The MWD had been analyzing our water supply and the possibilities of an allocation for the last few months. It was agreed upon and agendized for discussion at our April committee and board meetings. Governor Brown beat us to the punch with his April 1 announcement.
The MWD was very successful at moving water to the San Luis Reservoir during the large December storms. The discussions in February and March were centered around a Level 2 allocation, but as March went by it became clear that the snowpack was going to be very low. The snowpack measurement combined with Governor Brown's mandatory reduction caused the MWD to rethink it's allocation level. The allocation debate at the water planning and stewardship committee meeting on April 13th had varying opinions. The discussion was centered around a Level 3 or Level 4 allocation. A Level 3 being a 15% cut, and a Level 4 being a 20% cut in water use by MWD customers. The arguments for either level of allocation had merit. In the end, it was agreed to go with a Level 3 allocation with a monthly review that potentially could bring a revote to change the allocation.
The MWD's water supply situation is not completely finished for this year. We may face some shortfalls in our water transfer program. The MWD contracted for a 100,000 acre feet of water from the rice farms north of the delta. We were informed on Friday April 10th, that the transfers were being halted by the state. That transfer is uncertain. Our fallowing program with the Palo Verde irrigation district will be utilized fully this year, but our stored water in Lake Mead has a slight chance of not being released if Lake Mead's level falls into emergency status. This condition seems unlikely, but nonetheless there is a small chance. These scenarios could trigger a deeper allocation.
I discussed the Level 3 allocation with our water manager Dave Schickling. His opinion is that we can meet a Level 3 allocation without penalty from the MWD. The penalty is over $1,400 per acre foot. It goes without saying that we should make every effort to conserve water over the next 9 months. Governor Brown's order for a 25% reduction will be tougher to attain, but if we can reach that level, or near it, the MWD's Level 3 allocation will not be an issue.
I have attached General Manager Kightlinger's letter to the state water resource control board. This letter outlines the MWD's position and provides a proposed framework for the mandatory cutbacks. I have also attached a letter to Governor Brown from Chairman Record. These letters were crafted through discussions in various committees, and they are enlightening about past water conditions, conservation, and our current situation. They are well worth reading.
On Tuesday April 14th, the board of directors voted to support a Level 3 allocation. I voted in support of the Level 3 allocation. I have also attached the summary report for April. There are 2 other items worth noting. We appropriated 41 million dollars to rehabilitate the filters at the Weymouth treatment plant. These filters are almost 80 years old. The new filters are an enhanced design that is compatible with the new ozone equipment being installed at the Weymouth plant. The other item of interest took place in communication and legislation committee. This action authorized the general manager to express support for SB 385 (Hueso, D-San Diego) primary drinking water standards: Hexavalent Chromium. This bill sets attainable standards for the presence of Hexavalent in our water supply.
As always if you have any questions, give me a call.
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