The New Maximum Benefit Paradigm

Common Issues with Other Basins and Other RWQCBs TDS, N and other water quality constituent objectives are common impediments to the use of recycled and imported waters TDS, N and other water quality constituent objectives are common impediments to the use of recycled and imported waters Regional Boards must issue permits that implement their Basin Plans Regional Boards must issue permits that implement their Basin Plans

The unused concept from Executive Order “1. Whenever the existing quality of water is better than the quality established in policies as of the date on which such policies become effective, such existing high quality will be maintained until it has been demonstrated to the State that any change will be consistent with maximum benefit to the people of the State, will not unreasonably affect present and anticipated beneficial use of such water and will not result in water quality less than that prescribed in the policies.”

WC Section “Each regional board shall establish such water quality objectives in water quality control plans as in its judgment will ensure the reasonable protection of beneficial uses and the prevention of nuisance; however, it is recognized that it may be possible for the quality of water to be changed to some degree without unreasonably affecting beneficial uses. Factors to be considered by a Regional Board in establishing water quality objectives shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the following: “Each regional board shall establish such water quality objectives in water quality control plans as in its judgment will ensure the reasonable protection of beneficial uses and the prevention of nuisance; however, it is recognized that it may be possible for the quality of water to be changed to some degree without unreasonably affecting beneficial uses. Factors to be considered by a Regional Board in establishing water quality objectives shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the following: –(a) Past, present, and probable future beneficial uses of water. –(b) Environmental characteristics of the hydrographic unit under consideration, including the quality of water available thereto. –(c) Water quality conditions that could reasonably be achieved through the coordinated control of all factors which affect water quality in the area. –(d) Economic considerations. –(e) The need for developing housing within the region. –(f) The need to develop and use recycled water.”

Watermaster’s November 2002 Proposal Divide Chino Basin into three management zones – Chino North, Chino East and Chino South Divide Chino Basin into three management zones – Chino North, Chino East and Chino South Based on WC Section 13241, set TDS and N objectives in Chino North to Based on WC Section 13241, set TDS and N objectives in Chino North to –maximize beneficial use of all water available to the basin including recycled water –allow the recharge of state project water without mitigation

What are the Causes of TDS and N Degradation in the Chino Basin? Returns from use from agriculture and urban water uses Returns from use from agriculture and urban water uses Planned artificial recharge Planned artificial recharge Same processes are occurring in almost all groundwater basins Same processes are occurring in almost all groundwater basins

Watermaster and IEUA Commitments to Backup Maximum Benefit Based Objectives Recycled Water Management: Recycled Water Management: –12-month TDS and N effluent limitations of 550 mg/L and 8 mg/L –Commitment to serve the lowest TDS supply available for potable uses –Minimize TDS waste increment

Basin Plan Requirements for Maximum Benefit Based Objectives Future Chino Basin Desalters Future Chino Basin Desalters –Started planning process for new OBMP desalters in 2003 and have plan adopted and approved by Court in 2007 –Other desalters will be added as necessary as ambient TDS approaches the TDS objective

Basin Plan Requirements for Maximum Benefit Based Objectives Basin-wide groundwater monitoring for groundwater levels, TDS and nitrogen to assess ambient quality Basin-wide groundwater monitoring for groundwater levels, TDS and nitrogen to assess ambient quality Surface water discharge and quality monitoring to determine if Chino North groundwater is discharging into the Santa Ana River Surface water discharge and quality monitoring to determine if Chino North groundwater is discharging into the Santa Ana River

Status of Basin Plan Amendment Approved by: Approved by: RWQCB – January 2004 RWQCB – January 2004 SWRCB – September 2004 SWRCB – September 2004 OAL – December 2004 OAL – December 2004 No negative comments through adoption process No negative comments through adoption process

Successful Applications Outside the Chino Basin Cucamonga Management Zone – Cucamonga Valley Water District Cucamonga Management Zone – Cucamonga Valley Water District Beaumont Management Zone – San Timoteo Watershed Management Authority Beaumont Management Zone – San Timoteo Watershed Management Authority Yucaipa Management Zone – Yucaipa Valley Water District Yucaipa Management Zone – Yucaipa Valley Water District San Timoteo Management Zone – STWMA & YVWD San Timoteo Management Zone – STWMA & YVWD

What Did We Gain by Changing the WQ Objectives? Greater flexibility in water management Greater flexibility in water management Maximized the use of recycled water Maximized the use of recycled water Postponed construction of desalting facilities until they are needed to protect beneficial uses Postponed construction of desalting facilities until they are needed to protect beneficial uses Minimized demand for State Project water Minimized demand for State Project water

What Obligations Were Incurred by Changing the WQ Objectives? An increase in monitoring An increase in monitoring Commitments are codified in the Basin Plan Commitments are codified in the Basin Plan Retroactive mitigation if commitments are not met Retroactive mitigation if commitments are not met

Questions?