Water Futures on the Line in EBMUD Ward 7 Vote
Voters may have more than a water bill rate increase to consider this November when making their candidate selection for East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Ward 7. They may end up determining where their water comes from.
Currently, EBMUD is looking to replace and upgrade its aging infrastructure, make seismic improvements, and protect natural resources, so it can provide drinking water for 1.4 million customers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
The majority (90 percent) of EBMUD's water supply comes from the Mokelumne River watershed in the Sierra Nevada. Fixes are needed for some of the approximately 4,200 miles of distribution pipeline — some more than 100 years old — as well as reservoirs, pumping plants, and control stations.
EBMUD is also looking to update its wastewater treatment plants, which provide service for 685,000 peo ple along the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay using a combination of treated wastewater and stormwater.
Those elected to open seats at EBMUD could be asked to make tough choices. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced it now expects yet another dry year between now and September 2023.
According to the DWR, 80 percent of the water used in California is used for the state's multi-billion-dollar agricultural sector. The remaining 20 percent is split between homes, businesses, and government, with 14 percent of the state's water being used for washing, bathrooms, and home lawns. Businesses and government make up the remaining 6 percent of state water consumption.
That means EBMUD Ward 7 homeowners and businesses are likely to be asked to continue to reduce the amount of water they use. EBMUD's current Stage 2 Drought Emergency announced last spring asked everyone to cut back 10 percent.
While residents reduced their water usage to an average of 60 gallons per person per day, compared to the state average of 82 gallons, EBMUD imposed an 8 percent surcharge on customers in July.
Then there's the question of using underground aquifers such as the Bayside Groundwater Project near Heron Bay in San Leandro as an additional water source should the drought continue. EBMUD says the site is a natural storage basin 600 feet below the surface that is protected by layers and layers of clay that keep it separate from toxic water runoff. During rainy seasons, EBMUD said it would fill up the aquifer. So far, EBMUD has not needed to extract from Bayside to meet drinking water demands. Constructed in 2009, the facility is in testing mode. When operational, it could supply up to 1 million gallons per day into the Upper San Leandro reservoir for processing before being mixed with the Sierra Nevada water and then distributed to all EBMUD customers.
Not all of the candidates agree with this plan.
New Faces for Ward 7
EBMUD's board of directors consists of seven members elected to a four-year term. This year’s election is for Wards 2, 3, 4, and 7. Ward 7 includes Castro Valley, portions of San Leandro and Hayward, the communities of Cherryland and Fairview in Alameda County, and portions of western San Ramon in Contra Costa County.
Current Ward 7 Director, Frank Mellon announced he would not seek reelection, leaving one seat open. April Chan, Corina Lopez, and Matt Turner are all in contention
Chan sits on the newly established Fairview MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) as well as the county's fire advisory commission and is endorsed by Mellon.
"Maximizing our water supply while keeping it safe and affordable will be my top priorities," Chan said. "As an Alameda County Fire Commissioner, I realize we must act fast to confront climate change. As chair of the Fairview Municipal Advisory Council (MAC), I’ve consistently voted to protect our community against environmental hazards and modernized land use policies to reflect resiliency and sustainability."
Lopez is a current San Leandro City Council member and says residents deserve healthy, reliable, and affordable drinking water, adding that she would prioritize reclaiming and recycling water for nonessential use.
"I am formally opposed to the Bayside Groundwater Project as I believe our standard for drinking water should remain sourcing directly from the Sierra Nevada," Lopez said. "Groundwater is an inferior source of water supply for drinking in my opinion and has been documented to pose a public health risk in other parts of the state. I, along with other community members, have been fighting off this project for 20 years. EBMUD recently came to a Council meeting looking to bring this project back. As a director for EBMUD, I would work to stop this project."
Matt Turner is a consultant and former staffer with Supervisor Nate Miley. He also serves as chairman of the Alameda County Transportation Commission’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee
"I'm on the side of science," Turner said. "We have to find new sources of water. I have the training and experience to bring a watchful eye to the EBMUD board and advocate on behalf of the public for accountability, transparency, and good governance. Equity in billing and conservation and securing our water future in a changing world will be top priorities for me."
Election Day is Tuesday, November 8.