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RPVCCA_SR_2011_02_01_12_West_Basin_MWD_ReliabilityCITY OF MEMORANDUM RANCHO PALOS VERDES TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: REVIEWED: HONORABLE MAYOR &CITY COUNCil MEMBERS CAROLYNN PETRU,DEPUTY CITY MANAGER® FEBRUARY 1,2011 WEST BASIN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT WATER RELIABILITY 2020 PROGRAM CAROLYN LEHR,CITY MANAGER 09- STAFF COORDINATOR:Matt Waters,Senior Administrative AnaIYS~. RECOMMENDATION 1.Hear a presentation regarding the West Basin Municipal Water District's Water Reliability 2020 program. 2.Authorize the Mayor to sign the attached draft letter of support for the program. BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION: A representative from the West Basin Municipal Water District (West Basin)recently approached City staff about its Water Reliability 2020 program.West Basin is actively seeking support from individLials,Cities,organizations and associations for this program. West Basin is a public agency that provides imported drinking water and recycled water to nearly one million people in seventeen cities and unincorporated areas of coastal Los Angeles County.West Basin is a member agency of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The Water Reliability 2020 program is intended to address the current California water crisis which is exacerbated by a number of factors identified by West Basin including: 1)The California State water system is currently over-burdened,serving far more people than originally intended.It was designed to serve eighteen million residents, but is currently serving over thirty-seven million. 2)Ecological problems have limited moving waterfrom Northern to Southern California to protect endangered species of fish. 3)Gradual shrinking of the Sierra snow melt. 4)Competition for Colorado River water from a number of Southwestern states has resulted in California losing approximately half of its former water supply from this 12-1 West Basin Municipal Water District Water Reliability 2020 Program February 1,2011 Page 2 source. The Water Reliability 2020 program intends to pursue a number of goals including doubling its recycling program,doubling its conservation program,and adding 20 million gallons of water through ocean desalination to help establish a more reliable and locally controlled supply of water for the Southern California area.An increased emphasis on local water sources is intended to mitigate the effect of weather,climate change and ongoing conflicts over water rights.The program aims to decrease imported water demand in West Basin from 66%to 33%by 2020.West Basin currently saves approximately five billion gallons of water through the installation of conservation devices and the passage of water conservation ordinances,plumbing codes and legislation.The District hopes to increase its water savings to ten billion gallons by 2020. Additionally,West Basin plans to expand its water conservation and environmental education programs which are aimed at 3rd through 12th graders.Programs include water- conservation themed art contests,solar-powered boat races,and field trips.West Basin has current educational partnerships with a number of institutions including the SeaLab in Redondo Beach and the Roundhouse Aquarium in Manhattan Beach. Water Reliability 2020 has garnered official support from a number of cities,elected officials,environmental groups,unions and associations,ocean experts,water organizations,chambers of commerce,civic,religious and social organizations and business leaders (see attached).Cities that have offered support for this program include Carson,Culver City,EI Segundo,Gardena,Inglewood,Manhattan Beach,West Hollywood, and Malibu. Attached is a draft letter from the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,under the Mayor's signature,offering support for West Basin's Water Reliability 2020 program. FISCAL IMPACT Approval and submittal of the attached letter of support will not have any discernible fiscal impact. ATTACHMENTS: Draft Rancho Palos Verdes Support Letter to West Basin Municipal Water District List of Water Reliability 2020 Outreach Supporters Water Reliability 2020 Outreach Packet 12-2 February 1,2011 Mr.Ron Wildermuth Public and Governmental Affairs Manager West Basin Municipal Water District 17140 S.Avalon Blvd.Suite 210 Carson,CA 90746-1296 Dear Mr.Wildermuth: On behalf of the City Council of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes,I am pleased to offer our support for West Basin Municipal Water District's Water Reliability 2020 program.I want to thank you for working with City staff to review the details of the program and for taking the time to make a presentation to the City Council. As proposed,the Water Reliability 2020 program will seek to double West Basin's water recycling efforts,maximize its conservation program,increase water education programs throughout West Basin's service area,and continue to pursue responsible ocean-water desalination as a new,locally controlled water source.I understand that one of the goals of the program is to increase the percentage of locally controlled water supplies from the current one-third level to two-thirds by 2020. Given the well-established importance of water management and conservation throughout the history of California,the City of Rancho Palos Verdes heartily endorses the efforts of this program and wishes the District well in its pursuit of increased local water supply reliability and independence. Sincerely, Tom Long Mayor cc:City Council Members City Manager 12-3 ~Water Reliability 2020 WR 2020 Supporters -November 2010 Cities City of Carson City of Culver City City of EI Segundo City of Gardena City of Inglewood City of Lomita City of Malibu City of Manhattan Beach City of West Hollywood City of Hawthorne South Bay Cities Council of Governments Elected Officials Senator Curren Price,California State Senate,26th District Senator Jenny Oropeza,California State Senate,28th District Senator Rod Wright,California State Senate,25 th District Assemblymember Steven Bradford,California State Assembly,51 st District Assemblymember Mike Davis,California State Assembly,48th District Assemblymember Mike Feuer,California State Assembly,42nd District Assemblymember Warren Furutani,California State Assembly,55 th District Assemblymember Isadore Hall,California State Assembly,52 nd District Assemblymember Ted Lieu,California State Assembly,53 rd District Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal,California State Assembly,54th District Assemblymember Tony Mendoza,California State Assembly,56th District Mayor Jim Dear,City of Carson Mayor Pro Tern Lula Davis-Holmes,City of Carson Mayor Andrew Weissman,City of Culver City Mayor Tom King,City of Walnut Former Mayor Roosevelt F.Dorn,City of Inglewood Council member Margaret Estrada,City of Lomita,Former Mayor Councilmember Steve Diels,City of Redondo Beach Council member Mike Gipson,City of Carson Council member Elito Santarina,City of Carson Councilmember Yvonne Arceneaux,City of Compton Council member Jeffrey Prang,City of West Hollywood Councilmember Eloy Morales,City of Inglewood CouncilmemberTim Spohn,City of Industry Supervisor Don Knabe,District County of Los Angeles,4th District Vice Chair Jerome Horton,California State Board of Equalization,4 th District Speaker Emeritus Karen Bass,California State Assembly,47th District Congresswoman Maxine Waters,35 th District 12-4 Water Reliability 2020 Environmental Friends of Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve,Cheral Sherman,Vice President Volunteers and Organizations Improving the CommunIty Environment (VOICE),Gina Conner,Communications Director The Sportfishing Conservancy,Tom Raftican,Member Green Plumbers USA,Stephen Lehtonen,CEO City of Carson Environmental Commission,Max Castillo,Assistant Planner Unions and Associations IBEW Local Union 11 Local Union South Bay,Gaylord R.Roten,Business Representative National Association for the Advancement of Colored People,Olivia Verrett,President South Bay Association of Realtors,Sheri Fejeran,President of the Board Southwest Membrane Operators Association,Scott McClelland,President Omnilore,Ruth M.Hart,President South Bay Workforce Investment Board UAW,LETC,Robert Nelson,President/CEO SEIU Local 99,Bill Lloyd,Executive Director Southwood Riviera Homeowners Association,Steve Polcari,President Hawthorne Homeowners Association,Charles Bowie,President Southwest Community Association,Henry Porter,President Ocean Experts Scientific Hatcheries,Dr.Dallas Weaver,President/CEO USC,Dr.Burton H.Jones,Professor,Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography USC,Dr.Dave Caron,PhD,Professor,Department of Biological Sciences University of Washington,Dr.Dave Mayer,Ph.D.Fisheries and Quantitative Sciences Water Organizations California Water Service Company,Henry Wind, District Manager City of Beverly Hills,Shana Epstein,Environmental Utilities Manager City of Torrance,Ron Beste,Public Works Director City of Ventura,Dan Pfeifer,Wastewater Utility Manager Los Angeles County Sanitation District,Ray Tremblay,Assistant Department Head Municipal Water District of Orange County,Kevin Hunt,General Manager Olivenhain Municipal Water District,Kimberly Thorner,General Manager Santa Clara Valley Water District,Richard Santos,Board of Directors -Chair Water Replenishment District of Southern California Mesa Consolidated Water District,Paul Shoen berger,General Manager New Water Supply Coalition,Hal Furman,Executive Director Alliance for Water Efficiency,Mary Ann Dickinson,President and CEO California Domestic Water Company,Jim Byerrum,President San Gabriel Valley Water Company,Michael Whitehead,President 12-5 ~Water Reliability 2020 San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority,Grace Kast,Executive Director Chambers of Commerce Carson Chamber of Commerce,John Wogan,President EI Segundo Chamber of Commerce,Jim Hart,President Gardena Valley Chamber of Commerce,Wanda Love,President Harbor City/Harbor Gateway Chamber of Commerce,Joeann Valle,Executive Director Inglewood/Airport Area Chamber of Commerce,Norman Cravens,President LAX Coastal Area Chamber of Commerce,Jim Ferro,Chairman of the Board Lomita Chamber of Commerce,George Kivett,President Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce,Helen Duncan,President/CEO Palos Verdes Peninsula Chamber of Commerce,Randy Bowers,Chairman of the Board Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce &Visitors Bureau,Marna Smeltzer,President/CEO Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,Sandy Cajas,President South Bay Association of Chambers of Commerce,Marcella Low,Chair Civic,Religious,and Social Organizations African American Episcopal Church,Bishop T.Larry Kirkland Beach Cities Child Development Center,Zohra Haji,President Christian Methodist Episcopal Church,Bishop Henry Williamson Hawthorne Presidents Council,Alex Monteiro,Chairman Gardena Valley Lions Club,AI Zidar,President Palos Verdes Peninsula Lions Club,Danni Selway,President Redondo Beach Rotary Club,Bill Gard Rotary Club of Inglewood,Jaimee Sui,President Rotary Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula West Torrance Lions Club,David Haden,Treasurer EI Camino Lions Club,Luis Gonzales,President Rancho Palos Verdes Council of Home Owners Associations,Jon Cartwright,President Beach Cities Republican Club,Pete Kesterson,President Youth Athletics League,Charlie Klinakis,President Business leaders Body Glove and Dive IN Surf,Bob Meistrell,Founder bp,Walter Neil,Public and Government Affairs Director John Elway's Manhattan Beach Toyota,Darrell Sperber,General Manager Latin Businesses Association,Ruben Guerra,Chairman and CEO Mirage Construction Company,Greg Ronkainen,President Nu-Earth,Inc.,Andrea Harbin,President Parsons,Virginia Grebbien,Executive Vice President Veolia Water North America,Craig Walkins,Senior Vice President Watson Land Company,Pilar Hoyos,Vice President,Public Affairs East West Bank,Gordon de Lang,Senior Vice President,Regional Manager 12-6 Water Reliability 2020 Community Nutrition Edqcation Services,Mable Everette,CEO Miscellaneous Army Corps of Engineers,Brig.General John McMahon,Commander,South Pacific Division Beach Cities Health District,Board of Directors Environmental Engineering Consultant,Dr.James Crook Redondo Beach Unified School District,Carl Clark,Vice President,Board of Education Redondo Beach Harbor Commission,Harry Munns,Member Westchester Rotary,Geoff Maleman,Past President Normandie Casino,Michelle Miller Wahler,President California Cities for Self Reliance Joint Powers Authority,Robert Levy,Executive Director EI Dorado Enterprises,Thomas Candy,President and General Manager Hollywood Park Casino,Leo Chu,President Mount San Antonio Community College,David Hall,Board President Cal State Polytechnic University,Pomona,Michael Ortiz,President Rio Hondo College,Ted Martinez,President 12-7 Ii iii 12-8 An agency with a vision 12-9 Facing a challenging water situation Water is something we all take for granted,yet it is the most important resource in our lives. We need water for our everyday life;showering or taking a bath, cleaning our dishes and clothes, maintaining our yards,washing our cars,and of course providing us food and drink.Yet,we live in a semi-arid region with no local, regular water supply. In Southern California,most of our water comes from many miles away.We cannot live without importing water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta in Northern California and the Colorado River.In fact,imported water currently provides two- thirds ofthe water used by the communities served by West Basin. This water supply is subject to changes in the weather,including recurring droughts and dry spells. One of the sources of our imported water supply,the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta, has severe ecological problems and is vulnerable to earthquakes that could interrupt Southern California water deliveries for up to two years,according to the Association of California Water Agencies.In the Delta,levees are weak and farmland is sinking.In addition,a historic court order mandates a 30 percent reduction in pumping water from the Bay Delta to protect the Delta's failing ecosystem.Southern California's other important source of water- the Colorado River basin -is dealing with eight years of drought,while supporting some of the fastest growing parts of our country. Not only is our water supply vulnerable,but our water needs are growing at a rapid rate.California's Wi IU Southern California's water delivery systems,both the Colorado River and the California State Water Project,through the Bay Delta,have severe problems and there are no quick solutions on the horizon. A Water Reliability 2020~ water system,which was built in the 1960s and 1970s to serve 18 million people,is currently serving 37 million people,soon to be 50 million people by 2030.Water demands from the environment, cities and agriculture are all growing.Water systems need to be modified to deal with climate change.Southern California's water delivery systems,both the Colorado River and the California State Water Project,through the Bay Delta,have severe problems and there are no quick solutions on the horizon.& ----------'012-10 Providing a solution Water reliability is critically important to our region's growth,economic health and quality of life.Since its formation in 194'7,West aasin has remained steadfast in its commitment to ensure water reliability. To reduce our dependence on le~s,.reliilble imported water and provide a solution for our g:rowing water (naUen.ges,We.st Basin is launching its Water Reliability 2Q20Program. Through these effortslWestBilsiln ~pects to reduce our c;leiPel'ld~Ul(;:eonh~.po'rt:ed""ill~er supplies to one,.third of our by 2020.,With a weU·balanced,d,iversined water supply portfolio,West Bas:in wi'lleontrol 1:wo,.thlrds of its future water stlppl')", will make the water for ou.·r cnildreOiamd grandchildren more reliable ..<t; B n ts of controlling our water supply Controlling the majority of our future water supplies means that future water shortages caused by droughts or other water supply problems will have minimal affect on our water users.Here are other benefits of Water Reliability 2020: G Improved reliability for sustainable cities •Prevention of water rationing •Emergency supply .,Guaranteed water for industry,economy,the environment and our overall way of life *Reduced energy use m Costs the same as importing water supplies ~Helps Metropolitan Water District of Southern California •Protects the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta Ensuring Water Reliability for a Sustainable future 12-11 Taking control of our water future Increasing recycled water West Basin is an internationally recognized leader in wastewater recycling.West Basin operates the Edward C.little Water Recycling Facility,the largest water recycling facility of its kind in the world. The facility produces five types of "designer"water to meet our customers'needs. To ensure that we have enough water to meet our present and future needs,we need to expand the use of recycled water. West Basin currently reclaims approximately 30 million gallons of water every day,which meets many needs of West Basin's municipal, commercial and industrial customers. Through the Water Reliability 2020 Program,we will more than double our water recycling efforts to 70 million gallons a day by 2020 to meet future water needs and conserve our drinking water supply. Recycling also cuts down on wastewater going into Santa Monica Bay,saves energy over pumping imported water,and provides industrial customers with less expensive and more reliable water. We have over 70 miles of pipelines throughout the coastal Los Angeles area and will almost double the system in the future. We have invested $500 million in water recycling and obtained $164 million in outside investments to keep the cost of recycled water low for our customers. Doubling conservation measures Since the drought of the 1990s,West Basin has been implementing aggressive water conservation programs to help residents and businesses use water more efficiently.To guide these conservation efforts,West Basin developed a Conservation Master ~~~ater Reliability 2020 Plan that will help the District reach its water reliability goals and more than double its conservation water savings. Today,West Basin is saving approximately 5 billion gallons of water through the installation of conservation devices and the passage of water conservation ordinances,plumbing codes and legislation.By 2020,West Basin is planning on doubling its water savings to 10 billion gallons. To achieve this,West Basin will focus on conserving water in outdoor landscaping and in the commercial and industrial sectors, and by encouraging additional water conserving ordinances and legislation. Conservation saves energy and provides programs that can save local industries up to $295,000 in water savings and rebate incentives. With grants and partners,West Basin gets 400 percent return on each dollar spent on conservation. West Basin has 16 different conservation programs that address the conservation needs of cities,businesses,large industries and individual water users. ----------.;812-12 Expanding education programs West Basin is now taking the next step toward ultimately providing desalted ocean water to its customers. To support the Water Reliability 2020 Program,West Basin will expand its existing,award- winning water conservation and environmental education programs.These programs target third through 12th grade students, and include water-conservation art contests,classroom programs, science fairs,solar-powered boat- building events,field trips and other educational programs. Students participating in our water conservation art contest draw upon their creativity and Ocean-water desalination West Basin is committed to being an innovative leader in the water industry through the exploration of new methods and technologies that enhance the reliability of our water supply. Since 2002,West Basin has been desalting ocean-water at a pilot facility in EI Segundo,Calif.This pilot facility is used for research and water- quality testing purposes. The facility can produce up to 40 gallons per minute of desalinated ocean water using microfiltration and reverse osmosis membrane technologies.The results of more than 500 water- quality tests performed monthly indicate that the quality of water meets or is better than current artistic talents to promote water conservation among their families and friends.Students in the Solar Cup Program sponsored by Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and administered by West Basin,build and race solar- powered boats. Other programs in partnership with the Sea Lab state and federal drinking water standards.This represents the first step in the development of this new water source. West Basin is now taking the next step toward ultimately providing desalted ocean water to its customers.West Basin is planning a temporary ocean-water desalination demonstration1_IMlU facility in Redondo Beach,Calif.that will use the same technologies that would be applied to a full-scale,permanent project.The demonstration project will research ocean-water withdrawal and return methodologies,which include using the ocean floor to naturally filter the water as it is taken from the ocean and using wedge-wire screen technologies to minimize disruptions to the ocean envi ron ment. and Roundhouse aquariums teach students about the environment and how to keep our oceans clean. By 2020,the cost of ocean-water desalination will be competitive, with the cost of importing water, and the energy requirements will be only about 15 percent more than importing water from Northern California.West Basin plans to offset that energy difference with new "green"energy, such as solar power. Ocean-water desalination will provide high-quality drinking water,an emergency and drought- proof supply of water and a more diversified water portfolio for our semi-arid region.Many people believe that desalination may actually be less environmentally harmful than some other future water supply options,such as diverting large amounts of fresh water from rivers and from the Bay Delta,which can contribute to severe reductions in local fish populations., 01--..-.--------------Ensuring Water Reliability for a Sustainable Future 12-13 12-14