August 2021 Newsletter
Message from WELL
On July 21, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 148 into law. This bill established the California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program under the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The program will distribute $1 billion to assist customers with past-due water and wastewater bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the SWRCB surveyed California water systems for outstanding customer debt in October 2020 and January 2021 and presented their data at its January 19, 2021, board meeting. To see the presentation, click here.
The SWRCB estimates that there is “$1 billion in household water debt across the state,” and that “at least 1.6 million households have water debt.” Unfortunately, it is likely that the water debt and the number of households affected by it have increased over the last seven months. Under the bill, the program only covers unpaid debt from March 4, 2020, to June 15, 2021.
Racial disparities are highlighted in the SWRCB presentation. For example, ZIP codes with higher percentages of Hispanic and Black residents have “a higher average level of debt and a higher percentage of households with very high levels of debt (above $600 and $1,000).” In January, the average outstanding water bill was $500. However, most households cannot cover a $400 emergency– this is why it is imperative to be informed so that you, as a water leader or official, are better equipped to assist your constituents. The program is currently winding up; as a result, there will be a lot of information and misinformation to sort through about what it can and cannot do for California water users.
This month, the Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency that is the largest wholesaler of water in the country, declared a water shortage for the Colorado River. This announcement will trigger water supply reductions starting in 2022, as Lake Mead sees historically low water levels. If conditions do not improve over time, Southern Californians could see reductions as well, including in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), which supplies water to 19 million people, some of which is imported from the Colorado River. This declaration by the Bureau of Reclamation prompted the MWD to ask its customers to continue water conservation efforts in order to lessen the impact on the Colorado River and its supply of water to California. This means that your constituents are facing another crisis, with some more impacted than others. It is in everyone’s best interest to share information and resources to help minimize the impact of the drought.
Inform yourself and make sure your voice is heard so that programs and public policy decisions will not be made for you but with you.
On July 21, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 148 into law. This bill established the California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program under the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). The program will distribute $1 billion to assist customers with past due water and wastewater bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the SWRCB surveyed California water systems for outstanding customer debt in October 2020 and January 2021 and presented their data at its January 19, 2021, board meeting. To see the presentation, click here.
The SWRCB estimates that there is “$1 billion in household water debt across the state,” and that “at least 1.6 million households have water debt.” Unfortunately, it is likely that the water debt and the number of households affected by it have increased over the last seven months. Under the bill, the program only covers unpaid debt from March 4, 2020, to June 15, 2021.
Racial disparities are highlighted in the SWRCB presentation. For example, ZIP codes with higher percentages of Hispanic and Black residents have “a higher average level of debt and a higher percentage of households with very high levels of debt (above $600 and $1,000).” In January, the average outstanding water bill was $500. However, most households cannot cover a $400 emergency– this is why it is imperative to be informed so that you, as a water leader or official, are better equipped to assist your constituents. The program is currently winding up; as a result, there will be a lot of information and misinformation to sort through about what it can and cannot do for California water users.
This month, the Bureau of Reclamation, a federal agency that is the largest wholesaler of water in the country, declared a water shortage for the Colorado River. This announcement will trigger water supply reductions starting in 2022, as Lake Mead sees historically low water levels. If conditions do not improve over time, Southern Californians could see reductions as well, including in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), which supplies water to 19 million people, some of which is imported from the Colorado River. This declaration by the Bureau of Reclamation prompted the MWD to ask its customers to continue water conservation efforts in order to lessen the impact on the Colorado River and its supply of water to California. This means that your constituents are facing another crisis, with some more impacted than others. It is in everyone’s best interest to share information and resources to help minimize the impact of the drought.
Inform yourself and make sure your voice is heard so that programs and public policy decisions will not be made for you but with you.
Sí Se Puede!
Victor Griego Paul C. Hernandez
Founder and Board President Executive Director
WELL Webinar New Date: October 13, 2021
The Future of Water Jobs: Training the Next Generation of Water Sector Practitioners
The date for the WELL water-sector jobs webinar has been changed to October 13, 2021. While the world remains focused on the ongoing pandemic and the challenges of reopening, WELL will highlight how water plays a pivotal role in California’s economic recovery. We believe investments in water infrastructure will help local governments get people back to work at pre-COVID levels and create a pathway for underrepresented individuals to enter the water industry. Additionally, according to the Brookings Institute, thousands of water workers across the country are of retirement age, leading to an imminent employment gap that water utilities must fill.
In the upcoming WELL Webinar, a panel of subject-matter experts will highlight workforce development initiatives, feature job training and apprenticeship programs, and discuss related funding to help assist women, people of color, and other underrepresented individuals seeking employment in good, high-paying jobs in the water sector. Ultimately, skills training in this field supports local economies and the sustainability of utilities in California and beyond. Join us on Thursday, October 13 from 12:00–1:00pm by registering here!
WELLo Spotlight
Jose M. Ornelas, a Councilmember for the City of San Joaquin and a WELL UnTapped Graduate of 2020, passed away in 2020 from COVID-19. Councilmember Ornelas was an advocate for his residents of the City of San Joaquin and a supporter of youth leadership. He was recently honored with a mural in his hometown. Click here to learn more about Councilmember Ornelas and the mural.
Marta Cruz, Mayor for the City of Cloverdale and WELL UnTapped Graduate of 2020, has asked her constituents to reduce their water use by 35%. On August 11, the Cloverdale City Council adopted a Stage 4 mandatory reduction in water use for all its businesses and residents. In addition, the city council has set a citywide target reduction of 35% from 2020 water use levels. Additionally, single-family homes are restricted to using 65 gallons of water per day. Mayor Cruz is leading during this unprecedented water crisis, and we are confident her city will meet the new requirements. Click here to read more about the City of Cloverdale’s challenge.
Eduardo Martinez, Council Member for the City of Richmond and WELL UnTapped Graduate of 2019, will be recognized by the Sierra Club, San Francisco Bay Chapter, during its 11th Annual Awards Ceremony. He will receive the Community Defender Award. The San Francisco Bay Chapter was established in 1924 and is one of the oldest in the Sierra Club, including San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, and San Mateo counties. Congratulations, Councilmember Martinez!
Gracie Torres, Vice President of the Board of Directors at the Western Municipal Water District and WELL UnTapped Graduate of 2019, was named a 2021 Unsung Hero by California Clean Air Day. Vice President Torres’ efforts were recognized as a result of her work with IEWorks, which assists in developing a diverse talent pipeline in the water/wastewater Industry. Click here to see the rest of the 2021 Unsung Heros. Kudos, Vice President Torres!
WELL Partner Highlights
On August 17, the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) Board of Directors approved and continued its long-standing partnership with our organization as a WELL Associate Member. WELL appreciates MWD’s recognition of the work we do. MWD serves nearly 19 million people, providing some of the water supply across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties.
The California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) Annual Conference hosted two important panels this month. One focused on Gender Diversity and Pay Equity in the Workforce and the other on Communication with Diverse Constituencies. WELL founder and Board President Victor Griego spoke on the communication panel and offered his insights. WELL encourages you to visit CASA’s event page for more information.
On August 6, WELL’s partner, Rick Callender, Chief Executive Officer for Valley Water, spoke at the California Data Collaborative’s (CaDC) 6th Annual Conference. The CaDC aims to capture an accurate dataset detailing water use by California residents, which it then utilizes to inform water policy and operational decision-making for water agencies and cities. In addition, Victor Griego, WELL founder and Board President, presented on the importance of storytelling, i.e., providing the reasons behind being involved in public service. WELL encourages you to 1) visit the CaDC home page to learn more about its work, and 2) view Rick Callender’s Valley Water presentation.
California Water News – August
Worried that you may have missed some important water news this month? WELL has you covered. Here is a sample of noteworthy water news for the month of August:
- The Sacramento Bee: Thousands of farmers face $10,000-a-day fines if they pull water from California rivers
- The Guardian: The California tourist town that’s running out of water: ‘It’s a shock’
- The Portville Reporter: Bill would help lost farmland be used for other purposes
- The San Diego Union-Tribune: Can California make do with the water it has?
- New York Times: 40 Million People Rely on the Colorado River. It’s Drying Up Fast
Follow WELL on Social Media!
Follow WELL on social media to get current California water news and updates about WELL programs and events:
Water Education for Latino Leaders
@LatinosForWater
Water Education for Latino Leaders
Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) educates local Latino elected officials on California water policies to promote timely and equitable actions that strive to develop a robust economy, healthy communities, and a resilient environment for all Californians. Visit our website: www.latinosforwater.org.
WELL Associate Members
Earlier this year, WELL established an Associate Member Program. This program enables organizations to gain access to Latino leaders who share similar interests, allowing members to strategize about the best ways to solve California’s water challenges. Our Associate Members’ participation is a key component to our mutual continued success. We thank our Associate Members, listed below, for their support. If you’d like to learn more about the Associate Member Program, please visit: latinosforwater.org/associatemembers.
