Exhibit 2-A

 
MONTEREY PENINSULA WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT

8316585600 / FAX 8316449560 / www.mpwmd.dst.ca.us

 
5 Harris Court, Bldg G / PO Box 85 / Monterey, CA 93942-0085

 

 


IMPORTANT Information to All Water Users in the

Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD)

From the Board of Directors

 

On January 15, a Draft Cease & Desist Order (CDO) was issued against

California American Water (CAW) by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB)

 

 

What does the Draft CDO say?

Text Box:  ORDER 95-10 
requires CAW to:
S Reduce water taken from the Carmel River from its 1995 level of use by 15% in the 1996 water year, and conserve 20% thereafter; 
S Find an alternative water supply (e.g. desalination or recycled water) and make one-for-one reductions in unlawful diversions from the River
S Obtain “appropriative permits” for water diverted from the River.
S In the 12 years since being required to stop doing so under Order 95-10, CAW has continued to make unauthorized diversions of water from the Carmel River.

S Over pumping of the Carmel River continues to cause significant harm to wildlife, steelhead, other fish, and their habitat.

S CAW would need to reduce the amount of water it is currently allowed to take from the Carmel River by 15% starting October 1st 2008 (beginning of the water year).

S Further reductions equaling 50 percent would be required starting October 2014.

 

What could approval of the Draft CDO mean to us?

S The State could fine CAW $1,000 per day as well as other penalties,

which costs could in turn be passed on to CAW customers.

S Emergency plans could be put into effect, including

water rationing for households and businesses; a moratorium on new or expanded CAW water connections; and outdoor watering restrictions (e.g. on businesses, golf courses and parks).

 

What have we done to conserve/find other sources of water to date?

S CAW customers (households, businesses, golf courses, cities, etc. collectively) have reduced water use by 20% from pre-Order 95-10 levels every year since 1998.

S The Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project has been constructed, used successfully and is in the process of being expanded. This project draws water from the Carmel River when it is plentiful and stores it in the Seaside Groundwater basin for use when the river is dry.

S Facilitated construction of the Pebble Beach golf courses’ recycled water project; desalination project proposals currently being considered are: CAW Coastal Water, MPWMD, Pajaro Sunny Mesa, REPOG, Seawater Vessel; the potential for cloud seeding is being studied; greatly expanded water conservation rebate program; actively supporting MRWPCA’s proposed purified recycled water project.

S MPWMD proposed construction of a dam and a desalination project in the 1990’s but they were not approved by voters.

 

What are CAW and the MPWMD doing about the Draft CDO?

S CAW has filed a protest with the SWRCB due to concerns for health, safety and other reasons. This has triggered public hearings and consideration of a decision by the State which could approve, modify or reject the Draft CDO.

S MPWMD will be participating in the hearing and considering a position on the Order.

S Before the hearing, MPWMD will reactivate a Citizens Advisory Committee to study the Draft CDO, and conduct a special meeting to receive public opinion on the matter.

 

What can CAW customers and concerned citizens do?

S Attend the April 1 SWRCB public input meeting on the Draft CDO in Monterey and other public meetings.

S Voice your opinions to the SWRCB, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), your legislators, local elected officials, citizen’s groups, and neighbors by phone, fax or letter on the Draft CDO.

S If you have already been reducing, reusing and recycling water, keep up the good work!

S All water users—including businesses, hotels, golf courses, parks, industries, schools, institutions and households should do their fair share to stop water waste and water loss.

S Advocate sustainable ways that the District can improve water reduction/recycling/reuse or augment the current supply.

 

Where can you learn more?

S CAW, (831) 646-3208; www.calamwater.com and www.waterfacts.com

For issues affecting the Monterey Division, water conservation tips, and staff contact.

S CPUC, (415) 703-1584; www.cpuc.ca.gov/puc/

S SWRCB, (916) 341-5300; www.waterrights.ca.gov/Hearings/caw.html

For draft CDO, hearing dates and staff contact.

S MPWMD; (831) 658-5600; www.mpwmd.dst.ca.us

For water supply alternatives, water conservation ideas and complete text of Order 95-10.

 

 

 

March 10, 2008