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SepteabGr 16, 1993
THE HONORABL£ CITY COUNCIL
Palo Alto, California
Water Integr.at§d Resource Plan
Meabers of the city Council:
Jhmort in Brief
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This report transmits to council a "draft" copy of the Water
Integrated Resource Plan {IRP). Tbe rlan addresses the long-term
planning issues and identities the water resource alternatives
available to Palo ~~O~ No action is required at this time. The
document is available to the council as additional informaticn in
advance of the joint study session with the utilities Advisory
ca..i.sion (U~C) on October 4, 1993.
BackgrQund
Staf~ initiated the integrated water resource planning p~ocess#
to deter.ine the hest choice the city could make regarding long
term contract~l commitments toward the anticipated San Francisco
Water Department (SFWO) Hetch Hetchy Treatment Plant~ However,
action has been delayed on the proposed treatment plaut and a
coaaitaent to the SFWD is no longer imminent. Therefore# the
focus of the IRP turned to the determination of the value of
rec!aiaea water to the water Utility as part of the City's
examination of reclaimed water, as both an alternative water
resource and an alternative wastewater disposal method.
ClOU486:93
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Anlilysis
The analysis of any single resource necessitates an appraisal of
all alternatives, to determine the best available. The analysis
process UB~d is a very structured approach, which began by
screening all alternatives and influencinq factors to the most
viable and the most sensitive factors. The M'Qst viable
alternatives were then studied in more dept:t'l~
Repp!!r!!!f'ndatioD
Steail'l9 from a calculation of the value of reclaimed vate~· tc
the Water utility. the report recommends that the Water Utility
pay no .ore th~~ 70 percent of the cost 'Of water from the SFWD
for reclaimed water. The value to the water utility of reclaimed
water does not, in itself, justify the reclamation project.
Justification hinges on the joint benefits of the project to both
the water utilities, which would purchase the water, and the
partners of the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant~
In addition, future water planning efforts need to consider the
fo11owinq issues:
!. When the value of maintaining Palo Alto's right to
qroundwater can be ascertained, that value should be weighed
against the costs to the co~unity of using ~~e valls.
2. It, and when, ~ commitment to the SFWD is required, analysis
viII need to be redone with updated assumptions and a f~esh
look at all the alternatives.
3. A decision on a demand-side management program should a.ait
the conclusion of a study currently underway, which will
provide more info~tion regarding the potential for and the
cost of water efficiency imprmrements.
ClOI:4U:t3
utilities Advisory commission Action
The final draft of the Water IRP was presented to the UAe on
september 1, 1993. In the preceding year, the VAC has examined
the Water IRP as it has progressed from the establis~ent of the
resource alternatives and evaluation c~iteria to its final form.
At the september 1, 1993, the UAe Dade the cot ion -to endorse the
september 1993 Water Integrated Resource Plan as the f~amewo~k
for water resource aecision .aking".
Respectfully submitted,
, \
fi"", tl ,JX.~ ; __ _
TOM HABASBI
R~~~~nn~n~En9ineerinq
I!~ ~~ v-,;z;{
Inter!. Director of Utilities
~I'c\.~~
BERNARD M. STlIOJNY
Assistant City Manager
Kanaqer
Attac}ment: september 1993 Water Integrated Resource Plan
s~ptember 16, 199)
THE HONORABLE CITY COUNCIL
Palo Alto, california
Hater Integrated Resoyrce plan
Members of the City Council:
Report in. Brief
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This report tra~s~its to Council a -draft-copy of the Water
Inteqrated Res~rce Plan (IRPl. The plan addresses the lonq
term planning issues and identifies the water resource
alternatives available to Palo Alto. No action is required at
this time. The document is available to the council as
additional information in advance of the joint study session with
the utilities Advisory commission (UAC) on october 4, 1993.
Staff initiated the integrated water resource planning process;to-
determine the best choice the Cjty could make reqardinq lonq_term
.'\
contractual commitments toward the anticipated San Francisco
Water Department (SFWD) Retch Hetchy heatment ptant~ However,
action has beeJ'l delayed on the proposed 'treatment plant and a
commitment to the SFWD is no longer imminent. Therefore)the
focus of the IRP turned to the determination of the value of
reclaimed water to the water Utility as part of the City's
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examination of reclaimed ~ate:>as both an alternative water
resource and an alternative wastewater disposal method.
AnalysiCi
The analysis of any single alternative necessitates an appraisal
or all alternatives/in order to determine it the sinqle
alternative is the best available. The ~nalysis process used is
a very structured approach)'WhiCh began by screening all
alternatives and influencing factors to the most viable
alternatives and the ~ost sensitive factors. The most viable
alternatives were studied in more depth.
Recg .. endation
Stemminq from a calculation of the value of reclaimed water to
the water utility, the report recommends that the water Utility
pay no .ore than 70~e cost of water fro~ the SFWD for
reclai~ed water. The value to the Water utility of reclaimed
water does not, in itself, justify the reclamation project. ~-
\ ~ustification hinqes on the joint benefits of the project to both
the water utilities which would purchase the watar and the
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partners ot the P~lo Alto Regional water Quality Cont~ol Plant.
In addition, future water pla~~inq efforts need to consider the
fQllowing issues:
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When the value of maintaining Palo Alto's ~iqht to
ground'k?ater can be ascertained, that value should be 'Weighed
a9~ir.st the costs to the community of using the veIls.
2~ If, and when, a commitment to the SFWD is required, analysi$
will need to be re~one with updated assumptions ~nd a fresh
look at all the alternatives.
3. A decision on a demand-side manage~ent program should await
the conclusion of a study currently underway)which ~il!
provi~e aore information regarding the potential for and th~
cost of wate~ efficiency improvemen~s.
Utilities AdyisQry commission Action
The fina~ draft of the Water IRP was presented to the UAC on
September 1, 199J. In the precedinq year, the UAC has examined
the water rRP as it has progressed from the establishment of the ...
resour~e alternatives and evaluation criteri .. tbrciS; to its
final form. At the September 1, 1993, the UAC made the motion
-to endorse the September 1993 Water Inteqrated Rgsource Plan as
the fraaewo~k for water resource decision making-.
Respectfully submitted,
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T<lll lI«hash i
~$sourc. Pl~nninq Enqineerin~ Manaqer
2dw~rci J ~ Krizek
tnteria Director of Utilities
June ~~n9
city IIan .. ger
Attachl1ent: september 1991 ~ater Inteqrated Resource Plan
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PALO ALTO
WATER INTEGRATED
RESOURCE PLAN
September 7, 1993
PREPARED BY THE UTILITIES DEPARTMENT
RESOURCE PLANNING STAFF
Primed on Recyc1t!d Paper
Water lnt"l:raled Resource Plan
Tabl. or Contents
poge
I. fuecutive Summary ... .................................. I
U. Background and COnlext of the IRP ...............•............ 4
Historical Backgrou nd . ~ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 4
Existing SuWli.. . • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . .. 4
M('Iti vatioo to do the Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .' 6
CUtT'eOl Planning Issues Fa::ing the "'Vater Utility .' . . . .. ....... 6
Objective of the Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8
Overview of IRP Document ............ .................... 8
ill. Analysis Metl>odology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . • . . •. 9
Dec:isi0fl Analysis Process ...................•..•........... 9
Problem Fonnulation ..................................... 9
Problem Statement. . . . . . • . . . . • . . . . . . . . . • . . .. . ........ 9
Evaluation Criterion. • . . . . . •. ............ . .......... ]0
Long list of Resource Alternati\les .. ' ..................... 10
List of UnCer1Zinties .....•.......•.....•.....•....... 11
Deterministic Analysis ..................................... l2
Probabilistic AnaJysis ................................ 12
IV. Assessment of Resource Alternatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ............ 14
Characteristics to Appraise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
C<lSl .•.••••.••.....•..•••.....•••...•...•••. 14
A vailabilil)l .. . . . • . . . . . • • . . • • . . . . . . . . • . . . . . • . . . • .. 10\
Water Quality ......................... . .......... 14
Reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............ 15
EnVltonmel1taI Impact. . . .. ................. . ..... , .. IS
Sensitivity to Regulations ..... , + •••••••••••••••••••••• _ IS
Acceptability. . ................................... 15
EJ<perience of Others ..•..•... . . . . . .. .•.............. 15
Enhanced Emergoncy Prep<>redness ..•.............•..... 15
Water lolegrated Resource Plan
Table of Contents
page
Resoorce Alternati,es and Uncertainties .......................... 15
Warer from the SM Francisco W2ter Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 15
Demand-Side Resources ..........,................ 16
Noopotabie Reclaimed Waler ........... + • • • • • • • • • • • • 16
Treated Waler from the Santa Clara Valley Water District ... _ . . . . .. 17
Existing Groundwater WeUs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i8
New Potable WeU De,:!opment ....... . . . . . . . . . . . 18
New Irrigation-Only Well De,elopmen' . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 19
l)esalination ........ _ . _ ......... _ . _ ................ 19
Initial Soeening of Aiternatives . . . . . . .. . ............• 20
V. Deterministic Analysis ... _ . _ .............................. 22
PuIposIl . . . . . . • . . • . . . . .. ............•......•......... 22
Detcnninistic Analysis Overview ............... . . . . . . . . . . 22
First Round Sensitivi:y Analysis ......... " ................... ~3
Recommendations from First Round Sensitivity Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . .. 24
Secood Round Sensitivity Analysis .....................•..•.... 25
.Recommendations from Second Round Scnsitivjty Analysis .......... ~ .. 25
VI. Probabilistic Analysis .....•.............. . ............. 27
PuIposIl . . _ . . . . . . . . . . . • • . . . . . . . . • • . . . • . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . _ 27
Expert Intervlews lOT Key VIDab~e5 ............ .. + •••••••••••• 27
Hetch Hetch)l Wat~ Treatment Plant C~pital Cost ............... 27
Drought Likelihood ................. . 28
SFWD Commodity Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
VII. ResulIS. _ . . . . . . . . . .. . ............................... 30
Analysis .....•....... . ....................... 30
Risk Analysis .......... . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ............... 31
R.ecommendation ................. _ . . . . . . . . . . . . ........ 32
ShOlHerm Action Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Loog-Iemt Direction .•......•........•...•..•....•... 32
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Water Integrated Resource Plan
Table or Contents
page
Vill. Additional Analysis 10 be Completed ... " ...•................ 33
Reclamation Decision .............................. ~ . . . .. 33
Issues 10 Take Up in Subs.:quenl IRPs ..........................• 33
Ust of Figures
Figure I:
Figure 2:
Figure 3:
Figur" 4:
Figure 5:
Figure 6:
Figure 7:
Fig"", 8:
List of Tabl ..
Tabl. I:
Table 2:
Table 3:
Table 4:
List Df Appendices
Historic V/ater Consumption Since 1910 . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . .. S
Waler Consumption Since 1965 and Forecasts for Future Demand . . 5
Initial Deci siol'l Tree . . . . . . . . . . . ~ ................ 12
Initial In n uence Diagram ........................ 13
Deterministic Phase Decision Tree .................... :2 I
Deterministic Phase Influence Diagrar.'l .. + •• ~ • • • • • • • • • • • • 21
Dep<ildenl Relationship Between Forecast and DSM Impact . . 22
FinaJ Decision Tree . ~ . . ~ . . . + • + • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ~ • 30
AJternatives Under Consideration for Deterministic Analysis .... 20
Values for Probabilistic Phase .......•............... 29
Value of Reclaimed Water 10 Utility . . . .. . ............ 31
Value of Reclaimed Water (90% confidence range) . . . . . . . . . . 32
A: Preliminary Assessmenl of Water Resource Alternatives
B: List and Description of Uncertain Variables
C; Detailed Results from Dererministic Seositi"'ily Analysis
D: Derailed Results from ProbabLlistic Analysis
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I AF Acre-iOOf:
AFY Acre-feet/year
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DSM Dema."\d-Side Management
PERC Fo:Ieral Energy Regulatory o,mmission
FY Fiscal Year
HHWTP Herch Hetcby Watei Treatment Plant
lRP Integrated Resource Plan
O&M Operations and Maintenance
PVTRC Preient Value of Total :lesource Cost
SCYWD Santa Clara Valley Water District
SFWD San Francisco Water Department
TRC Total R=urce Cost
UAC Utilities AdviSOlY Commission
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1. Executive Summary
lntegratod resource planning is a research activity that resiJitS in a business action pi.a"!.
Information is gathered and 'analyzed through a struclured p.toce~s to determine: the re\ati'Ye = of many possible future plans. The goal of an IRP is to select t~e b>!st plan or resource
portfolio to meet future water demand. Finally the plan makes 3 recommendation regarding
an impending decision.
The integrated ~'aler resou.rce planning process was initiated 10 determine the be:;t choice the
City could make regarding long term conttactua1 commitments to the San Frandsco Water
Department (SFWD). These )ong term c{Jmmltmeuts were belle"ed ne-.cessary to finaflce an
eJtpensi\fe filtration pW\t for !.he Hetch Retchy sys.tem. Also the SUiff needed to ce:.ennine
",that actioo the Water Utility should take rega.rdin~ participation in the ~'3ler reclamation
project. ill fact, the decision regarding the reclamation project became the main question
addressed in thb lRP as a commitment to the SFWD is no longer imminent.
Th.is report documents the City of Palo Ailo integrated ~'3.ter resource pla"'U,ing activity
whicb was done to address t~ese two isslleS. Included in the report are:
1. Important infonnation and assumptions about plausible wa.ter resourc.es
(Chapter IV)
2~ A description of the analysis used to evaluate the many resource plans that are
possible (Ch.pter Ill)
3. The identification and analysis of most im!JQrtznt factors which impact th! plan
altemanv .. (Chapters V >nd VI)
4. Short-and long-term r""ommendations (Chapters VII and VIll}
Decision ilWysis IcchniqlJes were used in the planning process becau.se these methods
provide a systematic way to examine comple" situations. The process involves five major
blocks ofacuvity: fonnui<Hion of the problem, development of a mooel, risk analysis,
aaoption of a pian~ and action.
1be problem formlJlation stage includes de .... eloping a formaJ problem statement, assessing all
.alternatives, and selecting a criterion for comparing the ahematives. To address the problem
of determining the appropriate commitment to the SFWD and (0 redaimed water, staff
evaluated .all of the water resources alternat.i",es available to the City.
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Jmportant characteristics of and :SS!.ICS related !o these resources were investigated. The
a!b'lDuteS deemed most important in deflning a water resource were; cost, availabili ty, water
quality, reliability. environmental impacts, vulnerability 10 regulatory limitation, public
acceptability. and e.'1hallcement of emergency prepa.redness. The potential water reso:.JTCeS
included: wate} from 'the SFWD. water from the Santa CiaI3 Vaney Water District
(SCVWD) !reate<! water pipeline, pGtabIe glOundwater from .kisting wells, pGtable
gtQU!1dv.'ateT from new wells. groundwater from new weUs for irrigation uses, desalination,
and demand-side management (DSM).
While appraising the alternati\/es staff took into account that each water source differs in
quality. Lower quality waters .can cause additional costs, beyond 'Utility rates, (0 Palo Alto
residents and businesses. The most evident of thele additional costs are for water softening
and bottled water. To capture the tr\1e oost of water to Palo Altans. Total Resource Cost W-d..S
selected as the criterion to evaluate tile alternative plans,
The ana!ysi:: process beg~ with U1e development of a model which can calculate the Total
Resource Cost for each possible plan. The mode! analyzes all the .... '().t~r resource options
available under the many uncertainties that exist about Ole fl.lIure, Th~ uncertainties are
handled by developing a r=nable range of values fo, each variable which may be critical,
A major objc!Ctive of the flIst aria] ysis. phase is to reduce the number of poiSible plans and
uncert:;liq V':I~.3bles to only the most 'liable phns and sensitive variables. The detenninistic
phase analysis resulted in the removal of desaJination, groundWOiater a.1d water from the
SCV'ND treated water pipeline from further consideration as these aJtema.ti ves were too
costly compared to the other available optior.s. The.re.mainiJlg viable alrematives were water
from the SFWD, DSM, and ,eclaimed water. Th"'" variables were identified as the key
uncertainties: the capital co"-of the Hetch Het<:hy water treatment plan~ the SFWD
commodity COS! escalation rate, .and the likelihood of water supply reduction, in the furure.
These three variables were analyzed further in we ne.x;t analY,'iis phase. The analysis iI1c1udc.s
identifying an expert for each sensitive variable and assessing Ole expe:rt?s judgmental
uncerta.tnry about the vanables. For each of these uncertain variables, a fonnaJ structured
interview of an expen was conducted. The result of the systematic procedure 1$ a probability
distribution which expresses. tho:. expen's judgemer.t of the relatil{e Lilelihood of possible
values for the variable, FinaIiy. the model is updared with the information from Qle expert
interViews.
Given the above understanding of the future as we can best assess it, we return to the
originaJ question: what should be the Cit{s commitment ro Sr"'WD and reclaimed water.
Based on the analysis, staff recommends:
1. If the full reclamation project is constructed, the W<arer utility should:
a. pay 00 more than 70% of the cost of water from the SFVv'D for the
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reclaimed 'oWater;
h. commit to about i8,OOO AFY of water from tile SFWD; and
c, pursue 2. DSM program of permanent efficiency improvements which
would result in water savings of 1440 AFY or about 8% of the 19B7
use.
2. If, however, the redamation project is nOl built, the water utility should:
k. commit to .bout 19,750 AFY of SFWD waler; and
b, pursue a DSM program of permanent effLciency improvements which
would result in water savings of 1440 AFY or about 8 % of the 1987
use.
This IRP primarily addresses decisions regarding commitments to reclamation and to the
SFWD, however, neither dedsion must be made immediately. The water utility should
continue to participate in discussions and protect its stake in the development of thes:::
resources. When decisions must be made about tllese or other 'aII.'ater resources, the analysis
sbauld be reviewed in light of the latest: information. Some of the issues which may arise as
tle\\' inf~"7Oation develops inc] ude:
1. The value to the water utility of reclaimed water coes not, in itself. justify the
reclamation project. Tha: j Llstl flcation hi.1ges on Ole joint benefits of the project to
botb tile water utmties and t.~e partners of the Regional Water Quality Control Plant.
2. When tile value of maintaining Palo Alto·, riEhtlo groundwater can be ascertained,
that value sflould be weighed against Ihe costs to the community of using
groundwater.
3. AnaJysis wiH need to be redone with updated assumptions before making .a final
commitment to SF-""Wn if it is required due to tile construc:tin.'1 of a large filtn.tOn
plant or any other signit~cant capital project or proje\:ls which may require such a
commitrnetlt.
4. A decision on a DS.""I program should await the conclusion of the mulli-commodity
DSM report when a more detliiled analys.is of the potential for and the COSl of water
efficiency improvements is evaluated.
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ll. Background and Context of the IRP
Historical Background
The water utility gO! its start on May 9, 1896 --Iwo years and one monlh afler lIle City of
Palo Allo incorporated. Local water companies were bought out al that time with a $40,000
bond issue by the voters of the 750 person -community. These private ".,:aler companies
opc:ra1td one or more shallow wells lc .serve Lie r..:.acby residents. The city grew and the
well system e~panded until 9 wells were in operation in 1932.
In December 1937. Palo Alto signed a 2O-year-conlr3.ct ~'ith the SFWD for water deliveries
from l:he newly constructed pipeline bringing Helch Hetchy ' .... ater to the area. Hetch Het~hy
water deliveries commenC<d in 1938 and well production declined to less tI1an half of the
IotlI citywide water demand.
A 1950 engineering repart noted, "Ille capricious alternation of well wate" and the SFWD
water ••. hM made satisfactory .service to the average consumer practicaHy impossible.·
However, groundwater production increased in the 1950's leading 10 lowered groundwater
tables and water qualily COOCf"ms. In 1962, a survey of water softening costs to Palo Aha
custcmen deterrrUned that the City should purchase 100% of its "Water supply needs from the
SFWD. A 20--year contract was signed \\~th San Francisco and Palo Alto's wells were
placed in a standby condition.
Existing Water Supplies
Since 19f12 (except for some very short periods) all our water has come from SFVlD. In
1988, the ten existing wells were evaluated. Four were sealed in 1988 and 1989. Two
remain inoperative, but are not sealed. FOtJr wells are on standby status, b'Jt must be
rehabilitated to produce porable water on a continuolis basis. These four wells were operared
from July to December J988 and in early ]99J to provide supplemental wa.ter during a
period of mandatory rationing of SFWD water. Figure 1 shows che city's \o\:ater consumption
since 1910.
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City of Palo Alto Wafer Consumption ..... -
-r--'-----------------
",. -,---.,.-----------'----------~------------
MI ~----_r_____~--------""'-.-------------~-.-.1 __ ' __
17 , ---------------. -~------....,......------
• -----------,._-----._-------< --'-' -------------l5' -L.. : __ ' ___ L ___________ _
~ ~-_-=---=::!--------~~-/7:---~::::~~:==------
tr '----l-----, ---+-------~-----------r-------------------,-----
• I ",I -------------------,-----------------
10 --------------.--.j.--------..,----7-, ----.----~----------
t i-t------------~----------------r---------------
~ t:i=~-=' ,~2-:===~/==~-==~~--:~~-;=-~~
:Lm i --~--;--------=----l -_~(--:-' ----~=_=___=_~_==_=_~-~
• t--+-~-~----------------, ~ r--1:::==~ :--=~--=-', _= _______ : =~==_~-~---, -, .... ....... '
1070 -
City of Palo Alto Water Consumption
~I __ INS -..-_..-..-.30:2
21 I J
.. H
, , r -'-.. --.. -"~ __ ,--t-I ---,,-, -----•
/!J~+::---r--(.,t----m-~-;t~:e.aa '6;, ..... ~'-~ • ''--m_; , .
I, .. --' --h--------~
'I ,,1,1 , .,. ---------r---------
-~---------~-----------
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'IS L-.........-_________ ._, _ _!__: • , ___________ m----: ______ ~ __
M :-___ ~L __ .--______________ -----.:........~+_~_:~ ____________________ _
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Motivation to do the Plan
In the Spring of i992. me Surface Water Treatment Rules broughl about the prosper.:t of a
~ expensive fJJtratior. plant fOT the Hetch Heteby system. At about the same time, the
City was undertakiJlg a comprehensive ~fUdy of reclaimed waler as both a water supply
alternative and a means of divenir.g effluent from disposal into southern San Francisco Bay_
In order to detennine the appropriate resource decisions regarding each of these issues,
Resour<:e PWming S!aff decided to prepare a study (lRP) of all of Palo Alto's water supply
allematiVel.
Planning Issues Facing the Water Utility
Future Demand
Due 10 the recent water shortage, the City's demand for water IS about 35% less than the
consumption in 1987, the last year considered "normal". Since tlle last six. years have been
drought influenced, it is difficult to predict what "normal" demand ""ill be or when it will
return. It is unciear 10 what extent water customers have adopted pmtice.s and installed
bardware to permanently redu('.e [heir consumption. 1987 water use was abo1Jt J8,{X)() acre
em (AF) while FY 92-93 wruer use was only 11,000 AF. Figure 2 shows the City's water
consumption since 1965 ;in.d &.e range of forecasts de\,·eloped.
Waur Quality Perceptions
Even though any woller delivered would meet drinking water standards, people are likely to
respond to a change in the quality of the water they receive. rn surrounding communities
which utilize water of poorer quality than that of SFWD's, there is a higher demand for
borne treatment devices, water softeners, alldJor bottle4.1 water+ These costs should be
considered when deciding whether to commit to a new resource.
Retch Hetehy Water Treatment Plant (lnrnTP)
Studies are currently underway regarditlg wheL~er SFWD can avoid filtration of its Hetch
Hetchy water supplies. If a. fihration plant must be built. its high cost ($300-700 million)
will approximately double our water costs from SFWD. In this case, it is likeJy that Pa.lo
Alto wculd be required 10 make a tale-or-pay commitment tied to a specific amount of
water. Ho","'ever? this commitment may be mitigated by the .;:rea.tion of some pooling
aJ'J'aJ1gement or the ability to "JdY-(lff" unneeded capadly in the future.
An additiooal fealure of the HHWfP i, that it may be located such that it can taXe water
from sources other man traditional ones (e.g. water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta).
This feature adds flexibility in the face of regulations which may limit currenrJy heid water
6
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/ /. , .
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rigbts and enhances the system's ability Ie fInd alternate water in time'l of water shortages,
However. obtaining t.l:Jis additional Delta water requires the construction of a pipeline or
canal to the Delta or to a conveyance facility sucr. as the Delta-Mendota canal. The cost for
this facility could be substantial.
Don Pedro Reservoir and Dam FERC Relicensing
These proceedings are undef\0V3y atld requests are being made to r,kase addiuonaJ water i.nto
the-river. The Modesto and Tl.lrlock lrrigacon Districts daim that slnce the ownership of the
facility is 52% SFWDI4S." Districts, that the SFWD shuuld comnbu\<: 52." of the total
requirement to in-stream use. The manager of the Het;;h Hetchy system estimates that this
requirement would reduce the sys:em's safe yield by about 9%.
Bay-Delta Proceedings
Since SfWD is an upstream diverter from a river which feeds lhe DeTta, it is likely that they
will Jose some of their rights to water from the Tuolumne Rlver in these: proceedings.
However, e%pe!tS believe that if SF\VD ccntnoote.s water to in-stream use due fo the FERC
relicensing, they wil1 not be required to contrihute additional flow.
Establishment of Righb to Ground,,'ater
In order 10 establish oU" rights to groundwater. we rna)' kavt to U'Se it. The establishment of
this right i5 advised to: 1) provide a basis for suit of parties whic~ may ,",mage the
groundwater by pollution in the futur~; 2) maintain the groundwater resource as a potential
.option for anytime in the future; and J) provide grounds for getting a "fair share" of the
groundwater when adjacent agencies begin pu mpil1g the aquifers.
PoliticallRegulatory Pressure
Various government policies and reguJations have been brmJJht to bear on water users
througboot the state with the focus of six consecutive yean of below average avaHahHity of
water. The envirol1ment, in particular. is. seen as ha .... ing a need for water. However. since
most of the water in the state is. already spoken for. any water allocated to the environment
means that water will be taken from a current right holder or contractor.
The upshot ofth~ pressures is that water will rise In price. fall in availability. and be
pursued from nontraditional sources. Wasle and unreasonabie woe will be reduce.d and Step5
wiU be taken to re-evaluate whether all available sources are being used in the most effective
way.
A$ an example, the 'Erldangered Species Act is a powerfut too} which is. being used. by
environmentallsts to resmct water diverstons. It has the potenti::J to limit the amou.nt of
7
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water SFWD would have available by forcing additional ;valer to be made available for in·
stream uses for fish and wildlife babitat restoration. In addition, the Pubii<: Trust Doc!rine is
being used successfully in CO:Jrts by envtronmentalisl$ to provide additional water for in
stream uses.
Objectives of the Plan
AI the time the IRP was originated, 3. decision was imminent regarding the appropriate
commitment level to the SF\VD given the plan to construct an ex.pensive treatment plant for
Het.ch Retchy water. Howe ..... er, this decision is delayed for at !ed_~t a year. This IRP, then.
focusses on the decision which we will face first -the decision regarding reclaimed water.
The problem is tc determine the value to the ",,:aler utility of reclaimed \I,:ater. Put
d.ifferently~ what is the most that the water Ulitity shouid pay for reclaimed water from the
PalQ Alto Regional Water Quality ConlIol Plant? This IRP artempts to answer that question.
The question, if and when it arises. of the SFWD commitment level will require additional
analysis if not another IRP. Also, the que-suon of the. appmpriate level of demand-side
management prograJ .. ;:; 10 pursue needs additional analysis. It is eXpe\:ted that more
.information 10 make this decision wjll be made available after the completion of the Mult
Commodity DSM report now undeT\lr,-a)'.
Overview of the IRP Document
This document is organized es5enr.ially cnronologrcany according '0 l1'le analysis method used
10 arri .... e aJ the recommended res1Jlt Chapter HI describes decislon analysis, the technique
used in the preparation of this IRP. An appralsal of aIi resource alternatives considered is
found in Chapter IV. Chapter V de..scnbes the resLilts from the deterministic analysis used to
identity t.ie sensitive uncertain variables. Chapter VI discLisses the probabilistic analysis
results. ReccJmmendations and conclusions induding the short-term action plan and the
longer term direction are 'Contained in Chapter VJI. Chapter VIIf discu:-.ses l1'le nexl steps in
water resource planning.
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Ill. Analysis Methodology
Decision Analysis Process
Resource planning decisions must be made even though the outcome of many future events
cannot be ImO'WIl or predlcted. Making the decisions is complex. since there are competing
aupply-and demaP.(Hide resources aiong witb these uncerta.inties. Decision analysis
lechniques provjde a systematic way to break down compleJl: decisions into understandable
components. Each step in the process gives analysts and decision-m.a};ers v3.luable insight
into tbe problem and helps to focus on the most cri tical elemen rs surrou nding h'le decision
which must be made.
The steps in the decision analysis process are shown in the following diagram:
Assess Develop Evaluate :[)e(:ide Esublish
Situation Al!cmati vesI Rj'\h Among A PiaJ1 Of
Inf·xmation Alternatives Action
Problem Deterministic Probabilistic Evaluatkm Action
Fonnulation Analysis Analysis Communication
Problem Formulation
The purpose of the problem fomulation stage is to deflne the pmtlem and set tile scope of
the analysis. The steps include: I) slaLing the problem; 2) generating lists of alternatives?
and uncef"t!lin variables; 2nd 3) designating the criterion or critelia upon ",,·hich candidate
piaJ1s will be compared.
Problem Statement
%ich group of resource alternatives i!i. the optimum for the 20-year planning horizon? The
question was prompted by a short-term need to determine commitment level 10 tile San
Francisco Water Department (Sr-vtD) .as the pricc of that resource will increase draq]aticaIly
dlle to the possible construction of the Helch Herchy Water Treatment Plant (HHWrP). In
addition, the water utility must determine an appropriale price it is willing 10 pay fOT
reclaimed water if developed for dislnoutLon iII the City.
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A. stated before the UAC at the August 1992 meeting, the formal statement of the problem
is: -What commitment should be made to SFWD and reclaimed water".
Evaluation Criterion
At the Au~us.t 1992 UAC !"!"leeting, the criterion to t: .. 'aluate aJtemaLives ...... as se)ei;ted. Since
water sources are not fungible, lite decision was made to use ToW Reso~rce Cost (TRC') as
the sing,le value criterion. TRC is the total cost that the communi~ incurs. These costs
include the costs of all resources, the costs of all defl"Wld-side devices, costs to meet the
water quality cri1l!ria of the utihiY'S customers if water of poorer quality is planned, J.Ild the
loss of value to the customers when their end use fleedS ar~ not met. They de not include
any transfers from one party within the community to another such as-the costs of any
rebates offered to encourage participation in demand-side programs.
We have not attempted to define externalities. This task has not bt:en done elsewhere to OUT
knowledge; thus, we have no tlasis for assigning vaJues 10 er.vironmenta.l externalities.
Long List Or Resou ree Alternatj,'e5
Palo AJto has many potential resource aitematives iJo.cluding those listed below.
I. ~~ of SFWD commitment. Due to the construction of the HHWTP ~ Palo Alto and
!be other custome", of !he SFWD may be asked to make a com mitment to !he SFWD
for water supply_ This commitment wiH be the basis for a take-or-pay demand charge
a.s.sessment. so what is me appropriate revel of commitment?
2. Dernan6 side mznagemem (DSM}. Various levels of DSM progr.lm oommltmem will
be investigated" Which level should be selected?
3. Nonpolable reclamation. Which, ifa.,y, of the three alternatives or pha.~.; of the
program 2.5 outlined in the Redama60n M:uter Plan should be pursued")
4, Treated water from the Santa Clara Valle), Water DisL';e, (SCVWD)" Should
SCVWO's treated water pipeline be extended to serve Palo Alto? Shouid Palo Alto
pursue solo ownership of the extension or share the costs and water deliveries with
other agencies such. as Slaniord University and/or Purissima Hills?
5. Existing potable wells" Should Palo .. Ito refurbish any of 'he four potable warer
weDs? Should their use be for full-time or for supplemental use?
6. New potabie wells. Should Palo Alto develop additional groundwater suppties?
7. New irrigation-only wells. Should PaJo Alto site and drlll new wells to serve
irrigation needs of City parks?
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8. Dctr.inctalizallon. Should Palo Alto consL-ucl a demineralization plant for potabLe
water use. using either seawater Of reclair.u!G wastev.:at:r?
List or Uncertainties
AppeIldU: 8 contains descriptions of the l.Jncertain va.."iables associated with each indi-.idual
alternative and expanded descriptions of the uncerta3nties associated with t~e general areas
listed below,
1. Fcrecast. The long-term demand for VI'3ler foUowing the recent drought is h.ighJy
uncertain due 10 unkIlOW!1 levels of permanent versus temp:lrary conservation efforts.
A range of forecasts were developed which differed by {he estimated amount of
perm.anent conservation wh ich has taken pI ace in ~e years since 1987. the last
"oormaI" year.
2. Drought EsLimates for the likelihood of dmught were developed using both hislorical
data L,d possible future scenarl_os which could impact suppfy availability.
3. Fina.nclaI pa..P'3fi"leters. The City discount r.de is estimaled to be 3% above the inflation
raJ ••
4. Water quality mitigation fI1t2Sures. Water utility customers may incur additional costs
if water of lesser quality than pure mountii.in w.:uer (HelCh Hetchy) from the SF\VD is
ddivered, It is expe;:1ed that ... ter softeners arnl bottled water would be purchased if
delivered water hardn~ increased or if customers' perception of the Willer is poor. It
is interesting to note that the COst to the cUSlomers of water softener was ciled as one
or IIIe main rearons to shut of( the weUs in J 962,
5. Wa.stewaleT Treatment Expenses. Variable wastewater treatment electricity and
chemical expensel mUSt be con.~idereci since the)' would be saved if demand is reduced
by ccnservation.
6. Value of Quantity. During the 1977·78.and the recent water shortages, water utility
customers were (orced :c do "~Iithout some '1uilI1lily of water that they normally would
have demanded. "The customers incurred some cost for doing without this water.
These costs are difficuJl to caJcutate. but should be considered in evaJuating the total
resource cost or water supply aJk:m.aLi\'e~.
The problem fonnulation .sLage J'e4'..AJlts car. be illustrated with the use of a decision tree
(Fjgure 3) and an infl'Jel'lce diagl'3m (Flgure 4j. The decisions which must be made can be
characterized as a yes or no ror some r~UTC( Oli"lematives and a levet of commitment for
othCts. A plan is made up of a series or decisioos about each a1temative. This is shown
schematically ir1 the decision trcc'. The innuert<:e diagram shows the factors which affect the
components or the \o'alue criterioo.
I J
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I&yelof DSM CQIlC~liQD &il.d.A Existioi ~ SEMl Irrigation IOSCVwn ~<:ro Q)lW.tl:
C£J!!Imjt-Pro= ~ tr=5l lIIiz.aIsm fQlaIlk fllIahl~ mmu L=I Willi:[ i2i~ plantZ ~ ~
none
Done
IIOW irrlg wells
le .... ell
rv.'o _ wells fulltime
No No
--mcd ---rw-phase 1
__ level 2 _---------__ _ Yes _ Yes
IUgh ""-phase 2 no~ wells ~.-r
level 3
rw-phase 3
Figure 3 --Initiai Decision Tree
Deterministic Analysis
In the deterministic pbase of the decision anilysis process an outcome: model is created to
caIc\!laIe the value (p=1 value ofTRe, in this case) for each setting of the inputs, The
inpua are the states of the alternati \Ie! and the states of the uncertain variables. The outcome
model developed includes aU CDSts associated with each alternative, costs of customer water
quality mitigation, and the C()Sfs of unmet demand. High and low values were developed for
each uncertain variable which was likely to be important to the decision. These values are
shown in Appendix E_
Results from the deterministic a..,arysis are identification of the sensitive variilbles --those for
which the. optimal pJan changes depending upon tile setting of the value.
Probabilistic Analysis
The pwpose of the probabtlistic phase is to model and assess the key uncertain variables
identified .in the detenninistic phase. The steps include identifying and inrerviewing an
expert for each variabJe and assessing the expert's judgment about the uncertainty. The
uncertainty is then represented ~ a probability .:IistTibution for the variabJe.
12
---------~.
....
".." .~.
'---
ilmp~ ftICf_: L __ '
..... -,-~ FlaM! L-___ _
I~I :~~i
1 ____________ _
/~~~,
,fI""'lir]'.,
'------'
........... ,«1"
-. lIOfI~r
.lIm~ -",.
';;~ ~';i" _~~ .... ~ tOS' __ " ........ ~
... ter
,qt.,:,
.ubJ:llhlln
tTeIIltd
.rrt COlI .__ _ __
,,~_~/ "'-~"~~' • ___ AI"
'!01I1CO!II
, ponttlu ,------/
-
Figure 4 -. Initiai Influence Diagram
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, d~OIIJllr
...... ario ,
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IV. Assessment of Resource Alternatives
'The Water Utility undenook a taroad assessment of all potential suppJy--side and demand-side
resource alternatives. These options include water from Ole San Francisco Water Dep-.utment
(SFWD), rehabiliration of the srandby ground",,'er wells for potable distnllution, drilling and
deveJopment of new groundwater wells for potable distribution, deveiopment of new shallow
aquifer groundwater wells for nonpotable uses such as irrigation of parks and alher large
landscaped areas, reclaimed water, desalination, connection to the treated water pipeti:le from
the Santa Clara Vailey Water District, and demand-side management resources. Factors
examined for each aJternative include cost (capital, commodity, and O&M), availability,
water quality. reliability, environmental impacts, sensitivity to regulations, and comm1Jn:ity
acceptability. (See Appendix A for expanded deSCriptions of each altemative.)
Characteristics to Appraise
A first step in the evaluation of ""rater resource altematl'l.'es is to determine the appropriate
attribuleS to eumine for each alternative. Th~ can then be reviewed and weighed as to
their relative importa.'1Ce. F.acll aiternative has specific strengths and weaknesses so decisions
to select one over another necessi tate trddeoffs among the competing at!ributes. The criteria
Jisted here are not in order of importance.
Cost
Capital costs, if appropriate, and operation and maintenance costs. This assessment should
include any factors which affect the cost (i.e. eApected system upgr.Jdes, project lifetime,
energy costs, cbemicals, technical innovation, etc.) and the ma. ..... !ler in which the costs are
iJ1l'urred (e.g. by amcllnt of commodity used, deb~ repayment obligation, ~mbination, or
other).
Availability
The quantity. timing. peak flow or capacity, and any ellpecleti changes over time. When
would the source be available al the earfiest'? Viha! faclors may affect the availability in the
short-or long-term'? \Vho would have control over the operation and how would this affect
availability?
Water Quality
All water resource options will have to meet an .applicahle water qualilY regulations but
14
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options may differ in their relative water qualities. The quality rna} limit the use of the
water and determine which end uses would be appropriate Mid which. end uses would have to
be excluded. Are there any known health Of safelj issues that are s:pecifLC to this source?
Reliability
TIle reliability of the source under an arr2)' of conditions. What events would affect
delivcrability7 Does the source add diversity and reliauih!y to the system: Vlhat is lhe
behavior of this sourr.e in times of emergency and to what types of emergencies is this Sl.)tJrce
VlIlnerable?
Environmental Impacts
Any environmental complicattoi1s or hazards thai are known or probable inclUding those
re1ated to:) project siting. construction a.'ldlor operation.
Sensitivity to Regulations
Is the .resource vlOlnerable QC does it have strength in view of existing or impending fed~ra1.
stale, or local regulations?
Acceptability
How will the community and the region find the option? Does pohticaJ opposition or suppon
affect the likelihood of implementation? Are there publi,~ per..:epLion problems?
Experience of Others
What .is the experiei1Ce of other entities in the use of chis resource"?
Enhanced Emergency Preparedness
Would there be a.T1Y value in emereency situations to connecting [0 a new or refurbished
resource?
Resource Alternatives and Uncertainties
Water from the San Francisco 'Vater Department
High quality water from tne SFWD has been Palo Alto+s primary source of water since
1962. Approximately 85% of SFWD's water is imported from the Sierra Nevada mountains
15
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and its availi.bility is dependent upon the hydrologjcal conditioI15 there as weU as the physical
system coostraints s.uch as reservoir and pipeline capacity.
The pos5lDle ronstruction of the HH\VfP greatly impacts lhe future cost of the rEsource. rn
addition, future availability depends to some el<.tem, upon tile outcome of key legislative and
regulato')' decisions.
Unce~ties for this a!ternative include:
1. Commodity CQst escalation rate e,.c1uslve of HHWTP costs.
2. Hetch Hetchy Water Treatment Plant Information:
a. Capital cost. Estimates range from $300 10 $625 mHlion. however it is also
possible that there win be some regulatory relief and that a less extensive
faciiity wiU b!: constructed to address some ''''<iter quality concerns which could
cost as littJe as $50 mitlion.
b. Financing terms. The financing period for this plant will be 30 years at an
estimated bond rate of6%. Low and high vaJues are 5% and 8% per year.
c. Operation and maintenance costs. Annual operatior. and maintenance rests are
estimated to be about $501 AF. Since there is some unccrtain!)' aboot this
number, high a.,d low values were tested for sensitivlty.
DS!>f Resources
To better analyze !he DSM resources thrre levels of DSM were developed: 4%,8%, and
12% of !he 1987 total usage for program level, 1,2, and 3 respectively, Program Level I is
assumed to cost $2501AF; Level 2, S300IAF; and Level 3, $3501AE The administr.live
costs for t.l)e impier!1entation of the DSM programs is estimated at about 510,000, S15,OOO,
and .$20,000 per year for five years for Levels 1, 2. and 3 respectiveLy.
DSM programs.are defined by the iollGwing parame~ers: 1) instnlled cost of the measure; 2)
impact of the measure in water savings; and 3) administrative cooe;.ts 10 implement the
program. The major uncertainly for this resource alternative is the fraction of the targeted
reduction level which CJl1l actually be achieved.
Nonpotable Reclaimed Water
Three stages of a reclamation project were identified in the Reclamation Master Plan. Since
the third smge extended pipelines to Mountain View 'Uses, the lhree M~ter Plan stages
corresponded 10 ooJy IWO level, or redaime<! water use in Palo AlIo: 134 and 1279 AFY.
Reclaimed water availability is nOL affected by drought-time water supply shortages, bowever
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the end uses to wnich it can be applied are limited.
Uncertainties for this alternative include:
I. Share of project costs paid by water utilities. It is uncLear exactly how the total cost
of the project will be shan:d by the project beneficiaries: waslewater ciischargers and
water l!tIlities.
2. Project production relaLive to Master Plan projections.
3. Operation and mai ntenance costs.
Treated Water Crom the Santa Clara Valley Water District
Extensit'n of the SCVWD treated waler pipeline to serve Palo Alto is po.>.sibie. The quality
of this v..'3ter is poorer that! that from SFWD~ bOi higher than that of tile groundwater. The
SCVWD has access to multiple supplies, both local and im)XJrted, a.l1d ma."lages a fle;.;:ible
syslern of surface 2nd subsurface slora~e. The allocation 0" water Palo Alto could receive is
depc::ndent upon the capital cost to extend l.he pipeline as well as: whether other entities
participated in sharing the cost and water receipts.
This resource, as SFWD's, V-'35 subject 10 reductions in the recent drol!ght and its
susceptibility to future water supply shorl2ges is partly depel1dent upon legislative and
regu1al.ory decisions..
Uncenainties for this alternative include:
I. Actual fraction of contract amount used. The contract amounl is a take-or-pay
amounf~ .so if the actual amount used is less thi:lI1 the controict amount, the unit costs
would increase.
2. Pipeline capital cost. The capital cost determines to the lake--or-pay objjgation.
3. Commodity cost escata!ion rate: EstimaTes of the "Basic User Charge" and the treated
water surcharge were obtained from SCVWD staff. The Basic User Charge is the
groundwater extraction charge. The rare at which this commodity escalates over the
planning period is uncertain.
4. Water qualily mitigation: Trealed water from Lr,e SCVWD',s piperine has os hardness
of about 167 mgl1, a levd which would cause some residents to convert to water
softeners. Additionally, the water has poorer taste when compared to Hetch Hetchy
water prompting some residents to purchase boUled water.
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Existing Groundwater Wells
Palo Alto's four welts on emergency standby status must be refurbished if tl'ley are to be
used on a continuous basis. Treatment of this water would aho be necessary SO as to ensure
compliance witb all drinking water standards. In addition, the connection to the City
distribution system needs to be modified to effect better mixing of groundwater 51JppIles with
other" system waters. Since quality of th.e groundwater IS poorer than tha.t \o\:hich Palo Alto
customers have become accustomed, it is anticipated that community costs for water
softeners and bottled 'Water would increase.
Santa Cla..-a county groundwater is managed by l1'1e SCVVID which charges a ·pump tax" for
groundwater extractions in exchange for recharging the caunly aquifers, During drought
periods, this suppl,!' is s~bject to reduced availability as are all supplies ma.'1aged by lhe
SCVWD.
Uncertainties for this allernative include:
1. Production. Pro(fuction is estimated from the four wells (Seale. Park. Hale, and
Rinconada) used most recently in 1988. However, future production may not compare
!O past usage.
2. Capital C<b1:. The estimate is influenced by unknowns such as the extent of
refurbishment needed or appropriate and the requirement for treatment at the wells.
3. Operation and maintenance costs Annual operation and maintenance costs include tlIe
costs of electricity and chemicals. The SCVWD charges a "pump tax· for use of
groundwater in Santa Clara county.
4. Water qll4'lity mitigation. Groundwater quality is lower than waler from the SF\VD
and treated water from the SCVV/D. It is expected that residential customers who
would receive the water would become new cusf[Jrners of water scftening and bonlee
water.
New Potable Well Development
New wells could be sited, drilled, and developed fOT porabte supplies. This alternative
wouJd have higher first c(}Sts than refUrbishing the existing ~e]js. but other aspects of this
.resource arc si m liar .
Uncertainties for this altemative include:
1. Production.
2. Capital cost. Drilling and devefopmem ('osls vary depending upon siting and siung
18
....
conditions. In addition, as for tile existing wells, there is eXpe<::ted to be costs for
water treatment at the well site.
3. Operation and maintenance costs. These are similar to t.'1e existins wells.
New Irrlgation-Only Well De.'elopment
Wells could be sited in City parks to produce waler for irrigation. No treatmen t would be
required for this application, but costs are fairly high when divided by the relatively few
hours per year wh:n irrigation water would be needed. This water is also subject 10 the
SCVWD pcmp tax and drought-time restrictions.
Uncertainties for this alternative include:
L Production,
2. Capital CQst, Drilling ar.d developmetlt costs may vary depending "pon siting and
sizing conditions. There is not expected to be any expense for water treatm~nt for
iJrigalion use,
3. ()pe:rntioo and maintenance costs. Annual operation and maintenance costs consist toSl
of labor and electricity for pumping. In addition, \his water is also subject to the
SCVWD pump tall.
DesaI; nation
Palo Alto could build a desalination plant to remove s.a1ts and other constituents from San
Francisco Bay water or from 'IoVaStewaler ef!Juent. Capital and operating costs for either of
tbesealtemali\.'es are very high and environmental impacts wuld be sig'1ificant. However,
this resource would be available in years when impo~ supplies were curtailed as. in i1
drought,
Unc:ertainties for this alternative include:
1. Production. The load factor thai the plant would operate under is uncertain.
2. Capital cost. 8timates for Ll]e c.apitaJ costs vary and depend upon technology used.
3. Operation and maintenance costs.
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Initial Screening of Alternatives
.Bec:ause of the length of the lis.t of alterna.tives and un=.ertaintiu, it was dec~ded to cOt'duct a
screening. analysis in an attempt to ehmlnate very costly or otnerwis.: infeasible altemati\l~
from further consideratioo before proceeding to the deterministic pbas.e.
The screening analysis resulted in the removal of two very high cost alternatives from further
review. These were tJ;e <XJnstruction of a demincra1ization plant for desaJting either seawater
or reclaimed wastewater and the drilling (If new nonJX)table wells far img:ation of dty parks.
The remaining alternatives ale summarized in U;e decision tree (Figure 5) and influence
If "'IlIllJD (Figure 6) and in the chart below;
Alternatives Under Consideration (or Deterministic Analysis
Commitlal!llt ~
"low-(14,000 AFY)
....... (16,000 AFy)
._" (18,000 My)
'''''''Ib" ('9,m AFY)
"mob' (lll,OOO AFY)
N"",
lArvd 1 (72C A,fY--4" of 1981 use)
Levd 2 (1440 AF'Y-8'1 of )9ir7 w.e)
~ 1 (2160 AFY-127£ of 1987~)
oclaimod _ Project
Ncoe
F..,. pwe (134 AFY)
FIlU project (l219 MY)
sc Trcah~ \l.·'at~r
No. do DOt eonneo:l
Yes, 50"" partidp:u'o ill pipdil1o:' (tJOO AFY)
Yes. full participatioo in plpt:holi:! (4600 AF~')
Paubk Wells
No, do DOt u#
Use 2latgtst nt', wt;Us (1500 MY)
Use .... ex.~:l2' WCi[l! (3500 A,}' '()
t. Dro\Igilf SUUrlC
2. R.3~ incra.-.e dUMg watoer .shGrUge:5
3. Cost of uaD'd demand
4. City diSC(lullI rate
5, ~mar:uJ (orccas1.
I. Corna.oJit,)' «JSI escaIJIhoo taU: ~){ClU5l .... e of
Hl-lVw'TP (:(IRS
2. HHWTP' caplW oosI
3. IUtWfP fLDaDcinC terms
4. HHWTP O&M eo:woS
S. SIUll of HHVr7P colDULitmeolS
I. Sha.."'e 0 costs paid by the wal.llr utiiily
t. ProJu..:-tioo :t:13live :0 Ma..<o:cr Plan cs1imatt:S
). o&M ~osu. mclwllJ1g customer costs
i. Fraction I;f contract &mOW1.L u.s«!
1. Pipduw capdal cost
J. Com.-nr..x.lity ro,,"1. csca1a1inn rate:
4. Wak;r quatity ro.ilig.tiOd coW
I. ProJuc:tlon rdativ;: 10 eSl i mate;.
2. Capi tar cosl
3. O&M cn:;ts
4. Water qU-i-firy mitigation wsb
Table I
20
WATER Integrated Resource Plan
Deterministic Phase
Levc] of SEVin DSM
CmnmjtnlN!t ~
low ;-----non<
/ mlow "
ReclaIDgliQD
~:.m
no
, r--,I level I
,J:., me<! ~Lr---_i, first phase
! ,~--' 'Ievel2 ~:---------
~~ mhig \\. full project
\ '--'1e".1 3
, high L ______ _
CgODo;tjpn...lO:
SJ:YlW
I!J71IrM Water
Eill<liil<
Do not <;:unnect
Par: ownef1ihip
Full oYl,nersf1!p
Figure 5 -Decision Tree
------1
I DSM ' ;~I
'---'
"""""""' . , :;cvvm
IT~.-c:r
--~-....... -".o •
....,;--. ... ,'dl -
21
N,.'O wells fulhimc:
/
four ';lrot!ls su:plmntl < __ ..,
no wells
""""""""""-<
~U-,'_ ...... --__ ,'.1 ... or ...
"""
---= "/~""',F-T--"-
V. Deterministic Analysis
Purpose
A major objective of the deterministic phase of analysts is to pare down the number of both
aIc.ematives and uncertain variables. A total of 900 plans or possible CGrnbinations of
alternatives were analyzed. Twenty-two variables were considered uncertain and c'I;treme
("lew· and "high") values were develapeD in addiLion to the "nominal" value for each.
These uncertain variables were l.:sted to dc:ennine whether they had an impact on the
selecUoo of the optimal plan. The results from these sensitivity studies are the major
outcome from this analysis and were used to draw oonclu:;ions before proceeding [0 t11e next
phase of analysis, the probabilistic phase.
Deterministic Analysis Oveniew
TIle deterministic phase decision tree (Figure 5) schcmatica1l)i shows the a]rernatlYe plans
evaluated. The influence di38ram (Figure 6) shows the u:1certainties which impact tbe value
crHericn (TRC). Since there is substantial uncenainty in the forecut rega .... ding the level of
permanent conservation in place after the recent drought, the. amounl of DSM achievable is
difficult 10 assess. It is likely that the lower the level of permanent conservation. the grea.ler
the DSM potential. Treating <he forecast and DSM impact variables asymmetrically .00
probabilistically as shown in Figure 7 takes this dependency into account.
DtpHdmt Ret..tioaf.Jalp benrffJI Load FOfeUSI .. If DSM hnparl
10"",' ~H!"·.beJoo,.·19!I7J
'-i5~';""---... -..... -.... -
DSM [MpAcr
"1Oi:.-.... -.... -~
""7S~;; <~ _ ..
--:H':;-<:
bi<>
'M';"-~ ..
I~ ... ,-.--:
._ 't7ast Jote.cafI t~. b.:loo.-1917) _ nomi.JW .
-.......--5D'1-'.--···-··-···----'4Q;;-"'-
fl~ ... __ /
tush fule~ -im-.. _. __ . __ ._ .. _ .. -
Figure 7
22
2~·. "
-25%······ -"'-,
>1(lminaJ
-30'100
.,."
2~"-
-<:
o
Two rounds of sensitivity atlal)'sis were required to reduce the SCI of alternative plans and
uncertain variables to a manageable le:JeI for further ana1ysis in the prObabilistic phase. In
the f1m round, the number of alternatives was reduced a."ld six .:;ensitive variables were
identified. These were then analyzed in more detailed in the second round which resulted in
the identification of L'1ree uncertain variables which were sufficienLly sensitive to undergo
probabilistic treatment before making a final recom mendation.
First Round Sensitivity Analysis
When aH uncertain variables (eJl.cept for forecast and DSM progrdm impact) are set at Ll:!eir
!'lomina! values, the optimaL policy (i.e. the plan witl:! the lowest TRC; is seiecttd and called
the -nominal pIan-+ L'l this analysis, the nominal plan is:
SFWD:
DSM:
Reclaimed Water Projec~
SCVWD Treated Water:
Potable Wells;
"high" or 20,000 AFY
Level 1 (4 % of 1987 loarl)
No project
No, do not connect
No, do not refurbish for continuous use
Reclaimed water is not selected when the commodity cost is set eq uaJ to its original nomina!
vaJue~ lOOt; of the cost of water from the SFWD, However. this value is not an
uncesta.inty. but a decision the water utility faces.
The maximum value to the water utility of reclaimed water can be thooght of as. t.'1e highest
price the water utility would be willin.g to pay for tne reclaimed water when the reclamation
project is selected from among the alternatives. In order to determine this val ue, the cost of
reclaimed water was varied over a range. The first phase reclamation project is selected
wbet1 the cost is less than abol!t 74% of the cost of SFWD waler. The fu)) reclamation
project is selected when the cost is le:is than 65 % of the SFWD cost. When the c.ost of
reclaimed water is less than 65% of the SF\VD cost and all other \t'anablp.s at their nominal
value, the optimal policy is:
SFWD;
DSM:
Reclaimed Water Project:
SCVWD Treated Water:
Potable Wells;
"med" or 18,000 AFY
Level 1 (4!: of 1987 load)
Fun project
No, do not connect
No, do not refurbish for continuous 'Use
Since the focus of this JRP j'§ on reclaimed water, the tentative value for reclaimed water was
.set to 60% so that the sensitive variables. cDutd be identIfied given .an opumal policy which
inel ude:s reclamation.
The sensitivity of each uncertain variable was tested by holding the v3lues of aH other
23
•
:~~'-~ ~': :-::>-..
o
YUiables to their nominal values while the target variable was tested sequentially at its high
and \ow values. If the optimal policy changed from the nominal plan, then the variable is
deemed sensitive.
Recommendations From First Round Sensitivity Analysis
The results of the first round deterministic ana1ys[s lead !(\ further refinement of the
aJternatives and uncertain variables. The remaining 'Uf"K.':ertUntle5 wiH be considered in the
more detail especially as to how they relate to the main short-term d.ecision regarding the
reclamation project. Jt is very important to winnow down the list of variables for
pn:tOObilistic treatment. 'The (ollowing are the recommendations at the conclusion of the fIrst
round of the detenninistic analysis phase:
1. Remove existif!£ potable we!!s from further analysjs. It appear.s. that there are plenty
of other alternatives which 3fe of higher value to the communtty. Wells are not
selected even if the pump tax is zero Q! when SCVWD \lV3.ter is \lcry inexpensive. In
additi.on~ the cosrs to the i;:ommuni!:y for wate; softeners and bottled water if the wells
are operated are s.lgnificant. Wells are only selected if these costs are actually less
than 16% of the costs estim31ed. Note that the wells remain as a starJdby source and
that. they can always be refurbished and activated when appropriate:.
2. Remove tlIe connection to the treated water pipeline from the SCYV .. 'D from further
consideration. Neither the fu!! o .... 'Tlerstiip nor the partial ownership option are
selected at the extreme value of any variable. The only time tllese options are
selected is when the future cost of SCVWD is \Ie!)' inexpensive (Le. me rea)
escaI.ation rate is negative 4!t!yearn.
3. Reduce the number (If SF\VD commitment levels to four. The four levels (17500,
18500, 19311, and 20000 AFY) rover a smaller range than the original five
alternative level.lj:.
4. Set the following variables at their nominaJ value for further analysis since they are
no; sensitive to .he selection of plans: I) HHWrP O&M costs; 2) HHWTP bond
rate; 3) total HH\VTP commitments; 4) reclaime.d W21er O&M costs; 5) reclaimed
production relative ;0 nominal estimate; and 6) drought rate increase.
5. CondlJct additional research including contacting other major water retailers and
wholesalers to find an appropriate value to use in the analysis for the cose of Ullmet
demand.
These revisions reduced the resource alternatives to three: v,rater from the SF'ND, DSM
programs~ .and reclaimed water. In addition, six uncerta.ill variables remained after the
roncJusion of Ole first round sensitivity analysis. This is still too many variables tv analyze
24
" .~ .:.. ..
···-.. r
o
probabilisticaHy since attaining probabilistic .usessments is very complex and time
consuming.
Second Round Sensitivity Analysis
Each of the six variables identified as sensitive in the first round analysis (HH'N'TP cap:tai
<OSI, demand forecast, DSM impact, drought likelihood, inOation rate, and SFWD
commodity cost escalation rate) were stJhjecLed to a more delailed analysis to more poecisely
dettnnine when the policy changes occur and which variables affect the shorHtrrn
reclamarion decision.
When each ~.nable is set EO iu nominal value for this reduced set of re.'murce alternatives,
the optinuJ pohcy is "low" (17,~ AFY) SFWD, level 2 DSM, and full reclamation project
development if the reclaimed wa~er cost is less than 67% of the cost of SFV/D water. If o,e
reclaimed ;.:..ater wsts more tha..r") 67% (If tile SF\VD cost, then the optimaJ plan is -mhigh
(19311 AFY) SF'''''""D, IC"ifcl 2 DSM and no reclamation. Therefore, in this ~. the
maximum that the warer utility should pay for reclaimed wate. is 67% of the cost of SF\VD
water. This can be called the "reclaime<! water brea.lqloint cost".
To detenn:ine which variables had the greatest impact on the value of reclaimed "''3.ter 10 the
water utility, an the variabies are set to their nominal values, and the reclaimed water
meal-point cost is detennined wben each variable in turn is changed from its low to its higb
value.
The results show that the Demand Forecast and inflation variables do not significantly affect
the value of :reclaimed water. Not surprisingly, the DSM Impact "mable primarily affects
the <Io;ision ofhow much DSM should be selected (i.e., If DSM Impact = "low" value of
50% of .. pected impact, then no DSM i., selected and if DSM Impact = "high" value of
125% of expected impact, then the maximum DSM program is selected.) Therefore,
removing these t'1ree \'ariables from probabilistic treatment will not affect the .reclamation
ciecislon faced.
Recommendations From Second Round Sensitivity Analysis
The .second round sensitivity analysis identified additiona! variabJes [0 be set lo thelr n()m.inaJ
value (or the probabilistic phase and indicated the three variahles which are the most
sensitive to tlle reclamation decision. Obtaining probability a.. .. ses.iments for these three
variables is the work of the next phase of analysis.
2.'5
.Recommendations from the .second round sensitivity a. .... aI)'sis are:
L Set the foiloWL'g variables to \heir nominal values for the ne" phase of analysis: 1)
demand £0=; 2) inflation rate; and 3) impaC! from DSM programs.
2. Obtain probabilistic assessments for the fOllowing variables; 1) HHWTP capital cost;
2) SFWD oommodi.y cost escalation rate; and 3) drought likelihood.
26
. :-;'
o
VI. Probabilistic Analysis
Purpose
The purpose. of the probabilistic phase of the decis.ion anaJysis process is ro mode! and assess
key uncettain factona in L'I:le decisions faced. The analysis includes identi~Yll1g an expert for
eacll sensitive variable and assessing the expert's judgment ax.ut the variables.
Expert Interviews for Key Variables
'The deterministic analysis pha...o:e identified t,"Ie three key sensitiw variables in the decisions
faced by tile water utiHty. For each of these uncertain variables, a formal stru(.tt:lred
interview of an expert was conducted beginning with a discussion of the variable itself and
the factors which could influence tlte value of the variable.
Probability etlcoding is a formal process for Quantifying expert uncertainty. Since the
variables in question are uncenaln , the eJ:pen is not asked for a Single or "besI" e.itimate of
what the value will Ix:, but au the values that the variable could be. The expert's knowledge
is captured through a structured interview designed to ensure the consideration of all relevant
information, circumvent the limits of empirical data, mimmize ambiguity. and control for
biases. !be result of the systematic procedure is a probability cfismbution which expresses
the ~pert:'s judgement of the relative JikelibOtXl of all possiole values. This distribution is
Iben """"'Ded.
Hetch Hetchy Water Treatment Plant Capita! Cost
steve Le.>nard, SFWD's manager Df the Hetch Hetchy Filtratioll Plant project """ the expert
selected for assessing the HHWTP capital cost vanabie. Discussions with him revealed thai:
the alternatives for SFWO range from doing nothing to buildir.t: a fun scale water treatment
plant. There are .several relationships between requirements to meet water quality regulations
and other system upgrddes for reliability improvement which could cost up to $1 bilJjon in
the rteJ.t twenty years, dwarfing th: COSls associated with a HH\VTP.
Therefore, ;: decision was made to limit the discussion to th().5e expellditu:-es related to
meeting water qUality regulations for the whole SFWD system and ensure that tlle cosls
associated with other sys{em upgrades ..... ere inciuded in the estimate for the future cost of
SF\VD water. Thus, the variable was defined as -the capital cost in 199.3 dollars of the
SFWD program to meet Vw'ater quality reguratory requirements over the next twenty years-.
27
•
A '..;.I _ . .-'
Mr. l..61nard sees t..'lree main issues affecting tlle SFW'D water quality program: I) outcome
of rq:uJalOly decisions on 'he Enhanced Surface Wa'er Trea'ment Rule; 2) <he looming rule.;
regarding disinfection by-products; and 3) ~ie outcome of new standards for 2002, He also
believes that it i'; possible thai California could dange its regulations to allow for \mfiltered
treatmenl. Factors which would drive the cost upward includr: Lhe possibility of regulatory
change due to the cryptosporidium outbreak in Milwaukee, failure of Hetch Httchy water teo
meet standards, and .'~taff recommendation to proceed with a ftltr:a!ion plant. Factors which
would result in lowering the cost include having SfVID maintajn Uleir filtration avoidance
.status, a cost con.sclOUS environment, staff recommendations, and other changes in
rq:uJations,
The cumulative probability distnouLion for this variable can be approximated -.irh the low,
medlum, and high values of $75 million, $190 million, 3TId $430 million with associated
probilbilities of 25%,50%, and 25%. respectiyely.
Drought Li keli hood
John Famkopf is the technical and fina!lciaJ consultant to BAWUA and, as such, maintains
data on historic hydrological conditions of the SFWD system, historic and fuhJre projections
for financia1 parameters for the SFWD, and is the main: consultant prepar.J1g the positions of
BA'WUA on various legislative and regulatory issues which may affect the future availahility
and cost of SFWD StJpplies, He was selected as the expert for assessing the uncertain
variables of !he likelihood of drocgh' ard the future commodity cost of water from the
SFWD.
For the purposes of the analysis, -droughf" is defined as the circumstance of SFWD
requiring its retailers to reduce their consumption of its water by 2~%. The likelihood of
drought can be eltpt""""~ as the number of years of reduction over a twenty year period.
1be variable was defined as "the number of years in the next twenty years in which SFWD
calls fO< a 25% mandatory reduction",
The important factors for this variable include regiOnal demand growth, extent of water
cor-..servation, hydrology and weather characteristics, and regulations allocating water to fish
and other environmental uses. Mr. Famkopf sees decreased willingness. w accept significant
demand reductions from urban users and .an increased ease an"" avaiiability of water tr-clIlsfers
between agricultural and urban users in the future.
The cumulative probability distribution for the number of years of 25 % reduction requests
can be approximated with low, merliuffi, and high values of 2.3 yars (I LS% likely in any
one year), 3.35 years (J7'11likely in an)' ye.u), and 5,75 years (28,8% l;kely in any year)
with associated probabilities of 25%,50%, and 25%, respectiyely.
28
--._------
'-
o
SFWD Commodity Cost
John Farnkopf was also the eJ(pert interviewee for the furu re C(Jst of water from the SFWD,
formally defmed '" "'he SFWD wholesale commodity cost rate in 2012 (in 1993 dollars per
acre-foot) exclusive of waler quality program costs and drought impacts", Mr, Farnkopf said
that the key fOf this variable is really SFWD's capital improvement plan. Many tunnels and
pipelines are approaching the end of their service lives and their repair or replacement wiU
cost iL gm.t deal. In addition, SFWD rn.ay need to add to the redundancy of the system to
address potential eartl1qual<o. impact"
Factors which would tend ~ mak~ the tost low include SFVln's decisior;s to continue on
current capital program and not make repairs or upgrades to the infraHrucwre, delayed
c:apita1 projects, voter rejection of eApensjve projects, and difficulty in oblaining financing.
Costs would be rugh if an aggreSSive capital program to replace aging system components
were begun. project CO!ilS exceed estimale5, and SFWD sales are relativety 10 .... · due to
ccnservation or development of alternative resources.
The cumulative probability dislribution for the wholesale cost of SFWD ~"3ler in 2012 is
approximated wing Jow, medium, and high va]l;es of $360/AF {average of 1.81year above
infuuion over 20 years), S5451AF (3.9'1Uyear aoo"e intla"on), and S8551 .... F /.6,3,.lyear
above inflation) with associ.too pwbabilities of 25%,50,., and 25,., respectively.
Values for Probabilistic Phase
Variab e w Vi\lue
25% prObability
75 million
I 1.5 Il ely
ation Rate J.8%iyear
Table 2
29
Medium ue
50,. probability
190 mIllion
17 likely
3.9%ly=
.. Ig alLre
25 % probability
VII. Results
Analysis
Aller completing the probabilistic assessments of the unccrt:lin variables, a new decision tree
was developed with slight rcconfiguration in bow the reclamation decision was represented
and a mitior change ~ the .selection of SfVlD commitment levels to analyre. Figure 8, the
firuU decision tree for the Water IRP, shows the 48 poleI1tia1 plans (decisions are depicted by
squares in the diagram) and the three uncr,rtainties (circles in the dLagram) representing 27
scenarios of the future.
Leyel qfSF'j'P
~
Em; iamgtjnn r:u
FigUre I -Fma3 DecisWc Tree
l.!lfflP
Capillll C 0..,1
low
SfWncomm
Cost Egalglpp
Ra!t
row
,~------
med _
~-~' ---~
high
In order to deItrnUne the value of reclaimed waler, the maximum pti<:e the water utility
should pay for it was calculated. This price turned out to be 70% of the to!al Unil cost
(mcluding HHWfP related costs) of water from the SFWD or ahoul 85 % of the SFv.D
commodity CO>I (not including fi"ed eosts related to the HHWrP).
Additional analysis was performed to calculate the value of reclaimed waler to the: water
utility. This analysis was performed by setting the eost of the reclaimed waler to "'"" and
detennining the difference in present value of Total Resource Cost (PVTRC) if the best plan
was selected with and without reclaimed water. Th is analysis showed that the best plan with
reclamation at zero oost is an SFWD commitment of l8050 AFY and a "level 2" DSM
Program. The expected value for the PVfRC fer this plan is Sl15,408,ooo.
When no reclamation is developed, the best plan is a -level 2& DSM pro~rarn and an SFWD
comrr.itrnenl level of 19750 AFY. For this plan, the expected value for the PVTRC is
$l2I,004,ooo. The difference in the expected values is $5,596,000 or S257fAF for the 1279
AFY over 17 yean; of the 20 year analysis pefl.xJ.
30
".'aIt",
If only lbe fltSt phase of 'he recia.'l1alion project i. developed, the be;;, plan is an SFWD
commitment level of 19600 AFY and a "levd 2" DSM program with an expected value for
U1C P""TRC of $120,380,000. for this case, the differenC1: in PVTRC is $624,000 or
S2591AF for 134 AFY over 18 years. These results are summarized in the table below:
Value of Reclaimed Water to Utility
£kst Plu. ChOl~ Pw;.eat ",J\lf, of
TItC (Ex.,..,...,
SFWD DM Value)
level proP""
'IalUt 0 ncWmrd watr:r to
Uldi!y
P.rcsecl P~t \'ailolle
VaJue per acre-fooe
ND recWm.tioo. p,,,ject 19i5O level 2 $111,OO4,OC(l:
mot pbbe roc1am5tlOl1 project 19600 (evet 2 120,3BO,!JI.X) 24,000 2S9fAf
proje..-t J8050 lev~12 115,408.000 $5,596,000 $257.'
Tabl.3
This analysis shows that the leveHzed value to the water utility of reclaimed water is
S257IAF. In other words, the water utility should pay no mOle than $2571AF for the
reclaimed water. However. this is the expected value for this. figure and does not
inoorporaIe any assessment of the rilk that the value will a.:tuaJl y be greater than or less than
!be expected value.
Risk Amllysis
In order 10 evaluate the risk !be utility faces, high and low values of PVTRC were
cala 1lated • Cumulative probability dlscributions of the: PVTRC were developed for the full
project, Ibe first phase project, 2nd no project. The values representing the 5%, SO'il.. and
the 95'9& cumulative probabilities are shown in the following ub-l,:.
No project
project
VaJue of Reclailned Water to Utility {90% confiderKe range)
5"
OImu.latiy~
probabilily
$98.2 5.200
$97.799,100
94,445.100
Prc.'>l!Dt Villu.=: of
Total RCioOUru Co:;;t
Preseal Va1ue of recL.imed walot!r
to Utility ($1 AF)
so~ 95'1 S~ 50~ 95~
CUa::Ulilli."..,:
prohabiJJly
$118,240,
$1 !7 .631.000
$112,926,000
C1IttlUlilti ~'e cwnl.ll. cumuL
probabifity probah. probab.
$148,958,000
$[48.104,000 SJ 891 .$252iAf
Table 4
31
cumuJ.
probab.
34/AF
$>641
•
,.-
.~.;:.;~' ,. '>; <:', .
',' 1{~;:: :~,'~::-~A~~·~,,:_:/"--: (,-~ .
,--""-'---/"
,',...,
:>:>:'·~t!..~
.;< ~-·/t~,: " ', .. , "","
This table shows that: 1) t.'lere is only a 5 % chance thai t11e .... ~ue of reclaimed water to the
utility will be less than $174IAF; 2) it is equally likely Ill., the "alue of reclaim": water will
be greaICf !ban S244IAF a< it will be less Illan $244IAF; and 3) there is only a 5% cllance
ilia! the value of reclaim": water will be greater than $3641 AF.
These results show that if the utility chose to pay a set amount, say the expected value of
S2S7/AF, it could be at risk of overpaying if the value feU to something lower or closer to
the 5% probability case of $174/AF. However. to mitigate that risk, the utility could tie
their payment for redai med water to an index such as tile COst of SF'ND water. So rather
than commit to a set amount, say $257iAF. the water utility shouid offer to pay for up to
70% of the cost of SFWD water,
Recommendation
Recommendations from this fRP are presented for both a short-tenn actiol"'_ pian and for long-
1ernl direction. Aclditional analysis or a subsequent IRP w!il be required prior to making OJ.
decision to commit to the reclamation project, a DSM program. and the SFWD. if required.
Short-term Action Plan
'The sbort-term decision facing the water utility is to determine the value of developing the
reclamation projects jdentified in the Reclamation Master Plan. This can be presented in
terms or the maximum that the: water utility should pay for the reclaimed water as a
commodity. The results of Illis lRP show that Ille water utility shoold pay no more than
about 70,;; of the total cost of water from Ill. SFWD,
Long-term Direction
Although not jmminent. two other decisions besides ~e appropriate level of participatior. in
reclamation have been addressed in this lRP --to determine the appropriate Jevei of
commitment to the SI-"'WD and 10 a DSM pro~T3m. The recommendations for these resource
altema.ti ves are:
1. If the full nx:Jamation project .is constructed, the water utility should commit to about
18,000 AFY of water from the SFWD. if. however, the recla.'11ation project is not
built, the water utility should commit to about 19,750 AFY of SFWD Vo'i.ter.
2. The utility should pursue a DSM program of permanent efficiency improvemenrs
which would result in waler savings of !440 AFY or about 8% of the 1987 use.
32
'.---
-' _._'---_.
o , .. -
VIII. Additional Analysis to be Completed
Reclamation Decision
Although this IRP primarily addressed the decision about reciainalion, mere is additional
analysis 10 be done before the r=mmendation should be fU1alized. This IRP does not
attempt to determine the value of redamatio-tl to the other main beneficiary. the wastewater
treatment plant partners. Since-reclamation is an aitemative Vo"J,Stewater disposal option for
tbe RWQCP, the value the RWQCP places on reclamation is a major factor in the. decision
about the reclamation project.
If the reclamation project is built, the sum of the benefits to water supply and wastewater
disposal shc-uld outweigb the total project costs. This IRP has derermined only one part of
Ihat equation, the -water supply benefit l,~'hen the bcneflt 10 Lie RWQCP is detennined, the
decision as to pursue or not to pursue reclalll..3ljon can be made.
Issues to Take Up in Subsequent IRPs
In oroer to complete. this. lRP. many 'aSsumptions and estimates bad \0 be made, about the
future outcome of uncertain even.ts. When future deciskm 5 must be made about water
""""roes, additional .. al yses will undoubtedl y be required. This section of the report points
out some of the issues which may arise as new information develops.
L As discussed above the conclusion about lhe value to the water utility of reclaimed
water does not. in itself. justify the reclamation project. That justificatioo hinges on
It.., joint benefits of the projec, 10 both the water utilities and Ill. RWQCP.
2. Vv'ben, and if, tile value of mAintaining Pale Alto's right to groundwater can be
ascertained, that value should be weighed against the costs to tile community of using
groundwater. nl~ COS!!; include tile actual capital and O&M costs, the presence or
absence of the SCVWD pump tax, the costs to mitigale the poorer qualit), water, and
the potential erosion in the allocation of water from the SFWD.
3. Analysis will noed to be redone with updated assumptions before maldng • final
commitment to SFWD if it is required due to the construction of a large fl1Lration
plant or any other 5-ignificant capital project or projects which may require such a
commiunenL
33
•
'\tj' ....
4. A decision on a DSM program should await the ccnclu,ion of the multi-commodity
OSM report "hen a m"" detailed analysis of !he potential for and !he <os\ of watu
efficienCY improvements is evalllllt<:d. By then, meTe will be. better indication of me
e<le<lt of pennanen. conservation which persists after !he =nt, 7·year drought.