Chino Basin Watermaster - November 2023 Update

NOVEMBER 2023 UPDATE

Chino Basin

Watermaster NOVEMBER 2023 UPDATE

NOVEMBER

2023

FEATURED ARTICLE: ENHANCING WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Welcome to the November 2023 Update!

Greetings and welcome to the second issue of the Chino Basin Watermaster update for November.

We extend our appreciation for the tremendous response and active engagement received following the release of our October issue. We are delighted to share the statistics, a clear testament to the genuine interest and engagement from our readers, reflecting the resonance and need of the publication.

2

active participation “ Your is fundamental to the realization of our shared goals...

More than 200 individuals, comprising a diverse range of stakeholders, enthusiasts, and experts, have taken the time to immerse themselves in the content of our previous update.

This readership is further underscored by the fact that 10 of you found the material so valuable that you opted to download it as a PDF, ensuring easy access for future reference. On average our readers are spending no more than 15 minutes reading the update.

Long Term Studies, Analyses, and Planning • Safe Yield Recalculation • Simulate the Effects of a ‘Run on Storage’ • Develop Water Quality Management Program • Storage Management Plan Review • Study How the Groundwater Basin Can Be Used to Firm Up the Reliability of Local Supplies • Develop Storage & Recovery Master Plan

This encouraging response validates our commitment to delivering a comprehensive yet accessible snapshot of the vital work being undertaken within the Chino Basin. Our aim has been to provide an informative and engaging platform that not only sheds light on our ongoing initiatives but also fosters a deeper understanding of the critical issues surrounding water management and sustainability and how you can get involved.

Thank you all for your continued support, enthusiasm, and valuable feedback, which serve as the driving force behind our efforts. Your active participation is fundamental to the realization of our shared goals and the cultivation of a resilient, collaborative community. We eagerly look forward to the endless possibilities that await us, inspired by your unwavering dedication and passion for the preservation and effective management of the Chino Basin’s precious water resources. The November update will cover the latest strides of the Water Quality Committee as they re-invigorate and continue their efforts, as well as provide a comprehensive update on the progress of the Safe Yield Reevaluation, keeping you informed and engaged in our collective mission.

3

Featured Article

Enhancing Water Quality Management: A Retrospective and Future Roadmap The primary objective of this long-awaited gathering was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical water quality initiatives

Veva Weamer Project Manager for WQC

The Water Quality Committee (WQC) saw a resurgence with its recent meeting on October 18th, 2023, after a hiatus since 2010. The primary objective of this long-awaited gathering was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical water quality initiatives conducted under the 2000 Optimum Basin Management Program (OBMP). Additionally, the meeting aimed to introduce the prospect of developing a Water Quality Management Program (WQMP) as envisioned in the 2020 OBMP Update.

The committee’s renewed focus reflects the imperative need to address contaminants of emerging regulations and adapt to dynamic regulatory landscapes.

Past Triumphs and Insights During its prior active years from 2003 to 2010, the WQC made significant strides in tackling critical water quality challenges within the Chino Basin.

Notably, the committee spearheaded multiple pivotal actions, the effects of which continue to reverberate today: 1.

Groundwater Characterization: The WQC conducted an DWR grantfunded study, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of groundwater contamination within management zone 3 (MZ-3).

This involved the construction of two multi-nested monitoring wells, which are an asset in Watermaster’s ongoing monitoring efforts.

2. Perchlorate Contamination 4

Mitigation: Extensive investigations

remediation strategies. Recently,

are conducted to identify

the PRPs for the Chino Airport

the sources of perchlorate

and South Archibald plumes have

contamination in the Chino Basin.

each initiated remedial strategies

The shared insights with the Santa

that use the Chino Basin Desalters,

Ana Water Board play a critical role

expanding the use of this regional

to attributing responsibility and

water quality treatment program for

initiating remedial actions.

multiple benefits and cost sharing for involved parties

3. TCE Plume Source Identification: Diligent tracking of investigations

Building on the Past: The Way

and actions led to the definitive

Forward

identification of the Primary Responsible Parties (PRPs) for both the South Archibald and Chino Airport TCE plumes. The committee’s collaborative efforts with regulatory bodies facilitated the delineation of contamination extents, sources of contamination

The recent meeting not only commemorated the achievements of the past but also laid the groundwork for a path forward. Recognizing the significance of continued collaborative efforts, the committee outlined action for the near future:

and the formulation of effective

The committee’s renewed focus reflects the imperative need to address contaminants of emerging regulations and adapt to dynamic regulatory landscapes.

EMERGING CONTAMINANTS MONITORING PLAN - SURVEY 12 PARTICIPANTS QUESTION HIGHLIGHT:

What contaminants come to mind when you hear “emerging contaminants of concern”?

50% of respondents answered PFAS for this question.

Dioxane/Manganese Arsenic Cr6 VI Perchlorate

Iodidic Acids PFOA/PFOS Nitrates

PFAS

new DBPs UCMR5

PCE

Dioxane TCE

Lithium

Hexavalent Chromium 5

The WQMP seeks to promote strategic planning, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative endeavors.

•

Upcoming Agenda: The next WQC

Emphasizing the interconnected

meeting, scheduled for late January

nature of water quality with broader

2024, will focus on reviewing and

Watermaster management strategies,

discussing the draft Emerging

the WQMP seeks to promote strategic

Contaminants Monitoring Plan.

planning, data-driven decision-

Moreover, the participants will refine

making, and collaborative endeavors.

the initial goals and objectives,

As the WQC prepares for its future

crucial in shaping the scope of the

meetings and initiatives, it is evident

WQC’s activities over the next two

that a coordinated approach to water

years.

quality management will be critical in

Embracing the Water Quality Management Program Underlying the WQC’s renewed effort is the imperative recognition that water quality management is a dynamic and interconnected facet with all other basin management activities. The envisioned Water Quality Management Program is poised to serve as an adaptive framework catering to various essential functions, including data dissemination, regulatory compliance assessment, funding identification, and the facilitation of collaborative projects.

6

ensuring the sustainability and viability of the Chino Basin’s water resources for generations to come.

Scenario Design Commences for the 2025 Safe Yield Reevaluation Watermaster gathers stakeholder feedback for the 2025 Safe Yield Reevaluation amid fall progress Garrett Rapp, PE Project Manager for 2025 SYR

The 2025 Safe Yield Reevaluation

Watermaster’s next steps for the 2025

(2025 SYR), which was featured in the

SYR as we enter the winter months are

October 2023 newsletter, continues

to complete the update and calibration

apace into the fall. Watermaster

of the groundwater model and to

hosted a stakeholder workshop on

continue developing future scenarios

October 24, 2023 to gather feedback

incorporating feedback from the

on the drivers of water supplies and

stakeholders. The future schedule for

demands to inform its development

meetings related to the 2025 SYR can

of future scenarios for the 2025 SYR.

be found here. Stay tuned for future

The workshop included engaging

updates on this work.

discussions on the expected plans of water supplies, demands, and the expected responses of these supplies and demands to drivers including climate, regulations, and economic growth. The presentation and technical memorandum accompanying the workshop are on Watermaster’s website.

7

Meeting and Workshop Schedule 2025 Safe Yield Reevaluation Pursuant to the April 28, 2017 Safe Yield Court Order

Audience:

Technical Peer Review Committee

COMPLETED

Aug. 30, 2023 9:00am

General Stakeholders

COMPLETED Hydrogeologic Conceptual Model

Review the structure of the 2020 CVM, discuss the updates made to the HCM based on information gathered since 2020 SYR, and gather feedback on changes.

• 2022 Safe Yield Reset Methodology TM • Agenda

Oct. 24, 2023 9:00am

Scenario Design #1

Discuss the process to develop an ensemble of projection scenarios, gather input from the Parties on drivers of and uncertainties in future water demands and supply plans.

Includes discussion of potential extreme scenarios for effort to evaluate of future extremes.

February 2024

Scenario Design #2

Review draft TM describing proposed water demand and supply plan scenarios, discuss recommendations on climate scenarios to use in model ensemble, and gather feedback.

• Scenario Design TM #1 • Presentation

March 2024

Calibration #1

Present initial results on model calibration and recommended subset of calibration realizations. Gather feedback on recommendations.

February 2025

Scenario Results

Review the initial results of the model ensemble, discuss initial interpretations of the results, and gather feedback.

May 2024

Scenario Design #3

Review updated draft TM from scenario design workshop #2, discuss MPI/undesirable result thresholds for interpreting future model results.

April 2025

May 2024

Calibration #2

Summarize calibration workshop #1 and feedback gathered since then. Present updates and draft TM that will be published between calibration workshops #1 and #2.

Draft 2025 SYR Report

Review the draft 2025 SYR Report and gather feedback.

Dates of future meetings subject to change.

8

What’s Next in November...

“Tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.”

— African Proverb

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

NOVEMBER 15 Kicking off the Storage and Recovery Master Plan (SRMP) Committee.

The SRMP Committee is kicking off to initiate the development of the SRMP. The objective of this meeting is to convene the SRMP Committee, define the objectives of the SRMP, and refine the scope of work. The meeting will

Storage & Recovery Planning for Future Storage and Recovery Programs.

be held at 1pm at the Watermaster’s office: 9641 San Bernardino Road, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730. All interested stakeholders are welcome!

The Optimum Basin Management Program is intended to provide a roadmap for adaptive management of the Chino Basin, including encouraging the development of Storage and Recovery Programs. The Storage and Recovery Master Planning process is meant to help develop, implement, and optimize Storage and Recovery Programs to increase water-supply reliability, protect or enhance the Safe Yield, and improve water quality in the Chino Basin.

The SRMP will make it easier for local or outside agencies to develop and implement these programs and for Watermaster to review and approve these Programs for the benefit of all parties in the Chino Basin. A technical memorandum explaining the SRMP development process in more detail can be found here.

9

10