Laserfiche WebLink
<br />g. elf <br /> <br />One provision in AB 1823 states: <br /> <br />"...the State Department of Health Services shall ensure that the Bay Area regional <br />water system is operated in compliance with the California Safe Drinking Water Act and <br />the guidelines established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the <br />purposes of administering the comparable provisions of the federal Safe Drinking Water <br />Act." (Section 73510). <br /> <br />This provision will sunset when AB 1823 sunsets in 2010. BAWSCA should clarify state <br />regulations, or secure a written commitment from San Francisco to ensure BAWSCA agencies' <br />expectations for purchased water quality are consistent with enforceable contracts or <br />regulations. <br /> <br />8. The current Master Contract with San Francisco must be properly implemented. <br /> <br />Wholesale water rates are currently set in accordance with the 1984 Settlement Agreement and <br />Master Sales Water Contract (Master Contract) between San Francisco and each of the <br />wholesale customers. <br /> <br />BAWSCA assumes the former role of the Bay Area Water Users Association to monitor rates <br />and charges imposed by San Francisco and to ensure San Francisco complies with all of the <br />provisions of the Master Contract. In the last four years, over $7.2 million in excessive charges <br />were identified and corrected. BAWSCA will continue to review annual contract compliance <br />audits and submit issues to the City of San Francisco for review and correction, and for the <br />auditor's attention. <br /> <br />9. A new and fair Master Contract with San Francisco must be negotiated promptly to <br />meet a 2009 deadline. <br /> <br />The Master Contract expires in 2009. A new contract will need to be negotiated in a manner that <br />represents the collective interests of wholesale customers, while respecting their individual <br />interests. <br /> <br />The existing Master Contract is a "water sales contract" and primarily addresses issues of fair <br />rates (e.g., cost allocation, accounting standards, compliance audits, dispute resolution, etc.). A <br />"water service contract" would also specify what services are to be provided in return for fair <br />compensation (e.g., enforceable commitments top rovide f or future needs, deliver water that <br />satisfies drinking water quality regulations, and other desired services). <br /> <br />BAWSCA is uniquely positioned to negotiate the future contract with San Francisco. <br /> <br />10. Continuing support of BAWSCA's allies must be maintained to protect the health, <br />safety and economic well being of the 1.7 million people, businesses and community <br />organizations that depend on the regional water system. <br />