AgdaPkt 2005-01-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

3,)8-13 BAWSCA administers these water shortage agreements. When water must be rationed, agreements with San Francisco and between BAWSCA agencies ensure that the agencies are not penalized for conservation, recycling and other actions. 5. Communities should be prepared to cope with long term water outages. Until the regional water system is rebuilt, communities face the possibility of long term water outages following a major earthquake or other disaster. Plans for restoring water supplies from the regional system are being prepared in compliance with provisions of AB 1823. BAWSCA coordinated its agencies' involvement in this process. While the water systems are being repaired follmying a disaster, the lack of water for as long as 60 days will seriously threaten health, safety, employment and the economy. BAWSCA should see that communities, offices of emergency services and other relevant parties develop crisis management plans to cope with such an event. This is a responsible action to take in the face of a recognized risk with such significant impacts. Political leadership, organizational responsibility, and potential litigation strongly indicate the need for action by BAWSCA before a human disaster occurs. 6. BAWSCA should encourage implementation of cost effective water conservation and recycling programs. Water agencies must make maximum use of available supplies. This effort will extend the short time before the regional water system reaches capacity. Demonstrating responsible and efficient use 0 f existing supplies is a Iso necessary too btain approval 0 f project permits and secure prompt implementation of critical repairs to the water system. BAWSCA could maintain and expand assistance in cost effective water conservation programs, and pursue programs to encourage and facilitate water recycling and groundwater conjunctive use. Beginning in 2004, BAWSCA will administer its share of a regional conservation grant awarded by the California Department of Water Resources Office of Water Use Efficiency to help expand washing machine rebate programs. 7. Drinking water quality regulations should apply to water provided by the regional water system. Under existing law, each BAWSCA agency must comply with state and federal drinking water quality regulations. San Francisco should continue to protect the purity of Hetch Hetchy water and commit to provide its wholesale customers with water that meets Environmental Protection Agency and state drinking water standards. San Francisco should reverse its position that drinking water standards are not applicable to the water it sells to wholesale customers.