1. Urban Water Institute Spring Conference
How is Conservation Going to Be a Way of Life? Who is Really in Charge?
Urban Water Institute Spring Conference
Feb. 9, 2018
Steve LaMar, ACWA Vice President

2. About ACWA Who We Represent . . .
ACWA members responsible for 90% of the state’s distributed water
Water Sources & Services
Federal, state and local projects
Surface and groundwater
Agricultural, urban, industrial customers
Wholesale, retail

3. 40 million California residents
Who’s Really In Charge?
Fundamental disconnect between water conservation legislation and regulations
Water agencies collect, distribute, and reuse water
Ultimately, customers decide how much water they use
40 million California residents
are in charge!
Excellent Question!
Answer: The 40 Million People Living in California!
Appears to be a fundamental disconnect between some of the proposed water conservation legislation and regulations
Water agencies collect, distribute, and reuse water
Customers decide daily, monthly and annually how much water they use!

4. State Role in Water Conservation
The State can mandate:
Urban Water Management/ Water Shortage Contingency plans
Conservation standards for appliances, toilets, showerheads
Gallons per capita per day
Monthly water use reporting for water agencies
The Legislature and State agencies can mandate:
Contents of Urban Water Management Plans and Water Shortage Contingency Plans
Conservation standards for appliances, toilets, showerheads
Gallons per capita per day
Monthly water use reporting for water agencies
But, actual water use is determined by water customers, not local water agencies!

5. Local Role in Water Conservation
In the best position to help change customer behavior
Understand their customers and know when and how to communicate effectively
Polling shows customers trust and respond favorably to their local water provider
Who Is in the Best Position to Change Water Customer Behavior
Local water agencies are in constant communication with their customers
Conservation only occurs if water customers understand why it is important and take steps to reduce water use
Polling shows customers trust and respond favorably to their local water providers
Knowing when and how to communicate required for success

6. Local Role in Water Conservation
Using Every Tool in the Toolbox
Local water agencies have increased water use efficiency significantly through:
Consistent, effective messaging to customers
Locally developed drought resilient supplies and supply diversification
Achieving long-term water conservation objectives is dependent upon changing human behavior (Beyond changing water district behavior) (moved to previous slide)
Local water agency roles:
Have worked for decades to increase water use efficiency, reduce waste
Requires consistent, prolonged and effective messaging to customers
Use of all means: bill stuffers, websites, advertising, social media
Conservation pricing
Development of drought resilient supplies and supply diversification

7. Water Infrastructure Investments
Locals Also are Investing the Most
Of the $30 billion spent annually on California’s water infrastructure:
84% from local water agencies
12% from state
4% from federal
Source: PPIC
Graph from PPIC:
$30 Billion annually for California water infrastructure
84% from local water agencies
13% from state
3% from federal
Updated number to reflect PPIC numbers from “Paying for Water in California – March 2014” Requested chart was too small for graphic.

8. ACWA’s Position on Long-Term Conservation
Success requires:
Approach based upon local, real world experience
Effective partnership with the state
Support intent but seeking amendments to AB 1668/SB 606 to ensure success
A cooperative partnership will be more effective than state mandates!
ACWA fully supports long term water use efficiency
We cannot conserve our way into meeting future water needs
We are seeking amendments to legislation to ensure success and make implementation more effective
We seek a partnership with the state that promotes buy-in by local water agencies based upon our real world experience in delivering water to 40 million customers!
A cooperative partnership will be more effective than state mandates!

9. How Can the Legislation Be More Effective?
Incentivize new storage and drought resilient projects
Impacts of indoor water use targets need to be studied
Clarify outdoor water use requirements and ensure data is made available before implementation
Encourage and reward new storage and drought resilient projects
Okay with setting indoor water use targets, but require a study of the impacts on water distribution and sewer systems, recycled and future potable reuse systems and projects
Clarify outdoor water use requirements, MWELO, ET Adjustment Factor, and ensure data is made available before requiring local use
Do not require actions or installations unless cost-effective for agencies and water customers
Provide remedial opportunities for water agencies out of compliance before fines and penalties

10. How Can the Legislation Be More Effective?
Ensure cost-effective solutions for agencies and customers
Allow compliance period for water agencies before assessing fines and penalties
Encourage and reward new storage and drought resilient projects
Okay with setting indoor water use targets, but require a study of the impacts on water distribution and sewer systems, recycled and future potable reuse systems and projects
Clarify outdoor water use requirements, MWELO, ET Adjustment Factor, and ensure data is made available before requiring local use
Do not require actions or installations unless cost-effective for agencies and water customers
Provide remedial opportunities for water agencies out of compliance before fines and penalties

11. Questions? Feel free to connect with me
Steve LaMar, ACWA Vice President
(714)