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August 26, 2013    
In This Issue
Reduced Colorado River Reservoir Releases
Review of Bay-Delta Fix Options
Grand Jury Report Response
Turf Replacement Rebates Available
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San Diego County Water Authority



 
Board Meeting Time Change

The start of monthly Board of Directors meetings has been changed to 8 a.m.

Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of every month.
 
 
Region's Colorado River Supplies Stable Despite Cut to Reservoir Releases

 Colorado River

An unprecedented reduction in reservoir releases on the Colorado River by the Bureau of Reclamation won't cut water supplies for agencies in San Diego County or the rest of the Southwest during the 2014 "water year," but the move does underscore the importance of continued conservation and water-supply diversification across the region.


The Colorado River is the most important water source for the Southwest, and it accounts for about 60 percent of San Diego County's water supply. It's under increasing pressure from a growing population in seven basin states and dry conditions for most of the past decade - particularly the past two years.

 

The river is managed by the Bureau, which recently announced it expects to reduce releases from Lake Powell to Lake Mead by an estimated 750,000 acre-feet in the 2014 water year, which starts Oct. 1. The changes would make next year's releases of 7.48 million acre-feet from Lake Powell the smallest since the 1960s. (An acre-foot is approximately 325,900 gallons, or roughly enough to serve two typical Southern California families of four for a year.)

 

Click here to read more.  

 

 
Water Authority to Review  
Options to Fix the Bay-Delta

 

On Aug. 22, the Water Authority Board heard presentations on the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan environmental review process and the preliminary analysis.  The presentations are part of a series of workshops to help the Board evaluate a range of options for fixing the Bay-Delta.   

 

The presentation can be viewed by clicking here.

 

The BDCP is a proposed plan for addressing water supply reliability and environmental issues in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay-Delta. To date, the Water Authority has not endorsed any specific project proposal for improving water conveyance through or around the Bay-Delta, which provides about 20 percent of the region's water supplies. In recent years, the Bay-Delta has become less reliable as a supply source and its habitat has deteriorated, increasing concerns over ecosystem viability.   

 

Click below to watch a video of Assistant General Manger Dennis Cushman discussing the Water Authority's approach to

analyzing these options.  
 
Bay-Delta map
Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay-Delta Solutions 

The next Board workshop will be Sept. 12.  California Natural Resources Agency Deputy Secretary Jerry Meral and economist David Sunding of The Brattle Group will discuss the economic analysis conducted by the state on its preferred alternative.

 

 
Water Supply Strategies Align with
Grand Jury Recommendations

 
San Vicente Dam and Reservoir

In an official response, Water Authority's Board of Directors said the agency is advancing plans that align with recommendations issued by the San Diego County Grand Jury in its May report, "Reduce Dependence on Imported Water."

 

The Water Authority and its 24 member agencies "will continue to implement programs and projects that encourage efficient water use through conservation and water recycling," the Water Authority's official response said. "Additional supply options are being pursued to address the multiple challenges to providing future water supply reliability."  

 

The letter was submitted August 1 to comply with the Grand Jury's deadline, and then ratified by the Water Authority's Board on Aug. 22.

 

Click here to read more.  

Fall Is a Great Time to
Update Your Yard

 

Summer is almost over, but the best time for planting a WaterSmart landscape is just beginning. Now is a good time to think about replacing your thirsty lawn with a more water-efficient landscape. Fall's cooler weather followed by winter rains will help new plants get off to a good start, and you won't need to water them as often as other times of the year. Through the Turf Replacement Program, residential projects can qualify for up to $3,000 in rebates, and up to $9,000 is available for businesses.  

 

 

Before you start your project, learn more about the process and how to qualify for rebates at WaterSmartSD.org. 

 

 

The San Diego County Water Authority works through its 24 member agencies to provide a safe and reliable water supply to support the region's $188 billion economy and quality of life of 3.1 million residents.