Two workshops were held in October, designed to help California utilities learn how to develop and maintain defensible rates in today’s legal climate. The workshops were led by Sanjay Gaur, Vice President at Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., the nation’s largest utility financial and management consulting practice.

Topics covered in the workshops included:

• Why cost of service-based rates are imperative in today’s legal environment
• How agencies can guard against invalidation of rates through a sound administrative record
• A step-by-step approach to developing defensible rates

To view the PowerPoint presentation from these workshops, click here.

The Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN) and the Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) have joined forces to provide free training specifically designed to meet the needs of small water systems serving populations under 10,000.

They are providing two self-paced classes that are accessible from any computer with an internet connection, anytime of day or night.

• Financial Sustainability for Small Systems   2 hours (self-paced)
• Revised Total Coliform Rule   3 hours (self-paced)

In addition, small systems needing more in-depth help, may be eligible for free one-on-one technical, financial, and managerial assistance from EFCN and RCAP.

To request assistance from EFCN on setting rates, creating an asset management plan, identifying sources of funding or lowering energy use or water loss, click here.

RCAP will help carry out compliance-focused technical assistance projects for operators of small, remote drinking water systems through its Distance Assistance initiative. To request assistance through the state RCAP office, click here.

The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has approved $19 million in funding from the Cleanup and Abatement Account to meet interim emergency drinking water needs for those communities with a contaminated water supply or that suffer drought related water outages or threatened emergencies.

The funding has become available through legislation signed by the Governor in March, allocating $1 billion in emergency drought relief to ensure communities in need can apply for, and receive interim replacement drinking water.

Eligible applicants include public agencies, as well as community water systems, not-for-profit organizations, and tribal governments that serve disadvantaged communities.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, bottled water, well repair, well rehabilitation, vending machines, point of use devices, hauled water, emergency interties, and treatment systems.

For more information on this funding opportunity, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, please visit http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/caa/dw_droughtfund/index.shtml.