DATE: November 8, 2016
SUBJECT:
Title
INFORMATIONAL UPDATE ON REGIONAL WATER SUPPLIES AND ENERGY INITIATIVES BY THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Finding and securing a safe, reliable supply of water has always been a challenge in the American West. In San Diego County, with its semi-arid climate and years of persistent drought, meeting that challenge is the responsibility of the San Diego County Water Authority (Water Authority). Since its inception in June 1944, the Water Authority has built infrastructure, pursued state and federal legislation, struck agreements with other agencies, and developed new local water sources to meet current and future supply demands. Water Authority General Manager Maureen A. Stapleton will provide the San Diego Unified Port District (District) Board of Port Commissioners (BPC) with an update on the Water Authority’s work.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Accept the informational report.
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FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact.
Compass Strategic Goals:
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A vibrant waterfront destination where residents and visitors converge.
• A Port with a comprehensive vision for Port land and water uses integrated to regional plans.
DISCUSSION:
In the years following World War II, San Diego’s population began a steady climb. Improvements were needed in many areas, including housing, transportation, education, employment, and water availability for the growing populace. On June 9, 1944, the State Legislature created the Water Authority as a public agency to oversee the San Diego region’s Colorado River water rights and to manage future water needs.
Not long after its inception, the Water Authority worked with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to build the first of two pipelines linking San Diego County (County) with the Colorado River Aqueduct. The aqueduct is owned and operated by the Los Angeles-based Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. The Water Authority eventually built four more major water pipelines to transport water from the Colorado River and from the Northern California-fed State Water Project.
By 1991, 95 percent of the County’s water supply was provided by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Fearing the region would be unable to meet demand during drought, the Water Authority began a successful drive to diversify the county’s water supplies. By 2015, the Water Authority had reduced reliance on the Metropolitan Water District from 95 percent to 57 percent, and established a 2020 target of 21 percent.
The Water Authority broadened its water sources by striking major water agreements with the Imperial Irrigation District and other water agencies, as well as by developing local sources. Local sources include ground water, recycled water, seawater desalination, and conservation. By 2020, local water sources are projected to satisfy 40 percent of the San Diego region’s water demand.
Diversifying the region’s water supply portfolio proved crucial during the recent drought and during a previous drought from 2007 to 2011. A Water Shortage and Drought Response Plan adopted by the Water Authority Board helped the region weather both drought events.
The Water Authority’s mission is to work with member agencies and stakeholders to provide a safe and reliable water supply, to diversify the region’s water sources, and to build, maintain and operate critical water facilities in a cost-effective and environmentally-sensitive manner.
The Water Authority is leader in prompting the region to comply with a state mandate to reduce water use 20 percent by 2020 through conservation, water reuse, and other methods.
Also on the Water Authority’s agenda is the exploration of wind, solar, and battery storage facilities to power its water operations. Some projects have been completed.
The Water Authority has embarked on solar power projects at its Kearny Mesa headquarters, its Escondido operations center, and at its Twin Oaks Valley Water Treatment Plant. Solar power is meeting 40 percent of the treatment plant’s energy needs.
It also completed a pumped-storage hydroelectric facility at Lake Hodges in 2012. The first new pumped-storage facility in the U.S. in 30 years, the project stores energy by pumping water from a lower elevation to a higher elevation where it is held. During periods of peak electrical demand, the stored water is released through turbines to generate electric power.
The Water Authority is also exploring the use of wind power and advantageous power purchase agreements.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The General Counsel’s office reviewed and approved this Agenda as to form and legality.
Environmental Review:
This item provides an informational update report to the Board on Regional Water Supplies and Energy Initiatives conducted by the Water Authority. This informational report does not constitute an “approval” or a “project” under the definitions set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15352 and 15378 because no direct or indirect changes to the physical environment would occur. Therefore, no further CEQA review is required for this item. However, while the Board may request certain project components be included, alternatives studied or other direction, such direction to staff will not bind the District to a definite course of action prior to CEQA review. Based on the totality of the circumstances and the entire record, the Board’s direction does not commit the District to a definite course of action prior to CEQA review being conducted.
In addition, this informational update report allows for the District to implement its obligations under the Port Act and/or other laws. The Port Act was enacted by the California Legislature and is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine. Consequently, this informational update report is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.
Finally, this informational update report to the Board does not allow for “development,” as defined in Section 30106 of the California Coastal Act, or “new development,” pursuant to Section 1.a. of the District’s Coastal Development Permit (CDP) Regulations because it will not result in, without limitation, a physical change, change in use or increase the intensity of uses. Therefore, issuance of a CDP or exclusion is not required. However, the District’s projects require processing under the District’s CDP Regulations. If a project is formulated as a result of the informational update report on the Regional Water Supplies and Energy Initiatives, the Board will consider approval of the project and any improvements associated after the appropriate documentation under District’s CDP Regulations has been completed and authorized by the Board, if necessary. The Board’s direction in no way limits the exercise of the District’s discretion under the District’s CDP Regulations.
Equal Opportunity Program:
Not applicable.
PREPARED BY:
Ronald Powell
Program Manager, Government & Civic Relations