California is in the process of implementing the Open and Transparent Water Data Act (AB 1755) to publish water and ecosystem information in an open data format.

The Water Foundation, in partnership with other organizations, has launched the California Safe Drinking Water Data Challenge to provide stakeholders an opportunity to engage with the open data portal and submit feedback, advice, and suggestions for consideration as AB 1755 is implemented.

We encourage our members to participate and provide valuable input on what data is needed to help identify and deploy drinking water solutions for small systems.

For more information on this program, contact Susan Allen at susan@calmutuals.org or call us at (714) 449-8403.

For complete information about the Challenge, click here.

Senate Bill 555 requires all urban retail water suppliers in California to submit a validated water loss audit to the California Department of Water Resources. Last year, the validation requirement was fulfilled by the Water Loss Technical Assistance Program (Water Loss TAP), which was funded by the State.

However, since there was not an extension of the Water Loss TAP, urban retail water suppliers submitting water loss audits in 2018 must fulfill the validation requirements through one of two methods per DWR’s Validated Water Loss Audit Reporting Regulations:

1. Have the validation completed by an individual who can demonstrate he or she has conducted water loss audits in accordance with the method specified in Section 638.2, and has conducted a minimum of 10 Level 1 audit validations in accordance with the Water Research Foundation Level 1 Water Audit Validation: Guidance Manual 4639A
   (This option will likely require the hiring of a technical expert consultant),

   OR

2. Have the validation completed by an individual certified by the CA-NV AWWA as a water audit validator.

After July 1, 2019, the validations can only be completed by an individual certified by the CA-NV AWWA as a water audit validator. Any interested person (such as utility staff or consultants) can apply to receive the certification. (Note: The validator cannot not be involved in the preparation of the audit.)

Any members requiring assistance in complying with SB 555, or if you have additional questions, please contact Denise@CalMutuals.org or call (714) 673-0005.

Last year, the State Water Resources Control Board’s (State Board) adopted a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for 1,2,3-Trichloropropane (TCP) at 5 parts per trillion (ppt). On January 31, the State Board held a meeting to provide an overview of monitoring and testing requirements.

Summary of New Requirements for Community and Nontransient-Noncommunity Water Systems:

• Monitor sources for 1,2,3-TCP and comply with the 5ppt MCL;
• Report all sampling results;
• Data substitution: 1,2,3-TCP water quality monitoring data collected within the two years prior to the date of the MCL may be eligible for initial monitoring requirements;
• Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) has been identified as the Best Available Technology (BAT);
• Water Systems that violate the MCL are required to use specific Consumer Confidence Report languag

For a complete list of requirements, please visit the Division of Drinking Water’s webpage by clicking here.

Initial Quarterly Sampling:

• Initial monitoring began in January, 2018 (January, February, and March);
• Data substitution results from groundwater samples collected during 2016 and 2017 may be eligible for up to three of the four quarters of initial monitoring;
• Each individual source must be sampled – composite samples are not allowed.

Testing waivers are handled by the local Drinking Water Office or Local Primacy Agency.

To download a copy of the presentation, click here.

The California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) has just announced several educational opportunities across the state.

Workshops include:

• Business Writing for Water Professionals
• Backflow Refresher
• Water Use Efficiency Grade 2
• Cross Connection
• Budget 101
• Chloramines, Colorimeters & Sample Collection
• Water Sampling
• Use and Care of the Hach PCII

For the full listing of 2018-2019 courses (and to register for a workshop), click here.

The Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN) is offering a FREE 2 hour e-Learning course focusing on three major areas needed by small systems to achieve financial sustainability:

• Setting up, managing and using enterprise funds
• Enterprise fund revenues (their origin, what they should cover, and how to set up rates to cover expenses)
• What it takes to provide safe water to protect public health (major regulations and their role in water quality, common operational questions managers should address, and how to involve operators in management decisions)

To sign up for this free e-learning course, click here.

Are you being taxed on property in connection to water service? If so, you may be eligible for a tax rebate.

If you are being taxed on real property being used in connection with water service provided to shareholders whose shares are appurtenant to their respective lands, you may be entitled to a property tax rebate and exemptions from future property taxes.

To learn more, please click here to review a White Paper on Property Tax Exemption for Mutual Water Company Real Property Assets, drafted by our General Counsel, Jim Ciampa.

For background information, click here to access the State Board of Equalization’s (BOE) assessment of water companies and water rights.

Questions? Please contact Director Jim Byerrum at (714) 822-6084.

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has issued a notice regarding the Public Water System Annual Fee, stating that provisions have been made to lower fees for public water systems that serve disadvantaged communities.

The SWRCB outlined the criteria used in determining if a water system qualifies for the lower fee.

To read the full notice, click here.

Due to CalMutuals’ work, for the first time in the state’s history, mutual water companies became eligible for bond funding through Proposition 1 “Water Bond.”

The State Water Resources Control Board has just released the status of funding for Proposition 1 programs and we are happy to see mutual water companies listed as bond recipients.  Mutual water companies have received over $2 million dollars in funding!  Click here to read the funding report.

Association staff, serving as volunteers, have assisted our members with submitting applications. There is still funding available! We encourage our members to contact us to learn more. Call our office at (714) 449-8403 or email Susan Allen at Susan@CalMutuals.org

One of the reasons the Association hosts workshops is to provide networking opportunities for our members. For example, as a result of last year’s workshop, Averydale Mutual Water Company (Lancaster) was able to access free technical assistance.

To expand networking opportunities for our members, CalMutuals is excited to announce a new forum for sharing your concerns, issues, thoughts and resources — our Facebook page!

Our goal is to create a conversation with our members to ensure they are able to connect, raise issues and share solutions. In addition, our articles will be posted to Facebook so that members can offer comments and feedback.

We look forward to connecting with you on Facebook!  Join the conversation now by clicking here.