Western Outlook We st ern M unici pa l Wa t er Di s t r i c t
Annual Report Fiscal Year 2011 / 12
Our Vision To enhance Western Municipal Water District’s leadership role by integrating the best in business processes and business systems while developing a leading-edge workforce that continuously creates greater efficiency and value for our customers.
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o longer is it enough to focus on specific water challenges affecting our District, but rather we're developing a more holistic approach of managing water, including looking for additional sources of local supply to reduce our reliance on costly imported water that, at times, is uncertain. Western’s banner year of regional projects and partnerships was typified by the expansion of the Chino Desalters, a $130 million Inland Empire collaboration that was galvanized by a historic $51 million grant from the California Department of Public Health. The expansion of the Western Water Recycling Facility was complete in 2011, and local recycled water started to flow to our customers. Both of these projects increase our water supply reliability and also signify Western’s commitment to environmental stewardship. It’s about using the right source for the right use.
During this time, we also continued our commitment to responsibly managing ratepayer money through setting forth a new water budget rate structure for our customers, rewarding those who use water efficiently with lower rates and penalizing those who waste. We're one of a handful of pioneering agencies to use water budget rates and boast an average of 83 percent of residential customers staying within budget each month. Building on our commitment to the environment, notable Western accomplishments included receiving LEED Silver Certification for Commercial Interiors at both our El Sobrante Operations Facility and Meridian Office. We also invested in technology to increase efficiencies while expanding our community and government engagement programs. Educational outreach also got high marks in fiscal year 2011-12, with focused energy on engaging students to promote and educate on the new 21st century water ethic. Quite possibly the most important accomplishment for our customers is Western’s steadfastness to ensure that their rates stay as low as possible when it comes to rate increases passed on from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Western’s Board Member Tom Evans, who represents the District on the Metropolitan board, successfully worked to ensure that our ratepayers received the lowest increase possible on water rates. In the legislative arena, Western successfully partnered with other local agencies to secure more than $70 million in local and federal grants, including the $51 million Chino Desalter grant noted above. We also continually monitor the progress of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay-Delta. The Bay Delta Conservation Plan continues to emerge and represents a historic effort led by state and federal agencies to craft a 50-year plan of conveyance and ecosystem improvements in the Delta estuary. To our internal processes, Western has committed significant resources to our own human capital as well as reducing our pension and employee insurance costs. The District addressed the long-term fiscal health of our retirement plans, achieving cost-savings for the retirement program for future employees. We also enacted cost-controls on health benefits offered to employees that make budgeting more predictable and health plan costs fairly shared between employees and the District. We invested in our employee workforce with training opportunities and succession planning all the while adopting a two-year budget for fiscal years 2012-13 and 2013-14. Western’s strategic and collaborative investments and improvements to our water supply system, which are described in detail within this Western Outlook, will ensure that we will provide reliable water for our customers. Together, working hand-in-hand at local, state and federal levels, we can successfully secure water for years to come, which will serve as a foundation for our growing region. Respectfully,
John V. Rossi General Manager
Western Water Recycling Facility Phase 2 Expansion Dedication The expansion, completed in 2011, has the capacity to treat 3 million gallons per day of wastewater at a tertiary level.
Supply "One of Western’s most significant capital improvement projects to date is the expansion of the Western Water Recycling Facility."
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On the Supply Side Western continues to plan for ways to increase our water source reliability. From recycled water to groundwater to stormwater capture and storage, these important programs are specially tailored for the region’s arid climate. Reducing reliance on the costly imported and uncertain water of the Bay-Delta and Colorado River by increasing the use of local water benefits the entire region.
million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater at a tertiary level. Treated water from the facility is provided to the Riverside National Cemetery and General Archie Old Golf Course as well as parks, schools, groves and nurseries, representing a set of customers who were converted from a nonpotable water system to a recycled water infrastructure that provides a more reliable product.
Desalination Projects Continue Western continues to be at the forefront of bringing local, secure water supplies to customers through innovative means and collaborative partnerships, including the desalting of brackish groundwater.
Western Water Recycling Facility
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Expanding Recycled Water Using the right source for the right use is what recycled water is all about. Water recycling extends our water supply, reduces wastewater disposal costs and lessens the impact during drier times with a local product. One of Western’s most significant capital improvement projects to date is the expansion of the Western Water Recycling Facility. The expansion, completed in 2011, has increased the capacity to treat up to 3
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A regional partnership, the Chino Desalters Expansion, will provide enough drinking water for more than 1.5 million people in the Inland Empire. Key partners in the Chino Desalter Expansion are the Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA), Jurupa Community Services District and the city of Ontario. Other collaborative agencies and beneficiaries are the cities of Norco, Chino and Chino Hills as well as the Santa Ana River Water Company. To date, Western, in partnership with the IEUA, has secured more than $70 million in state and federal grants, including a $51 million grant from the California Department of Public Health. The $130 million project is expected to be complete in 2015.
Chino Desalters Much like the Chino Desalters, the District’s Arlington Desalter enhances the region’s water supply reliability through technology and by providing locally produced, high-quality drinking water to people in the city of Norco. When the facility is fully expanded, it will be able to supply 3.7 million gallons per day (MGD) of new water for the region, reducing the dependence on far-off imported water from Northern California and the Colorado River.
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Pursuing Collaboration It takes forward-thinking, progressive planning and detailed coordination to move large-scale water projects from concept to completion. Partners are a critical component for successful water ventures. Now, more than ever, going at it alone is simply not an option. From regional water agencies to legislative stakeholders, strategic partnerships ensure continued progress. Western keenly understands that building consensus with other agencies and stakeholders equals success as part of the overall strategic plan.
Riverside County Water Task Force Involvement Western’s dedicated involvement in the Riverside County Water Task Force, a consortium of agencies that are aligned to ensure reliability, sustainability and quality of the water resources within Riverside County, is done not by chance, but design. Providing direct and important input into the discussions that impact water resource planning and public engagement is something Western works at not only at our own agency, but also by partnering with other agencies and groups for this common goal. The Task Force, which was revived in the spring of 2012 after a 12-month hiatus, has focused attention on these main areas: Recycled water studies, the monitoring and supporting of research efforts regarding the appropriate use of recycled water on citrus, avocados and other agricultural commodities; the Bay-Delta, reviewing and organizing regional support for implementation of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan; and constructing Delta conveyance facilities that cost effectively improve water supply reliability in the Riverside County region.
Metropolitan Water District Partner Western, as one of 26 Metropolitan Water District member agencies, works consistently to provide leadership and direction at Metropolitan to be
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certain our constituents’ interests are heard. In the spring of 2012, Western’s representative on the Metropolitan Board of Directors, Tom Evans, championed efforts to reduce the proposed water commodity rate increase, dropping it from a proposed 7.5 percent to 5 percent. Evans’ efforts succeeded as the rate was reduced and approved by the full Metropolitan board. In addition to Evans’ work as Western’s representative, Western staff works closely with Metropolitan on water resources, efficiency, legislative and outreach efforts.
Value of Water Campaign Educates Educating Western customers and western Riverside County residents on the value of safe, reliable tap water was the goal of the 2012 regional water campaign, California Tap Water: The Best Deal Around. The campaign was an effective partnership between Western, Eastern Municipal Water District, Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District, Rancho California Water District and Corona Department of Water & Power. The campaign began in late spring and ran through the summer and featured print and online ads, bill inserts, radio, billboards, community and social media outreach. The
magnitude of the outreach, approximately two million impressions, demonstrated the vital importance of tap water and the significant value customers realize in having uninterrupted, quality service delivered to their homes and businesses every day. The collaboration between the five water agencies enabled the integration of cohesive messaging to regional residents and pooled funds together to reach more customers. Western GM John Rossi explained, “The average cost for high-quality drinking water from Western and all of the other participating agencies is less than a penny per gallon, which is a remarkable value when you consider the vast and complex infrastructure that’s needed to get water from the source to our homes.” The campaign was developed by the Association of California Water Agencies.
SAWPA Collaboratives Western's one of the five member agencies of the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA), a regional water resources planning and project implementation organization. As a water rights steward for the Santa Ana River Watershed, Western works annually to protect this important resource by carefully monitoring the quantities of water taken by all regional agencies with rights to this critical resource. Western’s general manager also serves as a court-appointed guardian or “watermaster” as required by two 1969 court rulings or adjudications. These judgments determined the rights of the watershed users and other watershed entities; the court designated four public agencies – including Western – to represent the interests of the upper and lower areas of the Santa Ana River and gave the agencies responsibility to oversee the watershed and fulfill court-ordered obligations. Western seeks out collaborative efforts to continue the success attained in the Santa Ana River Watershed.
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Western interacts with the community on an ongoing basis to build strong relationships.
Partnership "Partners are a critical component for successful water ventures."
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Western’s Board President Tom Evans (pictured) along with GM John Rossi and fellow Director Charles Field, presented to the Riverside City Council regarding the effective collaboration for water wheeling, efficiency and projects to benefit customers and residents.
Collaboration JCSD
Western and the Corona DW&P’s Arlington Desalter Interconnection partnership successfully moves water through the region, enhancing water reliability to customers and will be completed in 2013. and Western are key agencies in the Chino Basin Desalter expansion. Educational initiatives are a keen partnership with Western and Rubidoux Community Services District.
Lee Lake Water District is one of three water agencies that share in
the capacity of our imported water conveyance facilities.
Western exchanged capacity water rights with EVMWD to use our Meeks & Daily water rights. Water desalted at Western’s Arlington Desalter goes to the city of Norco; the $11.5 million facility expansion will provide 3.7 million gallons a day of water.
RCWD, EVMWD, Eastern Municipal Water District and Western collaborate to enhance
southwest Riverside County wastewater treatment capabilities. 6
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Partnerships with Purpose Riverside Public Utilities and Western, Partnerships for Residents’ Benefits Over the last several years and continuing through 2011-12, Western and Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) have been committed to working together for the benefit of customers and residents. Wheeling about 6,000 acrefeet of water from the local San Bernardino Basin area up to Western’s service area has proved to be highly beneficial to both agencies and our respective customers and residents. Wheeled water, which Western has rights to and Riverside now pumps up to our retail service area, provides about 20 percent local supply annually, representing roughly $8 million in revenue to Riverside over the last four years. Offering water efficiency incentives for customers is another area that Western and RPU continuously work on. Since 2009, Western has provided nearly $1.3 million in efficiency support either directly or through Metropolitan conservation credits. Rebate programs, such as FreeSprinklerNozzles.com and free high-efficiency toilets for multi-family dwellings, reduce urban water demand and save customers money. Collectively, locally and regionally administered programs have reduced annual urban water demands by 1,100 acrefeet. Western will accomplish the 20 percent by 2020 state mandate required by the Water Conservation Act of 2009. Another project, the Riverside North Aquifer Supply Program, includes the construction of an inflatable rubber dam across the Santa Ana River just south of the Mount Vernon Bridge as well as the construction of groundwater recharge basins in the south part of the city of Colton. This facility would allow active groundwater recharge in this part of the Santa Ana River.
Securing and Restoring Habitat Since the historic signing of the 2008 agreement between Western, the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (Valley District) and
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In addition, U.S. Congress Representatives Ken Calvert and Jerry Lewis conducted a March 2012 Congressional Hearing to urge then Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Deputy Secretary David Haynes to direct USFWS to consider the many negative impacts and economic consequences of expanding critical habitat restrictions while reducing water supplies. Santa Ana River the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District for use of their water storage facilities to recharge water stored behind the Seven Oaks Dam, the Santa Ana River Water Rights continues to be a focal point for Western’s water resource management and planning. This water normally flows into the Santa Ana River. Western has been working closely with Valley District in 2011 and ’12 to maintain the water rights that are being severly threatened by the U.S. Department of Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) for further protection of the Santa Ana Sucker’s habitat. This program, phased in through 2020, will focus on recharging groundwater basins in San Bernardino, Colton and Riverside. Approximately 25 percent of the new water conserved accrues to Riverside Public Utilities. Western as well as other Inland Empire water agencies continue to work cooperatively with the USFWS to support and sustain the Santa Ana Sucker while not placing our economy at risk or undermining local efforts to develop regional water supply projects. For instance, Western helped secure language included in the fiscal year 2012 federal appropriations measure that encouraged USFWS to consider all economic impacts of the Santa Ana Sucker, including increased water costs and also helped facilitate negotiations with USFWS toward a solution that would enhance habitat for the fish in appropriate ways.
Lastly, Western and partner agencies began considering implementation of a Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) to cover the Santa Ana Sucker. The partnering agencies worked with the Western Riverside County Multi-Species Habitat Conservation Agency to navigate the HCP process. Discussions were facilitated between our agency and partner agencies and the key experts involved in the formation of the Endangered Fish Recovery Implementation Programs in the Upper Colorado River and the San Juan River Basins.
Western Riverside Council of Governments Planning for the Region Western, along with Eastern Municipal Water District, was voted in as a member of the Western Riverside Council of Governments in 2008. Since that time, our District has had a voice at the table representing Western’s customers along with 17 cities, the county of Riverside, and the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools. Western’s Board Member S.R. “Al” Lopez represents the District’s interests at WRCOG on regional matters critical to our future, including air quality, solid waste, transportation, economic development, climate change – and water. In late spring and early summer of 2012, Western provided valuable input to WRCOG’s Sustainability Framework, the first step in a collaborative regional effort to build a more sustainable subregion.
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Western: A Resourceful Steward When it comes to the environment, Western is committed to sound environmental management. Our District responsibly plans and manages resources in many realms, from water to ratepayer money.
on water from Metropolitan Water District. In addition to groundwater cleanup, Western continues to pursue local water that will diversify our water portfolio.
Committed to Environmental Responsibility
Water Budget Rates Reduce Water Waste Responsibly managing ratepayer money is a core value of Western. In late 2011, Western set forth a new water budget rate structure for our customers, rewarding those who use water efficiently with lower rates and penalizing those who waste, thus reducing wasted water within our retail services areas. The carefully planned project contained a 10-month program that was focused on customer education and aimed at transparently communicating the new rate structure to the District’s diverse stakeholders. The project was approved by Western’s board and received positive community feedback due to the wellplanned outreach efforts, including community engagement, easy-to-read customer materials and ongoing customer communication. One of a growing trend of pioneering agencies that use water budget rates, Western successfully touts an average of 83 percent of residential customers staying within their water budget monthly.
Pursuing Water Resource Management Formed in 1954 to bring imported Colorado River water to western Riverside County mainly for agricultural use, Western now provides Colorado River Water and State
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Western community outreach engages customers Water Project water to approximately 23,000 customers in our Riverside and Murrieta communities, as well as to eight retail water agencies. This imported water accounts for about 80 percent of the water used by Western retail customers. Western continues to look for local water sources to reduce the need of water from distant sources, like the Colorado River and Northern California. Focusing on local groundwater as a viable alternative to nonnative sources includes removing the nitrates and other contaminants from water. The restoration of the New Clay Well in Murrieta is a perfect example of a local source, providing Murrieta District retail customers with more than one-third of their water needs. The cost-efficient local supply produces approximately 550 acre-feet of water annually and reduces their reliance
Western is most notably known for being a good steward of water, but upon a closer look, it’s easy to see that Western’s commitment to the environment goes much deeper. The District was recently recognized for LEED Silver Certification for Commercial Interiors at both Western’s Administrative Office and El Sobrante Operations Facility. Many of the items that are in the buildings are healthful green features that support employees and the environment. The buildings, for instance, contain 20 percent of new materials made from recycled content, including desks; 85 percent of appliances that are ENERGYSTAR rated; sustainable cork floors; and low flow toilets, urinals and faucets in the building that reduce water use by 40 percent. Western moved into the current, prebuilt Administrative Office in late 2010 with the goal of prudently managing ratepayer dollars through leasing our old administrative offices, which the District outgrew, to Riverside Community College District. This move brings in additional revenue for the District and our ratepayers. The building also serves as a community gathering place with public meeting and event space available – an intentional part of the selection process for the move.
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Western's El Sobrante and Meridian offices are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certified.
Stewardship "The District was recently recognized for LEED Silver Certification for Commercial Interiors at both Western’s Administrative Office and El Sobrante Operations Center."
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Solar Panels at Western saves ratepayers millions.
Stewardship "Solar panels located at the El Sobrante Operations Facility will save ratepayers nearly $4 million in the next two decades."
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Responsibly Managing Resources On the horizon, Western will celebrate the completion of the El Sobrante Operations Facility Solar Project. Solar panels located at the facility will save ratepayers nearly $4 million in the next two decades. The 4,000-plus panels will supply nearly 80 percent of the facility’s power during peak energy use periods, lowering energy costs to Western ratepayers.
Agency Response Network to ensure that regional resources are prudently used in the event of an emergency or disaster. As emergency responders, Western staff is well trained. For instance, 98 percent of District staff have received FEMA training to work in a crisis or emergency situation. Additionally, 100 percent of staff with key EOC responsibilities are FEMA trained for specific roles in the Emergency Operations Center and supervisors have received FEMA supervisor training. Whether it’s a local, regional or statewide emergency, Western is prepared to respond and provide quality services to customers.
of lessening dependence on imported water, which is roughly four-times more costly than groundwater. The most recent infrastructure improvement in Murrieta was the restoration of the New Clay Well, which provides locally produced groundwater to customers’ homes instead of the more costly imported water.
Bond Refinancing Saves Money
Regular EOC training keeps employees prepared
Committed to Safety Mutual aid agreements between Western and other local agencies benefit the entire region. Currently, Western has mutual aid agreements in place with the Emergency Response Network of the Inland Empire, the Mutual Aid Response System (a Metropolitan network) and California Water/Wastewater
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A top priority of Western is our transparent management of ratepayer dollars and a commitment to fiscal responsibility. Western’s Community Facility District (CFD) Bond refinancing paid tribute to both of those values for Murrieta Division customers. By refinancing the District’s CFD bonds in 2011, $4.5 million in interest expense will be saved benefitting the Murrieta Division customers, and refinancing generated more than $600,000 for improving Murrieta’s water sources and infrastructure. The water infrastructure improvements expanded local water sources and continued Western’s trend
New Clay Well
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Capital Improvement Projects Capital improvements are an essential investment in continuing Western’s mission to supply water as well as wastewater services and water resource management to the public. In 2011-12, Western invested $27.8 million into projects to improve the District. Many of the projects noted are multi-year. In addition to the Chino Desalter and Western Water Recycling Facility Expansion projects, these highlighted projects were funded to improve and maintain the highest degree of system integrity for the benefit of our customers.
Reverse Osmosis Membrane Replacement Membranes that remove salts from brackish groundwater at the Arlington Desalter typically have a life of 8 to 10 years, so Western is in the process of replacing the existing membranes, which have already been in use
for more than 12 years, thanks to our ongoing, effective cleaning and maintenance methods. This three-phase project is anticipated to be complete in fiscal year 2013-14.
basins and a pipeline from the new well to the Arlington Desalter. When the project’s complete in fiscal year 2014-15, it will increase the recharge to the basin.
2320 Pressure Zone Pipeline Project
Investment in Technology
The project includes constructing approximately 6,000 feet of 24-inch and 2,000 feet of 30-inch diameter domestic water pipeline to replace aging smaller diameter pipe. The project is part of the larger 2320 pump zone upgrade, which included construction of the Hidden Valley Storage Tank and upgrades to the Hillside Pump Station. The upgrades improved service reliability and increased pumping efficiencies. This project pipeline replaces a 40-plus year old domestic water pipeline installed by the Gavilan Mesa Water Company.
Western’s team is committed to staying at the forefront of technologies that increase efficiencies and reduce costs. Thanks to the dedication of District employees, Western was honored with a prestigious Award of Excellence for Technology Practices from the Municipal Information Systems Association of California.
Mockingbird Pump Station Upgrades The Mockingbird Pump Station is one of the most critical facilities in Western’s retail operating system. It has the capability to accept and pump water from a variety of sources to a number of locations. Upgrades to perimeter fencing and the addition of a permanent chloramination facility will assist with delivering additional water to the area from Riverside Public Utilities. Facility upgrades will be complete in early 2014.
Streamlining business processes was a goal for this year, and as part of that goal, Western launched our Computerized Work Management System. The new system, known as Hansen, simplifies the District’s operational work processes. Additionally, the District’s website, wmwd.com, saves staff time and provides our stakeholders and customers with more information and online tools to help them get the information they need when they need it.
Arlington Basin Recharge for Desalter Expansion
RO membrane replacement
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The Arlington Basin contains poor-quality water due to high levels of nitrates and total dissolved solids. Modeling has shown that groundwater levels in the basin are declining due to concentrated pumping. This project improves basin water quality by construction of a well, two recharge
Technology saves Western money, while increasing efficiency
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Western stays in pace with technology and improvements.
Improvements "Western’s team is committed to staying at the forefront of technologies that increase efficiencies and reduce costs."
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Ongoing community engagement is a Western hallmark.
Communication "Western continues to look for innovative ways to bring information to our customers and stakeholders."
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Engaging Stakeholders The office also generated high-profile media coverage of water projects and issues in The Press-Enterprise, Los Angeles Times and ABC News, to name a few. Continued media coverage of Western would not be possible without the diligent work of the Community Affairs team, who develop stories and work with media to ensure ongoing collaboration. Community outreach Communication is crucial for Western to be effective and efficient. From ongoing communication that preserves an open public dialogue and transparency that allows for effective communication to our continued focus on government affairs at all levels, Western stays connected.
Engaging our Community Our customers and stakeholders are guaranteed high-quality communication through a variety of strategic efforts, including collateral, e-communication, special events, online communication, video production, media relations, advertising and sponsorships and community engagement. These tactics are measured monthly to ensure that each approach is successfully reaching our customers and stakeholders. The Community Affairs Office also serves in a public information role during an emergency or crisis affecting Western. In 2011, Western vowed to strengthen its Community Affairs Office programs through strategically realigning key staff in the department. The office now boasts a renewed focus on engaging the community and has seen an increase in engagement activities. For instance, engagement efforts increased more than 50 percent in January to April 2012 compared to the same period in 2011.
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Highlights of the Community Affairs Office in fiscal year 2011-12 include developing roughly 30 news releases, participating in more than 100 community events and stakeholder meetings and awarding 47 sponsorships, totaling nearly $65,000 toward eligible organizations who further Western’s mission. Western annually partners with local agencies on campaigns that focus on water efficiency. The District’s 2012 partnership with local agencies highlighted the “Value of Water.” The campaign educated millions in the region about the low cost of tap water compared to other household items through newsletters, ads, the Web and social media. Our Community Affairs Office has received awards for their efforts from prestigious local, state and national associations, including the California Association of Sanitation Agencies, the Public Relations Society of America, the
Western recognized for community outreach by the Association of California Water Agencies
California Association of Public Information Officials and the City-County Communication and Marketing Association, to name a few.
Teaming with Technology In late 2011, Western launched its enhanced website, wmwd.com, which serves as the District’s go-to source of information. Using current technology, the website benefits Western’s customers and other interested stakeholders. Information is easy to find and immediate updates can be sent out to interested parties, and the site is also available on a mobile platform (one of the fastest growing ways people get information) that allows immediate access to social media sites. Since implementing the updated site, views have increased roughly 20 percent; nearly 4,000 of the site’s monthly visitors come from mobile devices. In addition, hundreds of customers have signed up for the new notification program that provides water efficiency and emergency information and customers continue to sign up for these notifications daily. Western has also focused our information presence and customer engagement through social media, including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter. Combined, the District’s Facebook and YouTube pages boast hundreds of followers who get regular updates about District projects, events and initiatives. The District’s YouTube page is home to a variety of informational and educational videos on water. Premiering in 2012, Western’s “Did You Know” video highlighted the importance of water at a local and global level. The video has garnered “likes” on YouTube from as far away as Italy.
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Legislative Efforts Western worked with the CSDA’s Legislative Committee to review more than 2,000 state bills and adopted a position on 319 of them. Of the 34 legislative bills the legislative committee lobbied in support of, 17 bills were enacted into law. Of the 23 bills that were lobbied in opposition to, zero were enacted into law. Western is committed to successful relationships with the District’s external stakeholders at local, state and federal levels. Our investment has paid off through successful initiatives that benefit the region. The collaboration with these stakeholders resulted in more than $70 million in grants to expand the region’s Chino Desalter, including a $4 million Bureau of Reclamation Water SMART Title XVI Construction Grant (totaling $7.8 million over that past two years) as well as a $51 million grant from the California Department of Public Health. When complete in 2014, the Desalter will provide a local source of water for more than 1.5 million people. The Government Affairs Office worked with the Environmental Protection Agency and Congress to allow a previously awarded $606,000 grant earmarked for the Arlington Desalter to now be spent at the Chino Desalter.
An excellent example of a successfully supported bill was the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP). Western opposed numerous bills intended to slow or stop the BDCP process. Western has also stood at the forefront of major reforms, such as pension and workers’ compensation. Moreover, our 50-plus year agency has successfully worked to safeguard special district revenues. For instance, Western, along with the CSDA, took the lead in organizing a coalition of organizations that successfully opposed a last-minute state budget proposal that was put forward to invalidate pass-through agreements for special districts and other local agencies.
representative, Western Director Tom Evans, to be the voice for our constituents and regional residents. We attended the Metropolitan monthly board and committee meetings and assisted Director Evans in his 201112 efforts to keep water rate increases as low as possible. Additionally our Water Leadership Alumni, a direct offshoot from the Metropolitan/Western Inspection Trips, are given information regularly to act as our ambassadors. These community leaders comprise the 200-plus alumni that received Colorado River or State Water Project tours. Western continues to advocate for water supply reliability, water quality, transparency in governance and related issues that provide value to all stakeholders in our region.
Government Affairs also worked closely with Metropolitan Water District board
Western monitors issues of importance to our region and customers, such as developments in the Sacramento San Joaquin Bay-Delta, which supplies a large portion of water to Inland Southern California. District representatives were appointed to serve our stakeholders through engagement and advocacy on legislative and outreach committees, including the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), California Special Districts Association (CSDA), California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) and the California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA).
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Dr. Ron Chapman, director of the California Department of Public Health, and U.S. Congressman Ken Calvert (above right) speak at the Chino Desalter Expansion celebration
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Presenting critical legislative perspectives is top of the agenda at Western's Annual Water Leadership Alumni Workshop; pictured is Kathy Cole, Metropolitan Water District state executive legislative representative.
Communication "Western is committed to successful relationships with the District’s external stakeholders at a local, state and federal level."
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Western and Discovery Science Center continue to work together to reach grade school kids in Western's service area. Murrieta Elementary School student Victoria observes as her classmates perform a water-related science experiment.
Education "Teaching young people about the value of water is mission critical for Western Municipal Water District."
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Focus on Education Teaching young people about the value of water is mission critical for Western Municipal Water District. Offering comprehensive water education programs for teachers and students in western Riverside County has been ongoing since 1982, with a renewed vigor in 2011 and ’12 due to the addition of a Community Affairs Office educational outreach specialist. The dedication of this staffer, coupled with the educational heart and commitment of the District and Board of Directors, is evident by the results noted below.
Assembly Program Advances Water Knowledge In the 2011-12 school year, Western continued our successful partnership with Discovery Science Center in reaching grade school kids. This innovative program provides a hands-on, water use efficiency program to elementary schools, which aligns with the California Science Content Standards, and is conducted in an assembly-style workshop. The District reached nearly 5,300 students. The assembly program involves students in the learning process by using a keypad system that provides both a unique, interactive element to the program, as well as a means of measuring just how much information the students retain. For instance, when local fifth graders were asked at the beginning of each assembly how much of the earth's water is available fresh water, only 24 percent responded correctly. In the post event questions, 98 percent answered correctly. These programs focus on sources of water, water delivery, water quality, water efficiency, the chemical and physical components of water, water-related technologies and human impact on aquatic environments. Nationally, the Discovery Science Center ranks third in outreach, reaching more than 220,000 students each year through its programs.
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Valley school districts. Annually, more than 1,500 teachers and students have participated, receiving free water-wise materials and services in the classroom. Also, the majority of these resources meet the requirements listed in the Content Standards for California Public Schools, which is pivotal for our teachers.
Education Grants Top $100,000 Technology adds educational options
Classroom Connection Launched Western’s educational materials resource program was totally revamped in 2011 and launched in mid-2012. The new Classroom Connection is a resource website for educators. Like an online shopping cart, teachers can easily order free resources with a few clicks. Western annually offers free resources to public and private schools in parts of Riverside, Val Verde and Murrieta
Water Project Grants for Educators, named in honor of Lois B. Krieger, a Western Municipal Water District pioneer for women in the water industry in the 70s, 80s and 90s, entered its 20th year in 2011-12. Nearly $10,000 was awarded to local schools throughout Western's service area. One example of how funds are creatively incorporated into classrooms was Martin Luther King High educator Michele Hampton’s project: Our Local Waterways. She received a $675 grant for use with her high schoolers. More than $100,000 has been dispersed since the program’s inception in 1992.
Krieger Grant Recipients 2012
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Efficiency Efforts Western’s priority is to help our customers live a water-wise lifestyle – now and in the future. We provide our customers with a large portfolio of efficiency programs that offer opportunities ranging from free outdoor irrigation evaluations to financial incentives, including those for the installation of climateappropriate landscaping, in lieu of lawns. Customer participation in these programs has resulted in Western leading the way in water use efficiency for the region.
people in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Winning landscapes incorporate both beauty and efficiency.
Western’s Turf Replacement Program
Free Sprinkler Nozzles Saves Water and Money One of our premier programs, FreeSprinklerNozzles.com, is a partnership with water customers providing free high efficiency sprinkler nozzles that reduce run-off and water waste. More than one million visitors to the FreeSprinklerNozzles. com website have learned about the efficient application of water to their landscapes. Of the more than 750,000 nozzles that have been distributed, nearly one-third were to local water users. Program participants have saved both water and money from the program that was first developed as a pilot program by Western and Riverside Public Utilities in 2010. It has become so successful that it now boasts participants in 20 diverse water utility service areas in 15 different counties throughout California. Additionally, the program partnership includes more than 60 irrigation suppliers that assist program participants by disseminating additional water saving advice.
Landscape Contest Honors Efficiency Living a water-efficient lifestyle is critical for the region’s future. The Western Water-wise Landscape Contest, created by Western in 2008, showcases individuals who are waterefficient leaders in their communities. The contest and its efficiency message of “Show the region that using less water can be beautiful” is promoted to nearly 4 million
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Empire climate. When customers see the Inland Empire Garden Friendly logo, they are assured the products the logo represents are appropriate for the Inland Empire. As outdoor water use accounts for roughly 65 percent of the water used in an Inland Empire residential home, IEGF promotes the use of climateappropriate plants to lower water demand.
Efficiency evaluations save customers water and money
Efficiency Evaluations Help Customers Planting climate-appropriate plants, replacing water guzzling sprinklers with water-efficient ones and adjusting timer settings to reflect the changing seasons are just the starting points for outdoor efficiency. Taking it a step further for our customers, Western instituted free Efficiency Evaluations in 2009 providing certified irrigation auditors to evaluate customers’ outdoor water use and offer recommendations to save water and money. Nearly 500 Efficiency Evaluations were completed for residential customers on roughly 5 million square feet of landscaping in the 2011-12 fiscal year.
Inland Empire Garden Friendly Reduces Outdoor Water Use Western is one of seven Southern California entities that pioneered the innovative, regional Inland Empire Garden Friendly (IEGF) program in 2011, which partners with local and national plant retailers to offer lush, climate-appropriate plants and water-saving landscape products to help reduce the region’s outdoor water use. The program provides resources for customers to become educated about, and find sources of, landscape plants and products most suitable for our arid Inland
As grass is one of the most water-consuming plants in the landscape, Western introduced a program to provide alternatives. Most people need and want some turfgrass, but it certainly doesn't need to be the most prevalent plant in the landscape. In 2009, Western created a Turf Replacement Program offering participants an incentive to replace their lawn with climate-appropriate plants. As the program progressed, Western found that most participants had no idea of how to design a landscape. In FY 2012, Western added a design assistance component provided by landscape architects to those participants who request it.
Partnership with the Master Gardeners of Riverside County The Master Gardeners and Western created a relationship that provides educational benefits throughout the region. In Western’s water efficiency garden, Landscapes Southern California StyleSM, the Master Gardeners provide free monthly workshops open to the public on topics ranging from caring for Mediterranean plants to creating a butterfly garden. Master Gardeners are on hand to answer gardening questions and provide tours of the garden. In addition, the Master Gardeners have joined Western in the promotion of the Inland Empire Garden Friendly program. In FY 2012, workshop events in the garden drew more than 700 people.
Western Outlook
FY 2011 / 12
Western's Landscape Contest showcases regional water-wise homes.
Efficiency "Western’s priority is to help our customers live a water-wise lifestyle, now and in the future."
Western Outlook
FY 2011 / 12
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Western Municipal Water District Free Evaluation Program Total Water Saved Fiscal Year 2012
FreeSprinklerNozzle.com Program Fiscal Year 2012 Nozzles Distributed
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Water Savings (AFY)
Western Outlook
FY 2011 / 12
Securing Your Water Supply
Fitch AA Western’s commitment to fiscal responsibility, accurate financial reporting and transparency are reflective of sound financial planning and seen in high bond ratings. Western continues to receive an AA credit rating from Fitch and an AA+ from Standard & Poor’s.
Standard & Poor's AA+
Total Debt to Assets • Last Five Fiscal Years
Western Outlook
FY 2011 / 12
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Western Municipal Water District Number of Retail Wastewater Accounts • Fiscal Year End
Number of Retail Water Meters • Fiscal Year End
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Western Outlook
FY 2011 / 12
Securing Your Water Supply
Capital Spending
Footnote: Capital spending amounts include capital projects paid by the District and capital assets contributed by developers. *
This increase in Capital Asset Additions is due to construction expenditures related to the Western Water Recycling Facility ($11.4M), Alessandro Pump Station ($6.5M), 2nd Markham 7.0 Million Gallon Reservoir ($3.7M), March Site 31 Pipeline ($2.8M), Grizzly Ridge Tank Construction ($2.0M).
** This increase in Capital Asset Additions is due in part to construction expenditures related to the Western Water Recycling Facility ($21.3M).
Western Outlook
FY 2011 / 12
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Western Municipal Water District Total Operating Revenue • Fiscal Year End
Total Property Tax Revenue • Fiscal year End
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Western Outlook
FY 2011 / 12
Securing Your Water Supply
Water Sources for FY 2011 - 12
Western Outlook
FY 2011 / 12
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Jurupa Community Services District
Eastvale
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2011-12 Board of Directors Rubidoux Community Services District
Charles D. Field Division 1
Riverside WMWD Headquarters
Norco Prado Dam
Riverside Highland Water Co.
Jurupa Valley
Box Springs Mutual Water Co. March A.R.B.
Home Gardens
Thomas P. Evans Division 2
Corona Eagle Valley Mutual Water Co.
Lake Mathews
Representative to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Bedford Heights
Lee Lake Water District
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Brenda Dennstedt Division 3
Canyon Lake
Lake Elsinore
North General District
Donald D. Galleano Division 4
Murrieta
Retail Service Area WMWD Murrieta Office
S. R. “Al” Lopez Division 5
Rancho California Water District
Temecula
Executive Management Team
John V. Rossi General Manager • jrossi@wmwd.com Jeff Sims Deputy General Manager • jsims@wmwd.com
Tim Barr Water Use Efficiency Manager tbarr@wmwd.com Joseph Bernosky Director of Engineering jbernosky@wmwd.com Lonnie Clabaugh Director of Operations lclabaugh@wmwd.com Greg Duecker Director of Administration/ Information Technology gduecker@wmwd.com
Rod LeMond Assistant General Manager Chief Financial Officer rlemond@wmwd.com Kevin Mascaro Director of Finance kmascaro@wmwd.com Tom McMillen Administrative Services Manager tmcmillen@wmwd.com Paul Rugge Assistant General Manager Chief Operations Officer prugge@wmwd.com
Jack Safely Director of Water Resources jsafely@wmwd.com Steve Schultz Deputy Director of Operations sschultz@wmwd.com Michele McKinney Underwood Community Affairs Manager munderwood@wmwd.com
CREDITS: Son Bui, design and photography; Rachel McGuire, writing and editing; Michele McKinney Underwood, project manager, writing and editing
It is the mission of Western Municipal Water District to provide water supply, wastewater disposal and water resource management to the public in a safe, reliable, environmentally sensitive and financially responsible manner.
14205 Meridian Parkway Riverside, California 92508 951.571.7100 wmwd.com water@wmwd.com
January 2013