[Water_news] 2. DWR'S CALIFORNIA WATER NEWS: SUPPLY - 6/05/09

Department of Water Resources

California Water News

A daily compilation of significant news articles and comment 

 

June 5, 2009

 

2. Supply –

 

 

More storming expected today

Woodland Daily Democrat

 

Village CSD raises water, sewer rates

The Lompoc Record

 

Water district hikes rates

Sonoma Index-Tribune

 

Rancho Cucamonga water agency encourages residents to make a 5 percent water reduction

Ontario Inland Valley Bulletin

 

Report: Desal plant is not needed

Marin Independent Journal

 

MURRIETA: Water out Thursday at MVHS

Salinas Californian

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

 

More storming expected today

Nearly half-inch of rain falls on Yolo County in span of one night

Woodland Daily Democrat-6/05/09

Northern California was bracing for a second wave of thunderstorms after a slow-moving system produced a series of lightning strikes and pounded parts of the region with rain.

 

The National Weather Service says more than 1,000 lightning strikes were recorded across the area from Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

 

That led to numerous small fires across a wide territory, from the Sierra foothills north and east of the state capital to just south of the Oregon border.

 

Karl Swanberg, a National Weather Service forecaster in Sacramento, says most of the fires were less than an acre.

 

Yolo County Cooperative Extension officials said 0.28 inches of rain fell overnight, bringing the season total to 15.90 inches, compared to

19.22 inches as the 10-year season average. Last year at this time, Woodland had received 20.00 inches of rain. The new rainfall season starts July 1.

 

Sacramento International Airport recorded about half an inch of rain overnight. Forecasters expect another, less severe round of thunderstorms Thursday.

 

One hit a Plumas County woman as she walked across a yard carrying an umbrella Wednesday night. Sheriff's Sgt. Ken Nelson said medical responders revived the woman, who lives in the rural community of Plumas, about 150 miles northeast of Sacramento.

 

"She was carrying an umbrella, and all the fabric was burned off," Nelson said.

 

He said he did not know the victim's identity. She was flown to the UC Davis Medical Center in

 

Sacramento, where she was listed in critical condition Thursday, hospital spokesman David Ong said.

 

Lightning and downed power lines caused numerous small fires across a wide territory, from the Sierra foothills north and east of the state capital to just south of the Oregon border.

 

Most were less than an acre, said Karl Swanberg, a National Weather Service forecaster in Sacramento.

 

Butte County, which endured a series of severe wildfires last spring and summer, experienced lightning strikes between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. Thursday, triggering a dozen small fires, said Capt. Scott McLean of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

 

All were quickly contained.

 

"It was quite impressive -- a lot of lightning going sideways, beside the downstrikes," McLean said.

 

The storm dropped an inch of rain in some areas but would not be enough to delay the wildfire season, he said.

 

In Southern California, two people died and seven were injured after a gusty electrical storm pounded California with thunderstorms and lightning, igniting dozens of small wilderness fires.

 

The deaths and most of the injuries occurred Wednesday in San Bernardino County, east of Los Angeles.

 

Lightning killed a woman walking under a tree along a Fontana sidewalk shortly before 5 p.m. She was identified as Tina Bond, 40, the coroner's office said.#

 

http://www.dailydemocrat.com/ci_12526581

 

 

Village CSD raises water, sewer rates

The Lompoc Record-6/04/09

By Glenn Wallace

 

Rates are going up in Vandenberg Village, to help pay for the water that is flowing down to Lompoc’s new wastewater treatment plant.

 

The regular meeting of the Vandenberg Village Community Service District this week included public hearings on proposed rate increases on water usage, sewage service, and connection fees.

 

The first two were approved by the board, while the connection fee issue was tabled for two months pending more study, according to district General Manager Joe Barget.

 

The proposed rate increases — an extra $.83 per unit water charge for the district’s heaviest users, and a $11.47 increase for wastewater service — will take effect next month, and will be reflected in Vandenberg Village residents’ July bills.

 

Barget said the water usage increase would only affect the top 7 percent of water customers, and was introduced more as incentive for conservation than for revenue.

 

The increases, particularly for wastewater, were not uncontested, however.

 

“We received 25 protest letters, and we had about 10 people speak (at the meeting) against the proposed increases,” Barget said.

 

Barget added that a third issue, a proposed increase to connection fees for new construction, was postponed to allow for more study and community input.

 

Longtime Community Service District Board Member Charles Blair estimated as many as 10 more people attended the meeting to observe. He said he was pleased with the larger-than-usual turnout for a district meeting, and with the chance to hear from residents.

 

“We’re happy when people come in and see what we’re doing,” Blair said.

Blair called the increases “a necessary part” of the district’s mission, thanks to its commitment to the Lompoc Regional Wastewater Reclamation Plant’s (LRWRP) current $100 million renovation and upgrade. The plant serves the wastewater needs of Lompoc, Vandenberg Village and Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The district’s share is an estimated $20 million.

“Paying that has really been one of our crises,” Blair said.

The district used reserve funding to pay down its obligation up front, to save money over the life of the bond, and was also awarded a $4 million grant last year to lessen the load, but Blair and Barget said an incremental raising of the rates has still been needed.

Without the increases, the district’s staff predicted a $2.4 million shortfall in reserves thanks to payments for the plant if the rates were not increased.

Barget said the district had been increasing rates in a very gradual and measured way over the last six years to avoid the sudden shock to customers of a sudden and sizable increase. He warned of one more rate increase — raising the sewer bill to $68 a month beginning next year.

“That will be the last of the planned increases for LRWRP.”#

http://www.lompocrecord.com/articles/2009/06/04/news/news02.txt

 

Water District Hikes Rates

Sonoma Index-Tribune-6/03/09

After hearing from only two people regarding the Valley of the Moon Water District's proposed 7 percent water-rate hike, board members voted unanimously for the increase Tuesday night. Krishna Kumar, the water district's general manger, told the board the district had received one residential complaint and one business complaint on the proposal.   Board watcher and Boyes Hot Springs resident, Mark Heneveld, was in the sparse audience and asked, "Why don't you make it 10 percent?" Newly elected water board President Ron Prushko replied, "That's too high this year. We were able to keep the lid on it even though we got a 24-percent increase for wholesale water from the Sonoma County Water Agency, which was originally proposing 29 percent."   Prushko added, "We can live within our budget at 7 percent." Boardmember Ed Kenny told the audience "The cheapest thing on God's earth is water." Prushko also mentioned a comparison between water that the Sonoma County and North Marin contractors have to pay for wholesale water, and what the City of Ukiah pays. "Their water went from $47 an acre foot to $97, and we're a long way from that kind of increase." The new rate increase for Valley customers is effective July 1, to June 30, 2010. Also effective for the new fiscal year, the board unanimously approved the yearly budget.   The 2009-10 Operating and Maintenance budget is $4,024,598, an increase of 2.3 percent and the Capital Improvement budget is $1,557,000. On the water-conservation front, Kumar reported to directors that the State Water Resources Control Board has changed the dates for the required mandatory 25-percent temporary reduction in Russian River diversions.   On April 10, the SWRCB called for a 25-percent conservation level among the North Bay water contractors including Valley of the Moon and the City of Sonoma, that also prohibited irrigation of all commercial turf. Recently, the state board modified the order which still requires a 25-percent Russian River diversion. However, reducing the river flow won't take place until July 6, following the popular July 4 recreational gatherings along the river that bring thousands of residents and tourists. The new order from the state also gives businesses the option of significantly reducing the amount of water used to irrigate commercial turf rather than the outright ban which was required in the April 10 directive. In other business, the district's "Cash for Grass" program could get a boost as the City of Santa Rosa has applied for a $1 million grant benefiting all Sonoma County water contractors which can expand the program and bring in more customers willing to exchange their lawns for money and drought-resistant plants. The grant, if approved, would be through the Bureau of Reclamation and would make money available to customers in the Valley who wish to take advantage of the water-conservation practice. And finally, at the Tuesday meeting, directors received the Sonoma Valley Groundwater Management Program 2008 Annual Report which outlines many major accomplishments in the Valley including: groundwater-level monitoring in spring and fall last year; the addition of 41 volunteer wells to the monitoring program; obtaining a $250,000 grant, a part of which allows for installation of new multi-depth monitoring wells; installing a new stream gauge on Sonoma Creek; and initiating a pilot program evaluating water use in the Valley's areas not under the jurisdictions of water district and the City of Sonoma. The groundwater plan was developed by the Basin Advisory Panel through a collaborative effort by numerous stakeholders in agriculture and other businesses, government agencies, environmentalists and private citizens, and was chaired by Valley of the Moon Water District boardmember Mark Bramfitt.   Speaking about the plan Bramfitt said, "I'd like to state to fellow board members and rate payers that this is a huge effort and we are doing great things in the Valley. The value we are getting for our money is really tremendous. Thanks to the board for supporting it."   http://www.sonomanews.com/articles/2009/06/03/news/doc4a27205b7a85c007549971.txt

Rancho Cucamonga water agency encourages residents to make a 5 percent water reduction

Ontario Inland Valley Bulletin-6/03/09

By Wendy Leung

 

Residents should not think they are immune to mandatory water restrictions just because they don't live in Los Angeles.

 

The ongoing drought is a regional and statewide problem, and officials contend stringent measures here are on the horizon.

 

Restrictions on sprinklers and other outdoor usage began this week in an effort to cut Los Angeles' water rate by 15 percent.

 

The Cucamonga Valley Water District is encouraging responsible practices such as using shutoff nozzles on hoses and repairing leaks.

 

The district is also requiring restaurants to serve water only on request and requiring hotels to offer guests the option to not wash linens on a daily basis.

 

These new measures are part of ordinance 47, passed in May to stop wasteful practices such as hosing down driveways.

 

Repeated violation of the ordinance could result in a fine of $50 or more.

 

But Robert DeLoach, general manager of the water district, said officials have no intention of fining residents.

 

"It's early," DeLoach said. "Even those people violating, we'll knock on their doors and say, `Hey, you may not be aware of (the ordinance,) we'll be able to help you.' "

 

The district's latest measures also include a voluntary conservation goal of 5 percent.

 

DeLoach said most households will be able to meet the 5 percent goal.

 

"People are already conserving, they're starting to get the message," DeLoach said.

 

"I think 5 percent is a no-brainer. Give us a year and we can cut 10 percent without breaking a sweat."

 

Officials said they believe if we get another dry year this winter, tougher measures - such as mandatory conservation and limiting outdoor watering for two or more days - will go into effect.

 

On Tuesday, the water board and City Council held a joint workshop to discuss future phases of water restriction.

 

Ordinance 48, an emergency plan to cut usage by 50 percent in stages, will be considered by the water board June 23.

 

The first phase of the emergency plan would start with mandatory conservation by 10 percent and escalates to a severe water emergency stage, in which no outdoor watering would be allowed for four or more days out of the week.#

 

http://www.dailybulletin.com/search/ci_12513188?IADID=Search-www.dailybulletin.com-www.dailybulletin.com

 

 

 

Report: Desal plant is not needed Marin Independent Journal-6/03/09 By Mark Prado   The Marin Municipal Water District doesn't need to build a desalination plant and could employ conservation measures, curb leaks and improve reservoir operations to meet future water needs, according to a new report.   The report, "Sustaining Our Water Future," was issued Wednesday by the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit consumer organization Food & Water Watch.   It was written by James Fryer, a former water district conservation program manager. In February, the MMWD Board of Directors directed its staff to keep open the possibility of a controversial 5-million-gallon-a-day desalination plant as part of a package of steps to address the county's future water needs. But a final decision on desalination won't come until 2011.   The new report suggests the water district has overestimated the expected water shortfall because it based it on high-use years, not demand in a normal year.   By replacing inefficient fixtures, improving landscape irrigation, plugging system leaks and enhancing reservoir operations, Marin could have a reliable water supply without desalination, according to the report.   "The report illustrates what is the most cost-efficient and beneficial way for ratepayers to maintain water supply," said Adam Scow, of Food & Water Watch, which opposes desalination in general. "People want conservation, they don't want desalination and they are willing to take steps."   The report lists other recommendations. The district should: - Re-establish a citizens advisory committee to support water conservation programs and provide oversight of water supply reliability improvements. - Take a fresh look at rationing. - Conduct a comprehensive urban landscape analysis using geographic information system and on-site surveys to determine the shape of a new landscape water conservation program. - Conduct a district-wide groundwater study that also evaluates the integration of cisterns, rain gardens and flood management with groundwater recharge and management.   Paul Helliker, the water district's general manager, took issue with the report's suggestion that a large cut in landscape irrigation is doable and would be a primary water-saver.   "They are talking about everyone, businesses and homeowners, cutting landscape water use by 40 percent, that's a phenomenal cut," he said, noting the district is working on technology to help customers not over-water gardens.   While the report suggests a 4 percent reduction in water leaks, Helliker said it is often old meters that give the impression of water being lost.   "And you also have to figure in water use for firefighters and cleaning in that number," he said, adding that the district will take a close look at the report.   "Conservation is our first preference, too, but there are caveats," he said.   While the report says desalination is not needed, the district says it's in a water deficit now that will force severe rationing during drought conditions, and that a desalination plant would supply the county with a "drought-proof" source of water.   The desalination plant being proposed would be built in phases. The first phase would be construction of a 5-million-gallon-per-day facility, with the ability to expand to 15 million gallons per day.   The desalination plant would take San Rafael Bay water and subject it to various forms of treatment to produce drinkable water through reverse osmosis technology.   The plant would be situated on MMWD-owned land near Pelican Way in San Rafael. Bay water would be piped from an intake near the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.   The plant could be operational by 2014.#   http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_12513281?IADID=Search-www.marinij.com-www.marinij.com

 

 

MURRIETA: Water out Thursday at MVHS

Salinas Californian-6/04/09

  

A water main malfunction Thursday on Nighthawk Way caused service to be off at Murrieta Valley High School for more than an hour, school officials said.

Work crews from the Rancho California Water District were able to redirect water flow around the problem, said Anna Dye of the district's operations department.

Only the high school was affected by the outage, Dye said, and not the nearby neighborhoods.

School Principal Renate Jefferson said water was off at the 3,100-student campus from just after noon until about 1:30 p.m.

Water stored at the site for emergency purposes was available for drinking and portable toilets at the athletic fields as well as restrooms at nearby Thompson Middle School were available for use, Jefferson said.

Dye said the repair work to the water main Thursday was a temporary fix; the work is expected to be completed on June 16, after school is out for the summer.#

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2009/06/04/news/californian/murrieta/z7dfa15d2ef95d241882575cb0079e9af.txt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DWR’s California Water News is distributed to California Department of Water Resources management and staff,  for information purposes, by the DWR Public Affairs Office. For reader’s services, including new subscriptions, temporary cancellations and address changes, please use the online page: http://listhost2.water.ca.gov/mailman/listinfo/water_news . DWR operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs. Inclusion of materials is not to be construed as an endorsement of any programs, projects, or viewpoints by the Department or the State of California.