A number of Southern California CASA agencies expressed concern with language in numerous bills pending in Congress that would authorize a WaterSense program at USEPA. The issue involves the potential of USEPA certifying point of use water softeners that could result in salt loadings that might impact a POTW's ability to comply with discharge standards in its permit.  

CASA, working with ACWA and others, succeeded in securing language in the Senate WRDA bill, S. 2848. The language clarifies that any criteria that a WaterSense might implement to guide certification of technologies that assist in water technologies being labeled as compliant with program priorities would not jeopardize compliance with permit conditions. We'll continue to work with the Senate and House on this priority as WRDA proceeds to conference later this fall.

Congratulations to Sharon Green of Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County on winning the NACWA President's Award! Sharon received the award for her contributions to the association's legislative and regulatory programs during a ceremony at NACWA's Utility Leadership Conference in Denver on July 11.

Energy costs account for approximately 12 percent of the Operation & Maintenance Department's budget, so OCSD's staff pays close attention to energy efficiency. Recently, The Energy Network (TEN) conducted a comprehensive energy audit of OCSD operations. TEN is funded by the California Public Utilities Commission and Southern California Edison. The findings validated OCSD's energy management program. Of the 50 areas reviewed for potential energy savings, the audit found only one significant opportunity, upgrading to LED lighting technology. This upgrade will be performed during planned capital improvement projects.