SR 05:232 - Laserfiche WebLink

Chair Hosterman replied that the feeling is that since 1999 the retailers have been trying to negotiate improvements to water quality to no avail. She also stated that the concerns are with taste, odor and hardness and needs to be addressed today. Zone 7 Director Quigley commented that supply and sustainability of water is different depending on the source of it and whether it is from the ground or SBA. The quality and supply issues are different. They are not equal. If you don't have the source water, water quality will not be an issue. Zone 7 Director Greci stated that this meeting is a step in the right direction. He stated the three agencies need to work together and to continue to do so. He noted that the number one goal after reliability is quality as mandated by State, Federal and regulatory agencies. He feels the Zone does an excellent job of doing so. Taste and odor are directly reflective on supply water from the SBA. They do not have the option of having a perfect source of water for both. Mr. Greci stated that he too felt offended by the "finger pointing" at the Zone that they are not doing the right things. Chair Hosterman stated that there is no doubt the Zone has made tremendous efforts on behalf of all the customers in the Valley. She thanked the Zone and stated that the Group does not mean to be offensive and apologized to the Zone. She restated the purpose of this meeting is not only to create an opportunity to be at the same table together and have open discussions but also to address some of these larger policy issues which then can be sent to staff for further discussion. DSRSD Director Hansen observed that this is the first time a meeting like this has ever happened and that it might be a good idea to do this on a regular basis. He praised the Zone and acknowledged the complications of their system. He noted that the District's constituents expressed their view and opinions that they would like to see some improvements in the water quality. He stated his hope that over the next five years, the Zone will execute its plan for water quality improvements while maintaining its sustainability of the other aspects of the operation. He stated that we need to be more collaborative with them and whatever components can be devised that are collectively acceptable so that at the local level we (Pleasanton, DSRSD and Livermore, Cai Water) can go to our customers and assure them that they are getting the best value for their money. He stated that this does not need to be a negative thing. Specifically, however, there needs to be consideration on the timing of the Well Master Plan EIR so that we can have better dialog and understanding. Zone 7 Director Marchand spoke about the first water quality summit meeting in 1993 and the fact that at that time the number one priority identified by the retailers was water reliability due to the end of a terrific drought. He stated that the Zone now has the most reliable water quality system in the State of California. He noted that in DSRSD's study, 40% of customers do not want to spend any more money on water quality. Pleasanton Councilmember McGovern stated that many of her constituents do not want to increase the cost of their water because they feel at present they are getting inferior quality water. However, it has been said that when their water is brought up to the quality of the eastern portion of the Zone, that would be the time to talk to her constituents about an increase in cost of their water. In 1999, a decision was made on how to deal with hardness of water. Staff worked on