ACWA’s eNews is a weekly roundup of California water news and events.
State Board Approves Low-Interest Loan Terms for Recycling Projects
The State Water Resources Control Board (State Board) has approved new low-interest financing terms for water recycling projects that can be completed within three years of Governor Jerry Brown’s January 17 drought declaration.
The low-interest loans are intended to help California produce an additional 150,000 acre-feet of recycled water annually, one of several actions Governor Brown called for in his Drought State of Emergency.
U.S. Reps. Garamendi, LaMalfa Announce Bill on Sites Reservoir
U.S. Reps. John Garamendi (D-03) and Doug LaMalfa (R-01) announced the bipartisan legislation today that would authorize a feasibility study and construction of Sites Reservoir in Colusa County.
The legislation, titled the Sacramento Valley Water Storage and Restoration Act of 2014, would set a deadline for completion of the feasibility study and authorize construction of the off-stream reservoir if deemed feasible. It would also create a process by which a non-federal sponsor could develop the project.
Senate Hearing Focuses on Challenges Facing California’s Groundwater
Water experts joined state and local officials on Tuesday to brief members of the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee on California’s groundwater challenges, focusing on difficulties – and successes – in managing the resource and its overuse because of the drought.
The hearing was the second legislative hearing this month on groundwater.
Agency Secretaries Release Drinking Water Reorganization Transition Plan
The California Secretary for Environmental Protection and the Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency on March 14 released the drinking water reorganization transition plan which outlines the proposed transfer of the Drinking Water Program from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to the State Water Resources Control Board (State Board).
The transition plan can be found here.
Save Our Water Launches ‘Californians Don’t Waste’ PSA Campaign
Save Our Water – a partnership between ACWA and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) – has launched a ‘Californians Don’t Waste’ public service announcement (PSA) campaign to bring awareness to ways citizens can save water every day.
The public service campaign kicked off this week with the release of several short videos focused on the simple, yet critical, message: “We Are Californians and We Don’t Waste.”
Appeals Court Overturns Lower Court Decision on Delta Smelt Protections
In a move that could further limit water deliveries from the state and federal projects, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday overturned a lower court decision that found major flaws with by a 2008 plan for protecting Delta smelt.
lIn the opinion issued Thursday, 9th Circuit Judge Jay Bybee wrote that the lower court should have paid more heed to a 2008 biological opinion issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that recommended limited exports of water to farmers and southern California in order to protect the threatened Delta smelt.
California’s Water System Faces Funding Drought, PPIC Reports Says
California needs to spend an additional $2 billion to $3 billion annually to improve and maintain critical elements of its water system including drinking water systems in disadvantaged communities, flood protection, stormwater runoff management and other areas.
2014 Green California Summit and Exposition
Mon, 04/07/2014 – 1:00pm – Wed, 04/09/2014 – 5:00pm
Location:
Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Event and registration information here.
Paying for Water in California
Thu, 04/10/2014 – 9:00am – 2:00pm
Location:
Sacramento Convention Center, 1400 J Street, Rooms 202/203, Sacramento
Registration information here.
ACWA Region 5 Tour & Program – March 23 & 24 in Santa Cruz, CA
Sun, 03/23/2014 – Mon, 03/24/2014
Location:
Santa Cruz, CA
ACWA Region 5 Hosted Program
Working Together in Dry Times
How the Santa Cruz Water Community is Collaborating for Solutions
March 23 & 24, 2014
ACWA Small Hydro Workshop & Tour
Fri, 03/21/2014 – 8:00am – 4:30pm
Location:
Rancho Cucamonga and Rialto
ACWA is hosting a new workshop and tour this year on small hydropower. A half-day workshop at the Cucamonga Valley Water District Frontier Project will include programs on site selection, permitting, financing and small hydropower technologies. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Attendees then will have the option in the afternoon of touring Fontana Water Company’s Sandhill Small Hydro Facility in Rialto.
This workshop may qualify toward the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) continuing education credit.
Event and Registration Information
Climate Change and the Future of Groundwater in California
Wed, 04/16/2014
Location:
UC Davis Conference Center (Davis, CA)
The 2nd Annual Climate Change Water and Society (CCWAS) IGERT State of the Science workshop is here! “Climate Change and the Future of Groundwater in California” aims to bring together scientists, water managers, policy and decision makers, engineers and other interested stakeholders to identify key challenges and solutions for a sustainable groundwater future.
ACWA 2014 Spring Conference & Exhibition
Tue, 05/06/2014 – Fri, 05/09/2014
Location:
Portola and Marriott Hotels, Monterey
Event and Registration Information
Conference Exhibitor Information
Conference Sponsorship Information
California Water Policy 23: Tangled Up In Blue
Thu, 04/03/2014 – Fri, 04/04/2014
Location:
The Roberts Environmental Center at Claremont McKenna College
The California Water Policy conference is set for April 3-4 at Claremont McKenna College.
O.C. Water Summit
Fri, 05/16/2014
Location:
Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel, Anaheim
Presented by the Orange County Water District, the Municipal Water District of Orange County and Disneyland Resort, the Summit brings together more than 500 Southern California business professionals with international, national and state water industry stakeholders, elected officials, environmentalists, scientists and community leaders to discuss ongoing global water issues and how water supply challenges impact our economy and public safety. Prominent authors, world-renowned experts and distinguished speakers will also be a part of this critical dialogue.
Children’s Water Education Festival
Wed, 03/26/2014 – Thu, 03/27/2014
Location:
University of California, Irvine
Presented by the Orange County Water District, Disneyland Resort, National Water Research Institute and the OCWD Groundwater Guardian Team, the Festival presents a unique opportunity to educate Orange County’s third, fourth and fifth grade students about water and the environment. More than 7,000 students are expected to attend. Volunteers, presenters and sponsors are needed to support this educational event. Learn more at www.childrenwaterfestival.com.
IWA Watershed Management Conference
Tue, 09/09/2014 – 9:00am – Fri, 09/12/2014 – 5:00pm
Location:
San Francisco
The International Water Association is holding a specialists’ conference for water basin science and management Sept. 9 to 12 in San Francisco.
Submissions of abstracts of research may be submitted by March 3 for consideration of presentation at the conference. Abstracts may be submitted here.
