ACWANEWS
ACWA’s Member Newsletter • www.acwa.com
(Left) California State Fair attendees learn more about how to replace grass turf with California-friendly plants and materials during the fair’s July run. The drought-resilient plants are promoted by the California Department of Water Resources and the Save Our Water program. (Right) DWR’s exhibit, “Conservation: The California Lifestyle,” provides water-wise landscaping ideas to fairgoers.
Water Market, Stormwater Finance Bills Pending as Capitol Nears End of Session With the 2015-’16 legislative session heading into its final month on Aug. 1, bills related to California’s voluntary water market, Proposition 218 and other topics are in play for ACWA and its members. ACWA continues to be engaged in discussions regarding water market legislation this year and a potential ACWA-sponsored bill in 2017. Two bills – AB 1755 (Dodd) and AB 2909 (Levine) – cleared the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee just before the summer recess and await action in the Senate Appropriations Committee. ACWA-supported AB 1755, the Open and Transparent Data Act, would create a statewide water information system within the California Department of Water Resources to provide
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better data and information sharing regarding water use, water markets, implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014 and other activities. AB 2909, as proposed to be amended in committee, would require the State Water Resources Control Board and the DWR to implement an expedited 30-day review process for reoccurring water transfers or environmentally beneficial transfers. The bill, which previously dealt with funding for state parks, was gutted and amended on June 21 to deal with water transfers after another Levine bill, AB 2304, was pulled from the Assembly Appropriations Committee at the author’s request on May 25. ACWA’s State Legislative Committee took an LEGISLATION Continued on page 4
Executive Director’s Column: New Strategy on Delta Smelt a Step in the Right Direction
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ACWA Members Testify at Hearing on Smelt and Salmon Needs
Sacramento River Temperature Plan Approved for 2016 The State Water Resources Control Board has signed off on a temperature management plan for the Sacramento River that outlines a water release schedule for Shasta Dam and other reservoirs to preserve cooler water for winter-run Chinook salmon while meeting water deliveries for farmers during the growing season. The 2016 Sacramento River Temperature Management Plan, released by federal officials on June 29, was approved by State Water Board Executive Director Thomas Howard in a July 8 letter. The plan was submitted after several weeks of analysis and discussion among the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the National Marine Fisheries Service, SAC RIVER Continued on page 3
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Save Our Water Launches “Water Conservation: For • 1 JULY 22, It’s 2016 Life” Campaign
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
New Strategy on Delta Smelt a Step in the Right Direction Over the past few months, California water has seen its share of policy shifts. This month brought a development that many hope will set us on a course to better manage aquatic resources with a comprehensive set of tools. With the release of the Delta Smelt Resiliency Strategy, state and federal agencies have outlined a comprehensive plan that centers on more than just pumping restrictions in the SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta. ACWA and its member agencies have advocated for such a strategy for the better part of two decades. In recent years, biological opinions have required strict restrictions on Delta pumping to protect fish. These restrictions have essentially halted water project operations at times, resulting in cutbacks in water deliveries to many areas of the state and making it extremely difficult to move water into storage south of the Delta. It has been an ineffective approach that is at odds with California’s commitment to the coequal goals and has served to maximize conflicts between species protection and water supply. The good news now, however, is that state and federal officials are working together and recognizing the myriad other factors that must be addressed in order to restore smelt populations and improve ecosystem health in the Delta. If we’ve learned anything from the past four years of drought, it’s that we need collaborative decision making and a commitment to get creative and explore every option available in the pursuit of long-term water reliability for California. The Delta Smelt Resiliency Strategy contemplates everything from creating better habitat, more food, and higher
turbidity to reducing levels of weeds, predators, and harmful algae blooms. The plan also includes specific actions such as generating more brackish water habitat by providing additional outflows at certain times of the year and assessing the feasibility of adding sediment to certain zones in the Delta to create the turbidity smelt use to hide from predators. While it does call for additional summer outflows this year — perhaps up to 200,000 acre-feet — the plan contemplates a variety of methods to augment flows, including transfers from willing sellers. Unlike past failed attempts, however, the flows will be part of a comprehensive effort. Though it remains to be seen whether providing outflows during summer (when the system naturally would not have outflows) will achieve any benefit, at least it will be part of a larger package that can make a difference. Maybe the plan will work and maybe it will need additional refinement – only time with tell. But the point is that after 20 years of discussion and advocacy by the water community, we finally have a plan on the table with a shot at working. By recognizing the complexity of Delta issues and developing a multi-layered comprehensive strategy to address them, the state is now on a path that brings us closer to achieving the coequal goals of a more reliable water supply and restoring and protecting the Delta ecosystem. It took leadership to get there, and ACWA commends Gov. Jerry Brown and his administration for taking this fundamentally different approach.
Agencies Release Comprehensive Delta Smelt Resiliency Strategy State and federal officials have outlined a comprehensive plan that seeks to improve conditions for endangered Delta smelt, which are near extinction after several extremely dry years. The Delta Smelt Resiliency Strategy released July 12 seeks to increase the smelt population by reducing mortality and boosting the rate at which the fish grow, reproduce and survive. The plan focuses on creating better habitat, more food, higher turbidity, and reduced levels of weeds, predators, and harmful algal blooms. “This strategy is about more than taking swift action to reverse the decline of the Delta smelt population,” Mark Cowin, director of the California
Department of Water Resources, stated in a press release. “We intend to learn a great deal about the ecological needs of the species and the effects of our interrelated actions. Better understanding will help bring about better conditions for Delta smelt and, in turn, better management of our water resources.” Under the plan, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation will provide 85,000 to 200,000 acre-feet of additional outflow above what is required under D-1641 for release this summer. In the spring and summer of 2017 and 2018, DWR and/or the Bureau will provide up to an additional 250,000 acre-feet of outflow above D-1641 requirements. A variety of methods may be used to augment
outflow, according to the plan, including transfers from willing sellers, changes in export or other CVP/SWP Delta operations, or storage releases. These flows must be consistent with the 2009 salmon biological opinion as determined by the fish agencies. The strategy will be implemented by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, DWR, the Division of Boating and Waterways, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Bureau. The smelt food production action also involves partnering with local agricultural water agencies and farmers. The plan is available at www.resources. ca.gov.
SAC RIVER Continued from page 1
the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and State Water Board staff. It also was discussed with the Sacramento River Temperature Task Group and various stakeholders. Officials from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife briefed members of the State Water Board on the plan July 6. Ron Milligan, operations manager with the Bureau, said weekly temperature monitoring will be conducted at Shasta to ensure the terms of the plan are being met. Unlike last year’s temperature plan for the Sacramento River, the 2016 version does not call for major cutbacks for Central Valley farmers that rely on Shasta releases for water deliveries. That could change over the summer, however, if the plan fails to preserve adequate cool temperatures for salmon. ACWA members affected by the plan voiced frustration with the time it took federal agencies to reach agreement on the plan. They also noted that while releases outlined in the plan are an improvement over last year, they are much more restrictive than previous
years with similar amounts of cold water in storage behind Shasta. In past years with similar cold-water resources, Sacramento River releases allowed for summer flows of 12,000 cubic-feet per second (cfs) to 14,000 cfs. Under the 2016 plan, the maximum amount is 10,500 cfs, which contractors say will make it harder for users in the southern end of the system to get water. “While we support Reclamation, these releases are far more limited than previous years with similar cold-water resources, with Shasta and other reservoirs in Northern California being at nearly full capacity,” said Don Bransford, president of the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District Board of Directors. “These lower flows have negatively impacted Sacramento River Settlement Contractors water users by keeping the river at lower elevations, limiting diversions and in some cases resulting in users not being able to divert at all.” Fritz Durst, president of the Reclamation District 108’s Board of Trustees, noted the plan’s singular focus on temperature management for a single species fails to address other important factors.
“In our view, it focuses too heavily on temperature management for winterrun egg survival that provides questionable improvements in survival. The plan does not address other stressors to salmon that account for up to 75% mortality while shifting impacts to other species, the environment, farms, and urban areas,” Durst said. “It is time to move beyond the current and very narrow approach of solely focusing on temperature levels for one species of fish – we must address all factors impacting salmon survival.” Temperature control on the Sacramento River has been required since 1995, when the State Water Board issued Order 90-5. Development of the plan required consultation among the Bureau, the fisheries agencies, and the State Water Board. The 2009 Biological Opinion for ongoing operations of the SWP and CVP also includes requirements for temperature management. JULY 22, 2016 • 3
Little Hoover Commission Sets Hearing on Special Districts The Little Hoover Commission has scheduled a hearing Aug. 25 on special districts. According to the commission’s website, the hearing is part of a review of special districts getting underway this fall. The commission previously studied special districts in 1999 and issued a 2000 report titled, “Special Districts: Relics of the Past or Resources for
the Future?” The report included recommendations in the areas of consolidations, transparency, budget reserves, enterprise fees and property tax revenues. The agenda for the Aug. 25 hearing has not been posted, but commission staff has indicated that representatives of health care districts, the California Special Districts Association, the
California Association of Local Agency Formation Commissions, and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association will likely be invited to testify. A second hearing may be scheduled for November. The hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. in room 437 of the State Capitol. ACWA will provide updates as developments unfold.
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oppose-unless-amended position on AB 2304 at its May 20 meeting. AB 2909 is expected to be amended again before it is heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee. ACWA’s State Legislative Committee reviewed some proposed amendments at its July 8 meeting and took a favor-if-amended position. Based on its initial review, the State Legislative Committee is working on developing additional amendments to request from the author. Longer term, a working group continues to consider concepts and language for a potential ACWAsponsored water market bill for 2017. Any decision to move forward with sponsored legislation will occur at the committee’s Oct. 21 planning meeting.
Proposition 218 Scaled-down legislation aimed at addressing Proposition 218 concerns was approved in the Assembly Local Government Committee June 29 on a 5-3 vote. SB 1298 (Hertzberg) was approved with amendments that reduce the scope of the bill to address stormwater issues only. Other provisions related to lifeline rates and conservation rates were eliminated with the most recent amendments. ACWA had an oppose position on the June 13 version of the bill. In testimony before the committee on June 4 • ACWANEWS
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29, ACWA Deputy Executive Director for Government Relations Cindy Tuck said the association would work with the author and other stakeholders during the Legislature’s summer recess to further refine the bill and craft focused intent and definitional language.
Drinking Water Solutions ACWA has worked with the author and the State Water Resources Control Board on amendments to SB 1263 (Wieckowski), a bill intended to stop the creation of new unsustainable water systems. ACWA agrees with the goal, but the bill as introduced would have given the State Water Board more authority to deny permits for new systems that would be sustainable. Following June 20 amendments to the bill addressing these concerns, ACWA has removed it opposition. SB 1263 is in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Lead Pipes An ACWA-opposed bill dealing with lead service lines is awaiting action in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. SB 1398 (Leyva) would require public water systems to compile an inventory of known lead pipes in their distribution systems and provide a timeline for their replacement to the State Water Resources Control Board. ACWA’s State Legislative Committee took an oppose-unless-amended
position on the bill at its July 8 meeting and is pursuing amendments to address concerns about unknown service lines acquired from a predecessor system through a consolidation or annexation.
Ocean Discharges and Beneficial Reuse Mandates A bill that would have required ocean and bay dischargers to beneficially reuse 50% of treated wastewater by 2033 and 100% by 2036 has been shelved for now. ACWA and numerous water and wastewater agencies opposed SB 163 (Hertzberg) because it included an unachievable mandate that would undermine existing local and regional efforts and cost local agencies and their ratepayers billions of dollars. The author has indicated he plans to bring the bill back in 2017.
Groundwater Extractions An ACWA-opposed bill that would interfere prematurely with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014 appears to be stopped for now. A June 28 hearing on SB 1317 (Wolk) in the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee was canceled at the author’s request. For a complete report on ACWA’s position on bills, please visit www.acwa.com.
State Agencies Advance East Porterville Water Supply Project Three state agencies have released plans for an emergency water supply project to provide safe drinking water to homes in the Tulare County community of East Porterville. Hundreds of homes in the unincorporated community, which has been called “ground zero” for severe drought impacts in California, have been without safe water after private wells went dry or were rendered unusable due to groundwater contamination. In a June 22 call with reporters, representatives of the California Department of Water Resources, the State Water Resources Control Board and the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services described how the agencies have collaborated with local govern-
ments in Tulare County to provide the community with a permanent supply of safe drinking water through a new water distribution system that will connect East Porterville with neighboring Porterville. The first phase of the project will connect single-family residences that have emergency water tanks installed and are located closest to the City of Porterville’s water main. Emergency water tanks will be removed in the next several months. Property owners will have the choice to connect or not to connect to the City of Porterville water system. More information about the project can be found at water.ca.gov/waterconditions/ porterville.cfm.
State Water Board Releases Revised Proposed Fee Schedule for Public Drinking Water System Annual Operating Fees The State Water Resources Control Board has re-noticed the public water system annual operating fee regulations to revise the proposed fee schedule. Written comments on the proposed modifications must be submitted by 5 p.m. July 29. The modified regulation and notice are available at www.swrcb.ca.gov/ resources/fees/drinking_water/index. shtml. The State Water Board initiated a formal rulemaking process April 29 on draft regulations on annual public water system operating fees. ACWA has expressed concern that the initial proposed fee structure would increase annual fees by up to 1,000% for some water systems. On June 22, the State Water Board held a public hearing to receive public comment related to its draft Drinking Water Program fee regulations for Fiscal Year 2016-’17. The State Water Board
could consider adoption of final draft fee regulations at its Sept. 20 meeting. During the June public hearing, ACWA Senior Regulatory Advocate Adam W. Robin urged the State Water Board to consider an alternative proposal developed by an ACWA Work Group and other stakeholders called the “Water Community Option.” The option would allow the board to recover the same amount in total fees as the draft fee regulations while more fairly allocating the necessary fee increases. Representatives from the California Municipal Utilities Association, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and Helix Water District expressed support for the Water Community Option. ACWA continues to advocate for an equitable approach to the drinking water fee structure as well as other steps to ensure that the state’s
Drinking Water Program maintains its accountability to public water systems. ACWA’s comment letter, including details on the “Water Community Option” proposal, is available at www.acwa.com/content/regulatory. ACWA member agencies with comments regarding the proposed regulations should contact ACWA Senior Regulatory Advocate Adam W. Robin at adamr@acwa.com or (916) 441-4545.
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ACWA Members Testify at House Hearing on Smelt and Salmon ACWA members testified at a House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans hearing on July 12. The hearing, titled “Changing Demands and Water Supply Uncertainty in California,” focused on the competing water demands of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service for salmon and smelt. Ara Azhderian, water policy administrator for the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, said water users are at a critical juncture after four years of drought and water shortage. “Our agricultural and municipal water users have continually adapted to the ever-increasing regulatory demands, becoming among the most efficient users of water in the world,” Azhderian said in his written testimony. “However, continued gains through conservation, reuse and recycling are not limitless, are extremely costly, and in some cases economically infeasible.” He noted that while agricultural and municipal users must account for virtually every drop and ensure its beneficial
use, environmental usage undergoes no such scrutiny. Jeff Sutton, general manager of the Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority, said recent regulatory actions have failed to provide the stated intentions of improving fishery and environmental conditions. “Single species management is not working, as evidenced by the current conflict between the … smelt and salmon actions.” Sutton said in his testimony. “Working towards the development of a single NMFS and USFWS Biological Opinion for smelt and salmon would be a good place to start.”
2016 WRDA Legislation Action on both the House and Senate versions of the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) has been postponed until September. The bills, HR 5303 and S. 2848, include provisions that would 1) authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to engage in environmental infrastructure projects, including water supply and water recycling projects; 2) allow
Ara Azhderian, left, water policy administrator for the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority, and Jeff Sutton, general manager of the Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority, after a July 12 hearing of the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Power and Oceans in the Longworth House Office Building.
project sponsors to pay for the Corps to revise outdated operational documents for their reservoirs; and 3) authorize the Corps to enter into agreements with non-federal partners to engage in stormwater capture and groundwater recharge projects. ACWA’s letter on priorities for WRDA legislation is at www.acwa.com/content/federalcomment-letters.
Judge Rules Delta Stewardship Council’s Delta Plan Invalid A Sacramento Superior Court Judge on June 24 ruled that the Delta Stewardship Council’s Delta Plan is invalid and will remain so until it includes “quantified or otherwise measurable targets associated with achieving reduced Delta reliance.” Sacramento Superior Court Judge Michael Kenny issued the ruling after several parties filed motions for clarifications to an earlier ruling he issued in May. His June 24 ruling also validates the DSC’s role in creating an enforceable Delta Plan, and its use of best available science to set direction for the Delta. The June 24 ruling states:
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“The Court reiterates that Respondent must revise the Delta Plan, and any applicable regulations to include quantified or otherwise measurable targets associated with achieving reduced Delta reliance, reduced environmental harm from invasive species, restoring more natural flows, and increased water supply reliability.”
Quality Act) analysis and review.”
The court also clarified that the challenges to the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) are moot:
Pearson also expressed disappointment that the court “chose to invalidate the entire Delta Plan because of what it identified as inadequacies in two discrete areas.” Further, the court considered the Delta Plan as it was adopted in May 2013, without taking into account refinements made since then through a rigorous public process, she said.
“In light of the Court’s finding of statutory violations and its finding that the Delta Plan is invalid, there is no longer a project with an EIR for which to conduct a (California Environmental
Jessica Pearson, executive officer of the DSC, said the DSC will appeal the ruling. “The Delta remains in crisis and now isn’t the time to set aside the state’s only comprehensive management plan for the Delta,” she said in a statement.
State Shifts to New Metric for Conservation; Resources Available As the state shifts to a new metric for measuring local water conservation, ACWA is actively assisting its members with messaging and education around the new definition of success: drought preparedness and ongoing conservation.
The toolkit is available at www.acwa.com/content/ communications-toolkitnew-conservation-regulation. Member login is required.
The State Water Resources Control Board staff is reviewing data and “stress test” results submitted by urban water suppliers last month under the state’s modified emergency conservation regulation. The new regulation requires that water suppliers must conduct a rigorous stress test and certify they are drought-prepared in the event of another three dry years.
Members with questions about the communications toolkit and recommended outreach activities should contact ACWA Director of Communications Lisa Lien-Mager at (916) 441-4545 or lisalm@acwa.com.
Board staff is expected to present an initial report at the upcoming Aug. 2 meeting. In advance of that meeting, ACWA is providing tools and resources to assist members. A webinar was held June 28 to provide information on the regulation and ACWA’s ongoing efforts. A communications toolkit also was distributed with an FAQ, talking points, social media content and other resources.
May Conservation Results Conservation data submitted for the last month of state-mandated targets under the previous regulation showed that Californians used 28% less water in May 2016 than in the same month in 2013. State Water Board officials said they expect that water suppliers will continue to “promote and achieve” water conservation and enforce prohibitions on wasting water. The board is prepared to “come back in early 2017 to develop
new mandatory water restrictions if needed,” according to a press release.
Long-Term Framework The California Department of Water Resources and the State Water Board are expected to convene an urban stakeholder advisory group in the coming weeks to begin developing a framework to implement Gov. Jerry Brown’s May executive order on long-term urban water conservation. ACWA staff is working to ensure that water agency interests are well-represented in both the urban and agricultural stakeholder processes. Watch for updates on www.acwa.com.
DWR Releases Draft Changes to Groundwater Basin Boundaries The California Department of Water Resources on July 1 released a draft of its approved changes to California’s groundwater basin boundaries, which reflect boundary modification requests and public comments received earlier this year. The release of the draft of approved changes is a key step in implementing the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014. SGMA initially established the basin boundaries as defined in Bulletin 118, a report on California groundwater resources that is periodically updated by DWR. Under SGMA, local agencies can request that DWR modify these boundaries to improve coordination and promote statewide sustainable groundwater management.
The draft approved basin boundary modifications were developed through DWR’s technical review of basin boundary modification requests and public comment during the submission period that ran from January through March of this year. Future basin boundary modification submission periods will likely be based on demand and coordinated with five-year updates to Bulletin 118. Following the adoption of DWR’s Basin Boundary Regulations in November 2015, DWR provided an online Basin Boundary Assessment Tool to inform local agencies and the public about the existing Bulletin 118 groundwater basins and other relevant geologic and geographic data.
Public comments expressed during public meetings in mid-July will be summarized and presented to the California Water Commission, which will hear the modifications and provide the public an opportunity to comment. Following consideration and potential incorporation of comments heard, DWR will publish the final basin boundary modifications. In accordance with SGMA, these new basin definitions will be evaluated under the basin prioritization process and documented in the interim update of Bulletin 118, expected later this year. RESOURCE Basin Boundary Modifications: www. water.ca.gov/groundwater/sgm/basin_ boundaries.cfm
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CASE STUDY
Valley of the Moon Water District Incentivizes Customers’ Conservation Through Sales of Their Conserved Water
Challenge: Californians — including those served by the Valley of the Moon Water District in Sonoma County — have been practicing heroic water conservation for several years, letting lawns go dry and cars sit dirty. Those efforts may have pushed some water users into “drought fatigue” as they struggle to embrace water conservation for the long haul, even if they aren’t being asked to conserve as intensely as they were during the height of the drought. This so-called “drought fatigue” has left some water managers asking how they can sustain water customers’ commitment to water conservation moving forward. Valley of the Moon Water District officials came up with a unique solution to this challenge.
Solution: In August, Valley of the Moon WD will launch a pilot program of an innovative, voluntary conservation effort called AquaShares. Under the program, customers who choose to participate will be granted water savings credits, called AquaShares, if they use water beneath a threshold based on past usage. The AquaShares will then be deposited into an account and may be sold for cash on an online marketplace, donated to charity or restored to nature thereby offsetting a user’s impacts. “This is really putting the power in the customers’ hands to see how much they want to do (to conserve) and how much they want to get rewarded,” said Valley of the Moon Water District General Manager Daniel Muelrath. Jon Foreman, Valley of the Moon Water District board president, said the program reflects the district’s emphasis on innovation. “Valley of the Moon Water District has always tried to be innovative, while maintaining its frugality,” said Foreman. “This is just another benefit we are providing our customers to help preserve our precious resource, water.”
The genesis for the trading of water credits, according to Muelrath, was the water trading done by bushmen in Africa as described in a book titled – Heart of Dryness, by James Workman. It took years for the germ of the idea to blossom into Valley of the Moon’s pilot program. The program could not be implemented without the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) set in place by the district a few years ago, said Muelrath. “I first learned of this concept at the Water Smart Innovations conference in 2008 while listening to author Jamie Workman talk about his book: Heart of Dryness and the lessons he learned from living amongst bushmen,” explained Muelrath. “I found his talk about water trading inspirational, but at the time it felt too abstract to implement. Fast forward five years and my path and Jamie’s crossed again in 2013 right at the time my district was implementing AMI. This go-round the timing was perfect and we have spent the last two years working out the details of this save-and-trade model through a consumer engagement portal.”
Pilot Phase to Include 350 Customers Once the AMI meters were in place — an upgrade the district has planned to do regardless
Above: Participants in the AquaShares program will see this home page when they log onto the program portal.
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.
of whether the AquaShares program launched — Valley of the Moon began to craft the innovative conservation program. With a $100,000 grant from the California Water Foundation, Valley of the Moon was able to develop the web portal for the program. During the pilot phase of the program, which is expected to launch this August, 350 customers will be invited to participate. The district will send direct mail to the selected customers to explain the details of the program. The mailers will be followed up with phone calls. The baseline under which customers must dip to earn shares is a point set at three years of their weathernormalized usage. Muelrath said he does not yet know the value of each AquaShare. That price point will be set as the district works with customers to see what the value of the shares would need to be to encourage people to participate. “In the pilot program we will be manipulating the number (value of the shares) and move it up and down to see where that threshold is to sell back,” said Muelrath.
“It’s Your Water: Decide What it’s Good For” Taglines for the program that appear on the website read: “Own and trade
the water you save” and “It’s your water. Decide what it’s good for.” The website includes tips on how to save water and also allows users to compare their usage with similar customers. Muelrath said the buyers of the shares could be companies that want to remain water neutral or even other utilities. He hopes that one day large foundations may purchase credits as part of their philanthropic efforts. Muelrath said he has fielded a lot of interest from other utilities nationwide about the program. As far as he knows, a similar program has not been launched in any other area except Morocco. Valley of the Moon will run its pilot program through the end of this year, then invite another 1,500 of the district’s 6,900 customer accounts to participate. Along the way, officials will tweak the program as needed. The overarching goal of the program is to incentivize the saving of water, creating lasting behaviors that conserve the precious resource. “All the research says that after someone implements a new behavior, after two or three years of continuing the behavior, it becomes permanent,” said Muelrath.
Above: Valley of the Moon’s advanced metering infrastructure, the Badger e-series meter, is capable of detecting use as low as 1/20 of a gallon per minute. The meters are key to the success of the AquaShares program.
“This is really putting the power in the customers’ hands to see how much they want to do (to conserve) and how much they want to get rewarded.” — Daniel Muelrath, Valley of the Moon Water District general manager
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State Fair Debuts “Conservation: The California Lifestyle” Exhibits Making conservation a way of life in California is the focus of three exhibits featuring watersaving tips that are showcased at the California State Fair this July in Sacramento. The exhibits, titled “Conservation: The California Lifestyle,” are sponsored by the California Department of Water Resources. An outdoor exhibit also features conservation tips offered by Save Our Water, the state’s official water conservation program managed by ACWA in partnership with DWR. One exhibit illustrates how a “water-wise” home can enhance leisure time for the trademark California lifestyle, showing ways to respect the state’s climate and use water wisely indoors and outdoors. Another exhibit walks visitors step-bystep through the do-it-yourself process of saving water on unused lawn without compromising beauty. A third exhibit gives visitors a look at plant options for creating water-efficient gardens and landscapes. The options are promoted through the Save Our Water program. For more information visit www. water.ca.gov/turf/statefair. Water saving tips are available at www.saveourwater.com.
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Save Our Water Launches “Water Conservation: It’s For Life” Campaign Save Our Water has launched its summer 2016 public education campaign titled – “Water Conservation: It’s For Life.” The new creative and messaging reflect the shifting need for water conservation in California, placing the focus on making permanent changes to save water, and highlighting Gov. Jerry Brown’s May Executive Order that conservation be part of the permanent California lifestyle. Multiple paid media proposals are under review and Save Our Water is planning for a rolling launch with radio kicking off mid-July and other elements starting through August. Radio ads will be targeted at the following markets and will run through September: • • • • • • • • •
Los Angeles Bay Area Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto San Diego Fresno/Visalia/Merced Redding/Chico Central Coast: Monterey, SLO, Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Oxnard Coachella Valley/Palm Springs Bakersfield
The look and feel of the creative is different from previous Save Our Water campaigns in that it takes a more
positive, grateful approach to asking Californians to keep up their commitment to saving water. The creative will be integrated across the program along with a revamp and restructuring of the website, and a full update of the toolkit. Collateral, website and social media went live the week of July 11 at the new www.saveourwater.com, which has an improved user experience and navigation. A primary goal for the new site is to make it easier for Californians to find the key information they need to make permanent changes to save water. Based on feedback from water agencies, the partner toolkit also was completely reworked to make it easier for partners to access and download the collateral and materials they need. Agencies have the option of downloading materials in their preferred format and it is now easier to add logos to each graphic. A wider array of tools and collateral is being added to the toolkit every week, including new designs of previous materials. All new infographics, tip sheets, web and social media graphics, and posters have been uploaded to the site and are available for use. The new toolkit is available at www.saveourwater. com/toolkit.
Partners Sign Temperance Flat Agreement in Friant Dam Ceremony Representatives from the San Joaquin Valley Water Infrastructure Authority and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation signed an agreement July 1 aimed at developing additional San Joaquin River water storage through construction of the Temperance Flat Dam. During a signing ceremony overlooking Millerton Lake and Friant Dam, representatives signed a Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate and complete feasibility studies of the proposed Temperance Flat Dam and Reservoir project. Joint efforts outlined in the MOU also seek to develop information needed to apply for water storage project funding under Proposition 1. Tulare County Supervisor Steve Worthley, president of the Authority, and Federico Barajas, deputy director of the Mid-Pacific Region of the Bureau, signed the MOU. Under the agreement, communities and groups throughout the San Joaquin Valley may participate in completing the studies for the project. The project would allow the capture and storage of high flows in above average water years and high flow events.
“Our board’s member agencies are excited and encouraged by this partnership,” Worthley said of the Authority, which includes counties, cities, special districts and tribal interests. “Reclamation is nearing the end of the federal planning process and requires local participation in order to identify a recommended plan,” Worthley added. “We will now be able to assist in determining the project’s financial feasibility and broader benefits.” Additional analyses of the project will be needed to meet the requirements of the California Water Commission for applying for Proposition 1 funding.
Steve Worthley (seated, left), San Joaquin Valley Water Infrastructure Authority president, joins U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Mid-Pacific Region Deputy Director Federico Barajas in signing a memorandum of understanding during a July 1 ceremony and news conference at Friant Dam. The event was termed a milestone in completing studies and moving toward possible development of Temperance Flat Dam on the San Joaquin River.
Barajas also praised the MOU. “This MOU represents a partnership between the federal government and the community, and is an important step for moving forward to solidify the project’s non-federal cost-share partners,” Barajas said in a written statement.
As conceived, the Temperance Flat reservoir would create about 1.2 million acre-feet of additional water storage to supplement Millerton Lake’s current capacity.
ACWA Accepting Members’ Legislative Proposals for Consideration The ACWA State Relations Department is accepting legislative proposals from member agencies for the first year of the 2017-’18 legislative session. The State Legislative Committee will review final legislative proposals at its upcoming annual planning meeting on Oct. 21 in Sacramento. Member agencies who wish to submit proposals for consideration must do so by Sept. 2. ACWA agencies interested in drafting a proposal for 2017 should take the following steps:
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Complete the Legislative Proposal Form.
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Obtain a resolution passed by the agency’s governing body in support of the proposal (or at a minimum have noticed by Sept. 2 consideration of the resolution).
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Submit all proposals and resolutions by Sept. 2 to ACWA State Relations Assistant Katie Almand.
Final legislative proposals will be presented by the agency on Friday, Oct. 21 in front of staff and committee
members. ACWA staff will contact agencies directly as to the status of the legislative proposal once it is submitted. Please contact Katie Almand at katiea@acwa.com with any questions or comments. A memo outlining requirements to submit proposals and the Legislative Proposal Form may be found at: www. acwa.com/news/state-budget-fees/acwaaccepting-members%E2%80%99legislative-proposals-consideration.
JULY 22, 2016 • 11
WATER NEWS DIGEST Forest Service Reports 66 Million Dead Trees in Sierra Nevada The U.S. Forest Service reports that at least 26 million trees have died in California since October 2015, bringing the total to at least 66 million trees that have succumbed to drought and insect mortality in what is now a record tree die-off since 2010.
DWR Releases Final Guidelines on CalConserve The California Department of Water Resources has released the Proposition 1 Final Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package for the CalConserve Water Use Efficiency Revolving Fund Loan Program, which provides funding for certain urban water use efficiency projects.
The additional 26 million trees are located in six counties across 760,000 acres in the southern Sierra Nevada region of the state. Four consecutive years of severe drought in California, a dramatic rise in bark beetle infestation and warmer temperatures are leading causes.
A total of $10 million is available for competitive, zero-interest loans to fund local agencies’ implementation of residential water use efficiency upgrades and difficult and expensive customer leak repairs. Loan applications are due Aug. 31 at 5 p.m.
Last fall, Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency on the unprecedented tree die-off in California and formed a Tree Mortality task force to help mobilize additional resources for the safe removal of dead and dying trees. The Forest Service is committing significant resources to restore impacted forests including reprioritizing $32 million in California to conduct safetyfocused restoration along roads, trails and recreation sites. More on the latest Forest Service tree mortality figures is available at www. fs.usda.gov/detail/catreemortality/ toolkit/?cid=FSEPRD506706.
For more information on this program, please visit: www.water.ca.gov/ wuegrants/CalConserve.cfm. For questions, please contact Fethi BenJemaa at (916) 651-7025 or wuegrants@water.ca.gov.
CEC Announces Funding for Biomass Projects The California Energy Commission on June 28 announced new funding focused on biomass energy research, development and demonstration projects. The deadline to submit an abstract for the first phase of review is Aug. 29. The deadline to submit applications is Dec. 12. Under its Electric Program Investment
Charge (EPIC) program, the CEC will provide $5 million for research projects that use woody biomass to generate renewable energy. The CEC also will provide $10 million to projects that demonstrate innovative technologies, techniques and strategies that generate electricity using forest biomass from high hazard zones. Grant documents and deadlines have been posted on CEC’s website at www. energy.ca.gov/contracts/GFO-15-325/.
Resources Agency Releases California WaterFix Fact Sheet The California Natural Resources Agency on June 30 released a fact sheet on the California WaterFix project titled “California WaterFix Fast Facts,” which summarizes the benefits and cost of the proposed project in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. California WaterFix is a proposed upgrade to 50-year-old infrastructure in the Delta. Work toward developing final environmental review documents for the project continues this summer. The State Water Resources Control Board will review the state’s petition to build new intakes along the Sacramento River during a series of public meetings in late July. More information is available at www. californiawaterfix.com, as are additional fact sheets and outreach material.
The Huell Howser Best in Blue is Calling for Entries. The award recognizes outstanding achievements by public water agencies in communicating with customers, legislators, media and the public. The award will be presented at the ACWA’s 2016 Fall Conference & Exhibition. Details and entry forms are at www.acwa.com
ENTRY DEADLINE SEPT. 1 12 • ACWANEWS
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(Left) ACWA members gather in Antelope June 21 for a Region 2 workshop covering Sustainable Groundwater Management Act implementation issues and ACWA initiatives. (Center) DWR Director Mark Cowin discusses the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act regulation and the challenges to implementing the landmark legislation during Region 2’s workshop. (Right) ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn provides an update on ACWA’s 2016 priorities and initiatives.
ACWA Region 2 Offers Perspectives on Implementation of SGMA By Region 2 Vice Chair Stan Wangberg More than 70 ACWA members gathered June 21 for a sold-out, oneday Region 2 event titled, “SGMA: A View from Above.” The event opened with ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn’s presentation on ACWA’s 2016 priority goals. The goals include long-term conservation, water storage investments, improving water market policy, drinking water solutions for disadvantaged communities, advancing ACWA’s headwaters policy and agricultural initiatives, as well as strategic planning for the next generation of water leaders. Next, ACWA Vice President Brent Hastey moderated a panel on Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) formation. The panel included, Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District General Manager Tim O’Halloran; Sacramento Groundwater Authority Executive Director John Woodling, Paradise Irrigation District General Manager
George Barber; and Tehama County Flood Control and Water Resources Manager Ryan Teubert. Each speaker provided an update on the status of GSA formation within their agencies’ groundwater basins, including issues and successes with collaboration. Mark Cowin, director of the California Department of Water Resources, keynoted the lunch program. Cowin discussed his views on the progress in developing regulations and putting SGMA into motion. He also offered his perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the water industry in the coming years, including water use efficiency, implementing the California Water Action Plan, water storage, and the California WaterFix. The final panel, “GSP Requirements and Next Steps,” was moderated by Sacramento Suburban Water District General Manager Rob Roscoe. Panelists included: ACWA Special Projects Manager Dave Bolland and Trevor Joseph, senior engineering geologist
with DWR. Bolland outlined the process for the GSP regulations, ACWA’s involvement in the process, and the concerns that ACWA had with the regulations. Joseph discussed DWR’s sustainable groundwater implementation plans and alternatives. His presentation included information on DWR’s SGMA responsibilities and plan deadlines, as well as the nine GSP regulation articles. I want to thank ACWA Region 4 for collaborating with us on this event and Sacramento Suburban Water District for hosting us at the district’s Antelope Gardens facility. For those who were not able to attend, all of the event materials are available on ACWA’s website at www.acwa. com/content/region-2/acwa-region-2program-collaboration-acwa-region-4 . The Region 2 membership will meet at ACWA’s Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim. I hope you will be able to attend.
JULY 22, 2016 • 13
California Water Projects to Receive WaterSMART Grants for 2016 The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has awarded more than $25.6 million in WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants to support projects that increase water and energy conservation and efficiency, protect endangered species or address climaterelated impacts on water. A total of 53 projects in 11 states will receive the FY 2016 grants. Those states include California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. California grantees include the following ACWA members: Buena Vista Water Storage District: Northern Area Pipeline Southeast Extension Project ($1M) City of Big Bear Lake Department of Water and Power: Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project ($300K) and 12-inch Big Bear Boulevard Pipeline Project ($300K)
City of Fresno: School Districts Conservation Project ($300K) Coachella Valley Water District: Turf Reduction Water and Energy Efficiency Program ($1M) East Bay Municipal Utility District: Water and Energy Conservation through Advanced Metering Infrastructure ($1M) El Dorado Irrigation District: Main Ditch Piping Project ($1M) Fresno Irrigation District: CanalFriant Kern Canal Intertie Project ($300K) Kern County Water Agency: Cross Valley Canal Extension Lining Project Pool No. 8 ($1M) Laguna Beach County Water District: Advanced Metering Infrastructure to Enhance Water and Energy Efficiency Project ($300K)
Madera Irrigation District: Irrigation Water Conservation and Canal Automation Improvement Project ($292,261) and Lateral 24.2-17.0 Pipeline Improvement Project ($580,990) Mojave Water Agency: Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Turf Replacement Program ($300K) Municipal Water District of Orange County: Comprehensive Landscape Water Use Efficiency Program – Phase II ($299,934) Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage District: Stockdale East Groundwater Recharge Project ($1M) West Valley Water District: Water Use Efficiency in Disadvantaged Communities ($300K) For a full list of awarded projects, please visit www.usbr.gov/WaterSMART.
Amanda Priest Named 2016 Stephen K. Hall Scholarship Winner Amanda Carvajal Priest, a native of Merced currently working on her master’s in Public Policy and Public Administration, was selected in May as the Stephen K. Hall ACWA Water Law and Policy Scholarship 2016 recipient. Priest, a student of American University in Washington, D.C., plans on returning to California to work in the field of water policy. Currently, she attends to school in Washington D.C. while her husband receives pilot training at Vance Air Force Base. Priest anticipates graduating in August 2017. From 2010 to 2016, she was the 14 • ACWANEWS
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executive director of Merced County Farm Bureau where she advocated and provided leadership on behalf of agricultural interests on an array of issues. “I’ve always admired water managers and leading policy organizations like ACWA because of their ability to cohesively work with government agencies and adversaries to resolve complex issues,” said Priest. “I hope to continue to capitalize on the resources provided by AU to enhance my analysis and understanding of public agencies so I can better emulate leaders in water policy and guide decision makers of tomorrow.” Priest previously worked on a state campaign for a candidate for governor of Texas. She also was a researcher for the National Republican Congressional Committee and for a lobbying firm
in Washington, D.C. that represented several mid-sized municipalities and agencies. She has volunteered for the Merced County Agribusiness Committee and chaired its annual Farm Safety Day. She served on the Leadership Farm Bureau Class of 2011 and the Merced County Young Farmers and Ranchers. The Stephen K. Hall Scholarship was created in 2007 to honor former ACWA Executive Director Steve Hall. The $7,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a qualified graduate student majoring in law, policy or public administration with a focus or concentration in California water resources. For more information about the Stephen K. Hall scholarship, visit www. acwa.com/content/acwa-water-lawpolicy-scholarship.
September Deadline Approaches for ACWA’s Two Fall Awards The deadline for two of ACWA’s prestigious awards — the Huell Howser’s Best in Blue Award and the ACWA Emissary Award — is Sept. 1. Both awards will be presented at ACWA’s Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim Nov. 29-Dec. 2. The Huell Howser Best in Blue Award honors outstanding public water agency efforts in communicating with customers, legislators, media, the public and others. The award focuses on innovation and transparency, while taking agencies’ budgets into consideration. A variety of communications programs
are eligible, including short- and long-term public outreach, crisis communications, employee relations, self-promotion campaigns, customer education, legislative outreach and agency anniversary campaigns. School education programs are not eligible for this award. Established in 2006, the Emissary Award recognizes individual ACWA member volunteers who have made remarkable and visible contributions to the enhancement, protection or development of water resources in California by participating in, supporting and advancing ACWA’s goals.
Nominees may have demonstrated leadership in the course of service on an ACWA committee, conducted advocacy or outreach at the local, state or federal levels, or committed time and expertise for the benefit of an ACWA program or issue. Guidelines and official entry forms are available at www.acwa.com. RESOURCE Best in Blue entry form – www.acwa. com/content/best-blue-achievingcommunications-excellence Emissary entry form – www.acwa.com/ content/emissary-award
CALLING ALL NOMINATIONS ACWA
EMISSARY AWARD
Recognizing Remarkable Contributions
The ACWA Emissary Award recognizes individual ACWA member volunteers who have advanced ACWA’s mission and goals through their direct involvement.
Who Is Eligible? Any ACWA committee member, ACWA region board member or ACWA Board member who is employed by an ACWA public agency member is eligible to nominate any staff, consultant or board member of an ACWA public agency member. Learn more at www.acwa.com/content/awards/awards.
DEADLINE SEPT. 1 Nominate now!
STEVE HALL FIERCE COMPETITOR GOLF TOURNAMENT DATE: September 23, 2016 TIME: Registration at 8:30 a.m. | Shotgut at 9:30 a.m. LOCATION: DarkHorse Golf Club, 2415 Darkhorse Drive, Auburn, CA ENTRY FEE: $125/player (includes green fees, cart and catered lunch) FORMAT: 4-Person Scramble
Entry form and sponsorship information available online at www.acwa.com/events/2016steve-hall-fierce-competitor-golftournament.
JULY 22, 2016 • 15
Member News
East Valley Water District Recognized with Multiple Awards East Valley Water District earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting In June from the Government Finance Officers Association, marking the district’s ninth award over the past year. The Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement, awarded for the district’s comprehensive annual financial report, is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. Other recent awards include: •
2016 Special Purpose Publication Award of Distinction from the
California Association of Public Information Officials; •
Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association;
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Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association;
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Board President of the Year award from the California Special District Association;
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Cool Planet Award from Southern California Edison and The Climate Registry; and
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Spotlight on Excellence Award from the California Public Employee’s Retirement System.
“Our district is committed to operating with transparency in order to provide value, reliability, fiscal responsibility, environmental stewardship and effective and efficient government to the community,” said John Mura, general manager and CEO of East Valley Water District. “Awards like the one from CAPIO are an indication to us that we are on the right path as we continue to strive toward excellence in everything we do.” .
West Basin and Mattel, Inc. Collaborate on Recycled Water Project During a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 6, West Basin Municipal Water District and Mattel, Inc. celebrated the completion of a new recycled water project at Mattel’s El Segundo corporate campus that is estimated to save nearly 2 million gallons of drinking water per year. Financed by Proposition 84, with additional funding coming from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the campus project will allow Mattel to exclusively use locally produced recycled water for its irrigation needs. The district’s Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility in El Segundo, which produces nearly 40 million gallons of recycled water a day, will supply recycled water to the campus. “As part of our efforts to expand West Basin’s water recycling program, we are pleased to welcome Mattel as a new recycled water customer and
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appreciate their commitment to sustainability as we work together to address drought conditions and future water challenges,” said Scott Houston, West Basin division IV director who represents the El Segundo area. “Collaborative efforts on projects such as this will help reduce the potable water demand and provide great value to both the customer and the region.” West Basin’s Water Reliability Program is geared toward reducing the region’s dependence on imported water by developing drought-proof local water supplies. The district currently has more than 200 municipal, commercial and industrial recycled water customers in its service area and adjacent areas such as Torrance and Los Angeles. To learn more about West Basin’s Water Reliability Program visit www.westbasin.org.
(l-r) West Basin Recycled Water Customer Program Specialist Elise Goldman, West Basin Director Scott Houston, Mattel Vice President of Global Security and Facilities Frank Maranto, Metropolitan Water District Senior Engineer Ray Mokhtari, and Mattel Government Affairs Senior Manager Sarah Paulson Sheehy celebrate the completion of a recycled water irrigation project at Mattel’s El Segundo corporate campus in July.
Member News
Chino Desalter Expansion Awarded $7.2 Million from Bureau Western Municipal Water District on June 23 announced $7.2 million in new funding from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to help complete the Chino Desalter Phase 3 Expansion project. WMWD, one of the lead agencies for the $144 million expansion project, will receive 33% of the $7.2 million in funding from the Bureau. The grant, which is a portion of $30 million the government has directed toward water-supply projects throughout California, will benefit the Lower Chino Dairy Area Desalination and Reclamation Project. This venture will produce an additional 10,600 acre-feet of water — enough to help meet the growing annual demands in the region. “After five years of drought, it’s important to develop alternative strategies to meeting demand for the future and completing work on the Chino project is one of them,” John Rossi, WMWD general manager,
Members of the Chino Basin Desalter Authority cut a red ribbon June 2 to celebrate the completion of a state-of-the-art reverse osmosis efficiency project, a major component of the Chino Desalter Phase 3 Expansion project.
said in a statement. “We also thank Congressman Ken Calvert for his continuing leadership and work on funding these innovative and important projects with a long-term view and regional perspective. Sound planning and investment by local leaders in our infrastructure have led to this successful reliability solution.” According to the district, the multiyear, multi-agency project will increase
locally sourced water for the region and improve groundwater quality. WMWD, Inland Empire Utilities Agency, Jurupa Community Services District, the cities of Ontario, Norco, Chino and Chino Hills, and the Santa Ana River Water Company will all benefit from the project. To date, the project has received a total of more than $84 million in grant funding.
EMPLOYMENT Senior Administrative Specialist or Administrative Specialist Water Replenishment District of Southern California The Organization The Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD) was formed in 1959 to manage the Central and West Coast groundwater basins. WRD’s mission is to provide, protect and preserve high quality groundwater through innovative, cost-effective and environmentally sensitive basin management practices for the benefit of residents and businesses of the Central and West Coast Basins. WRD is governed by a five-member elected Board. It has 34 budgeted employees and an annual operating budget of $65 million.
The Position The Water Replenishment District of Southern California is looking for a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal and communication skills. Under the general supervision and direction of the Manager of Internal Services, the Senior Administrative Specialist/Administrative Specialist position performs a variety of difficult and responsible, technical, administrative and office support functions; creates and maintains reports, records and files required in connection with the agency and department workflow processes; and performs other related duties as assigned. Moreover, the Senior Administrative Specialist/Administrative Specialist manages the executives’ calendars, schedules meetings and appointments, prepares responses to correspondence and materials for meetings and
conferences, including research reports and memos, and files various documents and reports. They may also be required to answer phones, greet executives’ guests, sort and distribute incoming mail/ correspondence, and coordinate/process travel arrangements. Duties can also include performing errands for executives when necessary. A Senior Administrative Specialist is distinguished from Administrative Specialist in that an incumbent in the former class performs more difficult work requiring broader professional and technical knowledge gained through continuing professional development and experience. A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a recognized four-year college or university; and six years of increasingly responsible administrative Continued on page 19
JULY 22, 2016 • 17
People News
Steve Winchester
Roger Kohne
Candi Judd
Charles Hamilton
Harris & Associates Names Winchester and Kohne to Key Water Positions Harris & Associates in June named Steve Winchester its chief development officer and senior vice president of water and Roger Kohne its new senior director of water.
manager for several nationally-recognized engineering firms.
Winchester will lead marketing and business development within Harris’ various markets and continue to focus on growing the construction firm’s presence within the water market. Winchester has more than 30 years’ water industry experience and previously served as vice president of Harris’ water market, successfully securing several key projects.
Kohne will support the strategic growth of Harris’ water portfolio and services provided to public agencies. He has more than 25 years of experience in the planning, design and construction of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
Prior to joining Harris, Winchester led his own consulting firm and has also served as the water/wastewater division head and regional
Prior to joining Harris, Kohne spent 15 years at Black & Veatch and served as senior civil engineer for the City of Folsom, where he managed numerous capital improvement program projects.
Judd Hired as Western Municipal Water District’s Director of Human Resources Western Municipal Water District officials on July 12 announced the selection of Candi Judd as their new director of human resources.
Prior to joining the district, Judd served as human resources manager for the South Coast Water District. She also has held positions with the cities of Hawaiian Gardens, Desert Hot Springs and Roseville as well as in the California State Assembly and Senate.
As director of human resources, Judd will be responsible for recruitment, performance management, training, employee relations, payroll, classification and compensation, benefits administration and leadership development.
In a statement announcing her selection, WMWD General Manager John Rossi said the district is “very pleased” with Judd’s selection, calling her a “valuable asset in keeping and attracting top-talent to Western in the future.” .
Carpinteria Valley Water District GM Charles Hamilton Retires Carpinteria Valley Water District General Manager Charles B. Hamilton retired on July 1 from the district after 21 years of service. Robert McDonald succeeds him as the district’s new general manager.
ment program for drinking water safety and reliability, including the Carpinteria Reservoir and Ortega Reservoir cover projects. Hamilton also played a key role in securing water supplies for the district including groundwater storage banking with Rosedale-Rio Bravo Water Storage District and Irvine Ranch Water District and has worked to upgrade the district’s various technology systems.
Before joining CVWD in 1995, Hamilton served seven years with Mesa Consolidated Water District, two years with Camrosa Water District, and four years with East Contra Costa Irrigation District. During his tenure with CVWD, he was instrumental in advancing the district’s capital improve-
Robert McDonald
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Winchester also is an active member of ACWA, American Water Works Association, California Association of Sanitation Agencies and the Water Environment Federation.
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McDonald has served as district engineer for 17 years, where he was responsible for evaluating, planning, designing and implementing operational and capital projects for the district.
Continued from page 17
support or secretarial experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance policy. Compensation The salary for the position is $52,500 to $77,000 per year and will be dependent upon the education, experience, and registrations of the selected candidate. In addition, benefits are provided which include: vacation, holidays and sick leave; medical, dental and vision plans; life, shortterm and long-term disability insurance; retirement through the California Public Employee’s Retirement System (PERS) with Social Security; deferred compensation plans; employee assistance program and educational rebate program. Details can be provided upon request. How to Apply Interested candidates can apply by going to the District web site at www.wrd.org to print an application. Supplemental materials such as a resume are encouraged to be submitted however, no candidate will be considered without a fully completed and signed employment application. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, July 29, 2015. Completed applications along with supplemental materials may be submitted as follows: Via mail to: J H Shaunessy Water Replenishment District of Southern California 4040 Paramount Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90712 Via fax: 562-275-4211 Via email: jshaunessy@wrd.org
Chief Financial Officer Santa Margarita Water District The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) is conducting a national search for the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This extraordinary opportunity
is designed to focus the role of CFO on being part of a team that runs the business of the District. The new CFO, with oversight of Finance, Information Technology, and Customer Relations, has a dedicated staff of 23 fulltime employees. The CFO is directly responsible for the financial activities of the District including financial planning, monitoring cash flow, financial modeling, and providing strategic advice on leveraging business drivers, capital expenditures, and day-to-day operations. SMWD has a combined annual operating and capital improvement budget of approximately $130 million. Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of progressively responsible professional level experience, including 7 years in a senior supervisory capacity is required. A Master’s degree or Certified Public Accountant designation is desirable. The salary range for this position is $166,802 to $229,939. Candidates are requested to apply by August 12, 2016 by sending cover letter, resume, and six professional references to apply@ralphandersen.com. For confidential inquiries contact Robert Burg at (916) 630-4900. Detailed brochure available at www.ralphandersen.com.
Communications Director Yuba County Water Agency Established in 1959 by an act of the State Legislature and headquartered in historic Marysville, California, Yuba County Water Agency is a dynamic, progressive, well-respected public agency that owns and operates four dams with a storage capacity of roughly 1 million acre-feet of water and associated powerhouses capable of generating approximately 397 Mw of energy. The primary functions of the Agency are development and sale of hydroelectric power, flood control, fisheries enhancement, recreation, conservation and storage of water and wholesale of water to member districts. The Agency has an annual budget exceeding $37 million. A leader in water transfers and fisheries restoration, YCWA is involved in many
constructive efforts with local, state and federal agencies, and conservation groups. Description: The Communications Director for the Agency will support the development and implementation of strategic education, communications and public information activities. Primary responsibilities include: • Writing and refining education and communication plans and activities; • Preparing written and informational materials; • Handling traditional and social media relations; • Writing news releases, public service announcements, fact sheets, newsletters, brochures, presentations and other materials. Examples of Essential Responsibilities: • Develop, refine and implement a comprehensive education program in support of the agency’s goals, objectives and responsibilities. • Lead the development of specific education and communication plans. • Manage the agency website, and supporting social media activities. • Prepare brochures, news releases, fact sheets and other educational information. Desirable Training & Experience: The successful candidate will be a talented communicator with superior writing and social media skills, able to manage a broad range of projects. Candidates should be creative, energetic, and able to comprehend complex issues. Candidates must be able to manage multiple projects, produce high-quality information. Minimum qualifications include: • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, marketing or a related discipline. • At least 2-3 years of experience in journalism, communications and/or public relations in a news organization, public affairs firm, government agency or non-profit organization.
JULY 22, 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
Statewide Water Conservation Hits 28% in May; Metric Shifts to New “Stress Test” — 07/06/2016 Shasta Release Schedule Seeks to Sustain Fish and Farmers, Officials Say — 07/06/2016
UPCOMING EVENTS
ACWA Members Testify at House Hearing — 07/12/2016
VISIT ACWA.COM FOR COMPLETE LISTING
State and Federal Officials Release Integrated Plan to Help Delta Smelt — 07/12/2016
ENDS SEPT 1
TWITTER CHATTER ACWA @ACWAWater • July 6 • Statewide Water Conservation Hits 28% in May; Metric Shifts to New “Stress Test” | ACWA http://bit. ly/29iwrCD ACWA @ACWAWater • June 29 • California Takes Regulatory Steps Toward DPR https://shar.es/1lWlQw via @wateronline Stanford University @Stanford • June 27 • California’s Central Valley harbors three times more groundwater than previously thought: http://stanford.io/28Z1JiM Amy Quinton @CapRadioQuinton • June 21 • California Snowpack Won’t Recover From Drought For Years http://bit.ly/28MeiS0 Ed Joyce @EdJoyce • June 26 • California, USA 66 million dead trees in California from #CAdrought and #BarkBeetle says @forestservice http://bit.ly/28RKWAR
18 – 19 REGISTRATION
NOW OPEN ENDS SEPT 12
23 REGISTRATION
NOW OPEN ENDS SEPT 16
NO ER ST
REGISTRATION
NOW OPEN
ACWA 2016 Continuing Legal Education for water professionals will take place at the Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego. For more information and registration go to www. acwa.com/events/acwa-2016continuing-legal-educationwater-professionals.
GI
15 – 16
W!
SEPTEMBER 2016
RE
State Water Board Releases Revised Proposed Fee Schedule for Drinking Water System Operating Fees — 07/13/2016
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ACWA Region 5 is co-hosting an Agricultural Program and Bahia Resort Hotel Tour on Sept. 18-19 at Byron Bethany Irrigation District. The San Diego | Sept. 15–16 tour will include stops at the U.C. Davis Fish Conservation and Culture Laboratory and Frog Hollow Farm. For more information go to www.acwa.com/events/save-dateacwa-region-5-program-tour-september-18-19-2016. The 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. For more information and registration go to www.acwa.com/ events/2016-steve-hall-fierce-competitor-golf-tournament.
OCTOBER 2016 3 – 4
REGISTRATION
NOW OPEN ENDS SEPT 26
ACWA 2016 Regulatory Summit, Water and Energy: Beyond the Nexus, will take place at the Hilton Sacramento Arden West, Sacramento. For more information and registration go to www.acwa.com/events/ acwa-2016-regulatory-summit.
NOVEMBER 2016 29 – Dec. 2 REGISTRATION
NOW OPEN ENDS NOV 1
ACWA’s 2016 Fall Conference & Exhibition will take place in the Anaheim Marriott Hotel in Anaheim. For more information and registration go to www.acwa.com/events/acwa-2016-fall-conferenceexhibition or contact Melanie Medina at melaniem@acwa.com.