December Water Currents: Your Monthly SCV Water Update

DECEMBER 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

⇢ DWR Approves Delta Conveyance Project

⇢ Ways to Save Water in 2024!

⇢ Edward G. “Jerry” Gladbach Scholarship Now Available

⇢ Ratepayer Assistance Program Accepting Applications

⇢ Beware of Holiday Scams

⇢ Social Media Spotlight

⇢ Resources & Useful Links

As the year comes to a close, we want to extend warm holiday wishes to the Santa Clarita Valley community. We are grateful for your continued support and wish you all a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year!

Our offices will be closed on Monday, Dec. 25 and Monday, Jan. 1.

ICYMI: DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES APPROVES DELTA CONVEYANCE PROJECT

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) approved the Delta Conveyance Project, a modernization of the infrastructure system that delivers water to millions of Californians. DWR has certified the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) and completed an extensive environmental review. DWR selected the “Bethany Reservoir Alignment” for further engineering, design and permitting.

With the state expected to lose 10% of its water supply by 2040 due to hotter and drier conditions, the Delta Conveyance Project is a key part of the California’s Water Resiliency Portfolio and Governor Newsom’s Water Supply Strategy. The project will modernize the state’s water infrastructure to:

Capture and move more water during wet seasons to better endure dry seasons,
Minimize future losses from climate-driven weather extremes,
Protect against earthquakes disrupting water supplies,
Continue meeting regulatory water quality and fishery requirements, and add new operating rules for further fishery protections,
Include a Community Benefits Program to ensure local communities get the means and resources to achieve tangible and lasting benefits.

Now that the environmental review is complete and the project has been approved, DWR will take the next steps to pursue numerous state and federal permits or authorizations, including those required by the State Water Resources Control Board, the Delta Stewardship Council, and compliance with state and federal Endangered Species acts. DWR will also continue to develop a Community Benefits Program. The Delta Construction Authority will provide a new cost estimate and a benefit-cost analysis in mid-2024.

There are 17 public water agencies from the Bay Area, Central Valley, Central Coast, and Southern California participating in the project, including SCV Water. Their customers are among the 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland that rely on the SWP to provide an affordable source of high-quality, clean, and safe water.

CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

READ SCV WATER'S SUPPORTING PRESS RELEASE

WAYS TO SAVE WATER IN 2024!

Make a splash for a sustainable 2024! Our water-saving guide suggests fixing leaks promptly, upgrading to water-efficient appliances, mindful watering practices, collecting rainwater, shortening shower time, running full loads in appliances, reusing water creatively, and spreading awareness in the SCV. Small changes add up to significant water conservation!

LEARN MORE ABOUT WAYS TO SAVE WATER

THE ACWA EDWARD G. “JERRY” GLADBACH SCHOLARSHIP FOR 2024/25 IS NOW AVAILABLE

Established in honor of the late Edward G. “Jerry” Gladbach, a past ACWA president, SCV Water vice president, and longtime local, state, and national water leader, the 2024/25 Edward G. “Jerry” Gladbach Scholarship opportunity is now available on the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) website.

This annual ACWA Scholarship awards $2,500 to one qualified undergraduate student majoring in engineering, agricultural and/or urban water supply, environmental studies, public administration, or other water resource-related fields. Scholarship applications are now open through March 1, 2024.

CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION

APPLY TODAY FOR SCV WATER’S PILOT RATEPAYER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Need help paying your water bill? Apply for SCV Water’s Ratepayer Assistance Program (RAP). The RAP helps some low-income residential households stay current on their water bills.

Qualifying SCV Water residential customers can receive a $10 monthly credit towards their fixed service charge, for up to a 12-month period during the fiscal year (July-June).

Assistance will be given to qualifying customers from the priority group on a “first-come, first-served” basis, so long as funds are available. If additional funds are available after processing the priority group applications, the RAP will be opened to all eligible customers meeting the qualifying criteria.

Visit our website for program details, including:

Eligibility Criteria
Priority Group Information
List of Document Verification Types

Funds are limited. Customers must qualify. Applications are required.

CARE* Program participants are eligible!

CLICK TO LEARN MORE OR TO APPLY

*CARE is the California Alternate Rates for Energy program through Southern California Edison and Southern California Gas Companies

BEWARE HOLIDAY SCAMMERS

The holiday season is here, and scammers are getting crafty. We're here to ensure your celebrations go smoothly! Beware of suspicious calls, emails, or texts claiming to be from SCV Water. Stay vigilant, verify identities, and never share personal info. Have a joyful, scam-free holiday season!

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

This holiday season, give your nearest and dearest the gift of water savings!🎁💧 A rain barrel not only captures and conserves water, but it also shows love for our planet. Perfect for garden enthusiasts and eco-conscious friends alike.