NBWRA WEBLOG

BY EMILY CHARRIER-BOTTS INDEX-TRIBUNE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Jan 26, 2012

BRIAN ANDERSON, operations coordinator at the Sonoma Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant, uses his camera phone to capture the first flow of water into the newly-built, 37-million-gallon recycled water reservoir on Eighth Street East.

State environmental experts agree water conservation is one of the most important issues facing California. In response, communities across the state, including Sonoma Valley, are turning rivers of raw sewage into clean water suitable for agricultural irrigation, fighting fires and even industrial air conditioners, among other potential uses.

“The water is actually certified organic,” said Brian Anderson, operations coordinator at the Sonoma Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant on Eighth Street East, which is overseen by the Sonoma County Water Agency.

Last Thursday, Jan. 19, officials at the plant turned the valve for the first time to begin filling the newly constructed 37-million-gallon, or 113-acre-foot, recycled water reservoir. The reservoir will rise at a rate of 500,000 gallons a day, meaning it will take 74 days to fill completely. The reservoir, which took six months and $3.5 million to complete, is the second in the Valley. The recycled water reservoir on Ramal Road has been servicing agriculture producers for 19 years, who pay $25 for an acre-foot of water, which measures out to about 326,000 gallons.

“It’s very reasonable … Those who have it won’t brag about it because they don’t want it catching on,” Anderson said. “Those who don’t have it are skeptical.”

The Salinas Valley, one of the largest agricultural production areas in the country, was the first to champion recycled water for irrigation purposes after the groundwater supply was so over-utilized that salty sea water was able to travel two-miles inland, threatening the clean drinking water supply. In 1980, the Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency conducted the seminal research on treated wastewater, finding that it was safe to use for irrigation, which lead state regulators to approve its use on food crops.

The process for turning raw sewage into clean water has three major steps. It begins with the primary treatment, where large debris such as rags, grit and gravel are removed from the water. During the secondary process, the water is allowed to settle as microorganisms grown on site work to remove naturally occurring organic material. During the settling process, workers can remove heavy solids that fall to the bottom and grease that floats to the top. In the final and most important step, the tertiary treatment disinfects the water with chlorine before sending it through a fine screen to catch any remaining sediment. It is then pumped into an open-air reservoir, where the water is regularly tested to ensure it meets federal and state standards.

The new reservoir was specially engineered to protect wildlife. At the Ramal Road reservoir, water agency staff found coyotes, foxes and other animals that fell into the water were unable to climb out the slippery sides. The reservoirs are now outfitted with safety ladders that protect both humans and wildlife from getting trapped.

Pipelines known as purple pipes, which are separate from the pipes that transport drinking water, allow agricultural producers to access the tertiary water for irrigation. Currently, the pipeline extends from Eighth Street East to Watmaugh Road in Sonoma, but the water agency hopes to reach more customers soon. “The goal is to eventually move this water up into the Valley. We’d really like it to get to the high school,” Anderson said.

Agriculture consumes the most water in California, and Sonoma Valley is no exception. “I find all the agriculture producers that the pipeline reaches, contact them and ask if they’d like to be a user,” Anderson explained. Currently, 14 Valley agricultural producers participate in the program, and the water agency hopes more will sign on in 2012.

Ray Mulas, of Mulas Dairy, said his business has been using recycled tertiary water since the Ramal Road reservoir first opened nearly two decades ago, and he even uses it to irrigate the organic feed crops he grows, along with his family’s vineyards. He said he sees it as the best option, better than pulling water from the creeks or tapping into the groundwater tables and emptying out his neighbors’ wells.

“You’re always going to find someone who says, ‘Oh it’s bad.’ But what’s the alternative? We’re pumping out groundwater and taking water from the Russian River to irrigate crops,” Mulas said. “And then we pump that wastewater into the Bay.”

The recycled water can replace the need for well water during the warm months of May to October. From November through April, the excess recycled water is discharged into Schell Slough or Hudeman Slough, where it acts as a buffer between the salty Bay water and potable groundwater. In all, the water agency produces 30,000 to 40,000 acre-feet of recycled tertiary water yearly, about 15,000 acre-feet of which is used by customers to irrigate crops, fill decorative fountains and mix concrete among dozens of other potential uses.

Currently, agricultural producers whose fields do not connect with the pipelines can apply to truck the water to their property, further expanding the potential reach of recycled water until pipelines can be established.

“The goal is to utilize every drop of highly treated recycled water for irrigation purposes so we can rely less on the Russian River for potable water use for irrigation purposes and reduce reliance on groundwater sources,” said Brad Sherwood, spokesman for the water agency. “Groundwater is an important source we should protect and secure for our future.”

To learn more, visit www.scwa.ca.gov.

From the Sonoma Index Tribune, August 16, 2011

http://www.sonomanews.com/News-2011/Water-agency-builds-new-reservoir/

The Sonoma County Water Agency, which manages the Sonoma Valley County Sanitation District, will increase recycled water storage capacity by constructing the Reservoir 5 project adjacent to the district’s treatment plant at 22675 Eighth St. E., in Sonoma.

Reservoir 5 will expand the district’s recycled water storage by 37 million gallons. The district currently stores approximately 200 million gallons in four existing storage reservoirs. This increased capacity is necessary to enhance the district’s ability to utilize recycled water for irrigation purposes.

Reservoir 5 will cost $2.3 million and is being financed by $600,000 in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) funding through the North Bay Water Reuse Authority. The authority includes five local agencies in the North San Pablo Bay region, including the water agency, formed to put recycled water to its broadest and most beneficial use. The remaining $1.3 million is financed through the district’s Capital Improvement Plan.

Construction began earlier this month and Reservoir 5 is slated for completion in December 2011. Ford Construction of Lodi was selected to construct Reservoir 5 and it is estimated to create 10 jobs during the construction phase.

“With dwindling water supplies in California, the only reliable solution is increased conservation and efficiency, and that includes recycling and storing wastewater,” said Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Petaluma. “The Reservoir 5 project will benefit consumers, our agriculture industry and our environment here in the North Bay. This is a great example of federal support from the Recovery Act making a powerful difference in our communities - smart investments in infrastructure create jobs and help continue America’s economic recovery.”

Rep. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena, agreed.

“I am pleased that the Sonoma County Water Agency has received federal funding through the Recovery Act to help improve water conservation and encourage increasingly responsible water use in our community,” he said. “Sonoma is a proven leader in water recycling, and this funding will only further help the Valley achieve its goal of minimizing the use of groundwater and Russian River water.”

Valerie Brown, 1st District Supervisor and a water agency director, said Reservoir 5 will offset water demand from the Russian River and groundwater use in Sonoma Valley by expanding the district’s ability to store and deliver recycled water to the region.

“There is a growing demand for recycled water in Sonoma Valley. Recycled water ensures our agricultural industry has a sustainable water supply for irrigation purposes for the future. Recycled water is a valuable resource and Reservoir 5 is an investment for our future water resources, environment and economy,” Brown added.

During the dry weather months of May through October, the district currently provides recycled water to users including vineyards, dairies; and pasturelands. The existing users are located in the southern end of Sonoma Valley, southeast of Schellville in the Carneros region. The district currently has four recycled water reservoirs that store recycled water until it can be used for irrigation.

Reservoir 5’s additional 37 million gallons provides operational flexibility and irrigation capacity which will allow the district to continue to:

• Reduce the discharge of treated wastewater into Schell Slough and San Pablo Bay.

• Provide recycled water in compliance with federal and state regulations.

• Offset peak water demand in Sonoma Valley.

• Offset groundwater use for potable or agricultural purposes that may be stressing aquifer conditions in some areas of Sonoma Valley.

Left to right: Paul Kelley, Keith Caldwell, Mike Connor, Efren Carrillo, and David Rabbitt

NBWRA  met with US Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Mike Connor on the progress of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grants, including:

* Paul Kelley, Former Sonoma County Supervisor and Sonoma County Water Agency Director, President of Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), and California Water Commission Commissioner,

* Keith Caldwell, NBWRA Vice-Chair and Napa County Supervisor,

* Efren Carrillo, NBWRA Director, Sonoma County Supervisor, and Sonoma County Water Agency Director,

* David Rabbitt, NBWRA Director, Sonoma County Supervisor, and Sonoma County Water Agency Director.

The newest addition to San Jose’s city-wide Community Gardens program utilizes reclaimed water.

The Guadalupe Community Garden is one of 19 community gardens - occupying approximately 37 acres of land - operated by the City of San Jose that benefits of its residents and the environment. Guadalupe Community Garden consists of 33 plots that are not only a beautiful addition to the neighborhood, it was the first community garden to use reclaimed water.

It is a beautiful facility, with raised beds, a tool shed and a nice covered area for garden workshops and gatherings.  The garden is  perfect for residents that want to grow their own produce, flowers and herbs, but also plays a role in the Green Vision for the city. One element of the Green Vision is to recycle or beneficially reuse 100 percent of the wastewater.

The following article, written by Steven R. Loranger, the Chairman, President and CEO, of ITT Corporation, investigates the importance of a renewed investment in non-residential infrastructure by government, private business and citizenry–for without it the ability of the U.S.  to compete globally may be affected.

For years, Western governments have been unable to provide the funds necessary to build and upgrade infrastructure at a sufficient level. During the conference, Martin Koffel, Chairman and CEO, URS Corp, pointed out that over the past decade, China has invested 5 percent of its GDP in non-residential infrastructure, while the U.S. has invested less than 1.5 percent. This deficit may ultimately affect our ability to compete on a global stage.

During the past few years, some governments have begun to recognize the need for a renewed investment in infrastructure. Consider NextGen, the new GPS-based air traffic control system here in the United States. This project is among the most ambitious and important aviation infrastructure investments in U.S. history, as evidenced by the massive investment the FAA is making to fund this wholesale revamping of the U.S. National Airspace System.

But as national debts grow in Western nations, government financing of infrastructure is forecast to become even more challenging. I believe public-private partnerships can play a key role. Here also, we can look to NextGen as an example. The program requires a long-term investment for which the FAA required a great deal of initial capital. To address this challenge, ITT is investing more than $200 million of its own capital to help make U.S. air traffic management modernization a reality. In exchange for that investment, the FAA has granted ITT the rights to manage the NextGen program’s ADS-B ground infrastructure during the next 10 years.

Consumers must also play a significant role. In regards to water, most Americans do not pay the full cost for their water consumption. In Germany, on the other hand, water tariffs are nearly three times the U.S. average and closer to the true cost-of-service. Until we are willing to broadly raise tariffs, our funding structure will remain unsustainable. This inadequate investment for maintenance and growth is unfortunately not restricted to the U.S., and is a prime contributor to the growing global crisis of water scarcity.

Another issue raised at the conference was the process by which infrastructure projects are prioritized for funding. Failure to measure and demonstrate return on investment is one of the major speed limits in allocating government and private capital toward infrastructure investment. We run our business such that every dollar of investment goes through a rigorous analysis that measures not only empirical returns and cash flows but also social benefits. Proposals for infrastructure projects should be measured by the same yardstick. Determining how to measure both the financial and social rates of return, from providing safe drinking water to having peace of mind when flying, is critical.

While these are challenges, I am optimistic that through strategic partnerships, we can achieve a consensus on how to invest in these vital needs and unlock the right level of funding needed to do so. This approach is critical. We need government and business and citizenry to work together so the critical networks in our skies–and under our feet–will meet the needs of generations to come. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/steven-r-loranger/how-do-we-fund-the-future_b_619814.html)

The following article studied the 10 largest U.S. cities which are likely to face severe water shortages in the near-term future. Not surprisingly, Los Angeles took first place, the San Francisco Bay Area came in fifth.

5. San Fransisco Bay Area, CA

Major Water Supply: various, including Lake Hetch Hetchy
Population (U.S. rank): San Fransisco: 815,359 (12th), Oakland: 409,189 (44th), San Jose: 964,695 (10th)
Population Growth Rate: 20% since 2000
Average annual rainfall: 20.4 in.

Much like the southeast in the early 2000’s, California has experienced intermittent droughts that have brought the area’s water supply to the brink of disaster. After several years of drought between 2005 and 2007, the Bay Area, which represents more that 3.7 million people, was forced to adopt aggressive water usage restrictions. Legal battles ensued between San Fransisco area legislators and those in the Sacramento delta who believed they deserved bay area water from major sources, like Lake Hetch Hetchy. According to the NRDC and CERES studies, the San Fransisco Bay area, including adjacent cities San Jose and Oakland, are “very likely” to experience a severe crisis as a result of water shortage within the next 50 years. http://247wallst.com/2010/10/29/the-ten-great-american-cities-that-are-dying-of-thirst/#ixzz144HgzGNd

The following notice from the Water Environment Federation’s (WEF), This Week In Washington from WEF, provides a good example of why recycled water is an increasingly critical water resource in the North Bay Region and throughout the country.

According to a report (www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/watersustainability)  released on July 20 by the Natural Resources Defense Council (www.nrdc.org), more than 1,100 U.S. counties, a full one-third of all counties in the lower 48 states, now face higher risks of water shortages by mid-century as the result of global warming, and more than 400 of these counties will be at extremely high risk for water shortages. The report uses publicly available water use data across the United States and climate projections from a set of models used in recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) work to evaluate withdrawals related to renewable water
supply. The report finds that 14 states face an extreme or high risk to water sustainability, or are likely to see limitations on water availability as demand exceeds supply by 2050. These areas include parts of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. In particular, in the Great Plains and Southwest United States, water sustainability is at extreme risk.

The report estimates that water withdrawal will grow by 25 percent in many areas of the U.S. including the arid Arizona/New Mexico area, the populated areas in the South Atlantic region, Florida, the Mississippi River basin, and Washington, D.C. and surrounding regions. Estimated water withdrawal as a percentage of available precipitation is generally less than 5 percent for
the majority of the Eastern United States, and less than 30 percent for the majority of the Western United States. In some arid regions (such as Texas, the Southwest, and California) and agricultural areas, water withdrawal is greater than 100 percent of the available precipitation. County- and state-specific maps detailing the report findings (http://www.nrdc.org/globalWarming/watersustainability/).

The North Bay Water Recycling Program conducted tours for federal and state officials, and regulators, in June and August , 2009 to provide them with a greater understanding of this important regional, cooperative water project and to answer their questions.

LINKS TO RECENT NEWS STORIES ABOUT THE DROUGHT
FROM NAPA, SONOMA AND MARIN COUNTIES

Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sonoma Index-Tribune: Water rationing a reality
http://sonomanews.com/articles/2009/01/30/news/doc49825e2283627740244097.txt

Friday, January 30, 2009
San Francisco Chronicle: Forecast: Worst Drought Ever
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/30/MNC615JNHB.DTL&hw=drought&sn=001&sc=1000

Saturday, January 31, 2009
Press Democrat: Cities brace for impending water rationing
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090130/ARTICLES/901309837

Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Marin Independent Journal: Dry conditions have Marin talking water drought, rationing
http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_11569690?IADID=Search-www.marinij.com-www.marinij.com

Thursday, February 5, 2009,
Napa Valley Register: Drought May Mean Reductions Around the Valley
http://www.napavalleyregister.com/articles/2009/02/05/news/local/doc498a8ecb1ccd8982867616.txt

Read more…?

News headlines across the state are warning us that California may be in the grip of its most significant water crisis in its history.

North Bay Water Recycling Program Is One Part of the Solution.

Here is how the California Department of Water Resources Describes the Drought Crisis:
California is facing the most significant water crisis in its history. After experiencing two years of drought and the driest spring in recorded history, water reserves are extremely low. http://www.water.ca.gov/drought/

Drought Impacts at a Glance

• California and the North Bay region are entering a third year of drought in 2009, following the driest spring in recorded history last year

• Water reserves are extremely low in Lake Mendocino and Lake Sonoma.  Lake Mendocino may be out of water by mid-summer. Up to 50% mandatory rationing may be needed in parts of Sonoma and Marin Counties. Napa is also be affected by limited surface water supplies, and falling groundwater levels in some areas are impacting the region.

• Court restrictions on water from the Delta reduced supplies from state’s water systems by 20% to 30% and the Delta ecosystem has been described as near collapse.

• The specific impacts of global warming locally are unknown but add uncertainty and concern about future water supply reliability. Reduction in snow runoff from the Sierra has already been measured due to global warming

North Bay Water Recycling Program an Important Part of the Solution

• Recycled water provides reliable irrigation water for parks, golf courses, school grounds, other public landscaping, vineyards, agricultural uses, as well as for restoration of wetland habitat and improved stream flows for riparian habitat and fisheries recovery

• Recycled water is proven safe and growing rapidly in popularity. Over 180 cities and communities are using recycled water throughout California with many located throughout the North Bay. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park has been irrigated with recycled water since 1932.

• A warming climate may further stress water supplies, and the North Bay Water Recycling Program can help. Reusing our water instead of disposing it is the most efficient use of this critical resource. Recycled water uses less energy and has lower carbon footprint than potable supplies.

• NBWRA’s cooperative approach lowers costs and increases access to federal and state grant funds. Already $1.25 million in federal grants have been received and up to $25 million more have been applied for.