ACWA’s eNews is a weekly roundup of California water news and events.
ACWA Board Approves Statewide Water Action for California
In a move aimed at advancing water policy in California, the ACWA Board of Directors unanimously approved a Statewide Water Action Plan on Sept. 27 that calls for a broad suite of actions to improve overall water supply reliability and serve as a sustainable path forward for the state.
Governor Signs Drinking Water Legislation
Gov. Jerry Brown signed a package of bills Oct. 8 addressing a variety of safe drinking water issues in California.
The bills include:
Report: Agricultural Tile Drains Exempt from Clean Water Act Permits, Court Says
A federal district court judge recently dismissed a suit that asserted that some tile drain irrigation systems, such as one operated in central California by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and an ACWA member agency, should be required to get a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.
ACWA Urges Members to Take Survey on Recycled Water Projects
ACWA is part of a coalition of state and national water organizations that’s polling members to help identify how and where funds will be spent for the development of recycled water projects during the next 10 years.
The survey results will help the water community understand the number of recycled water projects in development and the current level of investment. Information from this survey might assist in developing future funding opportunities at the state and federal levels.
Elections for ACWA President, Vice President Set for Dec. 4 at Fall Conference
Elections for ACWA president and vice president for the 2014-’15 term are set for Dec. 4 at ACWA’s 2013 Fall Conference & Exhibition in Los Angeles.
The ACWA Nominating Committee, headed by chair Paul Kelley, announced a slate that recommends current Vice President John Coleman for ACWA president and current Region 10 Vice Chair Peer Swan for ACWA vice president.
Draft Paper Describes State Water Board’s Groundwater Work Plan
The State Water Resources Control Board is seeking public input on a draft paper that outlines a work plan for the board’s groundwater management activities.
Released this week, the 10-page discussion draft presents an overarching framework for a range of issues, including monitoring and assessment, governance, oversight and enforcement, and funding.
Prop. 84 Stormwater Grant Proposals Due Oct. 17
The State Water Board is accepting concept proposals through Oct. 17 for Proposition 84 Stormwater Grant Program (SWGP) funding.
The program is awarding matching grants to local public agencies for projects designed to reduce and prevent stormwater contamination of rivers, lakes, and streams. Approximately $38 million is available in this funding round.
ACWA Elects Region Boards for 2014-’15
ACWA’s 10 regions have elected their officers and region board members for the two-year term that begins Jan. 1, 2014, and ends Dec. 31, 2015.
The region boards serve many important functions, such as organizing tours and programs that educate ACWA’s membership, activating grassroots support for issues and articulating regional views.
Oct. 4 Digital ACWA News Now Available Online
The Oct. 4 issue of Digital ACWA News is now available online. Read about the ACWA Board of Directors’ approval of a Statewide Water Action Plan for California, and learn about new proposals circulating at the State Capitol that could shape the 2014 water bond next year.
Other featured stories in this issue include:
Comment Letters on Draft MCL for Chromium-6 Due Oct. 11
Comment letters from member agencies, stakeholders and the public are due Oct. 11 on the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) draft maximum contaminant level (MCL) for chromium-6.
REGISTRATION OPEN! ACWA Region 10 Program, 10/17 – Irvine, CA
Thu, 10/17/2013 – 10:00am – 2:30pm
Location:
Irvine, CA
Registration Open!
ACWA Region 10 Program
CREATING A CLEARER UNDERSTANDING IN MURKY WATER
Thursday, October 17, 2013 • 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport
18800 MacArthur Blvd.
Irvine, CA
ACWA Region 10 – Southern California to hear perspectives from Northern California
Joint MCWRA / ACWA Region 3 Member Meeting October 18
Fri, 10/18/2013 – 9:30am
Location:
The Ridge Golf Club and Events Center, 2020 Golf Course Road, Auburn, CA 95602
REGISTRATION OPEN!
MCWRA & ACWA Region 3
ACWA Region 3 / Mountain Counties Water Resources Association will hold a joint meeting Oct. 18, at the Ridge Golf Club and Event Center, Auburn.
WHO: MCWRA & ACWA Region 3 Members
Registration Open! ACWA Regions 2 & 4 Water Forum & Bike Tour Oct. 24-25
Thu, 10/24/2013 – Fri, 10/25/2013
Location:
Sacramento, CA
ACWA Regional Water Forum & American River Bike Tour
October 24-25, 2013
Hosted by ACWA Regions 2 & 4
ACWA 2013 Fall Conference & Exhibition
Tue, 12/03/2013 – Fri, 12/06/2013
Location:
JW Marriott LA Live, Los Angeles
Event and Registration Information
Exhibit Booth information is available here.
Download the conference brochure here.