BOARD OF DIRECTORS Jim Haselton, President Matt Disston, Vice President Mike Safranski, Director Ed Mandich, Director Glenn Acosta, Director GENERAL MANAGER Don Chadd

ON TAP

Water Planning

Previous articles of ON TAP have discussed the importance of water conservation. Also articles have reviewed the source of the District’s water and the high level of training the “water operators” are required to have to be employed by the District and trusted with the responsibility of delivering safe, high quality water.

Water planning is serious business for water districts such as Trabuco Canyon Water District. Indeed, TCWD frequently meets with representatives of our neighboring Districts: El Toro Water District, Irvine Ranch Water District, Moulton Niguel Water District and Santa Margarita Water District to discuss issues concerning water supply and water reliability that affect each of our districts.

Water supply for a single district is not an issue that can be addressed in isolation. By design, adjacent water districts build “inter-connections” with their pipelines (also called “inter-ties”) which allow one district to flow water to another district during a time of need, such as a scheduled repair to a major pipeline or reservoir. This requires good communication and trust between districts, and Trabuco Canyon Water District is very fortunate to have this type of relationship with the adjacent districts.

Trabuco Canyon Water District is unique in that we own and operate our own water treatment facility. This facility is capable of treating and supplying the bulk of the water used during the year by District customers. During peak demand, on a very hot summer day, it can supply over half of the water demand of the District.

This brings us to the issue of water supply reliability. Our neighboring districts are currently considering the design and construction of a water treatment facility, similar to the one owned by Trabuco Canyon Water District. The location of this facility would be in Lake Forest (like TCWD’s) because of its proximity to existing large water supply lines owned by Metropolitan Water District (MET) and local districts. TCWD is participating in discussions with the other districts to determine the merit of purchasing treatment supply capacity in this proposed facility. This analysis is ongoing and will continue for much of the remainder of this year.

A key factor in assuring water supply reliability for Trabuco Canyon Water District (and with any water district or municipality that provides water service) is maintaining a diversified source of water with adequate storage. Water supply for districts, when everything is going right, isn’t a problem. It is not until water supply interruptions occur, either scheduled or unscheduled, that supply diversification, reserves or storage become important.

Currently, TCWD can receive 60% of the water it needs (at peak demand) through the Baker Pipeline (untreated water) which is delivered to our water treatment facility in Lake Forest. The District can also receive 40% of the water it needs (again at peak demand) through the South County and Antonio Pipeline Systems, delivered through capacity that TCWD owns in the Santa Margarita Water District water supply system. This water is treated at the Diemer Filtration Plant located in Yorba Linda. As a general rule, this water is more expensive than the water the District treats at the facility it owns.

During seasons that have been considered “rainy”, the District can use the two wells it owns. These wells usually produce water from early February and may provide water through spring. Without additional rainfall, less water is produced as the water is pumped and the underground aquifer “dries up.” Sometimes the wells can provide water for the entire District because the weather is cold and wet, and customer irrigation demand is low. The District is fortunate to have this local source of water. Water delivered at our “higher elevation” saves electricity because it does not need to be pumped to our service elevation. And, by the testimonials we receive, most people think our local well water tastes better. In fact, it is the source of water for our bottled water program.

The important thing to understand about all this information is that water planning is a fulltime occupation. Trabuco Canyon Water District is committed to supplying the best quality and most cost effective water possible to its customers.

Water Awareness Month at TCWD Open House

Mark you calendars for May 3rd. This is the day TCWD will have its annual Open House at its Administration Office. It will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00. Last year’s Open House was lots of fun and well attended. There were plenty of exhibits and complimentary food and drinks.

The Regular Board Meeting is held on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at the District Office located at 32003 Dove Canyon Drive, Trabuco Canyon. The public is encouraged to attend.

Board Highlights

• MARCH 19, 2008 – Adopted a Resolution Concurring in the Nomination to the Executive Committee of the ACWA/JPIA.
• Discussed the upcoming May 3, 2008 Open House and Water Awareness Day activities.
• Received information relating to financial assumptions and water/sewer and reclaimed and recycled water rates.
• Received a status update relating to the Rose Canyon and Lang Wells Upgrades to Treatment Facilities Project.
• Received a status update regarding the Rose Canyon Reservoir Rehabilitation Project.
• Received a status update relating to the Baker Regional Water Treatment Facility.
• Approved the Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration, 2008 Dove Lake Improvement Project and to notice a Public Hearing to receive public comments at the April 16, 2008 Regular Board Meeting.
• Conducted two Closed Sessions.