Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/850954
E n s u r i n g a S t r o n g F u t u r e 25 | P a g e from Point Loma will reduce the solids remaining in the ocean outfall to a level that is consistent with secondary treatment (secondary equivalency). Because of this opportunity for secondary equivalency at Point Loma through the Pure Water program, wastewater customers will pay a portion of the Pure Water costs. The wastewater ratepayer's share of the Pure Water Program should, in theory, be less than converting Point Loma to full secondary. With the implementation of the Pure Water Program, environmental groups would support and assist the City of SD in obtaining legislation for secondary equivalency. During the Pure Water design validation it became apparent to the City of SD that there would be insufficient wastewater flows at the North City Water Reclamation Plant to produce 15 mgd of potable reuse by 2023. It was therefore determined that a pump station would be required as part of Phase 1 (Ph1) to provide the required wastewater flows. Further design evaluation led the City of SD to conclude it would be more cost effective to build a 30 mgd facility in a single phase rather than a second 15 mgd facility for Phase 2 (Ph2) at a later date. At the same time, concerns over the drought caused the City of SD to desire a quicker construction schedule. The result was a change in the scope and schedule for Pure Water with a goal of 30 mgd of potable water by 2022. The total cost for the Ph1 accelerated plan is anticipated to be over a $1B, of which an estimated $440M will be borne by wastewater ratepayers. Recent permit conditions from the RWQCB may obligate the City of SD to construct facilities without approval or assurance of secondary equivalency legislation. A cost allocation plan and a financing plan have yet to be developed or shared with the participating agencies of the Metro System. Recent cost projections from the City of SD indicate rates will double over the next five years due to the implementation of Ph1 of the Pure Water Program. CHALLENGES: Water Supply and Reliability A safe, reliable water supply is essential to the District and its customers. California has experienced a variety of water challenges over the last decade including ongoing droughts, environmental concerns, rising cost of imported water, increasing regulations and State mandates. It is more important than ever that we plan to ensure reliable water supplies into the future. The State of California recently faced some of the driest years on record for rainfall and snowpack – with 2015 being the driest year on record. On April 7, 2017 Governor Jerry Brown ended the drought state of emergency in most of California, following unprecedented winter rain and snow and significant statewide water conservation. However, the Administration maintained water reporting requirements and certain water use prohibitions on wasteful use. Moving forward California will experience continued cyclical droughts and changes to weather patterns. The State's Long Term Conservation Plan "Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life" was released to the public on the same day the Governor lifted the emergency drought declaration. This plan looks to use legislation to increase regulations and restrict how and how much water can be used in California. District staff has been actively following the legislation process; a Long-Term Conservation Lateral was formed to track and respond to proposed regulations. The District has sent letters and its representatives have spoken in Sacramento to express our support or opposition to important proposed bills. Staff will continue to identify the impacts of future regulations and help ensure the District is in compliance with any regulations that are implemented.