1. What has Harvey done to support water quality in Lake Elsinore?
a. Lake Elsinore’s main source of water is from EVMWD’s waste-water treatment plant. As time has gone on and recycled water technologies have improved, we have been able to seek grant funding to convert an abandoned Ag line to recycled water conveyance, increasing the amount of water we put into the Lake each day and with advanced technology, improved quality. The additional flow improves the overall health of the Lake as well as maintains a higher Lake level.

2. What is Harvey’s biggest accomplishment in the water district since he was elected?
a. The relationships I have developed at the Federal level have resulted in over $60 million dollars of grant funding and low interest loans made available to EVMWD. For $1.00 spent on travel and staff time, we have been able to bring $25.60 back to the district. That is a savings of over $5.80 per customer, per month for twenty years. We are also pursuing an additional $176,826,000 in grants and no or low cost loan for projects currently in the planning stages and another $58,000,000 for future projects. Brining state and federal money back to our valley has been a major focus

3. Why was there a gym built for the EVMWD employees? Is this coming out of the rate-payers’ pocket?
a. The employee fitness center was an investment as part of our overall employee health and wellness program. Rebate money that came as a direct result of improved employee safety records was used to fund the wellness center; it was not and is not funded through rate-payer dollars. By having the wellness center, our insurance grant through Associated California Water Agencies is greater than it would be without it. This year we got $1700, the maximum award.
In addition, since October 2018, when the wellness center opened the overall sick leave has been reduced by 11.42% from FY18-19 and total of 36.18% from FY18-20. We have come to understand that the Wellness Center is a huge morale boost, staff uses it regularly and it has been a great addition to our other health programs (Biggest Loser, etc), and especially with COVID-19, a huge stress reliever.

The Board considered all of the costs and benefits including multiple studies that prove an on-site wellness center does improve morale, lower health costs, etc.

4. Why did Harvey support a $600k parking structure plan?
a. There is a plan to pave, gutter and improve a dirt lot across the street for visitor parking. That project is required to meet ADA compliance as well as public safety issues. Additional work such as the City’s requirements to install curbs and gutters added to the cost of the project. This plan has been on the projects list for a number of years and has been identified by our insurance carrier as a priority.

5. Why did Harvey vote for rate increases?
a. The cost of living increases every year. The cost of imported water from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California through Western Municipal Water District also increases every year. EVMWD relies on 67% of all of its water from imported sources. By obtaining grants and low-interest or no-interest loans to build required capital improvement projects, we are able to offset a certain portion of these costs, minimizing the rate increases. Delaying or avoiding rate increases only kicks these expenses down the road and rather than having small, manageable amounts, we would be looking at significant increases in years ahead. As part of our bond rating criteria, rate increases are expected and quite frankly required. To offset rate increase impacts to our most vulnerable residents, we developed the RARE Program. Using non-rate revenue sources, the EVMWD Board developed this program to assist low-income residents. Residents that qualify for the California Public Utilities Commission CARE program are automatically eligible for the RARE program.

6. What has Harvey done to support rate payers since he’s been on the board?

a. Ratepayers expect financial competency and fiscal responsibility; Harvey has demonstrated both. While serving on the Board and Representing Division Two, he has worked to refinance EVMWD’s debt, saving ratepayers millions of dollars. He has developed relationships with Federal and State funding agencies bringing in over $ 60 million dollars of grants and low-interest or no-interest loans. In addition, we currently have with over $176 million more in application. The return on this investment, including travel, staff time and consultants is for $1.00 spent on travel and staff time, we have been able to bring $25.60 back to the district. That is a savings of over $5.80 per customer, per month for twenty years. For our low-income residents, we have developed the RARE Program. Using non-rate revenue sources, the EVMWD Board developed this program to assist low-income residents. Residents that qualify for the California Public Utilities Commission CARE program are automatically eligible for the RARE program.

7. LEAPS
a. After years of litigation, EVMWD approved a settlement agreement of a lawsuit filed by the Nevada Hydro Company related to the LEAPS project. The settlement agreement clarifies EVMWD’s future obligations for providing water services to Nevada Hydro for the LEAPS Project. Please see handout provided for more details.

8. Who owns and takes responsibility for the water  quality in Lake Elsinore?
a. For those who may not know, Lake Elsinore is Not a source of drinking or irrigation water but serves primarily as a recreational destination. Additionally, the lake plays a vital role in supporting the local ecosystem. It serves as a habitat for many bird species, including those that use it as a stop along their migration routes. Various plants and wildlife are also dependent on the lake for survival, making it crucial for both recreational and environmental reasons.

9.Does EVMWD help with the quality of water in Lake Elsinore?
a. The short answer is yes, we do. Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) contributes to maintaining the lake’s water quality by purifying and adding up to 6 million gallons of highly treated water daily. This water is treated beyond typical recycled water standards, using advanced methods such as infrared processes to ensure it meets strict quality standards. EVMWD regularly reports water quality samples to the State Water Control Board, as does the City of Lake Elsinore.

In addition to these efforts, we contribute to a “Lake Fund” along with the City of Lake Elsinore and the County of Riverside. This fund supports essential projects, such as the lake’s aeration system and axial fans, which help maintain water health.

However, beyond these agreements and obligations, EVMWD does not take on additional water quality responsibilities for Lake Elsinore, as the associated costs would unfairly impact our ratepayers.

 

Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (EVMWD) has embarked on a $600 million capital improvement project over the next three years, driven by both new regulations and the demands of a growing community.

New Regulations: The State Water Control Board enforces stringent contaminant regulations that all water agencies must comply with, often without proven evidence of harm to humans. These regulations require extensive investigations, testing, reporting, and, ultimately, the construction of costly treatment facilities to filter out certain constituents. Unfortunately, these mandates come without financial support from state or federal agencies, leaving water districts to shoulder the costs. As a result, the price of water increases significantly to cover these necessary upgrades. I have lobbies that state and federal agencies be required funding sources must be attached to new regulations and keep the burden off the ratepayer/customer.

Population Growth: As the local population grows, developers seek approval from cities and water districts to build new homes and commercial developments. When a developer applies to build, a “Will Serve” letter is issued after a detailed analysis of the infrastructure needed to support the project and its impact on the current water system. Developers are responsible for paying fees to conduct this analysis, a process that can take years. Once the project is approved, the developer must also cover all infrastructure construction costs, a concept known as “Paying Their Own Way,” ensuring that the burden doesn’t fall on current ratepayers. However, in some cases, upgrades to aging infrastructure are needed, which may slightly affect water rates and are accounted for in the district’s yearly budget.

This combination of regulatory compliance and infrastructure upgrades will ensure the district can meet future demand while maintaining water quality and service reliability.