ITEM:		CONSENT CALENDAR
4.	CONSIDER APPROVAL OF POLICY ON USE OF ATMOSPHERIC GENERATORS AS A WATER SOURCE
Meeting Date:			August 18, 2014	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: The Water Demand Committee considered this item on August 11, 2014 and recommended the Board direct staff to approve Water Permits based on the use of AWG devices where it can be demonstrated that no dual connection to the Cal-Am system exists.
CEQA Compliance: N/A

SUMMARY: At a Board meeting earlier this year, local architect Ron Brown conveyed the concept of atmospheric water generation (“AWG”) as a potential supply option for the Water Management District’s service area. Since that time, District staff have attended a demonstration of a system by the Ecolo Blue USA company and researched their corporate information. An EcoloBlue model 30s water cooler was demonstrated in the District’s lobby during the summer. The Water Demand Committee first considered this topic at its June 12, 2014 meeting and then revisited it on August 11.

RECOMMENDATION: The Water Demand Committee recommends the Board should direct staff to approve Water Permits based on the use of AWG devices where it can be demonstrated that no dual connection to the Cal-Am system exists. Further, establishment of a Water Use Credit should be made where applicable use results in permanent abandonment of a Cal-Am connection. The recommended action is an administrative policy without ordinance or modification to the District Rules and Regulations until such time as the incidence of AWG devices is better defined.

DISCUSSION: There are several companies that provide similar products, all of which operate in a manner very similar to that of a dehumidifier: air is passed over a cooled coil, causing condensation. The rate of water production depends on the ambient temperature, humidity, the volume of air passing over the coil, and the machine's capacity to cool the coil.

(a) Issuance of a Water Permit: In discussions with County Health Department personnel, District staff have learned that the County will not permit the use of AWGs as the primary water source for domestic residential use, and will require a cross-connection with some other reliable potable source, such as Cal-Am. This is due to the undocumented reliability of production in the regional setting. The County will consider permitting AWGs as a supplemental or non-residential source, as well as possible use for graywater-style purposes (i.e., irrigation and toilet flushing).

As a result of this dual connection protocol for domestic use, the Water Management District could not ensure that a new use or an increase in use at an existing site would solely be satisfied by the AWG rather than Cal-Am. Any intensification in use would be a violation of the Cease and Desist Order. Hence, the District should only issue a water permit for projects utilizing AWGs in a setting where no connection to Cal-Am is demonstrated. Properties would likely be deed restricted for the non-residential or supplemental-only dedication of use.

(b) Establishment of a Water Use Credit where applicable: If a project uses AWGs as a means to disconnect from Cal-Am, the District should allow the establishment of a Water Use Credit, so long as the permanent abandonment of Cal-Am can be documented.

EXHIBIT

None

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