Agenda Packet_2022-09-20 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Water in Orange County Needs "One Voice" • Replaces groundwater that is pumped out of the basin every year with Santa Ana River watershed, recycled, imported, storm and natural incidental water recharge. • Ensures groundwater supply safety and quality through monitoring and testing. • Recycles water primarily through the GWRS which takes treated wastewater that otherwise would be sent to the Pacific Ocean and purifies it for aquifer recharge. • Participates in legislative and community engagement and education. • Develops additional innovative programs such as Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) at Prado Dam, capturing and recharging stormwater in the Santa Ana River, and anticipating and optimizing stormwater runoff. • Coordinates contaminant treatment, financial resource needs, and policy such as for Per - and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which enter the aquifer and wells primarily through the Santa Ana River flows. Additionally, organizes litigation and accountability for the contaminant sources. Retail Water Districts In addition to being the direct link to consumers, retail agencies provide several additional services beyond those provided by wholesalers. Those services include maintaining water quality and testing throughout their distribution systems, repair and replacement of critical infrastructure, regulatory compliance, customer service, water use conservation, recycled water for irrigation or other non -potable uses, and public outreach and health -related services. Where Do We Go from Here? Assessment of Current State Reliable sources shared opinions with the OCGJ that the current OC wholesale structure is "dysfunctional", "prevents speaking with one voice for all of Orange County water interests" involving the aquifer and imported water sources, and "currently provides redundant services with redundant costs." Also, multiple member agencies of MWDOC have expressed dissatisfaction with MWDOC's operating effectiveness related to MET board and legislative representation, member charges for provided services, and the scope of emergency preparedness.14 In addition, this dual structure of MWDOC and OCWD has resulted in missed opportunities for the County in the form of more extensive multiple agency collaboration, increased operating efficiency, decreased reliance on imported water, and the creation of a more reliable water 14 Information based on multiple interviews, past agreements between MWDOC and MWDOC member agencies, and LAFCO Municipal Service Reviews. 2021-2022 Orange County Grand Jury Page 13 City Council 8 — 15 9/20/2022