Here’s some water bond news to end the week: As reported in the Contra Costa Times and San Diego Tribune today, farming and business groups have followed Sen. Don Perata’s lead, dropping plans to put their $11.6 billion water bond on the November ballot. Instead, the coalition will work with the Governor and Senator Feinstein on drafting a bond initiative everyone will be happy with.

With state reservoirs struggling to come back from last year’s record-low rainfall and pumping from the Delta scheduled to be reduced, this couldn’t be more timely. The Los Angeles Times agrees: this week, they’ve announced an upcoming editorial series on water policy in California.

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It’s a question we get asked more than you’d think: What does the Central Basin logo mean? This week, new CB employees were asked this very question in a friendly challenge. No surprise here, studied staffers raced to be the first to answer. For those of you who might not know, here’s the meaning behind the arrows:

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Here, Toby Roy from the San Diego County Water Authority provides some important updates that all CUWCC water agencies should know about the State Model Landscape Ordinance DWR recently released for public comment:

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Hi everyone,

As I’m sure you’ve read in your local paper, the Metropolitan Water District last week voted to adopt the proposed water supply allocation plan without allowing member agencies the necessary time for additional review. This decision, which lacked profound foresight and consideration, was in short, extremely disappointing.

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You’ve heard it before: Despite recent showers, Californians have a long way to go before we’re out of the woods in regards to last year’s water woes. This means conservation is key, especially on rainy days.

This month, a few Colorado Senators are going so far as to propose a change in their state law, to allow people to take full advantage of seasonal downpour by harvesting rain for later use. If you’re inspired, or perhaps just amused by this, here’s an interesting news clip on rain harvesting with the LA-based TreePeople Organization. (Video behind the cut)

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Central Basin invites water agencies that are members of the California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC) to contribute regularly to the Water Cooler. Here, Matt Lyons from the Long Beach Water Department kicks things off by explaining how blogging will help open a much-needed dialogue about water conservation among the state’s water agencies (also referred to as “Group 1 Members” within the CUWCC.)
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With sporadic showers, we begin to wonder if the drought is over. Dave Hill, our Water Resources & Planning Manager, can tell you from experience it’s not. Not only does he see first-hand the breaking facts and figures relating to our state water levels, but in the past few months, he’s witnessed the local interest in our recycled water program dramatically increase. Here, he provides some insights on the popular question:

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Here is an interesting news clip on the LA County dam system sent to me by our friends at the LA County Department of Public Works. With recent rains, KTLA Channel 5 looks at where our local supplies are stored. The report features the large San Gabriel Canyon Dams, which are owned and operated by LADPW. (Video behind the cut)

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Recently, Central Basin’s General Manager and Deputy GM returned from Sacramento, where they met with key representatives to share Central Basin’s concerns with Metropolitan Water District’s proposed Water Allocation Plan for Southern California.

On Feb. 12, (one week from today) the MWD Board of Directors is expected to vote on the Plan. As the date nears, the Plan–and its consequences for 18 million people–is receiving more media coverage than any other water management plan in recent years. Read what the media is saying.

Central Basin, along with numerous other L.A. County cities, believe that although a regional strategy is necessary to protect the water supplies, this one needs some work before it adequately–and equitably–addresses regional needs. Read more about our concerns: key-issues.pdf

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At last week’s Board Meeting, the Central Basin Board of Directors welcomed Porcha Ballard, a senior from Santa Fe High School who has chosen to study the exciting Southern California water industry for her Senior Project. Read the rest of this entry »