FROM: James D. Herberg, General Manager
SUBJECT:
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OPPOSE ASSEMBLY BILL 1434 (FRIEDMAN)
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION:
Oppose Assembly Bill 1434 - Urban Water Use Objectives: Indoor Residential Water Use (Friedman).
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BACKGROUND
Assembly Bill (AB) 1434 proposes to incrementally lower the indoor water use standards to 40 gallons per capita daily starting in 2030. This indoor water use standard is not based on substantial findings or studies. Lower wastewater flows can result in a higher wastewater strength which can impact our treatment facilities. In the sewer system, lower flows result in lower velocity and require more sewer cleaning to prevent settled solids from causing blockages or odors.
In order for the Groundwater Replenishment System (GWRS) to operate at full capacity, the Orange County Sanitation District (OC San) needs to continue to collect and process existing levels of flow from wastewater sources. Reducing the water consumption of this region without appropriate data, research, or science, could have contrary effects to the efforts of the GWRS.
AB 1434 is opposed by organizations including:
Amador Water Agency
Association of California Water Agencies
California Association of Sanitation Agencies
California Municipal Utilities Association
California Special Districts Association
California Water Association
Calleguas Municipal Water District
Camrosa Water District
Community Water Systems Alliance
Desert Water Agency
East Orange County Water District
East Valley Water District
Eastern Municipal Water District
El Dorado Irrigation District
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District
Florin Resource Conservation District/elk Grove Water District
Grizzly Flats Community Services District
Helix Water District
Indian Wells Valley Water District
Irvine Ranch Water District
Laguna Beach County Water District
Lakewood, City of
Las Virgenes - Triunfo Joint Powers Authority
Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts
Mesa Water District
Monte Vista Water District
Municipal Water District of Orange County
Olivenhain Municipal Water District
Orange County Water District
Rancho California Water District
Regional Water Authority
San Diego County Water Authority
San Juan Water District
Santa Margarita Water District
Scotts Valley Water District
Shasta Lake, City of
Southern California Water Coalition
Three Valleys Municipal Water District
Vista Irrigation District
Walnut Valley Water District
WateReuse California
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
• Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
PROBLEM
It is important to have a strong advocacy program to ensure that the needs of OC San and the entire industry are highly regarded and protected.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Staff has drafted the following position letter for the Committee’s consideration:
• AB 1434 (Friedman) - Oppose
TIMING CONCERNS
It is important that OC San has a voice and is seen as a leader on the issues that could have an effect on OC San and the entire wastewater industry.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
OC San’s position could not be heard and not taken into consideration; therefore, legislation could pass and have a negative effect on OC San and the entire industry.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Letter of Opposition for Assembly Bill 1434
• Assembly Bill 1434