ACWA e-News for January 26, 2012

ACWA submitted comments today supporting proposed changes to fishing regulations for striped bass.

In a letter to the California Fish and Game Commission, ACWA said changes proposed to current striped bass fishing regulations reflect a well-reasoned approach that provides a balance between reducing a Delta stressor and maintaining a viable sport fishery in the Delta.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will host a webinar Jan. 26 at 1 p.m. demonstrating how to use its Discharge Monitoring Report (DMR) Pollutant Loading Tool.

The State Water Resources Control Board is seeking input and information to evaluate potential changes to Delta outflow and inflow requirements as part of its review of the 2006 Water Quality Control Plan for the Bay-Delta.

In a notice issued Jan. 24, the State Board requests comments and information regarding potentially significant environmental effects, reasonable alternatives and mitigation measures related to possible changes that could emerge from a comprehensive review of the 2006 plan.

Members enrolled in ACWA’s State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF) workers’ compensation program are being advised that the association’s pool will terminate effective June 30. An agreement to continue the program could not be reached due to a new requirement by SCIF that would have forced ACWA to end its relationship with the ACWA Joint Powers Insurance Authority, which runs a competing workers’ compensation program.

Prior agreements with SCIF had specifically allowed ACWA’s support of the ACWA/JPIA program.

The Department of Water Resources has launched a new website with up-to-date, historical and background information on rain and snowpack measurements, reservoir levels, runoff projections and other information.

Visit this site at http://www.water.ca.gov/waterconditions/.

The new water conditions web pages will be updated often and the website will be expanded further in the comings days and weeks, the Department said.

Citing potentially severe impacts on water supply and power operations, a group of public water and power agencies is asking the State Water Resources Control Board to delay any revision of Delta flow objectives until key analyses can be completed as part of the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan.

Do you know someone who has exhibited exceptional leadership skills in California water? Has your agency created an outstanding project or program in water resources management?

Consider submitting a nomination or entry for ACWA’s Excellence in Water Leadership Award or Clair A. Hill Water Agency Award for Excellence.

Clair Hill Award

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.