ACWANEWS
ACWA’s Member Newsletter • www.acwa.com
ACWA Mobilizes on Long-Term Urban Water Conservation Policy
Above: The hills around Kelly Recreation Ridge at Lake Oroville sport a lush green on March 14 following recent rains. A few weeks later on April 10, Lake Oroville stood at 116% of historic average. Reservoir levels in Northern California are much higher than in Southern California due to the mixed impacts of El Niño. Below: Water is released from Lake Natoma at Nimbus Dam as a precaution against possible flooding.
With the State Water Resources Control Board poised to discuss a long-term regulatory approach to urban conservation, ACWA and its members are advocating policy that recognizes investments in drought resilience, emphasizes ongoing water use efficiency, and preserves local decision-making authority over water management.
Association, California Urban Water Agencies and the American Water Works Association Cal/ Nevada Chapter to develop a resiliency-based long-term vision to advance as part of the water community’s advocacy.
Though nothing official has been announced, State Water Board staff has indicated a long-term regulatory approach could be discussed at the May 3 board meeting.
In anticipation of ongoing discussion and possible state legislation on the issue, ACWA has prepared a number of resources and suggested steps for its members to take to advance the water community’s vision for a highly efficient and resilient water future for California.
As ACWA News went to press, the association was working with the California Municipal Utilities
The resources are available at www.acwa.com/long-termconservation. CONSERVATION Continued on page 7
ACWA’s 2016 Spring Conference & Exhibition Attracts Water Innovators From the latest innovations in agricultural water technology to explorations of prototypes of future water markets, ACWA’s 2016 Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey May 3 – 6 promises a vast array of programs with upto-the-minute details on California’s fast-changing water scene. Themed “2016: It’s Go Time,” the conference will feature a broad spectrum of programs and speakers on the latest water
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Water Community Leads the Way Again on LongTerm Conservation, Water Transfers
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El Niño’s Impact Uneven, Drought Still Strong in Some Areas
topics facing California. Held at the Monterey Marriott and Portola Hotel, attendees may choose from more than 80 meeting and program sessions. The exhibit hall also will display new tools and services for use in every aspect of the water industry. And for those who enjoy golden oldies that harken back to an earlier era, the Thursday night dinner will feature entertainment by The CONFERENCE Continued on page 13
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State Water Board Issues First Mandatory Consolidation APRIL 15, Order 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
Water Community Leads the Way Again on Long-Term Conservation, Water Transfers Droughts have a way of pushing important policy issues to the forefront. In recent years, the water community has played a leading role in putting proposals on the table to address topics ranging from sustainable groundwater management to headwaters health to water storage investments. Now ACWA and its members are engaging proactively to shape policy in two more areas: long-term water conservation and the water transfer process. That leadership couldn’t come at a more critical time in California water. The State Water Resources Control Board is shifting its focus from the current emergency regulation to a long-term regulatory approach to urban water conservation. As that discussion unfolds, it is important for the water community to outline its vision for what a long-term policy should look like. That vision includes a strong focus on drought resiliency and protection of a fundamental tenet – local discretion over local water management decisions. The fact is that local water agencies have invested steadily in drought-resilient strategies and tools to manage through multi-year droughts and minimize disruptive shortages. Since the last major drought ended in the 1990s, local water agencies have invested close to $20 billion in strategies and projects that have added nearly 5 million acre-feet of “new” local and regional water supply across the state. These farsighted investments were supported by the public and have largely shielded California’s overall economy from the worst impacts of the drought. Yet, the State Water Board’s emergency regulatory approach largely overlooked the value of both water supply and water efficiency tools made possible by more than 25 years of local investments. That emergency approach, which has resulted in mandatory water use reductions even where local supply conditions did not
warrant such stringent cutbacks, must not be the basis of our long-term policy. To that end, ACWA members are weighing in with support for a long-term policy vision that recognizes investments in drought resilience, emphasizes ongoing water use efficiency and keeps local decision-making authority where it belongs – at the local level. We need a long-term policy that will result in a resilient water future while recognizing that local agencies are the experts in assessing their water supply situation and understanding their own water customers. They are best suited to choose the appropriate mix of local strategies to manage this drought and others in the future. On water transfers, our community is once again leading the way with substantive proposals for improving the water transfer process and creating greater access to the voluntary water market – especially for smaller agencies. Recommendations recently adopted by the ACWA Board of Directors were developed by water community experts with deep understanding of the current market and how improved access would play an important role in long-term water supply reliability. The recommendations are powerful reading, and will be tremendously helpful as we work with other organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund and the Water Foundation to shape legislation and administrative proposals this year. The recommendations are at www.acwa.com/ water-transfers-recommendations. With strong policy direction on long-term conservation and water transfers / water market access, ACWA and the water community are positioned to continue having an influential voice in advancing solutions as part of a comprehensive “all-of-theabove” approach to our water future.
El Niño’s Impact Uneven, Drought Still Strong in Some Areas A much-anticipated El Niño packed an uneven punch in California this winter, improving snow content and reservoir levels in some parts of the state but not others, prompting officials to call for continued water conservation. The March 30 manual snow survey, which typically marks the highest level of water content for the season, offered promising readings in the Northern Sierras and moderate readings elsewhere. The manual snow survey taken at Phillips Station in the Northern Sierra Nevada revealed a water content of 97% of historic average. Statewide, water content of the mountain snowpack was 87% of the March 30 historical average – not enough to erase the deficits of the last four dry years. “El Niño didn’t behave as a typical El Niño…,” said Frank Gehrke, chief of the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program.
MEET ACWA’S PRESIDENT Member Engagement Tour 2016-’17
ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs discusses local issues on March 24 during a meeting with: (l-r) Sutter Extension Water District Director Carl Yank, Yuba County Water Agency Director Roger Abe, Yuba County Water Agency Director Randy Fletcher, and Brophy Water District Director Al Lasaga.
Allocations Improved conditions at some reservoirs allowed state and federal officials to increase allocation estimates from the State Water Project and Central Valley Project. The California Department of Water Resources on March 17 increased its estimated water delivery allocation from the State Water Project to 45%. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on April 1 released what it called a “cautious” estimate for its initial 2016 water supply allocation for the Central Valley Project. Due to improved drought conditions in Northern California, north-of-Delta contractors will receive an estimated allocation of 100% of their contract supply, while south-of-Delta agricultural contractors will see much less — just 5% — and eastside contractors have received a zero allocation this year.
The Bureau highlighted several factors affecting the low south-of-Delta allocations: below average conditions in New Melones and San Luis reservoirs, a lack of water at the beginning of the 2016 water year, and environmental restrictions on water that can be exported from the Delta. Reservoir levels vary widely throughout the state. As of April 10, Lake Shasta was at 90% of capacity and 109% of historic average; Lake Oroville was at 90% of capacity and 116% of historical levels and Folsom Lake was at 77% of total capacity and 114% of historic average. Central and Southern California reservoirs were not as full on April 10. San Luis was at 51% capacity and 56% of historical levels and New Melones was at 26% of capacity and 56% of historical average. Detailed information on major reservoir storage is at cdec.water.ca.gov.
On the Road with President Tiegs: Meet the President Initiative Logs 1,500 Tire Miles With the dedicated support of ACWA’s Member Services Group, I’ve been very busy for the past few weeks with my “Meet the President” initiative. I’ve learned a tremendous amount about the diversity of water in California and about the top issues on the radar for many of ACWA’s members. I’ve also put more than 1,500 miles on my car’s tires. I’ve met with 15 member agencies during individual meetings, attended four Region Board meetings, and hosted three “Meet the President” events, reaching another 15 agencies. During these meetings discussions covered a wide range of topics including Sustainable Groundwater Management Act implementation, the importance of water transfers and how ACWA can better serve its agricultural members.
These meetings have revealed differing water management perspectives and strategies, but they have also reinforced the common threads we share such as our dedication to meeting our customers’ needs and ensuring California’s water future. I am invigorated by the meetings I have had so far, but there are many more members I would like to hear from. In the coming weeks and months, I encourage you to attend a “Meet the President” event in your area and share your agency’s top priorities and concerns. This initiative isn’t just about meeting ACWA’s president; it’s also about meeting your needs through communication, cooperation and collaboration.
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ACWA Board Adopts Water Market Recommendations, 2016 Goals The ACWA Board of Directors on March 25 adopted a suite of recommendations aimed at improving the water transfer process and providing greater access to the voluntary water market in California. The Board also adopted a 2016 framework vision for the ACWA Strategic and Business Plan and heard updates on long-term water conservation policy at the State Water Resources Control Board, draft regulations for developing Groundwater Sustainability Plans, and recent member interactions as part of President Kathleen Tiegs’ “Meet the President” initiative. On the water transfers and market front, the Board voted to adopt policy recommendations that will guide ACWA’s advocacy efforts on water transfer legislation this year. Water market enhancements have emerged as
a key priority for ACWA and several organizations this year, and two bills will be heard in the coming weeks. ACWA’s recommendations were developed by a Water Market Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) created in 2015. They build on policy principles adopted by the Board last year and offer specific proposals to create a more efficient water transfer process and improve access to the water market, particularly for smaller agencies. Paul Bartkiewicz, chair of the TAC as well as ACWA’s State Legislative Committee, said the recommendations recognize that while California has a water market that functions well for some agencies, making transfers more efficient and water markets more accessible is the next logical step in implementing a comprehensive water management policy.
“We have identified ways to improve the process and access, while meeting the guiding principles adopted by the ACWA Board,” Bartkiewicz said. “If we are not engaged in this, we will be at the mercy of others’ solutions, which could be regulatory and fee-oriented.” A key recommendation is to create a user-friendly, readily accessible information clearinghouse where potential buyers and sellers of water could connect and then go off on their own to pursue water transfers. The recommendations are at www.acwa.com/water-transfersrecommendations.
Goals for Two-Year Board Term Also at the March 25 meeting, the Board adopted a vision document that Continued on page 5
ACWA Board Adopts Framework Vision With Priority Goals for 2016 ACWA’s Board of Directors has identified the following goals as priorities for the association in 2016.
Policy-Related Goals Develop long-term conservation and drought policy. ACWA will advocate for policy that protects local decision making, recognizes the role of local water supply investments, and promotes sound policy on water use efficiency and long-term climate adaptation strategies. Advance water storage investments. ACWA will continue to define and highlight the benefits of storage project integration and provide technical analysis to inform decision making by the California Water Commission. Promote policy advances on headwaters. ACWA will work with coalitions to educate audiences and promote policies to increase the pace and scale of headwaters and forestry management.
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Advance sound policy on water markets / water transfers. ACWA will engage in legislative and administrative discussions to improve water transfers and access to the voluntary water market. Provide leadership on drinking water solutions for disadvantaged communities (DACs). ACWA will take a leadership role to develop and advance solutions that are reasonable and effective and do not unjustly impact ACWA’s members. Ensure Delta solutions are part of a comprehensive plan. ACWA will continue to educate audiences on the role Delta solutions play in comprehensive statewide water reliability and why longterm Delta improvements are important to achieving the coequal goals.
Organizational-Related Goals Develop long-range plan for financial sustainability and staff resources. ACWA will take an in-depth
look at resource needs and options for meeting them. Assist ACWA members with recruiting and engaging the next generation. ACWA will pursue strategies to assist members with this important priority. Improve involvement by ACWA’s agricultural members. ACWA will explore ways to increase involvement and engagement by agricultural members in the association. Maximize the “Meet the President” Initiative. ACWA will pursue every opportunity to add value to members and enhance regional outreach and effectiveness through meetings and events as part of the initiative. Implement the Integrated Marketing / Communications / Outreach Plan. ACWA will implement actions to refresh and advance ACWA’s brand and improve the way ACWA delivers services and communicates with members.
CPUC Win Opens New Opportunities for Renewable Projects The California Public Utilities Commission on March 17 issued a decision in the Southern California Edison Company General Rate Case that may provide new opportunities for ACWA members to participate in additional renewable energy generation projects. The CPUC decision reinstates the ability to choose Option A for Renewable Energy Service Bill Credit Transfer (RESBCT). In a prior SCE rate case, Option A on SCE tariffs was eliminated as an eligible option for RESBCT projects, allowing Option B as the only option. Renewable energy projects — particularly solar projects — that previously may not have been attractive now will be eligible for a significant increase in value of the generated electricity because of this decision. Option A will become available to water agencies within the next several months.
Background The virtual net metering option for governmental agencies’ renewable projects has been in existence for several years, having been established by AB 2466 in 2008. In the SCE area this is implemented under a tariff schedule called RESBCT. Under this tariff, a water agency can install a large (up to 5 MW) renewable generator at a single location, and get bill credits for the electricity produced at up to 50 other water agency accounts. The renewable generator will create bill credits calculated by multiplying the generating account’s time-of-use generation component of the energy electricity rate by the amount of energy exported to the grid (kWh) during the corre-
sponding time period. These bill credits can then be applied to offset generation costs at the customer’s other utility service accounts (benefiting accounts) at different facilities. The generation bill credit is the utility retained generation energy component of the utility tariff. This opportunity has a significant impact on the potential economics of renewable energy generating projects. The following table illustrates the impact of Option A on the generation credit for renewable energy for an example SCE rate. For more information contact ACWA energy consultant Lon House at (530) 409-9702 or lonwhouse@ waterandenergyconsulting.com.
SCE Schedule TOU-PA-3 Costing Period
Option A Renewable Credit
Option B Renewable Credit
Percent Difference
Summer On-Peak
20.266 cents/kWh
7.613 cents/kWh
266%
Summer Mid Peak
6.017 cents/kWh
4.008 cents/kWh
150%
Continued from page 4
identifies six policy-related goals and five organizational-related goals deemed as priorities for ACWA in 2016. The document is the product of a daylong Board workshop convened on March 3. Using the vision document as the foundation, ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn and the Executive Team will finalize a detailed action plan that staff will implement to operationalize and advance the Board’s priorities. See related story on page 4.
Updates on Policy Issues, Other Initiatives Board members heard an update on the State Water Resources Control Board’s emergency conservation regulation as well as a potential effort to pursue permanent conservation regulations to follow the emergency regulation that will expire in October 2016. ACWA
continues to advocate a long-term policy vision that preserves local decisionmaking authority over water management, recognizes local investments in drought-resilient supplies and emphasizes ongoing water use efficiency. An update also was provided on development of regulations for Groundwater Sustainability Plans under the state’s landmark 2014 groundwater legislation. On another issue, Quinn reported that ACWA, the League of California Cities and the California State Association of Counties are discussing the next steps regarding a proposed constitutional amendment to provide additional ratemaking flexibility for local agencies. The organizations filed an initiative with the Attorney General’s office in December, but now will likely consider other options for achieving the policy goal. Members also were updated on the
Save Our Water program, the state’s official conservation and education program managed by ACWA in partnership with the Department of Water Resources. The program is running new statewide radio announcements encouraging Californians to continue saving water as part of the California lifestyle. The program partnered with the Field Research Corporation on a new public opinion survey on attitudes toward continued drought and conservation. See story on page 8. The Board approved new membership applications from three agencies: Santa Rosa Regional Resources Authority (Region 9), South Valley Water Banking Authority (Region 7) and Upper Russian River Water Agency (Region 1). Board members also approved sites for upcoming conferences, including San Diego in fall 2018 and 2019, and Monterey in spring 2019 and 2020. APRIL 15, 2016 • 5
State Water Board Issues First Mandatory Consolidation Order The State Water Resources Control Board on April 1 issued the first mandatory water system consolidation order authorized under SB 88 (2015). The order directs the City of Tulare to connect Matheny Tract, currently being served by Pratt Mutual Water Company in Tulare County, to its water system. Matheny Tract, which serves approximately 1,500 residents in a disadvantaged community within the county, has been in violation of the maximum contaminant level for arsenic since 2010. After being issued a compliance order by the California Department of Public Health in 2010,
the Pratt Mutual Water Company approached Tulare about consolidation but ultimately could not reach a voluntary agreement and negotiations ended in litigation in 2011. According to the State Water Board, in 2014, $4.9 million in Proposition 84 funds was used to install a water main between Tulare and Matheny Tract which included two points of connection to Tulare’s water system. On Aug. 18, 2015, the State Water Board issued a letter to the two systems recommending that a voluntary agreement be made within six months, but an
agreement could not be reached. After a public hearing on March 17, the State Water Board decided to move forward with the mandatory consolidation order. The City of Tulare had until April 15 to notify the State Water Board of its intent to comply with the order, and must submit a full consolidation plan by May 1. The consolidation must be complete by June 1. More information about the State Water Board’s consolidation process and this order is available at www. waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/ programs/compliance/index.shtml.
Legislative Hearing Explores California’s Drinking Water Program California lawmakers listened to an update April 6 on the state’s Drinking Water Program and its transition to the State Water Resources Control Board in 2014. The progress report was delivered during an oversight hearing of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. Sen. Bob Wieckowski, D-Fremont, chair of the committee, said the hearing’s focus was to review the State Water Board’s “progress on the reorganization” and explore any challenges or gaps that have arisen. In July 2014, the state’s Drinking Water Program moved from the California Department of Public Health to the State Water Board. Tom Howard, executive director of the State Water Board, said during the hearing that the move arose from the perception that a “single agency in charge of all water-related activities had the potential for the whole to be greater than the parts.” Howard outlined the transition process, which included planning by several work groups and an external task force. Cindy Forbes, deputy director of the State Water Board’s newly formed Division of Drinking Water, spoke in more detail about objectives of the office. 6 • ACWANEWS
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She discussed efforts to consolidate smaller drinking water systems into nearby larger ones, in order to bring the smaller systems into compliance. “We are going to be very strategic and surgical to make sure we don’t step on the toes of (Local Agency Formation Commissions),” she said. Wieckowski said stepping on toes may be necessary. “If we have to step on some toes, be that as it is – this is the 21st century,” he said, referencing the need for all water systems to provide safe drinking water. ACWA Deputy Executive Director for Government Relations Cindy Tuck testified that the “drinking water program is one of the state’s most important programs.” She praised the stakeholder process that led up to the transition to the State Water Board, saying “when the transition actually happened on July 1, it was seamless.” ACWA was engaged in the task force that helped facilitate the transition and Tuck said she believed the association’s concerns were taken into consideration. “Kudos to the (Brown) Administration and the board for that work,” said Tuck.
Tuck went on to outline some of the issues of concern to ACWA about the drinking water program. Among them is a lack of safe drinking water in some disadvantaged communities, in particular those that lack funds for operation and maintenance of their water system. Tuck said the ACWA Board of Directors in March decided to work to develop proposals to address the lack of safe drinking water in some disadvantaged communities. “We want to work proactively for solutions on the ground,” said Tuck. Other concerns include the complications inherent in meeting new drinking water standards. “You don’t flip a switch and meet a new standard,” said Tuck. “It takes a lot of work by a lot of people.” Tuck also said assessing fees on larger water systems to pay for improvements in smaller systems is of concern. “Does it make sense to dramatically raise fees on large systems?” she asked. Jennifer Clary, policy advocate for Clean Water Action, also testified about challenges in providing clean water throughout the state.
CONSERVATION Continued from page 1
Potential Modifications to Emergency Regulation The State Water Board has set a public workshop for April 20 to receive input on potential changes to the emergency conservation regulation that was adopted on Feb. 2, 2016. The emergency regulation extended the original 2015 regulation that has required mandatory urban water conservation since June 2015 and is set to continue through October 2016. Many ACWA member agencies applied for and received some adjustments (e.g., for climate and population growth) to their individual conservation standards under the extended regulation. When it adopted the extended regulation on Feb. 2, the State Water Board committed to evaluate water supply conditions in April and make further adjustments if warranted based on improved conditions. Max Gomberg, a staff scientist with the State Water Board, told reporters April 4 that the board likely will look at regional drought disparities and water supply conditions when it considers adjustments. ACWA and many of its member agencies are advocating that the State Water Board should make adjustments at its May 17 meeting to significantly reduce conservation standards statewide
based on local water supply investments and current water supply security. The adjustments are important to reflect improved conditions in many parts of the state and to preserve credibility with water users statewide.
State “Just Shy” of Achieving 25% Reduction Mandate through February According to data released April 4 by the State Water Board, Californians reduced urban water use by 23.9% from June 2015 through February 2016 compared with the same months in 2013. The cumulative tally is “just shy” of the 25% statewide mandatory reduction ordered by Gov. Jerry Brown in his executive order on drought issued April 1, 2015. Despite an exceptionally warm and dry month of February, Californians saved nearly 1.19 million acre-feet of water from June 2015 through February 2016 – 96% of the savings goal of 1.24 million acre-feet. Water saved during that period is enough to supply 5.9 million Californians during a one-year period, officials said. “Californians’ performance was huge...,” State Water Resources Control Board Chair Felicia Marcus said during
a press call. “Some communities saved 40% or more.” Statewide, the conservation rate dropped from 17.15% in January to 12% in February, likely due to the warm, dry February. Residents also typically use much less water for outdoor irrigation in the winter months, so there is less opportunity for high volume savings. The State Water Board also released data on water agencies that received warning letters, fines or other enforcement actions for not meeting their state-mandated conservation targets. Officials discussed some unique programs where state regulators met with agencies that missed their targets and helped them develop uniquely tailored conservation programs in lieu of fines. In the Coachella Valley Water District, for example, the state and the local agency developed a certification program for landscapers to learn targeted water conservation techniques. Indio Water Authority developed a program specifically targeting disadvantaged communities.
Adjusted Conservation Standards Released for Urban Agencies The State Water Resources Control Board on April 7 released new water conservation standards for many urban water suppliers that reflect adjustments and credits of up to eight percentage points. The new conservation standards are effective retroactively to March 1 and are authorized by the February 2016 Emergency Regulation for Statewide
Urban Water Conservation. The adjustments in the standards are based on supplier-submitted data that the State Water Board received by March 15 from 180 suppliers. If a supplier did not apply for the inlieu climate adjustment or the in-lieu climate adjustment was denied, then the default climate adjustment has been applied.
The new standards are available at www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/ programs/conservation_portal/ emergency_regulation.shtml. Please direct questions regarding conservation standard adjustments to Kathy Frevert at (916) 322-5274 or Kathy.Frevert@waterboards.ca.gov.
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Information on Formation of GSAs Available to Local Agencies The State Water Resources Control Board is now providing information and guidelines for local agencies to use when deciding to become a Groundwater Sustainability Agency under the 2014 Groundwater Sustainable Management Act. The GSA website provides Frequently Asked Questions, GSA formation guidelines for local agencies to use when deciding to become a GSA, and a GSA Formation Table of notifications the California Department of Water Resources has received and posted. DWR continues to track GSA formation notifications and updates the GSA Formation Table and the GSA Interactive Map regularly. Local agencies with questions about the eligibility of a particular entity to become or form a GSA should contact the State Water Board at groundwater_ management@waterboards.ca.gov. Through March 11, the following had been received by DWR:
• 69 separate GSA formation notices have been submitted that cover all or a portion of a basin. • 49 GSAs have service area overlap in one or more basins that must be resolved (71%). • 18 GSAs are “Exclusive GSAs” in one or more basins (26%). • Four GSAs have an active 90-day period. • Three GSA formation notices have been determined incomplete: • One has an incomplete map – a revised map is pending. • One did not submit a signed Memorandum of Understanding – the signed MOU is pending. • One proposed to overlie the boundaries of an Exclusive GSA and cannot be posted.
• 64 (of 515) basins have GSAs that cover all or a portion of the basins. • 35 (of 127) basins with GSAs are high- or medium-priority basins. • 29 basins with GSAs are low- or medium-priority basins. • 24 counties have GSAs that cover all or a portion of the county. For more information contact Mark Nordberg, DWR Sustainable Groundwater Management Program at (916) 651-9673 or Mark.Nordberg@ water.ca.gov. ACWA members also may contact Dave Bolland, special projects manager at ACWA, at daveb@acwa.com. RESOURCE www.water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/ gsa.cfm
• Many GSAs have submitted for multiple basins or multiple counties.
Poll Shows Californians Plan to Use Less Water After Drought Ends The latest Field Poll shows an overwhelming majority of Californians plan to continue using less water both indoors and outdoors even after the current drought is over. The poll, conducted March 24-April 3 in partnership with the Save Our Water program, found that while public perceptions about the seriousness of the state’s water shortage have eased since the last poll in October, the level of concern remains higher than it was in the midst of another major drought in 1977. Even after a winter of nearaverage precipitation, 62% of registered voters continue to see the water shortage as extremely serious.
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Fully 74% of voters said it is important for residents to continue reducing water use both inside and outside their homes, while nearly nine in 10 voters (86%) said they plan to continue doing so on a permanent basis even after the drought ends. “Even though winter storms have eased drought conditions in some parts of the state, water conservation remains an important priority for Californians,” Field Poll Director Mark DiCamillo said. “This prolonged drought has started to change the way Californians look at their water usage – whether the state is in drought or not.” ACWA Deputy Executive Director
for External Affairs and Member Services Jennifer Persike said the poll findings show the public understands the importance of saving water on an ongoing basis. “Conserving through fours of drought has changed the way Californians think about water,” Persike said. “They get it, and they are making permanent changes to keep saving water.” The complete survey findings are available at www.saveourwater.com. The poll was conducted among a statewide random sample of 800 registered voters. The findings were released April 14.
WATER NEWS DIGEST Online ACWA Marketplace Open Looking for one-stop shopping for a wide array of water industry services and products? Check out the online ACWA Marketplace, a portal catering to the needs of ACWA members and others. Launched in December 2015, the ACWA Marketplace is a public directory listing more than 300 water industry-related products and services. It is available to all consumers but geared towards helping ACWA member agencies make informed decisions when making purchases. To help visitors identify certain types of products and services, listings may include “Preferred Provider” or “Water Saver” icons. A “Preferred Provider” icon indicates a business has been fully vetted and endorsed by ACWA, while a “Water Saver” icon indicates a business offers conservation-related products or services. The ACWA Marketplace also includes an Automated RFP generator that allows users to upload an RFP and receive bids from businesses and organizations that use the website. The ACWA Marketplace is available at acwa.officialbuyersguide.net
Federal Legislators Ask for Increase in Delta Pumping In separate March 24 letters sent by U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (DCA) and a Republican delegation in the House of Representatives led by Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), President Barack Obama was asked to direct federal officials to increase pumping in the SacramentoSan Joaquin River. Feinstein’s letter, at www.feinstein.senate. gov, specifically asks the president to direct the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife Service, and National Marine Fisheries Services to increase
pumping in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the maximum extent allowed under the Endangered Species Act and biological opinions. McCarthy’s letter, at kevinmccarthy. house.gov, calls on the president to direct the agencies to increase water exports in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta immediately.
DWR Awards Groundwater Funds The California Department of Water Resources in March announced it is awarding 21 counties a total of $6.7 million in Proposition 1 grants to help with sustainable groundwater planning. The Proposition 1 Sustainable Groundwater Planning Grant Program provides funding for county projects that will develop groundwater plans consistent with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act enacted by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2014. The awards are being made to counties with high- and medium-priority groundwater basins, some of which are in critical overdraft. According to DWR officials, priority was given to proposals that will benefit disadvantaged communities, address critically overdrafted basins and address basins exhibiting stressed conditions. The list of awarded counties is at www. water.ca.gov/irwm/grants/sgwp/sgwp_
docs/Map_Counties%20Final%20 Awards.pdf.
CA WaterFix Deadline Extensions Await Ruling The State Water Resources Control Board issued an update April 7 stating that it will issue a ruling in the near future that formally addresses requests for continuances in proceedings regarding the California WaterFix water rights change petition. Pending the ruling, the upcoming deadlines for the petition are suspended. On March 28, the California Department of Water Resources and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation requested a 60-day continuance in proceedings before the State Water Board, citing a need for more time to resolve opposition concerns. Without the continuance or action by the State Water Board, DWR and the Bureau would have been required to submit a report on the project’s status and potential impacts on March 30. In August, DWR and the Bureau submitted the initial change petition to the State Water Board seeking approval to add points of diversion to water rights permits as part of the proposed California WaterFix.
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CASE STUDY
Pure Water Monterey Program: Regional Cooperation Meets Technological Innovation to Bolster Supplies
Problem: The lush Monterey Peninsula and Salinas Valley — home to some of the most productive farmland in the nation — needed to shore up the local water supply and provide relief to the area’s stressed groundwater basin. The Monterey Peninsula region is not served by a state or federal water project so its local sources of water are critical. The region’s cities and farms meet their water needs through surface water diversions — primarily from the Carmel River — and groundwater extraction from the Seaside Groundwater Basin. These water sources are subject to a complex array of state government and state court mandates, including the limiting of groundwater pumping. Restrictions involving state and federally listed species also have cut into water supplies. Due to the complex array of water challenges facing the region, water managers joined together to brainstorm solutions. Like other water agencies throughout California, managers in the Monterey area sought to push the envelope of innovation to build a sustainable, resilient water supply for their customers.
Solution: Water managers in the Monterey Peninsula region crafted an innovative partnership and project – called the Pure Water Monterey Program. The unique partnership seeks to utilize every last drop of available water — stormwater, agricultural wash water and surface water — to recycle for reuse so the region may bolster its water supply resiliency. When fully implemented, the project will deliver an additional 10,000 acre-feet per year of high-quality recycled water for use by urban communities, agricultural irrigation and augmentation of the region’s groundwater basin. Monterey County Supervisor Dave Potter calls the project “the future of water.” “The Pure Water Monterey project represents the culmination of several years’ worth of work for all the agencies and stakeholders involved. It is truly a regional project with
regional benefits as it solves not only water supply issues, but water treatment issues as well,” said Potter. “Ultimately, the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas Valley both benefit from Pure Water Monterey and it lays the groundwork for future collaborative efforts by areas of the county that have traditionally had different viewpoints.”
Above: Pure Water Monterey’s Governmental Affairs Manager Mike McCullough explains the four-step advanced water purification process to people touring the program’s demonstration facility.
The Pure Water Monterey Program partnership includes a broad swath of parties. Project partners include: Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency, Monterey County Water Resources Agency, Marina Coast Water District and the City of Salinas.
Source Waters Partners in the Pure Water Monterey Program set a goal from the outset that when capturing and collecting the source waters for the project, they would make every effort to maximize use of existing conveyance and collection systems in order to reduce the program’s costs, as well as its environmental impacts and construction schedules. The initial cost estimate for source water collection projects is about $19 million. Waters for the recycling program will come from an array of sources. Some of the reclaimed water will be agricultural wash water. Currently, waters from agricultural industries
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year of product water to the proposed new injection wells. That product water would then be injected into the Seaside Groundwater Basin using eight new injection wells – four deep injection wells and four vadose zone wells. Six monitoring wells and back flush facilities also would be part of the system.
— primarily water from washing produce — is conveyed to the Salinas Industrial Wastewater Treatment Facility for treatment and disposal. Under the Pure Water Monterey Program, that water would be conveyed to the new regional treatment plant for purification. Stormwater also would be a key source of water. Salinas stormwater that currently flows into the Salinas River would be captured for reuse. Stormwater that is captured and stored at Lake Estero then discharged to nearby beaches before storm events also would become source water. Water from the Blanco Drain, a man-made reclamation ditch, also would be diverted and conveyed for recycling, as would water from the reclamation ditch system.
Benefits for the Region The Pure Water Monterey Program is designed to provide multiple benefits to the Monterey Peninsula and Salinas Valley. The program would be the first of its kind to recycle not just wastewater, but stormwater, agricultural and food processing water as well as impaired surface waters. The advanced recycling program is intended to augment and protect potable and groundwater resources as well as protect against further saltwater intrusion. It will be designed to reduce diversions from waterways and thereby help to support healthy riparian and aquatic systems. The project also will improve water quality in Monterey Bay and other waterways by diverting, treating and using impaired waters. Beneficiaries of the project include five public agencies, eight cities, urban water users, agricultural production and the associated disadvantaged communities that support the industry.
Water Treatment and Conveyance Once the source water is collected, it will be conveyed to the Advanced Water Treatment Facility at the existing regional treatment plant. The AWTF is expected to be constructed by the end of 2017 at an estimated cost of $43.9 million. A demonstration facility already is operational and open to the public. At the demonstration facility, source waters and the treatment process are tested.
Below right: Representatives from California American Water and its parent ADVANCED WATER PURIFICATION company American Water Ultimately the project is being eyed as a gather at the Pure Water DEMONSTRATION FACILITY provider of long-term, reliable and resilient Monterey Advanced water supply for agriculture, urban and Water Purification environmental uses – and as a model for Demonstration Facility following a tour. regional cooperation.
Once the AWTF is operational, the recycled water from it will be conveyed through a newly constructed pipeline to the Seaside Groundwater Basin for injection. The project’s proposed new product water conveyance system — estimated to cost $49.8 million — will be designed to convey up to 3,700 acre-feet per LEGEND
WHAT IS PURE WATER MONTEREY?
MOSS LANDING
N
CONVEYANCE PIPELINE
Below left: This map displays the conveyance pipelines and pump stations serving the Pure Water Monterey Program.
OCEAN OUTFALL PIPELINE
MRWPCA-OWNED PUMP STATION CITY-OWNED PUMP STATION
CASTROVILLE
PROPOSED PIPELINE (HASHED LINE) SUPPLY PIPELINE PROPOSED ADVANCED RECYCLING FACILITY & INJECTION WELLS
Water for the Salinas Valley Agricultural Industry Water for the Monterey Peninsula
MARINA
RTP
Advanced Water Recycling Facility
AWT
SAND CITY
PACIFIC GROVE
Blanco Drain (Irrigation Return) Reclamation Ditch (Irrigation Return)
Stormwater SEASIDE
Groundwater Recharge Area
MONTEREY
Stormwater
Salinas Ponds (Ag Wash Water) DEL REY OAKS
Facility Tests Multiple Source Waters The advanced water treatment facility.
The Pure Water Monterey project will provide a clean, safe and sustainable source of water for Monterey County. It emphasizes advanced water recycling technology, replenishment of the groundwater supply and protection of the environment.
SALINA S
SALINAS
WHERE IS THE WATER FROM? No other advanced water treatment project recycles the waters that Pure Water Monterey does. Agribusiness Processing Wash Water, Stormwater, Agricultural Irrigation Return Flows and Domestic Wastewater are all utilized to produce up to 10,000 acre-feet of purified water. Sustainable cooperation meets technological innovation for the benefit of everyone! APRIL 15, 2016 • 11
California Water Agency Initiatives Highlighted at White House Several ACWA member agencies’ innovative projects were featured at a special White House Water Summit held March 22 to commemorate the United Nations’ World Water Day. The event featured nearly 200 water experts from the public and private sectors. Several ACWA members said they were honored to be selected to participate in the event. “It is an honor for the Sonoma County Water Agency to participate in the White House Water Summit,” said Sonoma County Water Agency Chairman Efren Carillo, who attended the summit. “I believe this unique opportunity to share our innovative program reflects the water agency’s ability to continuously meet its mission of securing our future by investing in our water resources, environment, and community.” As part of the summit, the Obama Administration challenged organizations from all sectors to make commitments to building a more sustainable water future for the United States. The White House’s report, “Commitments to Action on Building a Sustainable Water Future,” details the new steps being taken by the Obama Administration and numerous organizational commitments in response to the Administration’s challenge. The report specifically recognizes commitments by the following ACWA members: • Sonoma County Water Agency for its Lake Mendocino Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations pilot
program in the Russian River. The pilot program aims to demonstrate how improved weather forecasts can aid water management decisions. • Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for its commitment to addressing water scarcity in the Colorado River through its involvement with a Colorado River Basin States program that compensates water users for implementing water conservation projects that benefit Lakes Powell and Mead.
Left: Sonoma County Water Agency Board Member Efren Carillo represents his agency during a special White House Water Summit on March 22. Right: SCWA Board Member David Rabbitt attends the White House Water Summit as the chairman of the North Bay Water Reuse Authority.
• City of Los Angeles for its plan to capture an additional 12 billion gallons of stormwater for infiltration and reuse by 2025. • Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority for its “One Water One Watershed” integrated regional water management 2.0 plan, which addresses long-term drought management through wateruse efficiency and conjunctive-use water storage measures within the Santa Ana watershed. • San Francisco Public Utilities Commission for its efforts to launch a Water Climate Bonds Standard to provide investors with verifiable, science-based criteria for evaluating water-related bonds and to assist issuers in differentiating their greenbond offerings. SFPUC was also recognized for another project that seeks to create a national commission to advance on-site water reuse.
• City of Oceanside Water Utilities Department for its Pathogen Removal Study, a comprehensive study to support potable water reuse by analyzing the effectiveness of water treatment processes. • Rancho California Water District for its MyWaterTracker, a digital platform that allows water customers to track their real-time water use and compare their consumption to individual household water budgets. • California Data Collaborative, a partnership of seven agencies that is designed to fast-track and enhance water conservation efforts by teaming together to share science-based data and knowledge. Partners are: Eastern Municipal Water District, East Bay Municipal Utility District, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Irvine Ranch Water District, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, Moulton Niguel Water District and Santa Margarita Water District. Moulton Niguel Water District is the lead agency.
Draft Regulation on Operating Fees Released for Review The State Water Resources Control Board on April 8 released a first draft of regulations that will govern the annual operating fees paid by drinking water systems to support the state’s Drinking Water Program.
a public workshop on the draft regulations scheduled for Friday, April 15 from 2-4 p.m. in the Sierra Hearing Room at the CalEPA Headquarters Building in Sacramento. The meeting will be webcast through CalEPA.
The State Water Board also announced
A workgroup of interested ACWA mem-
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ber agencies has been actively engaged on issues related to potential changes to the annual operating fees. ACWA members with questions or concerns related to the draft regulations should contact Adam W. Robin at adamr@acwa.com or (916) 441-4545.
CONFERENCE Continued from page 1
Rat Pack Tribute Show – a trio offering realistic renditions of performances by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. Here’s a rundown of what’s on tap at the conference:
Keynotes: • Wednesday’s Opening Breakfast program, titled “Connecting California’s Innovation with Water Policy,” looks at how connecting supportive water policies and available water innovation is vital to maximizing opportunities for expanding water supplies and streamlining all aspects of water operations. The program will feature some of the winners and finalists in the recent “California Water Policy Challenge” sponsored by Imagine H2O, a water innovation accelerator. Panelists include: Steve Ritchie, assistant general manager, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission; Mary Ann Dickinson, president & CEO, Alliance for Water Efficiency; Cynthia Koehler, executive director, Waternow Alliance; and Scott Bryan, president, Imagine H2O. • The Thursday luncheon program titled, “Agriculture: Embracing Technology in a New Era,” looks at challenges facing agriculture and how technology and innovation are being applied to address them. In December 2015, Western Growers launched the new Center for Innovation and Technology located in Salinas. The program focuses on how the center connects Silicon Valley innovators with farmers. Hank Giclas, senior vice president, strategic planing, science and technology, Western Growers, will discuss the center along with Bruce Taylor, chairman and CEO of Taylor Fresh Foods and Taylor Farms. • During the Friday breakfast, Randy Fiorini, chair of the Delta
Stewardship Council, will give a talk titled, “The Delta Plan: Putting the Pieces Together.” The talk will focus on how the council is leading the discussion on how conveyance, storage, and operations must work together to achieve the coequal goals.
Programs Include: • A Thursday Town Hall meeting titled, “To Market We Go: Building a Better Water Market.” ACWA has developed recommendations for enhancing the role of a voluntary water market, including improvements to the water transfer process. Other entities also have developed proposals. This town hall meeting will focus on possible changes in state law and next steps. • A Wednesday Statewide Issue Forum titled, “Groundwater Sustainability Agency Formation: How is it Going?” This forum will focus on how the development of new Groundwater Sustainability Agencies is moving forward and if additional rules or resources are needed. • A Thursday Statewide Issue Forum titled, “Headwaters Health: Obstacles and Opportunities to Advance Forest Management.” This panel will explore current barriers and opportunities to restore forests to a more resilient condition. • A Wednesday Water Industry Trends Program titled, “How to Get to Yes on Rates: A Primer for Water Board Members,” which will feature water board members from around the state sharing their experiences getting approvals for needed rate structuring. • A Wednesday Communication Committee Program titled, “Getting the Message Right on Water Rates: A Communications Primer.” This program will explore messaging strategies that have helped agencies
ACWA 2016 Spring Conference & Exhibition
2016 ’s
Gtime
It
may 3 - 6, 2016 monterey, CA
Changes on Tap for ACWA 2016 Spring Conference Location Renovation of the Monterey Conference Center will be underway during 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 the $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. Information is available at www.acwa.com. roll out successful rate proposals, educate key audiences and build customer support. For more information on other programs visit www.acwa.com/ events/acwa-2016-spring-conferenceexhibition.
APRIL 15, 2016 • 13
Save Our Water Inspires Water-Smart Renovation at Capitol Park The California Department of General Services on March 30 kicked off its new Water-Smart Renovation project in Capitol Park with a mulching demonstration on the East steps of the Capitol. The comprehensive plan, which includes turf removal and numerous water efficiency measures, is part of DGS’ efforts under Save Our Water’s “Fix it For Good” campaign. According to DGS Deputy Director for Public Affairs Brian Ferguson, the Capitol receives 1.1 million visitors each year and is the second-most visited site in California after Disneyland, making it especially important to “lead by example.” “The world around us is changing,” said Ferguson. “It is critical that we adapt Capitol Park to our state’s new, more arid climate. We want to demonstrate to all Californians how to preserve the historic trees and other beautiful plants in the park while also saving water wherever we can.” “The goal is to show people how we save water at the Capitol so they can
save water at their homes,” he added. Actions being taken as part of the renovation project include: •
Removal of more than 76,000 square feet of turf in various locations in Capitol Park;
•
Renovation of a total of 34,329 square feet of lawn areas at the north, south and west of the Capitol, to reduce the sites by 50% and replant them with lower water-use grass varietals;
•
Creation of a new demonstration garden outside of the Capitol’s east entrance, designed by the California Native Plant Society, to showcase drought-tolerant, Californianative plants;
•
A park-wide irrigation efficiency audit; and
•
Installation of educational signage around the park.
The renovation project will be implemented over the next six to eight weeks and is expected to be complete by this summer. Once implemented, the reno-
A California Department of General Services employee spreads mulch through a flower bed as part of the department’s Water-Smart Renovation project in Capitol Park.
vations are expected to save more than 1.6 million gallons of water annually. Additionally, if funding is approved as proposed in Gov. Jerry Brown’s 2016 budget, DGS plans to install a recycled water system to meet nearly all outdoor irrigation needs in the park that could be operational as soon as 2018. RESOURCE DGS Water-Smart Renovation project: dgsnewswire.wordpress. com/2016/03/29/changes-coming-tocapitol-park-amid-ongoing-drought/
Save Our Water Wins CAPPIE, Prepares for Spring and Summer Save Our Water’s 2015 public education efforts were recently recognized by the Sacramento Public Relations Association, which awarded the program a silver CAPPIE for best overall year-long public relations campaign. The program was acknowledged for its efforts reaching millions of Californians with important messages of conservation in a year of serious drought. Save Our Water is the state’s official statewide conservation campaign administered by ACWA and the California Department of Water Resources. Save Our Water and the “Fix It For Good” messages also were prominently featured as part of the rollout of the California Department of General Services’ landscaping team’s effort to make Capitol Park more water smart 14 • ACWANEWS
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by removing thousands of yards of turf and replacing plants with drought tolerant natives. DGS held a media event March 30 to showcase the changes coming to the state Capitol. With the final manual DWR snow survey completed on March 30, Save Our Water has taken a new message of conservation to Californians through a statewide radio campaign. Weather and traffic sponsorships are running on Clear Channel radio stations across the state through the end of April. The messaging stresses that while recent storms have eased dry conditions in some parts of the state, it was not enough to erase four years of severe drought – conservation is the “California lifestyle.” Similar messaging is appearing on NPR radio stations statewide over the same time period.
ACWA Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Member Services Jennifer Persike proudly displays the silver CAPPIE awarded to Save Our Water on March 24 by the Sacramento Public Relations Association for best overall year-long public relations campaign. (l-r) DWR Public Affairs Director Ed Wilson, Persike and Save Our Water Program Manager Brendan Wonnacott.
Member News
Santa Rosa Water Debuts Mobile Hydration Station at St. Patty’s 5K Santa Rosa Water debuted a mobile hydration station March 13 at Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks’ St. Patrick’s Day 5K at Juilliard Park. All race participants received a reusable water bottle to “Take it From the TAP!” at the brand new hydration station. Santa Rosa Water’s hydration station is the first of its kind in Sonoma County to provide clean and refreshing tap water on-the-go. The 21-foot long blue and white water truck, branded with the words “Hydration Station,” can transport 200 gallons of Santa Rosa tap water or can be connected directly to the municipal water supply to meet additional drinking water demands. The Hydration Station has 10 water taps, five on each side, to make water dispensing easy and accessible. The Hydration Station also includes a built-in canopy for shade and cooling system to ensure water on tap is always cold and refreshing at local community events. “Santa Rosa Water works around the clock to provide safe, reliable, and high
quality water conveniently to our community’s taps every day for less than a penny a gallon,” said Linda Reed, interim director of Santa Rosa Water. “And the Hydration Station is a functional and engaging new tool to promote healthy hydration and education about our high quality drinking water supply.”
Santa Rosa Water will use this new mobile hydration station to help educate customers about drinking water, as part of its “Take it From the TAP!” program.
The Hydration Station is the latest addition to Santa Rosa Water’s “Take it From the TAP!” program which was created to engage the community in conversation about where water
comes from, water quality, and the environmental, economic and health benefits of drinking tap water, as opposed to bottled water. The new truck will attend city sponsored events and visit Santa Rosa schools.
Orange County Groundwater System Captures Five Awards The Groundwater Replenishment System in Orange County recently garnered five awards, bolstering the project’s reputation as a global model for local water supply reliability. Since February, the GWRS — a joint project of the Orange County Water District and the Orange County Sanitation District — has won the following awards from the following organizations: WateReuse, California’s Large Recycled Water Agency of the Year; American Membrane Technology Association, Membrane Plant of the Year; American Society of Civil Engineers, Water/Wastewater Treatment Project of the Year; International
Ultraviolet Association, UV Engineering Project of the Year; and Orange County Engineering Council, Engineering Project Achievement Award. “We are truly honored and grateful that the GWRS received these distinguished awards,” OCWD President Cathy Green said in a statement. “The GWRS is a tremendous asset to the region which has helped increase local water supplies and sustain years of drought conditions. It is our responsibility to invest in and implement water reliability projects that will meet the water needs of current and future generations.”
This project, which brings more than 182 billion gallons of high quality water to drought-plagued Orange County, also has been featured in prominent media outlets such as National Geographic and 60 Minutes. Last summer, the GWRS expanded to produce an additional 30 million gallons of water a day. This made the world’s largest water reuse project of its kind even bigger, providing enough water for 850,000 people annually. To learn more about this water project visit www.ocwd.com/gwrs/.
APRIL 15, 2016 • 15
Member News
Laguna Beach County Water District Honored for Water Education Ongoing efforts to incorporate water education and conservation into student programs earned the Laguna Beach County Water District the Agency Partner Award from the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. District General Manager Renae Hinchey received the award on March 10 at the Boys & Girls Club’s 8th annual Community Partner’s Breakfast. “Through this partnership, the district has had the opportunity to educate students about the drought, local water issues, and the importance of water conservation,” said Hinchey. “We appreciate the club’s willingness
to integrate water education into their programs and we look forward to continuing this partnership in the future.” The district was recognized for its presentations to club members, providing art supplies, and most notably, donating rain barrels and soil for the club’s sustainable gardening programs. The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach has also been an active participant at the district’s annual SmartScape Info/ Expo for the past three years. For resources and materials to educate students about water conservation visit www.lbcwd.org.
Laguna Beach County Water District General Manager Renae Hinchey (left) accepts the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach Partner Award during a breakfast event on March 10.
EMWD Announces New Strategic Communications Plan and Logo Responding to a customer survey, Eastern Municipal Water District announced March 17 that it has launched a comprehensive strategic communications plan that is designed to better deliver information. EMWD also unveiled a new logo, which will improve the organization’s visibility within the community and enhance both customer and employee safety in the process. In the recent survey, customers requested enhanced information on their water, wastewater and recycled water services through modernized modes of communication. Making these changes will provide customers a more comprehensive understanding of EMWD’s services and will enhance the ability to provide feedback on how the board of directors and staff can best work to meet their needs.
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“Our customers provided us excellent input on how to best communicate information and we are committed to meeting their expectations,” EMWD President Randy Record said in a press release. “By incorporating new technology with clearly presented materials, our customers can continue to have confidence that EMWD is working on their behalf.” The refreshed logo incorporates elements of EMWD’s previous logo while bringing it current to better reflect its array of services and commitment toward environmental sustainability. EMWD’s new tagline, “Serving our community today and tomorrow” is representative of its long-term commitment to the region and reinforces its efforts to provide and manage services today and for future generations.
More than 60% of customers surveyed indicated they wished to receive more communications and service options from EMWD. In response, EMWD is focusing on a variety of multiplatform communication initiatives to meet the needs of its customers, including improving online bill pay functionality, mobile phone integration and increasing the amount and type of business that can be conducted online.
Member News
Dublin San Ramon Extends Recycled Water into Western Dublin Dublin San Ramon Services District recently extended its recycled water system 3.6 miles into western Dublin to irrigate parks, schools and commercial properties and save 49 million gallons of drinking water a year, enough to serve the indoor water needs of 610 families. The $5.1 million project extended purple recycled water pipelines west of Interstate 680 for the first time and converted irrigation systems at 35 sites. Pipeline construction began in midJune 2015 and was completed in December 2015. Since then, 33 irrigation
systems have been converted and the remaining two will be finished in time for the summer watering season. “Because DSRSD has invested in recycled water for more than 20 years, almost 30 percent of our water supply is now locally controlled and drought-resistant. The entire community benefits from a more diverse and reliable water supply that is less dependent on Delta water,” said DSRSD Board President D. L. (Pat) Howard. “By the end of 2016, the City of Dublin expects to use recycled water for 91 percent of our
municipal operations, which frees up approximately 164 million gallons of drinking water a year for other uses,” added Dublin Mayor David Haubert. Recycled water used for landscape irrigation flows through a system of reservoirs, pumps, and pipes separate from the distribution system that delivers drinking water to household taps. In newly built areas of Dublin, developers install recycled water pipelines before streets go in. In established areas, the separate pipelines must be installed under existing roadways.
Monte Vista Water District Recognizes Services of Two Employees Monte Vista Water District in March awarded Water System Supervisor Hank Aceves with its 2015 Employee of the Year Award for “his integrity, knowledge and work ethic” during its annual awards event. MVWD also celebrated a milestone anniversary for long-time employee Ray Harton. Aceves, who has been with the district since March 2010, serves as water system supervisor and is responsible for
managing the operations department, maintaining proper water flow and storage levels for MVWD’s water distribution system, and operating its 12 active groundwater wells. He also holds State Water Resources Control Board Grade 3 Water Treatment Operator and Grade 4 Water Distribution Operator certifications. Harton has served as the district’s manager of finance and administration for the past 10 years. Harton’s
responsibilities include directing administrative activities and comprehensive financial services relating to cash management, budgeting, internal/external audit controls, and debt management. Under his leadership, MVWD has received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 11 straight years. “It is an honor to recognize these dedicated and loyal employees who make significant contributions in the achievement of the district’s mission and goals,” said MVWD Board President Sandra Rose.
EMPLOYMENT Administrative Manager Cachuma Operation & Maintenance Board $3,774.98-$4,527.73 Bi-Weekly Cachuma Operation and Maintenance Board is seeking an Administrative Manager to develop, plan, and monitor general, administrative and special projects budgets; responsible for human resources and personnel related policies, procedures and applicable laws;
develops/updates public agency policies/ procedures; assists General Manager with protection of assets and maintenance of budget controls; develops/implements appropriate risk management policies/ procedures; supervises Administrative staff; serves as Treasurer-Auditor Controller to the Board. A fast-paced environment requiring a self-starter. Bachelor’s degree in accounting, business administration or closely related field required; Master’s degree preferred. Excellent benefits
package. Visit www.cachuma-board.org for job description/requirements/application. Closing date: 05/13/16. Open until filled.
General Manager Tehachapi-Cummings CWD The General Manager reports directly to a five-member Board of Directors and is responsible for the effective management and administration of all of the District's Continued on page 19
APRIL 15, 2016 • 17
People News
Daniel McIntyre
Kari Bagshaw
DSRSD Board Appoints Daniel McIntyre as New General Manager Dublin San Ramon Service District on April 6 unanimously appointed Daniel McIntyre as the district’s new general manager. McIntyre will assume his new role immediately, replacing Bert Michalczyk who retired as general manager in 2015 after 25 years with the district.
He is a registered civil engineer with 26 years of experience in the Tri-Valley area. His previous experience includes 12 years as the City of Livermore’s Public Works Director, where he managed 110 staff members and an annual operating budget of $51 million.
For the past year, McIntyre has served as DSRSD’s Engineering Services Manager, serving in leadership roles on the Bay Area Biosolids to Energy Coalition’s steering and executive committees as well as ACWA’s Local Government Committee.
According to the DSRSD Board Member Madelyne Misheloff, McIntyre rose to the top due to his “expertise and knowledge of the industry, but also his ability to work with the Tri-Valley water agencies and collaborate on solutions to long-term water supply challenges.” .
Longest Serving Hi-Desert Water District Employee Retires The Hi-Desert Water District on March 31 announced the retirement of customer service representative Kari Bagshaw, the district’s longest serving employee who served for 36 years.
Yucca Valley Water Company and handling the after-effects of the 1992 Landers’ earthquake. She has served in various capacities including as billing clerk, accounts payable and payroll, and most recently as a customer service representative.
Throughout her tenure, which began in 1979, Bagshaw played an instrumental role in facilitating the district’s 1989 merger with
Sansoni Retires from San Luis Canal Company Board After 43 years of dedicated service, Aldo Sansoni announced his retirement from the San Luis Canal Company Board of Directors in March.
Aldo Sansoni
A local farmer, Sansoni provided input and leadership on issues relating to soil reclamation, drainage, water supply enhancement and infrastructure modernization. Sansoni also played an active role on ACWA’s Board of Directors from 2006-2009 and its Region 6 Board from 2006-2015. He also served on ACWA’s State Legislative Committee from 2005-2015. Sansoni joined the local Soil Conservation Board in 1957 and was instrumental in its
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McIntyre was selected from a field of six top candidates following the district’s national and international four-month recruitment search.
In announcing her retirement, HDWD praised Bagshaw for her “many years of hard work and dedication” and “going above and beyond her duties when assisting customers and peers.” .
on-farm activities with local growers for over 30 years. In 1975 he was appointed by Gov. Ronald Reagan to the State Soil Conservation Commission and was named Soil Conservationist of the Year. Gov. Jerry Brown reappointed Sansoni in 1976 and named him commission chairman. He has also volunteered his time with the Mercy Hospital Board (1992-2000) and the Blue Diamond Growers Board (1991-2009). The Canal Company stated in a press release that it wishes Sansoni and his wife Virginia all the best as he continues his restoration and wood working hobbies and “selling hay” to his long term customers and friends throughout the state.
People News CCWD Board Appoints Ernesto Avila New Board Member The Contra Costa Water District Board of Directors on March 16 unanimously approved Ernesto Avila to fill the board vacancy left by the retirement of Board President Joseph L. Campbell.
Ernesto Avila
Avila will represent Division 3. The Division 3 seat, along with two other board positions, will be up for election in November 2016. Avila lives in Concord and currently is vice president of a private engineering firm. His background includes 32 years of engineering
experience. More than a decade ago he was an employee of the CCWD, then accepted a position running a water agency in the Monterey area, and then started his own engineering firm. Avila has been a planning commissioner with the City of Concord for the past 10 years and is an active member of the Concord community. “Board members unanimously agreed that Mr. Avila will uphold the board’s commitment to represent the needs of our customers and provide high-quality water service with enthusiasm,” CCWD Board Vice President Lisa Borba said in a written statement.
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operations. The General Manager is the administrator for the court-appointed Watermaster of the three adjudicated groundwater basins within the District. To qualify, an applicant must have a four-year college or university program certificate in Public Administration, Engineering, Groundwater Hydrology or related field; or six years public sector management experience and the ability, knowledge and skills to enforce the Watermaster Rules and carry out the goals of the District. A successful applicant must have the ability to interface with community officials and develop balanced programs.
General Manager Anderson-Cottonwood I.D. Anderson-Cottonwood Irrigation District was formed in 1914 with a service area of 32,000 acres with about 7,000 irrigated acres. Under minimal direction, the General Manager oversees a $1.5M operating budget and operations providing customers with a reliable irrigation water supply; provides professional and technical staff support and assistance to the Board; coordinates all District activities with Federal, State, County, local and private agencies; and performs additional duties as required. The current General Manager is retiring effective November 1. This single incumbent position reports directly to an elected five-member Board of Directors. Scope of work is highly complex in nature with management
responsibility over all units of the Irrigation District. Incumbent works from general directives or broadly defined missions of the organization as a whole. Manages a staff of 11 and directly supervises the work of Office Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Maintenance Supervisor and Operations Supervisor. Duties may include, but are not necessarily limited to: • Plans, directs and coordinates services, activities and operations of all facilities, equipment and projects.
• Monitors District infrastructure and rehabilitation; ensures District records are maintained. • Coordinates landowner communications and workshops; works with staff to resolve customer complaints. • Confers with District Counsel and developers. • Manages contractors and consultants ensuring District standards, policies, and directives are maintained.
• Prepares and implements District budget; develops short and long term financial strategies; prepares Capital Improvement Program.
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying, including: Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration or similar discipline; or, ten years of experience with an irrigation district or similar agency with a minimum of five years in supervision. Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license with an acceptable driving record is required.
• Provides legislative direction/advice to Board; works with Board in developing District priorities.
Excellent benefits are available, and the salary shall be commensurate with experience.
• Implements Board policies and directives and communicates them to the public.
A more detailed job description is available at www. andersoncottonwoodirrigationdistrict.org.
• Serves as the principal spokesperson for the District; represents District at public and professional functions; oversees public information and public education program, and coordinates media relations.
To apply for this position please email: baronbrowning@spherion.com
• Manages the selection, training, and supervision of staff. • Coordinates District activities with regulatory agencies; ensures compliance with all state, local, and federal laws.
Office 530-222-3434 Fax 530-226-0941
APRIL 15, 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
State Water Board Releases New Conservation Standards — 04/07/2016 Legislative Hearing Explores California’s Drinking Water Program — 04/06/2016
UPCOMING EVENTS
Californians “Just Shy” of 25% Water Conservation Mandate — 04/04/2016
VISIT ACWA.COM FOR COMPLETE LISTING
Senate Committee OKs Bill on Excessive Water Use — 03/29/2016 Federal Legislators Ask President Obama to Increase Delta Pumping — 03/24/2016
TWITTER CHATTER ACWA @ACWAWater • March 22 • Several ACWA Agency projects featured at White House Water Summit on World Water Day PPIC Water @PPICWater • Mar 24 • In decades, snowpacks as small as last year’s could occur regularly says @ Mdettinger of @USGSwaterCA & @ PPICWater South Coast Water @ southcoastwater • Mar 28 • Despite El Niño relief, California hydrologist warns that a 5th year of #drought is ‘pretty inevitable.’ Paul Rogers@PaulRogersSJMN • March 29 • California drought rules likely to be relaxed #cadrought #cawater CA Water Boards @CaWaterBoards •A pr 4 • State saves 1.19 million acre-feet of water, enough for nearly 6 million people for a year!
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MAY 2016 3 – 6
JUNE 2016 1 – 3
ACWA 2016 Spring Conference & Exhibition will be held at the Portola and Marriott Hotels in Monterey. Online registration is closed. More informaion available at www.acwa.com/events/acwa-2016spring-conference-exhibition.
Third Annual California Water Summit will be at The Westin, Sacramento. Registration and more information available at www.ca-water-summit.com.
SEPTEMBER 2016 15 – 16
ACWA 2016 Continuing Legal Education for water professionals 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.
OCTOBER 2016
ACWA 2016 Regulatory Summit will take place in the Bay Area. More details to come.
3 – 4
2016 ’s
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ACWA 2016 Spring Conference & Exhibition may 3 - 6, 2016 monterey, CA