Vision for the New Agreement

This DRAFT Vision Statement has been prepared to guide negotiators in reaching an agreement and to set forth the on-going vision of the parties.  Your comments are invited and welcomed. Click here to comment.

DRAFT Vision Statement

Guided by the principle of sustainability - the goal to leave a legacy of a reliable water supply and a healthy environment for those who follow, the policy makers and staff of the Sonoma County Water Agency and its partner Cities and Districts that enjoy the benefits of water provided from the Russian River, embrace the following vision and pledge our time and energies to see its realization.

1. Provide a reliable and safe water supply at the lowest reasonable cost for those inhabitants of the region and the economy in which they live and sustain their livelihood.

2. Constantly seek ways and means to minimize and reduce the footprint of water demand and water service facilities and activities on the environment - particularly the Russian River and Eel River watersheds.

3. Commit to the tasks of conserving and using water and energy ever more efficiently, reclaiming and recycling wastewater to the maximum cost-effective extent and seeking ways and means of minimizing impacts of facilities.

4. With ample opportunity for input from stakeholders, periodically quantify the best possible water resource mix including all available supplies such as conservation, recycling, ground water and surface water taking into account levels of reliability, and watershed needs and other environmental impacts.

5. Practice the highest standards of stewardship in use of funds provided by customers and taxpayers and employ fair rates and charges related to the benefits derived and equitable rules of service.

6. Actively educate the public and invite, promote and participate in open public discourse and consensus building on water issues and vigorously work to develop public consciousness about this vital resource and the responsibilities imparted to beneficiaries of its use.

7. Manage water supplies and systems to meet reasonably defined capacity needs and efficiently and promptly serve the needs of customers and new development approved by agencies empowered by the people to make land use decisions.

8. Employ sound technology, techniques, engineering, financial and management methods; and maintain and periodically update comprehensive databases and operational, optimization, and financial models and forecasting tools to plan ahead effectively and to assist in sensible operation, care and management of watersheds, rivers and water infrastructure.

9. Protect water facilities and the customers' investments through carefully prepared and periodically improved and judiciously conducted preventive maintenance, repair and replacement programs.

10. Prepare, adopt and periodically update water shortage contingency, hazardous spill, security and other emergency preparedness plans.
 

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