Stopping the Drain on Household Budgets: Addressing Tap Water Mistrust through Affordable Premise Plumbing Investments

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | August 7th, 2019

This report focuses on the issue of tap water mistrust in the City of Los Angeles. While recent research into water quality of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power�

This report focuses on the issue of tap water mistrust in the City of Los Angeles. While recent research into water quality of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) indicates that water at the tap for their customers is safe to drink, the Los Angeles metropolitan region has one of the highest rates of household mistrust in tap water in the nation.

Storing and managing water for the environment is more efficient than mimicking natural flows

Nature Portfolio (Springer Nature) | June 27th, 2024

Storing Water for the Environment: Operating Reservoirs to Improve California’s Freshwater Ecosystems

Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) | August 23rd, 2022

Large reservoirs like those that rim the Central Valley are essential for managing water in California’s highly variable climate. They provide multiple benefits includi

Large reservoirs like those that rim the Central Valley are essential for managing water in California’s highly variable climate. They provide multiple benefits including water supply, hydropower, flood management, and recreation. However, construction and operation of these reservoirs have also imposed significant environmental costs, including native fishes’ loss of access to high-quality habitat above dams and degradation of freshwater ecosystems below them. Moreover, regulatory uncertainty for water users is rising as these ecosystems decline. California needs a new approach for managing environmental water in its large reservoirs, particularly as the climate warms and droughts become more intense.

Stormwater Funding Options Providing Sustainable Water Quality Funding in Los Angeles County

California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) | May 21st, 2014

The Los Angeles region faces critical, very costly, and seriously underfunded stormwater and urban runoff water quality challenges. The Los Angeles County Flood Control D

The Los Angeles region faces critical, very costly, and seriously underfunded stormwater and urban runoff water quality challenges. The Los Angeles County Flood Control District (LACFCD) led a multi-year effort to develop a sustainable revenue source for municipalities to manage stormwater programs and implement water quality improvement projects. This effort included special legislation and development of a proposed parcel fee, the “Clean Water, Clean Beaches Measure,” to fund clean water programs. At extended protest hearings on a proposed parcel fee in January and March of 2013, the Board of Supervisors heard concerns about the fee and the fee program from public schools, the business community, other stakeholders and the public. The Board moved to close the public hearing and determined to “not proceed at this time with the Clean Water, Clean Beaches measure as proposed.” In June 2013, the Board adopted a motion requesting collaborative participation with the County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (LACSD) and other wastewater management agencies to evaluate methods, assess the a potential model governance structure, and to help identify and secure other sources of funding. In response to the Board’s actions, the City Managers Committees of the California Contract Cities Association (CCCA) and the League of California Cities, Los Angeles County Division (League) convened a City Managers meeting with representatives from public schools, environmental organizations, and the business community on June 27, 2013 to hear stakeholders’ concerns and suggestions directly. The City Managers attending the meeting authorized a Work Group to review stormwater funding options after the County’s proposed Clean Water, Clean Beaches funding initiative failed to move forward. The City Managers Work Group actively sought the input of key stakeholders from the environmental, public education, and business communities, and prepared this report to assist the Board, local decision makers, stakeholders, and the public in reaching a common understanding of the issues at hand and the potential solutions. The Managers found that to fully understand the issues, improved communication and education is necessary. This report describes the stormwater regulatory requirements speci c to the greater Los Angeles area, the complexities of funding stormwater programs, and the LACFCD’s funding initiative. It examines the regulatory framework for stormwater management, including the requirements of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) MS4 permit (stormwater permit) and the total maximum daily load (TMDL) programs. The report also summarizes the impacts of the federal TMDL Consent Decree for the Los Angeles Region signed in 1999, which has indirectly regulated the LACFCD, 85 cities, and the unincorporated County since that time. Further, it reviews estimated stormwater program compliance costs, the “pros and cons” of various funding options, and evolving opportunities. The report concludes with a series of recommendations agreed upon by the City Managers. Suggestions from an Elected Officials Committee and individual City Attorneys are also included in this report. The Work Group found that funding urban runoff programs is so complex and dynamic, and the solutions so costly, that the County and the Cities cannot follow a single funding strategy at this time. One option, for example, is to examine institutional roles to determine whether other agencies, such as the County Sanitation Districts, either provide a useful governance model or could play a new or different role in managing stormwater in the future. During the report development process, the Sixth Appellate Court clarified the application of Proposition 218 regarding the imposition of fees for the capture and use of stormwater for groundwater recharge (Griffith v. Pajaro Water Management Agency). This ruling could have major implications on funding options. These are only two examples of the changing nature and complexities in charting a path forward. The City Managers Work Group recommends a “multi-pronged” approach to address urban runoff funding issues, since our communities may encounter several dead-ends. A number of the recommendations require active management and a higher degree of organization by local government. The recommended actions are voluntary. The report is not advocating that any city, group of cities, or the County adopt stormwater fees. The managers are committed to local control; if a regional fee moves forward, each community should make its own decision whether or not to participate in the regional effort. However, there are steps that local governments can take that will assist in funding the new stormwater mandates. For example, cities should organize and be active in the water bond discussions. This report suggests a voluntary framework through Contract Cities and the League to organize those communities that desire to engage in implementing the recommendations found in this report. It should be noted that the recommendations involving California Contract Cities, the Los Angeles County Division of the League of California Cities, and the State League of Cities have not been of cially endorsed by these organizations at this stage of the process. The City Managers Work Group and the Elected Of cials Committee held detailed discussions with staff from both organizations in order to re ect their input and concerns. Recommendations involving these organizations, such as changes in State legislation, would need to be reviewed and approved by each organization.

Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) Final Phase 1 Report – Identification and Characterization of Existing Salt Accumulation Areas

Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) | December 13th, 2013

The purpose of the Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) is to identify the range of viable Central Valley alternatives for salt disposal to

The purpose of the Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) is to identify the range of viable Central Valley alternatives for salt disposal to provide input for consideration during development of the Salt and Nutrient Management Plan (SNMP) for the region under the jurisdiction of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Central Valley RWQCB). The findings will be used to guide discussions regarding establishment of regional salt management policies and the need for changes to the existing Central Valley RWQCB Water Quality Control Plans (Basin Plans) to facilitate salt disposal in a manner that is most beneficial to the region and consistent with the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) Recycled Water Policy. This work is being conducted under the direction of the Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long- Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) initiative, which is developing the SNMP for the Central Valley. The SSALTS project is being conducted in three phases: Phase 1: Identify and Characterize Existing Salt Accumulation Study Areas–Selection of representative Study Areas to serve as prototype situational examples to facilitate discussions regarding salt accumulation and disposal in the Central Valley. Each of these Study Areas is being characterized to establish baseline information that may be used to support development of salt disposal alternatives in subsequent project phases. Phase 2: Develop Potential Salt Management Strategies–SSALTS will develop potential long- term salt disposal alternatives in three parts: (1) In-Valley alternatives; (2) Out-of-Valley alternatives; and (3) hybrid alternatives that combine In-Valley and Out-of-Valley salt disposal options. Phase 3: Evaluate Potential Salt Disposal Alternatives to Identify Acceptable Alternatives for Implementation – Alternatives developed under Phase 2 will be evaluated using selected feasibility criteria (e.g., regulatory, institutional, economic, technological, etc.). The outcome of this evaluation will be the identification and prioritization of acceptable salt disposal alternatives for potential incorporation into Central Valley SNMP as salt management implementation measures. This draft report represents the findings of Phase 1. Subsequent phases of SSALTS will be implemented following completion of this phase.  

Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) Final Phase 2 Report – Development of Potential Salt Management Strategies

Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long-Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) | October 1st, 2014

The purpose of the Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) is to identify the range of viable Central Valley alternatives for salt disposal to

The purpose of the Strategic Salt Accumulation Land and Transportation Study (SSALTS) is to identify the range of viable Central Valley alternatives for salt disposal to provide input for consideration during development of the Salt and Nutrient Management Plan (SNMP) for the region under the jurisdiction of the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board (Central Valley RWQCB). The findings will be used to guide discussions regarding establishment of regional salt management policies and the need for changes to the existing Central Valley RWQCB Water Quality Control Plans (Basin Plans) to facilitate salt disposal in a manner that is most beneficial to the region and consistent with the State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) Recycled Water Policy. This work is being conducted under the direction of the Central Valley Salinity Alternatives for Long- Term Sustainability (CV-SALTS) initiative, which is developing the SNMP for the Central Valley. The SSALTS project is being conducted in three phases: Phase 1: Identify and Characterize Existing Salt Accumulation Study Areas–Selection of representative Study Areas to serve as prototype situational examples to facilitate discussions regarding salt accumulation and disposal in the Central Valley. Each of these Study Areas is being characterized to establish baseline information that may be used to support development of salt disposal alternatives in subsequent project phases. Phase 2: Develop Potential Salt Management Strategies–SSALTS will develop potential long- term salt disposal alternatives in three parts: (1) In-Valley alternatives; (2) Out-of-Valley alternatives; and (3) hybrid alternatives that combine In-Valley and Out-of-Valley salt disposal options. Phase3: Evaluate Potential Salt Disposal Alternatives to Identify Acceptable Alternatives for Implementation – Alternatives developed under Phase 2 will be evaluated using selected feasibility criteria (e.g., regulatory, institutional, economic, technological, etc.). The outcome of this evaluation will be the identification and prioritization of acceptable salt disposal alternatives for potential incorporation into Central Valley SNMP as salt management implementation measures. The Phase 1 report was finalized in December 2013. This report summarizes the findings of Phase 2. Phase 3 work will begin after the stakeholders have reviewed the Phase 2 report and provided comments.

Strategic Workplan for Activities in the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Estuary

California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) | July 16th, 2008

Strategies for Managing the Effects of Urban Development on Streams

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) | November 8th, 2012

This report serves as a companion report associated with the NAWQA effects of urban development on stream ecosystems Circular 1373, and illustrates management strategies

This report serves as a companion report associated with the NAWQA effects of urban development on stream ecosystems Circular 1373, and illustrates management strategies used in the United States to reduce the impacts of urban development on stream systems described in Coles and others, 2012 (see Effects of Urbanization on Stream Ecosystems). Chapter 2 of this report presents a brief history of urban stream management in the United States, providing a context for the management strategies presented in later chapters. Chapter 3 introduces broad management goals linked to the USGS urban study findings about the relation between urban development and the physical, chemical, and biological condition of stream systems, and illustrates how these goals have been addressed using case study examples. Chapter 4 presents more detailed examples of management strategies that can be used to suppport the broad goals introduced in Chapter 3. The management strategies are drawn from the experiences of jurisdictions that are seeking to protect the condition of streams in urbanizing watersheds. These strategies are presented not as recommended courses of action but as examples of how municipalities have responded to the challenges of managing urban streams. Chapter 5 discusses three recurring challenges faced by those managing urbanizing streams as they develop and implement management strategies to improve the health of these stream systems. RELATED DOCUMENT: Effects of Urban Development on Stream Ecosystems in Nine Metropolitan Study Areas Across the United States

Strategy for In-Bay Fate Modeling to Support Contaminant and Sediment Management in San Francisco Bay

San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) | August 15th, 2022

This report presents a strategy and multi-year workplan for modeling polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), and sediment in San Franci

This report presents a strategy and multi-year workplan for modeling polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), and sediment in San Francisco Bay (the Bay). Robust in-Bay fate modeling is needed to address priority management questions that have been identified for these constituents.

Stratigraphic controls on seawater intrusion and implications for groundwater management, Dominguez Gap area of Los Angeles, California, USA

Hydrogeology Journal (Springer) | May 30th, 2009

Groundwater pumping has led to extensive waterlevel declines and seawater intrusion in coastal Los Angeles, California (USA). A SUTRA-based solute-transport model was dev

Groundwater pumping has led to extensive waterlevel declines and seawater intrusion in coastal Los Angeles, California (USA). A SUTRA-based solute-transport model was developed to test the hydraulic implications of a sequence-stratigraphic model of the Dominguez Gap area and to assess the effects of water-management scenarios. The model is two-dimensional, vertical and follows an approximate flow line extending fromthe Pacific Ocean through the Dominguez Gap area. Results indicate that a newly identified fault system can provide a pathway for transport of seawater and that a stratigraphic boundary located between the Bent Spring and Upper Wilmington sequences may control the vertical movement of seawater. Three 50-year water-management scenarios were considered: (1) no change in water-management practices; (2) installation of a slurry wall; and (3) raising inland water levels to 7.6m above sea level. Scenario 3 was the most effective by reversing seawater intrusion. The effects of an instantaneous 1-m sealevel rise were also tested using water-management scenarios 1 and 3. Results from two 100-year simulations indicate that a 1-m sea-level rise may accelerate seawater intrusion for scenario 1; however, scenario 3 remains effective for controlling seawater intrusion.