Legislative Update 
Governor Acts on Bills of Interest
The final outcome for the bills in the 2018 legislative session have now been determined. September 30 was the deadline for the Governor to sign or veto all the bills sent to him for consideration. Several bills CASA was involved with this year were acted on in the last month leading up to the final deadline.
 
We are pleased to report that Governor Brown signed our sponsored bill on microplastics, SB 1263 (Portantino). SB 1263 directs the California Ocean Protection Council to adopt and implement a statewide microplastics strategy by 2021. There are several important directives to be addressed in the proposed strategy including developing important scientific methodologies to measure and quantify sources of microplastic pollution, evaluating of source control options, and considering recommendations for additional research or policy changes that may be needed.
Senate Readies Final Debate and Vote on America's Water Infrastructure Act
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell intends to bring America's Water Infrastructure Act (S. 3021) to the Senate floor for debate and final vote within the next week. 

S. 3021 contains a number of provisions to address wastewater and water infrastructure financing needs through the SRF, WIFIA and a new loan program for state SRFs. Additional means to assist with infrastructure needs include grant programs to address climate resiliency, a WaterSense Program to promote effective treatment technologies and grants for disadvantaged communities. Once the Senate approves the measure, it will be sent to the president for signature. All indications suggest he will sign the bill.
Regulatory Update
CASA Comments on Compost Facilities White Paper
On September 24, CASA provided comments to the California Air Resources Board on a discussion white paper related to compost facilities. The discussion paper was jointly developed by the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, California Air Resources Board and CalRecycle. The paper addressed air quality permitting and regulatory issues to expand existing and site new compost facilities in California.
Member News
San Diego City Council Approves Innovative Recycled Drinking Water Project
The first phase of Pure Water San Diego is scheduled to begin construction in 2019. This is the city's phased, multi-year program that will provide one-third of San Diego's water supply locally by 2035. Pure Water will use proven purification technology to recycle wastewater into 30 million gallons a day of safe, high-quality drinking water.
News
Heal the Ocean Releases Study on Ocean Discharges
Last week, Heal the Ocean released a study entitled Inventory of Municipal Wastewater Discharges to California Coastal Waters . The study concludes that 417 billion gallons of treated municipal wastewater was discharged into the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay in 2015. It suggests that ocean discharges provide no environmental benefit and could instead be recycled to offset drinking water supplies.

CASA is still evaluating the study contents and considering whether a response is warranted. 

What Motivates Californians to use Less Water?
Katrina Jessoe, a UC Davis economist and member of the PPIC Water Policy Center’s Research Network, discusses a study and findings relating to California water conservation messaging during the summer of 2015. Specifically, Jessoe describes the communications strategy used by a municipally owned water and electric utility and the results of their efforts.

Read the full interview .
California Water Professionals Week October 6-14
California Water Professionals Appreciation Week is upon us! We encourage CASA member agencies to showcase the programs and events that educate California water customers, local elected leaders, state and federal legislators and other key audiences. Sharing your agency’s activities during the week highlights the value of water and wastewater services and the important role that water professionals play in providing these services. It is also an opportunity to showcase careers in the water industry. Please share information on your website and social media accounts.

For more information, visit ACWA’s Water Professionals Appreciation Week Toolkit .
In Memorium
Betsy Price
The CASA community mourns the passing of Betsy Price, the wife of CASA Past President Mayor Harry Price. Betsy was a frequent guest at CASA events and a great support to Harry. Our sincere condolences to the Price family. She will be missed.
Mark Your Calendar
2018 ACWA Regulatory Summit
ACWA's Regulatory Summit will take place on October 16 in Sacramento. The summit will focus on new and evolving water quality regulatory requirements in California.  The registration deadline is October 5. Learn more .

Tuesday, October 16
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Hilton Sacramento Arden West
National Clean Water Law Seminar and Enforcement Workshop
CASA has once again partnered with the National Clean Water Law Seminar on their annual workshop. The workshop brings together clean water attorneys, legal professionals and utility leaders to address the critical legal and regulatory issues that impact the clean water sector. The workshop takes place November 14-16 in San Diego. Learn more .
Nov. 14 - 16
Jan. 23 - 25, 2019