Score: +2
(11/11/9)
Orange County Grand Jury
• 2023-2024
Emerging Opportunities in South County Water/Wastewater Systems
Published: June 20, 2024
33 pages
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 4 findings
F1
San Juan Capistrano’s deferred maintenance of the water/wastewater utility resulted in the need to transition the facility to a larger water provider to allow more efficient management and maintenance of the infrastructure.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO studies a policy of conducting a post-consolidation agency review to be held of agency reorganizations to determine their overall impact on the public. (F1, F2)
F2
The SMWD proposed rate increase severely impacted San Juan Capistrano’s non-residential customers and led to protests of unfairness and negative attention from the local media.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO studies a policy of conducting a post-consolidation agency review to be held of agency reorganizations to determine their overall impact on the public. (F1, F2)
F3
SOCWA’s member agencies have widely diverse populations, requirements, and revenues. This has led to conflicts over governance, facility operation, and control, affecting the evolving potential for wastewater reuse.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO form a task force comprising representatives of affected water agencies to study the transformation of SOCWA and prepare a report on the future of water/wastewater in South Orange County. (F3, F4) RESPONSES California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body. Such comment shall be made no later than 90 days after the Grand Jury publishes its report (filed with the Clerk of the Court). Additionally, in the case of a report containing findings and recommendations pertaining to a department or agency headed by an elected county official shall comment on the findings and recommendations pertaining to the matters under that elected official’s control to the Presiding Judge with an information copy sent to the Board of Supervisors. Furthermore, California Penal Code Section 933.05 specifies the manner in which such comment(s) are to be made as follows: (a) As to each Grand Jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefore. (b) As to each Grand Jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions: (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation. (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the Grand Jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation, thereof. (c) If a finding or recommendation of the Grand Jury addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the agency or department head and the Board of Supervisors shall respond if requested by the Grand Jury, but the response of the Board of Supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel matters over which it has some decision-making authority. The response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department.
F4
There is currently no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO form a task force comprising representatives of affected water agencies to study the transformation of SOCWA and prepare a report on the future of water/wastewater in South Orange County. (F3, F4) RESPONSES California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and recommendations pertaining to matters under the control of the governing body. Such comment shall be made no later than 90 days after the Grand Jury publishes its report (filed with the Clerk of the Court). Additionally, in the case of a report containing findings and recommendations pertaining to a department or agency headed by an elected county official shall comment on the findings and recommendations pertaining to the matters under that elected official’s control to the Presiding Judge with an information copy sent to the Board of Supervisors. Furthermore, California Penal Code Section 933.05 specifies the manner in which such comment(s) are to be made as follows: (a) As to each Grand Jury finding, the responding person or entity shall indicate one of the following: (1) The respondent agrees with the finding. (2) The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding, in which case the response shall specify the portion of the finding that is disputed and shall include an explanation of the reasons therefore. (b) As to each Grand Jury recommendation, the responding person or entity shall report one of the following actions: (1) The recommendation has been implemented, with a summary regarding the implemented action. (2) The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with a timeframe for implementation. (3) The recommendation requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope and parameters of an analysis or study, and a timeframe for the matter to be prepared for discussion by the officer or head of the agency or department being investigated or reviewed, including the governing body of the public agency when applicable. This timeframe shall not exceed six months from the date of publication of the Grand Jury report. (4) The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation, thereof. (c) If a finding or recommendation of the Grand Jury addresses budgetary or personnel matters of a county agency or department headed by an elected officer, both the agency or department head and the Board of Supervisors shall respond if requested by the Grand Jury, but the response of the Board of Supervisors shall address only those budgetary or personnel matters over which it has some decision-making authority. The response of the elected agency or department head shall address all aspects of the findings or recommendations affecting his or her agency or department.
Commendations 1
-
CM1Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) - The Irvine Ranch Water District successfully acquired 5 water providers serving 57,000 residents since 1999. These consolidations provide reliable water supply at equitable rates, which are mutually beneficial to all customers. City of San Clemente – Based on interviews and a comprehensive site visit, the OCGJ found the City of San Clemente does an excellent job in maintaining and operating its water and wastewater utility systems. This integrated system augments the City’s local recycled water sources and is beneficial in reusing urban runoff and reducing biosolids. 47 South Coast Water District, CA (scwd.org) 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Page 21 Emerging Opportunities in South County Water/Wastewater Systems
Agency Responses 16
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
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City of Laguna Beach
August 13, 2024
•
2 pages
• 3 responses
•
Score: +3
(+3, 0, 0)
View Details ▾
3 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
San Juan Capistrano’s deferred maintenance of the water/wastewater utility resulted in the need to transition the facility to a larger water provider to allow more efficient management and maintenance of the infrastructure.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City agrees with the finding. F2. Law enforcement agencies in Orange County have developed unique ways to deal with mental health calls in their communities based on their particular needs and budgets, enabling law enforcement to better serve their communities. TEL (949) 497-3311 505 FOREST AVE. LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 FAX (949) 497-0771
- Response to 2023-24 Orange County Grand Jury Report "Law Enforcement's Response to Mental Health Calls for Service" Response: The City agrees with the finding. F3. Law enforcement collaboration with County PERT clinicians and Be Well mobile response unit...
F3
SOCWA’s member agencies have widely diverse populations, requirements, and revenues. This has led to conflicts over governance, facility operation, and control, affecting the evolving potential for wastewater reuse.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City agrees with the finding. F4. People with mental illness respond more positively to "soft uniformed" police personnel, which can be effective in de-escalating situations. Response: The City agrees with the finding. F5. Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the wellbeing of people experiencing mental health issues. Response: The City agrees with the finding. Respectfully, Sue Kempf Mayor
F4
There is currently no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City agrees with the finding. F5. Providing follow-up case management is not only necessary but critical for the wellbeing of people experiencing mental health issues. Response: The City agrees with the finding. Respectfully, Sue Kempf Mayor
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City of Laguna Beach Supplemental Response 04/08/25
April 08, 2025
•
9 pages
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No structured response data extracted yet.
View the PDF for full details.
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City of San Clemente
August 21, 2024
•
6 pages
• 6 responses
•
Score: 0
(+0, 6, 0)
View Details ▾
6 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
San Juan Capistrano’s deferred maintenance of the water/wastewater utility resulted in the need to transition the facility to a larger water provider to allow more efficient management and maintenance of the infrastructure.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree based on the grand jury report, but the City of San Clemente has limited knowledge of other cities solid waste and recycling contracts. In addition, it may be challenging for compliance since there have there have been supply chain issues with obtaining new containers according to the City's hauler. Funding and Enforcement F2 While a jurisdiction may not delegate its overall responsibility for compliance with State requirements to a hauler, some jurisdictions have designated the task of imposing and collecting fines from residents to the hauler in accordance with State law. However, not ...
R1
The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO studies a policy of conducting a post-consolidation agency review to be held of agency reorganizations to determine their overall impact on the public. (F1, F2)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The recommendation has been partially implemented and will be fully implemented prior to the SB 1383 regulations by 2036. The City of San Clemente has implemented the three-cart system with co-collected organics over a decade ago. The City's hauler provided standardized color-coded carts with labeling at the time and continue to see positive participation. If a customer requests an exchange of bins, they will be delivered with the new SB 1383 compliant carts. In addition to the carts, the City and hauler provide quarterly outreach and educational material to residents regarding how to properly...
F2
The SMWD proposed rate increase severely impacted San Juan Capistrano’s non-residential customers and led to protests of unfairness and negative attention from the local media.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree based on the grand jury report, but the City of San Clemente has limited knowledge of other cities solid waste and recycling contracts. However, the City of San Clemente collects and retains any fines imposed on customers related to compliance. F3 All jurisdictions will eventually start collecting fines from residents for noncompliance, but some have not yet determined whether the revenues will go into a waste and recycling enterprise fund or into the jurisdiction's general fund. City Response: Agree based on the grand jury report, but the City of San Clemente has limited knowledge of wh...
R2
The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO form a task force comprising representatives of affected water agencies to study the transformation of SOCWA and prepare a report on the future of water/wastewater in South Orange County. (F3, F4) RESPONSES California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and re...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The recommendation has been partially implemented and will be fully implemented prior to December 31, 2024. The City is in process of revising its Solid Waste and Recycling Contract, however, the City of San Clemente currently has the responsibility for enforcement. R3 The OCGJ recommends that all jurisdictions utilize a dedicated waste and recycling enterprise fund for collection of fines for non-compliance with SB 1383 by December 31, 2024. City Response: The recommendation has been implemented; the City of San Clemente has a dedicated enterprise fund for Solid Waste and Recycling that inclu...
F3
SOCWA’s member agencies have widely diverse populations, requirements, and revenues. This has led to conflicts over governance, facility operation, and control, affecting the evolving potential for wastewater reuse.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree based on the grand jury report, but the City of San Clemente has limited knowledge of what other cities are doing with collected fines or their intentions. However, the City of San Clemente fines go directly into the City's solid waste and recycling enterprise fund. <b>Education and Outreach</b> F4 In most jurisdictions, education and outreach is a joint effort between jurisdiction, hauler, and sometimes consultants, with the jurisdiction reviewing the materials before publication. The methods of dissemination vary by jurisdiction and hauler but frequently rely on a resident actively see...
F4
There is currently no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree; however, the City of San Clemente has not conducted an independent survey to confirm this finding. F5 Most jurisdictions currently have no way to accurately determine the effectiveness of their respective education and outreach efforts other than the eventual inspections or audits that will take place. City Response: Agree; however, the City of San Clemente has not conducted an independent survey to confirm this finding for jurisdictions. <b>Procurement of Recovered Organic Waste Products</b> F6 There is some concern that there are not enough composting facilities in Orange County to pr...
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City of San Juan Capistrano
September 10, 2024
•
4 pages
• 6 responses
•
Score: +4
(+4, 2, 0)
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6 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
San Juan Capistrano’s deferred maintenance of the water/wastewater utility resulted in the need to transition the facility to a larger water provider to allow more efficient management and maintenance of the infrastructure.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City lacks knowledge and information regarding other cities' waste hauler operations and franchise agreements sufficient to reach this conclusion.
F2
While a jurisdiction may not delegate its overall responsibility for compliance with State requirements to a hauler, some jurisdictions have designated the task of imposing and collecting fines from residents to the hauler in accordance with State law. However, not all jurisdictions are clear on who ultimately receives and retains the collected fines. City Response: The City lacks knowledge and information regarding other cities' financial ...
R1
The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO studies a policy of conducting a post-consolidation agency review to be held of agency reorganizations to determine their overall impact on the public. (F1, F2)
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The City lacks knowledge and information regarding other cities' waste hauler operations and franchise agreements sufficient to reach this conclusion.
F2
While a jurisdiction may not delegate its overall responsibility for compliance with State requirements to a hauler, some jurisdictions have designated the task of imposing and collecting fines from residents to the hauler in accordance with State law. However, not all jurisdictions are clear on who ultimately receives and retains the collected fines. City Response: The City lacks knowledge and information regarding other cities' financial ...
F2
The SMWD proposed rate increase severely impacted San Juan Capistrano’s non-residential customers and led to protests of unfairness and negative attention from the local media.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The City lacks knowledge and information regarding other cities' financial practices sufficient to reach this conclusion.
F3
All jurisdictions will eventually start collecting fines from residents for non-compliance, but some have not yet determined whether the revenues will go into a waste and recycling enterprise fund or into the jurisdiction's general fund.
Page 2 of 4 September 10, 2024 The City lacks knowledge and information regarding other cities' financial City Response: practices sufficient to reach this conclusion. In most jurisdictions, education and outreach is a joint effort be...
R2
The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO form a task force comprising representatives of affected water agencies to study the transformation of SOCWA and prepare a report on the future of water/wastewater in South Orange County. (F3, F4) RESPONSES California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and re...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
This recommendation has been implemented. The City entered into a new Franchise Agreement on July 1, 2020, that addresses all state regulatory requirements. The agreement does include administrative, legislative and regulatory compliance payments.
R3
The OCGJ recommends that all jurisdictions utilize a dedicated waste and recycling enterprise fund for collection of fines for non-compliance with SB 1383 by December 23, 2024. City Response: This recommendation is not warranted. The City is committed to SB 1383 compliance, and the hallmark of the City's approach toward compliance is community e...
F3
SOCWA’s member agencies have widely diverse populations, requirements, and revenues. This has led to conflicts over governance, facility operation, and control, affecting the evolving potential for wastewater reuse.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
practices sufficient to reach this conclusion. In most jurisdictions, education and outreach is a joint effort between jurisdiction, hauler, and
F4
sometimes consultants, with the jurisdiction reviewing the materials before publication. The methods of dissemination vary by jurisdiction and hauler but frequently rely on a resident actively seeking the information, which requires the resident to have some awareness of the new mandates in the first place. Most efforts primarily revolve around intermittent hard-copy paper mailings. The City lacks knowledge and information regarding other cities'...
F4
There is currently no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County
Response: Agree
Score: +1
practices sufficient to reach this conclusion. In most jurisdictions, education and outreach is a joint effort between jurisdiction, hauler, and
F4
sometimes consultants, with the jurisdiction reviewing the materials before publication. The methods of dissemination vary by jurisdiction and hauler but frequently rely on a resident actively seeking the information, which requires the resident to have some awareness of the new mandates in the first place. Most efforts primarily revolve around intermittent hard-copy paper mailings. The City lacks knowledge and information regarding other cities'...
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City of San Juan Capistrano Supplemental Response 01/22/2025
January 02, 2025
•
3 pages
• 4 responses
•
Score: -4
(+0, 0, -4)
View Details ▾
4 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
San Juan Capistrano’s deferred maintenance of the water/wastewater utility resulted in the need to transition the facility to a larger water provider to allow more efficient management and maintenance of the infrastructure.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding. The City's Franchise Hauler Agreement effective July 1, 2020, Exhibit I Container/Bin Specifications requires the contractor to provide carts in colors and labeling that meet SB 1383 regulatory requirements. Labeling in English and Spanish was completed in 2020 and any new containers are being transitioned to the SB 1383 color regulations with all containers transitioning by January 1, 2036, to comply with SB 1383. F2 While a jurisdiction may not delegate its overall responsibility for compliance with State requirements to a hauler...
F2
The SMWD proposed rate increase severely impacted San Juan Capistrano’s non-residential customers and led to protests of unfairness and negative attention from the local media.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding. The City's Franchise Hauler Agreement effective July 1, 2020, Exhibit I Container/Bin Specifications requires the contractor to provide carts in colors and labeling that meet SB 1383 regulatory requirements. Labeling in English and Spanish was completed in 2020 and any new containers are being transitioned to the SB 1383 color regulations with all containers transitioning by January 1, 2036, to comply with SB 1383. F2 While a jurisdiction may not delegate its overall responsibility for compliance with State requirements to a hauler...
F3
SOCWA’s member agencies have widely diverse populations, requirements, and revenues. This has led to conflicts over governance, facility operation, and control, affecting the evolving potential for wastewater reuse.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding. The City's Franchise Hauler Agreement effective July 1, 2020, Exhibit I Container/Bin Specifications requires the contractor to provide carts in colors and labeling that meet SB 1383 regulatory requirements. Labeling in English and Spanish was completed in 2020 and any new containers are being transitioned to the SB 1383 color regulations with all containers transitioning by January 1, 2036, to comply with SB 1383. F2 While a jurisdiction may not delegate its overall responsibility for compliance with State requirements to a hauler...
F4
There is currently no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
The respondent disagrees wholly or partially with the finding. The City's Franchise Hauler Agreement effective July 1, 2020, Exhibit I Container/Bin Specifications requires the contractor to provide carts in colors and labeling that meet SB 1383 regulatory requirements. Labeling in English and Spanish was completed in 2020 and any new containers are being transitioned to the SB 1383 color regulations with all containers transitioning by January 1, 2036, to comply with SB 1383. F2 While a jurisdiction may not delegate its overall responsibility for compliance with State requirements to a hauler...
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El Toro Water District
August 22, 2024
•
3 pages
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Emerald Bay Service District
September 17, 2024
•
5 pages
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Irvine Ranch Water District
July 09, 2024
•
3 pages
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No structured response data extracted yet.
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Laguna Beach Water District
September 12, 2024
•
2 pages
• 3 responses
•
Score: +2
(+2, 0, 0)
View Details ▾
3 responses to findings and recommendations
R2
The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO form a task force comprising representatives of affected water agencies to study the transformation of SOCWA and prepare a report on the future of water/wastewater in South Orange County. (F3, F4) RESPONSES California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and re...
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
While the District disagrees with this recommendation that LAFCO should be involved, the District agrees about the need for a strategy about the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County. The District supports the current and recent progress by SOCWA member agencies to adopt agreements. These collaborative efforts are aimed at enhancing governance, operational efficiencies, and the overall effectiveness of wastewater services. After finalizing these agreements, the District intends to collaborate with regional partners to support a comprehensive and collaborative strategy goi...
F3
SOCWA’s member agencies have widely diverse populations, requirements, and revenues. This has led to conflicts over governance, facility operation, and control, affecting the evolving potential for wastewater reuse.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The District agrees with this finding that conflicts over governance, facility operation, and control may have limited opportunities for potential wastewater reuse. As stewards of the ocean and of ocean water quality, the District has a vested interest in the potential of wastewater reuse in South Orange County. F4. There is currently no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County. Response: The District agrees with this finding that there is no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County. The District supports a...
F4
There is currently no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The District agrees with this finding that there is no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County. The District supports a unified strategy to reduce the discharge of treated effluent into the ocean and to enhance local reliability projects in South Orange County. Regional collaboration will be key to advancing both important goals. 306 THIRD STREET, P.O. BOX 987, LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92652 • TEL: 949.494.1041 • FAX: 949.497.1021 • WEB: www.lagunabeachwater.com
Response to 2023-24 Orange County Grand Jury Report "Emerging Opportunities in South County Wat...
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Moulton Niguel Water District
June 21, 2024
•
4 pages
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No structured response data extracted yet.
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City of Orange County LAFCO Supplemental
January 30, 2025
•
1 pages
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Orange Santa Margarita Water District
September 18, 2024
•
4 pages
• 6 responses
•
Score: 0
(+2, 0, -2)
View Details ▾
6 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
San Juan Capistrano’s deferred maintenance of the water/wastewater utility resulted in the need to transition the facility to a larger water provider to allow more efficient management and maintenance of the infrastructure.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
Finding F2 - The SMWD proposed rate increase severely impacted San Juan Capistrano's non-residential customers and led to protests of unfairness and negative attention from the local media. Response: SMWD strongly disagrees with this finding, and we consider the phrase "led to protest" misleading, considering SMWD only received 26 protest letters out of approximately 70,000 accounts. Additionally, Finding F2 fails to consider the legal requirements imposed on municipal water agencies when establishing rates by Article XIII D of the California Constitution. The California Constitution requires ...
R1
The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO studies a policy of conducting a post-consolidation agency review to be held of agency reorganizations to determine their overall impact on the public. (F1, F2)
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
SMWD is not listed under this recommendation but should be listed as a participant in any future process. We believe this to merely be a typographical oversight.
F2
The SMWD proposed rate increase severely impacted San Juan Capistrano’s non-residential customers and led to protests of unfairness and negative attention from the local media.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
SMWD strongly disagrees with this finding, and we consider the phrase "led to protest" misleading, considering SMWD only received 26 protest letters out of approximately 70,000 accounts. Additionally, Finding F2 fails to consider the legal requirements imposed on municipal water agencies when establishing rates by Article XIII D of the California Constitution. The California Constitution requires agencies to recover costs proportionate to the benefit received and limits the ability to adjust rates in order to mitigate impacts to a specific customer class. Nevertheless, within the limits of the...
R2
The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO form a task force comprising representatives of affected water agencies to study the transformation of SOCWA and prepare a report on the future of water/wastewater in South Orange County. (F3, F4) RESPONSES California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and re...
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
SMWD is not listed under this recommendation but should be listed as a participant in any future process. We believe this to merely be a typographical oversight.
F3
SOCWA’s member agencies have widely diverse populations, requirements, and revenues. This has led to conflicts over governance, facility operation, and control, affecting the evolving potential for wastewater reuse.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
SMWD agrees with this finding. Finding F4 - There is currently no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County. Response: SMWD generally agrees with this finding. However, a process is currently underway to reduce the membership at SOCWA, which could help to resolve some of the historic regional challenges. <b>RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESPONSES:</b> Recommendation R1 - The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO studies a policy of conducting a post-consolidation agency review to be held within 24 months of agency reorganizations to determine their ove...
F4
There is currently no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County
Response: Agree
Score: +1
SMWD generally agrees with this finding. However, a process is currently underway to reduce the membership at SOCWA, which could help to resolve some of the historic regional challenges. <b>RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESPONSES:</b> Recommendation R1 - The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO studies a policy of conducting a post-consolidation agency review to be held within 24 months of agency reorganizations to determine their overall impact on the public. (F1, F2) Response: SMWD agrees with this finding. Recommendation R2 - The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO form a task fo...
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South Coast Water District
September 12, 2024
•
10 pages
• 2 responses
•
Score: -2
(+0, 0, -2)
View Details ▾
2 responses to findings and recommendations
F3
SOCWA’s member agencies have widely diverse populations, requirements, and revenues. This has led to conflicts over governance, facility operation, and control, affecting the evolving potential for wastewater reuse.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
, South Orange County agencies are currently working on the future of SOCWA by updating multiple existing agreements. It is envisioned that these agreements will be finalized and approved by the end of calendar year 2024. RECOMMENDATIONS R2 - The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO form a task force comprising representatives of affected water agencies to study the transformation of SOCWA and prepare a report on the future of water/wastewater in South Orange County. Response: DISAGREE
A LAFCO task force to review SOCWA is neither warranted nor reasonable. SOCWA member agencies are ...
F4
There is currently no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
DISAGREE SCWD disagrees with this finding. The future of water and wastewater in South Orange County is one that is best addressed with a holistic approach that has many moving components; as such, there is no singular strategy or body that can address the varied needs of different agencies throughout the region. However, there are regional documents and collaborative efforts that help address overarching challenges and the needs of South Orange County. SCWD strongly believes that absent SOCWA, this strategic regional planning approach for South Orange County would not be as effective and well...
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Trabuco Canyon Water District
August 26, 2024
•
2 pages
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City of San Clemente
August 21, 2024
•
3 pages
• 3 responses
•
Score: -1
(+0, 2, -1)
View Details ▾
3 responses to findings and recommendations
R2
The OCGJ recommends that by January 1, 2025, LAFCO form a task force comprising representatives of affected water agencies to study the transformation of SOCWA and prepare a report on the future of water/wastewater in South Orange County. (F3, F4) RESPONSES California Penal Code Section 933 requires the governing body of any public agency which the Grand Jury has reviewed, and about which it has issued a final report, to comment to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court on the findings and re...
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The recommendation will not be implemented by the City of San Clemente because the recommendation is for another agency (LAFCO) to perform a study and prepare a report. If a task force is formed with representatives of affected water agencies regarding the transformation of SOCWA, the City of San Clemente will participate in the process. =). ses City Council 910 Calle Negocio, San Clemente, CA 92673 http://san-clemente.org
F3
SOCWA’s member agencies have widely diverse populations, requirements, and revenues. This has led to conflicts over governance, facility operation, and control, affecting the evolving potential for wastewater reuse.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
Agree. F4 There is currently no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County. Staff Recommended Response: The City of San Clemente disagrees partially with this finding. In general, most agencies are planning to have supply reliability in the event of a 60-day water outage as recommended by Metropolitan Water District. South Orange County is highly reliant on imported water and historically agencies have worked collaboratively to make regional improvements to supply reliability through participation in projects, such as, Irvine Water District Interconnec...
F4
There is currently no unified strategy for the future of water/wastewater provision in South Orange County
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
The City of San Clemente disagrees partially with this finding. In general, most agencies are planning to have supply reliability in the event of a 60-day water outage as recommended by Metropolitan Water District. South Orange County is highly reliant on imported water and historically agencies have worked collaboratively to make regional improvements to supply reliability through participation in projects, such as, Irvine Water District Interconnection to the Joint Regional Water Supply System for emergency use, Baker Treatment Plant, and Upper Chiquita Reservoir to name a few. There are oth...
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City of San Juan Capistrano
July 29, 2024
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2 pages
• 1 response
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Score: 0
(+0, 1, 0)
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1 response to findings and recommendations
F2
The SMWD proposed rate increase severely impacted San Juan Capistrano’s non-residential customers and led to protests of unfairness and negative attention from the local media.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
San Juan Capistrano's deferred maintenance of the water/wastewater utility resulted in the need to transition the facility to a larger water provider to allow more efficient management and maintenance of the infrastructure. The respondent disagrees partially with the finding. There were several reasons the City desired to transfer the water/wastewater utility to a special district. These reasons were described in the Municipal Service Review and even summarized on pages 9 - 10 of the Grand Jury Report. The SMWD proposed rate increase severely impacted San Juan Capistrano's nonresidential custo...
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