1. www.emwd.org 1 EASTERN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT Indirect Potable Reuse Public Outreach Framework Jolene Walsh Senior Director, Public and Governmental Affairs January 14, 2016

2. www.emwd.org 2 Background EMWD is advancing Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR) as part of a strategic water supply initiative 2014 Customer Service Survey conducted to gauge initial opinions and perspectives of EMWD customers on IPR Survey results point to the necessity of an outreach program o Only 12 percent had heard about IPR Of those, only 9 percent stated the correct definition of IPR o After being told the correct definition of IPR, 69 percent said they would support it o 98 percent of customers said saving water is important

3. www.emwd.org 3 IPR Planning Activities 2014 – IPR Phase I Study September 2015 – IPR Program Definition and Recommendations o Advance Preferred IPR Approach Alternative D – Partial RO at SJUPMZ for Phase I Investigate potential variations in the future o Continue discussions with regulators o Coordinate IPR Program with Watermaster o Develop Public Outreach Framework o Develop and present scope of effort for advancement of IPR Program to Board for consideration

4. www.emwd.org 4 Timing Timing of public education is essential to project implementation and success Key factors to launching outreach as soon as possible o Drought conditions heighten the need for water supply projects o Increasing rates prompt customers to support environmentally-friendly and sustainable projects

5. www.emwd.org 5 Potential Outreach Components Stakeholder identification and assessment of stakeholder support and/or opposition via focus groups and scientific public opinion research o Includes internal assessment and outreach o Assessment activity shall be conducted throughout the project development Identification of different demographic groups and key communication factors for each group regarding changing public opinions o Multicultural outreach will be key given the demographics of EMWD, as well as, the proximity to tribal lands o Bilingual survey and outreach materials are critical

6. www.emwd.org 6 Potential Outreach Components Speakers Bureau Communication workshops for Board, executives, and key staff prior to Speakers Bureau implementation o Includes media training for Board members and staff who will serve as spokespeople Community meetings and open house events to invite community participation and offer answers to questions o Feedback will be used to develop and continuously refine key messaging Independent Project Advisory Committee to provide oversight and feedback to EMWD Demonstration project

7. www.emwd.org 7 Potential Outreach Components Project portrayal and branding, including naming and graphic design of logo for project: o Will complement new EMWD branding Engagement of elected officials, community leaders, and influential public: o Network of supporters and influential “support list” Engagement of third party trusted sources to voice support for project: o Medical community, academia Utilization of communication platforms: o Dedicated section of EMWD website o Social media pages o Video messaging o Direct media outreach Feedback campaign to track effectiveness of outreach efforts – adaptive management

8. www.emwd.org 8 Consultant Resources Develop the content and extent of an effective outreach effort required for project implementation and success o Strategy to obtain community and stakeholder support o Project information packages o Project education workshops and presentations o Community response surveys Develop and define activities and budgets for a near-term and long- term public information and education program based on the framework

9. www.emwd.org 9 Next Steps for Outreach – Consultant Selection Develop Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for subject matter experts o Coordinate effort with Engineering’s Preliminary Design Phase o Identify the qualified firms to invite based on: Public outreach experience on similar projects Understanding of EMWD’s IPR program issues and consideration IPR public outreach in Southern California (preferred) Evaluate and rank proposals Recommendation to Board

10. www.emwd.org 10 Next Steps for Outreach – General Timeline ItemEstimated Duration Develop RFQ, solicit proposals, complete consultant evaluation and recommendation to Board 4 months Consultant development of Outreach plan and Board review 6 to 8 months Implementation of IPR Outreach Plan 12 to 18 months

11. www.emwd.org 11 Recommendation Advance public outreach effort for IPR program o Issue RFQ o Review proposals Present recommended consultant to Board

12. www.emwd.org 12 Contact Information EASTERN MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT www.emwd.org Jolene Walsh Senior Director, Public and Governmental Affairs 951-928-3777 ext. 4347 walshj@emwd.org