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September 20, 2022 Honorable Erick Larsh, Presiding Judge Page 2 <br />line -item budget "earmarks" and favorable policies for our water agencies. However, it is difficult to <br />ascertain the level of increased effectiveness a single authority would have versus the current makeup <br />and how that would ultimately serve the needs of the individual water agencies. As it relates to <br />subsidies and grants, due to their competitive award processes, it is unclear if a consolidation of <br />wholesalers would have any discernable effect on results. <br />F2 — The current fragmented water system structure and operations provide challenges as they relate <br />to development of new interconnected infrastructure, as well as maintenance of existing systems. <br />RESPONSE: Concur with this Finding <br />While there are challenges to interconnection, it is not impossible. For the City of Santa Ana, the <br />current system continues to work, even if it is not perfect. <br />F3 — There is a great disparity between the North/Central and South Orange County water sources, <br />management, and operations carried out by OCWD and MWDOC. <br />RESPONSE: Concur with this Finding <br />There are significant differences in the way water is managed in North/Central and South Orange <br />County, which is largely due to the natural water resources available in each of these areas. As a <br />result, the regions have invested in and developed their unique water resources, management, and <br />operations in diverse, yet effective ways. <br />F5 — Orange County Water District is a recognized worldwide leader in groundwater resource <br />management and reclamation. Its leadership, innovation, and expertise can be further utilized to serve <br />all of Orange County in developing additional innovative and beneficial programs. <br />RESPONSE: Concur with this Finding <br />OCWD has a proven track record of managing and protecting the Orange County groundwater basin, <br />which has been instrumental in reducing our dependence on more expensive and less reliable <br />imported water. Additionally, OCWD is at the forefront of PFAS treatment technology and has fully <br />funded cleanup facilities. OCWD pays for critical infrastructure and has brokered water storage and <br />stewardship programs. <br />F6 — Orange County currently does not have a countywide -coordinated policy regarding water <br />conservation, which results in difficulty when complying with any new state -mandated conservation <br />regulations. <br />RESPONSE: Concur with this Finding <br />It is the purview of each water agency to develop water conservation policies that meet the needs of <br />their communities and comply with state -mandated regulations. Santa Ana has learned from past <br />SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL <br />Vicente Sarmiento Phil Bacerra Thai Viet Phan Nelida Mendoza Jessie Lopez Johnathan Ryan Hernandez David Penaloza <br />Mayor)reWard 6 <br />vsarmiento;santa-ana.om Cit r - na.or tohanra)santa-ana.ora nmendoza(a.santa-anmv �]&ssielopez(a.santa-ana.ora irvanhernandei(69antalmmom i doenaloza(.santa-ana.ora <br />