ACWANEWS
ACWA’s Member Newsletter • www.acwa.com
ACWA hosted two engaging events in recent weeks – one on each side of the country. (Left) (l-r) During ACWA’s 2016 Legislative Symposium in Sacramento March 9, Assembly Member Bill Dodd (D-Napa), Assembly Member Marc Levine (D-San Rafael), ACWA State Legislative Committee Chair Paul Bartkiewicz, and Environmental Defense Fund’s David Festa discuss the importance of California’s voluntary water market. (Right) Pausing during a break at ACWA’s 2016 DC Conference in February, ACWA leadership poses with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). (l-r) Standing together are: ACWA Vice President Brent Hastey, ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs, Feinstein, ACWA Immediate Past President John Coleman and ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn.
2016 Legislative Symposium Focuses on Water Marketing and Ratemaking Water agency officials and stakeholders from throughout California gathered in Sacramento March 9 for ACWA’s 2016 Legislative Symposium where speakers drilled down on topics ranging from water transfers to ratemaking options for local water agencies.
folks know that it is a powerful and constructive position that has been arrived at through diplomatic vetting — and that it represents the collective effort and decisions of a room full of water leaders from across California,” said Tiegs.
More than 140 attendees listened to various perspectives from legislators, local government stakeholders and representatives from the environmental community. ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs provided welcoming remarks, and praised the work of ACWA’s State Relations Department and its State Legislative Committee.
ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn moderated the morning’s first panel, which provided an in-depth look at a proposal to amend Article X of California’s Constitution to provide a new, optional funding method for local agencies 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. The coalition leading the effort
“When ACWA delivers a position letter or testifies at a committee hearing across the street at the state capitol,
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March Miracle? Time Will Tell
Heavy rains in Northern California during the first half of March have filled some key reservoirs to historic averages, but officials say it is too early to declare a so-called “March Miracle” that will lift the state out of drought. Doug Carlson, a public information officer with the California Department of Water Resources, told ACWA News March 14 that drought impacts vary throughout the state, and while recent rains are “encouraging,” they do not signal an end to drought or a “March Miracle.” Heavy rains during March of 1991 — often called the “March Miracle” — are credited with playing a key role in helping to lessen the drought of 1988-’92.
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Column: Boost in Flows Underscores Need for Delta Improvements
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ACWA Launches New Tools for Drinking Water Safety Public Outreach
EL NIÑO Continued on page 13
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ACWA DC Conference Highlights Drought, Water Infrastructure MARCH 18, 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.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COLUMN • TIMOTHY QUINN
Boost in Flows Underscores Need for Delta Improvements With a series of recent downpours sending huge volumes of water into rivers, streams and reservoirs, drought-weary Northern Californians are seeing images they haven’t seen in years. Lake Shasta picked up about 1 million acre-feet of storage in two weeks, while the Bureau of Reclamation is making flood control releases from Folsom Reservoir, which was at near-historic lows just two months ago. Sacramento River water flowed into the Yolo Bypass for the first time since 2012, and the statewide snowpack is close to average. Lake Oroville is close to 100% of its historic average, but further south Don Pedro, New Melones and Pine Flat have yet to recover and are below average. Though no one is ready to pronounce the drought over, California water managers are watching closely to see if improved conditions will translate into a boost in deliveries from the State Water Project and the Central Valley Project and provide a measure of relief from severe cuts in surface water supplies. Reservoirs south of the Delta remain well below average, and there is intense interest in taking advantage of El Niño’s handiwork to erase some of the deficit. Since Jan. 1, flows through the Delta have been more than double those of the same time period in 2015. But despite the higher flows, less water has actually been exported to date this winter than by this point last year. By some estimates, up to 500,000 acre-feet of water that could have been captured — and used to replenish groundwater basins and reservoirs south of the Delta — flowed out to sea instead. Many worry that under current scenarios, San Luis Reservoir has little chance of recovering this year and may be lucky to peak at half-capacity by the end of March. The situation reflects the twin facts that we have a regulatory decision-making process that does not embrace the coequal
goals and a physical system that is wrong for the job. Under the coequal goals – enshrined in California law since 2009 – El Niño flows should be shared to benefit our water supply when the risks to fish are low and water supply benefits are high. But federal regulations governing project operations do not recognize that concept and essentially trump California law. In addition, there is no escaping the fact that we have an outdated and ineffective system for conveying water through the Delta. The system, with its large intakes in the wrong part of the Delta, maximizes conflicts between species protection and water supply and does not work for either purpose. But there is a path forward. The California Water Action Plan outlined by Gov. Jerry Brown calls for a long-term Delta solution that involves moving the intakes to a location where they will do far less harm and investing in habitat restoration in the Delta. Essentially, it would make the system far more capable of achieving the coequal goals and taking advantage of El Niño flows such as those seen today. ACWA has made a strong policy statement in support of long-term Delta solutions as part of an integrated plan that works for the entire state. Delta conveyance improvements are critical if we are to advance other elements of the California Water Action Plan, including meeting groundwater sustainability goals under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, maximizing investments in surface and groundwater storage and developing a more effective water market. As precious flows make their way down Northern California’s rivers and streams in the coming weeks, we will continue to make the case for long-term, comprehensive solutions.
ACWA Launches New Tools for Drinking Water Safety Public Outreach ACWA has developed several resources to assist local water agencies with public outreach and education efforts related to drinking water safety and compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule (LCR). ACWA’s materials are intended to assist member agencies in communicating to customers, the media and the public that California’s drinking water is safe and generally has a lower risk for lead contamination. Development of the materials is in response to public concern about drinking water safety following the water crisis in Flint. As part of its response to the Flint crisis, the U.S. EPA in February increased enforcement of the LCR, which requires public water systems to monitor and report lead and copper in drinking water. Subsequently, the State Water Resources Control Board in March released specific recommendations for California’s water agencies to enhance public outreach on drinking water testing and compliance with the EPA’s LCR. ACWA has developed resources to assist with that outreach. ACWA’s resources include: • Lead and Drinking Water in California Fact Sheet: This document provides background on the risks and effects of lead
in drinking water, facts about the risk of lead contamination in California’s drinking water specifically, and additional information about federal regulations, the Flint crisis and how consumers can get more information about their drinking water. • FAQs on Drinking Water Treatment and Chloramine: This document provides answers to some of the public’s most frequently asked questions about drinking water treatment and the use of chloramine as a disinfectant. • Get the Facts About Lead and Drinking Water Graphic: This graphic has been formatted for use on agency websites and social media platforms as part of their outreach efforts on lead and drinking water safety. The resources are available on ACWA’s website at www.acwa. com/CADrinkingWater. While the fact sheet and FAQ document are publicly available, the graphic is being provided as an exclusive ACWA member benefit. Member login is required to download the graphic. ACWA member agencies with questions or concerns regarding these outreach tools may contact ACWA Director of Communications Lisa Lien-Mager at lisalm@ acwa.com or (916) 4414545. Questions regarding water quality or the EPA’s LCR may be directed to ACWA Regulatory Advocate Adam Robin at adamr@acwa.com or (916) 441-4545.
MEET ACWA’S PRESIDENT Member Engagement Tour 2016-’17
Tiegs in the Field ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs this year launched a “Meet the President” initiative in which she is traveling throughout the state during her twoyear term to meet as many ACWA members as possible on their home turf. She plans to meet with members through a combination of small-group meetings, agency visits and regional events. As part of that effort, Tiegs toured the Cambria Community Service District’s Sustainable Water Facility on March 10. (Above) Tiegs is joined by CCSD staff and board president: (l-r): Bob Gresens, district engineer; Justin Smith, water supervisor; Jerry Gruber, general manager; CCSD Board of Directors President Gail Robinette; and Tom Gray, public information officer.
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ACWA’s annual DC conference included addresses from top congressional and national leaders. (Left) U.S. Assistant Attorney General John Cruden addresses conference attendees. (Right) Members of ACWA’s leadership team gather with Rep. John Garamendi (D-3). (l-r) Pictured are: ACWA Immediate Past President John Coleman, ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs, Garamendi, ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn, ACWA Vice President Brent Hastey and ACWA Deputy Executive Director for Government Relations Cindy Tuck.
ACWA’s DC Conference Highlights Drought, Water Infrastructure More than 100 ACWA members trekked to Washington for ACWA’s DC Conference Feb. 23 to 25 and listened to an array of speeches from congressional leaders on California’s water needs. U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) addressed attendees during the opening breakfast held in conjunction with the California Association of Sanitation Agencies. Feinstein discussed provisions in her new drought bill, S. 2533. “We looked for a sweet spot through 26 drafts,” Feinstein said of her staff ’s efforts in putting together the bill. “It is amazing how difficult this issue is.” She also stressed that the state is in a unique moment to advance such legislation, saying: ”This is our opportunity that we will likely never have again.” House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-23) spoke during an afternoon program in the Capitol Visitors Center. He began by ticking off the dates the House passed California drought legislation, and noted that the House has been waiting since 2012 for the Senate to act. He described the 2016 omnibus
spending package that passed in December as the best vehicle for drought bill passage this Congress and expressed frustration that talks broke down and no deal was reached. He also noted with dismay that during drought bill negotiations there are more Democrats in the room than Republicans even though Republicans are in the majority in the House and Senate. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-42) decried the lack of pumping through the Delta during recent rainy weather and expressed frustration that California’s congressional delegation was unable to reach a bipartisan deal on drought legislation last December. He noted that House Republicans are ready to go to conference and negotiate a deal as soon as Feinstein secures Senate passage of her drought bill. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-1) reminded attendees that California is enjoying the benefits of infrastructure that was built long ago during the
Gold Rush era. He noted that if Sites Reservoir were built, there would be greater flexibility in the system today. He echoed Calvert’s statement that House Republicans are ready to go to conference on a drought bill as soon as one passes the Senate. Rep. Tom McClintock (R-4) provided an impassioned critique of current water policy, saying: “Droughts are nature’s fault; they happen, but water shortages are our fault.” If the Valadao bill (HR 2898) were law, he noted, an additional 400,000 acre-feet of water could have flowed south of the Delta. Rep. John Garamendi (D-3) lamented the nation’s underinvestment in infrastructure and suggested that more should be done at the federal level to promote water recycling. He said he is introducing the House companion bill to Feinstein’s drought bill because “it is time to solve California’s water problems.” Continued on page 5
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ACWA Sends Feinstein Letter Urging Bipartisan Drought Legislation ACWA has sent a letter to U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein expressing support for her S. 2533 and encouraging Senate passage so discussions can continue in a House-Senate conference. In the letter, ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn wrote that ACWA “appreciates your continuing efforts to address the historic drought that is devastating California and much of the West with the introduction of
S. 2533, ‘The California Long-Term Provisions for Water Supply and Short-Term Provisions for Emergency Drought Relief Act.’ ACWA is pleased to support passage of S. 2533 to get to a House-Senate conference that can produce bipartisan drought legislation.” Quinn added: “ACWA believes there are many good provisions within both Representative Valadao’s House passed bill, HR 2898,
the ‘Western Water and American Food Security Act of 2015’ and your S. 2533. We urge the Senate to move S. 2533 forward so that the differences between these bills can be reconciled into a bipartisan drought measure. A top priority for ACWA in any final bill is to provide drought resiliency through recognition and protection for local water agency infrastructure investments.” .
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Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-36) called the dust crisis in the Salton Sea the biggest pending public health emergency in the country. He said it is time to start moving on some projects to overcome years of inertia. Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-9) discussed his vision for California’s water future and provisions that will be in an upcoming bill he is introducing on the energy/ water nexus.
Rep. Jared Huffman (D-2) talked about the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and his work on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He expressed frustration about the Corps’ refusal to participate in environmental infrastructure projects. Rep. Jim Costa’s (D-16) wideranging remarks made the case for fixing California’s water system now. He stated he would
not support a bill in conference unless it supplies short-term benefits. Attendees also heard from journalist Michael Doyle about prospects for drought legislation, Reclamation Commissioner Estevan López about water supply conditions, Assistant Attorney General John Cruden about Waters of the U.S. litigation and U.S. Forest Service Director of Legislative Affairs Doug Crandall about possible headwaters and wildfire legislation. On Tuesday, Feb. 23, members of the Federal Affairs Committee discussed ACWA’s federal legislative and regulatory positions with California congressional offices and officials within the Obama Administration.
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ACWA’s Legislative Symposium March 9 in Sacramento focused on water marketing, ratemaking and other pressing water issues. (Left) Senate Republican Leader Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) praises ACWA’s efforts on water policy during a luncheon address. (Right) ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn moderates a panel on a coalition proposal to amend Article X of California’s Constitution. At the dais are: (l-r) Quinn, Assembly Member Richard Gordon (D-Menlo Park), League of California Cities’ Dan Carrigg, California State Association of Counties’ Matt Cate and Community Water Center’s Laurel Firestone.
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— which includes ACWA, the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties — will make a decision in the coming weeks whether to pursue the proposal. Quinn emphasized that the proposal would not impede the public’s ability to provide input through the protest process. Assembly Member Richard Gordon (D-Menlo Park), who has committed to authoring legislation to advance the issue if the coalition decides to move ahead, also spoke about the proposed amendments and the need for more local flexibility. “We really need to take some innovative steps,” he said. “We need to find some mechanism to do that.” Dan Carrigg, with the League, noted the issues faced by cities and other agencies seeking to finance flood and stormwater projects. “We need to figure out ways of solving the stormwater problem. It’s never made sense to me that the two words ‘water’ and ‘sewer’ don’t add up to ‘stormwater,’” said Carrigg in reference to limitations of current law. The panel also included CSAC’s Matt Cate and Community Water Center’s Laurel Firestone. Cate touched on the 6 • ACWANEWS
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challenges local governments face when they are asked to provide more services with less money. Firestone said provisions of the proposal that would allow voluntary lifelines rates are “critical” to ensuring safe, clean water for the majority of Californians. ACWA Deputy Executive Director for Government Relations Cindy Tuck moderated the second panel of the day which focused on the role of California’s voluntary water market and the importance of water transfers. Panelists included Assembly Members Bill Dodd (D-Napa) and Marc Levine (D-San Rafael), ACWA State Legislative Committee Chair Paul Bartkiewicz, and Environmental Defense Fund’s David Festa. Dodd has introduced AB 1755, which would create a water transfer information clearinghouse to publicly share water data throughout the state. In his remarks, Dodd noted that many agencies are required to collect data on water, but there is no agency tasked with compiling the information in a sensible way. “California doesn’t suffer from a lack of water data, California suffers from a lack of usable water data,” Dodd said. “We’ve had a lot of droughts, and
we’re going to have more. We need this information.” Levine discussed the current challenges of the water market and the need for agencies throughout the state to work together in order to “maximize every drop of water in the state.” He also encouraged ACWA members to provide input and engage on his bill, AB 2304, which proposes a centralized online platform to provide real-time water transfer information to the public. “The sooner you engage, the better we can assure we are not doing something to you, but are doing something that will be helpful,” said Levine. ACWA’s State Legislative Committee is expected to review the bills in April. ACWA Board of Directors will consider policy recommendations on improving the water market at its March 25 meeting. Bartkeiwicz presented some of ACWA’s key recommendations for improving the water market noting the need to address Delta issues that affect transfers and provide technical assistance to water agencies without experience buying or selling water. Festa discussed EDF’s perspective and the importance LEG SYMPOSIUM Continued on page 7
Hearing Explores Financing State’s Underfunded Water Needs California lawmakers and stakeholders from throughout the water community on March 8 focused on ways to fund the state’s chronically underfunded water needs during a hearing of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee. Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills), who chairs the committee, said the hearing was a continuation of one held last fall that focused on unfunded water needs with a focus this time on how to pay for those needs. Rachel Ehlers, of the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office, provided context on the issue by presenting a LAO brief on water-related funding. Citing a report from the Public Policy Institute of California, the brief highlighted the fact that the vast majority of water-related funding in California is at the local level. According to the PPIC report, local sources spent about $25.6 billion between 2008 and 2011, or 84% of statewide total water spending. The typical local funding sources include fees for water and sewer services, property taxes and assessments, developer fees, other local taxes, and money from local government general funds. By contrast, spending from state sources during that time period is estimated to be $3.7 billion, or 12% of total funds. Federal sources contributed $1.2 billion or 4% of total funds.
The LAO report also stated that costs for local water agencies are likely to increase, in part because of aging infrastructure, higher costs to obtain water and higher regulatory requirements. At the same time costs and needs are rising, significant restrictions on local funding exist such as Proposition 218, which requires higher voter approval for certain new fees and stricter “cost-of-service” requirements for some fees. ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn testified about funding constraints facing local water agencies under current law, which requires different procedures for different types of infrastructure. Agencies seeking to fund activities such as stormwater capture or flood control must meet higher thresholds for voter approval, he said. In addition, agencies interested in adopting tiered rates or lifeline rates for low-income customers face some constraints under existing law. Quinn explained that a coalition — which includes ACWA, the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties — has filed a potential ballot initiative that would amend the state Constitution’s Article X 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. He said the coalition would decide in coming weeks to pursue the initiative or a parallel legislative strategy. “This demonstrates the willingness of local agencies to stand up to their responsibilities to fund local water systems and infrastructure,” Quinn said. “The proposed measure is about finding additional funding to do that.” Quinn also stressed that ACWA “will continue to oppose a public goods charge as a way of financing” water system improvements and programs. Newsha K. Ajami, director of urban water policy for Water in the West, testified that California needs a sustainable funding source to “move the water system forward.” Laurie A. Wayburn, co-founder, coCEO and president of the Pacific Forest Trust, outlined some of the challenges facing the state’s watersheds. Deven Upadhyay, group manager in water resource management for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, testified on how future water reliability requires a diverse approach that includes demand management and local resource development.
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of a California water market that encourages transfers that also provide benefits to the environment. All of the speakers agreeing that whatever solutions are advanced, they should not in any way make existing transfers more difficult. Keynote luncheon speaker Senate Republican Leader Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) spoke about the
challenges of addressing water issues in California and applauded ACWA for its commitment, institutional memory and consensus building. “You guys make a difference,” she said. “ACWA changes the dialogue about water. Overall, this is the go-to agency I come to.” .
ACWA Deputy Executive Director for Government Relations Cindy Tuck moderates a panel on California’s voluntary water market and the importance of water transfers. (l-r) Tuck is joined by Assembly Members Bill Dodd (D-Napa) and Marc Levine (D-San Rafael).
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WATER NEWS DIGEST Aquatic Pesticide Discharge Permits Re-issued Three of the four general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits adopted by the State Water Resources Control Board for discharges associated with pesticide application were re-issued at the March 1 State Water Board meeting. According to a 2009 Sixth Circuit Court ruling, the application of pesticides at, near, or over waters of the United States that results in discharges of pollutants requires coverage under a NPDES permit. In response, the State Water Board adopted four general NPDES permits for discharges associated with pesticide application. Three of these permits, including the Aquatic Animal Control permit, were re-issued at the March 1 meeting. ACWA submitted comments on the Aquatic Animal Control Permit reissuance on Jan. 26. Amendments to the Aquatic Weed Control permit were adopted in 2015. However, following the adoption hearing, a final version of the amended permit, with a permit number assigned, was never posted to the State Water Board website. ACWA staff successfully lobbied State Water Board staff to finalize and assign a number to this permit, which is now posted on the State Water Board website.
Statewide Water Savings Dips Slightly Californians statewide are running just shy of Gov. Jerry Brown’s 25% urban water conservation mandate, with cumulative urban savings since June at 24.8% compared with 2013 usage levels. But overall, Californians are 96% of the way toward the state’s goal of saving 1.2 million acre-feet of water by the end of February, according to data released Feb. 25 by the State Water Resources Control Board. 8 • ACWANEWS
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Californians have conserved more than 1.1 million acre-feet of water from June 2015 through January, a feat state officials are calling “an unprecedented conservation achievement.” However, the statewide conservation rate dropped from 18.4% in December 2015 to 17.1% in January, a dip regulators are attributing in part to warmer January weather. Residents also generally use much less water for outdoor irrigation in the winter months, allowing less opportunity for savings, officials added. Despite the warmer weather average and limited chance for savings, per capita water use declined from 67 gallons per person per day in December 2015 to 61 gallons in January, the lowest statewide per-person rate since water-use reporting began in June 2014, officials said.
U.S. EPA Releases Online Drinking Water Mapping Tool The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Feb. 19 released an online mapping tool that provides users with information about their watershed and water supplier, as well as information about any possible sources of pollution that could affect their communities’ water supply.
water protection activities with other environmental programs at the federal, state, and local levels. The mapping system will not display the locations of public water system facility intakes. EPA developed DWMAPS in consultation with EPA regional drinking water programs, state drinking water regulators, and public water systems.
Updated Guidelines on Public Health Goal Reports Now Available ACWA has developed new suggested guidelines for use by public water systems in preparing 2016 Public Health Goal reports to satisfy requirements of California Health and Safety Code Section 116470(b). Every three years since 1998 when the requirement to submit the reports began, ACWA has prepared and distributed guidelines for preparing PHG reports to assist ACWA members.
The Drinking Water Mapping Application to Protect Source Waters — DWMAPS — also provides users with ways they can get involved in protecting drinking water sources in their community.
Public water systems directly serving more than 10,000 service connections must prepare a brief, written report by July 1, that provides information on the “detection” of any contaminants above the PHGs published by the State Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. The report must also list the “detection” of any contaminant above the Maximum Contaminant Level Goals set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for all other contaminants for which OEHHA has yet to establish a PHG.
According to a press release from the EPA, utilities and state drinking water program managers can also use DWMAPS with their own state and local data. It allows them to identify potential sources of contamination in their locations, find data to support source water assessments and plans to manage potential sources of contamination, and evaluate accidental spills and releases. DWMAPS also integrates drinking
The report requires water systems to address only those contaminants that have an MCLG or PHG and an existing MCL. Contaminants that do not have an MCLG or PHG, such as haloacetic acids, unregulated contaminants, and contaminants with secondary standards, are not required to be addressed. The guidelines provided reflect the minimum information required by law.
WATER NEWS DIGEST Local Agencies Asked to Donate Surplus Equipment to Mexicali The California Environmental Protection Agency and the State Water Resources Control Board are asking local agencies to consider donating surplus operation and maintenance equipment, and surplus laboratory equipment and supplies for Mexicali’s wastewater treatment plants and sewage collection system. California recently heard from Baja California, Mexico, that key sewage infrastructure in Mexicali is in immediate need of repair and replacement. Baja California’s Public Services Agency for Mexicali (CESPM), the agency that owns and operates the water and wastewater infrastructure for Mexicali, is working to finance $40M worth of projects to address its sewage infrastructure problems. In the meantime, CESPM is in critical need of additional operation and maintenance equipment for its system. If your agency has surplus equipment that might assist CESPM to improve
the quality of binational waters, please contact CalEPA’s Assistant Secretary for Border Affairs Alejandro Rodarte, at (916) 341-6136, or at Alejandro. Rodarte@calepa.ca.gov.
Natural Resources Agency Releases Climate Change Plan The California Natural Resources Agency on March 8 released a final plan that details how California will prepare for the effects of climate change. The plan follows on the heels of Gov. Jerry Brown’s executive order establishing the most ambitious greenhouse gas reduction target in North America, agency officials said in a press release. The plan is divided in 10 sectors that include water, agriculture, and biodiversity. The report, titled “Safeguarding California: Implementation Action Plans,” takes the recommendations from a 2014 report and outlines the path forward by presenting risks posed by climate change, adaptation efforts underway, and actions that will be taken to safeguard residents, property,
communities and natural systems. In June 2016, the Natural Resources Agency will receive reports from leading agencies in each sector on the priority actions identified in the implementation action plans. Legislation signed by Brown last fall requires the Natural Resources Agency to release a draft climate adaptation strategy by Jan. 1, 2017. RESOURCE RESOURCE Aquatic Animal Control Permit: www. waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/ programs/npdes/pesticides/ ACWA comment letter on Aquatic Animal Control: www.acwa.com/sites/ default/files/u10516/ACWA%20 Comments%20on%20Aquatic%20 Animals%20Permit.pdf Mapping tool: www.epa.gov/ sourcewaterprotection/dwmaps ACWA’s guidance documents on PHG: www.acwa.com/content/2016-publichealth-goals-report-guidance (member login required) Safeguarding California: Implementation Action Plans – www. resources.ca.gov/climate/safeguarding/
DWR Extends Comment Deadline for Draft Groundwater Sustainability Plan Regulations, Releases Guide on GSPs The California Department of Water Resources on March 10 announced the deadline for public comment on its Draft Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) emergency regulations has been extended from March 25 to April 1. DWR also released a guide intended to assist local agencies in understanding the four phases of GSP development and implementation. DWR’s Draft GSP emergency regulations were released Feb. 18, which initiated the formal public review and comment period. DWR will host a series of public meetings in March to solicit public comment on the draft regulations. Those meetings will be held: • March 21 in Visalia from 4-6 p.m. at
the Visalia Convention Center; • March 22 in Santa Ana from 1-3 p.m. at the Delhi Community Center; • March 24 via webinar from 1-3 p.m.; and • March 25 in Sacramento from 9-11 a.m. at the Secretary of State Building. Under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, DWR is required to adopt emergency regulations for evaluating and implementing GSPs by June 1. On March 2, DWR released a draft GSP Emergency Regulations Guide. According to DWR, the guide addresses three main areas: the role of a local agency, an interested party, stakeholder, or city or county during each of
the four general phases; key concepts presented in the draft regulations; key considerations including potential GSP or alternative requirements and key dates during SGMA implementation. The guide will be updated once the GSP emergency regulations are finalized. For more information or special accommodations contact Lauren Bisnett at Lauren.Bisnett@water. ca.gov or call (916) 653-7564. RESOURCE GSP guide & draft emergency regulations: water.ca.gov/groundwater/ sgm/index.cfm Public comment and meetings: water. ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/pdfs/ HowToComment_GSPRegMtgs.pdf.
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CASE STUDY
Indio Water Authority Meets New Chromium-6 Standard with Anion Exchange Treatment
Problem: Like many water districts throughout California, Indio Water Authority is faced with the challenge of lowering chromium-6 levels to 10 parts per billion to meet the state’s new drinking water standard for the mineral. In 2014, California became the first state in the nation to adopt a drinking water standard solely for chromium-6, launching planning and assessment efforts for water providers throughout the state, particularly those in districts — such as Indio — where chromium-6 is naturally occurring. Chromium-6 is found in the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin — from which IWA draws its water — in variable quantities from naturally occurring mineral deposits. IWA has 20 groundwater wells, 13 of which were impacted by naturally occurring chromium-6 above the new standard (representing 65% of IWA’s production capacity). In order to provide quality water that meets state and federal drinking water standards, these wells were placed on standby per Title 22. IWA staff identified three wells that with treatment could meet the chromium-6 maximum contaminant level and produce sufficient water to enable IWA to meet peak hour demands in 2015 and at the same time allow the water system to operate efficiently. To meet these demands and stay in compliance, treatment for these wells initially needed to be planned, designed, permitted, installed, and operational by July 2015. Ultimately, ACWAsponsored legislation, SB 385 (Hueso), later extended that deadline, but Indio still sought to meet the initial deadline for some of its wells, which would result in the launch of one of the first publicly owned and operated chromium-6 treatment facilities in Southern California to meet the new lower standard.
The Solution: Moving Quickly to Keep the Water Flowing Indio Water Authority provides water to nearly 23,000 commercial and residential customers in the City of Indio, which has a popula-
tion of approximately 85,000. Indio has a service area of nearly 38 square miles. The city’s size swells every year in February and April, when the population nearly doubles as visitors attend the Riverside County Fair and Date Festival and music fans arrive and attend the Coachella and Stagecoach Music Festivals.
Above: This Well 1E Treatment System with its Plant 1 reservoir behind it is one of three wells now operating in Indio’s service area that has chromium-6 treatment on site.
To meet the new chromium-6 standard so it could keep providing reliable water to its customers and visitors, IWA hired Hazen and Sawyer in January 2015 to evaluate the most cost effective and efficient treatment technologies to treat three wells so the authority could continue to meet summer demands. Based on evaluation, the ion exchange treatment system was selected and the engineering work started for installation of equipment at the three sites.
Left on next page: How it works: A look at the anion exchange treatment process.
Bringing the Treatment Facilities Online Indio chose strong base anion exchange treatment from Ionex SG Ltd. as its treatment option because it was effective, reliable, and allowed IWA to keep costs low for its customers. The project also was unique in its ability to be constructed quickly, allowing IWA to meet summer water demands while complying with the new chromium-6 standard. The installation cost for the chromium-6 treatment facilities was approximately $7 million and was funded primarily through bond refinancing. No rate increases to IWA customers were required to fund the construction of the three treatment facilities built in 2015. Future treatment needs for existing well sites, including operations and maintenance, may result in a rate increase to IWA
Right on next page: IWA General Manager Brian Macy inside a newly constructed treatment vessel. (Photo credit: Richard Lui, The Desert Sun)
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.
customers to support future growth, but any future rate increases would be phased-in over a specific number of years and require public input prior to implementation.
How it works The treatment process allows water to pass through vessels containing anion exchange resin that removes chromium-6. First, the water from the groundwater well enters through a pre-filter system to remove particles such as sand that may be entrained in the water and to minimize pressure drop through the resin bed. After leaving the pre-filter, the water enters multiple vessels containing resin that attracts chromium-6, removing it from the water. Chromium-6 in the treated water leaving the vessels gradually increases over time as the resin capacity for chromium-6 is filled. When the treated chromium-6 concentration reaches the treatment target level, the resin needs to be regenerated. Regeneration is accomplished using a salt (brine) solution. During regeneration, chromium-6 is eluted off of the resin into the brine, and the resin’s chromium-6 capacity is restored. The resulting brine is then trucked to a proper disposal facility. In the final step, the treated water is disinfected with chlorine and monitored prior to entering the distribution system to customers.
“The reason we went with these types of smaller vessels and things of this nature is because they could manufacture them more efficiently and quicker to meet our deadline, to make sure that we could provide water and meet the compliance schedule that we established,” said Brian Macy, IWA general manager. Nearby Coachella Valley Water District, which also draws water from the Coachella Valley Groundwater Basin and faces significant chromium-6 challenges, has developed a method of chromium-6 removal that varies a bit from Indio’s. In the case of IWA, the authority regenerates the resin onsite and hauls the brine to an industrial wastewater plant for further processing. Once CVWD’s system becomes operational, the district plans to regenerate the resin offsite at a central facility where the brine will also be treated.
Lessons Learned Indio officials say that one of the many lessons learned during the fast track project was that all of the team members — owner, contractor, engineering consultant, equipment supplier, and the state — need to be engaged in the entire process from delivery dates of equipment, construction progress, modifications in the field, implementation of the process control, permit amendments with the state and initiat-
ing owner-requested change orders. Certain risks may need to be accepted by the owner and engineering consultant as plans are developed. The owner and the contractor also should plan for changes in the field as necessary to accommodate either overly generalized standard details or typical configurations used by the engineering consultants for bidding the project quickly. IWA officials also stressed that an engaged construction manager is critical as someone who leads the efforts of the contractor, owner and supplier. In Indio’s case, the team was aligned and the project was completed in seven months with minimal change orders (less than 5% of the contract value). It is an accomplishment to go from concept to full scale treatment in less than seven months, officials said.
Next Steps IWA recently completed a long-term compliance plan to bring the remaining 10 wells into compliance with the new chromium-6 standard in order to meet future demands. Future chromium-6 mitigation projects include: water blending to decrease chromium-6 levels, treatment capacity expansion, treatment relocation, and additional treatment units. The next phase of treatment facilities are scheduled to be designed in 2018 and constructed in 2025.
MARCH 18, 2016 • 11
ACWA 2016 Spring Conference & Exhibition: “It’s Go Time” for a Vast Array of Programs and Speakers in Monterey May 3 – 6 ACWA’s 2016 Spring Conference & Exhibition May 3 – 6 in Monterey is fast-approaching. Themed “2016: It’s Go Time,” the conference will feature a broad spectrum of programs and speakers on issues ranging from rate-setting to water markets. Held at the Monterey Marriott and Portola Hotel, attendees will choose from an array of more than 80 meeting and program sessions to help them stay informed on a variety of local, statewide and federal water issues. An exhibit hall will offer new tools and services for the water industry. The Thursday night dinner and entertainment will feature The Rat Pack – a trio offering a realistic recreation of performances by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.
Here’s a look at some of the programs: •
A Thursday Town Hall meeting on “Building a Better Water Market.”
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A Wednesday Statewide Issue Forum titled “Groundwater Sustainability Agency Formation: How is it Going?”
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A Thursday Statewide Issue Forum titled “Headwaters Health: Obstacles and Opportunities to Advance Forest Management.”
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A Wednesday Water Industry Trends Program titled “How to Get to Yes on Rates: A Primer for Water Board Members.” A Wednesday Communication Committee Program titled “Getting the Message Right on Water Rates: A Communications Primer.”
ACWA 2016 Spring Conference & Exhibition
2016 ’s
Gtime
It
may 3 - 6, 2016 monterey, CA
Confirmed speakers will be announced in coming weeks. For more information and to register, visit www. acwa.com/events/acwa-2016-springconference-exhibition.
Capitol Legislative Hearing Explores SGMA Implementation Lawmakers received an update on California’s landmark Sustainable Groundwater Management Act on Feb. 23 during a Capitol hearing in which state officials and stakeholders described the implementation of the measure intended to stem the overdraft of California’s groundwater basins.
of it overnight,” said David Gutierrez, executive program manager with the California Department of Water Resources. Gutierrez was speaking during a joint oversight hearing of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee and the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee.
Both stakeholders and lawmakers highlighted the timeline in implementing SGMA. High- and medium-priority basins identified as critically over-drafted must be managed under a Groundwater Sustainability Plan by Jan. 31, 2020. All other highand medium-priority basins must be managed under a GSP by Jan. 31, 2022. Alternatives to GSPs must be submitted to DWR by Jan. 1, 2017.
Gutierrez detailed some of the progress his department has made thus far on SGMA. He also stressed the importance of local governance in the operation of the GSAs and GSPs.
Groundwater Sustainability Agencies must be formed by June 30, 2017. “It took us decades to get into this situation and we’re not going to get out
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“It’s up to the (GSAs) and up to the locals as to how they are going to govern in the future,” he said. DWR on Feb. 18 released draft regulations to assist local public agencies and groundwater sustainability agencies in meeting the requirements of SGMA. The public comment period on the draft regulations is open until April 1.
Gutierrez said DWR developed the draft regulations after conducting public information sessions and extensive outreach around the state. That outreach will continue, he said. David Bolland, special projects manager at ACWA, testified that “many challenges remain ahead, but we believe that California is off to a great start implementing SGMA.” He praised the work of DWR in developing emergency regulations and “laying the administrative foundation of the act.” “ACWA can assure you that water agencies statewide are taking a leadership role in their local groundwater basins, working with counties, cities and other entities on GSA formation innovative governance mechanisms,” Bolland stated in written testimony.
EL NIÑO Continued from page 1
“We have been tending to focus on drought impacts,” Carlson said of current indicators used to declare the drought lifted. “So where impacts remain the drought remains. We have received precipitation in the north in the past few weeks, but the south has not received similar amounts of rain. There, reservoirs are lagging behind their historic averages by a good deal.” Carlson said state officials are expecting to have gained about 5 million acre-feet of water in storage in March in the 154 reservoirs they follow. Despite the gains, the state will still hover at 78% of average in those 154 reservoirs statewide. “That shows you just how severe the drought has been in the past four and a half years,” Carlson said of the reservoir deficit going into the March rains. “It’s another waiting game,” he said of the rain’s impact. “We can hope for the best.” As of March 14, Shasta, Oroville and Folsom reservoirs in North California were at least 100% of historic average. By comparison, in Southern California, San Luis Reservoir was at 55% of historic average, New Melones was at 36% of average and Don Pedro 75%. Carlson did note, however, that the
rains of March have left state officials “optimistic” and “encouraged” by the state’s water outlook.
Snowpack Still Below Average Statewide Snowpack is another key factor in gauging the state’s water health. As of March 14, the snowpack water content in the north was at 100% of historic average, statewide it was at 89% of average. Carlson said officials are waiting to see what the reading will be April 1, when snowpack water content is supposed to be at its height for the season. Last year on April 1, Gov. Jerry Brown stood in a dry meadow at Phillips Station where for the first time since state readings began, there was no snow. At that time statewide, water content hovered at 5% of historic average. Brown announced his 25% statewide water conservation mandate during that April 1 snow survey. Weather forecasters are predicting a seven to 10 day dry spell from March 14 onward. The end of the month may again be wet. “Had it remained as wet (all month), then we might actually be able to use that March Miracle description, but it is too soon to say,” said Carlson.
DWR Increases 2016 SWP Allocation Estimate to 30% Winter storms have allowed DWR to increase its estimated State Water Project water delivery allocation for most recipients to 30% of requests, up from a 15% estimate in late January, DWR announced Feb. 24. Officials warn however, that extended dry weather could force an allocation reduction and the dry February actually limited the allocation increase. The 30% allocation announced Feb. 24 may be increased if storms bring more rain and snow. In December, DWR made an initial allocation estimate of 10%. During the March 1 snow survey, snowpack statewide stood at 83% of normal for that time of year, in part because February was not as wet as had been anticipated. DWR Mark Cowin said in a press statement at that time that “Mother Nature (was) not living up to predictions by some that a ‘Godzilla’ El Niño would produce much more precipitation than usual this winter.” Cowin cautioned that “we need conservation as much as ever.” .
(Left) Frank Gehrke, chief of the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program, and his survey team measure snow at Phillips Station on March 1. (Right) A snow survey instrument measures 58.3 inches of snow with a water content of 27.1 inches during the March 1 survey.
MARCH 18, 2016 • 13
Imagine H2O Challenge Aims to Drive Water Tech Adoption Imagine H2O™ presented the results of its inaugural California Water Policy Challenge to leading water stakeholders at a forum in Sacramento on Feb. 9. The initiative, which sources policy ideas to advance the market for water innovation, attracted 150 submissions from academia, the private sector, government entities and non governmental organizations. Applicants were asked to present policy recommendations that can be put into action to drive adoption of water technologies by California’s cities, farms and industries. The contest is based on the premise that public policy is vital to inspire California’s innovation economy to tackle the looming water crisis. Many of the technologies required to make an impact exist already — the problem is incentivizing water users to deploy them. Imagine H2O, a water innovation accelerator, launched the California Water Policy Challenge to identify approaches to navigate the obstacles to deployment of new technologies and create new incentives for adoption at scale. The Challenge’s judging panel, comprised of experts in California water policy, assessed proposals for their ability to balance political feasibility and impact. Successful applicants demonstrated both a credible path to implementation as well as a compelling case for the impact on water innovation. The judges were: Jennifer Persike of ACWA, Andrew Fahlund of California Water Foundation, AG Kawamura of OC Produce, Buzz Thompson of Stanford University, Leslie Friedman Johnson of Conservation and Natural Resources Group, Radhika Fox of U.S. Water Alliance, and Ron Gastelum of Water Conservation Partners. Persike, deputy executive director for external affairs and member services at ACWA, praised the goals of the contest.
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“The Challenge brings to the forefront our need to think outside the box when it comes to tackling our water supply challenges. We need to identify innovative ideas that can work and bring them into the industry,” said Persike. The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) teamed up on the winning proposal and will receive up to $25,000 in support. The partnership’s approach to strengthening water reuse and recycling standards aims to incentivize water users to deploy on-site treatment technologies. “On-site water treatment is a widely recognized solution with considerable promise in the California market,” says Mary Ann Dickinson, president and CEO of AWE. “We look forward to developing a policy framework for onsite water systems that protects public health and allows for innovation and broader adoption of treatment technologies,” says Paula Kehoe, director of water resources with the SFPUC. The Challenge recognized three additional proposals as finalists. The Freshwater Trust, which aims to improve coordination between groundwater and flood control agencies through a novel recharge crediting scheme; and Greywater Action and the Decentralized Water Policy Council, which offers city and county-level guidance to streamline permitting of residential grey water systems; and WaterNow Alliance, which addresses constraints in public finance in an effort to better empower utilities to adopt new sustainable water technologies at scale. In Sacramento, the featured teams identified the opportunities and challenges in the path towards implementation. Central to the discussion was the need to to build new partnerships with
ACWA Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Member Services Jennifer Persike (far left) joins the other judges, and winner and finalists of the Imagine H2O California Water Policy Challenge at a forum in Sacramento Feb. 9.
government and foster cross-sector support—essential ingredients to unlock innovation opportunities and further develop an enabling environment for entrepreneurs to develop, launch and scale new water technologies. Imagine H2O is a global platform for promising entrepreneurs to develop, launch and scale early stage water technologies. By partnering with industry experts and a global network of customers and investors, Imagine H2O has become a proven path-to-market program for earlystage water technologies. Since 2009, Imagine H2O’s accelerator has helped over 60 innovative companies win customers and receive more than $1 in every $10 of early stage investment in the water sector. The winner and finalists are: 2016 Imagine H2O Policy Challenge Winner — the Alliance for Water Efficiency and San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (joint proposal); 2016 Imagine H2O Policy Challenge Finalists — The Freshwater Trust, Greywater Action and Decentralized Water Policy Council (Joint Proposal), and WaterNow Alliance.
Save Our Water Program Prepares Paid Marketing for Spring Save Our Water — California’s official statewide conservation education program — has kept its message this winter focused on encouraging Californians to keep saving water by turning off sprinklers and conserving indoors. With the program’s website serving as the focal point of public education efforts, content has been thoroughly updated with new drought and water information and statistics, as well as new infographics and a fully updated kids’ section, including educational videos from Curiosity Quest. Captured content around storms, snow surveys and changing reservoir levels have boosted visits to SaveOurWater.com and “likes” on social media. With focus on drought expected to increase in spring, Save Our Water is preparing to run weather and
traffic sponsorships on radio stations across the state starting in April. The messaging will urge Californians to continue conserving water and will be featured on Clear Channel stations in Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, Fresno, Bakersfield and Sacramento. A statewide sponsorship on Capital Public Radio affiliate stations will run in April, bringing Save Our Water’s messaging to millions of additional Californians. In Northern California, a public service announcement is currently airing on NBC Bay Area featuring Golden State Warriors stars Steph Curry and Klay Thompson as the basketball season nears the playoffs. The PSA will air through March 31 in the Bay Area and also will air on NBC in Sacramento before the basketball playoffs.
These paid media efforts ensure that Save Our Water’s messaging will be heard as we shift from winter to spring and Californians start to focus on summer water conservation. Save Our Water is gearing up on statewide public opinion research in March in partnership with the Field Research Corporation to help guide the program’s messaging and activities through the spring and summer. The survey will go into the field in late March with results expected in April. Questions are centered around attitudes toward continued drought and conservation.
saveourwater.com
DSC Adopts Performance Measures to Incorporate Into Delta Plan The Delta Stewardship Council on Feb. 25 adopted a set of refined performance measures to be incorporated into the Delta Plan, marking the first time the Delta Plan has been amended since its adoption in 2013. The DSC also requested a budget increase for FY 2016-2017, part of which will be used to make high priority updates to the Delta Plan. Jessica Pearson, executive officer of the DSC, noted in a statement that the updates will be focused on “flood management, ecosystem restoration, water supply, and the significant shift in policy from the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) to WaterFix and EcoRestore.” DSC staff also will be focused on incorporating principles on conveyance and storage in the Delta that were adopted by the DSC at its Nov. 19, 2015 meeting. The DSC also decided on Dec. 17, 2015 to permanently exempt single-
year water transfers from consideration as “covered actions.” Staff is now preparing an environmental review in preparation for incorporating this language into the Delta Plan. The Delta Plan is a comprehensive, long-term management plan for the Delta that was required by the 2009 Delta Reform Act. The plan created rules and recommendations to further the state’s coequal goals for the Delta, which are to improve statewide water supply reliability and protect and restore a vibrant and healthy Delta ecosystem in a manner that preserves, protects and enhances the unique agricultural, cultural, and recreational characteristics of the Delta. The Delta Reform Act also created the DSC whose mission is to achieve the coequal goals. More information on the Delta Plan is available at deltacouncil.ca.gov/deltaplan-0.
MARCH 18, 2016 • 15
Member News
LADWP Breaks Ground on Headworks West Underground Reservoir The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power on Feb. 23 broke ground on a new reservoir, Headworks West, as part of the second phase of its Headworks Underground Reservoir Project. Once complete in 2018, the $230 million, 110 million-gallon storage facility will be the largest underground reservoir in the West. The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by LADWP representatives, state water officials and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. Garcetti praised the project calling local water storage critical to the city’s water future. Headworks West, located between the 134 and 5 freeways near Griffith Park, will replace storage provided by Silver Lake and Ivanhoe reservoirs and include a four-megawatt hydroelectric power plant. According to LADWP, the project will allow the agency to significantly improve its ability to manage water quality and reliability. “This project is an example of the many infrastructure improvements we are undertaking throughout the city in order to continue providing our customers with reliable, quality water
On Feb. 23, LADWP broke ground on Phase 2 of its Headworks Underground Reservoir Project. When completed in 2018, it will be the largest underground reservoir in the West. (l-r) Shoveling together are: LADWP Director of Water Engineering Technical Services Susan Rowghani, LADWP Board of Commissioners President Mel Levine, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, State Water Board, Division of Drinking Water, Regional Engineer Jeffrey O’Keefe and LADWP Chief Operating Officer David Wright.
well into the future,” said LADWP General Manager Marcie Edwards in a statement. “It is one of the vital components in our efforts to replace aging infrastructure, meeting our
regulatory obligations to ensure the finest drinking water for our customers, and ensure the reliability of our water service.”.
Glen-Colusa ID and Others Complete Spawning Habitat Project The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, in partnership with the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District, Western Shasta Resource Conservation District California, California Department of Water Resources and California Department of Fish and Wildlife, on March 14 completed a new project to improve spawning habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead trout in the Sacramento River.
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As part of the Bureau’s Upper Sacramento River Anadromous Fish Restoration Project, approximately 9,400 cubic yards of gravel was placed in the Sacramento River immediately below the Anderson Cottonwood Irrigation District Diversion Dam and Market Street Bridge in Redding. The project helps meet requirements of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act to re-
store and replenish spawning gravel and rearing habitat for salmonid species. GCID contributed the equipment operators and some of the equipment for the project and continues to develop, support, and fund local and regional projects that have improved migratory corridors and habitat for fish within the region.
Member News
SCWA and NOAA Fisheries Incentivize Fish Habitat Restoration The Sonoma County Water Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service on March 3 announced a first-ever “Safe Harbor Agreement” offering private landowners in the Russian River watershed incentives for restoring, enhancing or maintaining habitat for the benefit of federally protected salmon and steelhead. This is the first “Safe Harbor Agreement” completed under provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Under the agreement, SCWA will administer the program and enroll qualifying landowners. Specifically, the agreement covers restoration projects for California Coastal Chinook salmon, Central California Coast steelhead, and Central California Coast Coho salmon. The agreement is targeted at habitat owned by private landowners along six miles of Dry Creek below Warm Springs dam. Dry Creek has been identified by NOAA Fisheries as a critical tributary to the
Russian River for Central California Coast Coho salmon recovery. The voluntary program assures landowners that additional restrictions will not be placed on their land as a result of habitat improvements and that landowners will not be penalized for incidental harm or fish mortality due to the habitat improvements, as long as the habitat is maintained.
Sonoma County Water Agency and National Marine Fisheries Service officials sign the first-ever Safe Harbor Agreement on March 3 at Dry Creek Vineyard in Healdsburg. (l-r) At the singing event are: SCWA Director James Gore, NMFS Deputy Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Programs Sam Rauch, SCWA General Manager Grant Davis, Dry Creek Vineyard Proprietor Don Wallace, and SCWA Director Efren Carrillo.
“This historic agreement recognizes the important role that farmers can play in restoring salmon and steelhead to the Russian River watershed,” said SCWA Board Chair Efren Carrillo in a statement. “So much of the land surrounding the river and creeks is privately owned, that cooperative landowners are key to successful restoration efforts.”
For more information on this agreement, visit NOAA Fisheries website at www.westcoast.fisheries. noaa.gov/habitat/conservation_plans/ habitat_conservation_agreements_%20 on%20_the_wc.html.
Santa Rosa Water Launches New Financial Assistance Program Low-income Santa Rosa Water customers may now be eligible to receive a monthly water bill discount thanks to a new program — Help2Others — launched by the agency in partnership with the Community Action Partnership. According to Santa Rosa Water, the new program offers income qualifying residential customers a discount on their water bill of up to $17 per month and is funded entirely by donations and other revenue not associated with water service rates and fees.
In order to participate in the program, applicants must attend a financial workshop and a one-one-one financial coaching session provided by CAP. Workshops are available in both English and Spanish. The workshops will be offered on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Additionally, before eligible applicants begin to receive their discount, they must also complete a free water-use efficiency home audit, conducted by a City of Santa Rosa water efficiency specialist.
“While we strive to provide reliable service and reasonable rates, we know that it can be a real struggle for some families in our community to pay for the essentials,” Linda Reed, interim director of Santa Rosa Water said in a statement. “We are hoping to help ease the financial hardship of paying for this essential service by helping qualifying households save up to $200 a year in water costs.” For more information on the Help2Others program including program requirements visit www.srcity.org/h2o.
MARCH 18, 2016 • 17
People News MWD Promotes Zinke to Assistant GM/Chief External Affairs Officer The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has promoted Dee Zinke to the position of assistant general manager/chief external affairs officer.
Dee Zinke Photo courtesy of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
In her new role, Zinke is responsible for overall planning, development, and dissemination of Metropolitan’s public affairs, legislative activities, inspection trips, business outreach initiatives, and graphic services. She will work closely with state and federal elected
Hattam Named New General Counsel for San Diego County Water Authority Following a nationwide recruitment, the San Diego County Water Authority on Feb. 25 announced the selection of Mark J. Hattam as its new general counsel. He began his new role on March 14 and will report directly to the SDCWA board.
Mark J. Hattam
As general counsel, Hattam advises SDCWA and executive staff on a range of legal matters. He most recently served as a partner in the San Diego office of Allen Matkins and has represented major public-sector clients in complex civil litigation, including water transfers and water rates. In 2015, Hattam also served as outside
officials, local governments, business leaders, special interest groups, and MWD’s member agencies. Zinke joined MWD in 2009 as manager of the legislative services section and has served as group manager of external affairs. She most recently served MWD as its deputy general manager. She has extensive legislative public affairs and communications experience. She also serves on ACWA’s Federal Affairs Committee.
counsel for the SDCWA, successfully defending the agency against a claim that it failed to account for the environmental impacts of its long-term water supply plan. Hattam also represented the Imperial Irrigation District as trial counsel in 2013, securing validation of all environmental compliance components of the historic 2003 Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement. “We have relied on Mark’s acumen on critical issues in the past,” said SDCWA General Manager Maureen Stapleton in a statement welcoming Hattam, “and I look forward to working with him on a daily basis to address the many challenges we will face in the years ahead.”.
ACWA Leaders Honor Decades of Service in the Water Industry Left: ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn (left) presents retiring Castaic Lake General Manager Dan Masnada with a photo plaque recognizing his career in the water industry. Right: Joseph L. Campbell (center) is recognized for his 24 years of service to the Contra Costa Water District Board of Directors. ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs and ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn presented the photo plaque during Campbell’s last board meeting on March 2.
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EMPLOYMENT Assistant General Manager (AGM) Reclamation District No. 2068 Reclamation District No. 2068 in Dixon California is recruiting for an AGM. The District is an irrigation water supply, drainage and levee maintenance agency. The successful candidate will increasingly assume responsibilities for planning, organizing, directing and coordinating functions of the District and would be considered for the GM position upon the retirement of the current GM. A Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, water resources or related field is expected. A complete position description and additional information is available by request at jobsrd2068@ solanowireless.com. Please include a name and return email address. Resumes will be accepted until April 15, 2016
Assistant General Manager Alta Irrigation District Alta Irrigation District is located east of the Kings River in Tulare, Fresno and Kings Counties. The District has a strong agricultural economy inclusive of stone fruit, grapes, citrus and dairies. Within Alta Irrigation District there are two incorporated cities, Dinuba and Reedley, and numerous unincorporated communities. The District has a sevenmember elected board and 20 full time employees. The Assistant General Manager will be involved in SGMA implementation, surface water treatment project coordination, operation of banking projects, along with involvement in irrigation water deliveries. It is anticipated that the Assistant Manager position will be a short-term training position for the General Manager Position. Alta Irrigation District is a public district governed by 7-member Board. Potential candidates must be able to demonstrate proven leadership and ability to foster cooperative working relationships with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies as well as the ability to utilize a strong sense of financial accountability and budgetary decision making in a prudent and effective manner. See our website for a full description of the position more information on the District – altaid.org
Education and Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Public/Business Administration, Water Management or other related field. 10 years of increasingly responsible professional management experience, including five years of managerial responsibility working with a Board. Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license and proof of a good driving record may be required a time of appointment. This position is subject to a pre-employment physical and drug screen. Compensation: The salary for the Assistant General Manager will depend on education and experience qualifications. Retirement Program: CalPERS (2%@62); Health, Dental, Vision and Life insurance; 100% for employee and at a reduced cost for dependents; Leaves: Vacation starts at 14 days and increases to 23 days, Holidays – 11 paid holidays, Sick Leave up to 12 days. Applicants are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume to: Alta Irrigation District, PO Box 715, Dinuba, CA 93618 as well applying online at altaid.org Position open until filled. The tentative start date is June 1, 2016. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Irma P Faria at: 559591-0800 ex 10, ipf@altaid.org.
2 Civil Engineer Openings: Mid Level & Sr. Engineer/Program Manager – Water Resources Established water resources firm seeks 2 civil engineers to join their team:1 Sr. Engineer/Project Manager for Delta/Flood division with 10-15 years experience and knowledge of CA State Plan of Flood Control. Experience with levee design experience and PMP or CFM desired. We also need 1 mid-level engineer for its Water Rights division with 2-5+ years experience. General knowledge and understanding of agricultural water systems including open channel/pipeline flow control and measurement technologies. Candidates will have applicable experience in water resources. Please send cover letter and resume to Gavan Ambrosini gambrosini@employers.org for immediate consideration. Qualified candidates only will be contacted.
Brown Appoints Baker and Ball to California Water Commission Gov. Jerry Brown announced March 11 the new appointment of Carol Baker and reappointment of Andrew Ball to the California Water Commission. With Baker’s appointment, the CWC is now fully seated with a total of nine commissioners. Both Baker and Ball’s appointments require Senate confirmation. Carol Baker served as chair of the California Fish and Wildlife Strategic Vision Blue Ribbon Citizen Commission in 2011 and as an independent water policy consultant at Kaufman Campaign Consultants in 2009. Prior to that, she was chief policy consultant for natural resources and environmental protection policy and deputy budget director in the California State Assembly Speaker’s Office from 2000 to 2008. She served three stints with the California Department of Finance: 1982-1985 as a staff budget analyst; and 1985-1992 and 19942000 as principal budget analyst. She also served as deputy director for administration and management at the California Department of Housing and Community Development from 1992 to 1994. Andrew Ball has served on the CWC since 2010 and has been western region president at Suffolk Construction since 2012. He previously served as chief executive officer at Webcor Builders from 1994 to 2012 and president at AJ Ball Construction from 1992 to 1994. Prior to that, Ball was executive vice president at Koll Construction, a partner at Davis Development and senior project manager at CL Peck Contractor. MARCH 18, 2016 • 19
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
Gov. Brown Appoints Baker and Ball to California Water Commission — 03/14/2016 ACWA’s 2016 Legislative Symposium Focuses on Water Marketing and Ratemaking Options — 03/09/2016
UPCOMING EVENTS
Hearing Explores Funding for State’s Underfunded Water Needs — 03/08/2016
VISIT ACWA.COM FOR COMPLETE LISTING 31
U.S. EPA Announces Enhanced Oversight of Lead and Copper Rule Implementation — 03/02/2016 DWR Increases 2016 SWP Allocation Estimate to 30% — 02/24/2016
APRIL 2016 13 – 15
TWITTER CHATTER CNN @CNN • Feb. 23 • New study says sea levels rose faster in the 20th century than in the previous 2,700 years OC Sewers • F eb 24 • @SenFeinstein explained #SB2533 (re: #Water Supply & Drought Relief) at @CASA_ CleanWater/@ACWAWater breakfast. CA Water Boards @CaWaterBoards • Feb. 25 • New data shows Californians saved over 1.1 million acre-feet of water, but #KeepSavingCA! CA – DWR @CA_DWR • Feb. 25 • SWP allocations increased! #CADrought. NWS Sacramento @NWSSacramento • March 7 • Well look at that! Up to 5 feet of snow fell along the Sierra Crest from March 5-7. #cawx Kathleen Hedberg • Mar 9 • Inspired by words of wisdom from Senate Republican Leader Jean Fuller..Practical on Water Issues! #cadrought.
MAY 2016 3 – 6
Central Valley Tour sponsored by the Water Education Foundation. This tour focuses on the San Joaquin Valley, giving participants an understanding of the region’s water use and issues as well as the agricultural practices, including new technologies and water-saving measures. For more information, visit www.watereducation.org/tour/ central-valley-tour-2016.
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. Online registration deadline is April 8, 2016. Exhibit booth space and conference sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Jacob Rowe at jacobr@acwa.com for more information.
SEPTEMBER 2016 15 – 16
ACWA 2016 Continuing Legal Education will take place in San Diego. More details to come.
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The 6th Annual Steve Hall Fierce Competitor Golf Tournament will be at DarkHorse Golf Club, Auburn, CA. This event is to help raise funds for the Stephen K. Hall ACWA Water Law & Policy Scholarship and ALS research.
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ACWA 2016 Spring Conference & Exhibition may 3 - 6, 2016 monterey, CA