SWEETWATER AUTHORITY Strategic Plan 2012

Sweetwater Authority

STRATEGIC PLAN Reverse osmosis trains at the Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility SWEETWATER AUTHORITY strategic plan 2012

Governing Board Ron Morrison, Chair Margaret Cook Welsh, Vice Chair W.D. “Bud” Pocklington Jose Preciado Maria Rubalcaba Teresa “Terry” Thomas Jess Van Deventer

Management James L. Smyth, General Manager Jennifer H. Sabine, Assistant General Manager

Department Heads Scott McClelland, Director of Water Quality Ron Mosher, Director of Engineering Bill Olson, Director of Distribution George Silva, Director of Information Systems Rich Stevenson, Director of Finance Dina Yorba, Director of Administrative Services

PREPARED BY

Moore Iacofano Goltsman, Inc. “Among the Stones”

Photo by Frances Aquino Hilltop High School

Second Place Winner 2012 High School Photo Contest SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 table of contents

I INTRODUCTION 1

II STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS 9

III STRATEGIC ISSUES 11

IV STRATEGIC PLAN FRAMEWORK 15

V GOALS AND OBJECTIVES 21 GOAL #1 Water Quality 22 GOAL #2 System Reliability 25 GOAL #3 Financial Viability 28 GOAL #4 Customer Service 30 GOAL #5 Staff Development 31 GOAL #6 Administrative Effectiveness 33

VI PLAN IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND REPORTING 37

APPENDICES AVAILABLE UNDER SEPARATE COVER THE SWEETWATER RIVER DELIVERS

WATER VIA THE 230-SQUARE MILE

WATERSHED STRETCHING FROM THE

CLEVELAND NATIONAL FOREST IN THE

EAST TO THE SAN DIEGO BAY.

Release of water from Loveland into Sweetwater Reservoir I. introduction

OVERVIEW OF SWEETWATER history. In May 1869, the Kimball Brothers AUTHORITY Water Company began service to 35 local Sweetwater Authority (Authority) provides residents with water drawn from wells and the safe, reliable water service to approximately Sweetwater River, followed by construction 184,000 people across a 32-square mile area of the Sweetwater Dam and Reservoir in in the South Bay region of San Diego County, 1888. Signifi cant population growth and California. The Authority’s customers are urban development over the decades led to located in the unincorporated community expansion of the system. Yet, as a privately- of Bonita, the City of National City, and held entity, infrastructure maintenance and the western portions of the City of Chula replacement favored maximizing profi ts rather Vista. This includes residential, business, than supporting the long-term integrity of the government, industrial and agricultural water system. users, in an area covering more than 20,480 acres. Formed as a public agency in 1972, the Authority operated as a fi nancing vehicle to The Authority is a special district, joint powers water agency, with policies and procedures established by a seven-member Governing Board of Directors. Five directors are elected by the citizens of the South Bay Irrigation District (SBID) and two directors are appointed by the Mayor of National City, subject to City Council confi rmation.

A Brief History

The elements of the Authority’s water sources The Authority’s service area includes the community of Bonita, and delivery system are rooted in a long the City of National City, and portions of the City of Chula Vista.

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 1 I. introduction

Construction of Sweetwater Dam occured from 1886-1888. enable public acquisition of the water system water pressure, and developed new and from the California American Water Company. unique local water supplies and supporting In 1977, the Authority began operating the facilities. The Authority and its customers water utility with 56 employees and a new reap the benefi ts of local supply, with local focus on maintaining and strengthening water sources contributing 24 to 100 percent the integrity of the water treatment and of the Authority’s annual water demands. distribution system, including hundreds of Local surface water supply is highly variable miles of original (1888) pipe. At that time, a depending on the amount of runoff from public vote approved authorization of bonds, precipitation. Today, with a contingent of 135 the SBID purchased the system, and the employees, the Authority is empowered to Authority began operating the water utility acquire, own, operate, manage, maintain and with a commitment to retire the SBID debt improve its pioneering water system. and assume ownership. In 1990, the Authority Service Area Profi le fi nanced and assumed ownership of the SBID The Authority’s service area enjoys water system by issuing revenue bonds. mild temperatures year-round with a Since taking over operations in 1977, the characteristically semi-arid Mediterranean Authority reduced water main leaks from over climate along the coast. The majority of the 200 per year to less than 10 per year, improved service area is within two miles of the San

2 | SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 I. introduction

Illustration of the 230-square mile Sweetwater River Watershed

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 3 I. introduction

Diego Bay, including the City of National City newly developed. Overall, while this growth and the western and central portions of the will increase water demands, higher effi ciency City of Chula Vista. The Bonita area and the buildings and water-delivery elements Authority’s two reservoirs are located farther (e.g., low-fl ow fi xtures and landscaping) are inland, and experience slightly hotter summers projected to reduce per capita water usage, and colder winters. More than 80 percent of in an effort to minimize the impact of future the region’s rainfall occurs from December demands. through March, with an average annual rainfall Water Supply Sources of 11.3 inches at the Sweetwater Reservoir. The Authority’s diversity of water supply The Authority’s customer base of sources and proportion of local resources approximately 184,000 residents include provides it with a greater degree of local residential, business, government, industrial, control for an agency of its size in Southern and agricultural water users across urban, California. A range of sources contribute to suburban, and rural areas. While conservation the local supply of water. efforts in recent decades have reduced Sweetwater River water demand, the service area population The Sweetwater River delivers the majority of is projected to grow by 25 percent by 2035. the Authority’s water, when local supplies are Much of this growth is planned to occur in available, via the 230-square mile watershed redeveloped urban core areas of Chula Vista stretching from the Cleveland National Forest and National City, converting predominantly in the east to the San Diego Bay. commercial and retail uses to mixed-use and residential uses. Additionally, the vacant Sweetwater Reservoir Chula Vista Bayfront is planned to become Located in Spring Valley, Sweetwater Reservoir has a capacity of 28,079 acre feet. At the time of its completion in 1888, Sweetwater Dam was the country’s largest masonry arch dam. In recent decades, frequent safety inspections and modern upgrades have strengthened the dam’s integrity and lifespan well into the near future, contributing to its designation as a historical monument in 2006 by the American Society of Civil Engineers. While the reservoir

Loveland Reservoir and Dam area offers riding and hiking trails, and

4 | SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 I. introduction

Robert A. Perdue Treatment Plant at the Sweetwater Reservoir shoreline fi shing to the public, critical animal is the National City Wells consisting of and plant species are also preserved through a three wells that have produced an annual habitat management program. average of 1,810 acre-feet since 1954. The second location is the Richard A. Reynolds Loveland Reservoir Groundwater Desalination Facility (Reynolds Loveland Reservoir, near Alpine, has a capacity Facility) consisting of six wells that have of 25,400 acre feet. Its dam, completed in produced an annual average of nearly 2,900 1945, is 203 feet high and 765 feet wide. acre-feet since 1999, with the most recent Loveland Reservoir serves as a holding area for fi scal year production being nearly 3,500 water which is released into the Sweetwater acre-feet. The Authority can pump and treat a Reservoir. Additionally, public fi shing access combined total of nearly six million gallons of is provided at the reservoir through a unique drinking water per day from this groundwater partnership and land swap with the U.S. aquifer. Forest Service. Combined, the Authority’s two reservoirs (when full) can store 17 billion Imported Water gallons of water, enough to supply the Thirty-four percent of the Authority’s water has Authority’s customers for about 24 months. been purchased from the San Diego County Water Authority (CWA) via the Metropolitan Groundwater Water District of Southern California (MWD) Groundwater is pumped from the San for the 2011 fi scal year. Imported water is Diego Formation at two locations. One transported by massive aqueduct systems

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 5 I. introduction

Sweetwater Dam from the Colorado River, 242 miles away, or Valley, the Robert A. Perdue Treatment Plant the State Water Project, which carries water (Perdue Plant) can process 30 million gallons about 700 miles from the Sierra-Nevada of water each day. The four-step cleaning Mountains through the Sacramento-San process purifi es water from the reservoir or Joaquin Bay Delta. The amount of imported from the untreated CWA aqueduct to meet water varies due to local rainfall, with higher state and federal requirements for potable than average amount resulting in no imported water. The Perdue Plant includes four fi lters, water needed. Comparatively, under normal chemical storage and feed equipment, conditions, most of the rest of San Diego pretreatment facilities, and a 10 million-gallon County receives about 90 percent of its water reservoir that serves as clearwell storage and from imported sources. the point of delivery into the Authority’s 388 miles of pipelines. Facilities In addition to owning the Sweetwater and Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Loveland Reservoirs, the Authority owns and Desalination Facility operates facilities and infrastructure that Completed in 1999, the Reynolds Facility support the water pumping, treatment and treats “brackish”, or saline, groundwater, delivery processes. producing up to fi ve million gallons of drinking water per day from the San Diego Formation. Robert A. Perdue Water Treatment Plant This facility uses reverse osmosis technology Located at the Sweetwater Reservoir in Spring to remove dissolved salts and microscopic

6 | SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 I. introduction

particles, coupled with additional treatments • Pipeline: 388 miles with sizes ranging to remove iron and manganese and ensure from 2-inch to 48-inch in diameter disinfection. • Service connections: 32,567

Urban Runoff Diversion System • Valves: 8,447

Located adjacent to the Sweetwater Reservoir, • Public fi re hydrants: 2,511 the Urban Runoff Diversion System (URDS) Future Projects captures fi rst fl ush storm fl ows and low fl ow To ensure a reliable water supply for the runoff before the water enters the reservoir. future, including sustaining the current Depending upon the quality of the runoff infrastructure, the Authority has developed a water, the system will route the water into the number of planning documents that provide reservoir for treatment at the Perdue Plant, a guide to describing proposed projects. The or around Sweetwater Dam and into the major projects are as follows: Sweetwater River. This system provides the Authority with a high level of control of the • Expand Reynolds Facility reservoir’s water quality, facilitating a more • Replace seven miles of 24- to 36-inch consistent, predictable, and cost-effective steel pipelines treatment process. In an average year, the • Replace 29 miles of 6- to 16-inch steel system removes 535 tons of salts that would pipelines have otherwise been sent to Sweetwater • Construct fi ve new water storage tanks Reservoir and recharges 98 million gallons of water to the lower river basin. • Replace existing 10 million gallon Perdue Plant Clearwell Storage and Distribution • Assure Sweetwater Dam can safely pass The Authority manages and maintains an the probable maximum fl ood extensive storage and distribution system, including the following components: • Replace existing stairway at Loveland Dam • Storage tanks: 20 tanks accomodate 43.5 • Restore the Sweetwater Reservoir million gallons of treated water, including Habitat Management area a major buried reservoir with a capacity of 18 million gallons • Replace the Finance and Customer Service software system • Pumping stations: 23 pumping stations with a total capacity of 36,000 gallons per minute

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 7 OVER 120 SWEETWATER AUTHORITY

EMPLOYEES PARTICIPATED IN THE

PLANNING PROCESS. II. strategic planning process

In developing the Strategic Plan—the ﬁ rst representatives of community organizations of its kind for the Authority—the Governing and agencies from the public and private Board asked the Management Team to sectors to identify future issues and engage staff, institutional partners, and opportunities related to water supply, water community members in an effort to develop quality, reliability, and cost. Representatives a broad perspective about the Authority’s of the City of National City, the City of current status, issues, and opportunities for Chula Vista, Department of Public Health, the future. Activities during the eight month school districts, health care industry, process included the following: businesses, and homeowner associations were among the groups contacted. • Governing Board: Each Board member provided direction for Strategic Plan • Community Survey: A brief survey offered development including their desired ratepayers the opportunity to comment on outcomes, major issues to be addressed, the Authority’s future goals and to conﬁ rm and planning priorities. In addition, Board major issues and priorities. members participated in a series of work • Employee Engagement Meetings and sessions to provide ongoing feedback and Draft Plan Review: Over 120 employees direction on Strategic Plan elements. of the Authority participated in one or

• Management Team Strategy Sessions: more meetings to review and comment on The General Manager, Assistant General elements of the Strategic Plan Framework Manager, and six department heads and to assist in development of planning convened over six strategy sessions to goals and objectives. In addition, develop the Strategic Plan. employees were given the opportunity to review and comment on the Administrative • Community Interviews: The Authority Draft version of the Strategic Plan. conducted one-on-one interviews with

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 9 PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS AND DEMANDS

FOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY WILL

LEAD TO EVERMORE STRINGENT

STANDARDS FOR WATER QUALITY AND

SYSTEM RELIABILITY, ESPECIALLY IN

TIMES OF EMERGENCY.

Sweetwater Authority chemist conducting water testing III. strategic issues

The Authority strategic planning participants ENSURING LONG-TERM FINANCIAL HEALTH identifi ed the major issues and challenges The Authority has an obligation to apply best which must be addressed in light of current practices in fi nancial management to keep and projected future environmental and costs of operation as low as possible. The economic conditions. Authority must plan ahead to ensure that it ENSURING LONG TERM WATER has suffi cient capital and operating revenues SUPPLY to cover all anticipated future costs. Water supply and reliability continue to be the Authority’s top concerns. Competition among UPGRADING INFRASTRUCTURE water users and uncertainties related to A quality, well-maintained infrastructure leads future climatic conditions and environmental directly to a high level of system reliability. constraints will necessitate a continued focus The Authority must continue to make planned on this issue.

MAINTAINING AFFORDABLE WATER RATES FOR ALL CUSTOMERS Residential and business customers alike demand that the Authority delivers water in a highly efﬁ cient and cost effective manner. All customers want to know that the rates they are being charged are fair and reasonable in light of prevailing market conditions.

Dissolved air ﬂ oatation tanks

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 11 III. strategic issues

upgrades to its existing infrastructure to avoid programs must be tailored for each of the obsolescence and prevent catastrophic system Authority’s major customer groups. failure. EVOLVING WORKFORCE INCREASING REGULATORY The Authority continues to focus on the COMPLEXITY development of sound training programs that Environmental regulations to improve water meet regulatory requirements and assist in quality will continue to be a top priority developing leadership skills that provide value throughout our state and nation. Public to employees and the organization. Current expectations and demands for environmental staffi ng levels and structures will change in the quality will lead to evermore stringent near future with the retirement of many long- standards for water quality and system term employees. The Authority is challenged reliability, especially in times of emergency. with facilitating knowledge transfer from retirees to new employees, evolving cultural COMMUNICATING WITH AND ENGAGING OUR CUSTOMERS expectations for workplace fl exibility and The Authority’s customer base is very diverse quality, and maintaining innovation while with respect to user types, income levels, maximizing effectiveness and effi ciency. service needs and expectations. Gaining a INVESTING IN NEW SYSTEMS AND clear understanding of ratepayers’ needs PROCESSES and expectations requires a thoughtful and The continuing development of new systematic approach to collecting customer technologies and systems offers opportunities feedback. Public outreach and educational to improve the Authority’s effi ciency and effectiveness. Yet the Authority must be strategic with such investments, ensuring a positive return on investment that improves overall cost-effectiveness and service delivery.

Sweetwater Authority community booth

12 | SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 III. strategic issues

Sweetwater Authority operations and maintenance workers

ACHIEVING FAST RECOVERY FROM BUILDING AND MAINTAINING EMERGENCIES AND CATASTROPHIC PUBLIC CONFIDENCE EVENTS Policy and decision-making for the Governing During a catastrophic event, water service is Board involves complex issues and trade- a priority need to address health and safety offs. As a public agency, the Authority must issues. Like other critical public services, use all feasible means to document and the Authority must maintain a high level of communicate its decision-making process preparedness and vigilance across a range to ensure maximum transparency and public of emergency scenarios including ﬁ re, accountability. earthquake, and power outage.

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 13 THE FIRST OF ITS KIND FOR THE

AUTHORITY, THE STRATEGIC PLAN

PROVIDES THE OVER-ARCHING

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR THE

AUTHORITY IN TRACKING AND

ADVANCING POLICIES, PLANS, AND

PROGRAMS.

“The Stones of Life”

Photo by Donald Denning Palomar High School

Honorable Mention 2012 High School Photo Contest IV. strategic plan framework

OVERVIEW Mission Statement The Strategic Plan provides decision-making The Mission describes the Authority’s guidance for the Authority. It provides the fundamental purpose, reason for existence, over-arching organizational structure for the and primary roles and functions. Authority in tracking and advancing policies, The mission of Sweetwater Authority is to plans, and programs, to refl ect a disciplined provide its current and future customers effort in making fundamental decisions for a with a safe, reliable and affordable water rational course of action. supply through the use of the best available The fi rst of its kind for the Authority, the technology, sound management practices, Strategic Plan identifi es its mission statement, public participation and a balanced approach vision statement, values, guiding principles, to human and environmental needs. goals, objectives, and performance measures. Vision Statement Together, these elements are needed for The Vision statement describes the Authority’s continued success in Authority operations desired future condition. and management of its resources and assets. The Strategic Plan Framework diagram at the Sweetwater Authority is a premier water end of this chapter illustrates the relationship agency. We partner with the public and private among the Strategic Plan elements. sectors to maximize value for our rate payers. Our innovative water system infrastructure is functional, practical, and cost-effective. We provide a reliable and sustainable source of water. We consistently deliver industry-leading service to our customers.

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 15 IV. strategic plan framework

Values • Be accountable to our customers for our Values are shared beliefs that reﬂ ect what the actions Authority considers signiﬁ cant or important. Goals and Objectives • Stewardship: We produce quality water and Goals are statements of long-term direction care for natural and social environments and intent, each of which includes objectives

• Respect: We conduct our work with respect that are speciﬁ c results describing an end for our customers, our partners, the product and completion date. The Authority’s environment, and each other strategic planning focuses on six goal areas that provide direction for achieving the Vision • Excellence: We strive to meet or exceed and Mission. Objectives and detailed actions the highest professional standards in all that are identiﬁ ed for each goal area. we do

• Teamwork: We work together and with • Water Quality: Provide high quality water community partners to provide the best that meets regulatory requirements possible service to our customers • System Reliability: Achieve an

• Integrity: We are ethical in everything we uninterrupted, long-term water supply do through investment, maintenance, and environmental stewardship • Honesty: Our activities and decisions are transparent • Financial Viability: Ensure the long-term fi nancial viability of the agency Guiding Principles • Customer Service: Provide high-quality Guiding Principles are the rules of conduct customer service that guide day-to-day operations and decision-making. • Staff Development: Develop a highly- skilled, adaptable workforce and a safe, • Put the customer fi rst properly-equipped, and effective work • Be fl exible, responding proactively to environment

challenges and opportunities • Administrative Effectiveness: Provide • Design cost-effective solutions efﬁ cient and effective administrative

• Operate with openness and authenticity systems and procedures in accordance with best management practices • Be ﬁ scally responsible in decisions

16 | SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 IV. strategic plan framework

Performance Measures • System up time

Performance Measures are the basis for • Adequate pressure under fi refl ow assessing progress toward achieving the conditions Authority’s goals. While the Authority In addition to normal conditions, the Authority measures performance at a detailed level applies these measures to unforeseen within each of its departments and for each circumstances beyond its control and employee, the following measures provide emergency conditions, when possible. an over-arching perspective related to the Authority’s mission. Financial Viability: Ensure long-term fi nancial viability of the agency Water Quality: Provide high quality water that meets regulatory requirements Sound fi nancial management is a high priority for the Governing Board. The Authority Water quality measures are linked to federal, ensures near- and long-term fi nancial health state, and other water quality standards and for informed and prudent decision-making, include: operational effectiveness and effi ciency, and • Regulatory compliance for turbidity and key performance measures by maintaining: disinfection • Fiscal solvency (balanced budget) • Color, taste, odor • Reserve funds • Public notifi cations • Bond rating The Authority strives to meet regulatory • Nonrevenue water loss standards in a cost-effective and effi cient manner.

System Reliability: Achieve an uninterrupted, long-term water supply through investment, maintenance and environmental stewardship

The following measures focus on maintaining a constant ﬂ ow of water to the Authority’s ratepayers:

• Infrastructure integrity (leaks)

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 17 IV. strategic plan framework

Customer Service: Provide high-quality The Strategic Plan provides the Authority’s customer service. overall guidance in implementing its mission and achieving its vision, which are the Serving customers with a wide range of service overarching measures of the Authority’s needs and expectations requires the Authority effectiveness. to solicit customer feedback through many methods. Developing expanded customer Performance Monitoring and Reporting feedback measures and methods will ensure The performance measures described above the Authority responds to customers. provide a framework for the Authority to • Customer feedback monitor and report on its performance. Performance monitoring will take place in the Staff Development: Develop a highly-skilled, form of: adaptable workforce and a safe, properly- • Quarterly Management Reports: Progress equipped, and effective work environment. on the performance measures and results Staff development efforts must expand the achieved will be documented and reported Authority’s overall skill base, leadership in quarterly reports prepared by the capacity, and safety, meeting or exceeding Authority’s management team. state and federal regulatory standards as • Annual Budget: Beginning with the Fiscal measured by: Year 2013-14 Annual Budget document, • Certifi cations progress made on each performance measure will be documented and • Accident/injury rate presented. Analysis of the results achieved will be used to defi ne future targeted Administrative Effectiveness: Provide objectives for each of the goal areas in the effi cient and effective administrative systems Strategic Plan. and procedures in accordance with best management practices.

Key performance measures of administrative effectiveness include:

• Strategic Plan implementation

18 | SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 IV. strategic plan framework

Strategic Plan Framework

The mission of Sweetwater Authority is to provide its current and future customers with a safe, reliable and affordable water supply through the use of the best available technology, sound management practices, public participation and a balanced approach to human and environmental needs.

Sweetwater Authority is a premiere water agency. We partner with the public and private sectors to maximize value for our rate payers. Our innovative water system infrastructure is functional, practical, and cost-effective. We provide a reliable and sustainable source of water. We consistently deliver industry-leading service to our customers.

Stewardship Respect Excellence Teamwork Integrity Honesty Values Vision Mission

Be fl exible, Be accountable Put the responding Design Operate with Be fi scally to our customer proactively to cost-effective openness and responsible customers fi rst. challenges and solutions. authenticity. in decisions. Principles opportunities. for our actions.

Water System Financial Customer Staff Administrative Quality Reliability Viability Service Development Effectiveness

See pages See pages See pages See page See pages See pages 22-24 25-28 28-29 30 31-32 33-34 Objectives Goals Guiding

Regulatory Infrastructure Fiscal solvency Customer Certiﬁ cations Strategic compliance for integrity (balanced feedback Accident/injury Plan turbidity and System up time budget) rate implementation disinfection Adequate Reserve funds Color, taste, pressure under Bond rating

Measures odor ﬁ re-ﬂ ow

Performance Nonrevenue Public conditions water loss notiﬁ cations

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 19 “The Color of Water”

Photo by Michelle McClelland Bonita Vista High School

Honorable Mention 2012 High School Photo Contest V. goals and objectives

The following section describes each of the six goal areas and their related objectives. Detailed Work Plans, found in Appendix A, provide the speciﬁ c activities required to implement the goals and objectives.

The goals are: GOAL #1 Water Quality Provide high quality water that meets regulatory requirements.

GOAL #2 System Reliability Achieve an uninterrupted, long-term water supply through investment, maintenance and environmental stewardship.

GOAL #3 Financial Viability Ensure long-term ﬁ nancial viability of the agency.

GOAL #4 Customer Service Provide high-quality customer service.

GOAL #5 Staff Development Develop a highly-skilled, adaptable workforce and a safe, properly-equipped, and effective work environment.

GOAL #6 Administrative Effectiveness Provide efﬁ cient and effective administrative systems and procedures in accordance with best management practices.

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 21 V. goals and objectives

GOAL #1 Water Quality (WQ) Provide high quality water that meets regulatory requirements.

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

WQ1: Minimize taste and EPA National IS Water Quality Ongoing; Expense odor events to less than Primary Reported Budget two customer complaints Drinking Annually per year per 1,000 acre- Water feet of water sold (this Regulation equates to 40 taste and Secondary odor complaints based Standard, on 19,416 acre-feet of AWWA water sold)

WQ2: Achieve a AWWA IS Water Quality Ongoing; Expense combined ﬁ lter efﬂ uent Partnership Reported Budget turbidity goal of less for Safe Monthly than 0.1 NTU 99 percent Drinking of the time Water

WQ3: Achieve a clearwell AWWA IS Water Quality Ongoing; Expense efﬂ uent chlorine residual Partnership Reported Budget of between 2.0 and 3.5 for Safe Monthly mg/L. Drinking Water

WQ4: Remove sediment AWWA IS Distribution 2014-2017 Expense and bio ﬁ lm build-up Partnership Budget through unidirectional for Safe ﬂ ushing of distribution Drinking pipe lines (a 3-year Water process) at 6-10 year intervals

WQ5: Apply the MR Water QualityOngoing; Expense management plan Reported Budget recommendations of Annually standards for permitting adaptive, long- term management of Authority lands and operations as deﬁ ned in the Habitat Management Plan

22 | SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 V. goals and objectives

GOAL #1 Water Quality (WQ) - CONTINUED

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

WQ6: Restore the CDFG and IS Water Quality 2017 Capital east end habitat at USFWS Upper Budget Sweetwater Reservoir Sweetwater upon receipt of grant Reservoir funding as deﬁ ned in the Habitat Habitat Recovery Project Management Permits

WQ7: Study alternatives RWQCB, MR Water Quality 2013 Expense to relocating the NPDES Permit Budget brine pipeline and for waste discharge point from the discharge Reynolds Groundwater for RAR Desalination Facility and Desalination redirecting resources to Facility monitoring and habitat enhancement

WQ8: Obtain permit RWQCB, MR Water Quality 2015 Expense renewal from Regional NPDES Permit Budget Board for Reynolds for waste Desalination discharge. discharge for RAR Desalination Facility

WQ9: Maintain and SCADA IS Water Quality Ongoing; Expense improve the Supervisory Master Plan Reported Budget Control and Data Annually Acquisition (SCADA) system for all treatment and distribution facilities as deﬁ ned in the SCADA Master Plan

continues on next page

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 23 V. goals and objectives

GOAL #1 Water Quality (WQ) - CONTINUED Provide high quality water that meets regulatory requirements.

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

WQ10: Track Watershed MR Water Quality August Expense development and Sanitary 2017 Budget manage watershed Survey activities for the beneﬁ cial use of the Authority and protect the environment for future beneﬁ t of species and Authority operations

WQ11: Provide a Perdue WTP IS Water Quality 2015, or Expense documented layout and Master Plan as funds Budget potential project costs become for a variety of future available, improvements at the or Perdue Plant as deﬁ ned regulations in the Perdue Plant require Master Plan

24 | SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 V. goals and objectives

GOAL #2 System Reliability (SR) Achieve an uninterrupted, long-term water supply through investment, maintenance and environmental stewardship.

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

SR1: Replace the top 60 2010 Water IS Engineering June 2020 Capital critical existing metallic Distribution Budget mains with new pipelines System to minimize the potential Master Plan for leaks and failures as deﬁ ned in the Metallic Main Replacement Program

SR2: Install new pipelines 2010 Water IS Engineering Top 3 Improvements to upgrade capacity Distribution pipelines needed and reliability of the System by June for growth distribution network Master Plan 2013; full funded by for adequate pressure installation developers. throughout the system by June Other with appropriate 2035 improvements redundancy funded by Capital Budget.

SR3: Minimize corrosion 2010 Water IS Engineering Ongoing Expense and replacement of Distribution and Capital ﬁ nished water storage System Budgets tanks through routine Master Plan inspections and corrective actions

SR4: Increase fi nished 2010 Water IS Engineering June 2035 Capital water storage capacity Distribution Budget in defi cient zones as System defi ned in the 2010 Master Plan Water Distribution System Master Plan

SR5: Provide additional 2010 Water IS Engineering June 2035 Capital pumping capacity for Distribution Budget Hydropneumatic Zones System to ensure adequate Master Plan pumping capacity at each pump station

continues on next page

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 25 V. goals and objectives

GOAL #2 System Reliability (SR) - CONTINUED Achieve an uninterrupted, long-term water supply through investment, maintenance and environmental stewardship.

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

SR6: Assess the AC Pipe IS Engineering June 2035 Capital condition of asbestos Replacement Budget cement (AC) pipe and Program conduct appropriate replacements to prevent failures and maximize service life throughout the distribution network

SR7: Operate all AWWA M44 IS Distribution Ongoing Expense distribution valves over Distribution and Capital a three-year cycle, and Valves: Budgets all transmission valves Selection, 14-inches and larger installation, once a year, replacing ﬁ eld valves that meet testing and established replacement maintenance criteria outlined in the Valve Maintenance and Replacement Program

SR8: Operate all fi re AWWA M17 IS Distribution Ongoing Expense hydrants over a three- Installation, Budget year cycle and replace fi eld fi re hydrants that meet testing and established replacement maintenance criteria as part of the Fire of fi re Hydrant Maintenance hydrants and Replacement Program

SR9: Maintain Vehicle and IS Distribution Ongoing Capital and replace ﬂ eet Equipment Budget vehicles according to manufacture’s manufacturers’ standards service and replacement standards. criteria as deﬁ ned in 1997 Board the Fleet Maintenance/ approved Replacement Program Vehicle Replacement Program.

26 | SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 V. goals and objectives

GOAL #2 System Reliability (SR) - CONTINUED

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

SR10: Comply with California Air MR Distribution 2025 Capital Heavy Equipment Resources Budget Replacement policies Board from the California Air Resources Board

SR11: Address Division DSOD MR Engineering June 2020 Capital of Safety of Dams Letter dated Budget (DSOD) and maintenance 6/20/11 and requirements to report titled accommodate Probable “Evaluation of Maximum Flood (PMF) Alternatives for Sweetwater Dam and to Increase stairs replacement at Spillway Loveland Dam Capacity of Sweetwater Dam” GEI, July 2008

SR12: Maximize local 2010 Urban IS Engineering June 2017 Reserves; water supplies by Water Title 16 and expanding the capacity Management State Prop. 50 of the Richard A. Plan Grant Funding Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility up to 10 mgd

SR13: Respond to the 1953 MR Engineering Ongoing Capital needs of Chula Vista, Agreement Budget National City, and with Chula County of San Diego to Vista; facilitate implementation 1962 of the respective street Agreement w/ improvement projects County of SD; in a ﬁ scally responsible National City manner incorporated prior to Kimball Bros. Easement

continues on next page

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 27 V. goals and objectives

GOAL #2 System Reliability (SR) - CONTINUED Achieve an uninterrupted, long-term water supply through investment, maintenance and environmental stewardship.

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

SR14: Respond to Authority IS Engineering Ongoing Developer the needs of private policy requires developers for domestic deposits from and ﬁ re services developers with minimal-to-zero prior to ﬁ nancial impacts to the constructing Authority’s ratepayers services

GOAL #3 Financial Viability (FV) Ensure long-term ﬁ nancial viability of the agency.

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

FV1: Develop an annual Authority MR Finance Annual N/A budget that determines Policy yearly expenditures, incorporates a ﬁ ve-year projection to track ﬁ scal stability, and guides rate- setting decision-making

FV2: Replace the Annual IS Finance June 2014 Capital Customer Service and Budget Budget Financial Information Systems to improve efﬁ ciency

FV3: Update the Investment MR Finance June 2013 Expense Authority’s ﬁ scal policies Policy (per Budget to include debt, reserve, policy) and investment polices to achieve a favorable Debt and IS bond rating in support of Reserve Policy a bond issue for capital projects

28 | SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 V. goals and objectives

GOAL #3 Financial Viability (FV) - CONTINUED Ensure long-term ﬁ nancial viability of the agency.

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

FV4: Issue bond in FY 2010 Water IS Finance 2015 Expense 2014-15 to fund up to Distribution Budget $45 million in capital Master Plan projects as deﬁ ned in the 2010 Water Distribution Master Plan

FV5: Identify and pursue Annual IS General Ongoing Expense grant funds for high Budget Manager Budget priority projects and programs including, but not limited to, legislative advocacy, Integrated Regional Water Management, Bur Rec Title XIV, and Proposition 50

FV6: Replace meters Annual IS Finance Ongoing Capital aged 15 years for Budget Budget consistent revenue collections as deﬁ ned in the Meter Replacement Program

FV7: Study the feasibility Annual IS Finance 2015 Expense of implementing an Budget Budget Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) or Automated Meter Reading (AMR) to improve the efﬁ ciency and precision of the current meter reading process

FV8: Conduct AWWA IS General June 2013 Expense Comprehensive Water Manual 36 Manager Budget Audit to determine level of nonrevenue water losses and potential mitigation strategies and initiatives

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SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 29 V. goals and objectives

GOAL #4 Customer Service (CS) Provide high-quality customer service.

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

CS1: Evaluate the credit Annual IS Finance June 2014 Expense card acceptance policy Budget Budget and identify potential revisions to increase customer satisfaction and enhance the bill collection process

CS2: Develop an Annual IS Administration Ongoing Expense expanded Customer Budget Budget Outreach program to include, but not be limited to, attending community events and school programs, producing educational materials, and conducting customer surveys

CS3: Expand web- Annual IS Administration Ongoing Expense based communications Budget Budget to include, but not be limited to, distributing public notiﬁ cations, distributing e-notiﬁ cations/news, and posting to Authority social media pages/sites

30 | SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 V. goals and objectives

GOAL #5 Staff Development (SD) Develop a highly-skilled, adaptable workforce and a safe, properly-equipped, and effective work environment.

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

SD1: Achieve Fed OSHA MR Administrative Ongoing Expense professional and Cal OSHA Services Budget regulatory certiﬁ cations CCR as required by job Title 8 classiﬁ cations to perform CDPH assigned duties DPR Cal Govt Code DMV

SD2: Provide tuition MOU/ MR Administrative June 2013 Expense reimbursement to Contractual Services Budget eligible staff for continuing their formal education on a voluntary basis during off-hours

SD3: Create a Human IS Administrative Ongoing Expense Leadership Development Resources Services Budget Program that engages Best eligible staff in Management developing leadership Practice skills to support their professional development and to meet the Authority’s needs for leadership capacity

SD4: Develop and Human IS Administrative Ongoing Expense implement employee Resources Services Budget rotation/cross Best training over time Management to ensure consistent Practices staff knowledge and experience

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SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 31 V. goals and objectives

GOAL #5 Staff Development (SD) - CONTINUED Develop a highly-skilled, adaptable workforce and a safe, properly-equipped, and effective work environment.

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

SD5: I. Conduct annual MOU IS Administrative Annual Expense performance evaluations Services Cycle Budget

II: Develop baseline Human IS June 2013 Authority-wide measures Resources for customized measures Best to each department and Management position to document Practice efﬁ ciency, competency, conduct, areas of improvement, and merit of Authority employees

SD6: Identify and Joint Powers MR Administrative Bi-Annual Expense implement expanded risk Insurance Services Budget management and safety Agency protocols to reduce experience modiﬁ cation Cal/OSHA Ongoing and incident rates at or OSHA below industry standards

32 | SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 V. goals and objectives

GOAL #6 Administrative Effectiveness (AE) Provide efﬁ cient and effective administrative systems and procedures in accordance with best management practices.

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

AE1: Develop a SBx 7-7 and MR Administrative 2020 Expense comprehensive water CUWCC MOU Services Budget use efﬁ ciency plan to include, but not be limited to, meeting or exceeding 20x2020 and California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC) goals/reporting requirements

AE2: Increase conserved Annual MR Administration Ongoing Expense water supplies through Budget and Budget water efﬁ ciency CUWCC MOU education and assistance programs and outreach efforts, through strategic partnerships with public and private agencies, and developing effective rate setting strategies.

AE3: Update the State Division MR/IS Administrative Ongoing Expense Emergency Response of Safety of Services Budget and Recovery Plan and Dams and exercises Local Ofﬁ ce of Emergency Services

AE4: Complete 2002 IS Information June 2014 Expense implementation of Information Systems and Capital the 2002 Information Systems Budgets Systems Strategic Plan Strategic Plan

AE5: Update the 2002 IS Information June 2014 Expense Information Systems Information Systems and Capital Strategic Plan Systems Budgets Strategic Plan

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SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 33 V. goals and objectives

GOAL #6 Administrative Effectiveness (AE) - CONTINUED Provide efﬁ cient and effective administrative systems and procedures in accordance with best management practices.

mandatory requirement source departmental completion objectives (MR) or funding document lead date industry standard (IS)

AE6: Implement the 2002 IS Information June 2016 Capital enterprise-wide Asset Information Systems Budget Management System Systems (“Maximo”) to track and Strategic Plan maintain all Authority assets

AE7: Assess the Public Works IS General March Expense requirements, costs Management Manager 2014 Budget and the Authority’s Practices positioning for pursuing Manual American Public Works Association Accreditation to establish a process for verifying and recognizing compliance with recommended best practices

AE8: Revise the monthly Strategic Plan IS General December Expense Management Reports Manager 2012 Budget to a “dashboard” format that incorporates current and future performance measures to improve ease of use and understanding for the Board and interested stakeholders

AE9: Maintain and Current IS General Annual Expense update existing policies Sweetwater Manager Budget and procedures Authority Policies and Procedures (staff)

AE10: Continue to Current IS General October Expense assess the feasibility of Sweetwater Manager 2012 and Budget optimizing the use of Authority Ongoing outsourcing services and Policies and operations Procedures (staff)

34 | SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 SWEETWATER AUTHORITY

AUTHORITY CUSTOMERS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

LEGAL COUNSEL

GENERAL MANAGER

BOARD SECRETARY/ADMIN. ASST.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASST. GENERAL MANAGER

DIRECTOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR DIRECTOR OF OF OF OF OF OF ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRIBUTION WATER QUALITY ENGINEERING FINANCE INFORMATION SERVICES SERVICES

08/22/12

Current Sweetwater Authority organization NAM AUTATE VELECTUR REM EUM ENT

EXERFERUM REPRENE CTUSTIURIBUS RA-

TUR, OMNIMPOR RE, NOS QUAT EAQUAM

IUNTIUNTUR, SAM VOLUPTA TUSCIASPIT

LABORIBUS AUT RE LA QUUNTINTURI

TOTATI CUS DI NON RE NUS MI, ATIUNDE-

BIS AS ES MODI RE PERNATUR APID QUI

IPSANDIOS EX ET EX ET AUT RE PRE-

CUS DUSAM ESTRUM VOLLESE RSPIDEL

IQUASSETHE AUTHORITY NIHILLIQUI IS PROUD IDUSANI TO VOLOREREPROVIDE

NISSAFE, SEQUIAS RELIABLE VOLUPTATE DRINKING OMMOLUPTA- WATER TO

TURITS CUSTOMERS AUTECATIO. VI. plan implementation, monitoring and reporting

Implementation of the Strategic Plan is with the Strategic Plan goals and objectives. directed by the Authority’s General Manager Additionally, the Management Team will through the Management Team: the Assistant develop and utilize a format to record and General Manager and department heads. monitor implementation progress. The The Management Team is responsible for General Manager will present the Governing implementing the goals and objectives as Board with quarterly and annual reports of prescribed in the detailed Work Plans, found implementation progress. in Appendix A. The Strategic Plan will be a living document, An important step during the ﬁ rst year of and will be updated as circumstances warrant. implementation is aligning the structure of the Fiscal Year 2013-14 budget documents

SWEETWATER AUTHORITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2012 | 37 THE AUTHORITY SERVES APPROXIMATELY

184,000 PEOPLE IN THE SOUTH BAY

REGION OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY,

CALIFORNIA.

Sweetwater Authority

P.O. Box 2328

Chula Vista, CA 91912-2328

(619) 420-1413 sweetwater.org