Jeffrey Kightlinger, General Manager of The Metropolitan Water District of Southern
California, issued the following statement regarding the January 30 meeting with
Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. to provide an overview of statewide drought conditions
and water management actions:
General Manager’s monthly
Activity Report January 2014
January 31, 2014
BAY-DELTA
INITIATIVES
2
WATER
RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT
3
WATER SUPPLY
CONDITIONS
4
ENGINEERING
SERVICES
5-7
BUSINESS
TECHNOLOGY
8-10
WATER SYSTEM
OPERATIONS
11-14
HUMAN
RESOURCES
15
REAL PROPERTY
DEVELOPMENT &
MANAGEMENT
16
EXTERNAL
AFFAIRS
17-18
FINANCE 19-20
Content by Group:
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
www.MWDh2o.com www.bewaterwise.com
THIS REPORT IDENTIFIES THE ACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES TAKING PLACE DURING THE MONTH THAT SUPPORT THE
OBJECTIVES OF THE GENERAL MANAGER’S FISCAL YEAR 2013/14 BUSINESS PLAN.
“The dry conditions facing California are unprecedented, and this region stands united with
the governor in supporting his call for a statewide approach to a statewide problem. His
message shows that California must be serious about addressing its short- and long-term
water problems.
“We recognize the importance of approaching this challenge as one state with a common
purpose. Metropolitan plans to respond in the coming weeks with the following proposed
water management actions in consultation with the leadership of our Board of Directors;
Declaring a formal water supply alert that embraces the governor’s call on all
Californians to voluntarily reduce water use by 20 percent.
Doubling Metropolitan’s conservation budget from $20 million to $40 million to
provide more incentives for reducing water use.
Exploring all achievable means to utilize Metropolitan’s water and other resources to
help address water supply challenges elsewhere in the state.
“Southern California water agencies have aimed to make conservation a local way of life.
The city of Los Angeles, as a shining example, has maintained mandatory conservation
measures since 2009. But what the state is facing right now is truly unprecedented.
Southern California must continue to lead by example and partner with the rest of the state
by all means feasible.”
BAY-DELTA INITIATIVES
Bay Delta Conservation Plan—The Draft Bay Delta Conservation Plan and its
corresponding Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement (EIR/
EIS) were released on December 13, 2013 for a 120-day public review period. Eight of the
12 BDCP public open house meetings scheduled throughout the state on the BDCP and
EIR/S were held in January. The public meetings are being conducted in a federal agency
“open house” format to provide the public with opportunities to obtain additional technical
information and engage in one-on-one discussion with project team members. Four
additional meetings will be held during February 2014. Three of these meetings will occur
within Metropolitan’s service area—downtown Los Angeles, Ontario, and San Diego.
Metropolitan, in cooperation with other state and federal participating public water
agencies, is collaborating on an extensive review of both the BDCP and associated EIR/EIS
in order to provide comments.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014 Page 2
State Water Resources Control Board
Staff is preparing for the next round of
State Water Resources Control Board
(State Board) technical workshops in
support of the Comprehensive (Phase 2)
Review of the 2006 Water Quality Control
Plan for the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento
-San Joaquin Delta Estuary. These
technical workshops will be hosted by the
Delta Stewardship Council’s Delta Science
Program and are expected to focus on Delta
outflow and in-Delta hydrodynamics. Staff
continues to monitor progress and provide
input in defining the scope of the upcoming
workshop focusing on Delta outflow,
which is scheduled for February 10-11,
2014.
Operating Criteria and Plan (OCAP)
Biological Opinions
As part of a judge-ordered process to
develop a robust science and adaptive
management program to inform the
development and implementation of the
OCAP biological opinions, Metropolitan
has been collaborating with scientists and
experts from the state and federal
agencies, the public water agencies, and
the non-governmental organization
community in a process called the
Collaborative Science and Adaptive
Management Process (CSAMP). The
CSAMP and its workteam, the
Collaborative Adaptive Management
Team (CAMT), is charged with
developing a workplan to address how
updated science and analysis will be
incorporated into the biological opinions
for Delta smelt and salmonids. In
January, the CAMT met twice as a
group and had numerous smaller
meetings to move forward with draft
workplans that ultimately will be
submitted to the court for review by the
February 15, 2014 deadline. The court
will determine if enough progress has
been made to justify that the CSAMP
should continue and whether to add
another one-year extension to the
deadlines for the new biological
opinions.
Strategic Priority: Complete Bay
Delta Conservation Plan—
Continue to provide leadership in
this process to restore the reliability
of the State Water Project with the
goal of completing the
Environmental Impact Report /
Environmental Impact Statement
within the upcoming fiscal year
reaching decisions on the project.
Bay-Delta Solutions—Develop
near– and long-term solutions that
enhance the Delta ecosystem,
improve water supply reliability,
and protect water quality.
Delta Emergency Preparedness
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is deploying various flood fight materials at their West
Sacramento emergency storage facility that would be available for earthquake or flood
induced operations in the Delta. Four Corps of Engineers centralized storage facilities of
this type have been established throughout the United States, with their inventories
interchangeable and deployable to other regions as demands warrant. Materials include
mat containment systems that can be filled with soil or rock, rapid deployment flood walls,
super sacks, and other systems, which could be suitable for levee slumping restoration. A
Memorandum of Agreement has also been signed between the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers and the California Department of Water Resources to facilitate coordinated
stockpile materials, preparedness activities, and tactical operations during emergencies.
Delta Stewardship Council
The Delta Stewardship Council met
for one day on January 23. Phil
Isenberg concluded his four-year
term as Chair of the Council with
the January meeting, and the
Council unanimously elected
Randy Fiorini to serve as Chair for
the next four years. In addition, the
Council elected Phil Isenberg as
Vice-Chair. The Council also heard
from a panel of state and federal
agencies on California’s facing a
drought, discussed habitat
restoration and fish management in
the San Francisco Estuary, and
received updates from the Delta
Independent Science Board and
Lead Scientist.
At its January 16-17 meeting, the
Science Board focused on its review
of the Draft BDCP and the Draft
EIR/EIS and discussed initial
comments and review papers
prepared by other groups. The
Science Board will continue its
review at their February meeting.
Ensure cost-effective and reliable imported water supplies 2014 Water Transfer Program—Metropolitan paid the State Water Contractors a $500,000
administrative deposit to secure participation in the 2014 Water Transfer Program. The
program requires a $5 per acre-foot administrative deposit. Metropolitan’s payment provides
access up to 100,000 AF of supplies subject to availability. Negotiations for the cost of these
supplies are ongoing and staff will request board authorization to purchase the supplies in
April.
Water Surplus and Drought Management—Staff provided the Board with a report on year-
end water supply and demand conditions for 2013; this report included a detailed accounting
of ending storage balances. In addition, staff provided an oral report on developing water
supply conditions for 2014. Staff’s presentation included an update on the record dry
conditions and low initial snow survey results on the State Water Project system. Staff will
continue to provide the Board with monthly water supply and demand reporting through
May.
Implement the Local Resources Program and Conservation Program effectively Turf Removal Incentive—Incentives for turf removal were added to Metropolitan’s Regional Rebate Program SoCal
Water$mart. Previously, incentives were offered through member agencies administering turf removal programs.
Metropolitan offers up to $1 per square foot of turf removed and replaced with drought-tolerant landscapes to residential
property owners and commercial customers. Incentive applications are available online.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014 Page 3
Water Supply—Develop and
execute water resource strategies
that achieve the long-term
reliability envisioned in the
Integrated Resources Plan.
WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Storage
As of 1/31/11 Percent of
Storage (AF) Capacity
DVL 583,335 72%
Lake Mathews 142,283 78%
Lake Skinner 38,801 88%
Useful information:
AF = acre-foot, the volume of water to cover an acre
of land, one-foot deep.
Approximately 326,000 gallons of water, serves
annual needs of two typical California families.
TAF=thousand acre-feet
MAF=million acre-feet
WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS AS OF JANUARY 31, 2014
Page 4 The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report
ENGINEERING
Conveyance and Distribution System Programs
These programs maintain reliable water deliveries through
specific repair and rehabilitation projects on Metropolitan’s
pipelines, reservoirs, and control structures. Recent activities
include the following:
West Valley Feeder No. 1 Valve Modifications—This
project rehabilitates deteriorated valve structures and
relocates existing air release/vacuum valve assemblies
from buried vaults to above-ground enclosures to prevent
cross-connections. The work will be completed in three
phases. The second phase was completed in December
2013.
Etiwanda Pipeline Lining Repair—This project repairs
portions of damaged mortar lining that have fallen off or
become delaminated from the pipeline’s interior surface.
A construction contract for the initial phase of the repairs
was awarded by the Board in December 2013.
Construction is scheduled to be complete by
October 2014.
Collis Valve Replacement—This project replaces a
deteriorated 42-inch control valve, known as the Collis
Valve, on the Palos Verdes Feeder. Preliminary design
was completed in December 2013.
Sepulveda Canyon Control Facility Seismic Upgrade—
This project will structurally upgrade the control facility
and two water storage tanks. Preliminary design is
65 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by
July 2014.
Cathodic Protection—Installation of cathodic protection
systems is a proactive and cost-effective measure to
inhibit corrosion of buried metallic pipes, reducing the
risk of costly emergency repairs.
Second Lower Feeder Cathodic Protection—This
project installs 39 stray current drain stations along a
26-mile portion of the Second Lower Feeder. A
construction contract was awarded by the Board in
January 2014. Construction is scheduled to be
complete by August 2014.
Sepulveda Feeder (North) Cathodic Protection—
This project installs 24 stray current drain stations
along a 33-mile portion of the Sepulveda Feeder.
Construction is 58 percent complete and is scheduled
to be complete by April 2014.
Sepulveda Feeder (South) Cathodic Protection—
This project installs 22 stray current drain stations
along a seven-mile portion of the Sepulveda Feeder.
A request to the Board to award a construction
contract is planned for February 2014.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014 Page 5
Strategic Priority: Infrastructure Reliability—Manage board-authorized projects in the Capital Investment Plan to ensure the
reliability of the region’s water supply and infrastructure to deliver high quality water. Continue overall focus on repair and
replacement work while deferring most growth-related work. Manage capital budget to reduce costs and mitigate rate impacts
while maintaining a high performance water system.
Hydroelectric Power Plant Improvements Program
This program performs comprehensive rehabilitation of Metropolitan’s hydroelectric power plants. The planned work addresses
operating deficiencies, ensures the facilities remain in compliance with current codes, improves plant efficiency, and extends the
operating lives of the plants.
Sepulveda Power Plant Rehabilitation—This project rehabilitates the electrical protection and control relays, replaces the
transformer ventilation system, and recoats the internal components of the turbine. Final design is 35 percent complete and is
scheduled to be complete by November 2014.
Foothill Power Plant Rehabilitation—This project rehabilitates the electrical protection and control relay and replaces the
transformer ventilation system. Final design is 35 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by March 2015.
Distribution System Infrastructure Protection Program
This program addresses infrastructure protection improvements and right-of-way issues, including surface erosion, access and
encroachments, and develops programmatic environmental permitting throughout the entire conveyance and distribution system.
The current status is as follows:
Orange County Region—Preliminary design of improvements is 95 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by
February 2014. Notice of preparation of a draft environmental impact report was issued in December 2013. The public
comment period closed on January 24, 2014.
Western San Bernardino Region—Preliminary design of improvements is 30 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete
by June 2014.
Los Angeles County Region—Preliminary site investigations are 65 percent complete and are scheduled to be complete by
March 2014.
ENGINEERING
Water Treatment Plant Improvement Programs
These programs were initiated to maintain reliability and improve operating efficiency of Metropolitan’s five water treatment plants
through specific improvement projects. Recent activities include the following:
Mills Plant
Electrical Upgrades—This project replaces aging electrical equipment, provides backup in the event of component failures, and
upgrades the electrical system to be consistent with current codes and industry practices. The Board authorized final design in
January 2014.
Jensen Plant
Electrical Upgrades, Stage 1—This project replaces aging electrical equipment, provide backup in the event of component
failures, and upgrade the electrical system to be consistent with current codes and industry practices. Final design is 30 percent
complete and is scheduled to be complete by December 2014.
Jensen Module No. 1 Filter Surface Wash Upgrades—This project replaces the existing surface wash system with a new fixed-
nozzle system. During filter backwashing, the top surface of a filter bed is sprayed with water to break up solids that build up
during the filtration process, which helps to clean the filter media. Construction is 32 percent complete and is scheduled to be
complete by December 2014.
Jensen Filter Valve Replacement—This project replaces the existing Module No. 1 filter valves with AWWA-type rubber-lined
butterfly valves, and will upgrade the valve electrical panels. Fabrication of the equipment is 95 percent complete and delivery
is scheduled for February 2014. Final design of the installation contract is 75 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete
by June 2014.
Weymouth Plant
Weymouth Filter Outlet Chemical Trench—This project provides a new underground concrete trench to route ammonia and
caustic soda piping from the feed pumps to two new injection points along the filtered water outlet channel. Construction
is complete.
Filter Building Seismic Upgrades—This project structurally upgrades Filter Buildings Nos. 1 and 2. Construction is 20 percent
complete and is scheduled to be complete by February 2015. A partial shutdown with reduced plant flow was completed in
December 2013 to install new concrete piers. (see photo on page 7)
Page 6 The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014
Oxidation Retrofit Program (ORP)
This program adds ozonation facilities, which reduces
disinfection by-products and improves water quality in
Metropolitan’s five treatment plants. Recent activities include
the following:
Weymouth ORP
Weymouth ORP (Staged Capacity)—Construction of the
main ORP facilities is 40 percent complete and is
scheduled to be complete in late 2016.
Weymouth ORP Chemical Facilities—These chemical
systems are needed for integration of the upcoming
ozonation system into the Weymouth plant’s treatment
process. Final design of the sulfuric acid system is 90
percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by
March 2014. (see photo to the right and on page 7)
Excavation for the new sulfuric acid tank farm
ENGINEERING
Page 7 The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014
CRA Reliability Programs
These programs maintain reliability of the Colorado River Aqueduct. Recent activities include the following:
6.9kV Switch House Building Seismic Upgrades—This project provides seismic upgrades to the 6.9kV switch houses at all
five CRA pumping plants. The switch houses contain electrical equipment that is used to start and stop the pump motors.
Preliminary design is 90 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by March 2014.
CRA Sand Trap Equipment Rehabilitation—This project replaces deteriorated sand trap equipment located upstream of the
Iron Mountain, Eagle Mountain, and Hinds pumping plants. Final design is 95 percent complete and is scheduled to be
complete by February 2014.
Gene Pumping Plant Delivery Line Expansion Joints—This project rehabilitates mechanical expansion joints on the
10-foot-diameter delivery pipelines at Gene pumping plant. A construction contract was awarded by the Board in November
2013. Construction is 25 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by April 2014.
Whitewater Siphon Protection—This project improves control structures that protect the CRA’s Whitewater Siphons from
erosion by the Whitewater River. Final design is 60 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by March 2014.
CRA Wide Area Network Microwave System—This project installs five new microwave links from Iron Mountain pumping
plant to Gene pumping plant. The new microwave installations increase the reliability of communications between CRA
facilities and the remainder of Metropolitan’s distribution system. Construction is complete.
Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP) Rehabilitation & Replacement Program
This program enhances the reliability of Metropolitan’s water distribution system and reduces the risk of costly emergency repairs
of PCCP lines. Recent activities include the following:
Second Lower Feeder Near-Term Repairs
Second Lower Feeder Near-Term Repairs at Sites 1 and 2—This project lines 1,400 feet of distressed PCCP segments with a
steel liner. A construction contract was awarded by the Board in November 2013. Construction is scheduled to be complete by
June 2014.
Second Lower Feeder Repairs at Site 3—This project lines 4,900 feet of distressed PCCP segments with a steel liner. Final
design is complete, and a request to the Board to award a construction contract is planned for March 2014.
Weymouth ORP – Installation of ductbank Weymouth Filter Building Seismic Upgrades
Dowel Installation
BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
Deploy smart technologies and innovative business services to enhance efficiency
Maximo Maintenance Management Systems—In January, staff made enhancements to
Metropolitan’s maintenance management system. This system is used by Water System
Operations to manage maintenance activities such as preventive and corrective maintenance
work orders. The new software enhancements provide ease of use for mobile hand-held units
to capture safety data in the field (e.g., Confine Space Entry measurements) and streamline
workflow by enabling the software to capture and store the information electronically in
Water System Operations’ maintenance database.
Uninterruptible Power Supply—The installation phase of the project is nearing completion and proceeding according to plan and
is pending final inspection by the city. The Uninterruptible Power Supply protects critical data-center equipment (e.g., servers)
from potential power disruption and equipment failure due to power spikes or surges.
Board Committee Rooms—Staff began testing new voting equipment for the board committee rooms located in the
Headquarters building to remain compliant with the Brown Act. Deployment of the committee room voting system is scheduled
for late February.
Cyber Security Enhancements—Staff continued efforts to enhance security capabilities for Metropolitan’s Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition System. SCADA is used to monitor and control a wide range of water system processes across the service
area. The initiatives include additional countermeasures to prevent unauthorized access and new software/hardware tools to
enhance monitoring of networks, systems and data.
As part of the SCADA Master Plan, Business Technology, Water System Operations and Engineering are working closely to
develop a road map for deployment of new technology to support the current and future needs of Metropolitan. The Master Plan
is currently being finalized and a presentation to the Board is planned in the first half of this calendar year.
Metropolitan-wide Rollout of Multifunctional Office Copiers—The Business Technology Group continues to roll-out new
multifunctional copiers to reduce printer/copier/fax/scanning costs and to replace equipment that is no longer supported.
Activities necessary to support the effort include network reconfiguration and setup for network printing, scanning, emailing,
and faxing capabilities and training of staff on new equipment.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014 Page 8
Business Processes and
Information Technology
Advance continuous business
process improvements to improve
effectiveness and efficiency while
striving for innovation, flexibility,
and integration with technology.
Complete Metropolitan’s Personal Computer Replacement Program for deploying new computing technology
throughout the organization
Substantially completed rollout of new PCs to Engineering Services Group users located at Headquarters and the Weymouth
water treatment plant. To date, the PCRP project is approximately 90 percent complete. Deployment of new computing
technology throughout the organization is scheduled to be complete in February/March.
Efficiently maintain and operate Metropolitan’s Headquarters building, the Diamond Valley Lake Visitor Center, and
the Diamond Valley Lake Education Center
Activities at Metropolitan’s Headquarters building include:
Replacement of Headquarters East Parking Door—Metropolitan’s Engineering staff have reviewed the contractor’s
submittal. The contractor is preparing engineering drawings for staff’s review. Project completion remains on schedule for
February 2014.
Metropolitan staff was moved off the 3rd floor wing to accommodate the leasing of office space.
BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
Continue innovative sustainability efforts in business practices including Spring Green, Our Legacy Newsletter, the
Rideshare Program, energy conservation and recycling efforts
Digital Signatures—Metropolitan staff has begun working to test and implement a digital signature application for engineering
drawings, while assessing the expansion of the application for use in procurement, Eforms, and mobile business processes. The
digital signature application automates signature-dependent processes, allowing Metropolitan to reduce paper usage and save time
and money.
Our Legacy Newsletter—As part of efforts for sustainable business practices and education, Issue No. 85, Accept the Challenge to
Green 2014, encourages employees to renew their efforts at the office and home to achieve higher levels of eco-friendly behaviors.
In addition, employee participation in Metropolitan’s Rideshare Program is 41 percent.
Union Station LED Light Replacement—The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power approved Metropolitan’s rebate request
and issued a Notice to Proceed to install 678 LED lights by March 2014. Staff has installed 400 lights to date and is on schedule to
meet DWP’s deadline. The one-time rebate amount is estimated at $8,500.
Water Bottle Filling Station—Metropolitan recently installed a water bottle filling station in the
cafeteria to provide a rapid fill of water and minimize plastic bottle waste in the environment. Since
installation of the units in the Wellness Center and the Cafeteria, over 2,000 bottles have been refilled
and recycled. (see photo to the right)
Page 9 The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014
Seek fair and equitable contract agreements with Member Agencies, federal, and state governments to maintain a long-term
sustainable wholesale water resource to Southern California
In 2013, Metropolitan’s Board acted on a total of nine annexation actions (2 conditional, 3 final and 4 public hearings). In the
12-month period one annexation was completed adding 12.55 acres of land into the service area.
Next month, Metropolitan staff is preparing a public hearing to levy standby charges for the properties with Calleguas
Annexation No. 98 and an Annexation Board Letter for Conditional approval of Calleguas Annexation No. 99.
Implement Business Technology’s comprehensive workforce succession planning and employee development programs
Business Technology continues to complete the remaining workforce skills gaps through recruitment and training efforts. In
addition, all 30+ business teams are performing a full re-assessment as part of the succession planning effort.
BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY
Maintain an effective Business Outreach Program for regional, small businesses and veterans to ensure broad participation
and competitive costs
Support of Member Agencies, State of California, and the Southern California Business and Veteran Business Communities
Los Angeles Business and Academic Community Sponsorship and Participation:
Staff attended the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce’s 125th Annual Inaugural Dinner where Los Angeles Mayor Eric
Garcetti spoke to more than 1,500 business and civic leaders.
Staff attended the 2014 Latino Business Association Awards where over 500 businesses participated in honoring the 2013 class
of Latino business leaders. Business Outreach participated to increase awareness of Metropolitan’s training and certification
programs and encouraged the Southern California business community to participate in Metropolitan’s business opportunities.
Business Outreach and Water Resources Management supported Metropolitan Member Agencies by participating in the 2014
University of La Verne Water Technology Conference with a focus on Water and Energy in La Verne. The Business
Technology Group was also able to introduce the new H2O TECHCONNECT Smart Connection Community to conference
attendees. Business Outreach members conducted four workshops, participated in two conferences and expos, three panel
discussions, and trained over 1,800 businesses on “How to Do Business with Metropolitan.”
Business Outreach’s Innovation and Technology Program partnered with Green LAVA to add a new workshop to the H2O
TECHCONNECT workshop series Funding Your CleanTech Start-up. Attendees learned about ways to fund projects,
prototypes, and commercialize their products; find investors for their companies; and were introduced to Incubators, Angel
Funding, I-Hubs, and Small Business Administration Funding.
Staff continued support for the Innovation and Technology Community by participating in the ARCS Foundation’s
Achievement Rewards for College Scientists. Los Angeles Chapter Universities include: California Institute of Technology;
Harvey Mudd College; University of California, Los Angeles’ Brain Research Institute; Pomona College; University of
Southern California Viterbi School of Engineering; Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California; Scripps
Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.
Southern California Business and Veteran Business Community
Metropolitan has over 270,000 registered vendors on the Collaborative/Shared Planet Bids Systems that Metropolitan can invite to
participate in bid opportunities, SBE Certification, workshops, networking events, and introduce to Water Conservation Programs
and Bay Delta Initiatives.
New Registered Vendors on Metropolitan’s NETConnect System on Planet Bids for Quarter Ending December 31, 2013:
345 Registered Vendors
120 Small Businesses
14 Certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises
17 Micro Businesses (Under 100 Employees and Under $3,500,000 in Gross Annual Receipts)
Small Business Enterprise Certification for Quarter Ending on December 31, 2013:
372 Vendors applied for SBE Certification
330 Vendors were approved for SBE Certification
The Business Outreach program partnered with The Port of Long Beach, The City of Long Beach, MetroLink and Planet Bids and
had three Users’ Group meetings to accomplish the goals of adopting uniform Small Business Certification Procedures, streamline
processes, solve SBE Certification issues, and apply best practices in SBE Certification.
Support of Member Agencies
Business Outreach partnered with Water Resources Management and The Energy Coalition to implement the Water Energy Nexus
Pilot Program, which is administered by the County of Los Angeles and funded by the California Public Utilities Commission.
Metropolitan’s Business Outreach, along with other Metropolitan staff, have partnered with Member Agencies, water agencies, and
Isle Utilities to form a Technology Approval Group to identify emerging water technologies and accelerate their market uptake
through a global innovation forum. Metropolitan hosted the fourth meeting of the Approval Group on January 29.
Page 10 The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014
WATER SYSTEM OPERATIONS
Operate system reliably
System Operations delivered
approximately 142,000 acre-feet of water
to meet member agency demands in
January, which averaged approximately
4,580 AF per day. This was an increase of
400 AF per day from December due to
unseasonably dry and warm conditions for
the month of January. Treated water
deliveries for January totaled 71,000 AF,
or 50 percent of total deliveries for the
month. In January, 99,000 AF of Colorado
River water was pumped as the Colorado
River Aqueduct remained on a seven-
pump flow for the month of January. State
Water Project imports averaged 1,925 AF
per day in January for 59,675 AF for the
month.
Storage at Diamond Valley Lake remained
at 584,000 AF or 72 percent full, as Inland
Feeder deliveries remained suspended in
January due to a low initial State Water
Project allocation of 5 percent for 2014.
During the month of January there were
no releases from DVL. In addition,
SWP blends to the Weymouth, Diemer,
and Skinner plants remained at zero
percent for the month of January.
Operations staff continued to adjust
flow patterns within Metropolitan’s
distribution system to expand the use of
Colorado River Aqueduct water to
conserve from the State Water Project.
System Operations continued to
maximize power generation throughout
the month. In January, Metropolitan's
hydroelectric plants generated an
average of 25 megawatts per hour for
18,600 megawatt-hours for the month.
This was a decrease of 900 megawatts
from December mainly due to several
hydroelectric plants being unable to
operate as a result of curtailed SWP
deliveries.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014 Page 11
Optimize maintenance
As part of a continuous effort to maintain Metropolitan’s water delivery system, the Allen-McColloch Pipeline serving Orange
County communities from Yorba Linda to San Clemente was taken out of service for an internal inspection of 12 miles of welded
steel pipe. Staff replaced two small valves and performed an inspection of the lining while the pipeline was out of service.
(see photo below)
Staff completed preventative maintenance on the Lake Skinner Outlet Tower’s hydraulic control valves. The six hydraulic control
valves were disassembled, inspected, cleaned, and re-assembled. The hydraulic valves are used to control the Tower’s 26 butterfly
valves. The 26 butterfly valves provide the flexibility to select water from different elevations which ensures that the Skinner plant
and San Diego raw water pipelines receive the best water available from the reservoir. (see photo below)
System Reliability—Operate
and maintain the water and
power systems in a cost-effective
manner to ensure reliable
delivery of water supplies.
Setting up for dewatering for Allen-McColloch
Pipeline Shutdown
Lake Skinner Outlet Tower
WATER SYSTEM OPERATIONS
Optimize maintenance continued…
Staff completed coating repairs to the discharge piping on one of the Wadsworth Pumping/Hydro-Generation units at Diamond
Valley Lake. Additionally, the Wadsworth forebay was dewatered to allow for inspection of the concrete panels and desiccation of
algae and quagga mussels. Allowing the forebay to remain dry for a period (desiccation) provides a chemical-free alternative for
algae and quagga control.
As part of the Infrastructure Protection and Asset Preservation Program, staff continued coatings work on the East Valley and
Culver City Feeders. The sectionalizing valve substructure provides the ability to isolate the Culver City Feeder from the Palos
Verdes Feeder to allow flexibility in system operations.
The La Verne Shops rehabilitated a 16-inch diameter plug valve for the Covina Pressure Control Structure. The repairs and
application of a corrosion resistant coating will regain flow control without loss of water and extend the life of the plug valve. (See
photos below)
Staff repaired a minor leak on the Upper Feeder pipeline in the City of Pasadena. To complete the work, staff excavated the site,
cleaned the pipe exterior, and located the leaking joint. Application ports were then drilled into the pipe and injected with a
specialized sealant. This method provides a permanent repair. After the leak was repaired and the sealant cured, staff backfilled
the pipe, and regraded the area to prevent erosion.
Page 12 The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014
Support water resource program
Metropolitan supports the California Department of Water Resources through
reimbursable agreements. This month the La Verne Shops worked on several
projects in support of the State Water Project. Staff manufactured 12 air-cooler
adapters and nuts for the Chrisman and Buena Vista Pumping Plants. The four-
inch diameter adapters connect the radiator heads of the generator water cooling
system and improve the reliable operation of the generators. (see photo of nut
and adapter to the right)
Staff performed preventive and corrective maintenance at the Sepulveda
hydroelectric plant. The work included maintenance of the high-voltage
switchyard equipment, generator, and auxiliary systems. The work was done
during a scheduled outage of the Sepulveda plant during low flows to avoid
generation revenue loss. Preventive maintenance ensures reliability of the
hydroelectric plants and supports Metropolitan‘s power recovery program to offset costs for importing
water supply into the service area.
Before and after coating and repairs to 16” plug valve for the Covina Pressure Control Structure
WATER SYSTEM OPERATIONS
Page 13 The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014
Effectively manage power system and optimize generation On January 15, the California Air Resources Board accepted
Metropolitan’s application to track and manage Allowances as
part of its Cap and Trade program to reduce Greenhouse Gasses
as required by AB32. All entities that are responsible for GHG
emissions, including importing non-renewable energy into
California, must cover those emissions with Allowances and
must register to manage Allowances. Metropolitan expects to
import energy in 2014 to support increased pumping on the
Colorado River Aqueduct. There was no cost to register.
Develop workforce
The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, Apprentice
Program staff and Audit Department completed the annual
internal audit of the program. The audit is required by
California’s Department of Apprentice Standards and is
intended to facilitate continuous improvement of Metropolitan’s
training programs. Audit results will be used by the instructors
and program staff to assure that apprentice training continues to
focus on relevant, industry standards. Additionally, the Class of
2017 began its first period of instruction. These 19 newly hired
employees will receive four years of classroom and on-the-job
training before they achieve journey-level status.
Improve security and emergency response
Staff completed three-day training in water-specific incidents
in December. The course was a special version of the
Incident Command System 300 course offered by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency that focused on managing
water-specific emergencies and coordinating with outside
responding agencies. The Los Angeles Department of Water
and Power hosted the class at the city’s Emergency
Operations Center, with representatives from numerous water
districts in attendance. (see photo below)
On December 18, staff attended California Utilities
Emergency Association’s regular Board Meeting and Annual
Meeting in Sacramento. Metropolitan was a founding
member of the CUEA and maintains a seat on its Board of
Directors. CUEA coordinates the emergency planning and
response efforts of numerous utilities with the State Office of
Emergency Services. They also provide a link for utility
agencies into the state’s Emergency Operations Center to
address utility issues during major emergencies.
Representatives from various water districts participating in the ICS-300
class at the Los Angeles City Emergency Operations Center
WATER SYSTEM OPERATIONS
Protect source water quality
On January 16, staff participated in the Clean Colorado River Sustainability Coalition
(Coalition) board meeting in Boulder City, Nevada. Metropolitan is a member of this
Coalition, which is comprised of key stakeholders in the lower Colorado River basin
focused on protecting the river’s water quality. Coalition members discussed Colorado
River source water protection initiatives including potential partnership opportunities
with academic institutions to support water quality investigations.
There were no taste-and-odor problems in Metropolitan’s reservoirs in early January.
However, three segments (about a 15-mile stretch) at the upper end of the 100-mile-long
East Branch of the State Water Project are colonized by algae species that caused taste-
and-odor problems last winter. The Department of Water Resources is organizing a
proactive treatment targeting these sites.
Provide technical support to member agencies
Metropolitan held a Member Agency Water Quality Managers Meeting on January 16.
Staff provided updates on California drought conditions and emerging drinking water
regulations. Staff also provided an update on the current water supply situation and
general water quality conditions in Metropolitan’s source and treated water system.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014 Page 14
Optimize water treatment and distribution
State Water Project target blends at the Weymouth, Diemer,
and Skinner plants remained at zero percent for January
2014. Flow-weighted running annual averages for total
dissolved solids for November 2012 through October 2013
were 513, 524, and 471 mg/L for the Weymouth, Diemer and
Skinner plants, respectively.
Staff at the Jensen plant developed a standard lubrication
maintenance protocol to reduce equipment failures and
repairs while improving the efficiency of water treatment
process performance. The types of lubricants used on the
valves, gear boxes, clarifiers, compressors, pumps, and
traveling bridges were updated to be used in concert with the
standard maintenance schedule.
Ozone construction continued at the Weymouth plant. This
retrofit will complete Metropolitan's $1.3 billion water
quality improvement project at the water treatment plants.
At the Diemer plant, staff is working with outside contractors
to schedule start-up testing to implement ozone disinfection
in summer of 2014.
Fully comply with water quality, safety, and
environmental regulations
Metropolitan complied with all water quality regulations and
primary drinking water standards during the month of
January.
Water Quality, Environmental and
Safety—Develop and implement
comprehensive programs to ensure
Metropolitan delivers water that
meets or exceeds all water quality
regulations and objectives. Integrate
effective safety and environmental
practices to protect workers and the
environment.
Prepare for future regulations
The Division of Oil, Gas, and Geothermal Resources
released draft regulations for hydraulic fracturing in mid-
November 2013, and also issued emergency or interim
regulations on December 11, 2013 which are now in effect.
Staff attended the first public hearing on the proposed
regulations and the California Environmental Quality Act
scoping meeting on January 6 and 8, respectively. Staff
provided comments through the Association of California
Water Agencies’ letter, which was submitted on January 14.
In August 2013, the President issued Executive Order 13650
on Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security. The
Order establishes a multi-agency working group comprised
of representatives from the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration, Environmental Protection Agency,
Department of Homeland Security, and Department of
Transportation. The working group is tasked with making
recommendations to improve coordination between the
respective agencies in improving the safety and security of
facilities that use chemicals (e.g., chlorine) and reduce the
risks of hazardous chemicals to workers and communities.
Staff is monitoring the activities and deliverables of the
working group because of the potential for impacts on
chemical regulations, including those for chlorine and other
water treatment chemicals. Staff participated in the
teleconference “listening sessions” held in Los Angeles and
Sacramento the week of January 6. Staff will engage with
American Water Works Association or other water
associations to provide comments.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Foster learning and organizational development
Scheduled six-month completion training for new employees with a goal to
review and revise the training in the near future.
Analyzing Day 1 new employee orientation with a goal of revising based on
business need and survey results.
Finalized details of upcoming water leadership and management pilot program to
partner with universities to use Metropolitan facilities to deliver classes eligible
for the tuition reimbursement program.
Delivered 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity, Facilitating for Results,
Accelerating Teamwork, and Active Listening Skills classes during the month, as
well as an InsideTrack: Tour of Weymouth Plant on a closed Friday.
Foster management excellence
Continued to provide ongoing in-house coaching and administration of external
coaching engagements for various managers.
Facilitated an all-day workshop for 60 Engineering Services managers, principals
and seniors to foster a collaborative work environment for capital improvement
projects management.
Supported Business Technology Group strategic planning initiative.
Maintain compliance and effectiveness in benefits programs
Started planning the change to the Deferred Compensation core fund lineup fee
structure. This change will reduce the fees charged to participants and therefore
increase the interest earned on investments.
Determined a schedule for the upcoming 401(k)/457 plan Request for Proposal
process.
Page 15 The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014
Strategic Priority: Employee
Development—Provide management
and employee development to meet the
changes in the workplace resulting from
increased retirements, changing skill
requirements, and priorities. Ensure
employees and managers are prepared
to effectively carry out their roles and
are provided opportunities to prepare
for promotional opportunities and
future positions. Foster learning and
performance-oriented approach
throughout the organization. Enhance
efforts to find, develop and place
internal talent to fill vacancies to
provide needed skills.
Human Resources Excellence
Ensure Metropolitan is a high
performance workplace with excellent
leadership and management practices
that engage employees; foster
alignment with Metropolitan’s business
goals; provide the right talent and skills
for future business needs; and establish
a workplace where employees
implement cost-effective processes and
programs to deliver outstanding value
and customer support.
Identify, assess and manage risk
The Risk Management Unit completed 41 incident reports
communicating instances of Metropolitan property damage,
liability, workplace injuries, regulatory visits and spills.
Risk Management completed 121 risk assessments on
contracts, including professional service agreements,
construction contracts, entry permits, special events and film
permits.
Workers’ Compensation costs
Conducted initial investigations on 8 injury incidents.
Submitted 4 new claims to Metropolitan’s workers’
compensation claim administrator.
Settlements were negotiated in 1 claim and 8 claim files
were closed.
Conducted MedVan evaluation at Jensen and Diemer
facilities.
Arranged 9 medical evaluations (DMV, medical
surveillance, hearing conservation, etc.).
Addressed 2 accommodation issues.
Deploy the StrategicHR Plan
Provided the sixth HR Fitness-HR 101 learning topic to all
Human Resources staff to ensure these employees have a
basic understanding of various topics common to Human
Resources functions.
Ensure a high performance culture
Launched preparations for deployment of Voices2014 High
Performance Workplace Survey.
Acquire talent
Resolved two grievances on the recruitment process.
Provide proactive, swift, and consistent employee
relations and positive labor relations
During January, staff completed two internal
investigations into complaints of discrimination. Both
were completed within proscribed time frames. There
were no findings of discrimination.
Met with bargaining units on two Human Resources
Operating Policies. Bargaining units provided slight
revisions that were acceptable to management.
REAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT & MANAGEMENT
Implement strategies for right-of-way planning and acquisition support of Bay-Delta
Initiatives and infrastructure reliability and protection programs
A letter of consent was obtained from Long Beach Airport that allows access onto airport
property for the installation and maintenance of cathodic protection equipment and anodes
along the Second Lower Feeder Pipeline near Cherry Avenue in the city of Long Beach.
A license was acquired to allow for access and construction staging in association with
infrastructure repairs to the Second Lower Feeder on Carson Street between Santa Fe
Street in the city of Long Beach and Alameda Street in the city of Carson.
Seek revenue-generating opportunities for real estate assets in several market
segments—telecommunications, solar development, film production, and sustainable
technology and research
A permanent easement was granted to Southern California Edison Company to install
electrical and communication equipment on property near Western Municipal Water
District’s Operations Center located east of Lake Mathews. This equipment will service both
Western’s Operations Center and a nearby proposed housing development.
Foster staff training and development
One employee attended an Appraisal School Federal and State Laws and Regulations
course as required to maintain a Certified General Real Estate Appraisal license.
Two staff attended two workshops ;Difficult Conversations and Succession Planning: The Future is Here, sponsored
through Human Resources and offered by Liebert Cassidy Whitmore.
One employee attended the Metropolitan-sponsored training class 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity.
Pursue development of the Diamond Valley Lake
area, including the Visitor Center and marina, into
the creation of an area that supports recreation,
provides leasing and revenue opportunities, and
provides benefits to Metropolitan and the
surrounding community
For Fiscal Year 2013/14, Metropolitan has received
$26,495 through December on the percentage lease
with Urban Park Concessionaires for the operation of
the DVL Marina and the Lakeview Trail. The rent
received represents seven percent of the gross
receipts. Annual savings for replacing the
professional services agreement with the percentage
lease are estimated to be $380,000. Diamond Valley
Lake has hosted approximately 616,000 visitors at its
marina facilities and 147,000 private boats have
launched since the 2003 public opening.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014 Page 16
Real Property Acquisition,
Management and Revenue
Enhancement—Manage
Metropolitan’s real property assets
with a focus on revenue
enhancement while ensuring that
Metropolitan’s core operations are
protected. Acquire real property for
future operational business needs.
*2013/14 Projection **Actual thru January 2014
*50,000
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Continue to develop and implement local, state, and federal water policy and
legislative strategies consistent with board-adopted policies
State
Reorganization of Drinking Water Program—In October, the Governor’s office
established a Drinking Water Reorganization Task Force to provide input on the
proposed transfer of the state’s drinking water program from the California
Department of Public Health to the State Water Resources Control Board.
In January, the Brown Administration released its written proposal and held a public
meeting to solicit feedback. Rather than implementing the transfer through
legislation, Governor Brown included the transfer of the drinking water program in
his 2014/15 budget.
State Budget—On January 9, Governor Jerry Brown introduced his $154.9 billion
2014-15 proposed state budget. The budget proposal calls for $619 million to be
expended on projects called for in the state’s Water Action Plan to increase storage
capacity, improve drinking water, increase flood protection and increase regional
self-reliance.
2014 Legislative Year—For first time in well over a century, a majority of Assembly
members are freshmen. Three new members from Southern California were elected:
Sebastian Ridley-Thomas of Los Angeles, Matt Dababneh of Sherman Oaks and
Freddie Rodriguez of Pomona.
Page 17 The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014
Legislative, Communications and
Community Relations
Develop federal and state legislative
strategies consistent with board-adopted
policies and ensure clear, consistent
communications (internally and
externally) about Metropolitan’s
operations, policies and programs
through multimedia communication
efforts and effective educational and
other outreach programs.
Local
On January 29 Metropolitan staff briefed the Anaheim Public Utilities Commission on the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and
the release of the BDCP Public Draft and EIR/EIS.
On January 28, Metropolitan staff briefed the Burbank City Council on the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and the BDCP Public
Draft and EIR/EIS.
Federal
On January 7-8, Metropolitan Directors Griset and Ackerman participated in National Water Resources Association’s summit in
Las Vegas, Nevada to discuss the new governance of the organization.
Support board member and executive management communications and working relationships with elected officials, other
government leaders, business and community leaders and other stakeholders
On January 30, Directors Murray, Grunfeld and Metropolitan staff attended the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Annual
Inaugural Dinner. The event, which drew more than 500 elected officials and community leaders, honored former Director David
Fleming for his civic leadership.
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014 Page 18
Continue to develop and manage public information and education programs in coordination with member agencies to
convey clear and consistent messages about Metropolitan’s mission and other issues, including water supply/delivery,
resource planning, water quality protection and conservation
Media and Communications
Hosted a joint meeting of the Member Agency Public Information Officers and Conservation Coordinators on January 16 to
discuss drought messaging and conservation programs.
Arranged interviews on water supply conditions with numerous media outlets for General Manager Kightlinger, Assistant
General Manager/Chief Operating Officer Debra Man, and Water Resource Management staff, including a New York Times
reporter, Bloomberg News reporter, Sacramento Bee and Union Tribune San Diego reporters, L.A. Newspaper Group reporter,
KCAL-TV Channel 9 reporter, and Chinese-language newspaper Tseng Tao.
Set up interview with Assistant General Manager Patterson and L.A. Times reporter for a story about release of draft BDCP
environmental documents.
Arranged interview with General Manager Kightlinger and Imperial Valley Press reporter to discuss approval of Minute
No. 319 and Colorado River supplies.
Set up on-camera interview of Water System Operations’ Brent Yamasaki by KABC-TV Channel 7 reporter at the Diemer
treatment plant for story about Allen-McColloch Pipeline shutdown in Orange County for maintenance.
Arranged interview with Water System Operations Group Manager Jim Green and Ventura County Star reporter for a story
about how Metropolitan controls quagga mussels in its distribution system.
Issued press release about 11-day shutdown of the Allen-McColloch Pipeline in Orange County as part of Metropolitan’s
ongoing maintenance of its water transmission and distribution systems.
Issued joint press release about Imperial Irrigation District and Metropolitan collaborating on U.S.-Mexico pilot project on
Colorado River to share costs of water conservation projects in Mexico and then sharing the saved water supplies between the
two agencies.
Distributed Your Water, Metropolitan’s e-newsletter featuring a story on the BDCP Public Comment Process.
Education
Staff hosted a Member Agency Education Coordinator’s Meeting on January 30, 2014 in preparation for upcoming educational
activities and to share program highlights among the member agencies.
Staff conducted six education workshops for more than 200 upper elementary and middle school students and facilitated six
tours for guests from the Western Science Center for close to 400 students in grades K-12.
There were approximately 1,000 unique visits to the Education Website from December 16, 2013 – January 15, 2014.
Coordinate communication and outreach to various stakeholders (including local government agencies and utilities)
regarding water supply system operations and maintenance; water quality protection and water treatment; infrastructure
replacement, refurbishment and development and emergency management
Provided outreach to residents and businesses along 11 miles of the Allen-McColloch Pipeline in preparation for the shutdown
and inspection of this major, high-pressure line.
Coordinated a tour of the Jensen treatment plant for the City of Beverly Hills Public Works Commission.
Online search on Google Search and the Google Content Network continues this month. Links to bewaterwise.com appear
when keywords such as “water,” “California weather,” and “water rebates” are searched for by Southern California users.
There were over 40,000 visits to bewaterwise.com in December 2013. There were over 27,000 visits to bewaterwise.com from
January 1-14, 2014.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report Page 19
FINANCIAL SUMMARY AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2013
*Expense budget includes Board-approved increases for Water Supply Programs and the R&R fund of $25M each.
Excludes bond construction and other trust funds activity Excludes bond construction and other trust funds activity.
700 No. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
General No.: 213 217-6000
www.mwdh2o.com www.bewaterwise.com
Metropolitan's Mission is to provide its service area with adequate and reliable supplies of high-quality water to meet
present and future needs in an environmentally and economically responsible way.
General Manager: Jeffrey Kightlinger
Office of the GM No.: 213 217-6139
Email: [email protected]
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California—GM Monthly Report, Jan 2014 Page 20
FINANCE
STRATEGIC PRIORITY—
Improve Financial Position Prudently manage the investment of Metropolitan’s funds in accordance with policy
guidelines and liquidity considerations
Staff continues to provide the necessary liquidity for Metropolitan’s operational and capital
expenditures with no loss of principal and no policy violations, while generating a portfolio
return that exceeded the benchmark.
Financial Management—Assure member agencies, rating agencies, the legislature, and
the public that Metropolitan is effectively managing the public’s finances through
consistent, clear, and timely financial policies and reporting. Update Metropolitan’s capital
financing plans and work with rating agencies and investors to communicate Metropolitan's
financial needs, strategies, and capabilities thus ensuring Metropolitan has cost-effective
access to capital markets and the ability to finance ongoing future needs. In addition,
actively manage Metropolitan’s short-term investment portfolio to meet ongoing liquidity
and investment challenges
Business Continuity—Facilitate district-wide planning and training to prepare employees and managers to effectively carry out
critical roles and functions thus ensuring continuity of operations in the event of a disaster.
Manage Business Continuity Program in accordance with Operating Policy A-06
Request for professional service contract with consultant to assist in completion of Metropolitan’s update of the Business Impact
Analysis was processed and contract terms were accepted by the consultant. The BIA will identify Metropolitan’s critical business
processes and help prioritize resources to restore normal operations in the event of a disruption caused by a disaster. Presented the
project scope and approach to the Emergency Management Working Group as the steering committee for the BIA.