ACWA e-News for July 28, 2010

ACWA's e-Newsletter is a weekly roundup of California water news and events. To manage your subscription, click here.

Draft Methodologies Released for Urban Conservation Targets

Public comments are invited on eight methodologies developed by the Department of Water Resources to help water agencies calculate urban water conservation targets under SB7X 7. Enacted as part of the comprehensive legislative package on water last fall, SB7X 7 requires a 20% reduction in urban per capita water use by 2020.

To reach that goal, the legislation requires urban retail water suppliers who provide more than 3,000 acre-feet of water per year, or who serve more than 3,000 connections, to develop urban water use targets for the year 2020.

Session Set for Thursday on Ag Water Efficiency

The Department of Water Resources will hold its second of two listening sessions on Thursday, July 29, to take public input on SBX7 7, the legislation approved last November requiring agricultural water districts to measure all deliveries and also to develop a methodology to quantify the efficient use of agricultural water.

The session will begin at 9 a.m. at the Natural Resources Building in Sacramento. A similar session was held July 27 in Fresno.

ACWA: Request for Qualifications To Provide In-Conduit Hydroelectric Generation

The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Preferred Provider Program (APP) is looking to augment its current group of APPs with an In-Conduit Hydroelectric Generation (IHG) provider, which can assist its members in meeting the mandates of current legislation.

Upcoming Events in Washington, D.C.


Protecting the Water Supply
Senate Environment and Public Works Committee
Full Committee Hearing

Chairwoman Boxer (D-Calif.)will hold a hearing on protecting the nation's water treatment facilities.

When: Wednesday, July 28, 2:30 p.m.
Where: 406 Dirksen Bldg.

House, Senate Appropriators Move Spending Bills

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior & Environment yesterday marked up the FY 2011 spending bill funding the Department of Interior, EPA and related agencies. The House Subcommittee approved $11 billion for the Department of Interior; equal to last year’s enacted level and $133 million less than the President’s request. The Subcommittee approved $10 billion for the EPA, $271 million less than last year’s enacted level and $2 million less than the President’s request.

Chairman Oberstar Sets Date for WRDA Consideration

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will consider the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2010 on Thursday, July 29th. According to committee Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN), the committee has withdrawn all Republican project requests in light of a letter pulling all such requests from House Republican leadership.

Online Registration Now Available for SBX7 6 Interactive Workshops

Online registration opened today for workshops to be held in August throughout the state to discuss the draft SBX7 6 Groundwater Elevation Monitoring Program. These six workshops, hosted by ACWA and the Department of Water Resources (DWR) will offer attendees the opportunities to learn about the program, volunteer criteria, ask questions, and provide public input while the provisions are in draft form.

Sept. 1 Deadline to Pass Resolutions Recognizing ACWA’s Centennial

ACWA member agencies around the state are celebrating ACWA’s centennial by passing resolutions honoring the milestone.


Agricultural Water Conservation (SBx7-7) - Listening Session in Sacramento

Thu, 07/29/2010 - 8:00am - 1:00pm
Location: 
Natural Resources Building, Auditorium, 1416 9th Street, Sacramento, California 95814


Sustainable Agriculture Practices Workshop

Mon, 08/02/2010 (All day) - Fri, 08/06/2010 (All day)
Location: 
Swanton Pacific Ranch, Davenport, CA

From the forest, rangeland and cropland to the sea.

Sponsored by Cal Poly State University at Swanton Pacific Ranch.

Welcoming agriculture producers, planners, agency professionals and college students.

Increase your understanding of watershed-based water quality monitoring and management techniques.


Are you ready for CALGreen? (Martinez)

Thu, 08/05/2010 - 1:00pm - 4:30pm
Location: 
Martinez

Understanding California’s New Green Building Code

A Green Technology Training Event

California’s green building code becomes mandatory on January 1, 2011 and will affect all new commercial and residential construction!


ACWA Region 5 Reception and Tour

Sun, 08/08/2010 - 4:00pm - Mon, 08/09/2010 - 8:00pm
Location: 
Byron, CA

Please join us for an ACWA Region 5 tour of the State Water Project’s J. E. Skinner Delta Fish Protective Facility and the Harvey O. Banks Pumping Plant as well as the Bureau of Reclamation’s Jones Pumping Plant and the Tracy Fish Collection Facility.

Register for this event

Local elected officials and ACWA members are invited to attend the reception and participate on the tour.

What: Board Meeting, Reception & Dinner


ACWA's Continuing Legal Education Workshop

Thu, 09/30/2010 (All day) - Fri, 10/01/2010 (All day)
Location: 
Argonaut Hotel, San Francisco

The comprehensive water package, which was passed by the legislature and signed by the Governor last year. This historic package contains four policy bills along with an $11.14 billion general obligation bond proposal that voters will consider on the November 2010 ballot.

Get the latest on how these issues, and more, impact the legal and policy framework in which water agencies must operate.


Registration Deadline Approaching: ACWA Regions 8, 9 & 10 Joint Fall Program and Tour

Thu, 09/30/2010 - 8:00am - 5:00pm
Location: 
Cucamonga Valley Water District, 10435 Ashford St., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

“The Salty Truth: A Look at Salt Management Practices”

ACWA Regions 8, 9 & 10 invite you to a one day program and tour on salt management practices in the Santa Ana groundwater basin. Please join us to hear expert panelists for a morning program and take an exciting hands-on tour in the afternoon. Tour locations include, Arlington Desalter, Inland Empire Bio Solids Treatment Plant, and much more!

Registration deadline is Sept. 20.

Who: ACWA Regions 8, 9 & 10