at www.acwa.com/events/2016legislative-symposium. The online registration and cancellation deadline is Feb. 26. For more information including a preliminary agenda, visit www.acwa.com/events/2016legislative-symposium.
2016
LEGISLATIVE
SYMPOSIUM 14 • ACWANEWS
Vol. 44 No. 2
Atwater Announces Retirement From SCWC, Wilson Selected as New ED The Southern California Water Committee announced Feb. 1 that Rich Atwater will be retiring as the organization’s executive director in April after five years of service. Charles Wilson, immediate past chair of SCWC, has been selected by the Board of Trustees to serve as the new executive director, following Atwater’s retirement on April 1. SCWC Vice Chairman and Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley will
take on a new role as the organization’s chairman. Atwater will continue as an advisor to SCWC following his retirement. Wilson has more than 25 years of experience in utilities, most recently at Southern California Edison. “We are well positioned to take on the myriad of water issues Southern California faces…,” said Wilson.
Save Our Water Prepares for Another Year of Mandatory Conservation in 2016 As California prepares for a potential fifth year of drought, the State Water Resources Control Board this month issued an extension of the mandatory statewide 25% urban water use reduction target through October 2016. Despite recent precipitation, the state’s drought emergency continues and Save Our Water is focusing public education on urging Californians to move beyond shortterm water saving solutions and make permanent changes to conserve. Save Our Water is preparing to run weather and traffic sponsorships on radio stations across the state beginning in late February and running through April 1. In addition, Save Our Water messaging will be featured on public radio stations during the same time frame. In Northern California, the program is preparing to air the “Splash Brothers” public service announcement featuring Golden State Warriors stars Steph Curry and Klay Thompson to capitalize on interest in the team as the basketball season nears the playoffs. Further public education efforts for spring will be determined as California gets a better sense of the impact of late winter precipitation on snowpack and reservoir levels.
On another front, Save Our Water is gearing up for extensive statewide public opinion research in March to help guide the program’s messaging and activities through the spring and summer. In addition to gauging the public’s opinion on continued conservation, Save Our Water is interested in exploring other issues that impact willingness to keep saving water, including rate increases, fines and rebates. A proposed $5 million budget increase for the program was included in Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget in January and those funds — if approved by the Legislature in the final budget — will be available beginning in July. Save Our Water also is planning to expand its public education efforts with all-new “Real People, Real Savings” features on the program’s website. Save Our Water’s original “Real People, Real Savings” profiles continue to be immensely popular with water agencies and the general public as they seek new and creative ways to save water outdoors. Save Our Water is seeking to feature “Real People, Real Savings” stories in your service area – please send potential subjects to Program Manager Brendan Wonnacott at Brendan@ saveourwater.com.
Brown Announces Reappointments to State Water Board, CVFPB Gov. Jerry Brown on Feb. 5 announced reappointments to the State Water Resources Control Board and the Central Valley Flood Protection Board.
The Feb. 5 reappointments include: Steven Moore, State Water Board: Moore was appointed in 2012. He previously served on the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Board from 2008-2012 and held staff positions at the Regional Water Board at various
times between 1992 and 2006. Joseph Countryman, CVFPB: Countryman has served on the board since 2012 and is an engineer. He has served in several positions in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Clyde Macdonald, CVFPB: Macdonald has served on the board since 2012. He has extensive legislative experience in various resources-related positions.
been manager of the Natural Resources and Lands Management Division at the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission since 2005. He also has held various resources-related positions. Emma Suarez, CVFPB: Suarez has served the board since 2007 and also from 2005 to 2006. She has been an attorney in private practice on natural resource issues since 2007 and has held other public agency positions.
Tim Ramirez, CVFPB: Ramirez has served on the board since 2012. He has
EMPLOYMENT Civil Engineer Central California Irrigation District Central California Irrigation District in Los Banos has an opening for a Civil Engineer. A Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent, and a current California Registration as a Civil Engineer is required. A complete job description is available at the District’s Main Office located at 1335 West I Street, Los Banos, CA 93635, (209) 826-1421. Please send resumes to either: Central California Irrigation District, P.O. Box 1231, Los Banos, CA 93635, fax (209) 826-3184 or e-mail to cwhite@ccidwater.org. The District is accepting resumes until the position is filled. Salary is negotiable depending on experience.
General Manager South Feather Water and Power Agency This is an excellent career opportunity to join and lead SFWPA’s highly functional and productive executive management team. The position is available due to the pending retirement of the current General Manager after 24 years of service. The General Manager: • Serves as the Agency’s Chief Executive Officer;
• Manages the South Feather Power Project, comprised of four hydroelectric powerhouses, having a combined capacity of 120 megawatts; • Manages the Agency’s domestic water treatment and distribution system that delivers the cheapest and highest quality water in the nation to its 6,700 customers with 141 miles of pipeline in its domestic water distribution system; • Manages the Agency’s irrigation water distribution facilities that deliver raw water to over 600 accounts through a conveyance system that includes over 100 miles of open channels. Applicants are encouraged to review the full position description at www. southfeather.com. SFWPA (originally known as OrovilleWyandotte Irrigation District – “OWID”) was established in 1919 as an irrigation water purveyor. Today, with an elected five-member board of directors and 60 employees, it is an efficient, cost-effective and service-oriented water agency. SFWPA has a pristine water source (South Fork of the Feather River) that supplies two water treatment plants, six reservoirs, nine dams, and four powerhouses (South Feather Power Project). The capacity of the four powerhouses combine to a total of 120 megawatts, and the average annual generation is about 500 gigawatt-hours. The Agency has a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company for the power generated by the
South Feather Power Project, which began in 2010. Candidates for this position should possess strong experience regarding project management, budget development and expenditure control, public personnel and employer-employee relations, customer service, as well as experience in working with elected officials and relevant State and Federal agencies. The selected candidate will possess knowledge of the functions, authorities and responsibilities of water districts, water treatment and distribution principles and practices. A Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Engineering, or a related field, and five years of increasingly responsible upper-level management experience in a public-sector (preferably with a California water district) are required. A Master’s degree is desirable. The starting salary will be $180,000 or higher, depending on qualifications. The Agency also offers an attractive benefits package. If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, visit the Agency’s website (www.southfeather.com) for an application form. The filing deadline for your completed application form and résumé is April 1, 2016. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Michael Glaze at: 530-533-4624, glaze@southfeather.com or 2310 Oro-Quincy Hwy., Oroville, CA 95966
FEBRUARY 19, 2016 • 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
Sen. Feinstein Introduces California Drought Bill — 02/10/2016 State Water Board Adopts 2016 Emergency Conservation Regulation — 02/03/2016 Legislators Hear Update on Prop. 1 Implementation — 02/02/2016
UPCOMING EVENTS VISIT ACWA.COM FOR COMPLETE LISTING
El Niño Bolsters California Snowpack, But Drought Still On — 02/02/2016 DWR Increases 2016 State Water Project Allocation from 10% to 15% — 01/26/2016
31
MARCH 2016 2 – 4
Lower Colorado River Tour sponsored by the Water Education Foundation. This tour explores the Lower Colorado River where virtually every drop of the river is allocated, yet demand is growing from a myriad of sources — increasing population, declining habitat, drought and climate change. More information available at www. watereducation.org/tour/lower-colorado-river-tour-2016.
9
ACWA 2016 Legislative Symposium will be held at the Sacramento Convention Center. Online registration and cancellation deadline is Feb. 26. For more information go to www.acwa.com/events/2016legislative-symposium.
TWITTER CHATTER Shoshi Parks • Feb. 11 | #CAdrought cost taxpayers $2bil due to loss of #hydroelectric power NWS Sacramento @NWSSacramento • F eb 9 | Dry spells during #ElNino winters are not uncommon. Most prior strong #Elnino have had long dry stretches! #cawx CA – DWR @CA_DWR • Feb 3 | RT @ saveourwater: Snowpack Holds More Water than Last Year - But Drought Conditions Continue and So Should Conservation #KeepSavingCA KTVUVerified account @KTVU • Feb 9 | Many of #California’s larger reservoirs still starved for rain #cadrought http://bit.ly/1ScGUDU Sen Dianne Feinstein @SenFeinstein • Feb 10 | New drought relief bill contains long-term provisions to invest in water storage, desalination and recycling.
MAY 2016 3 – 6
ACWA 2016 Spring Conference & Exhibition will be held at the Portola and Marriott Hotels in Monterey. Online registration is available at www.acwa.com/events/acwa-2016-spring-conference-exhibition.