ACWA e-News for Sept. 12, 2012
ACWA’s e-News is a weekly roundup of California water news and events.
ACWA to Launch Member Needs Survey
To better understand member needs and how best to meet them, ACWA is gearing up to conduct a web-based membership survey this fall.
Working with the professional research firm of Fairbank, Maslin, Maulin, Metz & Associates (FM3), ACWA staff is developing the survey to gain insight into members’ immediate and future needs, priority issues and the effectiveness of ACWA’s programs and services. The association’s overall strategic direction and policy agenda also will be a focus.
Comment Letter Submitted on Toxicity Policy
ACWA has submitted comments on the State Water Resources Control Board’s Revised Draft Policy for Toxicity Assessment and Control.
The letter, submitted to the State Board last month, voices support for developing consistent statewide policy to guide toxicity assessments based on the best available science and analytical methods. It notes, however, that ACWA continues to have some concerns with the revised draft policy, particularly in the area of how toxicity violations are determinations are determined
New CUWA Report Highlights Efforts on Water Supply Reliability
Ongoing efforts to improve urban water management and diversify supply portfolios are the focus of a recent report by the California Urban Water Agencies.
CUWA’s Water Supply Reliability Report documents progress by 10 major urban water agencies to improve water supply reliability as reported by the agencies in their 2010 Urban Water Management Plans.
Entries Sought for New Best in Blue Award
Entries are due Oct. 1 for ACWA’s new Best in Blue Award, recognizing outstanding public affairs and communications programs by ACWA members.
The award, to be presented for the first time this fall, honors public water agencies for their efforts in communicating with customers, legislators, media, the public and others. The award focuses on innovation, transparency and use of available funds.
Veto Letters Requested for AB 685
ACWA members are encouraged to send letters to Gov. Jerry Brown requesting a veto of AB 685 (Eng), legislation that would establish a “right to water” statute in state law.
ACWA Members Invited to Take Online Survey on Technology, Water Management
ACWA is cooperating with the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) to solicit broad participation in a survey concerning the role of science and technology in managing water resources.
ACWA members are encouraged to take the online survey. Responses are requested by Sept. 24.
Members are encouraged to forward this notice to interested colleagues and send a copy of the forwarded email to ccst@ccst.us.
Workshop Set on Drought Early-Warning System
The Department of Water Resources will co-sponsor a workshop discussion later this month on federal reauthorization of the nation’s drought early-warning system.
The Sept. 24-26 workshop in San Diego will review the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) and other federal agency drought programs from the perspective of states.
Salton Sea Eyed as Source of Widespread Odor
Air quality officials in Southern California are investigating whether the Salton Sea is the source of a rotten-egg odor widely reported across a region stretching from the Inland Empire to the San Fernando Valley.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District deployed field inspectors in numerous locations and was monitoring air samples to determine whether the smell was related to a recent fish die-off at the Salton Sea.
USGS Launches Website on Central Valley Water Use, Land Subsidence Studies
The U.S. Geological Survey has a new website devoted to the Central Valley and current studies related to water use, groundwater, land subsidence and hydrologic modeling.
The site provides an overview of land subsidence along the California Aqueduct and an effort now under way to understand the relationship between groundwater levels and subsidence. It also highlights an evaluation of groundwater conditions and land subsidence along the Delta-Mendota Canal.
Nominations Due Oct. 1 for ACWA Emissary Awards
Nominations for ACWA’s 2012 Emissary Award are being accepted through Oct. 1.
Established in 2006, the annual Emissary recognizes individual ACWA member volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the enhancement, protection or development of water resources in California by their participation and support of ACWA’s goals.
Individuals demonstrate leadership in the course of service on ACWA committees; advocacy / outreach at local, state and / or federal levels; and commitment of time and expertise for the benefit of an ACWA program or issue.
Bureau Names New Director for Lower Colorado Region
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor announced Sept. 10 that Terry Fulp has been named regional director for the Bureau’s Lower Colorado Region.
Fulp has served as deputy regional director for the Lower Colorado Region since March 2008.
Viewpoints: Collaboration needed to solve water problems
Submitted on Fri, 09/07/2012 – 10:13am
Resolving long-term water supply and ecosystem problems in the Delta is not a matter of one region vs. another, ACWA President Randy Record and Vice President John Coleman write in an opinion piece published in today’s Sacramento Bee.
Read the complete piece here.
ACWA Legal Education Workshop to Focus on Risk Management
Managing risk in the 21st century is the topic of ACWA’s 2012 Continuing Legal Education Workshop, Oct. 4-5 at the Napa Valley Marriott.
The workshop is geared toward water agency directors and staff who need to keep current on employment law, public pension reform, the Public Records Act, the Brown Act and liability issues.
ACWA Regions 6 & 7 Joint Member Forum – September 14, 2012
Fri, 09/14/2012
Location:
Kern County Water Agency
Regions 6 & 7 will hold a joint member forum, “BDCP Update – Statewide Perspectives” at Kern County Water Agency on September 14, 2012, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Registration for this meeting will be available on August 17. Details will be posted as they develop.
Pre-Registration: $25
Onsite Registration: $35 (as space permits)
ACWA Regional Briefings
Wed, 09/19/2012 – Wed, 09/26/2012
Location:
Various Locations
ACWA Regional Briefings
In ACWA’s continued effort to keep members up to date and informed, we will be holding series of regional briefings for our members to update you on ACWA’s Reorganization and Revitalization, the Delta, 2014 Water Bond, and ACWA’s California Water Finance Task Force.
The following is the list of dates available for your region to attend the briefing:
Regions 6 & 7: September 14, 2012, Kern County WA
