New Incidental Take Permit Issued for State Water Project
SACRAMENTO – Addressing the dual challenges of climate change impacts and endangered species protections, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has received a new operating permit for the State Water Project (SWP) that will protect endangered fish species while ensuring a reliable water supply for 27 million Californians.
The permit, known as an Incidental Take Permit (ITP), was issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) following the certification of a Final Environmental Impact Report for long-term operations of the SWP. The permit covers five species protected under the California Endangered Species Act, including Delta smelt, longfin smelt, white sturgeon, winter-run Chinook salmon and spring-run Chinook salmon.
Since 2021, DWR has been working with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and partners at the state and federal fish agencies to update the operating rules for the SWP and the federal Central Valley Project following litigation against the federal rules in 2020, known as the Biological Opinions. As with the previous permits, DWR focused on meeting the requirements of the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) independent of the federal Biological Opinions. This allows for simpler processes for adaptively managing the system and ensuring CESA coverage remains in place independent of any future changes to the federal rules.
“The State Water Contractors (SWC) and its member agencies are grateful for the hard work DWR and DFW have done to prepare this new permit. It appears to resolve issues raised in 2020, incorporating the best available science and bringing regulatory stability for water managers who have been operating through unprecedented challenges over the last several years,” stated State Water Contractors General Manager Jennifer Pierre in a news release.
“We are hopeful that the State’s collaborative approach will set the tone for ongoing coordination with our federal partners and the state’s Bay Delta Water Quality Control Plan update,” Pierre continued. “The revised ITP appropriately relies on adaptive management to help us further improve the management of the Delta ecosystem and water supply, making good use of the SWC’s ~$350 million investment in habitat restoration and significant research and monitoring activities over the next 10 years. We will work closely with our state partners to ensure the reliability and viability of the State Water Project for the millions of Californians who rely on it.”
“The new Incidental Take Permit for the State Water Project issued today provides California with new tools and resources to better manage our water supply for endangered fish species and millions of Californians,” stated DWR Director Karla Nemeth in a news release. “While the State Water Project is now operating under a permit independent of our federal partners, we continue to work together to make sure the rules that govern operations of both projects are aligned to the benefit of both fish and people.”
“In California, incidental take permits are an important way we regulate infrastructure projects that have the potential to cause harm to protected fish and wildlife,” stated CDFW Director Chuck Bonham in a news release. “By requiring the State Water Project operation to avoid and minimize impacts, and to mitigate and counteract those impacts through habitat restoration, improved flow measures, monitoring, and hatchery production, we will make sure all fish and wildlife species impacted by the project have opportunities to thrive.”
The new operating plan for the SWP include a portfolio of actions and new science tools designed to reduce and offset impacts to listed species, including commitments to:
• Incorporate new genetic technology that allows real-time differentiation of listed salmonids from non-listed salmonids for real-time operational adjustments
• Complete tidal marsh and floodplain restoration projects that support spawning and rearing habitat for listed species
• Improve fish passage in critical migration corridors
• Support adaptive annual investments in salmon that are responsive to climate change stressors, including droughts
• Support hatchery production actions for listed species
The proposed operations also incorporate a robust adaptive management plan that will allow the SWP to incorporate new science to revise project components in a manner that more efficiently and effectively protects species.
“Extreme storms and extended droughts mean we need to be as nimble as possible in operating our water infrastructure. DWR remains committed to using the best available science to operate the State Water Project to support the water supply needs of California’s communities while protecting fish and wildlife,” Nemeth stated.
The SWP operations plan was completed in coordination with partners from the Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and CDFW. Efforts to complete the updated operations plan spanned three years and included regular engagement and feedback from interested parties.
The federal Central Valley Project Environmental Impact Statement and Biological Opinions are separate from the SWP Incidental Take Permit and Final Environmental Impact Report.
Designate Voter Now for Conference Membership Meeting
ACWA member agencies have until Monday, Nov. 25 to submit their Voting Representative Form required to vote during the Membership Meeting being held as part of the 2024 ACWA Fall Conference & Expo.
The Membership Meeting is being held to conduct a vote by the membership on proposed amended and restated bylaws for ACWA, as recommended by the Board of Directors at its September meeting. The Membership Meeting will be held on Dec. 4 at 1:30 p.m. at the Main Stage in the Springs Ballroom F & G at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert.
Members can access the form and important information about the Membership Meeting on ACWA’s website.
For questions about the Membership Meeting or the proposed amended and restated bylaws, please contact ACWA Senior Clerk of the Board Donna Pangborn at (916) 669-2425.
San Marcos Fire and Vallecitos Team Up to Address Homeowners Insurance Issues
In a collaborative effort to support residents facing challenges with their homeowner’s insurance, the San Marcos Fire Department (SMFD) and the Vallecitos Water District (VWD) have jointly released an open letter to customers. This initiative aims to address widespread concerns and provide assistance for those encountering difficulties with their insurance coverage.
In recent months, many homeowners in our community have reported problems with their insurance policies, including higher premiums and coverage disputes. Recognizing the crucial role that both fire safety and water services play in property protection, the SMFD and VWD have come together to offer clarity and support.
Residents with homeowners insurance coverage issues are encouraged to download the letter and submit it to their insurance company. There is no guarantee that this letter will resolve individual homeowners insurance problems, however the goal is to ensure that every homeowner in our community has the support and information they need to address insurance issues effectively.
PWD Water Revenues to Increase by 11% in 2025
PALMDALE – The Palmdale Water District (PWD) Board of Directors voted unanimously Monday night to increase water revenues between 8% to 11% for the next five years. The increases will be 11% in 2025 and 2026, 9% in 2027 and 2028, and 8% in 2029. The approval came after the five-member Board heard a few ratepayers express their concerns about the rate increases during the hearing’s public comment period. Before the vote, PWD also publicly announced that it received a total of 46 written protests against the increases. It would have taken 15,894 protests, or 50% plus one of parcel owners/renters, to prevent the adoption of the rate increase, per Proposition 218 guidelines. “We appreciate everyone who took the time to attend the public hearing or submitted a protest letter,” said Board President Kathy Mac Laren-Gomez. “The Board spent months reviewing alternate rates and took each protest seriously, and we truly understand our constituents’ concerns. But we also have the huge responsibility of making sure that we have the financial resources to upkeep the infrastructure, plan for a reliable water future, maintain an adequate reserve, and support a talented staff to continue operating a first-rate water district.” The increases will allow PWD to meet all operations costs, fund $249.4 million worth of capital improvement projects and ensure reserves meet the targeted $39.4 million at the end of the five-year plan. The rates for customers who have a one inch or smaller meter will see their fixed monthly cost in 2025 increase from the current $54.43 to $60.75, or by $6.32. The average single-family household in the PWD service area uses an average of 14 hcf (hundred cubic feet) of water. The new cost for the average family would be $87.04 per month, compared to the current $74.21. Under the supervision of PWD Finance Manager/Chief Financial Officer Dennis Hoffmeyer, the 2024 Water Rate Study was conducted by Robert D. Niehaus, Inc., an independent economic consulting firm. They used economic trends in California and PWD’s detailed financial history to recommend rate structures that would ensure the District meets its financial goals while allowing for infrastructure improvements and keeping rates reasonable for customers. Based on the water rate adjustment resolution adopted by the Board on Monday, staff will conduct a budget analysis each year to determine if there is potential for rates to be reduced. “There is a safety net that’s been set up to give the Board the flexibility to reduce rates if revenues are more than anticipated and other parameters are met,” Hoffmeyer said. “The rates have been adopted but implementation doesn’t occur until January of each year.” To assist senior citizens ages 62 and older, veterans of any age, and low-income families, the District offers the Rate Assistance Program that credits qualifying customers $25 on their monthly fixed charge fee. Recently, the Board increased the assistance from $20 to $25. Applications are available online or by visiting the PWD lobby. Since 1918, the Palmdale Water District has provided high-quality water at a reasonable cost. We pride ourselves on providing great customer care; advocating for local water issues that help our residents; educating the community on water-use efficiency; and leading our region in researching and implementing emerging technologies that increase operational efficiency. For more information about PWD, visit www.palmdalewater.org###
November 2024 Priority Issues Update Now Available
The November 2024 Priority Issues Update is now available online to members.
The update is a summary of the latest developments on issues of interest to ACWA members. This issue contains information on the Bay-Delta Plan, Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, groundwater updates and more.
The new and previous Priority Issues Updates can be found here.
Rate Assistance for Qualified PWD Customers Increased to $25 Per Month
PALMDALE – Palmdale Water District (PWD) customers who qualify for the Rate Assistance Program (RAP) will now receive $25 off the monthly service fee beginning January 2025. The increase from $20 to $25 was approved by the Board of Directors last week. The program is open to eligible senior citizens ages 62 and older, veterans of any age, and low-income families who need assistance with their water bills. Qualifying RAP customers will receive a $25 credit towards the monthly service charge. RAP applications are being accepted until the program’s budgeted funds are exhausted. It is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Program participants must reapply annually. “We are pleased to announce that our Board approved increasing the maximum monthly assistance to $25,” said Customer Care Supervisor Tara Rosati. “We know that we have customers who need a little more help with their water bills. I encourage anyone who qualifies to apply soon because the spots will fill up quickly.” To apply for the RAP, customers must provide proof of income and be enrolled in the California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program with Southern California Edison or Southern California Gas Co. RAP applications can be completed online in English at https://bit.ly/ENGRAP24 and in Spanish at https://bit.ly/SPANRAP24. For more information or assistance, please call the Customer Care Department at 661-947-4111. PWD budgets $170,0000 from its non-operating revenues, such as proceeds from leasing District-owned property, to fund the program. The RAP was started in 2015 to help senior citizens with their water bills. It was later expanded to include veterans and low-income families. No revenues from ratepayers are used for the RAP. This year, the program is assisting about 700 customers. Although the $5 increase will drop the number of recipients to 560, the District expects to add more money to the program in 2025 when new funding is expected. Since 1918, the Palmdale Water District has provided high-quality water at a reasonable cost. We pride ourselves on providing great customer care; advocating for local water issues that help our residents; educating the community on water-use efficiency; and leading our region in researching and implementing emerging technologies that increase operational efficiency. For more information about PWD, visit www.palmdalewater.org.###
Tuolumne Utilities District Showcases Innovative Reclamation System
Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is proud to showcase its advanced wastewater reclamation system which treats and recycles 100% of its wastewater. Recycled water, also referred to as treated wastewater or reclaimed water, is water that has been previously used and has undergone a stringent level of purification or treatment. TUD’s wastewater is recycled using several treatment processes; each step further improves the quality of the water.
Primary treatment: Initial step where raw sewage flows through screens, removing large debris and objects.
Secondary treatment: Biodegradables and organic matter are removed using aerobic or anaerobic biological treatment processes.
Tertiary treatment: Any remaining particulates are removed through a filtration process where tiny particles are removed followed by chemical or nonchemical disinfection.
At the heart of this innovative system is the state-of-the-art Sonora Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (SRWWTF), which was recently upgraded to a tertiary treatment plant in May 2024, and now has the capacity to treat over 2 million gallons of incoming wastewater daily. The SRWWTF is one of just 255 wastewater treatment facilities in California that generate recycled water. There are a total of 448 wastewater treatment plants in the state, and only approximately half of them produce recycled water.
After the tertiary treatment process at the SRWWTF, the reclaimed water travels towards the reclamation system, traversing several miles of recycled water pipelines before reaching ranchers in our upper zone then continuing down to Quartz Reservoir in Jamestown, which can store up to 1,616 acre-feet of treated wastewater. This water is subsequently supplied to over 20 irrigation and agricultural users within the Jamestown region, irrigating approximately 630 acres of land. This ensures that pastures stay lush and green, producing feed for cattle year-round, even during dry periods.
Aside from providing essential irrigation for cattle-grazing pastures, it also provides several other advantages, such as easing the demand on drinkable water supplies and lessening environmental impacts by reducing the discharge of treated wastewater into natural bodies of water. Recycled water is a safe, almost drought-resistant source of extra water for our region and can now be used for other applications permitted by California regulations, including residential golf courses, parks, and other urban landscaping.
TUD’s reclamation system demonstrates how dedication, innovation, and sustainability can transform wastewater into a valuable resource that supports agriculture, reduces ecological impacts on natural water bodies, recharges ground water supplies and protects local wildlife habits.
Walnut Valley Water District Focuses on Transparency with New Water Rates Video
WALNUT – Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) has launched a new educational video designed to help residents better understand their water rates and the services they support. The video is available in both English and Mandarin, as the District values the diverse communities it serves and strives to find ways to be more inclusive in its communication.
With over 72 years of dedicated service, WVWD prioritizes transparency and accountability in its rate-setting process. The video outlines the key factors that influence water rates, including the rising costs of importing water from sources in Colorado and Northern California, as well as the expenses associated with maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure.
“Our goal is to keep our community informed and engaged,” said Lily Lopez, Director of External Affairs and Sustainability. “By sharing our rate-setting process through informative videos and hosting interactive community meetings, we hope to strengthen trust and enhance understanding of the services we provide.”
View the rates video here, along with our “Did You Know?” series. This series, which preceded the rates video, offers additional insights on topics like water quality, the journey of our imported water supply, and our response to water emergencies.
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About WVWD
WVWD was formed in 1952, and after seven decades of service to the community, the District operates and maintains a drinking water and recycled water system serving a population of nearly 100,000 residents. The WVWD team is comprised of water professionals dedicated to meeting the water supply needs of the communities it serves (Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights, Pomona, Industry, and West Covina). WVWD is committed to leading with integrity and does so through excellence in customer service, communication, accountability, reliability, efficiency, and quality.
Palmdale Water District Receives Two PR Awards
PALMDALE – The Palmdale Water District (PWD) Public Affairs Department was recognized with two Awards of Excellence from the Public Relations Society of America – Los Angeles (PRSA-LA) Chapter. This marks the third year in a row that the team has received a PRSA-LA award. At last week’s 60th Annual PRSA-LA PRism Awards, PWD’s Water Ambassadors Academy received an award in the category of Community Relations, Government, and the Pure Water Antelope Valley groundbreaking was recognized in the category of Events and Observances, Government. The annual PRSA-LA awards program recognizes the Los Angeles region’s excellence in public relations strategic campaigns, tactical programs and professional merit. More than 500 top public relations professionals belong to the L.A. Chapter. This year’s winners were selected by an independent panel of judges from the PRSA Philadelphia Chapter. “Receiving these awards alongside some of the top PR firms in the state makes us extremely proud of the work that we do,” said PWD Public Affairs Director Judy Shay. “To have both entries receive awards was a pleasant surprise. It shows our dedication to our craft and to the District.” The Water Ambassadors Academy, offered annually since 2018, is a program that gives community members an in-depth look at PWD and the water industry. Attendees have the opportunity to learn about where their water comes from and the functions of the District’s various departments. More than 100 people have “graduated” from the program. Drawing more than 100 attendees and coverage by the Los Angeles Times, the Pure Water Antelope Valley groundbreaking was a celebration of PWD’s start in building the first advanced water purification project in the Antelope Valley. “I am extremely proud of the Public Affairs team and its efforts to engage with the District customers,” said PWD Assistant General Manager Scott Rogers. The Public Affairs Department is a two-person team that is responsible for tasks including community outreach, public relations, advertising, social media, graphics, photography, publishing internal and external newsletters, and government relations. Since 1918, the Palmdale Water District has provided high-quality water at a reasonable cost. We pride ourselves on providing great customer care; advocating for local water issues that help our residents; educating the community on water-use efficiency; and leading our region in researching and implementing emerging technologies that increase operational efficiency. For more information about PWD, visit www.palmdalewater.org.###
State Water Board Releases Draft Updates to the Bay-Delta Plan
On Oct. 25, the State Water Resources Control Board released a draft of potential updates for the Sacramento/Delta portions of the Water Quality Control Plan for the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta Watershed (Bay-Delta Plan). The draft changes include options for incorporating a regulatory pathway or a pathway based on the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program, formerly referred to as the Voluntary Agreements. Additionally, the draft updates include options for two modular alternatives (Alternatives 5a and 6a) that were described in the State Water Board’s 2023 draft staff report.
The State Water Board has not yet selected a pathway for updating the Sacramento/Delta portions of the Bay-Delta Plan. State Water Board staff will develop a revised draft of proposed updates based on comments on this draft.
The State Water Board will hold a multiday workshop, with dates scheduled in November, December, and January, to discuss the draft changes. Written comments on the draft updates are due to the State Water Board by Dec. 19. The notice includes additional information about the workshop and instructions for submitting comments to the State Water Board.
More information on the workshop, a timeline of the Bay-Delta Plan update process, and FAQs are available ACWA’s website.
ACWA has long supported the Healthy Rivers and Landscapes as the best approach for protecting, restoring, and enhancing the Bay-Delta. ACWA is reviewing the draft changes and plans to provide oral and written comments to the State Water Board.