THE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN …

THE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

General Manager’s Monthly Activity Report for October 2016

October 31, 2016 This report identifies the actions and activities taking place during the month

that support the objectives of the General Manager’s Fiscal Year 2016/17 Strategic Priorities and the Core Business of the GM’s work groups.

Administrative Services 2 Human Resources 19-22

Annexations - - Information Technology 22

Bay-Delta Initiatives 3-4 Real Property 23-24

Chief Financial Officer 5-6 Water Resource Mgmt 25-26

Engineering Services 7-10 Water Supply Conditions 27

External Affairs 11-18 Water System Operations 28-37

Content by Work Group

New Website Portal Metropolitan created a new web page to make it easier to find content related to several of key initiatives. The site, which can be accessed at www.MWDWaterTomorrow.com, provides a gateway to existing and new web pages and informational materials for California WaterFix, the Colorado River, the proposed Regional Recycled Water Project, the Integrated Resources Plan, and the innovation and water conservation outreach programs.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

2 The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California GM Monthly Report October 2016

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BUSINESS PROCESSES Advance continuous business process improvements to improve effectiveness and efficiency while striving for innovation, flexibility, and integration with technology

Metropolitan’s E-Form Management—With today’s need for mobile access, staff began working on providing the ability to approve E-forms using mobile technology. The server and network infrastructure is in place and the first mobile-accessible E-forms will be available for use in November 2016. MyWarehouse Application—Staff has partnered with Information Technology and an outside consultant to improve online access to the warehouse inventory. The website provides a true web shopping experience with features that allow warehouse customers to perform searches across all warehouses, select items to a shopping cart, and perform a check-out ordering process. MyWarehouse will make it easier and more efficient for warehouse customers to obtain inventory items.

Implement innovative solutions for customers that will positively impact their business operations through improved quality, speed, simplicity, and cost improvements.

Simplify access to business information.

Enterprise Content Management—Staff has developed and is testing a prototype Access database and process to inventory various legacy records. This test database serves as a tool that allows for efficient processing and identification of records and to capture necessary metadata. Staff is piloting the process with the Safety of Dams Team.

Implement comprehensive workforce succession planning and employee development programs.

Procurement Certification—As the procurement of goods and non-professional services becomes more complex and costly, the Procurement Team is continuing to develop opportunities to expand the knowledge and skills of our buyers. Staff is compiling information to create a development program leading to a purchasing certificate that would continue to improve procurement services for Metropolitan. Succession Planning—Administrative Services staff began partnering with Human Resources to develop a training program to support succession planning. The training will incorporate key aspects from the Administrative Services section, creating opportunities for staff to prepare for promotional opportunities within the section or other parts of the organization.

ANNEXATIONS


Pursue Decision on the State’s Proposed Delta Improvements including the California WaterFix and EcoRestore.

BAY DELTA INITIATIVES

California WaterFix—On October 7, the California Department of Water Resources submitted an incidental take permit application for California WaterFix to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in compliance with the California Endangered Species Act. This application is to seek approval for future operation of the State Water Project with the addition of California WaterFix. The application covers construction and operation of all elements of the California WaterFix facilities as part of a dual conveyance system. DWR is seeking permit coverage for operations of all SWP facilities in the Delta, including construction and operation of the proposed north Delta intakes, through the end of a 33-year permit term, including a 13-year construction period and implementation of collaborative science and monitoring through an adaptive management program.

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COMPLETE THE BAY DELTA CONSERVATION PLAN/ CALIFORNIA WATERFIX ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT/STATEMENT Pursue efforts in a lead capacity to complete environmental documentation, financing agreements, and associated permits necessary to implement California WaterFix and EcoRestore.

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BAY-DELTA SOLUTIONS Develop near- and long-term solutions that enhance the Delta ecosystem, improve water

supply reliability, protect water quality, and mitigate environmental impacts. Participate in the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) process considering petition

for an additional point of diversion as part of the CA WaterFix project. Continue to work on efforts related to meeting the co-equal goals of contributing to a restored

Delta ecosystem and ensuring a reliable water supply for California.

NEAR TERM – Develop near-term measures, compatible with long-term Delta solutions, to improve water supply reliability and water quality, and facilitate protection and enhancement of Delta ecosystems and associated species.

Habitat Restoration—On October 6, Metropolitan Board members and staff attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Wallace Weir Fish Rescue Facility Project in the Yolo Bypass. The Wallace Weir is a key water control structure in the bypass for flood conveyance and irrigation; however, it can be an impediment for migratory salmon. The proposed project includes replacing the seasonal earthen dam structure with a permanent operable structure that can provide year-round operational control and installing a fish rescue facility to return fish back to the Sacramento River. The project will prevent upstream migration of straying adult salmon into the Colusa Basin Drain. The project is funded by DWR and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation water contractor funding as part of existing biological opinion requirements. Construction of the project started in August and is estimated to be completed in approximately four months.

ANNEXATIONS


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BAY-DELTA SOLUTIONS continued….

SCIENCE/REGULATORY – Pursue the best scientific research to protect and restore fish, wildlife, and the Delta’s ecosystem while ensuring water supply reliability.

Science/Regulatory Staff continued work on the development and refinement of life cycle models for Delta fish species to develop a better understanding of factors affecting fish abundance. Dr. Mark Maunder and Dr. Richard Deriso (under contract to Metropolitan) completed an initial run of their Delta smelt lifecycle model against a new set of environmental variables provided by staff. The objective of the study is to test hypotheses advanced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that increases in Delta outflow in the spring and summer would increase Delta smelt populations. Additional model runs are planned to test the new abundance estimates for Delta smelt and additional environmental variables. The Delta smelt lifecycle model will assist in evaluating potential management actions to improve conditions for Delta smelt. Staff worked with consultants to design and conduct the Vertical Distribution Habitat Study (study), which included field survey work in late September 2016. The main objective of the study is to quantify the stratification of Longfin smelt in San Pablo Bay. No Longfin smelt were caught during the field study; however, other important data were collected on the SmeltCam, both zooplankton and mysids. The SmeltCam is a system to optically identify fish collected by survey nets without the need to handle the fish. The results from the study will help to optimize the SmeltCam to correct for biases in the survey. The study will also improve our understanding of stratification of zooplankton and mysid shrimp (both of which are food for fish), and this will help reduce biases in the zooplankton and mysid trawl data collected by the Interagency Ecological Program, Environmental Monitoring Program.

Emergency Response The DWR Flood Emergency Management Office has completed and validated the Emergency Response Tool (ERT) that will be used to estimate time to repair large-scale levee failure scenarios in the Delta. The ERT improvements provide enhanced Delta Cross Channel operations, and include pulse flows on the San Joaquin River and other measures. ERT runs will be performed in October to validate the times to repair and begin operations of an emergency freshwater pathway. Following completion of these ERT runs, DWR plans to finalize the Delta Flood Emergency Management Plan. Work to provide all-weather access and relocate rock stockpiles from temporary storage in Stockton to the Rio Vista emergency stockpile site has been completed. Rock materials have also been relocated to the Weber property emergency stockpile site in Stockton. Warehouse construction, rehabilitation, and general access improvements at the Weber site will be competed in 2017.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE – Ensure that Delta emergency response measures are implemented, including actions to develop a freshwater pathway after a major emergency event in the Delta.


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MAINTAIN STRONG FINANCIAL POSITION Provide innovative and proactive financial analyses, planning, and management services to ensure that forecasted revenues are sufficient to cover planned expenditures and provide a prudent level of reserves consistent with Board policy.

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BUSINESS CONTINUITY Facilitate district-wide planning and training to prepare employees and managers to effectively carry out critical roles and recover mission essential functions thus ensuring continuity of operations in the event of a disaster.

Manage rates and charges to help maintain low rates, minimize their variability, and recover costs consistent with Board policy.

The Risk Management Unit completed 51 incident reports communicating instances of Metropolitan property damage, liability, workplace injuries, regulatory visits and spills. Risk Management completed 66 risk assessments on contracts, including professional service agreements, construction contracts, entry permits, special events and film permits.

Manage Business Continuity Program in accordance with Operating Policy A-06.

Planning and exercise documentation continued for a Business Recovery Exercise for the week of December 4 as well as the development of table-top exercises for existing BC Plans.

Hosted the first Southern California user conference for public and private sector entities in the greater Los Angeles area using the Fusion Framework to manage their Business Continuity programs.

Worked with IT to review and update the Mission Essential Applications list for use in the IT Disaster Recovery Program.

Manage Risk to protect Metropolitan’s assets against exposure to loss.

The second meeting of the Treatment Fixed Charge Workgroup was held on September 29, 2016, as reported to the Finance and Insurance Committee on October 10, 2016. A third meeting was held on October 20, 2016.

Metropolitan presentation at the user conference for Fusion Framework Business Continuity programs.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER


FINANCIAL SUMMARY AS OF September 30, 2016

* Includes $173.5M Board-approved purchase of Delta Wetland.

Excludes bond construction and other trust funds activity Excludes bond construction and other trust funds activity

* Includes $173.5M Board-approved purchase of Delta Wetland.

ENGINEERING SERVICES

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California GM Monthly Report October 2016

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INFRASTRUCTURE RELIABILITY Manage Board-authorized projects in the Capital Investment Plan and collaborate with the Water System Operations Group to identify and address system vulnerabilities to ensure reliability of the region’s water treatment and delivery infrastructure. In addition, coordinate closely with WSO to integrate project planning and facility assessment efforts with near-term actions and planned shutdowns.

Manage and complete Board-authorized projects within the CIP to ensure the reliable delivery of water to Metropolitan’s member agencies.

Distribution System Reliability Program This program maintains reliable water deliveries through specific repair and rehabilitation projects on Metropolitan’s pipelines, reservoirs, and control structures. Recent activities include the following: Etiwanda Pipeline Lining Repairs – This project replaces the Etiwanda Pipeline’s damaged interior

mortar lining with a polyurethane coating. The pipeline will be relined in three stages. Construction of the Stage 2 repairs is 30 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by March 2017. Design of the Stage 3 repairs is 95 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by November 2016.

Middle Feeder Blow-Off Valve Replacement – This project replaces two deteriorated lubricated plug valves along the Middle Feeder within the city of Compton. Construction is 50 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by November 2016.

Greg Avenue Pump Station Rehabilitation – This project improves the operational reliability of the Greg Avenue Pump Station by replacing the existing pumps and upgrading the electrical and control systems. This pump station provides a backup supply of treated water to the West Valley area when the Jensen plant is out of service. Design is 93 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by December 2016.

Collis Avenue Valve Replacement – This project replaces deteriorated valves on the Palos Verdes Feeder at the Collis Avenue Valve Structure. Construction is eight percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by May 2017.

Palos Verdes Reservoir Rehabilitation – This project replaces the reservoir’s existing floating cover and liner and modifies the existing spillway, control tower, and outlet structures. Construction is 19 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by November 2017. (see photo below)

Middle Feeder Relocation – Metropolitan’s 72-inch-diameter Middle Feeder is located within a 40-foot easement that crosses the Southern California Edison Mesa Substation in the city of Monterey Park. SCE intends to expand the existing substation to meet future regional power demands. In December 2015, the Board authorized a cost-sharing agreement with SCE to relocate 3,300 feet of the Middle Feeder to a new alignment within SCE’s property. SCE has awarded a construction contract to Kiewit Pacific Company and anticipates issuing the Notice to Proceed at the end of October 2016.

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Palos Verdes Reservoir Rehabilitation – Demolition of former reservoir overflow structure



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INFRASTRUCTURE RELIABILITY continued...

Right-of-Way and Infrastructure Protection Program This program performs needed site improvements within the distribution system, including erosion protection for pipelines and access roads. It also addresses right-of-way issues such as access easements and third-party encroachments, and obtains long-term programmatic environmental permits to enable system-wide improvements. Recent activities include the following: Orange County Operating Region – Final design of improvements for the Orange County region is

95 percent complete and is scheduled to be completed by December 2016. Western San Bernardino County Operating Region – Final design of improvements for the Western

San Bernardino County region is 70 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by February 2017. The draft programmatic environmental impact report for this region is expected to be released for public review and comment by January 2017.

Los Angeles County Operating Region – Preliminary design of improvements is 85 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by December 2016.

Riverside/San Diego County Operating Region – Preliminary design of improvements is 90 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by November 2016.

Colorado River Aqueduct (CRA) Reliability Program This program maintains the reliability of Metropolitan’s CRA conveyance system. Recent activities include the following: Canal Improvements – This project replaces

deteriorated concrete panels and installs parapet walls along portions of the open canal to increase freeboard during periods of high flow. Construction was completed in October 2016.

CRA Auxiliary Power – This project replaces the auxiliary power system at each CRA pumping plant. These systems provide electricity that powers critical support systems for the CRA main pumps. Preliminary investigations are 15 percent complete and are scheduled to be complete by July 2017.

Sand Trap Rehabilitation – This project replaces deteriorated sand trap equipment located upstream of the Iron Mountain, Eagle Mountain, and Hinds Pumping Plants. Construction is 50 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by August 2017. (see photo right)

Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe (PCCP) Rehabilitation 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 PCCP Rehabilitation – This project rehabilitates the remaining 28 miles of

existing PCCP segments within the Second Lower Feeder. Design of the valve and pipe procurement is approximately 53 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by late 2016. The draft programmatic Environmental Impact Report was released for public review in September 2016. Final design of the first contract package has been initiated and is scheduled to be complete by April 2017.

CRA Sand Trap Rehabilitation – Temporary construction platforms



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Treatment Plant Reliability Program This program was initiated to maintain reliability and improve the operating efficiency of Metropolitan’s five water treatment plants through specific improvement projects. Recent activities include the following: Mills Plant Chemical Unloading Facility Containment System — Construction of the containment system is

91 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by April 2017. Industrial Wastewater Handling Improvements – This project adds three wastewater storage tanks and

a force main connection to the municipal sewer system to enable safer and more efficient handling of the wastewater and to reduce the risk of an accidental release. Construction is 86 percent complete and is anticipated to be complete by December 2016.

Diemer Plant East Filter Upgrades – This project upgrades the Diemer plant’s east filters, including replacement of

127 deteriorated valves with new AWWA-standard valves and seismic strengthening of the filter buildings. Construction is 96 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by December 2016.

East Basin Rehabilitation – This project rehabilitates aging mechanical equipment and the electrical and structural components within the east flocculation/sedimentation basins. Construction is 44 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by July 2017.

Jensen Plant Module No. 1 Filter Valve Replacement – This project replaces 78 deteriorated filter valves within

Module No. 1 with new AWWA-standard valves. Construction is 94 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by December 2016.

LADWP Lagoon Refurbishment – This project rehabilitates four Los Angeles Department of Water and Power lagoons, which will be used for a period of 50 years by Metropolitan. Construction is 87 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by April 2017.

Electrical Upgrades, Stage 1 – This project replaces electrical equipment, provides backup in the event of individual component failures, and upgrades the Jensen electrical system to be consistent with current codes and industry practices. The work will be completed in three stages. Construction of Stage 1 is 52 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by February 2019.

Weymouth Plant Filter Rehabilitation — This project replaces the internal components of the plant’s 48 filters, including

the underdrains, media, launder troughs, and surface wash systems. Construction is 63 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by January 2018. (See photo below)

Weymouth Filter Rehabilitation – Removal of existing underdrain system


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Weymouth ORP – Ozone contactors

Water Quality/Oxidation Retrofit Program (ORP) This program adds ozonation facilities which reduce disinfection by-products and improve water quality at Metropolitan’s five water treatment plants. Recent activities include the following: Weymouth ORP ORP Chemical & Bromate Control Upgrades – These chemical systems are needed for integration of the

new ozonation system into the plant’s treatment process. Construction is 28 percent complete. The ORP-related upgrades are scheduled to be complete by April 2017, and the bromate control upgrades are scheduled to be complete by May 2018.

Main ORP Facilities –Construction of the ozonation system is 99 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by early 2017. The ozonation system will begin start-up and testing will be completed in 2017. (see photos below)

Weymouth ORP – Curbs and gutters


EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Colorado River Resource Manager Hasencamp gave an overview of the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan to approximately 25 people at the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's Water and Energy Committee. (October 6)

Metropolitan staff participated in the Southern California Contractors Association’s Quarterly Legislative Board of Directors meeting. SCCA members were briefed on the latest developments relating to California WaterFix and were given an update on state legislative bills. (October 6)

Metropolitan staff participated in the California Building Industry Association’s Board of Directors meeting. BIA members were briefed on the latest developments relating to the implementation of California WaterFix and others issues relating to the Bay Delta. BIA members learned how the drought is impacting the region’s water resources and the investments needed to ensure supply reliability. Additionally, Metropolitan discussed how conservation and new local projects will meet future demands. (October 12)

Metropolitan staff presented before the joint meeting of the Policy and Technical Advisory Committees of the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments. Committee members comprised of Valley mayors, councilmembers, municipal consultants and staff learned of the important need for reliable and secure water supplies. (October 19)

Arranged press conference on the topic of the new water year, ongoing drought challenges and the need for conservation, local supply development and California WaterFix that featured Chairman Record, California Department of Water Resources Director Cowin and General Manager Kightlinger. Media included L.A. Times, KNX radio, KCBS-TV, KCAL-TV, KNBC-TV, KTLA-TV, KABC-TV, LA18-TV (Chinese language station), Southern California News Group (L.A. Daily News, Orange County Register, Riverside Press-Enterprise, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, World Journal (Chinese language), Epoch Times (Chinese language), KPCC radio, Stockton Record and others.

Set up interview with General Manager Kightlinger and KNX radio to discuss general water supply issues as Southern California faces a possible sixth year of drought, including the ongoing need for conservation.

Arranged interview with General Manager Kightlinger and Associated Press reporter for a story about California WaterFix and how it will be financed.

Set up interview with General Manager Kightlinger and KABC radio reporter for a story about Southern California’s water supply situation and need for continued conservation.

Arranged interview with General Manager Kightlinger and freelance writer writing a Los Angeles Times opinion editorial on the California WaterFix.

Provided information to Los Angeles Times reporter about Metropolitan’s turf removal program and partnership with University of California, Los Angeles to analyze turf removal water savings and related issues.

Provided information to Desert Sun reporter about Metropolitan’s Lake Mead drought contingency planning.

Set up interview with General Manager Kightlinger and Sacramento Bee reporter for a story about the proposed Sites Reservoir and its possible benefits to Metropolitan.

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EDUCATE THE PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDERS ON CRITICAL WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS AND CRITICAL WATER MANAGEMENT DECISIONS External Affairs will develop and maintain relationships with the public, legislative leaders, government officials, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders, and implement effective and diverse communication and outreach strategies on the value of water, current water supply conditions and the importance of Metropolitan actions to promote stewardship, planning and investments to benefit the region.

Recognizing there is a new normal that is directly impacting California water conditions, inform key stakeholders, media, businesses and the public on the need for sustained conservation actions, support for new water supply projects and continued investment in imported water systems to maintain water supply reliability and protect the environment.


EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Arranged interview with General Manager Kightlinger and New York Times reporter for story about California dropping mandatory conservation rule and replacing it with voluntary conservation.

Provided information to Inside Washington Publishers reporter for a story about the state dropping mandatory water conservation measures and possible impacts on Southern California water use.

Provided information to Bloomberg Businessweek reporter with updated turf removal data for Turf Terminators.

Issued press release that included Metropolitan’s plans to meet Southern California’s 2017 imported water needs, increases to the district’s water reserves for first time in four years, a general water supply update, the need for California WaterFix and a call for region’s residents and businesses to continue water conservation.

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EDUCATE THE PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDERS ON CRITICAL WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS AND CRITICAL WATER MANAGEMENT DECISIONS continued...

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LEGISLATIVE, COMMUNICATIONS, COMMUNITY RELATIONS, PUBLIC AND BUSINESS OUTREACH Engage the public, labor, business community, agriculture, government leaders, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders in California’s water issues, communicating Metropolitan’s interests and Board-adopted policies through federal and state legislative strategies, multimedia and multi-cultural communications, and educational and other outreach programs. Inform the public about Metropolitan projects, facilities, operations and initiatives to gather input and support, foster competitive and diverse business opportunities and facilitate innovation and technology sharing.

LEGISLATIVE SERVICES - Develop and implement local, state and federal legislative and regulatory strategies consistent with Board-adopted policies. Promote interaction between Metropolitan leadership and various stakeholders, including elected officials, to facilitate support for, and garner greater understanding of, water policy issues.

Federal Staff briefed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Majority and Minority Committee staff on Metropolitan’s policy objectives in connection with the region’s long-term water supply, the California Bay-Delta Estuary and the co-equal goals of improved water export conveyance and protection of threatened and endangered fishery habitats in the Delta. (October 5) Metropolitan staff participated in the Western Coalition of Arid States Water Issues Conference in Phoenix, AZ, which included a presentation on federal legislative and policy issues, including the Water Conservation Tax Rebate issue. (October 26-28) State The 2015/16 legislative session concluded on September 1. The end of session was highlighted by a final agreement on a $1.4 billion cap-and-trade expenditure package, in addition to passing several significant bills relating to climate change and resource management. The Governor signed 898 measures into law; vetoed 159; and two became law without his signature. At Metropolitan’s request, Assembly Member Dababneh (D-Encino) introduced AB 2488 to authorize the Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue an incidental take permit to Metropolitan for the potential take of


EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

the Unarmored Three Spine Stickleback, under certain conditions. The Legislature passed the measure unanimously and on September 16, Governor Brown signed AB 2488 into law. Lawmakers will return to the State Capitol on December 5 to take their oath of office although January 4, 2017 marks the beginning of the 2017/18 legislative session. Local Metropolitan staff participated in the League of Cities Annual Conference in Long Beach. The event was attended by more than 400 local legislators, staff and community leaders active in municipal government. The event featured special presentations on stormwater policy and the state’s economy. (October 5-6) Staff participated in the Southwest California Legislative Summit in Temecula, CA, where 200 business and community leaders gathered to discuss state and federal legislative policy. U.S. Representative Hunter and State Senator Stone provided remarks. Each commended Metropolitan and its member agencies for the good efforts to sustain water reliability during the drought. (October 11) Metropolitan sponsored the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce's Annual Access City Hall, which featured over 16 speakers from the city council and other offices. Staff and more than 100 business leaders attended. (October 11) Metropolitan sponsored the Rose Institute’s Southern California Economic Forecast Conference. Some 300 plus Inland Empire business, community, water industry and local elected leaders heard University of California, Los Angeles Anderson School of business professors present an economic forecast for both the state and nation. (October 12) Metropolitan staff attended the Valley Industry and Commerce Association Business Forecast Conference, which featured an ambitious Sustainability Plan. The panel included Director Gold and former director Nancy Sutley, Chief Sustainability Officer for Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. (October 14) Metropolitan staff participated in the Water Education Foundation Northern California Tour with government and local community attendees from throughout the state. Presentations covered the State Water Project, Central Valley Project and an overview of urban and agriculture water systems throughout the northern part of the state. (October 19-21) Metropolitan staff attended the Building Industry Association’s elected officials’ reception in Ontario, CA. Staff in attendance had the opportunity to interact with many of the region’s elected officials to discuss water policy during the event. (October 20) Chairman Record, Directors Dick, Peterson and Lefevre and staff attended the Southern California Water Committee annual board meeting and dinner at the Discovery Center in Anaheim. Metropolitan sponsored the event, which attracted water industry and community leaders and elected officials. (October 27)

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LEGISLATIVE, COMMUNICATIONS, COMMUNITY RELATIONS, PUBLIC AND BUSINESS OUTREACH continued...

LEGISLATIVE SERVICES continued...


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MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS - Communicate Metropolitan’s policy priorities, actions and initiatives through various means to raise public awareness, enhance the district’s visibility and cultivate support for district priorities. Update and develop new communications tools, materials and platforms to ensure Metropolitan information reaches diverse audiences throughout its service area in a cost-effective, timely, relevant manner that reflects current communications trends.

Arranged interview with Chairman Record and Municipal Water Leader magazine reporter for a story about Record’s tenure as chairman and his views on various water issues.

Provided information to Water Online reporter about Metropolitan’s solar power program, including recent solar power installation at the Weymouth water treatment facility.

Issued press release about Chairman Record’s re-election to a second term as chairman of Metropolitan’s Board of Directors.

Issued press release about Elsa Saxod joining the Board of Directors representing the San Diego County Water Authority.

Online Paid online search on Google Search and the Google Content Network continued in October. Links to bewaterwise.com appeared when keywords such as “water,” “California weather,” and “water rebates” were searched for by Southern California users. Website Over 115,000 people visited the English, Spanish, and Chinese versions of bewaterwise.com for tips and ideas on how to conserve water. Print Advertising Print advertising concluded in October. Materials were provided in English Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Radio Weather and traffic radio spots (10- and 15-seconds) concluded in October throughout the Los Angeles, Riverside/San Bernardino, Oxnard/Ventura and San Diego media markets. In addition to English, radio spots were also featured on Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean stations. Digital Continued with “H2Love” campaign digital ad banners focused on new tips in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese.


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More than 300 stakeholders representing community organizations, business, environmental organizations, and other stakeholder groups participated in ten inspection trips to learn about the State Water Project, Bay-Delta, Sacramento and Central Valley agriculture, and the Colorado River.

Metropolitan provided a tour of Whitsett Intake for two new directors of the Central Arizona Project. (October 19)

Metropolitan provided a tour of Diamond Valley Lake for a group of travel bloggers who are writing about the San Jacinto area. (October 21)

Staff provided 260 notices to residents and businesses in the city of Compton regarding 24-hour work on the Middle Feeder Valve Replacement Project.

Staff notified 1,100 homes in the city of Fontana regarding the start of 24-hour work on the Etiwanda Pipeline Repair Project.

Metropolitan met with the Member Agency general managers to discuss statewide water management initiatives. (October 14)

Metropolitan hosted an annual planning meeting with the Member Agency Coordinators to gather input on Metropolitan’s Legislative Strategy for the upcoming 2017/18 legislative session and to receive an update from the California Department of Water Resources representatives on California WaterFix. (October 18)

Community Outreach Events Director Dake and staff along with several hundred community leaders attended the LA TreePeople

annual Evening Under the Stars event to support the organization’s education programs on water conservation and stormwater capture. (October 1)

Directors Dick, Faessel, McKenney and staff attended the Orange County Coastkeeper’s annual Toast of the Coast event in support of water conservation initiatives aimed at improving the quality of surface water resources. About 200 local elected officials and community leaders attended the event. (October 13)

Vice Chairs Gray and Touhey participated in the annual Taste of Soul event in Los Angeles. Metropolitan sponsored and representatives from the Black Employees Association volunteered at Metropolitan’s interactive H2Love conservation exhibit. An estimated 350,000 people participated in the popular event, many of whom stopped by the exhibit to learn how to conserve water and access conservation rebates offered by Metropolitan. (October 15)

Metropolitan sponsored and staff attended the San Gabriel Valley WaterFest and Water Leader awards program at Arcadia County Park in Arcadia. Vice Chair Touhey joined fellow Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District board members to honor Senators Huff and Liu and the Miller-Coors Company for their leadership on water issues. Additionally, staff manned an H2Love conservation booth to distribute helpful tips and resources to promote conservation and water use efficiency to several hundred participants. (October 15)

Metropolitan sponsored and staff attended The Water Conservation Garden's Annual Garden Gala to showcase drought tolerant landscaping and water use efficiency programs at Cuyamaca College in San Diego County. (October 15)

Metropolitan sponsored and staff made a presentation at the Regional Chamber of Commerce of San Gabriel Valley Legislative Committee meeting. (October 16)

PUBLIC OUTREACH AND MEMBER SERVICES - Conduct public outreach to increase awareness and input on Metropolitan projects and initiatives and ensure impacted communities are aware of Metropolitan construction and maintenance activities. Enhance public awareness of Metropolitan’s systems and facilities and the role they play in regional supply reliability while protecting environmental resources. Serve as liaison to Metropolitan’s member agencies and facilitate their engagement with the district.


EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Community Partnering Program Metropolitan sponsored and provided conservation and water issue materials at the following events: West Basin MWD’s Water Harvest Festival (October 22) CA Greenworks-Youth Sustainability and Empowerment Summit (October 22) Chino Basin Landscape and Water Conservation Festival (October 29)

Diamond Valley Lake Education Program This month education staff hosted three DVL teacher workshops, which introduced 64 teachers to DVL field trips and Metropolitan’s water education materials. Education staff coordinated docent programs with Valley Wide Recreation. Docents staffed the Visitor Center and hosted 389 visitors and guided 172 visitors to the Viewpoint. Many visitors have praised Metropolitan’s addition of the augmented reality sandbox. Social Media The Education Unit is welcoming students and teachers back to school this fall with a series of weekly social media promotions of Metropolitan’s water education services and programs using #TeacherThursday. The Education Unit Tweets on MWD’s education programs received nearly 12,000 impressions using #solarcup, #waterart, #thinkh2o, #mwdeducates through @bewaterwiseh2o and @mwdh2o. These numbers only capture a narrow subset of the total social media impact. These numbers do not include impressions from third-party Tweets about Metropolitan’s education programs and do not include the education posting on Instagram or Facebook. General Education Staff supported various events/activities throughout the month that included outreach and presentations at San Gabriel Christian School and Simi Valley Living Green Fair. The Education Unit directly interacted with more than 220 students and teachers. Staff also responded to curriculum requests from educators and member agencies by distributing nearly 3,000 pieces of educational material. Education staff were actively involved in preparing Metropolitan’s booth for this month’s Taste of Soul event. Site visits for the World Water College Grant program took place to California State University, Long Beach, California State University, Los Angeles and San Diego State University. World Water Forum College Grant Program Metropolitan distributed $10,000 grants to 17 colleges and universities to develop new water conservation technologies and policies or communication programs. Student teams conducted a significant amount of work in the summer of 2016. Education staff began conducting site visits to World Water Forum colleges to receive project updates and provide technical support as well as administrative guidance. This month staff coordinated with member agency education coordinators and representatives from our co-sponsors: the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation – U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Friends of the United Nations, Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County and Water For People, to conduct visits to Loma Linda University, San Diego State University, University of California, Riverside and California State University, Northridge.

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EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS - Facilitate public engagement in and understanding of water resource issues through community relations activities and education projects. Build awareness of and appreciation among Southern California youth for the value of clean, reliable water supplies and the importance of good water stewardship.


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Metropolitan’s Innovation Team participated as panelists in the first Channels for Innovation conference held in Nevada by WaterStart, a cluster of global leaders in the implementation of water innovation, and Isle Utilities. The panel discussed the role innovation plays in water resources before an audience of about 200 attendees. (October 4)

Metropolitan was invited to be on a panel at the 32nd Annual Environmental Training Symposium and Conference in San Diego. Metropolitan organized and facilitated a workshop entitled Accelerating Commercial-Industrial Efficiency & Innovation. The panelists discussed the benefits of creating a sustainable future by conserving water in manufacturing processes. (October 5-6)

Assistant General Manager Zinke joined members of the Innovation Team at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power LA Kretz Centre for Innovation. Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti welcomed the capacity crowd and talked about the importance of the innovation center to the future growth of the economy and being recognized as a global leader in innovation. (October 7)

Participated in the 7th Annual Cleantech OC Conference & Expo, Accelerating Sustainability through Innovation, Collaboration and Education. The conference brings together leaders in Orange County to discuss topics that encourage the private and public sector to collaborate on creating a sustainable future locally and globally. (October 13)

Attended a workshop hosted by Water Tech Alliance in San Diego. The workshop featured presentations on water reuse and online data management for operational efficiency and remarks from by John Helminski, Deputy Director of City of San Diego Public Utilities Department on the Pure Water Program. (October 13)

Hosted the 14th Technology Approval Group forum at Metropolitan’s Headquarters where various water utilities and Metropolitan staff

Facilitate opportunities for small businesses to work with Metropolitan. Help position Metropolitan as a leader in water resource/systems innovation.

heard from different technology companies that deal with issues such as: pipe leaks, filtration, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and data management to determine if the technology merits further testing or investment. (October 19)

Participated in American Water Works Association’s Cal Nevada annual fall conference in San Diego as a technology exhibitor. More than 1,000 industry professionals attended the conference. (October 25)

Metropolitan’s Business Outreach Program maintained an effective outreach program for regional, small businesses and veterans through participation in the following activities: Chief Engineer Johnson and staff joined

Business Outreach at the 39th Annual Asian American Architects/Engineering Association (AAa/e) Annual Awards banquet. AAa/e is committed to providing a platform for empowering professionals working in the build environment in personal and professional growth, business development and networking, and leadership in our community. (October 4)

Metropolitan was nominated for the Corporation of the Year award in this year’s Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council Leadership Excellence Awards (LEA). The Council is a business advocacy group that works to strengthen the ties between large, public, private, and minority owned business and represents over 1,700 certified minority business enterprises in the region. (October 4)

Attended the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County event entitled Generations, which celebrated today and tomorrow’s leaders. Metropolitan supports the Filipino Chamber small business events by providing timely and valuable information on business opportunities and to foster a dynamic business climate with the residents of Orange County. More than 300 attendees supported this event. (October 7)


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Metropolitan sponsored the Asian Business Association-San Diego at its Awards events, recognizing outstanding individuals within the community. (October 6) (see photo below right)

Participated in the 11th Annual Small Business Enterprise Opportunity Forum hosted by the Society of American Military Engineers. This Society unites public and private sector individuals and organizations from across the architecture, engineering, construction, environmental, facility management, contracting and acquisition fields. (October 11)

Hosted a two-part workshop with the National Association of Women Business Owners-Los Angeles, How to Leverage your Certification into Business Opportunities. The workshop focused on how a small business can maximize certification with public and private agencies. The following public agencies participated in the workshop: Department of General Services, METRO, Los Angeles World Airport, and Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council. (October 12)

Exhibited at The Latin Business Global Summit in Los Angeles. The 2016 Latin Business Global Summit is one of the nation’s largest gatherings of business owners and leaders from around the world. (October 12-14)

Co-hosted with the San Diego Public Agency Consortium the 12th Annual Procurement and Resource Fair, which provides vendors, particularly certified Small Businesses, Disabled Veterans Business Enterprises, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, a forum to meet with buyers from the state of California and other public agencies. Metropolitan staff exhibited at the event and informed small and disabled business about opportunities with Metropolitan. There were more than 400 attendees at the event. (October 19)

Facilitate opportunities for small businesses to work with Metropolitan. continued...

Participated in the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce Bootcamp Certification Workshop. The workshop was aimed at Small, Women-Owned, Minority-Owned, and Disabled Veteran Businesses to guide them on how to do business with government agencies, prime contractors and Fortune 500 companies. (October 20)

Staff with former Metropolitan Director Tu, City of Lemon Gove Council Member Raquel Vasquez and guests at the ABA-SD 26th Awards Gala.)


Classes delivered this month incudes: 3 sessions of Drug and Alcohol Awareness; 4 sessions of Personal Security Awareness Training;

two-hour workshops in WORD, Excel, and PowerPoint; and Introduction to SharePoint. Project Management Essentials, Moving from Conflict to Collaboration, and Leading Technical People

for senior engineers.

Partner with district and group leadership to support learning, development and workforce planning initiatives.

HUMAN RESOURCES

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT Recruitment activity will be expanded to fully replace all retirements and add some positions to bring the work force to approximately 1,800 positions over the next two years. Increased cross-training and employee development efforts will be needed to meet the challenge of increased retirements brought about by an aging workforce. ST

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During the past month, 9 positions were filled and 34 new requisitions were received. Staffing is currently recruiting for 114 positions. Processes and the use of technology and social media to enhance abilities to recruit a diverse workforce continue to be evaluated. Employee Relations/EEO staff conducted a successful job fair for veterans at Metropolitan’s Headquarters on October 7. The event included a number of public and private sector employers, as well as Metropolitan. Staff were on hand to introduce fair participants to employment opportunities with Metropolitan.

Seek diverse, high-quality talent, and establish partnerships to discover additional outreach opportunities that aid in staffing positions.

Staff is providing continued facilitation for a Talk Circle problem-solving process that is looking into ways to improve effectiveness in the Real Property Group.

Delivered a Train-the-Trainer module for HR staff to improve knowledge transfer capabilities. Assisted and supported the establishment of two new Employee Resource Groups focused on females—

Society of Women Engineers and Women At Metropolitan. The recent kickoff meeting of Women at Metropolitan included employees located at field sites.

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PREPARE FOR A FUTURE WORKFORCE AND CHANGING ROLES Partner with groups to develop programs for skill development, knowledge capture, change management, and employee engagement to ensure Metropolitan’s capability as an agile organization preparing for future changes and challenges.

Implement strategies to prepare management and employees for change, unknown challenges, and future retirements.


HUMAN RESOURCES

Conducted Module 6, a simulated Management Challenge game for the second cohort of Metropolitan Management University, with a focus on Decision Making and Recognition. (see picture below)

Five managers attended an Institute for Management Studies full-day seminar on the Influence to Impact for Women Leaders.

The third cohort of 15 managers started Metropolitan Management University on October 26 focused on understanding organizational policies, systems and compliance requirements.

Hosted the Fall Service Awards Luncheon on October 26 honoring long-term service employees at Metropolitan; this year 80 honorees with 20 to 50 years of service were recognized. (see pictures below)

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Ensure Metropolitan managers have the foundational knowledge and on-going support to effectively manage employees.

ENSURE EFFECTIVE PEOPLE MANAGEMENT Provide consultation, guidance, standards, policies, procedures and learning opportunities to ensure that employee experience is enhanced as they are appropriately managed, evaluated, engaged, motivated, developed, recognized and valued.

Second cohort of Metropolitan's Management University.

General Manager Jeff Kightlinger recognizing Abel Gonzalez for his 50 years of service. Other attendees of the Fall Service Awards luncheon share in the praise.


HUMAN RESOURCES

Staff worked with the Audit Department to facilitate team-building activities. Staff continued to work with workforce planning and succession management actions in the Water

Resource Management Group. Continued to support the re-organization and structure changes occurring in the Chief Administrative

Officer’s organization, including Real Property, Information Technology and Environmental Planning.

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PARTNER WITH CUSTOMERS ON HR SOLUTIONS Collaborate and partner with customers at all levels to support strategic decisions on workforce planning, hiring strategies, advancement and learning opportunities, disciplinary issues and other challenges as they arise.

Establish partnerships focused on strategic solutions to various human resource management challenges.

PROVIDE EXCELLENT HR SERVICES Human Resources provides a wide range of services and support from pre-hire to post-retirement care. To ensure our services add value and meet the needs of all employees, we will review and revise HR policies, procedures and practices as appropriate to continually improve service and better utilize technologies.

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Administer all HR services with efficiency and a focus on customer service excellence, consistency, and flexibility.

Met with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees bargaining unit to start negotiations for new labor contract.

Launched two additional e-learning modules, developed in-house, for P-card Administration training and continuing to monitor progress and completion of in-house online training modules that were launched for procurement and contract administration.

Completed Benefits open enrollment site visits at all the Metropolitan locations; provided one-on-one consultations during open enrollment to 685 employees to discuss their current benefits and available options.

Conducted various financial planning, pre-retirement and retirement workshops and webinars: Day 2 New Hires, Stepping Into Retirement, Pre-Retirement Death Benefits, Estate Planning and Beneficiary Designation, TIAA Website Enhancements and Advantages to Savings for active employees, and TIAA Website Enhancements and Distribution Options for retirees.

Coordinated a Focus Group to work with TIAA on updating its Self-Directed Brokerage platform which was released on October 12 to all registered Self-Directed Brokerage participants.

Attended training sessions on how to best utilize the emergency notification (Reverse 911) system to prepare for upcoming implementation.


HUMAN RESOURCES

This month, Workers’ Compensation/Medical Screen: Workers’ Compensation/Medical Screening: Conducted initial investigations on 6 injury incidents Submitted 6 new claims to Metropolitan’s workers’ compensation claim administrator Settlements were negotiated in 2 claims and finalized in 1 claim, and 6 claim files were closed Conducted MedVan evaluations at Hinds, Eagle Mountain, Iron Mountain and Gene facilities Arranged 15 medical evaluations (DMV, medical surveillance, hearing conservation, etc.) Addressed 6 accommodation issues.

Effectively administer all Human Resources policies, programs, and practices in compliance with applicable federal and state laws and Metropolitan Administrative Code, Operating Polices, and Memorandum of Understanding.

COMPLY WITH EMPLOYMENT LAWS AND REGULATIONS Ensure all policies, programs and practices comply with ever-change laws and regulations. C

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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Collaboratively work with customers to deliver information technology options, services, and solutions in the areas of enterprise and business applications, Engineering and Water System Operations applications, mobile/wireless computing, telecommunications, network services, information security, and personal computing.

Mobile Application Development—As part of developing mobile applications for enabling key day-to-day tasks to improve productivity, staff completed ON-CALL app features and is currently reviewing new features with key customers.

Implement innovative solutions for customers that will positively impact their business operations through improved quality, speed, simplicity, and cost improvements.

Deploy security technologies to properly balance and enhance Metropolitan’s cyber security position.

Cyber Security—Staff continued to monitor cyber security legislations applicable to Metropolitan to enhance security, including SB272, which requires agencies to publish applications on website for view by the public.

Upgrade and refurbish Information Technology applications and infrastructure to ensure system reliability and performance levels that meet customer needs.

Network Communications Infrastructure—Staff continued to deploy core network switches and routers at various Metropolitan facilities. To date, the project team completed the Metropolitan’s Headquarters building’s telecommunication rooms for floors 4-7 and 9-12. The next step is to complete the remaining floors of the building.


HUMAN RESOURCES REAL PROPERTY

REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION, MANAGEMENT AND REVENUE ENHANCEMENT Manage Metropolitan’s real property assets with a focus on enhancement of returns while ensuring that Metropolitan’s core operations are protected. Acquire real property for future operational business needs.

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An existing entry permit to Valley-Wide Recreation and Parks District was amended to allow an extension of the term for non-exclusive use for the purpose of holding special events within Valley-Wide existing park at Diamond Valley Lake.

The sale of a single family residence to Thomas H. and Bonnie S. Crook at Palo Verde Irrigation District closed per the conditions of the property acquisition from Verbena, LLC.

An entry permit was amended to allow for non-exclusive use of the Rialto Pipeline for construction purposes.

Implement strategies for right-of-way planning and acquisition support of infrastructure reliability, protection programs, and Bay-Delta Initiatives.

Pursue development and improvement of the Diamond Valley Lake area, including the DVL Visitor Center and marina facilities, to support recreation, develop additional leasing and revenue opportunities for Metropolitan, and benefit the surrounding community.

The rising lake elevation allowed for full public use of the DVL Marina amenities. Total visitors to the recreation area stayed strong through October. Seasonal trout plants are scheduled to begin in November.

Installation of power poles for the DVL East Dam Electrical Upgrades project is 30 percent complete and power is scheduled to be complete by July 2017.

The DVL East Marina Sanitation Facility design was delayed due to the elimination of a redundant concrete vault. The redesign is complete and Metropolitan’s Construction Services Unit is scheduling the foundation work. The restroom building is being fabricated offsite and the facility is expected to be available for use in April 2017.

One manager attended The Power of Collaborative Leadership training class sponsored by the Institute for Management Studies.

Staff attended the following Metropolitan-sponsored courses: Accelerating Teamwork, Excel Lookups Workshop, 5 Choices to Extraordinary Productivity, Word Professional Reports, Excel 2010: Part 1, MS Project Level 1, Excel Charts and Graphs, Word Tips and Tricks, and Introduction to SharePoint.

Additionally, staff attended Metropolitan mandatory courses High Rise Safety Training, Personal Security Awareness Program and Agreement Administrator Certification and Assessment Training.

Foster staff training and development.

Seek incremental revenue-generating opportunities for real estate assets in traditional and alternative market segments such as telecommunications, solar/wind generation, agriculture, and sustainable technology and research.

Appraisals prepared by an independent Consultant for the lease of temporary construction staging areas as part of the Etiwanda Pipeline North Liner Repair Project were reviewed by staff and finalized for implementation.


REAL PROPERTY

REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION, MANAGEMENT AND REVENUE ENHANCEMENT continued...

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Headquarters Building maintenance highlights and improvements: Performed annual energy star audit resulting in an overall rating of 97 of a possible 100. Applied slurry seal and traffic striping on the main roadway, south of the headquarters building.

DVL Visitor Center maintenance highlight and improvement: Replacement of 15 failed solar power inverters, system is now performing at maximum generation.

Efficiently maintain and operate Metropolitan’s Headquarters building and the Diamond Valley Lake Visitor Center.

This graph shows visitor trends with respect to lake elevation on a fiscal year basis since the opening of the Marina. Note that in FY08/09 and FY15/16, access for private boat launching was suspended due to extremely low lake levels. Visitor attendance is expected to increase if the lake levels continue to rise. *16/17 reflects Visitors thru October 2016 (16/17 projection is 35,000)


WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

WATER SUPPLY Develop and execute water resource strategies that achieve the long-term reliability envisioned in the Integrated Resources Plan (IRP). Efforts include the negotiation and management of supply, storage, and water use efficiency programs, administration of imported supply contracts, development of new water resource policy recommendations in support of the IRP, collaborative planning with member agencies, and forecasting resource and facility needs.

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Ensure cost-effective and reliable imported water supplies.

State Water Project Water Delivery Schedule—Staff submitted Metropolitan’s initial water delivery schedules for 2017 to the Department of Water Resources. DWR requested five delivery scenarios assuming a State Water Project allocation range of 5 – 100 percent of contract amounts. These schedules are an important input to DWR's modeling studies that help determine the initial 2017 SWP allocation, which will be announced on or before December 1. North American Weather Modification Council—Staff participated in the biannual meeting of the North American Weather Modification Council in Medford, OR and witnessed a demonstration of fog dispersal/snow generation technology.

Participate and lead, where appropriate, in statewide and regional planning efforts.

Urban Advisory Group Participation—In response to Executive Order B-37-16, staff is actively participating in efforts to develop long-term conservation targets and strengthen water shortage contingency planning requirements. These efforts have largely been coordinated through an Urban Advisory Group and related subgroups; staff will continue to engage in these processes through the end of the year. Ultimately, updated draft requirements are to be publicly released no later than January 10, 2017.

Streamline approvals for future Sacramento Valley water transfers.

One-Year Water Transfers Exempt—The Delta Stewardship Council recently voted unanimously to exempt one‑year water transfers as a covered action under the Delta Plan. Metropolitan staff worked closely with other water agencies involved in water transfers to support this outcome.

Implement the Local Resources Program.

Accelerated Recycled Water Retrofit Program—Under the Accelerated Recycled Water Retrofit Program, Metropolitan has committed to provide approximately $118,000 for converting potable water irrigation and industrial systems at 16 sites to use about 121 acre-feet per year of recycled water.

Storage As of 10/31/16 % of Capacity

DVL 562,926 AF 66

Lake Mathews 116,180 AF 64

Lake Skinner 38,190 AF 87

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 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

WATER SUPPLY continued...

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Implement the Local Resources Program.

Accelerated Recycled Water Retrofit Program—Under the Accelerated Recycled Water Retrofit Program, Metropolitan has committed to provide approximately $118,000 for converting potable water irrigation and industrial systems at 16 sites to use about 121 acre-feet per year of recycled water.

Implement the Conservation Program effectively.

SCE 23rd Annual Water Conference—Southern California Edison hosted its 23rd Annual Water Conference at the Energy Education Center in Irwindale, CA. The conference focused on California's current water situation and efforts underway to advance energy, water and state policy. Guest speakers included Brandon Goshi from Metropolitan’s Water Resource Management Group and other industry experts specializing in programs, policies and technologies in the water-energy nexus. Other Metropolitan staff attended the event and exhibited Metropolitan’s drought response information relating to the current H2Love outreach campaign. (see photo below of exhibit) 2016 Kaiser Permanente SCAL Sustainability Summit—Staff participated in the 2016 Kaiser Permanente SCAL Sustainability Summit at the Los Angeles Clean Technology Incubator. The Summit was designed to promote water, energy, and zero-waste sustainability practices for Kaiser Permanente staff from facilities throughout California. Metropolitan was represented on a panel discussing water-use efficiency; panelists responded to questions about efficiency innovations, calculating rates of return, barriers to implementation of projects, and available incentives. To date, Metropolitan has Water Savings Incentive Program agreements with Kaiser Permanente for three of its facilities in Southern California.


WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS as of October 31, 2016


WATER SYSTEM OPERATIONS

DEVELOP WATER SUPPLIES AND MANAGE WATER RESERVES Staff will work closely with the Board to manage Metropolitan’s water supply reserves in the face of the unprecedented drought conditions in California and throughout the Southwest. If El Niño conditions create more supply, staff is prepared to maximize storage opportunities. The actions will include implementation of storage withdrawals, coordination of deliveries with the member agencies, close monitoring of drought conditions and possible allocation actions as part of the Water Surplus and Drought Management plan, and targeted outreach on conversation efforts. The past year’s successful implementation of the Water Supply Allocation Plan will be reviewed and a determination will be made on what actions to take for FY2016/17.

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Water System Operations adjusted blends from 20 percent to 0 percent State Water Project on September 29 for the Weymouth, Diemer, and Skinner plants. Blends were reduced to allow for the continued increase in SWP surface storage through year end. For the month of October, the use of SWP supplies accounted for 54 percent of Metropolitan’s deliveries excluding deliveries into Diamond Valley Lake. Storage at Diamond Valley Lake increased by 18,000 AF to 562,000 AF or 69.3 percent full, as Inland Feeder deliveries continued throughout the month but were reduced to 350 cfs, due to a reduced flow outage by DWR for scheduled maintenance on the SWP. Year-to-date, 263,000 AF of water has been delivered into DVL via the Inland Feeder.

Manage water reserves.

The Water System Operations Apprentice and Technical Training Programs develop and train personnel to become qualified electricians and mechanics responsible for maintaining Metropolitan's water treatment and distribution systems. This month, the Class of 2016 mechanical apprentices participated in a field trip to a local water filter manufacturing facility. Apprentices examined examples of industrial processes and equipment studied over the course of their apprenticeship. The tour included an overview of programmable logic controllers, which are used to control pumps, valves, and actuators in hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Apprentices will be tasked with maintaining these types of systems in their careers as journey-level employees. The Class of 2016 is scheduled to complete the program and attain journey-level status in December.

Prepare employees for new opportunities.

EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT The proposed budget calls for Metropolitan to cease its managed attrition that has shrunk Metropolitan from 2,400 full-time employee positions to a current workforce of approximately 1,750. Recruitment activity will be expanded to fully replace all retirements and actually add some positions to bring the work force to approximately 1,800 positions over the next two years. Increase employee cross-training and employee development efforts will be needed to meet the challenge of increased retirements brought about by an aging workforce.

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Manage vacancies.

WSO filled five vacant positions in September 2016, including three new hires from the outside into entry-level positions.



System Operations delivered approximately 190,000 acre-feet of water to meet member agency demands in October, which averaged approximately 6,130 AF per day. This was an increase of 730 AF per day from September deliveries. This increase in deliveries was due to additional requests for groundwater replenishment. Treated water deliveries for October totaled 76,000 AF, or 40 percent of total deliveries for the month. This was an increase of 1,000 AF from September deliveries. In October, 78,400 AF of Colorado River water was pumped. This was an average of about 2,530 AF per day. The CRA was reduced to a four-pump flow starting on October 17 for two weeks for planned maintenance, and a six-pump flow was initiated on November 1, after the completion of the work. Year-to-date CRA diversions are 832,600 AF. State Water Project imports averaged 3,870 AF per day for 120,000 AF for the month. This was an increase of 6,000 AF from September SWP imports. System Operations continued to maximize power generation throughout the month. Metropolitan's hydroelectric plants generated an average of 32.3 megawatts per hour for 24,000 megawatt-hours in October.

CORE PROVIDE RELIABLE WATER SUPPLIES

Staff continued to address corrective maintenance that does not require a shutdown or disruption of water deliveries to member agencies. In October, the leaking operator packing was removed on two 24-inch pressure controlling valves in the Hollywood North Portal Control Structure on the Santa Monica Feeder. To accomplish this, crews isolated and drained one control line at a time while leaving the remaining control line in service. Upon completion of the repair work, both control lines were tested and the equipment was successfully returned to service.

CORE OPTIMIZE MAINTENANCE

As part of a scheduled maintenance activity, the Santiago Lateral pipeline was shutdown to facilitate the internal inspection and maintenance of the pipeline and the OC-13A flowmeter. Staff removed flanges, performed dewatering procedures, and ventilated the pipeline to facilitate safe entry. The OC-13A flowmeter is located just prior to the outlet flowing into Irvine Lake. Additionally, a 3-D internal imaging scan of a portion of the pipeline was completed, prior to placing the pipeline back into service.

Staff participated in an Advanced Electrical Switching class this past month. The Perris facility high voltage switchyard was used to conduct hands-on training exercises operating high-voltage disconnects and circuit breakers. Staff electrically isolated the switchyard to ensure a safe training environment. Part of the isolation required developing the step-by-step switching instructions, rehearsing the steps, and then executing the steps. This training is part of Metropolitan’s System Operating Orders Manual training program, which provides procedures for the safe and efficient operation of the water and power systems. (see photo right)

Class being instructed on the safe operation of a high voltage disconnect switch.



Staff excavated and replaced a 24-inch corrugated discharge pipe on a San Diego Pipeline No. 4 blowoff structure where a compression clamp had deteriorated. During prior dewatering operations, water would surface from underground directly adjacent to the north side of the structure due to the failed clamp. Replacement of the discharge pipe corrected this issue. (see photo right)

CORE OPTIMIZE MAINTENANCE continued...

Currently, Wadsworth Unit 12 pump/generator is under a clearance for electrical preventative maintenance. Staff is taking advantage of the outage to also complete a coatings inspection of the pump inlet. In order to complete the coating inspection, stop logs are installed so the pump bay can be dewatered. The pump electrical motor is inspected and cleaned as part of scheduled annual maintenance and the pump coatings are inspected every five years. (see photo right)

Stop logs being installed into Wadsworth Unit 12 forebay.

New corrugated elbow and discharge pipe installed with clamps at a San Diego Pipeline No. 4 blowoff structure.

Staff continued to focus on pipeline coating preventative maintenance. Recently completed coating work includes preventative maintenance on the San Diego Canal, the Colorado River Aqueduct (Diamond Valley Lake area), the Lakeview and Eastside Pipelines, Service Connection WR-24D, and graffiti removal at various locations. Staff also coated newly installed piping at the Auld Valley Pipeline bubbler. (see photo left)

Coating of newly installed piping at the Auld Valley pipeline bubbler.



CORE OPTIMIZE MAINTENANCE continued….

Staff recently completed a rebuild of the sump pump system at the DVL Wadsworth facility including two new 50HP pumps and new eight-inch diameter discharge piping. The sump pumps are used to manage drainage from floor drains, discharge from cooling water strainers, and other auxiliary equipment. The sump pumps can also be used to assist with the dewatering of the forebay. The pumps were replaced due to bearing wear and corrosion. (see photo right—a mechanic being lowered in the sump to weld the new pump)

Staff performed upgrade work on the new 69 kV protective relay panels for the Gene-Intake 69 kV power lines. The multifunction relays enhance the reliability of the station power bank at Intake by detecting unusual and unsafe operating conditions. Over 5,000 feet of wire has been installed in the new panels as part of the upgrade project. (see photo below)

Staff installing wire inside the protection panel.

Staff performed high-voltage maintenance and testing at the Perris Pumpback facility to ensure pump station reliability. The Perris Pumpback facility is located at the base of the Lake Perris Dam and is part of the overall Perris Pressure Control Structure. The pipelines supplying the pumpback provide the flexibility to pump water to the Mills plant through the Santa Ana Valley Pipeline. The system can be configured to pump State Water Project water from Lake Perris and Colorado River Aqueduct water from the Perris Pumpback facility to the Mills plant. The maintenance work included testing and servicing high-voltage breakers, transformers, station power and motors for the four pumps.



CORE OPTIMIZE MAINTENANCE continued….

Relays are critical devices that detect and shut down systems if an impending fault is detected in a high-voltage system. The devices are very fast acting and must be tested, calibrated, and adjusted to meet the performance requirement for the systems they protect. This month, staff prepared for relay calibration at the Skinner plant by downloading the current settings and updating the firmware to verify that these meet performance requirements.

The La Verne Shops manufactured eight stainless steel sheave block assemblies for the Lake Skinner facility. These sheave blocks are part of the trash rack lifting mechanisms for the Lake Skinner Bypass Pipelines that allow the trash racks to be lifted out of the water for cleaning and removal of algae buildup. The trash racks protect the mechanical rotating screens from being blocked by debris. (see photos below)

Existing trash racks at Lake Skinner with algae buildup

In support of the Palos Verdes Reservoir Relining Project, staff constructed an embankment dike and installed a discharge pipe in the existing detention basin to provide a location for the lining repair contractor to discharge nuisance water. The construction work also included installing 80 vertical drains that were three feet in diameter and up to 20-feet deep within the detention basin. (see photos below)

Stainless steel sheave block assemblies used to lift trash racks

Drilling operation for 80 vertical drains in the detention basin adjacent to Palos Verdes Reservoir (left) and staff backfilling drains with ¾” crushed rock (right).



CORE MANAGE THE POWER SYSTEM

During the month of October, Metropolitan continued its contract development efforts on Colorado River Aqueduct power issues with multiple parties. On October 3, revisions were made to a Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) draft of a new interconnection agreement for Metropolitan’s CRA transmission lines to WAPA’s Mead Substation near Las Vegas. WAPA is reviewing the revisions and it is expected that a final version of the agreement will be ready soon. On October 5, Metropolitan sent Southern California Edison a draft Interconnected Facilities Agreement (IFA) for the Edison equipment connected to Metropolitan’s CRA transmission system at the Camino Switching Station near Needles, CA. The Camino IFA is serving as a template for other IFAs that will be required for other locations on the CRA where Edison connects to Metropolitan’s transmission system. The connections are currently covered under existing agreements that will expire when the Service and Interchange agreement with Edison expires on September 30, 2017. On October 10 and 26, versions of an Operating Agreement between the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and Metropolitan were exchanged. This agreement will formalize the relationship between CAISO and Metropolitan regarding the CRA transmission system after the Service and Interchange Agreement expires.

Metropolitan staff attended a special update meeting for ShakeAlert beta-users at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. Metropolitan has been a ShakeAlert (a.k.a. earthquake early warning system) beta‑user for approximately two years, and continues to provide feedback to Caltech on the system. The day‑long conference included program updates from the United States Geological Survey and other ShakeAlert partners, as well as presentations from other organizations such as the Jet Propulsion Laboratories and Universal/NBC, who have implemented pilot programs utilizing earthquake early warning technology. Staff from the Department of Water Resources visited Metropolitan’s Emergency Operations Center in Eagle Rock to meet with Metropolitan’s Emergency Management staff. DWR wanted to learn how Metropolitan is structured to respond to emergencies and talk about how the two agencies could improve coordination during a major emergency. During the meeting, staff reviewed the size and scope of Metropolitan’s service area, emergency communications systems, and emergency response planning. This type of pre-event collaborative planning is a key component in enhancing Metropolitan’s emergency preparedness.

CORE IMPROVE SECURITY AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE

On October 5–6, Metropolitan staff joined representatives from the California Department of Water Resources and other State Water Contractors for the annual Municipal Water Quality Investigations meeting held in Sacramento. Participants discussed State Water Project water quality and operational issues—largely focused on the need for an early warning system based on increased algal activity in the SWP system. Staff presented Metropolitan’s algal monitoring and management program and visited the Sacramento Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant and a real-time water quality monitoring station in the Delta. On October 18–19, staff participated in workgroup meetings for the Topock Chromium-6 Groundwater Remediation Project in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Participants discussed Pacific Gas and Electric’s approach for updating the site’s groundwater model based on Metropolitan’s and other stakeholder comments, soil field investigations, and the subsequent environmental impact report due for release in January 2017. Construction of the project is expected to begin in late 2017.

CORE PROTECT SOURCE WATER QUALITY



CORE OPTIMIZE WATER TREATMENT AND DISTRIBUTION

Blend targets for the Weymouth, Diemer, and Skinner plants were zero percent State Water Project for October 2016. Flow-weighted running annual averages for total dissolved solids from August 2015 through July 2016 were 644, 642, and 641 mg/L for Weymouth, Diemer and Skinner plants, respectively. Construction continues on the basins at the Diemer plant. The $32 million project rehabilitates aging mechanical equipment together with electrical and structural components inside the four east flocculation/sedimentation basins. Construction is 45 percent complete and is scheduled to be complete by July 2017. Rehabilitation includes replacing the basin inlet gates, flocculator systems (shafts, bearings, paddles, baffle boards, sprockets, drive units, chains and gears), clarifier systems (clarifier rakes, turntable assemblies), launders and weirs, and the sludge pumping system. This month, plant staff placed one of the newly rehabilitated flocculation and sedimentation basins into service. The basin rehabilitation work is staged with one basin out of service at a time to allow continuous operation of the plant while meeting treated water delivery demands. (see photo below)

Diemer treatment plant basin with new equipment ready to be filled with water.

This month, Jensen staff tested and began processing treatment plant solid residuals with the newly refurbished sludge lagoons at the Los Angeles Aqueduct Filtration Plant. Under the existing $6 million reimbursable agreement, Metropolitan is responsible for design and refurbishment of the four lagoons, and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is responsible for construction and operation of a new groundwater control facility to eliminate the need for construction dewatering and ensure proper long-term lagoon operation. This project consists of refurbishment of four lagoons and this milestone completes the initial phase of a cooperative effort with LADWP to manage Jensen plant solid residuals, thus providing an increased reliability to treat a potentially wider range of water quality conditions from the State Water Project. (see photo right)

Sludge lagoon underdrain testing.




Ozone construction continues at the Weymouth plant. The overall $1.3 billion Water Quality/Oxidation Retrofit Program improvement adds ozonation facilities to the water treatment process, which reduces disinfection by‑products and improves water quality at Metropolitan’s five water treatment plants. Construction of the ozonation system at Weymouth plant is 98 percent complete and is scheduled to be fully complete by late 2016. Present work is focused on the installation of ozone generation, building mechanical and electrical items, completion and commissioning of sulfuric acid equipment, and building details. The ozonation system will commence startup testing in 2017.

Weymouth plant staff installing fabricated vent stacks for study.

A series of ozone process training courses are being provided to Weymouth plant staff in preparation of ozone commencing operation in 2017. Staff, including operators, mechanics, electricians, and instrumentation and control technicians, attended the first class on October 11. The training courses will demonstrate the operation and maintenance of ozone production systems. This training has been provided to staff prior to all previous plant ozone start-ups with great success. (see photo right)

Staff learning about the operation of the ozone process.

To optimize the hydraulics through the Weymouth plant ozone contactors, a study is being performed to determine the air flow through the vent stack. Lack of sufficient air venting can cause the flow of the water to be restricted by air trapped in high spaces of the structure. The air occupies space and restricts the amount of water that can pass. To initiate the study Weymouth plant staff fabricated and installed vent stacks with an orifice plate installed to measure the air flow that is pushed in and out of the stacks. Data are being collected to assist in the determination of the proper vent size needed for the permanent vent stack installations. (see photo right)




Staff completed improvements to the control and operation of the equipment removing residual solids accumulated during the water treatment process at Mills plant. The project involved installation of a water quality analyzer to measure water clarity. Having these data available enables the plant operators to adjust the speed of bridge rakes based on clarity reading, thereby improving the efficiency of solids removal during the treatment process. This improvement will reduce pumping/electrical costs and provide automated/remote control of bridge operations, thus improving staff efficiency.

Installation of control equipment for Weymouth plant ozone.

Weymouth staff have been working on upgrades to the disinfection process electrical control panel. The upgrades include the wiring, termination, labeling and testing of the panel for the control of eight valves to ensure process and electrical reliability. The control panel was installed in a room with limited wall space due to all of the piping. Staff developed an innovative way to install the panel with flexible conduit allowing the panel to be tilted out of the way in case the piping behind the panel must be accessed in the future, improving maintenance flexibility. (see photo right)

Staff performing electrical upgrades to disinfection process panel at the Weymouth plant.

New Programmable Logic Controller and Human Machine Interface systems were installed to optimize the operation and control of the Weymouth Ozone Cooling Water System. Staff installed these systems in early October and the testing of the equipment will be accomplished throughout October in preparation of the ozone contractor coming onsite for the startup of Weymouth plant ozone in 2017. (see photo right)



CORE ENSURE WATER QUALITY COMPLIANCE, WORKER SAFETY, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Metropolitan continuously assesses the performance of its treatment plants as part of the Partnership for Safe Water Program. The Program encourages water utilities to conduct in-depth analyses of its treatment plants to identify unit process that are fully optimized, as well as develop actions necessary to ensure continued improvement, to meet current and foreseeable water quality regulations and consumer satisfaction. This month, Jensen staff installed and are in the process of testing new turbidimeters located prior to the filtration process. This additional monitoring of the treatment process is required to qualify for the Excellence Award in 2017, which is the highest level of the Partnership’s award. As a result of staff’s past efforts to continuously improve, the Jensen treatment plant received the Partnership’s Phase III Directors Award in 1999 and Phase IV Presidents Award in 2012.

CORE SUPPORT EDUCATION AND OUTREACH INITIATIVES

Staff conducted two plant inspection trips during the month of October for approximately 60 participants at the Weymouth and Jensen plants. Trip participants included Board members, member agencies, local government officials, university science and engineering students and non-profit organization members who learned about water treatment processes, source water protection, and drought response initiatives. Staff assisted with three inspection trips of the Colorado River Aqueduct this month. A total of 120 participants visited key sites along the CRA and received information relating to agricultural water use, water conveyance and storage, power production, and coordination of resources related to Colorado River users.

On October 4, the State Water Resources Control Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW) held a public workshop at Metropolitan’s Headquarters on its draft report investigating the feasibility of developing water recycling criteria for direct potable reuse. The report recognizes the technical feasibility of developing direct potable reuse regulatory criteria while identifying several research and knowledge gaps that remain. Representatives from DDW, and the Expert Panel and Advisory Group assembled for this effort, presented their process in developing the draft report, and their findings and recommendations. Oral public comments were also received at the workshop. On October 25, Metropolitan submitted written comments on the draft report. DDW anticipates submitting the final report to the state Legislature by the end of 2016. Staff provided comments during the California State Water Resources Control Board’s workshop in Sacramento on the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program’s proposed regulatory changes to adopt a new certification standard for laboratory accreditation, including laboratory quality management systems.

CORE PREPARE FOR FUTURE LEGISLATION AND REGULATION


DIVERSITY

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.

700 No. Alameda Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 General No. 213-217-6000

General Manager: Jeffrey Kightlinger Office of the GM No. 213-217-6139 Email: [email protected]

www.MWDH2O.com www.BEWATERWISE.com

National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from September 15 to October 15 in the United States, when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the group's heritage and culture. Metropolitan’s Hispanic Employees Association organized a number of activities to celebrate. There were lunch time showings of Under the Moon and Pulling Strings. A salsa making contest was enjoyed by many. Filmmaker Roxanne Frias provided a film screening of Latino: The Changing Face of America. And special guest speaker Dr. Francisco Balderrama, co-author of the book Decade Of Betrayal: Mexican Repatriation In The 1930s came to Metropolitan for a lunchtime presentation. Metropolitan’s Hispanic Employees Association celebrated their 40th Anniversary this month.

Salsa Making Contest—Winners are shown below along with their tasty sampling.

Dr. Francisco Balderrama and attendees.

Documents

THE METROPOLITAN WATER DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN …