Contra Costa Water District Works to Reduce its Impact on the Environment

California's Contra Costa Water District has undertaken an number of initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impacts of its operations and addressing global climate change. These efforts include:

Capital Improvement Planning: Strategic projects such as the Alternative Intake Project, are being designed to accommodate climate variability. As an example, the pump station and pipeline on Victoria Island are being designed and constructed to withstand flooding at a level that takes into account sea level rise. CCWD’s 10-year Capital Improvement Program, which is adopted annually by the Board includes projects that improve energy efficiency, develop alternate energy sources, conserve water, and are adaptable to changing climatic conditions.

Relying Less on Fossil Fuels: CCWD is working to reduce fossil fuel consumption by 5 percent a year for the next three years. To do this, standard-engine fleet vehicles are being replaced with gas-electric hybrids where feasible, alternative fuels are being considered and driving routines are being adjusted to improve overall mileage.

Constructing Solar and Hydro Generating Facilities: At the Ygnacio Pump Station, 250 solar photovoltaic panels were installed to generate enough energy to offset 30 percent of the electricity used annually by the pump station. The 40-kilowatt facility was completed in August 2008. The District's next clean energy project will use the power of water rushing through the Los Vaqueros pipeline in eastern Contra Costa County to generate approximately 1 megawatt of electricity for use at CCWD pump stations.

Facilitating Sustainable Windpower: CCWD supports the generation of clean windpower. The 20,000-acre Los Vaqueros Watershed is home to hundreds of wind turbines that cleanly produce approximately 60 megawatts of renewable wind energy to help meet California's increasing demand for electricity.

Saving Water Saves Energy: By encouraging people to save water, CCWD ultimately reduces the amount of electricity used to pump, store, treat and distribute water. In California, water-related energy use is the single largest use of electricity, much of which is produced by thermal power plants that emit greenhouse gases. CCWD deliveries less water today than in 1985, despite nearly a twofold increase in the population served. In addition to an aggressive conservation program, approximately 8,000 acre-feet of recycled water is delivered within CCWD each year.

Climate Change Research: CCWD is leading an AwwaRF research project to evaluate the effects of climate change on planning criteria and design standards. The total project cost estimate is $300,000 and the project involves four west coast water agencies. The District took the lead in preparing a $100,000 tailored collaboration proposal to AwwaRF to develop a greenhouse gas emissions guidance document for water agencies.