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AGENDA
WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL SESSION
MARCH 21, 2022
HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM
11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE
SPECIAL SESSION AT OR AFTER 5:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
CALL TO AUDIENCE - at this time, any member of the public is allowed to address the Commission on any
issue not listed on today’s agenda. Pursuant to the Arizona open meeting law, individual Commission
members may ask Town staff to review the matter, ask that the matter be placed on a future agenda, or
respond to criticism made by speakers. However, the Commission may not discuss or take legal action on
matters raised during "Call to Audience." In order to speak during "Call to Audience", please specify what
you wish to discuss when completing the blue speaker card.
SPECIAL SESSION AGENDA
1.REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 15, 2022 SPECIAL SESSION MEETING MINUTES
2.WELCOME NEW WATER UTILITY COMMISSION MEMBERS ALAN FORREST AND PATRICIA
OLSON
3.UPDATE, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON WATER UTILITY ANNUAL REPORT (P.
ABRAHAM)
4.UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ON WELL, PUMP AND WELLFIELD CONDITION (P. ABRAHAM)
5.UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ON PARTNERED NORTHWEST RECHARGE, RECOVERY, AND
DELIVERY SYSTEM (P. ABRAHAM)
6.UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ON INDEPENDENT NORTHWEST RECHARGE, RECOVERY, AND
DELIVERY SYSTEM (L. JACOBS)
7.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A WATER UTILITY COMMISSION FIELD TRIP
IN APRIL (P. ABRAHAM)
8.TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS/COMMUNICATIONS (COUNCILMEMBER BOHEN)
9.SUBCOMMITTEE/COMMISSIONER REPORTS
A.FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE
B.WATER RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION SUBCOMMITTEE
10.DIRECTOR'S REPORT
CALL TO AUDIENCE - at this time, any member of the public is allowed to address the Commission on
any issue not listed on today’s agenda. Pursuant to the Arizona open meeting law, individual Commission
members may ask Town staff to review the matter, ask that the matter be placed on a future agenda, or
respond to criticism made by speakers. However, the Commission may not discuss or take legal action on
matters raised during "Call to Audience." In order to speak during "Call to Audience", please specify what
you wish to discuss when completing the blue speaker card.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT
POSTED: 03/16/22 at 5:00 p.m. by PP
When possible, a packet of agenda materials as listed above is available for public inspection at least 24 hours prior
to the Commission meeting in the Town Clerk's Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Town of Oro Valley complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If any person with a disability needs
any type of accommodation, please notify the Town Clerk’s Office at least five days prior to the Commission meeting
at 229-4700.
INSTRUCTIONS TO SPEAKERS
Members of the public have the right to speak during any posted public hearing. However, those items not
listed as a public hearing are for consideration and action by the Commission during the course of their
business meeting. Members of the public may be allowed to speak on these topics at the discretion of the
Chair.
If you wish to address the Commission on any item(s) on this agenda, please complete a blue speaker card located
on the Agenda table at the back of the room and give it to the Recording Secretary. Please indicate on the
speaker card which item number and topic you wish to speak on, or if you wish to speak during “Call to
Audience,” please specify what you wish to discuss when completing the blue speaker card.
Please step forward to the podium when the Chair announces the item(s) on the agenda which you are interested in
addressing.
1. For the record, please state your name and whether or not you are a Town resident.
2. Speak only on the issue currently being discussed by the Commission. Please organize your speech, you will only
be allowed to address the Commission once regarding the topic being discussed.
3. Please limit your comments to 3 minutes.
4. During “Call to Audience”, you may address the Commission on any issue you wish.
5. Any member of the public speaking must speak in a courteous and respectful manner to those present.
Thank you for your cooperation.
“Notice of Possible Quorum of the Oro Valley Town Council, Boards, Commissions and Committees: In accordance
with Chapter 3, Title 38, Arizona Revised Statutes and Section 2-4-4 of the Oro Valley Town Code, a majority of the
Town Council, Board of Adjustment, Historic Preservation Commission, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board,
Stormwater Utility Commission, and Water Utility Commission may attend the above referenced meeting as a
member of the audience only.”
Water Utility Commission 1.
Meeting Date:03/21/2022
Submitted By:Danielle Tanner, Water
SUBJECT:
REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE FEBRUARY 15, 2022 SPECIAL SESSION MEETING MINUTES
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
N/A
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
I move to approve (approve with changes) the February 15, 2022 Special Session meeting minutes.
Attachments
Item 1 - Draft Minutes 2/15/22
D R A F T
MINUTES
WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
SPECIAL SESSION
FEBRUARY 15, 2022
HOPI CONFERENCE ROOM
11000 N. LA CAÑADA DRIVE
SPECIAL SESSION AT OR AFTER 5:00 PM - Chair Marek called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
Present: Tom Marek, Chair
Greg Hitt, Vice Chair
Chuck Hollingsworth, Commissioner
Byron McMillan, Commissioner
Robert Milkey, Commissioner
Staff Present:Peter A. Abraham, P.E., Water Utility Director
Lee Jacobs, P.E., C.P.M., Water Utility Engineering Manager
David E. Allred, Water Operations Manager
Mary Rallis, CPA, Water Utility Administrator
Attendees: Councilmember Bohen, Town Council Liaison
Dan Jackson, Vice President, Willdan Financial Services
CALL TO AUDIENCE - No speakers.
SPECIAL SESSION AGENDA
1.REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 10, 2022 REGULAR SESSION MEETING MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Robert Milkey, seconded by Vice Chair Greg Hitt to approve the January 10,
2022 meeting minutes as written.
Vote: 5 - 0 Carried
2.DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING WATER RATES - PRESENTED BY WILLDAN
CONSULTING
Water Utility Director Peter Abraham introduced Item #2 and Mr. Dan Jackson, Vice President of
02/15/22 Minutes, Water Utility Commission Special Session 1
Water Utility Director Peter Abraham introduced Item #2 and Mr. Dan Jackson, Vice President of
Willdan Financial Services.
Mr. Jackson provided a presentation which included the following:
- Presentation contents
- Facts about water rates in the 21st century
- Current water rate structure - July 2021
- Historical rate increases
- Monthly residential charge comparison - 7,000 gallons of water
- Potable water accounts by rate class - test year 2022
- Actual and forecast potable water accounts
- Average monthly water consumption by rate class - test year 2022
- Actual and forecast potable water billed consumption
- Key assumptions driving forecast, financial and rate plan
- Capital Improvement Plan: FY 2022 - FY 2026
- Long-term financing forecast water bond issues
- Forecast cost of service and net revenue requirement
- Notes on rate proposal - potable water rates
- Water rate plan - potable water rates FY 2023 - FY 2027 - Scenario A
- Rate plan - impact on monthly bills for FY 2023-FY 2027 - Scenario A
- Forecast operating and GPF cash balances - Scenario A
- Forecast GPF cash balances - Scenarios A, B, and C
- Rate plan - impact on monthly bills FY 2023-FY 2027 - Scenario B
- Forecast operating and GPF cash balances - Scenario B
- Rate plan - impact on monthly bills for FY 2023-FY 2027 - Scenario C
- Rate plan - impact on monthly bills FY 2023-FY 2027 - Scenarios A, B, and C
- Forecast operating and GPF cash balances - Scenario C
- Presentation summary - Why is rate plan beneficial to Oro Valley?
Water Utility Director Peter Abraham provided a presentation which included the following:
- Other water rates and fees (no change recommended)
- Schedule
Discussion ensued amongst the Commission, staff and the consultant regarding Item #2.
Motion by Commissioner Robert Milkey, seconded by Commissioner Chuck Hollingsworth to
recommend Water Rate Scenario C (also recommended by the Finance Subcommittee) to the Town
Council for consideration of approval.
Vote: 5 - 0 Carried
3.DISCUSSION REGARDING WATER UTILITY ANNUAL REPORT
Water Utility Director Peter Abraham provided a presentation which included the following:
- Outline
- Contents
- Schedule
4.UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ON WATER RESOURCE USAGE
Water Utility Director Peter Abraham presented the water production information for the Oro Valley and
Countryside service areas. The statistics illustrate data from January through December 2021.
02/15/22 Minutes, Water Utility Commission Special Session 2
5.TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS/COMMUNICATIONS
Councilmember Bohen spoke about the Town Council agenda item relating to revitalization of the Oro
Valley Marketplace.
6.SUBCOMMITTEE/COMMISSIONER REPORTS
A.FINANCE SUBCOMMITTEE - Chair Marek reported the Subcommittee met twice to review and discuss
the water rates analysis.
B.WATER RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION SUBCOMMITTEE - No report.
7.DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Water Utility Director Peter Abraham reported on the following:
- Upcoming meetings
- Water News - Upper Colorado Basin Snowpack Comparisons
- Water News - 2022 Colorado Snow Water Equivalent
CALL TO AUDIENCE - No speakers.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS - No items discussed.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Vice Chair Greg Hitt, seconded by Commissioner Robert Milkey to adjourn the meeting at
6:06 p.m.
Vote: 5 - 0 Carried
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the special session of the
Town of Oro Valley Water Utility Commission of Oro Valley, Arizona held on the 15th day of February 2022. I
further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.
___________________________
Danielle Tanner
Senior Office Specialist
02/15/22 Minutes, Water Utility Commission Special Session 3
Water Utility Commission 3.
Meeting Date:03/21/2022
Submitted By:Danielle Tanner, Water
SUBJECT:
UPDATE, DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON WATER UTILITY ANNUAL REPORT (P. ABRAHAM)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
N/A
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
I move to approve (approve with changes) the 2022 Water Utility Annual Report.
Attachments
Item 3 - Water Utility Annual Report
1
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
WATER UTILITY ANNUAL REPORT
APRIL 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
About the Water Utility Commission ...................................................................... 1
Executive Summary ................................................................................................ 4
Water Resources ..................................................................................................... 6
Regulatory ............................................................................................................. 11
Engineering and Planning .................................................................................... 12
Capital Projects .................................................................................................... 13
Customer Service .................................................................................................. 16
Water Conservation .............................................................................................. 17
Operations & Maintenance .................................................................................. 19
Water Quality ........................................................................................................ 22
Backflow Prevention ............................................................................................ 23
Security & Emergency Response .......................................................................... 24
Financial Highlights ............................................................................................... 25
Appendices
A. Static Groundwater Levels
B. Capital Improvement Program
C. Utility Statistics
D. Asset Inventory
E. Acronyms and Glossary
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
WATER UTILITY
ANNUAL REPORT
APRIL 2022
ORO VALLEY TOWN COUNCIL
Joseph C. Winfield, Mayor
Melanie Barrett, Vice Mayor
Timothy Bohen, Councilmember
Harry “Mo” Greene, II, MD, Councilmember
Joyce Jones-Ivey, Councilmember
Josh Nicolson, Councilmember
Steve Solomon, Councilmember
ORO VALLEY WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
Charlie Hurt, Chair – Resigned January 2022
Tom Marek, Chair
Greg Hitt, Vice Chair
Alan Forrest, Commissioner – Appointed March 2022
Chuck Hollingsworth, Commissioner
Byron McMillan, Commissioner
Robert Milkey, Commissioner
Patricia Olson, Commissioner – Appointed March 2022
Rick Reynolds – Resigned August 2021
TOWN STAFF
Mary Jacobs, Town Manager
Peter A. Abraham, P.E., Water Utility Director
Lee Jacobs, P.E., C.P.M., Engineering Division Manager
Mary Rallis, C.P.A., Water Utility Administrator
Danielle Tanner, Senior Office Specialist
Special thanks to the Utility staff that provided support in the preparation of this report:
David Allred Gracie Hauvermale Adam Pence Christian Swanson Karn Boyce
Jeffrey Kane Charles Payne Eric Reynaga Irene Swanson
1
ABOUT THE WATER UTILITY COMMISSION
The Oro Valley Water Utility Commission is appointed by the Oro Valley Mayor and Council
(Mayor and Council). The Mayor and Council have jurisdiction over rates, fees and water
management issues. In March of 1996, the Mayor and Council created the Oro Valley Water
Utility Commission (commission) to act as their advisory body. Please refer to the Town Water
Code, Article 15-4, on the Town website at http://www.codepublishing.com/AZ/OroValley/
The commission is composed of seven members that shall serve terms of three years. The
commissioners are selected to give a balanced representation of residential and
commercial/turf interests served by the Utility.
The primary responsibility of the commission is to review and make recommendations on Oro
Valley Water Utility topics that require Mayor and Council action. These topics may include
water system development, long-term water resource planning, rate adjustments, five-year
capital improvement program, state and federal legislation regarding water related issues,
expansion of service areas and water acquisitions. The commission also supports community
programs and education related to the Oro Valley Water Utility.
The commission welcomes the public to attend its meetings. The commission meets the
second Monday of each month, unless otherwise posted. All meetings are noticed on the
Town's website at https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/Government/Departments/Town-
Clerk/Meetings-and-Agendas
In 2021, the commission held 10 Water Utility Commission meetings. Work performed or
reviewed by the commission in 2021 included:
Meeting Date Action Item
January 11, 2021 Election of Commission Chair and Vice Chair
Appointments to Subcommittees
February 8, 2021 Recommendation on Water Rates
Review of Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System project
March 8, 2021 Recommendation for acceptance of the Annual Report
April 12, 2021 Guest Speaker on the genesis of the Utility’s water resource portfolio:
Alan Forrest, Principal Consultant of AF Engineering Consulting
May 10, 2021 Conservation program by Conservation Specialist
June 14, 2021 10-Year Water Resource Strategic Plan
10-Year CAP Water Wheeling Delivery Plan
August 9, 2021 Water Quality program by Water Quality Lead Operator
September 13, 2021 Review and comment on Fiscal Year 2022/23 Cost of Service Study
October 12, 2020 Review and comment on Conservation and Water Quality Sections
November 15, 2021 Facility tour to the Kai Farms Groundwater Savings Facility
2
Additional notable items on commission agendas in 2021 include:
➢ Recommendation on Mayor and Council Water Policy A-2a(3)
➢ Review and comment on groundwater metrics and wellfield condition
Notable issues planned for commission review or action in 2022 include:
➢ Recommendation for acceptance of the Annual Report
➢ Recommendation for acceptance of the Water Rates
➢ Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System project (NWRRDS) review
➢ Review of Conservation and Water Quality programs
➢ Water resource usage
➢ Capital Improvement Projects
➢ Utility financial review
➢ Field trips/guest speakers TBD
In addition to the regular commission meetings, there are meetings conducted by standing
subcommittees. The 2021 subcommittee membership is as follows:
Finance Subcommittee
Tom Marek, Chair
Chuck Hollingsworth
Robert Milkey
Water Resources and Conservation Subcommittee:
Byron McMillan, Chair
Greg Hitt
Charlie Hurt
COMMITTEE REPORTS
In accordance with the Town’s Water code Article 15-4-5 Committee Reports the commission
shall render to the Town Council an annual report on or before April 1st. This report is
prepared by the Utility staff and reviewed by the commission for completeness and accuracy.
The Water Utility staff would like to thank the commission for their detailed review and
contributions to ensure the accuracy of this annual report.
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WATER UTILITY COMMISSION 2022
4
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
WATER UTILITY
ANNUAL REPORT
APRIL 2022
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This section summarizes the activities of the Water Utility Commission, the Utility’s
operations, capital projects, water resource portfolio and financial management.
WATER RESOURCES
The Utility operates two water systems, the Oro Valley Water Service Area and the
Countryside Water Service Area. There are three sources of supply: groundwater, Central
Arizona Project water and reclaimed water. Groundwater is pumped from the wells in the
aquifer below the water service areas, blended with the Central Arizona Project water and
then delivered through the potable drinking water distribution system. Reclaimed water is for
non-potable uses and is predominantly used for irrigation on golf courses, parks and athletic
fields. The potable drinking water system is completely isolated from the reclaimed water
system.
TABLE 1
Total Water Produced in 2021 (Acre Feet)
Groundwater CAP Water Reclaimed
Water
Total Water
Produced
4,997 2,671 1928 9,596
The Utility uses Central Arizona Project water in the following three ways:
1) Recharge and recover water for delivery to the potable water systems in both Oro
Valley and Countryside
2) Recharge for replacement credit to apply to water pumped from the Utility’s wells
3) Recharge and store water in recharge facilities for future use
As of December 31, 2021, the Utility has accrued an estimated 29,500 acre feet of long-term
storage credits and has a Groundwater Allowance Account balance of approximately 19,230
acre feet.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
At the end of 2021, the Utility had 20,966 customer connections serving a population of
approximately 49,300 residents in the service area. Utility water sales revenues totaled $14.7
million for fiscal year 2020-21.
5
WATER CONSERVATION
The Utility encourages water conservation by informing and educating customers.
Specifically, in 2021, the following conservation efforts were accomplished:
➢ First edition of the quarterly newsletter Behind the Meter
➢ Additional publications: Water Wisdom Video Series and Virtual Welcome Guide
➢ Over 8,200 automated alerts sent with water savings of over 16.5 million gallons
➢ 45% of leaks confirmed by customers on WaterSmart were related to irrigation
WATER UTILITY OPERATIONS
Water Operations are a 24 hour per day, seven days per week operation. Staff performed
routine maintenance on all production and distribution facilities. Utility personnel inspected
new development projects and the Utility’s capital projects. In 2021, Water Operations
completed the following:
➢ Commission – La Reserve Reservoir
➢ Staff cross training – internal and external employees
➢ Warranty replacement of 2 faulty water reservoir mixing units
➢ Distribution maintained 1,587 water valves, replaced 3 valves and performed 55
valve adjustments
WATER QUALITY
In 2021, the Utility received 2,704 analytical results for required water sampling and
operational data. The water system is in compliance with the Arizona Department of
Environmental Quality and the United States Environmental Protection Agency requirements.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Utility continues to be fiscally sound. The water rate study for FY 2022/23 resulted in a
recommendation to increase the base rates and commodity rates for potable water
customers. These proposed changes will result in a monthly increase of $1.79 per month for a
customer with a 5/8-inch meter using 7,000 gallons month. Customers with a 5/8-inch meter
represent 87 percent of the total customer base and include residential, commercial and
irrigation classifications with the majority being residential. The proposed changes will be
presented to the Town Council in June 2022 and, if adopted, the new potable water changes
would become effective in July 2022.
All current water rates, fees and charges including impact fees are available to view on the
Town website at https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/town/departments/water-utility/rates-and-fee
6
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
WATER UTILITY
ANNUAL REPORT
APRIL 2022
INTRODUCTION
This report provides information to the Mayor and Council and the public on the annual work
of the Water Utility Commission and updated information on the Oro Valley Water Utility
(Utility). The report outlines how the divisions within the Utility work together to provide the
community with reliable and safe water supplies. Through partnerships with other
professional water agencies, the Utility maintains water quality standards, protects the
groundwater supply, and conducts long-term planning for water resources and capital
infrastructure. The report details how the Utility maintains financial health through analyzing
and initiating responsible water rates and through cost recovery for new development. This
report provides information and details activities for calendar year (CY) 2021 with additional
financial information reported for the fiscal year (FY) ending June 30, 2021.
WATER RESOURCES
The primary function of the Utility is the production and efficient use of available water
resources that meet or exceed water quality standards. To ensure long-term sustainability,
the Utility works closely with regional water providers, state agencies and the development
community in planning for future water resource requirements. Utility staff closely monitors
all water resources in the Utility’s water portfolio. The water portfolio includes groundwater,
Central Arizona Project (CAP) water entitlement, reclaimed water entitlement, long -term
storage credits and groundwater allowance account credits.
Current Water Supply includes groundwater, CAP water and reclaimed water. The Utility
operates in two separate water service areas: the Oro Valley Water Service Area (OVWSA)
and the Countryside Water Service Area (CSWSA). The CSWSA was acquired by the Town with
the acquisition of the private water companies in 1996. This small satellite service area is
located approximately two miles from the western boundary of the Town. Data from these
two service areas is combined for regulatory reporting purposes. The following table provides
the water production in acre feet (AF) for both service areas in 2021.
TABLE 2
Total Water Production in 2021
Water Resources OVWSA CSWSA Totals
Groundwater 4,544 AF 453 AF 4997 AF
CAP Water 2,494 AF 176 AF 2,670 AF
Reclaimed Water 1,872 AF ---- 1,872 AF
Total 8910 AF 629 AF 9,539 AF
7
Total water production for 2021 was 183 acre feet less than the total water production in
2020. This decrease is due to customer response to a wetter than average summer compared
to 2020.
Figure 1 shows total water production in each service area from 2000 through 2021. The
components of total water production include 1) groundwater production 2) CAP water
utilization and 3) reclaimed water utilization. The graph depicts the decrease in overall water
production for 2021 as compared to 2020 as well as the dramatic decrease in groundwater
utilization since 2005.
FIGURE 1
Groundwater target maximums are also illustrated on the graph shown in Figure 1. These
target amounts were defined in a study entitled Groundwater Sustainability Evaluation of the
Oro Valley Aquifer dated March 14, 2007. The study concluded that the annual groundwater
production flow rate for wells in the OVWSA should be established at 5,480 acre feet and 880
acre feet for wells in the CSWSA. In 2021, Oro Valley pumped 936 acre feet less than the
groundwater target maximum production rate for the OVWSA well s and 427 acre feet less
than the target maximum production rate for the CSWSA wells. The groundwater production
targets have not been exceeded since 2011.
Groundwater remains the primary potable water resource for the Utility. In 2021, the
Utility’s 18 groundwater production wells produced 53 percent of the Utility’s total water
production.
8
Table 3 highlights the production capacity in all wells, the storage capacity in all reservoirs
and the average rise or decline in static water levels for the wells in both service areas at the
end of CY 2020.
TABLE 3
Groundwater
Production Capacity
Storage
Capacity
(Gallons)
Average
Water Level
+Rise/-Decline
OVWSA 13.1 MGD 11 Million -0.58 Feet
CSWSA 2.2 MGD 1 Million -2.51 Feet
On an individual basis, groundwater level changes in 2021 for active wells varied from a rise
of 4.12 feet to a decline of 7.66 feet. Details on static groundwater levels for individual wells
may be found in Appendix A.
Central Arizona Project (CAP) Water is the Utility’s only other potable water resource. In
2021, the Utility’s four CAP wheeling locations delivered 2 8 percent of the Utility’s total water
production. The Utility delivers its entire annual CAP entitlement of 10,305 acre feet to
several recharge facilities in the Tucson Active Management Area. In 2021, the Utility
purchased the entire entitlement for use as follows:
1) Recharge and recover water for delivery to the potable water system
2) Recharge and replace water pumped from the Utility’s wells
3) Recharge and store water in recharge facilities for future use
When Oro Valley’s CAP water is recharged and recovered for delivery, it is first delivered to
Tucson Water’s Central Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project. The recharged CAP water is
then recovered and delivered (wheeled) through the Tucson Water system to various
connection points on the Oro Valley system for delivery to Utility customers.
The Utility has an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with Tucson Water enabling the
delivery of CAP water to customers through four connections to the Tucson Water system.
There are three CAP water connection points in the OVWSA. One is located on Vista del Sol,
north of Naranja Drive a second connection is on Calle Buena Vista, south of Calle Concordia
and a third is located near Oracle and Hardy. CAP water is also delivered to the CSWSA at a
connection located on Camino de Oeste, just north of Linda Vista Blvd. The Utility delivered
2,671 acre feet of CAP water in 2021 thus reducing its reliance on groundwater. CAP water
deliveries are shown in Table 4.
9
TABLE 4
CAP Water Deliveries in 2020
Locations Delivery
Vista Del Sol (OVWSA) 1,618 AF
Calle Buena Vista (OVWSA) 395 AF
Oracle & Hardy (OVWSA) 480 AF
Camino De Oeste (CSWSA) 177 AF
Total 2,670 AF
In calendar year 2017, the Town of Oro Valley, Metro Water and the Town of Marana began
collaboration on the development of a unique IGA to construct a future project known as the
Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System (NWRRDS). The IGA was unanimously
approved by each governing body in March of 2017. This agreement provides another means
for the Town to deliver CAP water to the Utility’s service areas. The project is estimated to be
completed in FY 2024 and will allow for the annual delivery of up to an additional 4,000 acre
feet of recovered CAP water.
The reservoirs on the Colorado River supply water to the CAP and other water projects in the
lower basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada. In addition, these reservoirs provide
required water deliveries to Mexico. This Colorado River water storage decline is due to the
extended drought the basin has experienced for over 20 years as a result of decreased
precipitation and snowpack. This has decreased flow in the river creating significant wa ter
level declines in Lake Mead and Lake Powell, resulting in historically low reservoir levels.
Over the last 21 years, water demands have exceeded available inflows for supply driving
reservoir levels lower.
Reservoir levels determine supply availability in accordance with shortage sharing guidelines
established in 2007 and amended in 2019. Beginning in 2018, The Arizona Department of
Water Resources (ADWR) and CAP staff collaborated with CAP water users and the Lower
Colorado River Basin states to finalize the Lower Basin States Drought Contingency Plan
(LBDCP). The LBDCP modifies the 2007 shortage sharing guidelines so that curtailments in
CAP deliveries happen sooner and are larger. The goal of this plan is to close the gap
between the over-allocation of the river’s natural replenishment capability and water
deliveries, thus leaving enough water in Lake Mead to avoid drastic cuts to priority
subcontract holders like Municipal and Industrial users. The LBDCP was approved by
Governor Doug Ducey on January 31, 2019, and was later approved by the Federal
Legislature and went into effect on January 1, 2020.
The LBDCP specifies what the curtailments are to each of the Lower Basin States depending
on the water surface elevation of Lake Mead on January 1st of the given year. Near term CAP
water delivery curtailments to municipal water providers, such as Oro Valley, are very
unlikely because Municipal users have the highest priority within the Central Arizona Project.
CAP water deliveries to agricultural users, the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment
District (CAGRD) and the Arizona Water Banking Authority (AWBA) will be curtailed 100
percent before Municipal users would be affected. If the Utility were to experience
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curtailments to CAP water deliveries, the Utility could replace the curtailed volume with CAP
water previously stored from various underground storage facilities until the storage balance
is depleted.
In accordance with the LBDCP, CAP curtailments on the order of 192,000 acre feet of the
CAP’s 1.6 million acre feet entitlement begin when the Lake Mead water surface elevation
falls below 1,090 feet in the August projections for the following January. Water surface
elevations between 1,090 feet and 1,075 feet are considered a “tier 0” shortage. We are
currently below water surface elevation 1,075 feet and are in a “tier 1” shortage. Fortunately,
because the Oro Valley Water Utility is a municipal water service provider, the Utility is
among the highest priority users of the CAP and will not see reductions in CAP water
deliveries during a “tier 1” shortage. Unfortunately, the Utility can expect increased delivery
costs of the Town’s CAP allocation due to the “tier 1” shortage.
The State of Arizona offers a level of protection from potential CAP curtailments for priority
CAP users through the creation of the Arizona Water Bank Authority. The AWBA has been
storing water underground for municipal and industrial water users to guard against the
impacts of potential CAP delivery curtailments. Over 600,000 acre feet of water ha ve been
stored underground by the AWBA in the Tucson Active Management Area. This stored water
will be made available to municipal water providers to mitigate curtailments of CAP water
deliveries to municipal water users. In addition to the AWBA storing water, the CAGRD has
stored water for the future to replenish groundwater.
The Utility also continues to store a portion of its CAP water to increase its balance of long-
term storage credits. This water will also be available to mitigate curtailments of CAP water
deliveries.
The above action plans combined with a diverse water resource portfolio reduces the chances
of a water resource shortage in the event of CAP water delivery curtailments. In addition,
reducing demands through an increased focus on the efficient use of water resources will
help to preserve water supplies for future uses.
Reclaimed Water is produced from wastewater effluent from the sanitary sewer system and
then treated for irrigation and other non-potable uses. In 2021, the Utility’s reclaimed system
produced 19 percent of the Utility’s total water production.
Oro Valley owns all the effluent produced by its customers. The Utility has an IGA with Tucson
Water to deliver reclaimed water to the OVWSA through their facility at Thornydale and
Tangerine. From that location, the Utility independently operates the transmission and water
distribution system that delivers the reclaimed water to reclaimed water customers in the
OVWSA. No reclaimed water is delivered to the CSWSA.
The Utility supplies reclaimed water for the irrigation of four golf courses, athletic fields at
one elementary school and Naranja Park. In 2021, 1,751 acre feet of reclaimed water was
delivered. This is a decrease of 209 acre feet compared to the 1,960 acre feet delivered in
11
2020. For 2021, the Utility utilized all of its estimated 1,600 acre feet of reclaimed
entitlement.
REGULATORY
The ADWR requires the Water Utility to replace all the groundwater pumped from wells
owned and operated by the Utility. To comply with this requirement, every acre foot of
groundwater pumped is replaced through annual aquifer recharge uti lizing CAP water. The
replacement of pumped groundwater can happen anywhere within the Tucson Active
Management Area. Due to the lack of Utility-owned aquifer recharge facilities, the Utility
recharges the aquifer outside of the service area to meet this requirement. Long-term storage
credits can also be used to replace the groundwater pumped to maintain compliance with
ADWR requirements.
The Designation of Assured Water Supply (DAWS) issued by the ADWR requires compliance
with the Fourth Management Plan in the Tucson Active Management Area. In 2021, the
Utility was in compliance with all requirements under the DAWS and fully expects to meet all
requirements in 2022. The ADWR requires the Utility to submit water system information and
water usage data in an annual report. The information provided includes service area
boundaries, total water use, population, gallons per capita per day, recharge, recovery and
system water loss.
Pursuant to the DAWS, the Utility has a right to pump a maximum of 13,384 acre feet per
year. However, the 2007 study entitled Groundwater Sustainability Evaluation of the Oro
Valley Aquifer determined that the Oro Valley aquifer has a sustainable groundwater
production rate of approximately 6,360 acre feet per year (5,480 acre feet for the Oro Valley
Service Area plus 880 acre feet for the Countryside Service Area). "Sustainable" in this 2007
study refers to the projected volume of water that can be pumped from wells each year as
calculated over a 30-year period through 2037. The Utility has established a goal that the
“sustainable” value be a groundwater target maximum value by which annual groundwater
required beyond this threshold would trigger the utilization of additional renewable water
resources. Groundwater levels are assessed annually to determine the impact on the aquifer
and well production. Recently, groundwater levels have shown declines less than projected in
the 2007 study.
Long-Term Storage Credits are earned when water is recharged and stored underground for
more than one year. In 2021, the Utility purchased 10,305 acre feet of CAP water for delivery
to recharge facilities. Of that amount, approximately 2,702 acre feet were not used for direct
delivery or annual recovery; therefore, increasing the long-term storage credit balance. The
water stored will be saved for future use. At the end of 2021, the Utility calculated that it had
approximately 29,500 acre feet in long-term storage credits.
Table 5 shows the estimated water storage summary for the end of the 20 21 calendar year.
The ADWR will make adjustments to the storage balance to account for recharge basin
12
evaporation and aquifer losses. The final balance will be provided by the ADWR in October of
2022.
TABLE 5
Water Storage Summary
Calendar Year 2021
(Acre Feet)
Groundwater
Storage Facility
2021 CAP Delivery to
Storage Facility
2021 CAP Recovery
from Storage Facility
Storage Balance
12/31/21
Kai Farms 4,000 2,000 17,253
Lower Santa Cruz 2,805 2,297 8491
Pima Mine Road --- --- 2,868
Central Avra Valley 3,500 3,370 961
Effluent Storage --- --- 65
Total 10,305 7,667 29,702
Note: The 2021 CAP recovery from storage facility column (3rd column) represents the aggregate of CAP
water either delivered to customers or used to replace the groundwater that was pumped.
The Groundwater Allowance Account identifies the amount of groundwater that can be
pumped, if desired, and still be considered exempt from the state's requirement for
replenishment in the Tucson Active Management Area. In general, the balance in the account
may be used for any groundwater pumped from a well that has a five -year average annual
decline greater than four feet or water pumped from a well that is not permitted as a
recovery well. In 2021, the Utility did not use any credits from the Groundwater Allowance
Account. All the Utility’s wells are permitted as recovery wells; therefore, long -term storage
credits were used to meet the replenishment requirements instead of using credits in the
Groundwater Allowance Account. The balance in the Groundwater Allowance Account at the
end of 2021 was 19,230 acre feet.
ENGINEERING AND PLANNING
The Engineering and Planning Division is responsible for planning and managing the design,
construction and inspection of new water infrastructure for the Town of Oro Valley as well as
providing engineering support to the Water Operations group.
Engineering and Planning is also responsible for managing and maintaining a Geographic
Information System (GIS) database on all existing and new water system infrastructure. Maps
produced by GIS staff facilitate Utility operations, planning and engineering. Additionally,
Engineering has spearheaded the design and parameters for the Water Utility’s asset
management system (Cartegraph).
13
In 2021, the New Development Section within the Engineering and Planning Division
completed the following:
➢ Reviewed and approved water improvement plans for 11 construction projects
➢ Approved plans and completed 12 as-built plans
CAPITAL PROJECTS
The Engineering and Planning Division manages the design and construction of capital
projects identified in the Capital Improvement Program and annual operating budget. These
projects are designed to improve efficiencies to existing facilities and improve service levels.
Some of the notable capital projects are described below.
FY 2021/22 Capital Projects
➢ Steam Pump Water Distribution Loop: This project is 100% completely designed to loop
water through the Steam Pump Ranch to provide fire protection to the existing buildings
and create redundant feed at two locations on property. Construction is expected to be
complete in second quarter of 2022.
➢ Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System (NWRRDS): This project is designed
to deliver a portion of the Town’s recharged CAP water from the Lower Santa Cruz
Recharge Facility to the OVWU service area. Once completed, this water infrastructure
will allow the Utility to deliver up to an additional 4,000 acre feet of CAP water per year to
the Oro Valley water customers.
Design of the water transmission main is 100% complete from the partnered forebay to
the discharge connections into Oro Valley Water Service area at Tangerine and Naranja.
All the property acquisitions are secured along with the easements.
14
➢ Wells E1-B, and E5-B rehabilitation: Well rehabilitation work includes pre and post video
logs to assess the well’s condition. This work is followed by the brushing and bailing of the
well or alternative method of well casing cleaning, repair of the well casing when required,
header piping replacement and the installation of new oilers and pads if necessary. Well
E1-B and E5-B will also have motor rehabilitation work prior to placing the well back in
service. Well E5-B, pictured below, has a capacity to deliver up to 1,290 acre feet of
groundwater per year.
➢ Nakoma Sky Well Design and off-site electrical work: Nakoma Sky offsite electrical is
currently in the planning stage with La Posada. Design of well site facility is approaching
100 percent.
➢ Replacement of F1 Well HP Tank and High Mesa Booster Tank The purpose of this multi-
year project is to upgrade the Utility’s existing pressure tanks to meet current safety
requirements based on American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standards for
structural design and integrity of pressure vessels.
Pictured to the right: A
contractor prepares to replace a
non-ASME certified pressure
vessel with a new ASME certified
pressure vessel. Work included
new pressure vessel above-
ground piping and
instrumentation.
Pictured to the right, the well
rehabilitation contractor
prepares to install column pipe
in well E5-B. Perpetual well
maintenance is an important
part of the Utility’s Capital
Improvement Program and
ensures a reliable water system
for the community.
15
➢ Facility upgrades and improvements to Production/Reclaimed offices: This project adds
additional capacity for staff workstations at the Utility’s Production Facility. The scope of
work includes earthwork, utilities and the placement of prefabricated modular buildings.
Project is completed and is 100% operational for four new workstations.
➢ La Cañada offsite electrical design and construction: This project is the first of a multiyear
design and construction project to equip the La Cañada Reservoir with two new booster
stations. The first year of work includes the design and construction of the electrical
improvements necessary to power the future booster stations at La Cañada. This will
ultimately help the Utility with moving water to “F” and “G” zones. This work was
completed and in fiscal year 2022/23 we will be designing our two zone booster stations
and control panels.
➢ Valve Truck Purchase: The Utility recently purchased a new vehicle with specialized
equipment that allows staff to exercise valves more efficiently. Looking forward,
distribution system valves that require replacement will be determined based on
assessments made by the valve exercising program.
Pictured to the right, the contractor
installs a new gate valve and a
section of piping distribution main.
Capital reinvestments of this type
are perpetual in nature.
Pictured to the left, an Oro Valley
Water Utility Operator provides
maintenance on a valve to ensure that it
is fit for continued service. If not, the
valve will be scheduled for replacement.
16
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Customer Service is an integral element of the Utility, providing a full range of support to its
customers. The Utility’s 20,966 metered connections serve a combined population of
approximately 49,300 for both water service areas. Customer Service responsibilities include
preparing the monthly billing, processing cash receipts, preparing daily deposits and
processing new meter applications. Staff also manages new and closed accounts as customers
move in and out of the water service areas.
Customer Service staff produced over 262,058 bills in FY 2020/21 generating $14,679,073 in
water sales revenue. This revenue does not include sales taxes, groundwater preservation
fees or service fees. Water sales revenue by user classification is illustrated in Figure 2.
FIGURE 2
The Utility has an IGA with Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department to
provide their monthly sewer billing. In addition, the Utility provides monthly and quarterly
billing for the Town’s Stormwater Utility. In FY 2020/21, the Utility processed a total of
$29,850,172 in payments for the Utility and the other two organizations as follows:
➢ Oro Valley Water Utility $ 18,914,915
➢ Pima County Wastewater Reclamation $ 9,467,943
➢ Town of Oro Valley Stormwater Utility $ 1,467,314
It is important to note that the total payments handled by the Oro Valley Water Utility are in
excess of the water sales billed because the payments processed include sales taxes,
$10,460,275
$1,573,518 $1,513,794
$902,536
$228,950
$-
$2,000,000
$4,000,000
$6,000,000
$8,000,000
$10,000,000
$12,000,000
Residential Reclaimed Irrigation Commercial Construction
Revenue By User Classificaton
FY 2020/21
17
groundwater preservation fees, security deposits and other service fees char ged by the
Utility.
Of the above payments processed, payments made by credit card or electronically totaled
$19 million or 64 percent. These payment methods create efficiencies for customers and
customer service staff. Payments are posted to customer accounts in a timely and efficient
manner. In addition, this reduces data entry errors and increases time available for staff to
perform other job functions.
WaterSmart is a customer portal that provides customers the ability to monitor their own
water use on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis. They can also set their individual
water use thresholds that will enable the technology to send them high water use alerts.
Customer Service staff use the Utility’s customer kiosk to assist customers with regist ering in
WaterSmart and to teach them how to establish water use thresholds.
The major accomplishments by Customer Service staff in 2021 include the following:
➢ Produced over 262,058 water bills
➢ Processed 5,487 change of service requests
➢ Issued 3,658 work orders to field staff
➢ Processed 505 new meter installation applications
Utility statistics, including the billing collection rate for 2021, may be found in Appendix C.
WATER CONSERVATION
Water Conservation is a key component of the Utility’s overall water resource management
efforts. The Water Conservation Program serves customers through community outreach and
education. It engages the public with a variety of tools and information to emp hasize long-
term support for more efficient water use.
The Utility continually looks for new ways to engage and communicate important water
information to our customers. Spring of 2021 marked the first edition of our new quarterly
newsletter Behind the Meter. This publication is mailed as a billing insert to all customers and
highlights information on our water resources, services, and programs offered. It is also
available electronically on the WaterSmart customer portal and our website.
Additional Publications
➢ Virtual Welcome Guide
➢ Water Wisdom Video Series
18
Community Outreach and Education Programs
Participation in the WaterSmart Program continues to increase. This online program
provides customers with a self-service tool to view their water use at any time. Early leak
detection and high use notifications save water, reduce water waste and reduce the shock of
high water bills. Although the program is available to all customers, Single Family Residential
(SFR) and Irrigation accounts show the highest average registration rate at 25% over the last
year.
➢ There are over 6,700 registered accounts on the WaterSmart Program
➢ Approximately 8,200 automated alerts were sent during CY 2021 with water savings of
over 16.5 million gallons
➢ 45% of leaks confirmed by customers on the WaterSmart program were related to
irrigation
➢ There were over 3,700 visits to the WaterSmart customer portal in CY 2021
The Water Audit Program is a free educational and technical assistance service offered to
residential, HOA and commercial customers. Audits are typically conducted onsite and used
to evaluate potential water savings for both indoor and outdoor water use. The water use
information available through smart meters allows staff to help many of our customers over
the phone. Irrigation is one of the most common leak problems reported by customers. Leaks
related to irrigation may not be obvious to the customer. Confusion with irrigation timer
settings and over watering are significant contributors to high water use complaints.
➢ Customers saved just under 1 million
gallons participating in our Water Audit
program (2020 audits)
➢ 38% of participants had pools
➢ Over 2,261 audits have been completed
since 2003
Break Down of Leaks Reported to WaterSmart
Irrigation
Toilet
Unspecified
Pool
Other
LEAK TYPES REPORTED
CY 2021
19
Youth Education Programs
Oro Valley Water Utility partnered with the Environmental Education Exchange in 2013 to
develop and manage our Conservation Kids Program (grades 1-3). In 2021, we added
Discover Our Water Program to serve grades 4-5. For the current school year to date we have
reached over 700 students within Oro Valley and adjacent service areas.
Future Focus Areas
The Utility continually looks for ways to expand opportunities for public education
and advocacy regarding water conservation.
➢ Increase customer participation in the WaterSmart Program across all meter classes
through targeted outreach efforts
➢ Improve our understanding of key water use patterns by leveraging the data from our
Automated Metering Infrastructure
➢ Develop water use benchmarks that are useful and practical to Utility customers as
determined by evaluation models
OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE
All Production, Distribution and Meter operations personnel are certified operators licensed
by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).
All operations personnel work together to address water system problems. On-call staff
respond to water system problems 24 hours per day, seven days per week. This on-call
staffing utilizes a tiered-level after-hours response protocol in accordance with the existing
Emergency Response Plan.
20
Production personnel are responsible for the operation and maintenance of wells, booster
pumps and reservoirs on the potable water system. In addition, Production personnel are
responsible for the booster pumps, metering stations and the reservoir on the reclaimed
water system. These systems are monitored with the use of Supervisory Control and Data
Acquisition (SCADA) technology that is managed by the Water Control Systems Dep artment.
Production staff performs routine mechanical and assists with electrical maintenance at 45
production sites. They uphold operational balance for CAP water delivery to the potable
systems, maintain 21 disinfection injection pumps and disinfection residuals at injection
points on the potable and reclaimed water delivery systems. Production staff also perform an
annual groundwater level survey of static water levels in all wells.
The following are major activities and accomplishments of Production personnel in 2021:
➢ After hours - 291 overtime hours
➢ Cleaned and inspected 6 potable water reservoirs
➢ Commission – La Reserve Reservoir
➢ Rehabilitation of Well E1B
➢ Staff cross training - internal and external employees
➢ 1 internal employee promoted from production group to Water Control Systems
Section
➢ 1 new employee training in Production Operations
➢ Warranty replacement of 2 faulty water reservoir mixing units
Distribution personnel are responsible for maintenance and replacement of water
distribution system components. Components include water mains, valves, fire hydrants,
pressure reducing valves, drain valve assemblies, air relief valves and service lines. Staff
updates system mapping installs new assets and performs e rosion repairs, asphalt paving and
system flushing. These components are tracked by a database under the Utility’s preventive
maintenance program. Distribution staff is also responsible for the departmental safety
program.
Distribution staff has significant direct customer contact and professionally responds to
customers regarding water quality and pressure or flow related problems. Distribution staff is
responsible for repair of main line and service line breaks. Distribution staff bluestakes
underground water mains for all new and existing construction projects throughout the
Town’s water service area. Arizona law requires that all underground utilities be bluestaked
prior to any excavation to ensure the safety and welfare of the community by protecting
underground facilities from damage. An inventory of all facility assets may be found in
Appendix D.
The following are the major activities and accomplishments of Distribution staff in 202 1:
➢ Responded to 171 customer inquiries and 97 after hour call outs
➢ Maintained 1,587 water valves, replaced 3 valves and performed 55 valve adjustments
➢ Maintenance performed on 120 fire hydrants and made 120 repairs to fire hydrants
21
➢ Performed 124 inspections on 36 pressure reducing valves, and made repairs on 31
pressure reducing valves
➢ Performed 11,207 bluestakes for potable and reclaimed pipelines
➢ Repaired 6 main breaks
➢ Replaced 3 water distribution main line valves: 4”, 6” and 8”
METER OPERATIONS
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is an integral part of the Oro Valley Water system.
The advanced metering technology transformed how the Utility gathers water use data, how
staff collaborates with customers, and improved water data manag ement practices. The AMI
system has improved customer service by providing historical, on-site water usage data to the
customer to explain a problem such as a water leak. This saves customers water, money and
promotes continued water conservation efforts. Utility staff has increased their technical
knowledge and skills to provide this improved customer service feature. Staff uses analytical
and critical thinking skills to analyze and troubleshoot complex metering problems and
technical issues within the AMI system. Staff uses AMI network software, Meter Data
Management software, field collection and meter reading hardware, GIS software and data
collection software to manage water usage data and develop solutions to solve complex
problems and mitigate water use issues that impact Utility customers.
AMI technology also increases operational efficiency by eliminating the need for labor
intensive manual meter reading and reducing travel time. By increasing operational
efficiencies, meter operations staff can focus their time and capabilities on oversight of the
AMI system and related software. This includes proactively monitoring and maintaining the
AMI system, providing instruction and insight for electronic equipment installations,
programming, maintenance, and repairs. Meter operations staff members focus their efforts
on improving operational efficiencies to perform additional water system preventive
maintenance and commercial meter testing.
The following are major activities and accomplishments of Meter Operations personnel in
2021:
➢ Installed over 500 meters for new developments
Using Town equipment, the Utility’s
distribution staff repaired 6 main line
breaks and 8 service line repairs. The Utility
realized an estimated savings of $230,000
by performing this work in-house rather
than hiring an outside contractor to make
these repairs.
22
➢ Completed 110 warranty meter installs
➢ Repaired more than 20 angle meter stops
➢ Successfully completed the requirements to take over the AZ811-Bluestaking program
➢ 1 internal employee promoted
➢ 3 new employee training
WATER QUALITY
Water quality sampling and testing is essential to providing safe and reliable water. The
Town’s water system is in full compliance with all state and federal regulations. The Utility is
regulated by the ADEQ and provides all required water quality testing results to ADEQ. The
Utility works closely with ADEQ to ensure all federal and state standards are met. The website
for ADEQ is www.azdeq.gov.
In 2021, the Utility received 2,704 analytical results for required water sampling and
operational data for the potable water system and all ADEQ requirements were met. Each
year, the Utility collects hundreds of water samples from 15 point of entry sites. Including
groundwater wells, reservoirs and pumping stations. The Utility also samples from 58
sampling stations as required by ADEQ. These stations are located in neighborhoods
specifically selected to represent the water quality delivered to the customers throughout the
water distribution system. The Utility has an additional 101 sampling stations that can be
used during emergencies or to meet future testing requirements. Every three years, water
samples are taken from 50 private residences within the water service areas and tested for
lead and copper. This sampling was completed in June of 2019 and met the EPA’s rules for
lead and copper. The Utility provides all water quality testing results to ADEQ and works
closely with that agency to ensure all federal and state standards are met.
During 2021, the Utility collected 696 samples for analysis of Total Coliform bacteria, all
samples were negative for bacteria. This is a direct result of a successful disinfection program
through wellhead chlorination, effective system monitoring, proficie nt sampling methods and
routine maintenance.
Testing includes water hardness which is a measurement of the concentration of calcium and
magnesium. During 2021, the hardness levels in Oro Valley ranged from 2.1 to 14.6 grains per
gallon (36 ppm to 250 ppm). The Utility’s water hardness ranges from soft to very hard with
the majority of the water testing at moderately hard to hard. The water hardness varies
depending on the volume of CAP water that is being blended at any given time in a specific
pressure zone.
Due to proposed regulatory changes and requirements, in 2021 the Utility continued
preparation to phase in five proposed and pending EPA regulations related to monitoring
rules:
➢ Fifth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 2023-2025
➢ Revised Long-Term Lead and Copper Rule October 2024
23
➢ Perchlorate TBD
➢ Strontium TBD
➢ Chromium Total/Hexavalent Chromium TBD
In 2022, the Utility will continue to phase in sampling and monitoring of new contaminants in
accordance with regulatory requirements.
The Utility produced a 2020 Consumer Confidence Report for each water system in May of
2020. These reports are available electronically. Notices were mailed to customers letting
them know the reports could be found on the Town’s website at
https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/Government/Departments/Water-Utility/Water-
Quality#section-1 The 2021 Consumer Confidence Reports will be completed in June of 2022.
In addition to sampling the potable water system, water quality samples are routinely taken
on the reclaimed water system for chlorine levels and turbidity to assure compliance with
regulatory standards. All ADEQ standards and regulations for reclaimed water were met in
2021.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION
Backflow prevention is an important component of water quality designed to protect the
public water system. The purpose of this program is to keep the water supply safe from
contaminants that could be introduced into the distribution system through backflow, back
siphoning or back pressure from customer’s plumbing systems or internal processes.
The Backflow Prevention Program is administered in accordance with the Town of Oro Valley
Ordinance (O) 07-21, ADEQ Administrative Code section R18-4-215, and the guidelines of the
University of Southern California Foundation for Cross Connection Control and Hydraulic
Research.
There are 1,445 backflow prevention assemblies in the program. The following are some of
the major activities and accomplishments performed by the Backflow Prevention Division in
2021:
➢ Tested 236 backflow assemblies
➢ Repaired 32 in-ground and construction water backflow prevention assemblies
➢ Issued 41 permits for new and replacement backflow prevention assemblies
➢ Implemented new cross connection control program software
24
SECURITY AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Under current federal guidelines, Water Operations personnel are considered first
responders. Though primarily mandated by state rules with public health responsibilities
(Arizona Administrative Code Title 18), water operators also have a public safety
responsibility relevant to the water systems they operate which includes support of
firefighting tasks. Any water system security situations also directly involve water operations
along with the Oro Valley Police Department as a first response action.
In 2020, Utility personnel, with the assistance of a security consultant were mainly focused on
finalizing and submitting the Risk and Resilience Assessment Certifications for the America’s
Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018. Certifications for the Oro Valley Water System and
the Countryside Water System were submitted, and confirmation received, before th e due
date of 12/31/2020. Selective training was conducted in 2021 and Water Utility staff
participated in an Emergency Simulation Tabletop Exercise. The training was in accordance
with the guidelines from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency
Management Agency, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The Utility
continues to update the Emergency Response Plan and Business Continuity Plan on an annual
basis and will continue to mitigate the elements defined in the vulnerability assessments as
well as those identified through the course of business.
Security features which include perimeter fencing, security walls, warning signage, motion
sensors, and cameras at all active production facilities were inspected to maintain int egrity.
Hydrants throughout the system are protected by security locking systems.
The Utility is kept abreast of local, regional, and national security issues by the Water
Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC). WaterISAC has established secure and
close contact with partners in government to access sensitive and classified security
information. WaterISAC maintains two-way communication with the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security, especially its National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration
Center, the FBI, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, state intelligence fusion centers,
and other federal and state agencies.
The Utility is also a member of the Arizona Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network
(AZWARN). Members of AZWARN agree to provide aid to other member utilities in the event
of an emergency.
25
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Utility is financially sound and continues to manage its revenues, control expenses, and
reduce debt. The Water Utility’s outstanding revenue bonds have a rating of “AA+” from
Standard and Poor’s and “AA+” from Fitch Ratings. Ratings criteria include stable economic
base, sufficient water supply for current and long-term needs, a manageable capital
improvement plan, timely rate increases, maintaining adequate debt service coverage and
cash reserve balances.
Revenues and Expenses
The Utility’s revenue consists of potable and reclaimed water sales, groundwater preservation
fees, miscellaneous service fees and charges, water development impact fees and interest
income. The Utility has two funds:
➢ The Operating Fund is the primary fund for the Utility. Costs for the administration,
operations, existing system improvements and debt service are managed in this fund.
The sources of revenue are water sales, service-related charges and Groundwater
Preservation Fees (GPF). The GPF funds are dedicated to pay for debt or capital costs
related to renewable water resources, renewable water supplies and costs to wheel CAP
water to the Town.
➢ The Water Resource and System Development Impact Fee Fund (WRSDIF) provides
funding for expansion related projects for new growth, development of renewable
sources of water supply and infrastructure required for delivery of those resources. The
source of revenue for this fund is impact fees collected at the time water meters are
purchased.
26
Table 6 below illustrates actual to budgeted revenues for Fiscal Year 2020/21 for the
Operating Fund and Water Resource and System Development Impact Fee Fund:
TABLE 6
* Note: Interest Income for FY 2020/21 is a negative $1,211 due to the recording of unrecognized losses per
the information provided by the Town’s finance department
Revenues from water sales exceeded budget by $1.6 million due to above average water
usage directly related to the hot and dry weather conditions at the time. Impact fees
exceeded budget by $2.2 million primarily due to higher than anticipated residential meter
sales.
27
Table 7 below illustrates actual expenses for the Operating Fund and Water Resource and
System Development Impact Fee Fund compared to budgeted expenses (excluding
depreciation and amortization) for FY 2020/21:
TABLE 7
Capital outlay was below budget due to unexpected delays with the Northwest Recharge,
Recovery, and Delivery System (NWRRDS) project.
Outstanding Debt
Table 8 is a summary of the outstanding debt (principal only) and the annual debt service
payments (principal and interest) for all funds within the Utility:
TABLE 8
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Water Rates
The functions and duties of the commission include annually reviewing and developing
recommendations for water revenue requirements, water rates and fee structures. The
commission evaluates staff recommendations based on an annual water rates analysis to
ensure the recommendations meet Town policies and bond covenants. The Utility bases its
financial analysis on the American Water Works Association Cash Needs Approach.
The water rate study for FY 2022/23 resulted in a recommendation to increase the base rates
and commodity rates for potable water customers. These proposed changes will result in a
monthly increase of $1.79 per month for a customer with a 5/8-inch meter using 7,000
gallons. Customers with a 5/8-inch meter represent 87 percent of the total customer base
and include residential, commercial and irrigation classifications with the majority being
residential. The proposed changes will be presented to the Town Council in June 2022 and, if
adopted, the new potable water changes would become effective in July 2022.
All current water rates, fees and charges including impact fees are available to view on the
Town website at https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/town/departments/water-utility/rates-and-fee
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
WATER UTILITY
2022 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX A
STATIC GROUNDWATER LEVELS
STATIC GROUNDWATER LEVELS
The following table lists all production wells, the amount of groundwater pumped and the
change in depth to groundwater between January of 20 20 and 2021 for both the Countryside
and Oro Valley Main Water Service areas. To provide context the amount of groundwater
pumped and the change in depth to groundwater is also shown for years 2000, 2005, 2010,
2015 and 2020.
Drawdowns highlighted in yellow indicate an aquifer drawdown while “drawdowns”
highlighted in blue indicate aquifer recovery.
A-1
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
WATER UTILITY
2022 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX B
PROPOSED FIVE - YEAR
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
B-1
B-2
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
WATER UTILITY
2022 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX C
UTILITY STATISTICS
UTILITY STATISTICS
C-2 C-2 C-1
C-2
C-3
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
WATER UTILITY
2022 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX D
ASSET INVENTORY
Y
ASSET INVENTORY
D-1
TOWN OF ORO VALLEY
WATER UTILITY
2022 ANNUAL REPORT
APPENDIX E
ACRONYMS AND GLOSSARY
ACRONYMS
ADEQ Arizona Department of Environmental Quality
ADWR Arizona Department of Water Resources
AF Acre Feet
AMI Advanced Metering Infrastructure
AWBA Arizona Water Banking Authority
AZWARN Arizona Water and Wastewater Agency Response Network
CAGRD Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District
CAP Central Arizona Project
CAVSRP Central Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project
CSWSA Countryside Water Service Area
CY Calendar Year
DAWS Designation of Assured Water Supply
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
ERP Emergency Response Plan
FY Fiscal Year
GIS Geographic Information System
GPF Groundwater Preservation Fee
IGA Intergovernmental Agreement
MGD Million Gallons per Day
NWRRDS Northwest Recharge and Recovery Delivery System
OVWSA Oro Valley Water Service Area
PDEQ Pima County Department of Environmental Quality
SCADA Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
WRSDIF Water Resource and System Development Impact Fee Fund
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GLOSSARY
Acre Foot – The volume of water necessary to cover an area of one acre to the depth of one
foot, 43,560 cubic feet. One acre foot is equal to 325,851 US gallons.
Arizona Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network – AzWARN is a statewide mutual
assistance program between water and wastewater utilities. This volunteer-based network allows
utilities to help one another in times of emergency when the resources of a utility are
overwhelmed. The foundation of the network is a signed mutual aid agreement between all
participating utilities.
Aquifer – An underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials
(gravel, sand, or silt) from which groundwater can be extracted using a water well.
Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District (CAGRD) – It was created in 1993 to
replenish (or recharge) the amount of groundwater pumped or delivered to its members which
exceeds their pumping limitations using any water source available except groundwater.
Central Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project – An approved Underground Storage Facility
operated by Tucson Water located in the Tucson Active Management Area located approximately
one mile west of Sandario Road and just south of Mile Wide Road, in the Avra Valley, Pima
County, Arizona.
Colorado River Basin – The drainage basin of the Colorado River is located in the southwestern
United States and northwest Mexico. The 1,450 mile river drains an expansive, arid watershed
that encompasses parts of six U.S. (Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona and
California) and two Mexican states (Sonora and Baja). Rising in the central Rocky Mountains in the
U.S., the river flows generally southwest across the Colorado Plateau and through the Grand
Canyon before reaching Lake Mead on the Arizona–Nevada line, where it turns south toward the
international border at Yuma, Arizona. After entering Mexico, the Colorado approaches the large
Colorado River Delta where it naturally empties into the Gulf of California.
Effluent – Generally refers to wastewater that is treated and discharged to a natural water
course. Oro Valley Water Utility’s effluent is treated at facilities owned and operated by Pima
County. This treated wastewater effluent is the source of Oro Valley’s reclaimed water.
Five Year Capital Improvement Plan – A long-term plan for development of water related
projects to develop and deliver water supply to our community. It includes existing system
improvements and expansion related projects to meet future demands.
Groundwater – The water located in an aquifer beneath earth's surface in soil pore spaces and in
the fractures of rock formations. The depth at which soil pore spaces or fractures and voids in
rock become completely saturated with water is called the water table.
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Groundwater Extinguishment Credits – Credits that are generated when a grandfathered
groundwater right is extinguished or retired and never used again. The credits are issued as a
certificate from the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Ownership of the credits can be
transferred from the owner to another entity within the same Active Management Area.
Kai Farms – An approved Groundwater Savings Facility located at a farm near Redrock, Arizona
that uses CAP water for irrigation.
Lake Powell – A water storage reservoir on the Colorado River near Page, Arizona with a capacity
of 24.3 million acre feet. Glen Canyon Dam forms the lake and provides hydro-electric power.
Lake Mead – The largest water storage reservoir in the United States with a capacity of 25.9
million acre feet. It is located on the Colorado River about 24 miles southeast of Las Vegas,
Nevada. Hoover Dam forms the lake and provides hydro-electric power.
Long-Term Groundwater Storage Credit – A credit for storing CAP water or wastewater effluent
that is accrued when this water is delivered to and recharged into an approved underground
water storage facility. Once the water is recharged and stored and a deduction is taken for losses
to the aquifer, it becomes a credit that can be used in the future either by direct delivery or used
as credits to replace groundwater pumped from recovery wells.
Lower Santa Cruz Replenishment Project – An approved Underground Storage Facility operated
by the Central Arizona Project located in the Tucson Active Management Area near Marana,
Arizona.
Northwest Recharge Recovery and Delivery System – Partnership project between The Town of
Oro Valley, Metro Water and The Town of Marana to plan, design, construct and operate a
recovery and delivery system to facilitate the delivery of recovered CAP water from the Lower
Santa Cruz Recharge Project and the Avra Valley Recharge Project to each partner’s respective
service area.
Pima Mine Road Recharge Project – An approved Underground Storage Facility operated by the
Central Arizona Project located in the Tucson Active Management Area near Sahuarita, Arizona.
Recharge – The replenishment of an aquifer's groundwater. An aquifer recharges water that
percolates into the ground. Recharge takes advantage of water supplies available now and stores
them for future use. Recharge also allows the slow introduction of new water supplies into our
drinking water system by blending the new source with existing groundwater.
Tucson Active Management Area – One of five Active Management Areas in Arizona established
under the 1980 Groundwater Code to manage groundwater usage through the Assured Water
Supply Program.
Turbidity – Turbidity is the cloudiness or haziness of a fluid caused by large numbers of individual
particles that are generally invisible to the naked eye similar to smoke in air.
Zones – A “zone”, or “pressure zone” is defined as the area bounded by both a lower and upper
elevation. Water service areas with elevation changes establish pressure zones to ensure that all
customer’s water pressure is within a prescribed pressure range regardless of the customers’
service elevation. E-3
Water Utility Commission 4.
Meeting Date:03/21/2022
Submitted By:Danielle Tanner, Water
SUBJECT:
UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ON WELL, PUMP AND WELLFIELD CONDITION (P. ABRAHAM)
RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
N/A
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
N/A
Attachments
Item 4 - Well, Pump and Wellfield Condition
Oro Valley Water Utility
Peter A. Abraham, P.E.
Water Utility Director
Water Utility Commission
March 21, 2022
Annual Assessment of Well,
Pump & Wellfield Condition
Well Location Map
Data collection
OVWU collects data from:
16 active production wells in
the Main well field
2 active production wells in
the Countryside well field
10 monitoring wells
Data Collection & Calculations For Well & Pump Assessment
Data is collected annually for
every well to assess the well
and pump condition.
Data collection for Well CS-1
Pumping capacity (GPM)
Annual volume pumped (AF)
Static Water Level (SWL) (Ft.)
Pumping Water Level (PWL) (Ft.)
Discharge pressure (PSI)
Calculations
Comparisons in pumping capacity,
annual volume pumped, SWL, PWL
and discharge pressure
Drawdown (SWL-PWL) (Ft.)
Specific Capacity
(Pumping capacity / drawdown)
Data Analysis to Assess Well & Pump Condition
Data analysis for Well CS-1
Year
Static Water Level (SWL) (Ft.)
Pumping Water Level (PWL) (Ft.)
Discharge Pressure (PSI)
Data analysis for CS-1 con’t
Year
Pumping Capacity (GPM)
Specific Capacity (GPM / Ft DD)
Data collection
Pumping capacity (GPM)
Annual volume pumped (AF)
Static Water Level (FT.)
Calculations
Difference in annual volume pumped
Difference in annual static water level
Analysis
OVWU discussion
Wellfield production capacity
exceeds required potable demands
3 wells showed aquifer recovery
5 wells showed aquifer recovery
last year
Invest and update production facilities
instrumentation (Well level sensors &
flowmeters)
Additional delivery of CAP supplies
are necessary to further offset
groundwater pumping
Data Collection & Analysis to Assess Wellfield Condition
Discussion
Water Utility Commission 5.
Meeting Date:03/21/2022
Submitted By:Danielle Tanner, Water
SUBJECT:
UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ON PARTNERED NORTHWEST RECHARGE, RECOVERY, AND DELIVERY
SYSTEM (P. ABRAHAM)
RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
N/A
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
N/A
Attachments
Item 5 - NWRRDS - Partnered
Peter A. Abraham, P.E.
Water Utility Director
Water Utility Commission
March 21, 2022
Oro Valley Water Utility
Update & Discussion on the
Partnered Northwest Recharge,
Recovery and
Delivery System Project
NWRRDS Partnered Project Update
The foundation of the NWRRDS Project
April 2017: The governing bodies of Metro Water, the Town of Marana and the Town of
Oro Valley unanimously approved the NWRRDS IGA, a 50-year IGA.
Capacity Entitlement: Oro Valley & Metro Water: 4,000 AFY Marana:2,400 AFY
NWRRDS IGA details the partnership, design, construction, operation and maintenance
of the Northwest Recharge, Recovery and Delivery System (NWRRDS).
NWRRDS IGA established the NWRRDS Committee to render NWRRDS decision on:
Design, construction, operations, deliveries, etc.
Authorized NWRRDS Committee representatives are:
•Metro’s General Manager
•Marana’s Water Department Director
•Oro Valley’s Water Department Director
The NWRRDS Committee established the NWRRDS Technical Committee:
Authorized Technical Committee representatives are:
•Metro’s Engineering & Operations Staff
•Marana’s Engineering & Operations Staff
•Oro Valley’s Engineering & Operations Staff
NWRRDS Partnered Project Update
NWRRDS Partnered Project Update
NWRRDS partnered project consists of:
Recovery well design, permitting & construction –100% complete
Well equipping, power line extensions, easements, right-of-way –50% complete
Transmission pipeline design & permitting –100% complete
Transmission pipeline easements (S.C.R, I-10, SPRR) & right-of-way –100% complete
Transmission pipeline construction –1% complete (Out to bid)
Forebay reservoir design & permitting –100% design complete
Forebay reservoir construction –1% complete (Out to bid)
NWRRDS Partnered Project Update
Expansion of the NWRRDS Partnered Project:
In November of 2021, the governing bodies of Metro
Water, the Town of Marana and the Town of Oro Valley
unanimously approved a “Supplemental” NWRRDS IGA.
Goals:
Simplify construction coordination
Allow all partners to have beneficial occupancy
of the infrastructure at the same time
Take advantage of economies of scale
IGA Details
OVWU is lead agency for supplemental IGA
PM by Oro Valley
Inspected and accepted on behalf
of the partners by Oro Valley
Partners reimburse Oro Valley for all costs
associated with work related to the partners
NWRRDS Partnered Project Update
Financials (FY 2018/19 to March 15, 2022)
NWRRDS expenses to date: $1,581,737.36 (Independent) / $3,311,878.90 (Partnered)
60% Impact fee funded / 40% GPF funded
NWRRDS Partnered Project Update
Discussion
Water Utility Commission 6.
Meeting Date:03/21/2022
Submitted By:Danielle Tanner, Water
SUBJECT:
UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ON INDEPENDENT NORTHWEST RECHARGE, RECOVERY, AND DELIVERY
SYSTEM (L. JACOBS)
RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
N/A
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
N/A
Attachments
Item 6 - NWRRDS Independent Portion
Oro Valley Water Utility
Update & Discussion
on the Independent
Northwest Recharge, Recovery
and Delivery System Project
Lee Jacobs, P.E., C.P.M.
Engineering Division Manager
Water Utility Commission
March 21, 2022
NWRRDS OVWU Project Update & Background
The foundation of the NWRRDS Project
Oro Valley is currently wheeling over 2,000 acre-feet per year of Central
Arizona Project (CAP) water from Tucson Water (TW) at several locations
throughout the Town of Oro Valley.
Capacity Entitlement: Oro Valley & Metro Water: 4,000 AFY
Marana:2,400 AFY
The OVWU implemented a wheeling agreement with TW to reduce our
dependence on and to stabilize drawdown levels of groundwater.
The Town of Oro Valley continues to see population growth and is expecting
continued growth through 2030 and beyond. As the population increases,
water demands will also increase so it is necessary to secure additional CAP
water into the OVWU system to reduce stress on the aquifer.
La Cañada Reservoir supply and capacity to move into our “F” & “G” Zone.
NWRRDS Partnered & OVWU Project Limits & Alignment
NWRRDS OVWU Project Update
NWRRDS OVWU project consists of:
Environmental, cultural & alignment –100% Complete
Booster station design–100% complete
Transmission pipeline design and permitting (6 miles) –90% complete
Easements, State Trust Land Lease, right-of-way –100% complete
OVWU independent discharge pipeline design to “E” Zone –95% compete
OVWU independent forebay and booster site –RFQ 100% ready for
advertising
Consolidation of partnered independent boosters consolidation for bidding,
IGA (scope of work development with selected consultant)-10% complete
“D” Zone blending line –Shannon Road to independent forebay (3000 LF) –
5% complete
NWRRDS Partnered Project Update
Environmental, Cultural & Natural Plant Preservation Ordinance
Completion of alignment determination
Completion of Environmental Assessment
NWRRDS –OVWU Project Update Completed –Phase 1
Booster Design at Partnered Forebay:
Completion booster design
Completion of discharge transmission pipeline to Blue Bonnet
Twin Peaks Crossing
NWRRDS –OVWU Independent Booster Design –Phase 2
Transmission Design & Property Acquisition
NWRRDS –OVWU Project Update Completed –Phase 2 (cont.)
State Trust Land 50-year lease secured for forebay and transmission main
Environmental, Cultural & Natural Plant Preservation Ordinance of OVWU
Forebay
Design of 5 miles of transmission main to forebay
Re-equip well with new pump and rehab motor
Request for Qualifications Design Build
Success with previous design build emergency reservoir
RFQ anticipated advertise date early April 2022
Anticipated completion scheduled for the 3rd quarter of 2024
NWRRDS –OVWU Project Update –Phase 3
Scope of Work Development for “D” Zone Blending
Design 16” connection from Shannon 80 to independent forebay
Design firm selected and scope of work being developed
Anticipated completion of design is December 2022
NWRRDS –OVWU Project Update –Phase 4
CIP Project
100% design and construction completed for discharge pipe
“E” to “F” and “ E” to “G” Zones from La Cañada Reservoir
Booster design is part of this FY CIP design schedule station
Contractor is 100 % complete with discharge pipes and
Engineering has selected a design firm to design future two
zone booster station
La Cañada booster construction scheduled for FY 2023-2024
La Cañada Booster Station “E” to “F” & ”E” to G” Zone Boosters
Thank you!
Water Utility Commission 7.
Meeting Date:03/21/2022
Submitted By:Danielle Tanner, Water
SUBJECT:
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING A WATER UTILITY COMMISSION FIELD TRIP IN APRIL
(P. ABRAHAM)
RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
N/A
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
I move to recommend the Water Utility Commission attend a field trip to CAVSARP/SAVSARP on ____________
(date).
Attachments
Item 7 - Field Trip
Peter A. Abraham, P.E.
Water Utility Director
Water Utility Commission
March 21, 2022
Oro Valley Water Utility
Discussion and Possible Action
Regarding a Water Utility Commission
Field Trip in April
We are going on a field trip!
What are we doing?
Commission Field Trip
Tour of City of Tucson Recharge & Recovery Facility
The OVWU delivers 3,500 acre-ft. of CAP water to the USF
facility
The OVWU recovers most of the water delivered to facility
within the year it is delivered
What is a USF?
A USF is an Underground Storage Facility
It is one way of saving water for future use. Another way is
utilizing a Groundwater Savings Facility (GSF)
Specific rules apply to utilizing USF’s & GSF’s
OVWU stores water at GSFs and USFs
Underground Storage Facility -USFs
•Direct recharge
•OVWU stores a portion of it’s CAP
water allocation in USFs
•CAVSARP, SAVSARP, LSCRP & PMR
•1-3% lost to evaporation
•5% cut to the aquifer
(if not withdrawn within 1 year)
Groundwater Saving Facility –GSF’s
•In-direct recharge or in-lieu recharge
•OVWU allows agriculture to utilize a
portion of its CAP allocation for irrigation
•In return Town has a legal right to an
equal amount of agriculture’s groundwater
•No evaporation loss
•5% cut to the aquifer
Tucson Water CAVSARP / SAVSARP facility.
Where are we going?
When we are going and proposed schedule
04/(13,15,18,20,22,25,27,29)/22
8:15 am –Report to Town Hall
8:30 am –Leave Town Hall
9:15 am –Arrive at SAVSARP / CAVSARP
9:15 am –10:30 am Tour
11:15 am –12:15 pm Lunch at Overlook Restaurant
12:30 pm –Return to Town Hall
12:30 pm –12:45 pm Study Session (Discuss Tour)
Water Utility Commission 10.
Meeting Date:03/21/2022
Submitted By:Danielle Tanner, Water
SUBJECT:
DIRECTOR'S REPORT
RECOMMENDATION:
N/A
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
N/A
BACKGROUND OR DETAILED INFORMATION:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
SUGGESTED MOTION:
Report only.
Attachments
Item 10 - Director's Report
Peter A. Abraham, P.E.
Water Utility Director
Water Utility Commission
March 21, 2022
Oro Valley Water Utility
Director’s Report
Upcoming Meetings
April 6, 2022 Town Council Regular Session
Council Chambers @ 6 p.m.
April 20, 2022 Town Council Regular Session
Council Chambers @ 6 p.m.
April __, 2022 Water Utility Commission
City of Tucson Recharge &Recovery
Facility Field Trip @ 8:15 a.m.
Study Session @ 12:30 p.m.
May 9, 2022 Water Utility Commission Meeting
Hopi Conference Room @ 5 p.m.
Water News –Upper Colorado Basin Snowpack Comparisons
Water News -2022 Colorado Snow Water Equivalent
Thank You