ITEM:		ACTION ITEM
14.	CONSIDER ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION 2013-31 IN SUPPORT OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA WATER AGENCIES (ACWA) STATEWIDE WATER ACTION PLAN
Meeting Date:			December 9, 2013	Budgeted:	N/A
From:			David J. Stoldt,	Program/	N/A
			General Manager	Line Item No.:
Prepared By:			David J. Stoldt	Cost Estimate:	N/A
General Counsel Review: N/A
Committee Recommendation: N/A
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: ACWA’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a Statewide Water Action Plan for California on September 27, 2013. Developed by a broad cross-section of member water interests convened by ACWA over several months, the plan outlines 15 actions to improve water supply reliability, protect water rights, protect the integrity of the state's water system and promote better stewardship. It also includes guiding principles for implementation of the plan to help ensure actions benefit the entire state, respect water rights and contract terms, and reflect a new regulatory approach that can better meet the needs of water users and ecosystems.

The Statewide Water Action Plan (SWAP) was submitted to Governor Jerry Brown on October 2, 2013, as the water community's recommendations for developing the Administration’s water plan for the state. ACWA has asked its member agencies to adopt a resolution in support of the SWAP. A proposed resolution is attached as Exhibit 14-A. The SWAP is included as Exhibit 14-B.

RECOMMENDATION: The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors adopt Resolution 2013-31 in support of the ACWA Statewide Water Action Plan.

BACKGROUND: Key Elements of ACWA’s Statewide Water Action Plan

Actions to Improve Statewide Water Supply

• Expand water storage capacity (both surface and groundwater)
• Invest in water use efficiency / Integrated Regional Water Management Plans
• Facilitate water transfers
• Protect and improve water quality
• Pass a water bond

Actions to Protect Water Rights

• Respect area of origin commitments
• Ensure that reservoirs are not operated to “dead pool” as a result of state regulations or actions

Actions to Protect the Integrity of the System

• Complete the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, consistent with the Statewide Water Action Plan
• Invest in levee improvements / maintenance
• Prepare for emergencies to protect public safety
• Improve and expand groundwater management

Actions to Promote Better Stewardship

• Integrate headwaters management to sustain the environment and improve statewide water quality and supply
• Coordinate state and federal regulatory actions
• Implement flow regulations through a collaborative, science-based process to promote the co-equal goals

EXHIBITS

14-A Proposed Resolution 2103-31 in Support of the SWAP

14-B The ACWA Statewide Water Action Plan

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