Laserfiche WebLink
BACKGROUND <br /> Through a series of workshops, the Joint Water Agency Liaison Committee <br /> Meeting/Water Policy Roundtable (made up of elected representatives from the cities of <br /> Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon, Dublin San Ramon Services District <br /> (DSRSD), and Zone 7) expressed the need for diversifying the Tri-Valley's water supply. <br /> The purpose of these meetings is to explore diversification of the water portfolio in the <br /> Tri-Valley for long-term sustainability. At the July 22, 2015 meeting, the agencies agreed <br /> to explore the use of recycled water for Indirect Potable Water Reuse (IDPR). There was <br /> general consensus that advanced recycling could be a critical part of future local water <br /> supply portfolios, and that given the history of public concerns previously expressed in <br /> the Valley and the technical advances that have occurred, a public education campaign <br /> could help inform future decision making. Prior to initiating a public outreach campaign, <br /> the agencies agreed that we needed a better understanding of the community's interest <br /> in expanding recycled water efforts. <br /> In November 2015, a region-wide polling effort was initiated to provide a baseline for <br /> future comparisons in measuring the effectiveness of any such education efforts and to <br /> identify any major current objections to the expansion of water recycling. The City <br /> contracted with FM3 to develop and initiate polling questions that received 500 responses <br /> across the region. Key findings of the survey were presented to the Tri-Valley Water <br /> Agencies at the Water Policy Roundtable meeting on February 11, 2016. The key findings <br /> of the survey were: <br /> • The drought is by far the top problem for Tri-Valley residents; however their water <br /> bill is among the least urgent issues. <br /> • Very few residents know where their water comes from other than "the tap" or"the <br /> city". <br /> • Views of local water suppliers are generally favorable, with two thirds rating them <br /> as doing at least a "fair job". Suppliers also got high marks for quality and reliability. <br /> • 73% of respondents said they are at least somewhat familiar with recycled water; <br /> and 30% have used it irrigate their lawn or garden. <br /> • 63% of respondents support a proposal to supplement drinking water supplies with <br /> recycled water; those who support the proposal cite the drought, while those who <br /> oppose it have issue with trust and disgust. <br /> • While supportive arguments pushed support to 73%, critical statements reset <br /> support at 65% <br /> As noted in Zone 7's Water Supply Evaluation Update (WSE Update) in February 2016, <br /> and the City of Pleasanton's and DSRSD's most recent Urban Water Manager Plans, the <br /> need to pursue water supply options to enhance long-term water supply reliability is <br /> integral for the Livermore-Amador Valley. Potential future water supply options identified <br /> in the Zone 7 WSE Update include the California WaterFix, desalination, and potable <br /> reuse. <br /> Also at the February 11, 2016 meeting, the Joint Water Agency Liaison Committee <br /> discussed and supported a more detailed study of potable reuse. Zone 7 and the retailers <br /> (Tri-Valley water agencies) subsequently formed a Steering Committee with <br /> representatives from all the agencies to oversee policy issues related to the study. <br /> Similarly, a Project Management Committee consisting of technical staff was formed to <br /> oversee the technical work, with a designated project manager from Zone 7. Zone 7 was <br /> Page 2 of 4 <br />