ACWA e-News for January 4, 2012

Investments in water use efficiency stimulate jobs and provide a boost for local economies, a new report by the Los Angeles-based Economic Roundtable says.

The report analyzed 53 recent water use efficiency projects in the Los Angeles area, including stormwater capture, water conservation, groundwater treatment / remediation and construction of water recycling facilities. It found that the $1.2 billion invested in the projects created a significant number of jobs and stimulated an additional $1.2 billion in indirect and induced sales.

California’s mountain snowpack is one of the driest on record for the date, according to a survey conducted today by the Department of Water Resources.

The state’s snowpack water content is just 19% of the Jan. 3 statewide average. The manual survey was conducted off Highway 50 near Lake Tahoe.

Russian River water pumped for frost protection during the spring months is subject to a new regulation effective Dec. 29.

The State Water Resources Control Board adopted the proposed Frost Protection Regulation for the Russian River watershed on Sept.20, 2011.

Video recordings of major programs and keynote speakers from ACWA’s 2011 Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim are now available for viewing.

The deadline to participate in ACWA's social media survey has been extended to Friday, Jan. 27.

Initiated by ACWA’s Technology Subcommittee, the survey aims to gather information on how public water agencies are using social media and websites.

Results of the survey will be used to provide examples and best practices to agencies not currently in the social media space. One completed survey per agency is preferred. 

The Department of Water Resources has released a public draft of a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing flood risks in the Central Valley while concurrently improving ecosystem health, water project operations and flood management.

ACWA submitted comments Dec. 23 urging the California Public Utilities Commission to include leak detection programs and other water efficiency proposals in its Program Guidance for the 2013-2014 Energy Efficiency Portfolio.