Zone 7 Invites Residents to Save Water and Win Big

1. Download Water-Wise Wendy’s Fix-A-Leak Checklist.
2. Complete each task and submit proof of completion online.
3. Earn multiple entries for different tasks, including:
   • Toilet leak inspections
   • Inspecting and photographing leak-prone areas
   • Fixing a leak and providing proof (Participants are reminded to leave difficult repairs to licensed professionals.)

• 1st Prize: $200 gift card, Stanley Flowstate tumbler, and a complete set of 2024 Girl Scout Cookies (valued at $310)
• 2nd Prize: $100 gift card, Stanley Flowstate tumbler, and a complete set of 2024 Girl Scout Cookies (valued at $210)
• 3rd Prize: $50 gift card, Stanley Flowstate tumbler, and a complete set of 2024 Girl Scout Cookies (valued at $160)

Latest Snow Survey Shows Improvement for Sierra Snowpack

SACRAMENTO – The Department of Water Resources (DWR) today conducted the third snow survey of the season at Phillips Station. The manual survey recorded 47.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 18 inches, which is 77 percent of average for this location. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast.

Today’s results reflect continued improvement in the snowpack since the slow and dry start to the water year. DWR’s electronic readings from 130 stations placed throughout the state indicate that the statewide snowpack’s snow water equivalent is 18.7 inches, or 80 percent of average for this date, an improvement from just 28 percent of average on January 1. The statewide snowpack is currently only 70 percent of the critical April 1 average, when the snowpack is typically at its peak. An incoming storm is expected to bring several feet of snow to the Sierra Nevada this weekend.

“We are now in the last month of the traditional snow season and while conditions have dramatically improved since the beginning of the year, March will be critical in determining if we finish above or below average,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “No matter how the season ends, we are ready to take advantage of the water we do have to benefit communities, agriculture, and the environment, and continue storing stormwater in our groundwater basins for future use.”

While California saw a number of storms in January and February that caused flooding in many areas of the state, the storms were warmer than average, dropping more precipitation as rain rather than snow, especially in Southern California. Overall statewide precipitation is 103 percent of average for this date, running well ahead of the snowpack. While surface water storage in California’s major reservoirs is currently 119 percent above average and the state continues to benefit from efforts to capture and store as much water as possible, the latest forecasts from DWR project snow runoff could be below average this spring due to the unusually dry start to the water year. DWR recently increased projected allocations from the State Water Project, and the forecasted allocation is expected to be revised again next month based on recent storms.

“California has seen several extreme climate events so far this water year, including record rainfall in Southern California,” said Dr. Michael Anderson, State Climatologist with DWR. “While this pushed statewide precipitation above average, the snowpack still has not caught up from the dry conditions earlier this winter and local conditions still vary significantly from region to region. The upcoming storm will deliver more snow, but the critical month of March will have to deliver enough snowpack to make up for the dry fall and slow start to the year.”

On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why the Sierra snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.” Data from these snow surveys and forecasts produced by DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit are important factors in determining how DWR manages the state’s water resources.

DWR conducts five snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April and, if necessary, May. The next and possibly final survey is tentatively scheduled for April 2.

For California’s current hydrological conditions, visit https://cww.water.ca.gov

Water Capture Breaks Century Record

REDLANDS — With February’s atmospheric rivers dumping inches on the southland, the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District announced its final groundwater recharge tally for 2023, which was a record-breaking water year.

“The district soundly surpassed our 100-year water recharge record from the year 1923 when we had recharged 84,981-acre feet (AF) of water,” says Betsy Miller Vixie, San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District’s General Manager. “In 2023, we totaled 87,914 AF of water collected in the district’s basin, which includes 15,513 AF from the State Water Project. Miller Vixie adds that this figure does not include water that naturally recharges within the river system on District-owned land. According to data going back to 1912, this is the district’s best yield for the recorded history of 111 years.

Since 1912, the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District has conserved more than 1.41-million-acre feet gallons of water by diverting the natural flow of the Santa Ana River and Mill Creek into 71 percolation basins. This allows the water to collect and seep naturally into the ground, where it can be pumped out for future use.

According to the district’s researchers, with 2024 under way, early rains from February’s atmospheric rivers have already resulted in more than 750 million gallons of stormwater falling in the region. The recharging of San Bernardino’s Bunker Hill Basin aquifer was significant, but only a drop in the bucket compared to the nearly 500 billion gallons the district collected since 1912.

The water captured and stored from early February’s storms is enough to handle the indoor use needs of 43,000 Inland Empire residents for a year. The work making this possible was completed at the cost of $39,000 – or less than $1 per, person per year. Combined with recycled and imported water, this type of active stewardship of local groundwater supplies a critical piece of San Bernardino’s regional water reliability strategy.

Looking to 2024, stormwater from the newly built Santa Ana River Enhanced Recharge Project basins on district property began capturing water on January 7. This collaborative joint-agency project, led by the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, will increase capacity for recharge into the Bunker Hill Groundwater Basin by 80,000-acre feet each year.

Deadline Extended to March 8 for ACWA’s Spring Awards

ACWA is still accepting applications for its 2024 Spring Awards Programs. To give members a little more time, ACWA is extending the deadline to March 8.

Eligible members are encouraged to submit nominations and/or applications for one or more of the below awards. Winners will be honored at ACWA’s Spring Conference & Expo, May 7-9.

Clair A. Hill Award

The Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence recognizes exemplary programs developed by ACWA member agencies in water resources management. Sponsored by Jacobs, the award recognizes projects and programs in a variety of areas, including capital improvements, water quality, watershed or ecosystem restoration, renewable energy, and more.

The winning agency is given the opportunity to select the finalists for a $5,000 scholarship awarded to a deserving undergraduate student in a water resources-related field.

Applications for this year’s award must be submitted electronically using ACWA’s easy-to-use online award system by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 8. Members must register online to apply. This account is separate from your ACWA website login.

More information about this award is available on online.

Excellence in Water Leadership Award

Sponsored by Black & Veatch, ACWA’s Excellence in Water Leadership Award – Building a World of Difference® – recognizes individuals or groups who have made remarkable and visible contributions to the enhancement, protection or development of water resources in California.

The award recipient has the honor of bestowing a $5,000 charitable contribution to a nonprofit organization that works toward the enhancement and/or protection of California’s water resources.

The Excellence in Water Leadership Award nomination form is available on the ACWA website. Nominations must be sent via email and must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 8.

More information about this award is available on online.

WVWD Names Sheryl Shaw, P.E. as New General Manager

Walnut Valley Water District is pleased to announce a significant transition in leadership as Erik Hitchman, P.E., retires from his role as General Manager/Chief Engineer effective February 29, 2024. Following Erik’s retirement, Sheryl Shaw, P.E., the current Director of Engineering, will step into the role of General Manager on March 1, 2024.

Erik Hitchman, a visionary leader and dedicated professional in the field of water management, has served Walnut Valley Water District for over three decades. His retirement marks the end of an era characterized by remarkable contributions to the water industry and a legacy of unwavering commitment. Erik’s leadership has been instrumental in driving transformative infrastructure projects and strengthening water supply reliability in the regional area.

Sheryl Shaw, P.E., brings over twenty years of experience with Walnut Valley Water District to her new role as General Manager. Mrs. Shaw has been an integral part of the district’s success, having served in various capacities including Project Engineer, Engineering Manager, District Engineer, and most recently as Director of Engineering. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, a CA Professional Engineers Licensing, Water Distribution Grade 5, Water Treatment Grade 3, and a proven track record of leadership within the organization, Mrs. Shaw looks forward to cementing her legacy with excellence in public service.

“As I step into the role of General Manager, I am deeply honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead Walnut Valley Water District into its next chapter,” said Sheryl Shaw, P.E. “I am committed to building upon the strong foundation established by my predecessor and working collaboratively with our dedicated team to ensure the continued success of our commitment to the water industry and the local community. Our employees are qualified, compassionate, and dedicated. I will continue to reinforce our values, mission, and vision as we provide solutions to emerging challenges and celebrate the milestones of our team members.”

As the new General Manager, Sheryl Shaw will build upon the foundation laid by Erik Hitchman, serving as both a strategic leader and the Chief Engineer for the District. Sheryl’s extensive experience, coupled with her deep understanding of the district’s operations and commitment to sustainable water solutions, positions her as the ideal candidate to lead Walnut Valley Water District into its next chapter of success.

“Erik’s unwavering commitment to the water industry cemented a legacy of excellence for the District.  The Board will miss his professionalism, his leadership and his impeccable memory on all technical issues”, said Board President, Theresa Lee. “The Board of Directors is excited to work with Ms. Sheryl Shaw as she brings years of experience and is dedicated to the District’s mission of  meeting the water supply needs of the communities we serve.”

“I’ve served on the Board of Directors since 2001 and had the honor and privilege of seeing Erik’s commitment the District into the premier water district it is today”, said former Board President, Edwin Hilden.  “The District have been blessed with his leadership throughout the years and we wish him all the best in the next step of his life journey.  I am confident of Mrs. Shaw’s ability to continue Erik’s legacy as she brings forth her own gifts to the District.”

Walnut Valley Water District expresses its deepest gratitude to Erik Hitchman for his outstanding contributions and wishes him a fulfilling retirement. The district also extends its congratulations and support to Sheryl Shaw as she assumes her new role as General Manager, confident in her ability to continue the tradition of excellence established under Erik’s leadership.

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PV Water Secures $74 Million Loan with US EPA to Fund Sustainable Water Projects

The two loans provide PV Water with $74 million at an average rate of 4.465% over 35 years. The loans save PV Water $24 million dollars over the life of the loans compared to going to the public bond market. When completed, the Projects will provide over 4,000 acre-feet per year of new water supply to reduce groundwater pumping and help to slow seawater intrusion into the aquifers that provide the valley’s water supply. The two Water Supply Projects cost approximately $161 million and will create approximately 500 jobs.

PV Water has secured the following funds to help pay for the College Lake Project:

• 2022 – CA Department of Water Resources Sustainable Groundwater Management Act Round 1, $7.6 Million
• 2023 – CA Department of Conservation Multibenefit Land Repurposing Grant, $8.9 Million, $2.3 Million allocated to College Lake Project
• 2024 – Prop. 1, Round 2, Integrated Regional Water Management Implementation Grant, $4.8 Million, $1.8 Million allocated to the College Lake Project

PV Water General Manager, Brian Lockwood shared “PV Water’s success in acquiring grant funding has saved the Pajaro Valley millions of dollars. PV Water has acquired over $80 million in grant funding that does not need to be repaid.  The grant funding, complemented by loans with favorable terms, has helped to keep rates as low as possible while constructing critical water supply facilities”.

Both Projects create new sources of water for the Pajaro Valley that decrease groundwater dependence and help achieve groundwater sustainability. The EPA did a few “firsts” through this funding process. For example, these loans are secured predominantly by agricultural ratepayers as opposed to their more common loan, which is secured predominantly by municipal water utilities. PV Water was the first to use a reserve surety to satisfy the reserve requirement, meaning PV Water didn’t need to put $6.2 million in cash into a reserve to hold through the 2060s. The value of the low-cost long-term funding for both Water Supply Projects helps to keep future management costs down compared to public market debt financing options, which are at higher rates and for shorter payback periods.

Groundwater currently accounts for more than 90% of water use in the Pajaro Valley. Throughout the Pajaro Valley Groundwater Basin, groundwater levels are overdrafted, meaning they are below sea level because of long-term unsustainable pumping of the groundwater aquifer. Overdraft conditions result in seawater intrusion, groundwater quality degradation and groundwater storage depletion.

ABOUT PV WATER

The Pajaro Valley Water Management Agency (PV Water) is a state-chartered water management district, and a Groundwater Sustainability Agency, formed to efficiently and economically manage existing and supplemental water supplies in order to prevent further increase in, and to accomplish continuing reduction of, long-term overdraft. PV Water works to provide and ensure sufficient water supplies for present and future anticipated needs within its boundaries, generally the greater coastal Pajaro Valley. For more information, visit www.pvwater.org or www.facebook.com/PajaroValleyWater.

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Over 15,000 JCSD Customers to Receive Bill Credits in Joint Initiative with Jurupa Valley

JURUPA VALLEY – Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) is proudly partnering with the City of Jurupa Valley in the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Utility Rate Rebate Program (Program). This collaboration with the City directly benefits residents by providing a one-time $35 bill credit to JCSD customers in Jurupa Valley.

Through the Program, the City of Jurupa Valley will disburse $1 million through a direct utility bill rebate or an online application. Since the City provides no utility services, it is partnering with JCSD, Rubidoux Community Services District, and the Santa Ana Water River Company to deliver the bill credits to their customers. Over 27,000 households in Jurupa Valley will receive the rebate. Of these households, over 15,100 JCSD customers will receive the one-time bill credit.

“Our collaboration with the City in this initiative reflects our shared commitment in supporting our community,” said JCSD Board President Bart Moreno. “In these challenging times, it’s heartening to work with our community partners on a program that provides tangible assistance to Jurupa Valley.”

Jurupa Valley Mayor Guillermo Silva highlighted the significance of this Program, stating, “When the City Council approved the ARPA Spending Plan in August of 2022, it was important that it included assistance to our residents and that assistance needed to be through a direct funding program that would include all households in our community.”

To assist residents living in apartments or mobile home communities, Pre-Paid USA has offered prepaid credit cards, waiving their associated fees, amounting to an estimated $10,000 in savings. An online application will be available soon through the City’s webpage for those households in apartments and mobile homes.

The successful realization of this rebate program is a testament to months of dedicated effort by staff from JCSD, the City of Jurupa Valley, and other partners. JCSD’s Board President Bart Moreno and Vice President Betty Folsom provided supportive comments at Jurupa Valley’s recent City Council meeting, underlining the cooperative spirit driving this initiative. Further demonstrating this partnership, Mayor Guillermo Silva attended yesterday’s JCSD Board meeting to express his support for the Program, exemplifying a strong community-focused approach between JCSD and the City.

For more information about this item, please contact Arman Tarzi, JCSD Manager of Government & Public Affairs at atarzi@jcsd.us.

Colorado River Online Tool Offers Insight for Local Residents

ROWLAND HEIGHTS – Rowland Water District (RWD) has launched a Colorado River public outreach campaign, helping customers learn more about their water and where it comes from.

The campaign includes a new webpage, video series, bill insert, handout, social media and conservation resources. It delves into the complexities of our water delivery system and how Southern California residents, including those in the RWD service area, are impacted by the Colorado River.

“At RWD, we know how important it is to our customers to understand how their water supplies are affected by the Colorado River and State Water Project,” said RWD General Manager Tom Coleman. “We’re connecting with the public about these vital sources to keep them informed and give them the tools to help make a difference in their water use, protecting this important resource.”

The Colorado River is a core piece of the water supply in California, providing water to areas such as San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Ventura, San Bernardino and Riverside. Currently, the river is overextended and its two largest lakes, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, are declining.

RWD, along with other Southern California districts, has historically relied on a combination of State Water Project (SWP) allocations and Colorado River water to supply its customers. The two sources have provided a safeguard for one another. With the current crisis, this may no longer be the case.

The webpage and handout identify steps customers can take to alleviate the strain on the Colorado River, including reducing their water footprint and making conservation a way of life. These everyday changes, coupled with large-scale effort, can make an impact.

Go to https://rwdlegupdates.org/colorado-river/ to visit the campaign and learn more about the Colorado River.

Yuba Water’s Chief Dam Safety Engineer Elected to United States Society on Dams Board

Tim Truong, Yuba Water Agency’s chief dam safety engineer, has been elected to the board of directors for the United States Society on Dams, a leading organization dedicated to advancing the safe and sustainable operation of dams and levees and building a solid community of dam management professionals. Truong will serve a three-year term beginning in April.

“Since joining the agency eight years ago, Tim has really elevated our Dam Safety Program and helped build key relationships with industry experts, other dam owners and our regulatory partners,” said Yuba Water’s general manager, Willie Whittlesey. “His election to the USSD board is well-deserved and will help us continue to build upon our commitment to dam safety.”

The USSD includes more than 1,300 professionals from across the dam industry, including public and private dam owners, state and federal regulators and others. USSD members advance the environmentally sustainable science of planning, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining dams, levees and associated civil engineering projects across the country.

In addition to representing national dam and levee interests and industry best practices, the USSD also represents the U.S. on the global stage as a member of the International Commission on Large Dams. The ICOLD leads the international dam profession in setting standards and guidelines to ensure dams are built and operated safely, efficiently and economically, and are both environmentally sustainable and socially equitable.

“I’m really looking forward to bringing a smaller organization’s perspective to the USSD and expanding public awareness around dams,” Truong said. “Many people aren’t aware of the importance of dams for public safety, providing a reliable water supply and energy generation, and many people don’t even know they have dams in their communities. One of my priorities as a board member will be to increase the USSD’s educational and outreach offerings around the critical role that dams play in our society.”

Truong has been a member of the USSD since 2016 and currently serves on its finance committee. He was elected to fill one of five vacant board member positions on the USSD’s seven-person board.

Learn more about Yuba Water’s commitment to dam safety here. Learn more about USSD here.

Local Water Districts and the City of Ukiah Create New Ukiah Valley Water Authority

UKIAH — Millview County Water District, Redwood Valley County Water District, and the City of Ukiah took a series of votes this week to consolidate their water districts into a new joint powers authority. The Ukiah Valley Water Authority (UVWA) will provide more efficient and reliable water service throughout the region. Additionally, the agreement allows UVWA to potentially access millions in state grant funding to modernize water infrastructure throughout the Ukiah Valley, building new interties and upgrading pipelines where needed.

UVWA integrates the governance and water infrastructure of Millview County Water District and Redwood Valley County Water District with the City of Ukiah. This will provide access for residents and businesses within Millview and Redwood Valley to eventually have access to more reliable water supplies. The lack of water reliability has limited the local economy and imposed restrictions on residential development that is needed to meet housing demands. But with infrastructure modernization and increased coordination, UVWA will be able to move water from where it is available to where it is needed.

“Today’s vote marks a historic turning point for the Greater Ukiah Valley and sets the stage for a more resilient water future for the region. The creation of the Ukiah Valley Water Authority creates a foundation that we will build on – showing how strategic coordination will bring significant benefits for water users across the region,” said Ukiah City Council Member Douglas Crane.

As part of the consolidation effort, UVWA will be able to apply to the State Water Board for $40-50 million to fund the new infrastructure – including pipelines and interties, storage tanks, booster stations, and two new wells – needed to connect the agencies. Competitive grants from the State Water Board are available through its “Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience” (SAFER) Program, which encourages the consolidation of rural and small water systems (those least likely to afford necessary upgrades) as part of its mission to provide every Californian with safe drinking water. Before now, Ukiah Valley residents were served by no less than 12 water agencies and two different JPAs, from which nearly 70 board members made decisions on water policy.

“The consolidation of our water districts into a single entity is a move into the future. Our district has struggled to reliably supply water to our customers and maintain our infrastructure. This is an exciting opportunity to modernize and upgrade our systems,” said Adam Gaska, board member for Redwood Valley County Water District. “We look forward to further collaboration with the other districts and the City of Ukiah to face the challenges of today’s water landscape and better secure water resources for the greater community.”

“By creating this new consolidated structure for regional water management, the Ukiah Valley is maximizing access to resources and better positioning our communities to make it through highly variable water supply years and to navigate the challenges of the state’s legal framework for water access. We can now seek funding to upgrade outdated water systems and stand up a new approach to governance that protects local interests in the near and long term,” said Jerry Cardoza, board member for the Millview County Water District. “This is a golden opportunity we can’t pass up. Ratepayers in the participating districts will benefit from a more resilient and coordinated system.”

Staff for the Ukiah Valley Water Authority will be City of Ukiah employees, and eventually water bills for all the consolidated districts will come from the City. UVWA will ensure transparency, oversight, and fair representation for all its members – it will be governed initially by a six-member Board of Directors, with each member agency sending two representatives to serve on the Board. The Ukiah Valley Water Authority is different than annexation to the City – any future annexation would be an entirely separate process and would require review and approval by Mendocino County LAFCO. The Ukiah Valley Water Authority is focused on integrating the water systems to increase efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

“The Ukiah Valley Water Authority will add much-needed water resiliency to our entire community across industries. In the face of climate change and the resulting drastic swings we are experiencing in hydrology – drought one year, floods the next – consolidating our efforts and combining our shared resources is how we ensure our future success,” said Mendocino County Supervisor Glenn McGourty. “Given the changes we can anticipate with the Potter Valley Project, integrating and coordinating our resources for water in Mendocino County is imperative. The Ukiah Valley Water Authority achieves exactly that, and I expect to see great things come out of it for our entire community.”

“We have been working with the State Water Board on water management issues for the region – ensuring that rules adequately reflect the unique nature of the Russian River Watershed as well as the water rights and water infrastructures assets that serve the area,” said Sean White, Director of Sewer and Water for the City of Ukiah.  “Through the UVWA, we are in a position to access new grant funding to help connect the systems physically – that will put our region in a stronger position to work together on maximizing responsible use of water resources and secure a bright future.”

The Ukiah Valley Water Authority will hold its first meeting on March 5, 2024.

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