A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment
July 16, 2007
2. Supply
DESALINATION:
Coastal group, company dicker over Carlsbad desal info - North County Times
Osos group urges water conservation; With severe water shortage, some residents are trying to turn the city’s attention away from the sewer project and toward reducing water use - San Luis Obispo Tribune
Editorial: Water alarm not a dry run; Start practicing conservation -
DEVELOPMENT ISSUES:
Rancho Calaveras struggles with water woes; Rate hike comes just as heat soars, supply fears grow -
PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS:
Metropolitan Water District plans pipeline construction along Alessandro Boulevard in Riverside - Riverside Press Enterprise
WATER CONSERVATION:
Guest Opinion: The time is now to save water; California needs a plan that is comprehensive - Stockton Record
LAWSUIT:
Editorial: All wet; Suing cities over water plans is a waste of resources - Santa Rosa Press Democrat
Column: Asking a few questions about conservation -
DESALINATION:
Coastal group, company dicker over
By Gig Conaughton, staff writer
San Diego County Water Authority officials, during several years of contentious on-again-off-again negotiations to be part of the Carlsbad project, once complained that Poseidon had used business-secret confidentiality claims to withhold environmental information.
The agency broke off negotiations a year ago, but has endorsed the project.
In Tampa Bay, Fla., where Poseidon helped build a desalination plant that endured problems from 2003 to 2005, officials still say Poseidon used confidentiality claims to "conceal" information that would have made the plant operate better.
Despite that, local water officials who desperately want the
Some even suggested, as Poseidon did, that the commission may be asking for more information than it needs to decide whether to build the plant that would churn out 50 million gallons of drinking water a day at
"Most people know that there's actually staff on the Coastal Commission who are adamantly against desalination," said Bud Pocklington, who is board member for both the Water Authority and the South Bay Irrigation District that has agreed to buy some of the
Poseidon itself, which eventually allowed the Water Authority to conduct its own environmental testing and has denied the Tampa Bay complaints, said last week that it was close to reaching a resolution with the Coastal Commission on its information requests.
However, company officials also said that they've asked to meet with the Coastal Commission's board in August to appeal to circumvent those requests if they can't reach a resolution.
Key permit
The Coastal Commission, which must approve the project for it to be built, has long been considered the Poseidon project's biggest regulatory hurdle. Created by state voters in 1972, the commission is charged with protecting, conserving and restoring
Poseidon has been trying for 10 months to get the commission's staff to judge its application "complete" and pass it forward to the commission board for a ruling in November. The company hopes the plant could start churning out water by 2010.
However, the staff has returned Poseidon's application four times, most recently July 3, asking for more information.
The proposed plant would use a portion of the seawater the Encina plant sucks in from the ocean to cool its electricity-generating turbines and then spits back into the sea. Poseidon's plant would force some of that water through high-tech membranes to extract the salt and create drinking water.
The brine would be poured back into the ocean. If approved, the plant would be the largest in the
More questions
Tom Luster, the commission's desalination expert, said recently that the agency still had substantial financial and environmental questions.
He said the agency wanted to know more about the estimated cost of the water the plant would produce, and asked to see Poseidon's contract with Encina's operators.
He said the commission wanted more information about whether the plant could or should be smaller, whether the plant would increase greenhouse gas emissions, and if the plant could use subsurface wells to get its water instead of pulling it directly from the ocean.
Luster also said that, when he and commission staffers issued their rejection letter, they had asked Poseidon for much of that information "over and over again," in the last 10 months, but Poseidon had not complied.
Poseidon Vice President Peter MacLaggan has repeatedly said the company has given the commission all the information needed to complete their application and rule on the project.
He said that every time Poseidon had given the commission staff more information, they used it to bring up new questions.
"We believe the application and subsequent submittals to the staff include all the information required to deem the application complete," MacLaggan said.
Both Luster and MacLaggan said late last week that they had talked, and they hoped they could come to an amicable compromise.
The two men said a key unresolved problem was the commission's request to review Poseidon's deal with the power plant's operators. The report, they said, would help show how much the electricity would cost over the plant's 30-year lifetime.
"It's a proprietary arrangement, and we don't care to make that information public at this time," MacLaggan said. However, MacLaggan said the two sides were trying to work out a deal to let the commission see the contracts on the condition they remained confidential.
Trouble brewing?
MacLaggan dismissed the suggestion that Poseidon could be headed into another dispute over information ---- and the characterization that Poseidon had such disputes with the Water Authority and Tampa Bay Water.
"I take exception to what you said about the Water Authority," he said. "I urge you to talk to our partners in
Water Authority managers declined to comment last week.
One board member, Mark Watton, would only say the Poseidon negotiations were "exceedingly difficult."
However, Watton, Pocklington, and other water officials suggested that the commission's staff could be predisposed against seawater desalination projects.
Since 2004, the commission has been on record as warning that it would look at issues outside traditional environmental harm when judging desalination projects, such as whether they could increase population growth and development.
The commission has also suggested that it doesn't like the idea that profit-driven companies, rather than public agencies, should be in charge of managing and pricing water supplies.
Luster, meanwhile, said the commission was not anti-desalination. He said the agency's staff was simply trying to get all the information coastal commissioners would need to make a decision. Luster said there was no animosity.
"I'm just doing what we need to do," Luster said. "It's not personal."
MacLaggan, meanwhile, said the company would appeal to the commission's board if Poseidon and Luster couldn't reach an agreement and rule the application complete.
He said with Southern California's drought, and droughts affecting Southern California's Colorado River and Northern California water supplies, the
"There is a sense of urgency at play here," MacLaggan said. "The water supply situation in
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/07/16/news/top_stories/71507183342.txt
Osos group urges water conservation; With severe water shortage, some residents are trying to turn the city’s attention away from the sewer project and toward reducing water use
San Luis Obispo
By Sona Patel, staff writer
A group of Los Osos residents is organizing a grass-roots campaign to deal with the severe water shortage in town.
Members hope to focus on the shortage and avoid the political controversy surrounding a proposed community sewer project.
The group’s effort is one of many by city and county governments to alleviate a “Level 3” water shortage in Los Osos, declared by the Board of Supervisors late March.
Level 3 is the county’s highest ranking of water shortage severity. The high level shows that Los Osos is increasingly using groundwater at a faster pace than the supply can recharge.
In March, Supervisor Bruce Gibson, whose district includes Los Osos, told county staff to develop a plan to reduce water use and work with water purveyors to address the problem.
County planner James Caruso said that plan, expected to be discussed at the July 24 supervisors’ meeting, shows the community has reduced its water use since 2001 —but not by enough to erase the threat.
Some Los Osos residents formed Water Health 2 Outreach in March, hoping to distance themselves from the sewer controversy and concentrate on water conservation.
The group’s goal is to increase public awareness about conservation and, most important, remind the community that its raucous politics shouldn’t interfere with saving water. For decades, political tension in Los Osos has centered on building a sewer. Many residents have formed groups that debated the cost and technology of a sewer and where to build a treatment plant.
Maria Kelly, one of the water conservation organizers, said the idea of starting the group came from residents who were interested in issues unrelated to the sewer.
“We have to barrel through the stereotypes and the inter-connectedness of everything,” Kelly said. “This is about education and outreach.”
Kelly asked Gordon Hensley — a former member of the Los Osos Community Services District board — in March if he would sponsor part of the group’s effort.
Hensley, executive director of environmental group San Luis Obispo Coastkeeper, agreed.
The conservation group wants to meet with water purveyors, which include the services district and Golden State Water Co., and county officials to address the shortage.
District board members said they’re also working to promote water conservation.
Chief among their efforts is a proposed ordinance that will require homeowners to retrofit water fixtures when they sell their property. Under the plan, older showers, faucets and toilets will be replaced with newer fixtures designed to use less water.
Board member Julie Tacker said the district’s legal counsel is reviewing the draft ordinance. It is not clear how long the review will take.
Caruso said the county will emphasize retrofitting options and other ways to reduce water use to address the shortage. #
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/story/92199.html
Editorial: Water alarm not a dry run; Start practicing conservation
The first warning was sounded in May when the Ventura River County Water District declared "drought conditions" and urged its
Now,
In fact, as this is the region's driest recorded year, it is likely that, by summer's end — despite water-reducing efforts — conservation measures will need to be enforced, not just encouraged.
"If we're not careful, the amount of water could deplete rapidly, Steve Wickstrum, general manager of Casitas Municipal Water District, recently told Star reporter Whitney Diaz. "If we don't take care of it soon enough, we could end up with serious episodes of water shortages."
Lack of rainfall isn't a problem unique to
That's why it's important residents start applying many of the water-saving tips to everyday life. It all adds up. Every drop of this precious and limited resource that is saved from going down the drain may delay the implementation of more stringent measures.
So, start watering the lawn and garden less, and definitely no watering between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.; try taking shorter showers; use a broom instead of a water hose to clean the driveway; run only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine; and turn off the water when brushing your teeth.
The dry year has also prompted Metropolitan Water District, which supplies water to 17 million people in six counties — including two-thirds of
The water district board has also expanded its list of eligible devices, including adding its first-ever rebate for synthetic turf. For more water-saving tips and the complete list of approved devices, go to www.mwdh2o.com.
These are critical days. Yes, there's always the chance the upcoming rainy season — which officially begins Oct. 1 — will bring enough rainfall to make things right as rain again. But, there are no guarantees.
To be on the safe side, residents should listen to Jeff Reinhardt, of the Las Virgenes Water District: "The water that we save this year may turn out to be the water that we need next year."
While the lack of rainfall is beyond human control, conserving what precious water we have is not. Don't wait until the situation gets even more dire, Start practicing wise water usage around your home or business today. #
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2007/jul/13/water-alarm-not-a-dry-run/
DEVELOPMENT ISSUES:
Rancho Calaveras struggles with water woes; Rate hike comes just as heat soars, supply fears grow
By Dana Nichols, staff writer
RANCHO CALAVERAS - Water rates went up in this 6,000-acre subdivision about the same time as temperatures soared above 100 degrees at the beginning of July. And just as lawns and gardens began to wilt in the heat, Calaveras County Water District also asked residents to cut back on watering, hoping to avoid running tanks dry, as happened several days last July.
Some residents see a catch-22: a need to water landscaping for fire safety and aesthetic reasons, but concern for whether there's enough water.
"I am hoping that I don't get socked with a real big water bill," said Rancho resident George Roessler, who said he's taken to hand-watering his vines and hedges in hopes it will reduce his water use.
Meanwhile, the water district is in the final weeks of a $600,000 project to install a new pipe to allow it to pump more water to the west end of Rancho Calaveras where some taps went dry last summer. Water District Director of Utilities Bill Perley said testing on the pipes will begin this week and it should be in use in two weeks.
The unique character of Rancho Calaveras means water will likely always be a challenge. That is in part because Calaveras County Water District inherited a substandard system from the developers who built the project in 1965, Perley said.
And it's in part because Rancho Calaveras combines features of an urban subdivision - such as a municipal water system - with large lots. The subdivision's 4,000 lots range from a half-acre to three acres, which can consume lots of water if residents decide to grow anything other than native shrubs and annual grasses.
Calaveras County Water District has the rights to plenty of water, but the pipes and tanks in Rancho Calaveras were designed only to deliver a maximum of 1,500 gallons a day per home. That is lots more than most homes would ever use indoors, but barely enough to keep up with irrigating even as little as a quarter of an acre of lawn.
"I have a pretty good lawn, and I'm contemplating maybe taking half of it out," said Jeff Davidson, a resident of Rancho Calaveras and the area's representative on the Calaveras County Water District board of directors.
That's what landscaping experts advise people who want to reduce outdoor water use.
"There are things that can be used as ground covers that don't take as much water as a green lawn," said Karen Riley, master gardener coordinator for the
Some Rancho residents have reduced their water use, including by way of decorative gravel ground cover and native plants that can survive, if not thrive, with minimal water.
"These people out there trying to keep an acre of grass green, that is insane here in the foothills," said Rancho resident Roxanne May, who has Ceanothus, or California lily, rosemary, and other desert-tough plants in her yard. "That's great if you are in
Even those who landscape only a part of their land, or who pasture livestock, use lots of water.
Davidson is considering investing in artificial turf to eliminate watering altogether.
"I think aesthetically, lawn is great. I think kids need a good place to play," Davidson said. "There are no parks in the area, so where are kids supposed to play on some nice grass?" #
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070716/A_NEWS/707160318
PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS:
Metropolitan Water District plans pipeline construction along Alessandro Boulevard in Riverside
Riverside Press
By Sandra Stokley, staff writer
Work on the Metropolitan Water District's "Perris Valley pipeline" project had been scheduled to begin in spring of 2006 but was delayed for more than a year due to contractual issues, said Tim Skrove, district spokesman.
When it is completed, up to 150 million gallons of treated water per day will travel through the 6.5-mile pipeline from the Mills Water Treatment Plan to areas served by the Eastern Municipal Water District and Western Municipal Water District.
"The new pipeline will provide crucial water reliability benefits to one of the fastest-growing areas in
This week Metropolitan's board of directors awarded a $39.3 million contract for installation of a 96-inch steel pipe that will run along a 2.5-mile stretch of
The work area begins just east of the
"The work is designed so that people will be able to get in and out of businesses on
Two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction along
Left turns off
The estimated completion date for this leg of the project is June 2008.
The second phase scheduled to begin next year and completed in mid-2009 will extend the pipeline south to
Communities benefiting from the increased water supplies include the cities of
http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_H_pipe15.3f4af64.html
WATER CONSERVATION:
Guest Opinion: The time is now to save water;
By Dave Cogdill, state senator, District 14, Modesto
As Californians are well-aware, an adequate and reliable source of water is essential for economic vitality and quality of life in every region of our state.
Yet, nearly 30 years have passed since the state has made improvements to its water system on the scale required to keep pace with growing population and changing needs.
The time to address
This year could be one of the driest on record. Water experts have been saying we would be in trouble if it weren't for our full reservoirs (thanks to a wet winter in 2005-06).
Still, many community leaders have called for voluntary and involuntary conservation, or rationing.
If a couple of dry years could threaten the availability of water now, imagine how much more dire a couple of dry years would be 10, 20 or 30 years from now if we don't increase our supply and California continues to grow by 500,000 people a year.
We need flexibility to deal with changes in rain patterns. Not only do we need to store up water during wet years to provide water during dry years, we also need storage facilities available to catch rain when it falls too heavily and threatens flooding.
There's an immediate necessity to address the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the hub of
Water for nearly two-thirds of
Most recently, concerns about the endangered Delta smelt caused the Department of Water Resources to drastically cut the amount of water being pumped out of the Delta.
That had a ripple effect on all the communities that rely on the pumped water.
The Delta also is exceedingly susceptible to earthquakes. One large-magnitude earthquake could decimate the Delta and the system that conveys water to
We must also continue to make progress with water use efficiency and conservation.Water can't be wasted. We need to use it wisely and effectively. Although we still will need additional supply, we might not need as much if we implement efficiency and conservation measures.
Given the heightened attention - including Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's support for a comprehensive approach, problems with the Delta and shutting off of the pumps, and a potential drought - the time to do something is now.
That's why I authored Senate Bill 59 and continue to push the issue in the Legislature.
This matter is too important to be ignored. #
http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070715/A_OPINION02/707150310/-1/A_OPINION06
LAWSUIT:
Editorial: All wet; Suing cities over water plans is a waste of resources
Santa Rosa Press Democrat – 7/16/07
The California Water Impact Network, a statewide group whose members include Russian River Keeper, is suing
According to the nonprofit, the two cities are breaking a state law that requires local governments to identify existing water sources and to catalog possible new sources of water. The goal is to ensure that local elected officials have a clear understanding of water availability before approving new suburbs and business parks.
While the law is good, the lawsuits are not. They divert limited staff time and money -- resources that could be used to develop the water plans.
The suit against Ukiah is particularly egregious because the city was putting together its plan when a federal regulatory decision reduced the amount of water that will be available in the future. According to its city manager, Ukiah has been working on the plan despite tremendous uncertainties. Now it will have to focus on fighting the lawsuit.
Couldn't the California Water Impact Network have made its point by simply publicizing the fact that two local cities are out of compliance with this important law? #
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20070715/NEWS/707150338/1043/OPINION01
Column: Asking a few questions about conservation
Santa Rosa Press Democrat – 7/16/07
By Chris Coursey, columnist
Water Agency officials may be right when they blame the heat for
Actually, it's not something that tells me that, it's someone -- several someones, in fact.
I can't recall a single person I've talked to about this issue who hasn't wondered why, if all of us are being asked to conserve water, there's been no mention of a plan to stop -- or at least cut back -- the construction of new houses. Or condos. Or apartments, or office buildings, or casinos.
I don't think most people have any objection to conserving water. Most of us understand that we live in a climate that wouldn't ordinarily sustain our water-lavish lifestyle, and if we want that lifestyle to continue, we need to find ways to use every drop more wisely.
It's a matter of fairness. The sentiment seems to be: I'm willing to make sacrifices, but why should I sacrifice any more than anyone else?
Growth in
Isn't all of that new construction making the problem worse?
Of course it is.
Why, then, if we are being asked to reduce our water use by 15 percent, are local governments not reducing building permits by 15 percent?
I'm sure someone has a good answer to that question. I'll let you know when I hear it.
After the growth question, the next most frequent response I've heard to this water-conservation request is, essentially, "How do you squeeze blood from a turnip?"
OK, that's not the best metaphor, but a lot of people feel like they've already "given" all they can in the name of conservation. They've dropped the blue tablets in their toilet tanks and fixed the leaks. They've participated in their cities' low-flush toilet retrofit programs. They've installed stingy shower heads, smaller lawns, water-efficient gardens and front-load washing machines. They drive dirty cars.
And then they're asked to cut back by another 15 percent.
The Water Agency's Pam Jeane acknowledged this dilemma in my colleague Bob Norberg's story the other day, reporting the county's first week of conservation efforts netted a reduction of just 6.4 percent.
"You implement best management practices, install all low-flow fixtures, low water-use landscaping, you do all these things and you get to the point that the only way to save more is a real impact," Jeane said. "There is a very large majority of people who feel like they have done everything for conservation they could do."
And, when they look around and see that not everyone else is doing everything, they wonder:
Why should we do more?
As alluded to earlier, this isn't a supply problem that will go away with the first wet winter. It's a delivery problem -- the water's available in
So, expect in the not-too-distant future to hear of plans for a pipeline to bypass the creek. An expensive pipeline. (I know, it's redundant.)
And expect on the heels of that announcement to hear a debate about who should pay for it -- all of us, or just the people who don't live here yet whose new homes are making it necessary? #
http://www1.pressdemocrat.com/article/20070716/NEWS/707160318/1033/NEWS01
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