ACWANEWS
ACWA’s Member Newsletter • www.acwa.com
Increased Fish Flows Proposed for San Joaquin River Fish species in the San Joaquin River would receive a significant increase in unimpaired flows under a draft proposal released by the State Water Resources Control Board on Sept. 14. The proposal, which is part of the first phase of an update to the Bay-Delta Plan, would increase unimpaired flows from the current 20% to a range of 30% to 50%. It also includes proposed new salinity requirements for the southern Delta. Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Board, said that the draft proposal is “about balancing competing interests to share the rivers with others and with nature.” “The current standards are out of date and fish populations have plummeted,” said Marcus. “The fish in the rivers need far more water left in the river to have a chance at survival.” She added that stakeholders are invited to propose alternatives and modifications to the proposal, and that she encourages “people to come together to find the right balance.” The increase in unimpaired flows to benefit fish would greatly impact water users that rely on the San Joaquin River and its tributaries, with many predicting that the change would deeply cut into water supplies in the future. A joint statement issued by a broad coalition of local government, water suppliers and others said the proposal, if implemented, “shuts down any hope of economic growth in this multi-county region” by cutting water supply.
During a press event in the Yolo Bypass Aug. 31, California Department of Water Resources Director Mark Cowin (at microphone) explains the intricacies of an innovative collaboration among water suppliers, landowners, Sacramento Valley farmers and state and federal officials that is improving food supply for the endangered Delta smelt. He is joined by: (l-r) David Guy, president of the Northern California Water Association; Lewis Bair, general manager of Reclamation District 108; and Dr. Ted Sommer, lead scientist for DWR.
Scientific “Hunch” and Collaboration Improve Food for Delta Smelt An educated “hunch,” scientific sleuthing, and broad collaboration among water suppliers, landowners, Sacramento Valley farmers, and state and federal officials appear to have improved food supply for the endangered Delta smelt. The strategy to redirect water through the Yolo Bypass has increased Delta smelt food supply in the western part of the Delta. The effort is part of the state’s comprehensive Delta Smelt Resiliency Plan, a multi-pronged effort to improve ecosystem conditions for the imperiled smelt. Officials announced the strategy at a gathering on the banks of the Yolo Bypass Aug. 31. “We’re here with some hopeful news,” said Mark Cowin, director of the California Department of Water Resources, whose department is a partner on the project. Cowin described the scientific “hunch” that the redirection of water through the bypass would increase Delta plankton bloom and boost downstream food web resources for the smelt.
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Executive Director’s Column: Flow Proposal Points to Need for Comprehensive Approach
DELTA SMELT Continued on page 5
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Water Market, Information-Sharing Bill on Governor’s Desk
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Little Hoover Commission Hearing Explores Special SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 • 1 Districts
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
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COLUMN • TIMOTHY QUINN
Flow Proposal Points to Need for Comprehensive Approach Since 2009, the hallmark of California water policy has been a commitment to the coequal goals of improving both water supply reliability and ecosystem health. While this commitment remains as vital today as it was in 2009, recent actions suggest we’re due for a refresher course on what it really means. Managing for the coequal goals means recognizing that the needs of our economy and our environment are both legitimate. It means taking a balanced approach to policy decisions and regulatory edicts to better meet those needs and reduce conflict. It also means moving away from narrow, single-stressor actions that fail to protect our water supply and species. Draft flow objectives for the San Joaquin released this month by the State Water Resources Control Board staff raise serious questions about their commitment to a state policy founded on the coequal goals. Requiring up to 50% of unimpaired flow to remain in the river for the purported benefit of fish species, as proposed by State Water Board staff, does not reflect a balanced approach. Nor does it recognize the millions of dollars agencies have invested in fishery science, modeling, habitat restoration and coordinated flow regimes to improve salmon populations and other aquatic resources. The State Water Board staff ’s draft plan would deal a severe blow to many communities already struggling with drinking water quality and quantity challenges. It also would make it extremely difficult for local agencies to achieve state-mandated goals under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, both by compelling growers to pump more groundwater and by reducing the amount of surface water available to recharge groundwater basins. The State Water Board staff ’s proposal also would subject these communities to a lengthy and unpredictable regulatory process that would make it difficult, if not impossible, to plow additional resources and energy into the collaborative efforts
we need to address habitat restoration and species protection. We must pursue a better approach. State Water Board Chair Felicia Marcus noted in a call with reporters that stakeholders are invited to propose alternatives to the proposal and work together to “find the right balance.” If Chair Marcus is serious about a collaborative approach, it is not at all clear that the staff’s hardline proposal is the best way to get the collaborative process started. ACWA member agencies have demonstrated time and again that they support healthy fish populations. Just two weeks before the State Water Board released its draft flow proposal, water suppliers, landowners, Sacramento Valley farmers, and state and federal officials gathered to highlight the results of a joint effort to redirect water through the Yolo Bypass this summer to improve food supply for the endangered Delta smelt. The effort, part of a comprehensive, multipronged effort known as the state’s Delta Smelt Resiliency Plan, involved pulse flows coordinated by Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District, Reclamation District 108, Reclamation 2035, and others. The results are encouraging, and show that it’s possible to manage for multiple beneficial uses. Many of the same players are likewise working with state and federal agencies on a suite of projects to aid the recovery of salmon in the Sacramento River. These efforts are where the real progress for fish will be made. Reliable water supplies and healthy ecosystems are the very crux of the coequal goals. Let’s put them back at the forefront of discussion today and pursue the kinds of collaborative, voluntary approaches that can get real results to improve habitat and stream flows while maintaining the water supplies so critical to our local communities and the state as a whole.
Water Market, Information-Sharing Bill on Governor’s Desk include publicly available or voluntarily provided data on the volume, price and delivery method, identity of buyers and sellers, and the water right associated with the transfer or exchange.
Legislation that would create a statewide water information system within the Department of Water Resources to provide better data and information sharing is awaiting action by Gov. Jerry Brown. ACWA-supported AB 1755 (Dodd), the Open and Transparent Data Act, also would require DWR to develop protocols for data sharing regarding water use, water markets, implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014 and other activities and submit a report to the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2018. The information provided on completed water transfer and exchanges would
A second water market-related bill, AB 2909 (Levine), failed to advance out of the Senate Appropriations Committee in the final days of the 2015-’16 session, which adjourned Aug. 31. AB 2909 would have provided for an expedited 30-day review for reoccurring water transfers or environmentally beneficial transfers. In a letter requesting the governor’s signature on AB 1755, ACWA said streamlining numerous current databases
would produce a more complete water information picture that will assist in driving water policy innovation, encourage access to and participation in the water market, and ensure California’s water security. ACWA also noted that a more efficient water transfer process and a more accessible water market could play important roles in implementing long-term, comprehensive water management policy and reducing water shortages impacts now and in the future. The governor has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto bills. See the next issue of ACWA News for a complete legislative report.
Urban Californians Continue Strong Water Conservation Urban Californians statewide clocked a 20% reduction in water use in July over 2013 levels, continuing a strong pattern of water conservation under the new locally driven conservation standards, officials with the State Water Resources Control Board announced Sept. 7. The July figure is just one percentage point lower than the June savings of 21%. Overall, between June 2015 through July 2016, urban Californians saved 23.8% compared with the same months in 2013. According to a report from State Water Board staff, nearly all urban suppliers continued to save water in July, even those that no longer face a state-mandated reduction. Under the board’s revised conservation
regulations, water agencies that pass a “stress test” of supply reliability — by demonstrating that they have sufficient supplies to withstand three years of continuous drought — will not face a mandatory percentage reduction through January 2017, but are expected to keep conserving water. The July results varied across the state, with some agencies saving a bit less than they did under state-mandated targets, while others saved more than they had in 2015. Agencies that maintained strong conservation despite passing their “stress tests,” include: Sacramento, Beverly Hills, Fresno, San Luis Obispo, Park Water Company (L.A. County), San Jose, San Francisco, and
Contra Costa Water District. Some agencies even increased their level of conservation, such as Menlo Park, South San Francisco (California Water Company), Santa Fe Springs, Santa Barbara, Benicia, Hayward, Alhambra, Marina Coast Water District, Salinas and King City (California Water Service Company).
July Conservation Data Statewide water savings for July 2016 was 20%, 145,311 acre feet or 47.3 billion gallons. Cumulative statewide percent reduction for June 2015 to July 2016 (14 months) is 23.8 percent, which equates to 1,899,336 acre-feet (618.9 billion gallons).
STATEWIDE WATER SAVINGS JULY 2016 Saved
JUNE 2015 – JULY 2016 Saved
billion gallons
billion gallons
47.3
618.9
SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 • 3
Little Hoover Commission Hearing Explores Special Districts The Little Hoover Commission held a public hearing Aug. 25 that explored the roles of special districts, examining the services they provide, their funding mechanisms, and challenges they must meet in a state as diverse as California. The hearing featured testimony from representatives of fire, water, sanitary, health care and other types of special districts. The hearing is the commission’s first look at special districts since its 2000 report titled, “Special Districts: Relics of the Past or Resources for the Future?” The Aug. 25 hearing provided a status report on special districts and how they have evolved since 2000. Another hearing scheduled Oct. 27 is expected to examine special districts’ response to climate change. Kyle Packham, director of advocacy and public affairs for the California Special Districts Association, testified at the hearing that special districts are unique in that they provide specialized services
on a local level, rather than a suite of services provided by general government. Packham also addressed the importance of property tax revenue for enterprise special districts, saying the property tax funds offer critical stability when other sources of revenue fluctuate. He cited the loss of revenue water districts have endured due to mandatory water reductions during drought. “If not for property tax revenue — along with prudent reserve funds — many of our state’s water providers likely would not have weathered this drought,” said Packham. ACWA Director of State Relations Wendy Ridderbusch also addressed concerns raised by some taxpayer groups that special districts hold too much money in reserves. She said reserves are misunderstood, since most of the funds held in reserves by special districts are committed funds. For example, restricted reserve funds meet the requirements and bond covenants
of lending agencies. Designated reserve funds are held to pay for ongoing and planned capital improvements projects. “Water districts will continue to innovate, to respond to the unique challenges of predictably delivering water in variable conditions,” said Ridderbusch. “Our member agencies have responsibly managed the property taxes that they have received and are continuing to provide stewardship over reserves that they have saved for future uncertainties that are all too certain in California.” Pedro Nava, chair of the Little Hoover Commission, closed the hearing by thanking participants as well as the people who work for special districts. “It’s inspiring to see people give of themselves in these communities,” said Nava. RESOURCE www.lhc.ca.gov/studies/activestudies/ specialdistricts/specialdistricts.html
Tuolumne and Calaveras Agencies Battle Tree Mortality As Sierra Nevada trees continue to die by the millions — victims of drought and bark beetle infestation — Tuolumne Utilities District and Calaveras County Water District are among the many California water districts working hard to protect their customers’ water supplies from potential damage from falling trees. Both districts are active members of the Tree Mortality Task Force, a cooperative effort of state, federal and local agencies and others to coordinate communication and project implementation. An estimated 66 million trees have died in the southern Sierra Nevada since 2010. While a fire risk, the falling dead trees also can damage critical
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infrastructure. In Oct. 2015, Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency and required state and local agencies to remove dead or dying trees in highhazard zones. The Office of Emergency Services is providing funding to defray some of the costs. Dead and dying trees surround several TUD facilities, including water treatment plant buildings, water tanks, and a 71-mile system of open ditches and flumes. One ditch is flanked by over 1,000 affected trees that, if fallen, could block water flow or destroy berms. The district applied for emergency funds to cover some costs of tree removal. “TUD has been very responsive to the pervasive tree mortality problem that threatens to cost the district $1 million
for tree removal efforts,” said Thomas J. Haglund, TUD general manager. Calaveras County WD also has been approved for emergency funding and is working to remove hazardous trees. The district allows its customers to water forest trees to help maintain their health and resistance to bark beetles.
DELTA SMELT Continued from page 1
The redirected water pulses were possible through the cooperation of water providers, farmers and landowners. Those parties included the Glenn-Colusa Irrigation District, Reclamation District 108, Reclamation District 2035, Knaggs Ranch, and Conaway Ranch.
Increased Kesick Flows
Thad Bettner, general manager of the GCID, said many parties had to come to agreement to pull off the strategy, including the National Marine Fisheries Services which had to agree to increase flows from Shasta Dam.
The idea for the redirection through the bypass arose from observations by agency scientists in the fall of 2011 and 2012 after normal than average agricultural drainage flows coursed through the Yolo Bypass. These flows produced an unusual plankton bloom in the Rio Vista area. “It’s a rare bit of good news for the Delta,” said Dr. Ted Sommer, lead scientist for DWR who added that the increase in nourishing habitat for smelt “inches them further from the brink of extinction.” Lewis Bair, general manager of Reclamation District 108, said the cooperation among the various entities to develop the plan indicates how “things have changed.” “It used to be that folks were in silos,” said Bair, adding that stakeholders decided to stop “fighting over the 10% of things we disagree on” and are now “doing the 90% we agree on.”
in asin Dra
Under the approach, the Tehama-Colusa Canal Authority and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation worked with agricultural partners in the valley to redirect water from the Sacramento River down the Colusa Basin Drain. The water then traveled through the Knights Landing Ridge Cut Slough, past Wallace Weir, through the Yolo Bypass and into the Delta to provide better conditions to create food for Delta smelt. A substantial Delta plankton bloom at Rio Vista indicates that the strategy was effective.
Colusa B
“It was pretty amazing to see agencies and landowners put things together so quickly,” said Bettner, adding that planning already is underway to launch a similar strategy next year.
Deliver of Sac River Flow
Additional pumping Reoperation of KLOG
Wallace Weir Coordination
Additional pumping
Yolo Baypass
Hungry Smelt
Above: This map shows the path of redirected flows as they move from Keswick Dam through the Yolo Bypass. Below: (l-r) Lewis Bair, general manager of Reclamation District 108, is joined by Thad Bettner, general manager of Glen Colusa Irrigation District, and Mike Hall, manager of Reclamation District 2035, at a press event in the Yolo Bypass Aug. 31. All three men represent agencies that played key roles in the effort to improve smelt food supply through redirection of flows.
David Guy, president of the Northern California Water Association, also praised the effort. “Folks have redirected flows trying to change the food web for smelt…,” said Guy. “We’re managing for many, multiple benefit uses.” The Delta Smelt Resiliency Strategy is being implemented by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, DWR, the Division of Boating and Waterways, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 • 5
ACWA’s Annual Legal Education Program Explores CEQA, GSAs and Other Topics Water attorneys and other water professionals traveled to The Bahia Resort in San Diego Sept. 15-16 to attend ACWA’s Continuing Legal Education workshop. Held aboard the William D. Evans Sternwheeler, the two-day event was part of an ongoing effort to provide legally relevant and applicable information to all of ACWA’s members. During the program, attendees listened to presentations on various topics, such as re-initiation of consultation with federal wildlife agencies under the Endangered Species Act, dam removal in California, the role of desalination in a balanced water supply portfolio, and an update on California Environmental Quality Act litigation. There also was a presentation by several attorneys involved in pending challenges to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s revised definition of Waters of the United States and efforts by the environmental community to expand the reach of the Clean Water Act to groundwater. ACWA Deputy Executive Director for Government Relations Cindy Tuck and Director of State Relations Wendy Ridderbusch presented highlights of new legislation from the 2016 legisla-
tive session that could have an impact on water and ACWA member agencies. These highlights touched on a myriad of topics, such as Proposition 218, drinking water, mandatory consolidation, conservation, water markets and transfers, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and the Public Records Act. On Sept. 15, attendees enjoyed a unique presentation moderated by ACWA Legal Affairs Committee member Jeremy Jungreis, of Rutan & Tucker, LLP, that examined potential ethical issues under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. Under SGMA, agency attorneys may seek to represent a newly formed multi-party groundwater sustainability agency, as well as the agencies that may be regulated by the newly formed GSA. To address the ethical dilemmas that may arise from the representation of both regulators and regulatees, the session’s panel evaluated ethical rules for multi-party representations and likely scenarios that might occur as GSAs are created and groundwater sustainability plans are developed and implemented. The CLE event offered 10.0 hours of credit towards an attorney’s mandated
Jennifer Buckman, (left) chair of ACWA’s Legal Affairs Committee, and Kelly Salt, vice chair of the committee, enjoy a break between presentations at ACWA’s Continuing Legal Education workshop in San Diego Sept. 15-16.
CLE requirements, of which 2.5 hours provided specialty credit. ACWA will offer additional CLE programs at the upcoming Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim Nov. 29-Dec. 2. The written materials from the program in San Diego are available online at www.acwa.com/events/ acwa-2016-continuing-legal-educationwater-professionals. Please contact Whitnie Wiley at (916) 441-4545 or whitniew@acwa.com with any questions about ACWA’s various CLE offerings.
Interior Department Teams with State to Benefit Salton Sea During a Lake Tahoe Summit Aug. 31, President Barack Obama announced a new partnership between the federal government and the state of California to halt devastation of the shrinking Salton Sea and build a sustainable path forward for the troubled natural resource. As part of the effort, Deputy Secretary of the Interior Michael Connor and Natural Resources Secretary John Laird signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen coordination of management activities to restore wildlife habitat in and around the Salton Sea, spur the region’s economic recovery and improve public health. 6 • ACWANEWS
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“We welcome the commitments and investments from the federal government to augment the significant resources and state investments we are making, as well as their support of our program to help avert an environmental and public health crisis at the Salton Sea,” said Laird. “Our partnership at the Salton Sea will bring real benefits to this vital California resource and provide stability for surrounding communities,” said Connor. Water levels at the 375-square-mile Salton Sea in Riverside and Imperial counties have receded sharply in recent
years as the amount of agricultural runoff that feeds the lake dwindled and water transfers drained surface supply. The sea is now plagued by increasing salinity, fish die-offs and dust storms from exposed lakebed. The MOU affirms a commitment by state and federal government to further the objectives established by Gov. Jerry Brown’s Salton Sea Task Force. The federal investment will direct resources to include continued scientific monitoring, technical assistance in permitting and projects, and improved on-farm activities.
FLOWS Continued from page 1
“This water grab by the state of California, without mitigation or due analysis of impacts, will be vigorously opposed by this coalition,” the statement read. The released documents are known as Phase 1 of the Bay Delta Plan update and its accompanying Substitute Environmental Document. The draft proposal updates water quality requirements for salinity in the southern Delta and water flows in major tributaries to the San Joaquin River (the Stanislaus, Tuolumne, and Merced Rivers), which drain into the southern Delta.
The State Water Board stated in a press release that the proposed salinity requirements reflect updated scientific information about salt levels that “reasonably protect farming in the southern Delta.” Comments on the draft SED are due on Nov. 15. A public hearing will be held over three days beginning on Nov. 2 in Sacramento, continuing Nov. 4 in the Modesto area, and concluding Nov. 10 in Sacramento. The State Water Board will hold an additional public meeting to consider the proposed BayDelta Plan amendments in early 2017.
The State Water Board is in phase 1 of a four-phase process of developing and implementing updates to the Bay-Delta Plan and flow objectives.
North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program Breaks Ground PATTERSON – Bulldozers began moving dirt on Aug. 26 launching the construction phase of an innovative regional water recycling project in Patterson that some people say represents the future of regional cooperation on drought resiliency in California. The project — the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program — will provide up to 59,000 acre-feet per year of recycled water to agricultural customers of the Del Puerto Water District and wildlife refuges. Officials involved in the project held a groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 26. During the ceremony attended by federal, state and local officials, Anthea Hansen, general manager of the DPWD, a lead player in the project, praised the parties involved in bringing the project to fruition, especially members of her board. “The board had the foresight and resolve to move forward…,” said Hansen. “Without their support, I know we wouldn’t be here.” “We could have studied and talked about this project forever…but if you want to get it done – you get it done,” added Hansen.
The NVRRWP is a collaborative partnership among the cities of Modesto, Turlock, Ceres and the DPWD and Stanislaus County. It is viewed as a regional solution to Delta water supply shortages and water reliability issues. At build-out, the NVRRWP will provide treated recycled water conveyed by the cities of Turlock and Modesto to the Delta-Mendota Canal. Water in the canal will then be conveyed directly to DPWD for irrigation use. Through an agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, the project also will provide supplemental water to some wildlife refuges located south of the Delta. Funding for the project came from a mix of federal, state, and local grants and loans. A key component of the deal penciling out, is growers’ assurances that they will purchase the water. “This project is going to be the project of the future,” David Murillo, regional director of the Bureau’s Mid-Pacific Region, said during the groundbreaking ceremony. Several growers who attended the groundbreaking ceremony said the project is intended to provide some reliability during times of water shortages.
Local, state and federal officials break ground Aug. 26 on the North Valley Regional Recycled Water Program.
“This is hopefully a project that will support us for the next generation moving forward,” said Daniel Bays, a landowner in the DRWD district and partner in Bays Ranch, Inc. U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Modesto) called the project a “valley project.” “This is an opportunity for us to come together on a local project,” Denham added.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 • 7
SPOTLIGHT
Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District: Battling Floods Through 60 Years of Innovation, Service and Dedication DISTRICT
FACTS
Location Fresno County Constituency 650,000 residents in the Cities of Fresno and Clovis and surrounding unincorporated area Established 1956 Notable Projects • Urban Storm Drainage Facilities • Fancher Creek Flood Control Improvement Project • Dry Creek Flood Control Improvement Project • Groundwater Recharge System Website www.fresnoflood control.org Anniversary Photos www.fresnoflood control.org/60thanniversary-photogallery
Sixty years ago, the people of Fresno voted to establish the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District to try to combat destructive floods. From the time Fresno was established as a railroad stop in 1872, this classic California city struggled to beat back rising waters. To commemorate the anniversary of the district, officials with FMFCD this year have set out to educate the public about the history of this critical community asset. The district has posted an extensive gallery of historic photos on its website. It also has published a newspaper supplement to the Fresno Bee describing how the people of Fresno and Clovis used innovation and cooperation to tame the floods. Not many know the extensive planning and construction local districts undertake to protect communities from floods. Here’s a look at FMFCD’s efforts.
A Vulnerability to Flooding The City of Fresno is situated in a low spot below the Sierra Nevada foothills which proved to be a perfect gathering spot for rain from intense local storm cells and the snowmelt that sweeps down the slopes through dozens of streams. To combat this vulnerability, in the early 1950s, citizens and businesses came together with city government, Fresno County and the Fresno Irrigation District to advocate forming an agency to direct and implement storm drainage and flood control. These efforts brought results in 1955 when the California Legislature passed the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District Act subject to voter approval. In December of that year, a series of storms struck and the resulting flood was the worst in local history. Those floods may have led to the landslide victory on June 5, 1956 when voters overwhelmingly approved
the formation of the district five to one. “It is amazing to think that the foresight of those voters would develop into the flood control and stormwater program that serves the area’s continually expanding communities and water needs,” writes district General Manager Alan Hofmann. “I am proud of their actions, the system they authorized, and its ability to collect and utilize a water resource that is so important to our region.” Leaders then set off to design a comprehensive storm drainage master plan – one of the first in the nation. Planning had to address both urban runoff from local storms, and foothill runoff from Sierra Nevada storms and snowmelt. FMFCD’s Board of Directors set the following additional requirements for the plan: • Address flooding and drainage in undeveloped areas as well as the city • Capture floodwater and recharge groundwater • Provide usable open space • Be affordable
Urban Runoff To address urban flooding, the engineering and planning teams conceived a mosaic of
“I am proud of their actions, the system they authorized, and its ability to collect and utilize a water resource that is so important to our region.” — General Manager Alan Hofmann
Opposite Page: Residents took to a boat to navigate the intersection of Clark and Hammond Streets in 1939 during a flood. (Photo credit Mr. Edward Remus, the late father of district employee Andrew Remus.) Right: Dry Creek Canal flooded the same intersection in 1958. Bottom: Today, landscaping along urban stormwater basins within the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District prevents erosion, promotes groundwater recharge and beautifies open space.
local drainage areas, each collecting runoff in a ponding basin, with connections to outflowing waterways and between basins. Connecting pipelines and pumps make the system flexible and robust. If a basin is likely to be overwhelmed during a storm, some of its water is pumped to a different basin, or directly to the river or canals. After the storm, most of the captured stormwater remains in the basins; 70% to 85% of the basin water percolates to the aquifer, recharging the region’s groundwater. A small percentage is pumped to the river or canals. Basins also serve as centerpieces for 24 recreation and open space sites. Landscaping around the basins provides recreational space for residents, as well as habitat values for wildlife.
Foothill Runoff Addressing foothill runoff was a more expensive proposition, since the sheer quantity of stormwater and snowmelt rushing from the Sierra Nevada to the valley required dams and reservoirs as well as basins. The Big Dry Creek Dam predated the plan, built in 1948 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The next major project was Redbank Creek Dam and Reservoir, built in 1961. In the early 1990s, significant federal funding became available for more projects. They include: • Redbank Creek Detention Basin (1990) • Fancher Creek Dam and Reservoir (1991)
• Big Dry Creek Dam was raised nine feet to increase capacity (1993) • Alluvial Drain Detention Basin (1993) • Pup Creek Detention Basin (1993) • Holland Creek Rediversion Channel (1999) • Fancher Creek Detention Basin (first phase 2010; final phase under construction) • Big Dry Creek Detention Basin (under construction) With the completion of these major projects, the system has gross pool capacity of 44,000 acre-feet, controlling up to 200-year event flood flows for most of the district. Additional projects will fill in the rest of the plan and keep up with urban growth.
Sixty Years and Counting Looking ahead, the district plans will continue refining the flood and drainage control systems, as well as meeting recently passed requirements for stormwater quality and groundwater management. Considering the looming challenge of climate change, effective flood control systems will be more important than ever. The Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District has the history, expertise and commitment to meet that challenge. SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 • 9
WATER NEWS DIGEST DSC Appeals Invalidation of Delta Plan The Delta Stewardship Council on Aug. 23 appealed a ruling by the Sacramento Superior Court that invalidated the council’s Delta Plan over what the court said were the plan’s lack of enforceable, quantifiable targets for some of its performance measures. Jessica R. Pearson, executive officer of the DSC, said in a statement that the plan’s 14 regulations “provide significant protections for the Delta that would be lost if the plan were invalidated for even a short period of time.” “Those protections include a requirement that new projects to divert water from the Delta, including WaterFix, certify that beneficiaries have first reduced their reliance on the Delta through development of alternate supplies, and a requirement prohibiting new development in Delta floodplains,” Pearson stated.
Emergency Project Brings Water to Drought-Stricken East Porterville The first of several East Porterville neighborhoods that have been without a safe water supply for up to three years was connected to the Porterville city water supply Aug. 19, through a multi-phase project designed to provide a reliable water supply to an area called “ground zero” of the state’s severe drought. The East Porterville Water Supply Project is a joint effort of the California
Department of Water Resources, the State Water Resources Control Board, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the City of Porterville, and Tulare County.
notified more than 3,700 holders of water right permits and licenses that they have failed to file their 2015 reports of diversion and use and must do so within 30 days or be fined.
As the state’s drought worsened, many residents in the Tulare County community of East Porterville found that their wells had either dried up or contained a high concentration of nitrates due to the dropping water table. Since 2014, hundreds of homes without safe water have subsisted on water deliveries. Connecting these homes to the Porterville city water system will return their home taps to normal operation and end the unsustainable deliveries.
The annual reports are required so that the State Water Board can more accurately analyze water supply conditions to protect senior water right holders and other instream beneficial uses of water. They were due no later than July 1, 2016 and must be filed to the State Water Board’s online Reporting and Management System.
CWC Releases Revised Draft Regulations for WISP The California Water Commission on Aug. 29 announced that the revised draft regulations for the Water Storage Investment Program are now available on the commission’s website at cwc.ca.gov/Pages/ QuantificationRulemaking.aspx. Also available are documents that will be incorporated into the regulation by reference. WSIP is the process being used to distribute funds from Proposition 1 for the public benefits of eligible water storage projects. On Aug. 17, the CWC released a 430-page technical reference document for applicants seeking funding under Prop. 1. The technical document provides specific information to applicants about what a sound analysis of without-project and with-project conditions, benefits, and impacts includes and describes some models and methods that could be employed to meet regulatory requirements of the WSIP.
Water Right Holders Must File Reports The State Water Resources Control Board’s Division of Water Rights has 10 • ACWANEWS
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The letter allows water right holders 30 days to correct the deficiency or face enforcement action fines of $500 per day.
U.S. Senate Passes WRDA The U.S. Senate on Sept. 15 passed the Water Resources and Development Act of 2016, S 2848, by a vote of 95 to 3. The bipartisan bill was developed by Sens. James Inhofe (R-OK) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA). The House version of the WRDA, HR 5303, passed committee on May 15, but is not expected to be considered on the House floor until after the November election. Following Senate passage of the bill, Inhofe and Boxer released a joint statement saying the 30 projects in WRDA “will help grow our economy.” The statement also said the bill provides critical support and reforms to help small and disadvantaged communities improve access to clean and safe drinking water, and to repair aging infrastructure that contributes to lead contamination nation-wide. The House will also need to move forward on WRDA. A copy of the amended Senate WRDA bill that passed Sept. 15 can be found www.epw. senate.gov/public/.
Save Our Water Launches Educational Tools for Kids, New Foreign Language Materials Save Our Water has launched an allnew educational section on its website dedicated to helping kids save water. The section, which features “Water Conservation: It’s For Life” campaign materials, includes an online coloring book of illustrated water saving tips that can be colored online and printed, or printed out for hands-on coloring.
are available in Spanish as well. The graphics, designed for use on websites and social media channels, are customizable and available for download on Save Our Water’s toolkit. Last month, Save Our Water launched statewide Spanish-language radio and a full Spanish-language version of the all-new Save Our Water website.
fall with another statewide public education effort. Fall messaging will center on fall landscaping and saving water outdoors. A major focus of the campaign will be on digital outreach, social media and weather sponsorships on NBC stations statewide. A webinar will be scheduled to review the campaign as more information is available.
The new section also includes Save Our Water’s educational videos produced in partnership with Curiosity Quest and links to other educational materials produced by Save Our Water partners. The program will update the educational materials as California moves into fall.
Save Our Water and the program’s tips graphics were prominently featured as part of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) — California Sierra Chapter’s Sacramento United PARK(ing) Day 2016 on Sept. 16. PARK(ing) Day is an annual worldwide event where artists, designers, students and citizens transform parking spots into temporary public parks or “parklets.” Stantec/XL Construction designed a concept called “water play” that prominently featured water conscious lifestyle concepts.
The new educational section is at saveourwater.com/conservation-lifestyle/tips-for-kids/.
Save Our Water also has bolstered public education efforts with new graphics with tips in foreign languages such as Mandarin, Cantonese and Vietnamese – three languages cited by partners on a recent webinar as key in many parts of the state. All Save Our Water graphics
Save Our Water is gearing up for a busy
Save Our Water displays water efficient household appliances at a booth Sept. 16 during Sacramento’s PARK(ing) Day.
Firefighters Manage Mokelumne Fire to Benefit Forest Health The Mokelumne Fire, 50% contained as of Sept. 21, is fulfilling its natural ecological role while firefighters manage it for both safety and resource enhancement, officials with the U.S. Forest Service announced in late August. Started by lightning Aug. 19 in a remote area of the Stanislaus National Forest, the fire is burning mostly on the ground rather than “torching” the canopy, so it is providing an opportunity for the fire crew to allow it to burn. This reduces the fuel load in the area and decreases the likelihood of a future catastrophic fire that could threaten the health of the forest and endanger humans and wildlife. Acting Forest Fire Management Officer
Rob Laeng stated in a press release that: “By managing this fire for resource benefit we can ensure a healthier, more diverse and natural forest where future fires will burn with less intensity.” Resource-focused fire management protects crucial headwaters. ACWA’s policy document “Improving the Resiliency of California’s Headwaters” states: “To maintain the integrity and improve the resiliency of the headwaters, public and private landowners and resource managers should implement actions that reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire which also may reduce the adverse effects of such fires, including deleterious impacts on water supply and water quality.”
Dave Eggerton, general manager of the Calaveras County Water District, moderated a panel on headwaters health at 2016 ACWA’s Spring Conference and underscored the importance of fire management policy. “The suppression of fire for the last hundred years has severely impacted the natural infrastructure of California’s upper watershed areas,” said Eggerton. “Many of those adverse consequences directly affect our water supply – not only the quantity of water flowing out of the mountains, but also the quality.” ACWA’s headwaters policy document is at www.acwa.com/headwaters.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 • 11
ACWA Region 8 Explores Preparations for the Next Earthquake or Other Disaster By Region 8 Chair Michael Touhey
Top: Tony Stafford, general manager, Camrosa Water District, participates in a panel titled, “Water Districts and Preparation for Disaster” during a Region 8 event Aug. 4 at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Bottom: Keynote Speaker Dr. Christine A. Goulet, executive science director for special projects, Southern California Earthquake Center, discusses seismic risk and the importance of seismic hazard assessments.
More than 100 ACWA members gathered Aug. 4 for a one-day Region 8 event titled, “Not if, but When: Preparing for the Next Disaster.” ACWA Vice President Brent Hastey opened the event by updating attendees on new ACWA initiatives and events for the remainder of 2016. ACWA President Kathy Tiegs followed with a presentation on ACWA’s 2016 priority goals that included long-term conservation, water storage investments, improving water market policy and other issue areas. Next, attendees listened to a presentation Dr. Christine A. Goulet, of the California Earthquake Center. Goulet discussed seismic risk and controlling, the importance of seismic hazard assessments, and other earthquake preparedness topics. Kevin Donhoff, of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, provided a water supply update. Donhoff outlined the extremely low runoff, reservoir levels and State Water Project allocations. Donhoff also
National Water Resources Association Launches Public Affairs Workgroup ACWA Executive Director for Public Affairs and Member Services Jennifer Persike (left) leads the inaugural session of the National Water Resources Association Public Affairs Workgroup with help from Jolene Walsh, senior director of public and governmental affairs, Eastern Municipal Water District. The workgroup was part of a Public Affairs Track at the 2016 Western Water Summit Aug. 3 in Sun Valley, Idaho. The Public Affairs Workgroup will help support NWRA advocacy through effective public affairs, while providing a forum for NWRA members to share public affairs challenges and best practices.
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discussed how this year’s “El Nino” missed Southern California. The event concluded with a panel discussion titled, “Water Districts and Preparation for Disaster,” moderated by Water Emergency Response Organization of Orange County’s Emergency Manager Kelly Hubbard, and included Camrosa Water District General Manager Tony Stafford, Pasadena Water and Power Assistant General Manager of Finance Shari Thomas and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) Senior Assistant General Manager Martin Adams. I want to thank the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for hosting our event. Event materials and a longer story detailing the event are on ACWA’s website at www.acwa.com. Region 8 will host a program and the region membership will meet at ACWA’s Fall Conference in Anaheim. I look forward to seeing everyone at conference! .
Left: David Manning, Sonoma County Water Agency environmental resources manager, leads a tour of the Warm Springs Fish Hatchery Aug. 5 during a Region 1 tour of the Russian River Water System. Right: Approximately 50 people participated in the tour that included taking a group photo on the dam at Lake Mendocino.
ACWA Region 1 Hosts Russian River Water Supply System Tour By Region 1 Chair Dennis Mayo ACWA Region 1 hosted a Russian River Water System Supply Tour Aug. 5, bringing a group of about 50 people to Lake Mendocino and the Lake Sonoma area to learn more about local water management. The day began at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Facility at Lake Mendocino where Sonoma County Water Agency Chief Engineer and Director of Groundwater Management Jay Jasperse discussed forecast-informed reservoir operations as a way to improve water supply resiliency. Jasperse explained that Lake Mendocino’s water supply is not reliable and discussed initiatives to improve its reliability, including reduced summer releases, modification of the hydrologic index and raising Coyote Valley Dam. The group then boarded a bus for the Lake Mendocino tour stops, stopping first at the Coyote Valley Dam Egg Collection Facility. There, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Park Ranger Poppy Lozoff explained the fish hatchery process for Steelhead Trout. The group then drove across Coyote Dam and learned more about managing Lake Mendocino and discussions to raise the dam.
The group then traveled to Ukiah Valley. While on the bus, Upper Russian River Water Agency General Manager Bill Koehler spoke about small drinking water system consolidation in the Ukiah Basin, explaining that several county water districts have formed a joint powers authority, named Upper Russian River Water Agency, to eventually consolidate their operations into one entity. At the Warm Springs Fish Hatchery, the group watched a video presentation on the Coho Salmon recovery efforts at Lake Sonoma. Then, Sonoma County Water Agency Environmental Resources Manager David Manning led the group on a tour of the hatchery. During lunch at the Warm Springs Recreation Area, Freddie Deshon introduced his “Mussel Dog” and explained that Mussel Dogs protect waterways from invasive species by providing a cost-effective method to sniff out Quagga and Zebra Mussels. ACWA President Kathy Tiegs and Vice President Brent Hastey also provided an update on ACWA activities and initiatives.
After lunch, the group visited Dry Creek Winery to learn about Sonoma County Water Agency’s Dry Creek Enhancement Project. David Manning described the project, which is a piece of the solution to high flow levels in Dry Creek that make it difficult for juvenile fish to survive. The group concluded the tour at Lake Mendocino. I would like to thank ACWA Region 1 Board Member and Sonoma County Water Agency Community & Government Affairs Manager Brad Sherwood and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Supervising Park Ranger Christopher Schooley for arranging the tour visits and serving as tour guides. I also would like to thank our event sponsors — RMC Water & Technology and West Yost Associates. Your support continues to provide opportunities for agencies to come together and learn from each other at a regional level — thank you! For upcoming information about ACWA Region 1 activities, please visit www.acwa.com.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 • 13
Member News
LADWP Exceeds 2015-’16 Goal for Replacement of Water Mains Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced in August that the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has replaced more than 32 miles of deteriorating water main across the city over the last year, already exceeding its goal for fiscal year 2015-’16. The figure tops the fiscal year by more than 20,000 feet, marking the first step in an aggressive effort to replace more than 520 miles of pipe over the next decade. The department counts water main replacements as a critical investment because they produce a dramatic reduction in leaks — enabling more water conservation and fewer service disruptions.
“Every drop counts when we’re in drought conditions, and L.A. can’t afford to let rotting pipes and bursting water mains get in the way of conservation,” said Mayor Garcetti. LADWP attributes much of the department’s ability to surpass this year’s goal to a rate increase package approved earlier this year. That plan has enabled LADWP to invest in the city’s water system now and plan for years of future progress. “LADWP’s top priority is to provide safe and effective water and power service to our customers. Our leak rate in 2015 was less than the national
average, with about 17 leaks per 100 miles per year compared to the national average of 25. But we know we can do better,” said LADWP General Manager David Wright. “By continuing to ramp up replacement of aging infrastructure, we hope to lower that rate even further — saving water and improving distribution citywide.” In addition to planning 520 miles of water main replacement over the next 10 years, LADWP aims to reduce its system-wide water pipe replacement cycle from 225 years to 120 years by 2020.
Padre Dam Presents New Video on Water Purification Program Padre Dam Municipal Water District recently premiered “It’s A Big Deal” – an animated video about the East County Advanced Water Purification Program. The two-minute video, available at www.EastCountyawp. com/bigdeal, is designed to make a complicated subject fun and easy to understand. The Advanced Water Purification Program, currently under development in east San Diego County, would create a local, sustainable and drought-proof drinking water supply by using stateof-the-art technology to purify the region’s recycled water. The system would diversify the eastern portion of the county’s water supply and reduce dependence on imported water. It is projected to meet approximately 25-30 % of the eastern county’s current drinking water demands. “The topic of water reuse and the science behind it can be very technical,” said Allen Carlisle, CEO and general
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manager of Padre Dam. “Our entertaining animated video quickly explains the complex subject matter of indirect potable reuse in a way that is fun and educational for everyone from elementary school children to adults.” The two-minute video introduces the project’s mascot: “This is a drop of water. In Southern California, where
we often have droughts, he’s kind of a Big Deal,” the video narrator states. After going down the drain, the drop receives treatment, is purified by four Advanced Water Purification steps, goes into a lake or underground aquifer, is treated again and finally redistributed to the community. The video sums it up: “Water: it’s too valuable to use just once.” .
Member News
Placer County WA Partners on French Meadows Forest Resilience In an effort to improve the health of the forests and watersheds that source Placer County Water Agency’s water supply, the agency is partnering with national, state and local entities to increase the pace and scale of forest restoration in a critical municipal watershed, using an approach of ecologicallybased forest management. The partnership includes: the Tahoe National Forest, The Nature Conservancy, American River Conservancy, and the University of California, Sierra Nevada Research Institute on the French Meadows Forest Resilience Project. The PCWA Board of Directors authorized staff to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the other stakeholders at its meeting on Sept. 1. The partner agencies will collaborate to develop project goals and direction, manage the project, contribute in-kind
staff and expertise, and raise necessary funds. The project area sits upstream of PCWA’s French Meadows Reservoir, and includes land managed by the U.S. Forest Service and land owned by American River Conservancy. ACWA has identified headwaters stewardship as a key issue. “French Meadows is one of PCWA’s two major reservoirs,” PCWA General Manager Einar Maisch said in a written statement. “Protecting this resource from catastrophic wildfire and the resulting watershed degradation is of utmost concern to the agency. I believe this is an important partnership and important project.” Forest conditions in the area are unhealthy and at risk of high-severity wildfire due to past management, fire suppression, and years of drought. In
recent years, severe wildfires downstream of the project area have caused hundreds of thousands of tons of topsoil to erode into the river system, clogging infrastructure and habitat, and affecting the stability of the watershed. Through this innovative partnership, the agencies hope to prevent these negative effects of wildfire and create a new model for advancing the pace and scale of forest and watershed restoration in the Sierra Nevada and across the western United States. In addition to improving resiliency to wildfire on public and private lands around French Meadows Reservoir, the project will monitor the hydrologic effects of prescribed forest treatments. A research component will study the relationship between forest thinning and downstream water supply.
MWDOC Joins with Boy Scouts on Water Conservation Badge The Municipal Water District of Orange County announced Sept. 8 that its directors have unanimously approved a partnership with the Boy Scouts of America to increase the number of Scouts learning about water conservation. MWDOC will sponsor the “Soil and Water Conservation” merit badge for the Boy Scouts’ Orange County Council, hoping to attract many of the more than 8,000 eligible Scouts in the county to earn the badge and increase their knowledge of water conservation and the challenges of reliably delivering clean water to customers. “A partnership between water agencies and the Boy Scouts makes perfect sense,” MWDOC President Wayne Osborne said in a written statement.
“The Scouting organization has a long history of developing young leaders – just the people we want serving as water ambassadors in the community.” Requirements of the badge include instruction on runoff and watersheds, as well as a visit to a water-treatment or wastewater plant. Understanding water conservation practices and the hydrologic cycle are also part of the badge requirements. Instruction takes place in both the classroom and the field. MWDOC, a wholesale water agency that services more than 2.2 million people, will work with its 27 retail member agencies to organize three or more day-long seminars throughout the county, which will provide most of the classroom instruction needed for the badge. The seminars will be
led by Orange County water industry professionals. The partnership is the latest addition to MWDOC’s suite of education efforts. Working with member agencies, the district manages an elementary school program that reaches 60,000 elementary-school children annually, as well as a high school program that reaches 25,000 students. For more information on the Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America, see www.ocbsa.org.
RESOURCE www.scouting.org/filestore/ Merit_Badge_ReqandRes/Soil_and_ WaterConservation.pdf
SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 • 15
Member News
Moulton Niguel Customers Remove Massive Amounts of Turf Moulton Niguel Water District customers have aggressively responded to drought by replacing 4 million square feet of turf. Each square foot of turf removed can save up to 40 gallons of water per year — a long-term solution that will help Californians permanently reduce water use. “We are thrilled to see that the largest amount of turf removed in all of Orange County came from MNWD
customers,” said MNWD Board President Donald R. Froelich. “This is reflective of our customers understanding the urgent nature of these drought conditions and their commitment to reducing their outdoor water use.” The turf rebate program is designed to encourage residents and commercial customers to convert their lawns to California friendly, drought-tolerant landscapes. The district currently offers a rebate of up to $2 per square foot of removed turf.
Sustainable Groundwater Project Breaks Ground in LA County An expansion of a major aquifer recharge facility in the Los Angeles area broke ground Aug. 22. The project is a city-county collaboration between the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.
capacity from 8,000 to 16,000 acre-feet per year. The spreading grounds are located in the northeast San Fernando Valley, with permeable soil linked to the San Fernando Groundwater Basin. The aquifer provides a local source of water for Los Angeles.
Construction began on the Tujunga Spreading Grounds Enhancement Project, designed to double the retention and recharge facility’s stormwater
“In the past, most stormwater was allowed to run off to the Pacific Ocean. Those days are over,” said Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Gen-
eral Manager David Wright. “With the Tujunga Spreading Grounds Enhancement Project, we ensure that these valuable water resources don’t go to waste.” The project is part of LADWP’s plan to increase the city’s local water supply and reduce its dependence on imported water. It also will help the city meet its “Sustainable City” goal of increasing stormwater capture to 150,000 acrefeet per year by 2035.
Sonoma County WA Moves to Develop Climate Adaptation Plan The Sonoma County Water Agency’s Board of Directors in late August directed staff to prepare a comprehensive climate vulnerability assessment and adaptation plan to create a road map for the water agency to follow as it prepares its facilities and operations for climate change. The plan will address the agency’s water supply, flood control and sanitation enterprises. It also will position the agency to be eligible for federal grants related to climate change adaptation. The water agency will work with consulting firm CH2M to complete the plan. 16 • ACWANEWS
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“Without a doubt, the water agency’s water supply and flood control facilities will be impacted by climate change,” said SCWA Board Chairman Efren Carrillo. “Whether it be our wells near the Russian River that provide drinking water to over 600,000 residents, or our 75 miles of flood control channels that protect properties and lives during a flood, we know that the operations of these facilities will change along with the climate conditions. It is our duty to gather the science, create the models and plan accordingly to secure our facilities for public health and safety.” Over the past several years, SCWA has been actively participating in several
climate science efforts in collaboration with various research agencies, including the United States Geologic Survey, Scripps Institute of Oceanography Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). These efforts have resulted in improved understanding of regional climate threats. A draft plan is scheduled to be completed in fall 2017. To learn more about the water agency’s climate adaptation efforts, visit www. sonomacountywater.org/climate.
EMPLOYMENT To be considered for this exciting opportunity, please submit resume, cover letter, work related references and salary history via email to nick@ccdgllc.com.
General Manager
Manager of Finance
Root Creek Water District
Alameda County Water District
Annual Salary: $125,000-$200,000 DOQ
The annual salary range is $184,817.27 to $224,650.86 (based on a 40-hour work week), depending on qualifications and experience.
The Root Creek Water District (RCWD) is seeking a proactive leader to manage the unique and exciting operations of the District. RCWD, located in southeastern Madera County bordering the San Joaquin River to the south and Highway 41 to the east, consists of approximately 9,500 acres and enjoys a surplus of water supplies through both groundwater and surface water rights and contracts. Primarily and historically consisting of agricultural water users, the District’s location is within the region’s path of growth giving RCWD a unique opportunity to serve both agricultural and M&I users. Development has already began in the District starting with Riverstone, the highly anticipated 2,000 acre masterplanned community including 6,578 residential units, commercial properties, onsite schools and significant park and open space reserves. Additional development is planned throughout the District which will likely put RCWD at the epicenter of development of a new city in the region. All developments within RCWD will rely entirely on the District for municipal water, wastewater and storm drain service. The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership and management skills with the desire and motivation to grow the District as it transitions from primarily agricultural customers to a growing population of municipal users. The General Manager will report to the RCWD Board of Directors and will be responsible for managing multiple consultants and contractors for the efficient operation of the District. The applicant should be a seasoned professional with demonstrated management abilities and exceptional people skills with specific experience in managing public utilities, agricultural irrigation and water law. Ability to work with regulatory agencies, tracking legislation, management of SGMA related processes and interfacing with state and federal partners is required.
The Alameda County Water District is seeking highly-qualified candidates for the position of Manager of Finance. Reporting to the General Manager, the Manager of Finance plans, organizes, and directs the District’s Finance Department, which includes finance, accounting, rates, budget, customer service, meter reading, and procurement; establishes goals and objectives for the Department and internal District policies and procedures to guide all aspects of the District’s finances and financial program activities; through subordinate managers and supervisors, plans, assigns, monitors and reviews the work products of professional, technical and support staff; serves as District Treasurer providing oversight to cash management, investment and debt management activities; and provides responsible staff assistance and advice and counsel to the Board, General Manager and District managers on financial issues. The Ideal Candidate Will: • Be both a technical expert and an outstanding manager. • Serve as the CFO and oversee financial planning and analysis, accounting, budget, development of rates and charges, treasury, procurement and inventory control, and customer service. • Collaborate and coordinate with the General Manager and other members of the District’s management team; make strong and educated recommendations; carry out the General Manager’s direction while keeping in mind the District’s overall interests. • Function as a mentor, coach, facilitator, and team player and set performance examples that can be reinforced across the District; assess employee development needs and provide opportunities for enrichment. • Provide strong direction to the Finance
Department while also taking a ‘hands on’ approach as needed. • Enhance the District’s overall customer service experience for external customers and provide excellent guidance and leadership to the General Manager, the Board, and other departments. • Serve as a member of the executive leadership team. • Embrace technological improvements in finance, customer service and procurement, as well as other District-wide systems, work with District workgroups to facilitate their implementation and updates, and ensure proper training and procedures are developed and used. • Develop creative and imaginative strategies while ensuring compliance with all legal requirements and financial best practices for California water districts. • Help develop and lead the District’s strategic planning process. • Modernize customer payment and field employee processes. • Enhance the budgeting process to improve the internal user experience and to facilitate financial transparency. • Analyze distributed versus centralized completion of processes involving finance and other departments. • Communicate effectively and appropriately with all audiences, including the Board, staff, and the general public. Key Responsibilities • Plans, develops and implements goals and objectives for the Finance Department, prepares and administers internal policies and procedures related to financial program activities; interprets and explains applicable rules, laws and regulations to supervisors and others. • Directs, oversees and participates in the departmental programs work plan; assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures; implements work process improvements and other methods to enhance District financial services. • Manages the preparation and maintenance of a variety of financial records and reports including those Continued on page 17
SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 • 17
People News
Cynthia Koehler
Marin Municipal WD Director Koehler Appointed to EPA’s Local Government Committee U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator Gina McCarthy has appointed Marin Municipal Water District Board of Directors President Cynthia Koehler to the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee. Koehler will represent elected water district officials on matters relating to environmental services and programs. Numerous recommendations were submitted to the EPA on Koehler’s behalf by fellow elected representatives throughout California. Koehler was described as having the commit-
EVWD Welcomes Steven Nix as Director of Engineering and Operations Steven Nix has joined East Valley Water District as the new director of engineering and operations. Nix has 35 years of experience in design and construction management of public works projects, including water and wastewater facilities. Steven Nix
“East Valley Water District has more than $1 billion in infrastructure for daily operations and requires long-term planning,” said CEO/General Manager John Mura. “Mr. Nix brings a high level of professionalism to lead
MID Names Greg Salyer as General Manager The Modesto Irrigation District Board of Directors recently announced that they appointed Greg Salyer as the district’s general manager. Salyer has served as interim general manager since September 2015.
Greg Salyer
18 • ACWANEWS
Previously, Salyer was MID’s assistant general manager of electrical resources. In this role, he was responsible for planning and acquiring power supply to serve the present and future needs of MID customers as well as building, maintaining and operating MID’s power plants. Salyer also oversaw long-term and short-term arrangements to buy power and secure transmission access, and interacted on a daily basis with the California Independent Vol. 44 No. 9
ment to problem-solving and collaboration that fits the committee’s mission, which is to assist the EPA in building stronger partnerships with local governments. “It’s a great opportunity for Marin County to have a leadership seat at the federal level in this particularly important moment for water and environmental issues,” Koehler said in a written statement. “This will positively impact our region for years to come.” She represents Division IV of Marin Municipal Water District’s services area which includes Mill Valley, Sausalito and areas of unincorporated southern Marin.
these important programs for the district.” Nix will oversee the development and implementation of the district’s master plan, manage the capital improvement program, evaluate water and wastewater system improvement needs, and foster partnership opportunities with surrounding agencies and stakeholders. Nix is a licensed California professional civil engineer and land surveyor. He began his career with the Chino Basin Municipal Water District and most recently served as city engineer for Chino Hills. He also worked for the cities of Riverside and Upland. System Operator and Pacific Gas & Electric Company to schedule power through California’s electric grid. During his tenure at MID, Salyer also has served as senior generation engineer, principal electric engineer, generation manager and resource planning and development manager. Prior to MID, he worked for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. “Throughout his 30 plus years of experience, Greg has developed invaluable knowledge of MID and the utility industry,” MID President Larry Byrd said in a written statement. “We’re confident that under his leadership MID will continue to be a leader in the water and electric industries.” .
People News Johnson to Retire as General Manager of Yuima Municipal WD Lori A. Johnson, general manager and longest serving employee of Yuima Municipal Water District, has announced that she will retire on Nov. 4. Johnson has held a position in each and every department in her 38 years with the district, from meter reader to accountant to director Lori Johnson
Jose Martinez
Jose Martinez Appointed General Manager of Valley County Water District Valley County Water District recently announced the appointment of Jose L. Martinez as general manager. Martinez has more than 20 years of experience in the water industry and most recently held the position of assistant general manager at the East Valley Water District. Jandy Macias, finance and customer service manager for Valley County said Martinez “will provide new perspectives.”
of finance, all the way to the top position as general manager. During her tenure, she has overseen district acquisitions and restructuring, grappled with the ebb and flow of groundwater and Colorado River water supplies, and dealt with a mudslide that destroyed the office in 1987. She envisions her retirement to be filled with continued service to the Pauma Valley community, possibly including an ongoing role with the district.
“The business development and leadership experience that Jose brings with him to Valley County Water District will provide new perspectives for our business and we look forward to his support in delivering innovative solutions to our customers,” Macias said in a written statement. Martinez began his career at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and holds a master’s degree in public administration.
Continued from page 17
related to the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, job costing, inventories, budgets and fixed assets; and ensures that purchases of materials, supplies and equipment are conducted according to District policies and procedures. • Supervises data gathering and financial planning work associated with rate setting; prepares cost of service analyses and rate design. • As Treasurer, oversees cash management, investment, and debt management activities. • Coordinates financial activities with other departments and divisions; provides responsible advice and counsel to the General Manager and department and division managers on financial issues; oversees maintenance of
departmental records and files. • Conducts financial reviews of District operations and activities and reports findings and recommendations to the General Manager and Board of Directors; serves as liaison with external auditors and coordinates their activities on behalf of the District. Qualifications • Possession of a Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in accounting or finance or a related field. • Eight (8) years of full time responsible accounting or financial management experience which includes experience in public utility budgeting and development of rates and charges, with at least two (4) years of experience in a supervisory or administrative capacity.
• Certificate of professional accountancy (CPA) highly desirable. • Experience with a public utility highly desired. • Must possess a valid California driver’s license and satisfactory driving record. To apply for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume by email to Selina.Zapien@acwd.com. As an alternative, you can mail application materials to Selina Zapien, Alameda County Water District, 43885 South Grimmer Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538. Candidates selected to advance in the process will be asked to complete supplemental questions following initial application. Application materials must be received by Monday, October 17th, 2016.
SEPTEMBER 23, 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.
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Association of California Water Agencies 910 K Street, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95814-3577
Time Valued Material
September 2016 Most Clicked U.S. Senate Passes Water Resources and Development Act — 09/19/2016 State Water Board Proposes Increased Water Flows for Fish on San Joaquin River and Tributaries — 09/15/2016
UPCOMING EVENTS VISIT ACWA.COM FOR COMPLETE LISTING
Draft Report Released on Regulating Direct Potable Reuse of Recycled Water — 09/09/2016 Californians Continue Strong Water Savings Under New Conservation Metric — 09/07/2016 Interior Department Teams with State of California to Benefit Salton Sea — 09/01/2016
TWITTER CHATTER Water Education Fdn @WaterEdFdn • Sept. 12 Feinstein asks for more cash to fell dead trees before they catch fire – top #cawater CA Water Boards @CaWaterBoards • Sep 7 • Californians keep saving! Statewide water conservation steady at 20 percent in July. ACWA @ACWAWater • A ug 25 • Little Hoover Commission examines uniqueness of #SpecialDistricts. John Orr @CoyoteGulch • A ug. 25 • (Jennifer) Persike: In the end it was the public that had to reduce, and there wasn’t much time. @ ACWAWater had 2 months to build a program. #cwcsc16 ACWA @ACWAWater • Aug 23 • First Phase of Emergency Project Brings Water to Drought-Stricken East Porterville | ACWA
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OCTOBER 2016 3 – 4
REGISTRATION
NOW OPEN ENDS SEPT 26
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NOW OPEN ENDS OCT 7
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NOW OPEN ENDS OCT 21
ACWA 2016 Regulatory Summit will take place at the Hilton Sacramento Arden West. Learn about the regulatory changes on renewable energy, the impact these changes could have on your agency, and innovative ways that water agencies around the state are taking advantage of new opportunities to provide energy grid services. Get more information at www.acwa.com/events/acwa-2016-regulatory-summit. ACWA Joint Region 6 & 7 Water Forum will take place at Visalia, CA. The program will highlight industry experts and a panel of ACWA Regions 6 & 7 legislative representatives to reflect on the current issues affecting San Joaquin Valley. For more information and registration go to www.acwa. com/events/acwa-joint-region-6-7-water-forum-visalia-ca. ACWA Region 10 invites you to a one-day program to discuss and hear from experts on advanced water purification and water supply reliability. For more information and registration go to www.acwa.com/events/ acwa-region-10-program-and-tour-october-28.
NOVEMBER 2016 7
ACWA Region 4 is hosting an event that will highlight some of the notable habitat improvement projects in the Sacramento watershed and other regional agencies. Registration will be available online Sept. 26. Go to www.acwa.com for more information.
29 – Dec. 2
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/acwa2016-fall-conferenceexhibition or contact Melanie Medina at melaniem@acwa.com.
REGISTRATION
NOW OPEN ENDS NOV 1