AgdaPkt 2005-01-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

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g. ø~ /J-- AB 1823 contains two key requirements: (1) the Hetch Hetchy system is operated to produce water as a first priority, with electric power as a byproduct, and (2) following an earthquake or other major disaster, the regional system should be operated to deliver water throughout the service area, without regard to political boundaries, to the extent feasible. These provisions are critically important for the existing 1.7 million people and businesses. A commitment to provide these operational protections to the water customers in the region should continue even after AB 1823 sunsets in 2010. As the regional water system is rebuilt, capacity could be added to make the system more reliable and provide water for planned growth that cannot be met through conservation, recycling, desalination or other cost-effective solutions. The capital improvement program is designed to rebuild the system, but its implementation may not address the region's future needs. A cooperative working relationship exists with San Francisco, but there is no written commitment that San Francisco will help meet future water needs. An agreement should be pursued so BAWSCA agencies know what to expect for their participation and investment. 4. Customers in the three counties must receive adequate water supplies during droughts. Since 1988, the service area population has increased over 15 percent. Water demands have only now returned to pre-drought levels, largely due to conservation measures. Water supply curtailments due to drought would have a greater impact today than during the drought of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Although SFPUC resolutions in 1988 and 2000 recognized the need to negotiate and execute dry-year water contracts to lessen the impacts of drought, no additional supplies have as yet been secured. In fact, available supplies have decreased. Under an order from the State of California, San Francisco reduced the operating storage of its largest Bay Area reservoir (Calaveras) to one- third of its capacity. The state determined that the dam could collapse during an earthquake due to irregularities during construction. AB 1823 requires San Francisco to submit an a nnual report on progress made in acquiring drought supplies. The initial report in February 2003 noted no new supplies had yet been secured. In the event that San Francisco makes unsatisfactory progress, BAWSCA should consider whether to acquire supplies for use during droughts and to negotiate agreements with San Francisco to wheel the water to its agencies through the Hetch Hetchy system. AB 1823 provides that existing water wheeling statutes apply to the San Francisco system.