Reports From North Tahoe Basin Special Districts
AUBURN, Calif. (September 24, 2018) – For its September 20 Board meeting, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors traveled to Northstar Community Services District (NCSD) for its annual east slope meeting. NCSD was joined by the North Tahoe Public Utility District (NTPUD), Squaw Valley Public Service District (SVPSD), the Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD), and Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD) to present individual reports to the PCWA Board.
High-Tech Water Meters
Eric Martin, District Engineer for NCSD, told the PCWA Board about the success of district's WaterSmart metering program. High-tech meters, sending real-time leak notifications, saved an estimated 1.2 million gallons of water in 2017, and 520,000 gallons so far in 2018. He also detailed a recent operational push to maximize surface water rights as a way to reduce well pumping and minimize costs.
The NTPUD was represented by Will Stelter, Engineering and Operations Manager, who reported that the district's efforts to reduce water use in its service area 20 percent by 2020, as required by state law. According to Stelter, the NTPUD is on pace to meet its target. Stelter also spoke about projects currently underway.
SVPSD General Manager, Mike Geary, made a presentation on proposed land development impacting SVPSD's service area. To improve long-term reliability, the district is currently evaluating options for a redundant water supply as demand is expected to increase more than twofold at buildout.
Tony Laliotis, Director of Utilities for TCPUD, reported on current water system acquisitions within TCPUD's service area. Sixteen fractured water systems serve about 7,600 homes and businesses in the area, and consolidation benefits the community by providing a more reliable water supply and reducing costs through shared resources, equipment, and expertise. Laliotis also highlighted two projects that recently received grant funding from PCWA: Madden Creek Interconnection and Timberland Water System Reconstruction.
Steve Poncelet, TDPUD's Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Director/Assistant General Manager, wrapped up the presentations with a discussion about the basin's collaboration on groundwater sustainability. TDPUD along with NCSD, PCWA, Nevada County, Placer County, and City of Truckee have submitted an "Alternative" plan to the state regulators in accordance with the 2014 Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SMGA). Under SGMA, basins that can demonstrate sustainable operation and yield for at least 10 years, can provide an "Alternative" plan rather than form a new Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
Next Meeting (Public Welcome)
PCWA board meetings are open to the public.
For information on PCWA board meetings, please contact the Clerk to the Board at (530) 823-4850 or (800) 464-0030.