district water management and conservation plan workshop presented by terry buchholz october 19,...

District Water Management and Conservation Plan

Workshop

Presented ByTerry Buchholz

October 19, 2007

Agenda• Overview – Debbie Colbert (WRD) & Anita Winkler

(OWRC)• Logistics/Introductions • Overview of Plan Requirements • Initiating the Plan Process • Guidance for Preparation of the Plan

– Water Supplier Description – Water Conservation – Water Curtailment – Water Supply

• Additional Requirements • OWRD Review Process • Wrap-up

Introduction

• What is a WMCP plan for?– Long-term water management and

conservation tool

• Who needs to complete one?– Districts which need to transfer water rights– Districts which contract for water from federal

water projects

• Why?– A powerful planning tool– Numerous benefits to districts

Benefits of Preparing a WMCP?

• Increases flexibility• Prepares district to meet future

challenges• Provides a basis for capital

improvement projects and grant applications

• Establishes a concise set of information for future managers

Overview of the Plan Requirements

• Water Supplier Description• Water Conservation Element• Water Curtailment Plan • Water Supply Element

Overview of the Plan Requirements

This water budget, along with projected future demands on the system, helps to clarify how much water is required to meet current and future needs.

Conservation Tools

Water Budget

Future Needs

Demand

Supply

+

Initiating the Plan Process

• Establish Objectives• Early Discussion

with OWRD Staff• Establish a Planning

Team• Assemble

Information• Get Public or Other

Agencies Involved• Find Funding

Clearly, they didn’t follow these easy steps….

Plan Objective Examples

• Conserve water through improving management of one or more of the supplier’s water sources

• Control costs of operations, maintenance and capital investments, while meeting desired levels of service

• Maintain reliability of water supply at some pre-determined level defined by the supplier

• Increase long-term water supply security and flexibility

Plan Objective Examples

• Continue to work in support of fisheries and other natural resources

• Maintain customer satisfaction• Meet State requirements for the WMCP• Meet Federal requirements for the WMCP

Early Discussion with WRD Staff

• Establish framework for the plan• Identify any key issues• Discuss the methods that will be used

to develop required information• Draw on WRD staff expertise• Understand specific criteria that WRD

will apply in evaluating the plan

Assemble Planning Team

• Using district staff• Working together

with other districts or agencies

• Hiring a consultant –pieces or all

Involving the Public or other Agencies

• Why should a district involve the public or other agencies?– Early buy-in for conservation planning– Involve key partners (other districts,

counties, etc…)– Speed up the WRD review process

• Easy ways to do this– Bill message inserts, district newsletters and

websites– Public advisory committee– Public meetings and presentations– Local newspaper article updates

Funding Plan Preparation• No funding specifically for WMCPs• District staffing & funding• Federal or State Funding Programs

– BOR: 2025 Challenge Grants (50/50 cost share)

– NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants– Columbia Basin Water Transactions

Program– Oregon Renewable Energy Feasibility

Fund

Guidance for Preparing the Plan

Starting with the Checklist:

Taking it one step at a time. Required Evaluate Optional

SupplyCurtailmentConservationDescription

Preparing the Water Supplier Description

Introduction / general background Summary of existing water rights Description of sources of water Schematic or map of water delivery

system Current water use Major water classifications and uses Types of on-farm irrigation systems Crops typically grown (estimated average and peak

water use)

Operations and maintenance program

Most items

in this section

are required


Potential Sources for Information

• Previous Reports:– District facilities plans– O&M manuals– City of County growth and

development– Capital Improvements Plans– Fisheries Management Plan



• Data Collection:– Water rights– Sources of water – Current water usage– Water use classifications– Types of irrigation systems– Crops commonly grown– Billing records



• Intergovernmental or exchange agreements/contracts

• Maps/Illustrations showing:– Systems drawings – Boundaries– Storage and distribution facilities– Points of diversion– Major operation spills


Introduction and General Background

• History of the District• Location, Climate, Maps, Soils, Etc.

A Historical Summary of Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) for

the principal river basins of Oregon can be downloaded at:www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/

watersupply/SWSI_Summary.cvs


Summary of Existing Water Rights

This table will include permitted, certificated, decreed, statutory, and limited license water rights

Water Rights Certificate and

Permits

Location of Water Right

Acreage

Acreage (or Acre Feet of

Storage)

Conditions of Water Rights

Seasons of Use

Certificate 1235 (held by district) – a secondary right related to Cedar Creek Reservoir

Downstream from Cedar Creek ReservoirT1S R1W portions of section 2,3,4,5, & 6

1000 acres Standard conditions for irrigation and must have BOR contract

May - October

Access WRD’s Water Rights Information

System at www.wrd.state.or.us, or your local

Watermaster through www.wrd.state.or.us/OWARD/offices.shtml

for assistance in describing existing

water rights

http://www.wrd.state.or.us/

http://www.wrd.state.or.us/OWARD/offices.shtml

http://www.wrd.state.or.us/OWARD/offices.shtml


Sources of Water• Sources of water may include:

– Storage and regulation facilities,– Transfers, rotation, exchange, or intergovernmental agreements

• Description should include:– Type – Source of water (stream or aquifer)– Location of point of diversion (township, range and quarter-

quarter section)– Diversion (structure or equipment)– Wells (depth, diameter and pump capacity)– Reservoirs (dam height, crest and normal operating pool)– Agreements (type, entity, terms and conditions, quantity, sale,

and period)


Schematic of the Water Delivery System

• District boundaries• Storage facilities• Distribution systems• Direction of flow• Drainage systems• Diversion points• Measuring devices• Major spills and return flows• Special water

recovery/reuse infrastructure such as ASR

• Interconnection and other supply systems

• Other features as applicable

Sources:USGS Maps can cost less than

$125ARC-GIS programs can be used

OSU has a wide array of information on mapping at

www.geo.orgeonstate.edu/ucgis

Tips:The schematic does not have to

be a map but could be a flow chart or schematic.

It does not need to be professionally done but could be

done by hand or in a GIS/GPS mapping program

http://www.geo.orgeonstate.edu/ucgis


Sample Schematic


Sample Schematics


Current Water Use

• Tables may include: peak and annual diversions, and when available, return flows and water reuse

Year DiversionPermi

t #Time of

Use

Annual diversion (AF/Year)

Peak Diversion(AF/Year)

Peak Diversion

(cfs)

1998 Alpha CreekBeta RiverTheta Reservoir

S-001S-002S-003

SeasonalSeasonalFull Year

38002124480329

6508404

12069

10.6136.9196.6

1999 Alpha CreekBeta RiverTheta Reservoir

S-001S-002S-003

SeasonalSeasonalFull Year

38252105573456

6417844

11056

10.4127.8180.1


Estimating Return Flows • Can include:

– Surface runoff (measure)

– Seepage into drains or streams (measure)

– Deep percolation (estimate)

System Type Percolation (%)

Hand move, side move, side roll

18

Solid set (low wind design)

30

Solid set (high wind design)

18

Center pivot, Linear move

10

Traveling big gun (low wind design)

35

Traveling big gun (high wind design)

18

Surface irrigation 10-80

Drip/trickle 10


Major Water Classifications and Uses

• Summary:– Major classifications

including water rights and acreage

– # of accounts for each classification

– Beneficial use

• Classification Groups:– Irrigation– Frost protection– Livestock– Fire protection– Industrial users– Municipal deliveries– Commercial– Instream– Power generation


Major Water Classifications and Uses

Classification Description Acreage% of Total

Irrigation Cropping 2700 55

Livestock Cattle/Sheep 1310 27

Irrigation/Frost Protection

Orchard 420 9

Industrial Processing Plants 180 4

Unknown Unknown 302 5

Totals 4912 100

** Information obtained using surveys in 2004 & 2006


Types of On-Farm Irrigation Systems

• Pivots and linear systems• Wheel lines and hand

lines• Solid set• Drip/trickle/microspray• Flood/furrow

Ways to obtain this information is through a mailed survey or to use estimations based on visual inspections and discussions with

representative water users

Example: A survey mailed to members of an irrigation district could be used to determine the amount of land irrigated by each of the different irrigation system types used in the district. The survey results are shown below.

System Type Acres

Center Pivot 1489

Fixed Interval Sprinkler

13709

Surface 4664

Totals 19862


Sample Crop Water Requirements

Extension Bulletin 8530 can be used to estimate net irrigation requirements for your region by crop type


Crops Typically Grown (estimated average and peak water use)

Example #1: A mailed survey of client farms, determined the following mix of crops: Corn (1800 acres); Mint (2700 acres); Grapes (1400 acres); Other (200 acres). Using the survey results and information from Bulletin 8530, the district was able to estimate peak water consumption for each crop. The acreage listed as ‘other’ accounts for land on which cropping is not known and small acreages of miscellaneous minor fields/crops.

Crop Acres Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep OctTotal

s

Corn 1800 0.94 2.95 5.20 7.52 6.06 3.50 0.24 26.41

Mint 2700 0.12 2.95 4.92 4.82 0.00 0.00 0.00 12.81

Grapes 1400 0.08 0.98 2.60 4.13 3.31 1.73 0.12 12.95

Other 200 0.63 2.28 3.94 5.55 4.49 2.56 0.24 19.60

Total 6100


Operations and Maintenance Issues

(Brainstorming)• What are some of the exceptional

or reoccurring maintenance issues districts are faced with?

• What are some maintenance or repair items that effect operations?

• Are there ways to overcome these issues?


Operations and Maintenance Program

• Operations– Organization, personnel w/ duties,

annual procedures, equipment, and recurring operational problems

• Repair and maintenance– Major repairs, resources assigned to

fix the problem, and schedule


Preparing the Water Conservation Element

Progress Report, Measurement Program, Current Conservation Measures, and Goals

Evaluation of Opportunities for Improving Water Use Efficiency

Evaluation of Conservation Measures Not Currently Implemented

Description and Estimated Schedule for Implementation of Conservation Measures

Part1

Part2

Part3

Part4


Preparing the Water Conservation Element

Progress report on conservation measures from the previous WMCP

Description of the districts measurement program

Description of currently implemented conservation measures

Short and long-term goals to improve water management

All Items

in this section

are required

Part1



• Book and other publications

• Conference events (OWRC and OSU Extension Services)

• Water Conservation Plans developed by districts throughout Oregon and other Western states

• Water Conservation plan Guidelines (EPA)

• Achieving Efficient Water Management: a Guidebook for Preparing Agricultural Water Conservation Plans (BOR)

• Irrigation Management Practices: Checklist for Oregon (OSU)

• AWWA Waterwiser Website www.waterwiser.org

• Regional Water Providers Consortium www.conserveh2o.org


Progress Report on Conservation Measures from

the Previous WMCP• If this is the first time that

the district has submitted a WMCP then a progress report is not required.

• Updates on previous plans must include:– Progress made toward conservation actions

described in earlier plans– Short or long-term goals that did not previously have

schedules should be addressed– Changes in circumstances since the last plan that lead to

schedule delays should also be addressed


Description of the Districts Measurement Program

• Description of the types of diversion measurements used

• Accounting of methods used at all diversion points

• Seasonal measurement schedule

• Photographs and descriptions of typical measurement devices


Benefits of Better Water Measurement

(Brainstorming)

What are the benefits to a district for accurate water

measurement and recording keeping?


Description of Currently Implemented Conservation

Measures• Summary of previous and ongoing

conservation activities undertaken• Examples include:

– District maintenance program– Educational materials provided to the

district irrigators– Any activities that are perceived to enhance

the delivery and efficiency of water use


Short and Long-term Goals to Improve Water Management

• Examples include:– Reducing identified losses through piping or

lining– Promoting energy audits– Adopting rate structures– Public education programs– Technical assistance such as irrigation scheduling– Retrofits of inefficient water-using devices– Water reuse– Other possible actions that would improve water

use efficiency


Evaluation of the Opportunities for Improving Water Use Efficiency

Description of losses of water Assessment of whether water

deliveries are insufficient to meet crop needs

Assessment of whether water deliveries are insufficient to meet other needs

Most items

in this section

should be evaluated

Part2


Description of Losses of Water

• Determine losses from operational spills

• Estimate canal losses– Ponding method– Inflow-outflow method

• Estimate transmission losses• Compute district average losses• Improve the accuracy of estimates of

distribution system losses


Determine Losses from Operational Spills

• Initial Fill – volume of water needed at the start of delivery operations

• Flushing Flow – volume of water used to flush debris from canals at the start of the irrigation season

• Imperfect scheduling of deliveries

Conservation Measure Ideas:• Spills can be captured in

regulation reservoirs and directed back into the distribution system or stream

• Operational Spills can be measured and quantified.


Estimating Canal LossesStep #1: Estimate the rate of water loss in cfs from representative sections of the canal system (e.g. pipelines, canals of various configurations, or combination of canals and control structures).

Step #2: Multiply the loss rate by the distances traveled through the canal system to determine total canal loss rates in cfs and district total daily loss rates in acre-feet per day.

Step #3: Multiply the daily loss rate by the number of days the canals are in use.


Determining Rate of Water Loss

• Experimental Methods– Ponding Method– Inflow-Outflow Method

• Estimation Method– Percent of water diverted

(adjustments based on soil types, subsoil structure, and proportion of time canal is in operation)


Estimating Average District Losses

• Useful in evaluating opportunities for improving distribution efficiency

• Calculate average water loss in each sector of the main canal(s) and secondary canals


Calculating Gross Water Requirements

(Exercise)


Assessment of Whether Water Deliveries are

Insufficient to Meet Crop Needs

• In text or table format evaluate the extent the water supply system falls short of meeting crop water demands

• Does not need to be exhaustive


Assessment of Whether Water Deliveries are

Insufficient to Meet Other Needs• Municipal water

• Delivery to industrial users• Fire Protection• Maintenance of in-stream flows• Pass through conveyance of water to other

districts• Conveyance of flood runoff• Conjunctive use for power production• Minimum required stream flows (mandated by

Dam Operations Plan)


Evaluate Each of the Conservation Measures Not Currently

Implemented Promotion of energy audits Conversion to metered, pressurized

deliveries Piping or lining earthen canals Modifying distribution facilities and

district policies On-Farm irrigation scheduling assistance Construction of re-regulating reservoirs Adoption of rate structures Any other conservation measures

Part3

All items

in this section

should be evaluated


Energy Audits

The district can contact local energy utilities to inquire about availability of energy audits by utility personnel, or training of district personnel to perform distribution system energy audits, such as evaluating existing pump stations. In addition to district level energy audit, there are resources available to district patrons through local utilities. For further information, visit the following websites:

– Oregon Dept. of Energy: http://oregon.gov/energy/incentives.shtml

– Energy Trust of Oregon: www.energytrust.org– Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance: www.nwalliance.org


Energy Audits - ExampleAn Oregon State University study of actual efficiencies in 529 tests of pumps on working farms in Oregon found:

•Efficiencies ranged from 14% to 79%

•77% of the pumping plants were operating at less than 67% (the lower limit of nominal efficiencies)

•24% of the pimping plants were operating at less than 50% efficiency


Conversion to Metered, Pressurized Deliveries

• Number of small parcels within district boundaries

• Potential for future division of larger parcels• Type of beneficial use expected on these parcels• Cost price estimates for construction of pump and

meter systems to deliver pressurized water to small parcels.

• Different fee structure (?)


Piping or Lining Earthen Canals

• Obtain cost estimates for piping or lining earthen canals

• Prepare economic analysis that accounts for the value of the water saved.


Modifying Distribution Facilities and District Policies• Operation strategies to increase water

delivery capability to specific areas• Structural modifications to improve

delivery efficiency• Short-term goal to identify

opportunities to improve delivery flexibility

• Long-term goal to secure funding for infrastructure improvements


On-Farm Irrigation Scheduling Assistance

Real Life Examples and Resources


Construction of Re-Regulating Reservoirs

Where operational spills are significant, construction and operational costs for re-regulating reservoirs should be evaluated.


Rate Structures

While OAR 690-086-0250 (6g) requires a district to evaluate the adoption of rate structures that encourage conservation, there may be statutory or contractual provisions that prescribe the district rate structure.


Description and Estimated Implementation Schedule of

Conservation Measures Schedule for implementation of

proposed conservation measures Public Education Program Any other conservation measures

identified as feasible and appropriate

A program to monitor and evaluate implemented conservation measures

All Items

in this section

are required

Part4


Public Education Program Examples

• Brochures providing tips for water savings• Displays at county fairs, community events,

libraries, schools, etc.• Partnerships with the private sector such as

lawn and garden centers• Speakers bureaus• Newsletters or press releases• Rain gauges, rain barrels, bumper stickers, etc.• Billboards, buses, radio, or television• Internet websites or email


Evaluating and Monitoring Potential Conservation

Measures• Cost in comparison to other

measures and the overall operations budget

• Effectiveness/Efficiency of the conservation measure

• Effectiveness in meeting district needs

• Impact on revenue• Resources and operational capacity• Amount of water savings• How the water conservation actively

relates to district customers• Community acceptance


Preparing a Water Curtailment Plan

Description of past supply deficiencies and current capacity limitations

Description of the situation(s) that trigger implementation of water curtailment elements

Description of the procedure used to allocate water during shortages

All Items

in this section

are required


Sources of Information

• The National Drought Mitigation Center (University of Nebraska)

• The USDA/NRCS National Water Management Center

• AWWA Manual M-50 Water Resources Planning (2001)

• AWWA Drought Management Handbook (2002)

WRD Tools for dealing with a Drought:

•Emergency change in point of diversion (OAR 385-3145)

•Emergency water use permits

•Temporary transfers of water rights

•Use of existing right option/agreement


Sources of Information

Drought Watch www.oregon.gov/OWRD/WR/

Drought.shtml

NRCS Drought Managementwww.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/

products/expert_assessment/season_drought.gif

BOR Reservoir Levelswww.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/

select.html


Past Supply Deficiencies and Current Capacity Limitations

• Historical discussion of actions taken in the past during times of environmental or man-made shortages

• Assessment of the ability to maintain delivery during drought or other source shortages


Situation(s) that Trigger Implementation of Water

Curtailment Elements• Describe water supply situations that

cause curtailment plan to be implemented.

• Triggers could be linked to:– Basin weather data– Flow disruption– Water contamination– Pre-season assessment of supply


Procedures Used to Allocate Water During Shortages

• Plan element should include:– Decision maker(s) to enact plan– List of officials to contact– Communication plan (who is notified and

when)– Which diversions are restricted and when– Operational changes to be instituted– Allocation authority or agreement(s)– Enforcement process


Procedures Used to Allocate Water During Shortages

• Possible Water Allocation Methods include:– Uniform reduction– Priority date– Voluntary cut-backs– Buy back of water– Retiring of land


Curtailment Triggers (Example)

A District monitors the NRCS and Hydromet web sites for current climate information and snowpack data.

– When the indices of precipitation and snow depth are more than 20% below average, water users are notified of potential drought during the irrigation season.

– If the indices are 30% below average and the depth of Theta Reservoir is 30% below average by April 1, allocation of water will be reduced uniformly to all water users.

– Delivery reductions will also be instituted if the Governor declares a basin-wide drought emergency.


You Are Almost Done!

The last steps are the water supply elements and a few additional requirements and you are ready to submit your plan for review!

Full steam ahead…


Preparing the Water Supply Element

Estimate long-range demand, compare projected needs and sources

Evaluation of additional long-range water need factors

Part1

Part2


Preparing the Water Supply Elements

Estimate of long-range water demand projections for 20 years

Comparison of the projected water needs and current supply sources

List of potential sources of water to supply the long-range needs

Comparison of potential sources of additional water

All Items

in this section

are required

Part1


Sources of Information• District billing records• Prior WMCP• Oregon Department of Agriculture studies• City of County land use plans• Local or regional population forecasts or

demographic data• Interviews with local or county planning staff• Local weather information regarding temperature

and rainfall• Water rights information from WRD or your local

Watermaster


Estimate of Long-Range Water Demand Projections

(20 Years)• Factors to consider:

– Lining or piping projects

– District boundary changes

– Agricultural and industry trends

– Urbanization trends– Climate changes


Comparison of the Projected Water Needs and Available

Sources• Consider adequacy and reliability

of water sources to meet the projected demand– Physical restrictions of source

(interties, seasonal low flows)– Existing or future restrictions (ESA,

instream flow requirements, groundwater limits)


List and Comparison of Potential Sources of Water to Supply the

Long-range Needs• Consider sources such as:

– Conserved water– New sources– Water reuse

• Perform cost/benefit analysis of options identified


Evaluation of the Effects of the Following Factors on Long-Range Water Needs

Regional options for meeting future water needs

Urbanized and other land use trends

Local government related plans or ordinances Part

2

All items

in this section

should be evaluated


Evaluation of the Effects of the Following Factors on Long-Range Water Needs

• Regional Options for Meeting Future Water Needs– Look at options from a regional perspective

• Urbanized and Other Land Use Trends– Look at long-term water demands base on

potential land use changes

• Local Government Related Plans or Ordinances– Review and summarize long-term planning

indicatives, comprehensive plans, water supply plans


Effects of Urbanization(Exercise)

Additional Information

List of affected local agencies (to involve in the review process)

Date of WMCP update submittal (must be within 10 years)

All Items

in this section

are required

The Typical WRD ProcessDraft PlanPrepared by

applicant

Applicant Submits

Final Plan

Initial Plan ReviewBy WRD

Final ReviewBy WRD

WRDProposed

Final Order

DeniedPlan not approved

Final OrderPlan approved by

WRD

Appeal Denied Contested Case

Request Review by WRD Director appointed board

Additional TimeNegotiate with WRD

for more time

Notification to applicant and

any commenter’s

by WRD

Plan does not pass review

File Appealwith Commission

Applicant provides30-day notice to affected local

governments

WRD providesPublic notice

on website

WRD Provides Comment

on Initial Plan

ApplicantSubmits

Plan to WRD

Applicant and commenting parties have

30 daysto appeal

Plan does not meet WRD criteria for approval

Early public involvement saves you time and money in the review

Questions/Comments

district water management and conservation plan workshop presented by terry buchholz october 19,...

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