SPECIAL FEDERAL ISSUE
NEWS
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ACWA’s 2017 DC Conference Feb. 28 – March 2 gave members an up-tothe-minute overview of federal water issues. Left: ACWA leaders on March 1 present Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) with a 2016 ACWA Legislative Leadership Award. Celebrating the honor are: (l-r) ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn, ACWA Vice President Brent Hastey, Feinstein, and ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs. Center: House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-23) offers remarks after accepting a 2016 Legislative Leadership Award. Right: (l-r) ACWA Federal Affairs Committee Chair Steve LaMar chats with U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-48) during the DC Conference.
ACWA Board Adopts Policy Statement on Bay-Delta Flows Saying California is facing a defining moment in water policy, ACWA’s Board of Directors has adopted a policy statement calling on the State Water Resources Control Board to set aside its problematic “unimpaired flow” approach to setting new water quality objectives in the Bay-Delta watershed. The statement, adopted in a special meeting by conference call on March 10, calls on the State Water Board to heed Gov. Jerry Brown’s call to move flow decisions out of adversarial processes and into negotiated agreements, which have proven successful in achieving ecological outcomes while maintaining water supply reliability.
Water Infrastructure, New President Focus of ACWA 2017 DC Conference
“Local water managers overwhelmingly believe the singular focus on unimpaired flow is the wrong choice for the state’s future,” ACWA says in the statement. “California’s urban and agricultural water managers are united in their vision for a future that includes a healthy economy as well as healthy ecosystems and fish populations. That vision is best achieved through comprehensive, collaborative approaches that include ‘functional’ flows as well as nonflow solutions that contribute real benefits to ecosystem recovery.”
More than 130 ACWA members gathered in Washington, D.C. Feb. 28 through March 2 for ACWA’s 2017 DC Conference where congressional representatives, journalists and members of the new Trump Administration talked about changes afoot in the nation’s seat of power. Held at the St. Regis Hotel, ACWA members received up-to-the-minute perspectives on such topics as the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and possible water infrastructure. ACWA’s Executive Director Timothy Quinn summed up the week’s events, saying the conference “allowed ACWA members to see, especially compared to last year, how upbeat our congressional delegation is about making further progress on California water issues.”
As part of its update to the BayDelta Water Quality Control Plan, the State Water Board staff has issued a staff proposal that would FLOWS Continued on page 9
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ED Column: Taking a Stand for a Better Future
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Congress Discusses Fixes for Nation’s Aging Water Infrastructure
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ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs also praised the event.
DC CONFERENCE Continued on page 5
ACWA Presents Leadership Awards to Sen. Feinstein, Rep. McCarthy
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 916.441.4545 | www.acwa.com Executive Director Timothy Quinn Deputy Executive Director of External Affairs & Member Services Jennifer Persike Director of Communications Lisa Lien-Mager Senior Communications Specialist Pamela Martineau Communications Specialist Emily Allshouse Senior Graphic Designer Katherine Causland Outreach and Social Media Specialist Marie Meade Copyright 2017. 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 LienMager at lisalm@acwa.com or 916.441.4545. Connect with us online: facebook.com/acwawater twitter.com/acwawater
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S COLUMN • TIMOTHY QUINN
Taking a Stand for a Better Future With California water at a tipping point once again, ACWA’s Board of Directors is taking a public stand in favor of collaborative, comprehensive solutions that protect and promote both water supply reliability and ecosystem health. The policy statement on Bay-Delta flow requirements adopted by the Board on March 10 carries a powerful message about a path to a better future. It also makes it clear that the State Water Resources Control Board’s singular focus on “unimpaired flow” is incompatible with that path. Local urban and agricultural water managers share a vision for the future that includes a vibrant California economy as well as healthy ecosystems. Unfortunately, the unimpaired flow approach proposed by State Water Board staff as part of the Bay-Delta Plan update undermines that vision. The proposal to require water users to leave significantly more water in the San Joaquin River and its tributaries would have devastating impacts on the agricultural economy and many communities. It would result in vast amounts of agricultural land going out of production, while undermining the state’s groundwater sustainability goals and reducing access to surface water for disadvantaged communities that do not have safe drinking water. These impacts are irreconcilable with the policy of coequal goals — improving both water supply reliability and ecosystem health — and the broader water policy objectives of the Brown Administration’s California Water Action Plan. There is a better path. Negotiated agreements have been successful on many rivers and tributaries in the Bay-Delta watershed. The efforts have succeeded in achieving ecological outcomes while maintaining water supply reliability. Because they include a more comprehensive set of tools and the support of local stakeholders, they can result in outcomes with even better results for ecosystems and water users. Forced regulations
seldom yield those results. Gov. Jerry Brown has called for negotiated agreements to address the flows issues. Indeed, negotiations are underway for four Bay-Delta watershed areas. ACWA is calling on the State Water Board to set aside the unimpaired flow approach and give the negotiated agreements time to work. To be successful, the state’s flows policy must embrace a comprehensive approach, which means a diversified portfolio of tools that can achieve ecological goals in ways that are less injurious to water users. It means utilizing “functional” flows instead of requiring flows for flows’ sake, the approach with the most deleterious impact on water supply reliability. It also means pursuing non-flow solutions that restore habitat and address the full life cycle of species needs. A successful policy must incorporate the best available science and be consistent with the coequal goals and enable — rather than obstruct — implementation of the California Water Action Plan. To demonstrate the broadest support possible for this approach, ACWA is asking its members to adopt resolutions in support of the policy statement adopted by the ACWA Board. It’s our belief that providing a unified message of support can tip the balance toward the comprehensive, collaborative policy we need. In 2013, ACWA’s Statewide Water Action Plan galvanized the support of local water agencies in every part of the state and helped pave the way for the Administration’s own California Water Action Plan. With broad-based member support, ACWA’s policy statement on Bay-Delta flows can play a similar energizing role. Together, we stand ready to work with the Brown Administration to pursue collaborative and comprehensive approaches to make our vision of the future a reality.
Brown Outlines Plan to Strengthen California’s Flood Safety On the heels of the emergency at Oroville Dam, Gov. Jerry Brown on Feb. 24 released a four-point plan to bolster safety at the state’s dams and flood projects and highlighted California’s “aging infrastructure” which he said needs $187 billion in investments, some $50 billion of which should go to flood control. Brown also said that state officials “are getting ready” to declare the drought over. “But not yet..,” Brown said of lifting the drought declaration. “We need to wait until the end of the rainy season.” Brown’s four-point plan would: 1. Invest $437 million in near-term flood control and emergency response actions by redirecting $50 million from the General Fund and requesting a $387 million Proposition 1 appropriation from the Legislature as soon as possible. 2. Require emergency action plans and flood inundation maps for all dams.
3. Enhance California’s existing dam inspection program. 4. Seek prompt regulatory action and increased funding from the federal government to improve dam safety. “Recent storms have pounded the state of California resulting in a dam spillway eroding, roads crumbling and levees failing,” said Brown. “Our aging infrastructure is maxed-out. We can take some immediate actions — and we will — but going forward we’ll need billions more in investment.” Brown praised officials at the California Department of Water Resources for their sustained response to the crisis at Oroville Dam. Brown added that even with his announced actions, California still has nearly $50 billion in unmet flood management infrastructure needs. A press statement issued after the press conference stated that the Brown Administration will continue to “work with the
Legislature through the budget process on solutions, including potential changes to Proposition 218, which continues to prevent local government from fixing core infrastructure.” Brown also sent a letter to President Donald Trump seeking expedited environmental review under Presidential Executive Order 13766. The request covers 10 projects: nine high-priority transportation projects and reconstruction of the Oroville Dam spillways. The request also includes projects on the initial list of 51 priority infrastructure projects, which California submitted to the federal government earlier this month. The Brown Administration is reviewing additional projects to submit for expedited review, officials said in a press statement. RESOURCE
Four-Point Plan: www.gov.ca.gov/docs/ Fact_Sheet_Governor_Brown_Four_ Point_Plan_to_Bolster_Dam_Safety_ and_Flood_Protection.pdf
Court Rules E-Messages of Public Officials and Public Employees on Private Accounts Subject to Public Records Act Disclosure The California Supreme Court has ruled that electronic communications — emails, voicemails, and texts — on private devices or servers of elected officials or public employees are subject to disclosure under the state’s Public Records Act. The highly anticipated ruling arose from a case involving the City of San Jose in which a private citizen filed a PRA request to access elected officials’ and employees’ electronic communications from personal devices. The city rejected the request arguing that such communication is not subject to public disclosure because it is
not in the public agency’s possession. In its ruling against San Jose, the California Supreme Court referenced its constitutional mandate to interpret the PRA in favor of public access. The ruling also stated that “…in today’s environment, not all employment-related activity occurs during a conventional workday, or in an employer-maintained workplace.” The court cited a four-point test to determine whether such “private” communications qualify as public records. The test asks if: “It is (1) a
writing, (2) with content relating to the conduct of the public’s business, which is (3) prepared by, or (4) owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency.” The ruling also addresses the protection of public employees’ and elected officials’ privacy in such matters, stating that under the terms of a PRA request, personal information may be redacted. RESOURCE
www.bbklaw.com/news-events/ insights/2017/legal-alerts/03/ecommunications-on-private-accountsmay-be-subjec
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FEDERAL ISSUES
Congress Discusses Fixes for Nation’s Aging Water Infrastructure With the emergency at Oroville Dam shining a spotlight on the issue, both the Senate and the House of Representatives held hearings March 1 that focused on bolstering and maintaining the nation’s aging water infrastructure. The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Power, and Oceans held a hearing that focused on the regulatory requirements for new water projects. The hearing, titled “Modernizing Western Water and Power Infrastructure in the 21st Century,” examined federal regulations that have stalled and stymied the development of new projects. “The federal regulatory regime that impacts the development, distribution and management of the nation’s water resources is outdated and is difficult to apply to current on-the-ground realities,” said witness Andrew Colosimo, government and corporate affairs manager for Colorado Springs Utilities. “These regulations, while well-intended, are often overly burdensome with little environmental or economic benefit.” Others, however, saw the issue in an entirely different light. The problem, they said, is a lack of maintenance of existing infrastructure. “What we have seen at Oroville Dam should be a wake-up call to what happens when existing water infrastructure is not maintained or managed to deal with a changing climate,” U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-2), the subcommittee’s ranking member, said. ACWA member Andy Fecko, director of resource development at Placer County Water Agency and one of the hearing’s witnesses, emphasized the need to maintain existing infrastructure, but also advocated for the creation of new water resources.
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“Working in partnership with local communities, federal agencies can operate and maintain existing federal infrastructure as well as expand our water resource portfolio and return to higher levels of water supply reliability for our farms and cities,” said Fecko. On the other side of the Capitol, the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works held its own hearing focusing on water infrastructure. Titled “Flood Control Infrastructure: Safety Questions Raised by Current Events,” the hearing focused on the processes by which we maintain our existing infrastructure. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) summed up the sentiment on both sides of the aisle. Though she praised the response to the recent emergency at the Oroville Dam, she repeatedly underscored the need for all levels of government to come together to shore up aging infrastructure across the nation. “Recent events in my home state highlight the necessity of Congress’s support in assisting our state and local partners to maintain, repair, and upgrade our nation’s aging infrastructure – and especially when it comes to critical systems that could threaten the public safety of all Americans,” Harris said. One of the committee’s witnesses, California Natural Resources Secretary John Laird, emphasized the scale of the challenge the nation faces in maintaining its crucial infrastructure. He estimated that California alone needs $50 billion for roads, dams, and other infrastructure threatened by recent floods. He characterized this moment in time as an inflection point where either the necessary investments in infrastructure are made, or we live with the consequences.
Oroville Dam spillway after a concrete section eroded on the middle section of the spillway on Feb. 7, 2017.
“One path is characterized by continued inaction; insufficient funding; a lack of local, state, and federal cooperation; and further deterioration, putting human lives, our natural resources, and economy at risk,” testified Laird. “Another path is shaped by deliberative policies, meaningful investment, coordination across all levels of government, and the incorporation of new science that can provide multiple benefits to common outcomes.” Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), the committee’s chairman, agreed with Laird. He expressed optimism that Congress would vote to fund infrastructure improvements across the country. “Infrastructure is critical to our nation’s prosperity,” Barrasso said. “It’s a driver of our nation’s economy and it impacts every community.” .
FEDERAL ISSUES DC CONFERENCE Continued from page 1
“This year’s DC conference was such an amazing event with everyone getting to see all the incredible changes happening at the federal level,” said Tiegs.
Weaver said the WIIN Act offers a “fantastic opportunity for water recycling, desalination and storage, but we still need to do more.”
The WIIN Act is a Win for California On Feb. 28, ACWA issue groups composed of members of the ACWA Board and Federal Affairs Committee held meetings with Trump Administration officials and members of the California congressional delegation. The groups carried ACWA’s key messages on hot issues such as implementation and funding for the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act and the importance of including water projects in the Trump infrastructure plan. The groups also discussed budgets for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as for the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, Endangered Species Act and Colorado River Issues.
Environment and Water Policy in the Trump Era Later that morning, a panel of journalists moderated by Reid Wilson, with The Hill, opined on environmental and water policy during the Trump Era. The panel featured: Samantha Page, Center for American Progress; Ariel Wittenberg, Energy and Environment Daily; and Michael Doyle, McClatchy Newspapers.
During an opening panel March 1, jointly sponsored by ACWA and the California Association of Sanitation Agencies, policy makers tackled topics such as how the WIIN Act will help water districts with storage, recycling and desalination projects. The Oroville Dam emergency and proposed water infrastructure and hydropower legislation also were explored. The panel consisted of: Kiel Weaver, staff director, House Water, Power and Oceans Subcommittee; John Watts, legislative director for Sen. Dianne Feinstein; Joaquin Esquivel, assistant secretary for federal water policy, California Natural Resources Agency; and moderator David Reynolds, director of Federal Relations, ACWA. Watts stressed that the WIIN Act will provide infrastructure funding that will be “key for storage.” “WIIN appropriations must be bipartisan and include working with the states,” said Watts.
Speakers explored tensions between California and the Trump Administration on climate change issues, the rollback of the Waters of the U.S. rule, defunding of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and prospects for drought/water reform legislation. “The Administration is looking to deconstruct the administrative state,” said Doyle. “Right now, everything is circling around the president. As time goes on, others will come in and the focus will shift to other people in their roles and agencies.” Wilson said the news cycle in recent years has changed “from a 24-hour news cycle to a 24-minute news cycle.” Next up was a popular networking box lunch where insiders offered insights on how to successfully advocate in Washington. After a group photo was taken, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-23) were honored with ACWA’s Legislative Leadership Award, primarily for their work on the WIIN Act. (See p. 6 story.) “The WIIN Act has already made a tremendous difference,” said Feinstein. “It allowed us to pump 14,000 (cubic feet per second) to move 125,000 acre-feet of water in January.” Members of the California congressional delegation then offered some remarks. (See p. 7 story) In the
ACWA’s 2017 DC Conference featured an array of panels. Top: (l-r) Reid Wilson, of The Hill, moderates a journalists’ panel titled “Environment and Water Policy in the Trump Era.” Reid is joined by: E&E Daily’s Ariel Wittenberg, McClatchy Newspapers’ Michael Doyle, and Center for American Progress’ Samantha Page. Bottom: ACWA Director of Federal Relations David Reynolds (left) talks with federal policy makers during a panel at ACWA’s DC Conference on March 1. Panelists are: (l-r) Kiel Weaver, staff director, House Water, Power and Oceans Subcommittee; Joaquin Esquivel, assistant secretary for federal water policy, California Natural Resources Agency; and John Watts, Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s legislative director.
evening, a congressional reception was held within the Capitol.
The Trump Transition The conference closed on March 2 with speakers discussing the Trump campaign and transition. Scott Mason, now with Holland and Knight and a former Trump campaign official, regaled the audience with stories from last year’s election and the formation of the new administration. Scott Cameron, special assistant to the secretary, Office of Water and Science, Department of Interior, relayed how building a strong state and federal partnership with California on water issues is a top priority for Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke. A final panel moderated by ACWA Deputy Executive Director of Government Relations Cindy Tuck provided summaries on Tuesday’s congressional and administration meetings. MARCH 17, 2017 • 5
FEDERAL ISSUES
ACWA Presents Leadership Awards to Sen. Feinstein, Rep. McCarthy ACWA presented its prestigious Legislative Leadership Award to U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R23). The awards were presented March 1 during ACWA’s 2017 DC Conference at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington, D.C. ACWA’s Legislative Leadership Award is the association’s highest honor for lawmakers and recognizes state or federal legislators for outstanding achievements, remarkable contributions to water policy or for assisting ACWA in its legislative efforts. Feinstein and McCarthy were honored for successfully steering California drought legislation through Congress and helping to pass in 2016 the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which included drought legislation and the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). In 2016, passage of a bipartisan drought bill and a WRDA bill were two of ACWA’s highest federal priorities. “Senator Feinstein and Majority Leader McCarthy have demonstrated remark-
able leadership and dedication over the long haul,” ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn said. “Their efforts resulted in legislation that represents a balanced compromise that was carefully crafted to achieve the coequal goals of enhancing ecosystem health and improving water supply reliability. The WIIN Act will substantially assist ACWA members for years to come. We appreciate their hard work and the support of the California congressional delegation to bring this legislation to fruition after five years of effort.” The WIIN Act is considered one of the most significant pieces of federal water legislation in 25 years. It authorizes $558 million in water infrastructure spending for storage, water recycling and reuse, desalination and environmental restoration projects in California and provides California water managers with a diverse package of tools to meet the state’s water needs while protecting the environment. This is the second ACWA Legislative Leadership Award for Feinstein. Past federal recipients of the ACWA Legislative
Top: ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs (left) listens to Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s remarks after the senator received ACWA’s Legislative Leadership Award. Bottom: House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (left) shares a moment with Tiegs after he received his Legislative Leadership Award. Both lawmakers were honored for their efforts in passing the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.
Leadership Award include U.S. Reps. Ken Calvert, Lois Capps, Cal Dooley and Vic Fazio, as well as U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer.
Federal Regulatory Flexibility Sought for Oroville Dam Repairs ACWA and 20 other California water groups were signatories on a March 1 letter to newly confirmed U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross that requested federal regulatory flexibility for state and local agencies as they work to repair Oroville Dam. Ten members of the California congressional delegation also sent a letter to President Donald Trump on March 10 with the same request – a suspension of the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act while repairs to Oroville Dam are underway. Both letters highlight the need to move expeditiously to repair the dam’s 6 • ACWANEWS
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damaged spillways so flood risk may be lessened. The letter to Ross is in response to a Feb. 24 letter from officials with the National Marine Fisheries Service to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. In that letter, NMFS asks the FERC to enforce 12 recommendations intended to protect endangered fish species as the repairs to the dam proceed. One recommendation asks that flows from the dam be reduced as slowly as possible to protect fish. In the letter to Ross, the California water districts assert that the NMFS recommendations would impose “unworkable, costly and unsafe fishery demands before
the needs of the people of Butte, Yuba, and Sutter counties.” “At a time when cooperation and flexibility are needed to accomplish a variety of economic, safety, infrastructure and biological needs, NMFS has chosen to throw up roadblocks instead,” the letter reads. “We respectfully ask for your assistance in ensuring that the federal agencies work collaboratively with the state and the water agencies to ensure proper management of our natural resources.” . RESOURCE
www.acwa.com/content/lettercommerce-secretary-wilbur-ross
FEDERAL ISSUES
ACWA’s 2017 DC Conference featured addresses by members of California’s congressional delegation. Top left: U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-1) (center) joins ACWA leaders after discussing the Oroville spillway emergency. With him are: (l-r) ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn, Vice President Brent Hastey, President Kathleen Tiegs and Deputy Executive Director Cindy Tuck. Top center: U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-9) discusses water infrastructure finance. Top right: U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-42) (center) talks about the need for large water storage projects with Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s Dee Zinke. Also pictured are: ACWA Vice President Brent Hastey (left) and ACWA President Kathleen Tiegs (right). Bottom right: U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-3) talks about Delta issues and implementation of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act.
Congressional Speeches Focus on California Water Infrastructure Members of California’s congressional delegation addressed attendees March 1 at ACWA’s DC Conference and discussed issues ranging from pumping in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to the emergency at Oroville Dam. U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-3) described the difference between water conditions last year and this year as going from “famine to indigestion.” He had advocated for passage of the Water and Infrastructure Improvements Act for the Nation (WIIN) bill last congressional session and noted that he now plans to watch its implementation carefully to ensure Delta pumping is ramped up or down depending on where the Delta smelt are located. U.S. Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-1) discussed the emergency situation at Oroville Dam and the status of the spillway repair. He expressed optimism that even though the structure is still damaged, a major catastrophe likely was avoided. LaMalfa voiced frustration with the National Marine Fisheries Service’s recent letter suggesting work to get the hydropower plant online only be done at night. He
noted that if Gov. Jerry Brown could waive the California Environmental Quality Act to do repairs, the federal government should do the same with the National Environmental Protection Act. In addition to water issues, U.S. Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-44) discussed life as a new member of Congress, noting that her morning workouts at the House gym provide her with a great opportunity to interact with a bipartisan group of lawmakers. She expressed optimism that Congress will find common ground on the need to fund water infrastructure. U.S. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-10) described the WIIN bill as making big strides on “little” projects. He said he is now looking forward to moving legislation to finally build large water storage projects. He also discussed his bill, the New Water Act (HR 434), that would establish a low interest loan program to help fund water storage projects. U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-9) discussed his vision for California’s water future, saying he will focus his efforts on increasing funding for the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency’s State Revolving Funds as well as the Water Infrastructure Financing Authority (WIFIA). He added that although he loves Governor Brown, he hates his tunnels. U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-42) touted the success of the WIIN Act, noting it allowed additional water to be pumped recently through the Delta without harming smelt. He echoed words by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-23) and Denham that it is time to start building large water storage projects. Additionally, he highlighted EPA’s new WIFIA program and expressed his desire to ensure the program remains funded. U.S. Rep. Jim Costa’s (D-16) wideranging remarks focused on the need to build on the success of the WIIN Act. He also discussed how this was an important year for the fate of the Delta tunnels in which water users will have to decide if it’s going to make sense for them to “put skin in the game.” .
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State Water Board Adopts Comprehensive Climate Change Plan The State Water Resources Control Board on March 7 adopted a resolution that sets the goal that climate change considerations be integrated into all State Water Board actions and those of the state’s Regional Water Quality Control Boards. The eight-page resolution updates an earlier resolution adopted in 2007 intended to support the implementation of AB 32, the state’s landmark climate change law that was passed in 2006. The updated resolution covers all of the State Water Board’s functional areas including drinking water, water rights and water quality. It also covers financial assistance, data analysis and technical support, as well as administrative and program support. “This is a quantum level change to the ’07 resolution,” said State Water Board Member Steven Moore. “It recognizes
a lot of the work that we have been doing…and seeks to give our regional boards and our staff a reference point that this is a policy and a priority for this board….The general thrust is – ‘Always keep these aspects in mind.’” The report introducing the resolution notes that since the first climate change resolution, the State Water Board has played a leadership role in promoting water measures that “mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to adaption to the effects of climate change.” “These measures include water recycling; water conservation and use efficiency; storm water capture; ecosystem protection, enhancement and restoration; drought response; and groundwater recharge,” the report reads. “These measures are implemented primarily though issuing permits, developing policies and regulations, and providing financing.”
The State Water Board also has taken on additional responsibilities and functions since 2007, including the addition of the Division of Drinking Water, implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, and adoption of statewide drought response and water conservation regulations.” ACWA Director of Regulatory Affairs Dave Bolland spoke to the State Water Board and said that more discussions are expected to take place with State Water Board staff as officials “start unpacking some of these policy directives.” . RESOURCE
ACWA submitted letter: www. acwa.com/sites/default/files/ page/2017/03/acwa-comments_swrcbclimate-_3-3-17_final.pdf. Resolution: www.waterboards. ca.gov/board_info/agendas/2017/ feb/022217_8.pdf
CDFA Board Explores Drinking Water in Disadvantaged Areas The California State Board of Food and Agriculture on March 7 hosted a panel discussion in Sacramento on efforts to ensure safe, reliable drinking water in disadvantaged communities. The panel featured ACWA Deputy Executive Director for Government Relations Cindy Tuck; Laurel Firestone, of the Community Water Center; and Wade Crowfoot of the Water Foundation. CDFA Secretary Karen Ross said in a written statement announcing the panel that “all Californians have a right to safe drinking water.” “Finding broad long-term solutions for impacted communities is critical and involves many stakeholders,” said Ross. “The agricultural community is an active participant in those discussions and farmers and ranchers continue to use the
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latest research findings and best practices to protect groundwater supplies.”
reliable drinking water are agricultural communities.
While addressing the board during the panel discussion, Tuck stressed how there is much momentum this year in the Legislature and ACWA, as well as among water stakeholders, to work on the problem of disadvantaged communities that lack reliable drinking water.
“We really feel the problem cannot be solved without (the) agricultural (community),” said Firestone.
“There is a lot of momentum this year for finding a solution…,” said Tuck. “And ACWA wants to be a constructive player.” Tuck also highlighted the importance of learning the “facts on the ground” in terms of the specific issues that are resulting in a lack of reliable drinking water in some disadvantaged communities. Firestone said that all of the communities the CWC works with that lack safe and
Crowfoot said the state needs to study the problem to learn just how big it is. He said funding to address the issue is another major challenge. “There is no easy answer to how we raise the funding to address the problem,” said Crowfoot. Craig McNamara, president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, said in a written statement that: “Long-term solutions to water quality challenges should include consideration of a public role at the state and federal levels.” .
Strong Snowpack Improves Water Outlook and Allocations California’s near record precipitation this winter has bolstered snowpack water content levels throughout the Sierra Nevada to 185% of the March 1 average, which bodes well for spring and summer run-off this year and initial water allocation estimates. The strong snowpack and precipitation are key factors that allowed the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to make initial allocation estimates Feb. 28 of 100% for municipal and industrial water services contractors in the American River Division, as well as Eastside Water Service contractors. Additionally, the Friant Division was allocated 100% of class 1 supplies, and also can expect up to the contract maximum of class 2 supplies, provided that current hydrologic and operations conditions
continue for Millerton Lake, federal officials. More allocation estimates are expected to be released in late March. On March 1, officials with the California Department of Water Resources released snowpack reading data taken both manually and electronically. The manual snow survey taken by DWR Snow covers a Sierra Nevada mountain peak near at Phillips Station in the the Phillips Station meadow where the California Sierra Nevada revealed Department of Water Resources conducted its third snow survey of the winter 2017 season on March 1. a snow water equivalent Photo credit: California Department of Water Resources (SWE) of 43.4 inches, up from February’s 28 inches Sierra Nevada indicate that statewide, and January’s 6 inches. The the snowpack holds 45.5 inches of SWE, March 1 average at Phillips is 24.3 inches. or 185% of the March 1 average (24.6 Electronic readings taken March 1 from inches). 98 stations scattered throughout the
FLOWS Continued from page 1
require water users to leave significantly more water in the San Joaquin River and its tributaries from Feb. 1 to June 30 each year for fish and wildlife beneficial uses and salinity control. ACWA submitted the statement to the State Water Board on March 16 along with a formal comment letter on the proposal, which is part of Phase 1 of the Bay-Delta Plan update. The statement also has been transmitted to the governor and others in the administration. The ACWA statement says the proposal could lead to widespread fallowing of agricultural lands and negatively affect water supply reliability for much of the state’s population. It also would undercut the state’s groundwater sustainability goals, cripple implementation of the Brown Administration’s California Water Action Plan, and affect access to surface water for some disadvantaged communities that do not have safe drinking water. These impacts are not in the public’s interest and are inconsistent with the administration’s water policy objectives.
“With this statement, ACWA’s agricultural and urban agencies are sending a clear message that an unimpaired flow approach cannot lead us to the future we want in California,” ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn said. “Any strategy that would result in vast amounts of agricultural land going out of production and ultimately reduce water supply reliability for the majority of Californians is irreconcilable with a policy of coequal goals and blatantly inconsistent with the water policy objectives of the Brown Administration.” ACWA’s statement notes that negotiated agreements have been successful at achieving ecological outcomes and widespread support for appropriate environmental flows. In addition, recent collaborative projects such as those in the Sacramento Valley that have included “functional” flows as well as nonflow solutions have shown promising ecological benefits while maintaining water supply reliability. “Utilizing the single variable proposed in the unimpaired flow approach will not
achieve the desired ecological outcomes and is, by far, the most destructive policy approach from the perspective of protecting and improving water supply,” Quinn said. “We firmly believe the ecological outcomes can be achieved with even better results through a comprehensive approach that considers multiple solutions and benefits.” To demonstrate broad support for the statement, ACWA is requesting that its member agencies formally endorse it by adopting resolutions of support. An outreach package was distributed to ACWA members with the ACWA statement, a sample resolution and message points for use in educating key audiences. Questions about the statement may be directed to ACWA Senior Regulatory Advocate Rebecca Franklin at rebeccaf@acwa.com. Questions about the member outreach and resolutions may be directed to Senior Regional Affairs Representative Brandon Ida at brandoni@acwa.com.
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ACWA’s 2017 Legislative Symposium on March 8 explored a range of issues from water finance legislation to long-term efficiency. Left: Various methods of water financing are explored during a panel consisting of: (l-r) Bill Dodd (D-Napa), Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), Kip Lipper with the Office of the Senate Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles), and Western Growers Association’s Gail Delihant. Center: (l-r) El Dorado Irrigation District’s Brian Poulsen moderates a panel examining the state’s proposed framework for long-term water conservation with Glenn-Colusa ID’s Thaddeus Bettner and Regional Water Authority’s John Woodling. Right: ACWA Director of State Relations Wendy Ridderbusch and Sen. Robert Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) discuss water issues during the luncheon program.
ACWA Legislative Symposium Tackles Water Finance, Efficiency California lawmakers shared center stage with local water managers in Sacramento March 8 at ACWA’s 2017 Legislative Symposium where water leaders delved into water issues ranging from finance to water use efficiency. Sen. Robert Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys), chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee, spoke during the luncheon program and talked about adopting a more “comprehensive way of thinking through water policy.” “This is life work for me,” Hertzberg said of his work in water policy. “I think about this stuff in a big picture, structured manner.” Hertzberg said he is working especially hard to make progress in three areas: recycling, stormwater capture and desalination. “Recycling to me is the cornerstone of the larger, big picture think,” he said. Hertzberg also provided background on his proposed constitutional amendment, SCA4, which seeks to amend Proposition 218 to provide flexibility for lifeline rates and demand-based pricing. The day-long symposium kicked off with a panel titled, “Making California Wet Again,” which explored the draft of Gov.
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Jerry Brown’s long-term conservation framework. Moderated by Brian Poulsen, senior deputy general counsel, El Dorado Irrigation District, the panel featured the agricultural perspective of Thaddeus Bettner, general manager of the GlennColusa Irrigation District, as well as the urban perspective of John Woodling, executive director of the Regional Water Authority.
ACWA Deputy Executive Director for Government Relations Cindy Tuck moderated a later panel on water finance legislation. Panelists were: Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa); Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella); Kip Lipper, chief policy advisor on energy and environment for Senate pro Tem Kevin de León; and Gail Delihant, of Western Growers Association.
Bettner and Woodling described the processes taking place with ACWA’s working groups on the long-term conservation framework. Woodling stressed how local control is the best approach to encouraging long-term conservation.
Dodd discussed efforts to bring reliable, clean water to disadvantaged communities.
“We don’t need state mandates to tell us not to use water that our customers have paid us to develop,” said Woodling. Woodling said there needs to be a “balanced approach” between conservation and new supply. Bettner stressed the critical role that the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act will play in terms of agricultural water management. “SGMA is going to be the driver of everything going forward,” he said, “much more than the ag water management plan.”
“We will only achieve reliability by moving forward on multiple fronts,” said Dodd. Garcia discussed his legislation AB 18 which seeks to place a park bond before voters. “Our focus of the park bond is disadvantaged communities,” said Garcia. “Much of my work is through the lens of disadvantaged communities.” Delihant discussed efforts to address nitrates in drinking water and spoke of the “precision agriculture” that is going on to maximize yield while reducing the movement of nitrates.
State Water Board Launches Human Right to Water Web Portal The State Water Resources Control Board launched a new Human Right to Water web portal last month intended to help the public access information about the state’s drinking water safety and affordability. The portal allows users to search drinking water standards compliance data for more than 3,000 community, schools and day care public water systems in California. It includes an interactive map that indicates 292 public water systems are currently out of compliance with federal standards for contaminants such as nitrate and arsenic. Systems that are out of compliance with a primary drinking water maximum contaminant level (MCL) are designated with a red star. Systems that have returned to compliance since 2012 following a past violation are designated with a light-blue star. Systems that are in
compliance and have not had a violation are indicated with a dark blue star. The information is based on compliance data used by the State Water Board. The information on the map will be updated every 30 days. ACWA recommends that its member agencies visit the portal at www. waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/ programs/hr2w/index.shtml and make sure the information associated with their systems is accurate. Any inaccuracies or issues should be reported via email to hr2w@waterboards.ca.gov. ACWA members also are advised to copy their local Division of Drinking Water district office and ACWA Senior Regulatory Advocate Rebecca Franklin on the email as well. Though the portal currently includes information about drinking water safety,
the State Water Board will add “layers” showing information on affordability in 2018 and on accessibility later in 2017. Members with questions may contact Franklin at rebeccaf@acwa.com.
ACWA Submits Comments on Replenishment Water Report ACWA on March 10 submitted formal comments and recommendations for improving the California Department of Water Resources’ draft “Water Available for Replenishment” (WAFR) report, which analyzes water supply and demand in ten separate regions of the state and concludes that with the exception of high precipitation years, available replenishment water will be limited in many regions. The WAFR report, required under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act of 2014, will be used by leaders of groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) as they craft groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs) that are due in 2020 for critically overdrafted basins and
two years later for remaining high- and medium-priority basins. In its March 10 comment letter, ACWA requests that DWR provide more detail on various aspects of the report to ensure that GSAs can appropriately use the information. Specifically, ACWA notes the need to more thoroughly discuss issues related to the “regulatory reallocation of surface water previously available for replenishment,” how reallocation of water during non-drought years has exacerbated drought impacts, and opportunities to make more water available. ACWA also has requested that the report clarify a number of items affecting
DWR’s “best estimate” of water available for replenishment. Specifically, ACWA notes the need to clarify that the Central Valley Project and State Water Project were designed to serve as “in-lieu” water supply to reduce dependence on groundwater, clearly identify that the report’s findings are based on very conservative assumptions and methodology, and provide a thorough analysis of how implementation of Gov. Jerry Brown’s California Water Action Plan could increase water available for replenishment in the future. ACWA’s comment letter is available on its website at www.acwa.com/content/ regulatory.
MARCH 17, 2017 • 11
CASE STUDY
Rio Alto Water District: A Small District Creatively Solves a Big Regulatory Challenge
The Problem Several years ago the Rio Alto Water District, a small water district serving the community of Lake California in Cottonwood, California, found itself faced with a big regulatory challenge. When its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit came up for renewal in 2010, Rio Alto WD discovered that under its current operating conditions it would not be able to meet strict new effluent limits for zinc and disinfection byproducts. After initial efforts to remove the pollutants from the district’s effluent prior to discharge proved unsuccessful, the district knew it would need an entirely new approach. Faced with a cease and desist order from the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board, the district immediately went to work to find the best long-term solution to come into compliance with the new regulations.
The Approach After reviewing eight alternatives, Rio Alto decided to move forward with its Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements & Constructed Wetlands project. The project made necessary improvements to its wastewater treatment plant and changed the way the district discharged effluent – from direct river discharge to land discharge. While the multi-million dollar project didn’t have the smallest overall price tag of the options considered, the Rio Alto Board of Directors considered it the best long-term solution for meeting the district’s regulatory requirements. “NPDES permits must be renewed every five years and the regulations for river discharge are increasing with each permit,” said Rio Alto General Manager Martha Slack. “By changing to land discharge, we now have a permit that is reviewed after 10 years and not subject to as many changing regulations. We view this alternative as a longer term and eventually less costly solution for our customers.” But despite having a clear course of action, securing funding for the multi-million project
presented its challenges. Although Rio Alto WD ultimately funded the project through a combination of low-interest loans from the State Revolving Fund, a rural development grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and a Proposition 84 grant from the California Department of Water Resources, initially the district was not qualified to receive any grants. It was not until 2014 — after the project was already well underway — that the district discovered that updated census data related to the district’s median household income would allow them to pursue grant funding after all. The district also faced strict requirements under Proposition 218, which required the $7 million project to be funded by the district’s 1,400 sewer customers. To address this challenge, Rio Alto decided to form a Community Facilities District to issue bonds for the project and pay down its debt by levying a special tax. But assessing the special tax required two-thirds voter approval – a daunting task of its own. Nevertheless, the district embarked on a targeted outreach campaign, holding special town hall meetings that in the end proved successful in demonstrating the value of the project and helping the district gain voter approval. With the voters’ go-ahead, project construction began in June 2014. As part of the improvements to its wastewater treatment plant, the district installed a second
Above: New sludge drying beds were among the many improvements made to Rio Alto WD’s Wastewater Treatment Plant during its project.
Opposite page
Left: Rio Alto WD’s new Return Activated Sludge (RAS) pumping station returns activated sludge back to the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s head works for further treatment. Top Right: Ducks enjoy a swim in one of the four ponds constructed as part of Rio Alto’s wetlands project. Photo credit Mary Mitchell Bottom Right: Located near the Sacramento River and within the Pacific Flyway, Rio Alto’s new wetlands facility provides habitat for birds and waterfowl. Photo credit Mary Mitchell
larger clarifier, new sludge drying beds, new return activated sludge (RAS) and effluent pumps, an all-new electrical system, an upgraded chlorine system, a generator large enough to run the treatment plant in the event of a power outage, and a two- mile pipeline. The district also purchased 78 acres of land to create a new wetlands facility. However, constructing the wetlands was seemingly easier said than done. Funding from a Proposition 84 grant came just in time as the district watched its environmental budget balloon from an estimated $60,000 to nearly $500,000 due to the discovery of culturally sensitive materials. The district also had to contend with a sit-in protest over the moving of an osprey nest, and two flooding events that caused significant erosion to the levees in the wetlands, requiring them to be reinforced with rock. Thankfully, the district was able to secure a USDA Rural Development grant to cover the unexpected levee expenses. Despite all of the challenges Rio Alto WD faced during this project, it has been well worth the effort, officials say. After nearly two years of work, in March 2016
the project was completed and the wetlands facility officially opened to the public in May 2016. In addition to housing treatment ponds that serve to filter effluent before it returns to the groundwater, the wetlands also provide habitat for birds and wildlife and walking trails and picnic areas for community residents. Since completing the wetlands, the district has held four tours of the wetlands and wastewater treatment plant, and plans to offer additional tours to local schools when the rainy season ends. According to Slack, residents also are making good use of the wetlands’ walking trails. “In fact, one resident claimed she should be the poster child for our project because by walking the wetlands every day she has lost 30 pounds,” said Slack.
DISTRICT FACTS Location Cottonwood, CA in Tehama County Service District The district provides water services to 1,284 homes and sewer services to 824 homes within the Lake California subdivision. Water Sources 100% groundwater Notable Projects Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements & Constructed Wetlands Website www.rawd.org
And it’s not just the local human residents that are enjoying the benefits of the wetlands. “You’ll be happy to know that the osprey have their own dedicated nest now within the wetlands facility and are successfully multiplying in great numbers,” she added.
“You’ll be happy to know that the osprey have their own dedicated nest now within the wetlands facility and are successfully multiplying in great numbers,” — Rio Alto General Manager Martha Slack
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Save Our Water Launches Refreshed Website, Kicks Off Water Agency Partner Collaboration In preparation for public education efforts this spring, Save Our Water has refreshed its website to encourage Californians to embrace wise-water use everyday. The new site, available in English and Spanish, features evergreen messaging and shifts away from drought and weather conditions. With new tips, inspiration, and tools, the new SOW website is designed to be a hub for Californians looking to embrace water conservation and efficiency as a habit for life, rain or shine. Keeping with SOW’s goal of advancing permanent behavior change, the site also features a stronger focus on landscaping content pages such as Landscaping 101, Rain Barrels 101, and Sprinklers 101. Californians seeking more in-depth information will also find links to numerous SOW partner sites. SOW also has greatly expanded its pages devoted to children’s content in a new “Kids Corner” section of the website. Kids Corner features specially produced conservation-focused videos, fact sheets,
and a unique online coloring book. A downloadable kit for teachers and schools is currently in development and will be featured on the SOW Toolkit page later this month for water agencies and other partners to use and tailor on a local basis. SOW also kicked off its early collaboration with water agency partners to ensure message consistency and to provide support for local outreach. The program hosted its first webinar of the year on Feb. 15 to identify water agency needs and plans, and to review opportunities to target messaging and coordinate paid media efforts. SOW also sent a survey to partners to gather more in-depth details on 2017 water agency education campaign and outreach plans. More than 60 agencies responded, with key findings showing many agencies are: • Planning outreach efforts with scaledback paid media efforts • Looking for more assistance with tools like social media posts and newsletters
• Centering messaging on water ethic and shifting from drought/emergency to wise water use & efficiency • Conducting informal surveys with customers • Seeking additional materials such as: images, art, handouts, and more infographics Another webinar will be scheduled later in March as SOW finalizes more details on public education efforts and research.
Documentary Takes a Critical Look at California Water Policy The National Geographic Channel aired a documentary March 14 on California water and the role of private interests in water management. The film, “Water and Power: A California Heist,” traces decades of policy decisions, including 1994 negotiations to amend State Water Project contracts, and contends that a small number of private landowners have reaped profits from a public resource. It also looks at the expansion of permanent crops such as almonds, increased groundwater pumping, and the effects of the recent severe drought including some communities whose wells went dry and had to cope without adequate drinking water. In ACWA’s view, the film badly mischaracterizes the 1994 negotiations and 14 • ACWANEWS
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draws many inaccurate conclusions. ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn is among those interviewed in the film. Quinn participated in the so-called Monterey amendments negotiated in 1994 as a representative of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. He agreed to be interviewed for the program to provide historical context about the negotiations in the film. In that interview, Quinn emphasized that the negotiators of the Monterey Amendments were all public servants working for public agencies (there were no wealthy landowners present); that the agreement was a key step toward sustainable water management in California; and that Kern County made significant concessions in
order to secure the right to develop the Kern Water Bank – the subject of sharp criticism in the film. None of these perspectives was included in the film. “Water and Power: A California Heist” was screened March 7 in Sacramento at the Crocker Art Museum. The screening was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Rita Schmidt Sudman, former executive director of the Water Education Foundation. In addition to the film’s director, Marina Zenovich, the panel included Quinn and others interviewed for the documentary. Prior to the Sacramento screening, the film debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in late January.
WATER NEWS DIGEST Invasive Mussel Veligers Detected in Santa Ana Pipeline Mussel veligers — microscopic, freefloating larvae — were detected in late February in water samples collected at the North Park valve of the Santa Ana Pipeline, which transports water from Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino County, to Lake Perris in Riverside County, state officials announced. Further testing is underway by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to confirm the findings and determine if the veligers are quagga mussels or zebra mussels. Quagga and zebra mussels are small, non-native freshwater mollusks that attach onto hard substrates and can cause damage to water delivery systems. Extensive sampling has occurred upstream and downstream of the North Park valve and no mussels have been detected. Currently, there is no evidence of mussels in Silverwood Lake or Lake Perris. DWR has notified California State Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, and State Water Project water contractors affected by this potential detection. A multi-agency response team is collecting additional samples to verify these preliminary results.
Application Period Opens for Water Storage Funding The California Water Commission announced that starting March 14,
proponents of new water storage projects in California may submit applications for funding of public benefits under Proposition 1, the $7.5 billion water bond approved by California voters in 2014. Proposition 1 includes $2.7 billion for public benefits related to new water storage projects. The application period opened following approval by the California Office of Administrative Law of the regulations governing the Water Storage Investment Program (WSIP). The application period for the WSIP will be open from March 14 to Aug. 14. To assist applicants, the commission has scheduled an application assistance workshop on March 30 at 9:30 a.m., in the Klamath hearing room on the second floor of the California Environmental Protection Agency located at 1001 I Street, Sacramento. The commission will schedule additional workshops, targeting specific application elements, to further assist applicants. Information is available at cwc.ca.gov/Documents/2017/WSIP/ PressRelease_030817.pdf.
Water Diverters Must Meet April 1 Deadline The State Water Resource Control Board’s Division of Water Rights is reminding water diverters that they must file annual use reports for the 2016 calendar year
by April 1 under the new measurement regulation that requires diversions greater than 10 acre-feet per annum be measured using equipment which meets specified accuracy requirements. The measurement requirement is being phased in, with larger diverters required to measure first. To determine when to start measuring diversions view the chart at www. waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/ water_issues/programs/diversion_use/ water_use.shtml.
Comment Period Open on 1,2,3-TCP MCL The State Water Resource Control Board’s written public comment period for the proposed 1,2,3-TCP MCL regulations opened March 4 and will end April 21 at 5 p.m. The State Water Board will hold a public hearing during which public comments may be made verbally or submitted in writing. The hearing starts at 9 a.m. on April 19 at the Joe Serna Jr. - CalEPA Headquarters Building, Coastal Hearing Room, 1001 I Street, Second Floor, Sacramento. The notice of proposed rulemaking is online at www.waterboards.ca.gov/ drinking_water/certlic/drinkingwater/ documents/123-tcp/sbddw17_001/ notice%20pr.pdf.
ACWA to Sponsor SCA 4 on Increased Rate-Making Flexibility In a follow-up to its work in 2015 and 2016, ACWA is sponsoring SCA 4 by Sen. Robert Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) to provide increased flexibility for local agencies to pursue voluntary demandbased water rates and authorize voluntary lifeline rates to assist low-income customers.
Hertzberg has introduced a placeholder version of the measure that focuses on those topics. ACWA is coordinating with a working group of its State Legislative Committee on the legislation. Since the measure proposes to amend the state Constitution, its passage will require a two-thirds vote on the floor of the
Assembly and Senate. Hertzberg has a separate bill, SB 231, that deals with fees and charges for storm water projects. ACWA has a watch position on that bill.
MARCH 17, 2017 • 15
MEMBER NEWS
Yuba County Water Agency Aids Cleanup Project on Yuba River With the help of a $70,000 grant from the Yuba County Water Agency, more than 1.3 million pounds of trash and sewage has been removed from the banks of the Yuba River following a six-month project led by Yuba County and the City of Marysville to clean up a well-known homeless camp and relocate its residents for safety purposes. Without the closure of the “Hollywood” homeless camp and the subsequent cleanup effort, widespread garbage and human waste would have been swept into local waterways this winter following January storms, according to the district. The cleanup cost a total of $120,000 and was completed on Nov. 1, 2016. Prior to the cleanup, Hollywood camp residents were provided ample notice to vacate the area and offered assistance with housing, health and employment services. Additionally, a 20-unit transitional shelter complex was
created to provide a safe place for Hollywood residents to relocate and receive substance abuse counseling, employment training and assistance in finding permanent housing. On top the district’s grant to aid the county and city cleanup effort, Prior to the cleanup project, the Hollywood homeless camp YCWA employees on the banks of the Yuba River was strewn with more than also voluntarily one million pounds of trash. contributed an additional $3,800 to keep our rivers and streams as clean as to cover the cost of one of the two-bed possible,” said YCWA General Manager transitional shelter units created to help Curt Aikens. “This collaboration those being displaced. benefitted the environment as well as protected those living in the Hollywood “YCWA is committed to work with our camp from high flood waters.” . partners to help fund efforts like this one
Groundwater Replenishment System Meets Storm Challenges Despite experiencing extremely high flows during January’s monster storms, the recently expanded Groundwater Replenishment System in Orange County successfully prevented the use an emergency ocean outfall which would have resulted in beach closures, according to officials with the Orange County Water District. The GWRS is a joint partnership between the OCWD and the Orange County Sanitation District. It has been online since January 2008 and was expanded in 2015 to increase its flow capacity from 70 million gallons per day to 100 mgd.
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According to the district, the GWRS was designed to not only replenish and protect the Orange County Groundwater Basin, but also provide winter peak flow relief to the OCSD. The GWRS lived up to its goal during a significant storm event Jan. 22-23. During that storm, two of OCSD’s wastewater treatment plants, which provide treated wastewater to the GWRS, experienced peak flows of up to 586 million gallons per day. This led to concerns that the discharge capacity of the GWRS’s five-mile outfall could be exceeded, requiring the use of the system’s one-mile emergency
ocean outfall. However, through close coordination with OCSD staff, OCWD was able to continue to operate the GWRS at its normal flow rate of 100 million gallons per day, preventing the undesirable outcome. OCWD Board President Denis Bilodeau commended the hard work of OCSD staff and said the “outstanding GWRS design, the 2015 GWRs expansion and its ongoing management by devoted OCWD employees who keep it running optimally” also were responsible for the positive outcome.
PEOPLE NEWS
Western Municipal Employee’s Work Assignment Inspires Lifestyle Change The Inland Empire Division of the American Heart Association has awarded its 2017 Lifestyle Change Award to Western Municipal Water District Human Resources Specialist Pam Davis for kicking a 40-year smoking habit after managing the district’s wellness program, the district announced March 7. Davis was inspired to quit smoking “cold turkey” after she was tapped to manage WMWD’s wellness program, which promotes healthy lifestyle choices for employees. The program emphasizes the importance of social, emotional, spiritual, environmental, occupational,
intellectual and physical wellness. Offerings under the program include Lunch ‘n’ Learns, onsite yoga and an annual Wellness Expo. “I could not champion for wellness with my co-workers and then sneak outside to smoke,” said Davis in a district statement. “Quitting was something that I had thought about for years, but I always lacked the motivation. My work assignment to run the wellness program was just the motivation I needed.” This month marks the third anniversary that Davis has been smoke-free.
Western Municipal Water District’s Pam Davis (left) is presented with the Inland Empire Division of the American Heart Association’s 2017 Lifestyle Change Award.
Friant Water Authority Welcomes New Board Officers, Members In January, the Friant Water Authority welcomed Kent Stephens, Chris Tantau and Georgeanne White as its board chairman, vice chairman and secretary/treasurer, respectively. Stephens, Tantau and White will serve in these positions through the end of 2018. The Madera Irrigation District and Hills Valley Irrigation District also rejoined the authority. Both agencies were previously members of FWA.
According to the authority, with MID and HVID rejoining, FWA now represents the largest portion of the Friant Division of any organization – both in terms of acreage and Central Valley Project contract water supplies. MID includes 271,000 acre-feet and HVID has 1250 acre-feet of contract supply, according to the district.
better integrate Friant Division farmers in oversight and decision-making,” said Stephens in a statement. “I’m honored by the confidence my fellow Board members and the Friant community have placed in me, and I’m excited about our plans for 2017 to build upon the successes of last year.” .
“Last year, Friant Water Authority changed how we operated and worked to
EMPLOYMENT Public Affairs Director Palmdale Water District
The Palmdale Water District is seeking an experienced leader to assume responsibility for all public affairs of the District. The Public Affairs Director is a key member of the management team who participates fully in establishing and accomplishing agency-wide objectives and goals. The role requires significant experience working in a government agency with elected officials as well as an ability to grasp technical and policy issues. Since 1918 the Palmdale Water District has provided high quality water at a reasonable cost.
We are a Special District which prides itself on exceptional customer service and a commitment to our community. This position reports directly to the General Manager and works closely with our Board of Directors. To qualify an applicant must have a minimum of five years experience in public and media relations, communications and crisis management. We are looking for an applicant with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university with a major in business administration, public relations, public administration or a related field.
The salary range is $9070 – $11025 a month. The benefit Package includes: • Medical, dental, vision • CalPERS • Education Reimbursement • Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, Administrative Leave and Holidays For additional information on this position, please visit the District’s website, www.palmdalewater.org, and click on about/employment. The final date for filing an application is April 2, 2017.
MARCH 17, 2017 • 17
PEOPLE NEWS
Harlan Burchardi
Jennifer Pierre
Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District Recognizes Trustee Burchardi The Santa Ynez River Water Conservation District, Improvement District No.1, this month proudly recognized Trustee Harlan J. Burchardi for the “remarkable milestone” of 47 years of continuous service to the district and Division 1 customers, district officials said in a written statement.
Burchardi was appointed as a trustee in November 1969 and subsequently was elected to serve 47 consecutive years. During his tenure, which represents more than half his life, he held the positions of vice president and most recently that of president for 17 sequential years. Now 84 years old and currently serving his 12th term, district officials stated that Trustee Burchardi “epitomizes the true meaning of a community servant with selfless dedication.” .
State Water Contractors Name Jennifer Pierre General Manager Jennifer Pierre took over as the new general manager of the State Water Contractors on March 6, replacing Terry Erlewine who is retiring after 22 years as SWC’s general manager.
namic organization into the future,” said Pierre. “Working with our partners throughout the state, we’ll continue to find solutions to our water resource management issues that result in a reliable and sustainable future for California’s water supplies.”
Pierre comes to SWC from ICF International where she specialized in environmental and endangered species compliance for water-related projects such as water supply, infrastructure, levee improvements, and restoration. In her role at ICF, Pierre led critical elements of California WaterFix and the Bay Delta Conservation Plan. She also has an in-depth understanding of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, a key focus for SWC’s member agencies. “This is both an exciting and a critical time for the State Water Project and the State Water Contractors and I’m excited to lead this dy-
Zinke Sworn in as Interior Secretary U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke of Montana was sworn in March 1 as the new secretary of the U.S. Department of Interior hours after the Senate voted 68-31 to confirm his appointment. Zinke is the first Montanan to serve as a cabinet secretary and also the first U.S. Navy SEAL in the cabinet, according to a Department of Interior release. Ryan Zinke
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“I shall faithfully uphold Teddy Roosevelt’s belief that our treasured public lands are ‘for the benefit and enjoyment of the people’ and will work tirelessly to ensure our public lands are managed and preserved in a way that benefits all Americans for generations to come. This Vol. 45 No. 03
Erlewine’s last day at SWC will be April 4. “Twenty-six million Californians, businesses and farms depend on the State Water Project,” said Douglas Headrick, SWC Board President. “It’s a big job, and we’re pleased to have Jennifer at the helm.” “We extend our deepest gratitude to Terry for his great contributions and leadership in the water community and within this organization,” Headrick added. “His years of service have been instrumental, and the benefits will be longlasting.” .
means responsible natural resource development, increased access for recreation and sportsmen, and conservation that makes the land more valuable for our children’s children. Importantly, our sovereign Indian Nations and territories must have the respect and freedom they deserve,” said Zinke in a press release. Zinke has led efforts to renew the Land and Water Conservation Fund in Congress, has been an advocate for sportsmen and women to gain access to public lands and co-authored the 2015 Resilient Federal Forest Act, which initiated new reforms for revitalizing timber areas and preventing wildfires by emphasizing local collaboration on responsible timber harvest projects.
PEOPLE NEWS David Stoldt Named Public Official of the Year by Monterey Peninsula Chamber The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District on March 9 announced that its general manager, David J. Stoldt, was named the Ruth Vreeland Memorial Public Official of the Year by the Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce for his work on water issues. David Stoldt
“I am extremely honored to have been selected for this prestigious award,” said Stoldt. “No public official can be successful without an amazing staff and an informed, supportive board. I have both and am thankful.”
on the region’s water supply issues. The issues he was recognized for include: his leadership on SB 936, the public financing bill that is estimated to save Peninsula ratepayers up to $66 million on the Cal Am desalination plant; his leadership on water supply projects including the expansion of the successful Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project; and bringing to fruition the Pure Water Monterey Advanced Water Purification Project that will break ground in a few months. “The Monterey Peninsula is extremely fortunate to have someone of Dave’s expertise and caliber working to solve our water supply issues,” stated Jeanne Byrne, chairman of the MPWMD Board of Directors.
Stoldt was honored for his comprehensive work
Three New Directors Join Metropolitan WD of Southern California Board The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California welcomed three new members to its board of directors of on Feb. 14. Bell Gardens City Councilmember Pedro Aceituno and real estate broker Phillip D. Hawkins will serve Pedro Aceituno as the Central Basin Municipal Water District’s representatives on Metropolitan’s 38-member board, joining Councilmember Zareh Pillip Hawkins Sinanyan as the City of Glendale’s representative. Aceituno replaces Leticia VásquezWilson, who had served on the Metropolitan board since February 2015 and
previously from February 2013 to July 2014. Hawkins returns to Metropolitan’s board where he served from July 2014 to February 2015 and from June 2003 to August 2009. He succeeds Robert Apodaca, who represented Central Basin since February 2013 as well as from June 2003 to August 2009. Sinanyan follows Laura Friedman, who had represented the city since February 2009. First elected to the Bell Garden City Council in 1999, Aceituno is the city’s longest-serving elected official. He was elected to the Central Basin board last November. A life-long Bell Gardens resident, Aceituno is the city’s representative to the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County, Southeast Area Animal Control Authority, Southern California Association of Governments, Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, Eco-Rapid Transit and the Gateway Cities Council of Governments.
Re-elected to his fifth term on Central Basin’s board last November, Hawkins currently serves as board president. A real estate broker since 1977, Hawkins, a Cerritos resident, was elected to the California Assembly in 1994, representing the 56th Assembly District until 1996. An attorney with his own Glendale law practice, Sinanyan was elected to the Glendale Zareh Sinanyan City Council in April 2013 and served as mayor from April 2014 to April 2015. The founding chair of the Glendale Economic Development Corp., he currently serves as Glendale Housing Authority chair, secretary of the Burbank/Glendale/Pasadena Airport Authority, and vice chair of the EcoRapid Transit Authority.
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MOST CLICKED
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ACWA to Work with Sen. Hertzberg on SCA 4 — 03/08/2017 ACWA Legislative Symposium Tackles Water Finance and Efficiency — 03/08/2017
UPCOMING EVENTS
CDFA Board Examines Issue of Safe Drinking Water in Disadvantaged Communities — 03/08/2017 State Water Board Adopts Comprehensive Climate Change Response — 03/07/2017
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MARCH 2017 30 ACWA Energy Storage Summit in partnership with CESA is set for March 30 at ACWA’s office in Sacramento. Online registration deadline is March 22. For registration and more information go to www.acwa.com/events/acwa-energy-storage-summitpartnership-cesa.
Court Rules E-Communications of Public Officials on Private Accounts Subject to PRA — 03/03/2017
TWITTER CHATTER ACWA@ACWAWater • March 8 • As State Drowns In Winter Storms, California Water Use Is Lowest Since 2014 G. Patrick O’Dowd@ GPODowd • March 2 • “Water drives the economy in the West” Scott Cameron, Special Asst to Secty, Office of Water & Science, Dept of Interior at #ACWA DC2017 Vicki Gonzalez@KCRA Vicki • March 1 • March 1 manual snow survey at Phillips, El Dorado Co location 179% long term average. Not record but “still phenomenal snowpack” Sen Dianne Feinstein • March 1 • Great to receive the Legislative Leadership Award from the Assoc. of CA Water Agencies. Thanks @ ACWAwater for the help w/ passing our bill!
APRIL 2017 6 – 7 The annual California Water Policy Conference will be held at at the Courtyard by Marriott, Liberty Station, San Diego. More details are available at www.cawaterpolicy.org.
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MAY 2017 9 - 12
Building Capacity for Regional Sustainability in California: A Water Summit cosponsored by the Water Education Foundation and the California Department of Water Resources. For more information and registration go to www.watereducation.org/ WaterSummit2017.
ACWA 2017 Spring Conference will be held at the Monterey Marriott and Portola Hotel & Spa in Monterey. Online registration deadline is April 14. For registration and more information go to www.acwa.com/events/acwa-2017-spring-conferenceexhibition.