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ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: February 17, 2009 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. to-b <br /> SUBJECT: Memorandum of Understanding - Jordan Lake Partnership <br /> DEPARTMENT: ERCD PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Draft Jordan Lake Partnership MOU David Stancil, 245-2598 <br /> Table of January 27 Comments <br /> OWASA Memorandum <br /> Staff Background and Key Issues Report <br /> Partnership Background Materials <br /> PURPOSE: To consider adopting a memorandum of understanding to join a partnership of area <br /> local governments and water providers in a Jordan Lake water supply initiative, including water <br /> supply planning, potential joint future allocation requests and a possible future water intake and <br /> treatment facility. <br /> BACKGROUND: As a result of the drought and a subsequent staff working group, a Jordan <br /> Lake Partnership effort has been proposed. To formalize the effort and begin planning, a draft <br /> Memorandum of Understanding has been created. Background information about the actions <br /> and discussions leading up to the Partnership proposal and MOU may be found in the attached <br /> Background and Key Issues document. <br /> During these Partnership staff discussions, it has been noted that, due to the geographical and <br /> hydrologic nature of the region, Jordan Lake and its remaining safe yield of potential drinking <br /> water represents the last major water supply investment in the region. Orange County currently <br /> holds a Level II allocation of 1 million gallons per day (mgd) from Jordan Lake for future use. <br /> On January 27, the Board received a report on the status of the Partnership and the draft MOU. <br /> During the discussion, the Board identified a number of additional issues and concerns that <br /> should be addressed. These are listed in the attached January 27 Comments attachment, along <br /> with additional information or answers to questions from staff. Alternative mechanisms to <br /> address elected official policy oversight and linkages to growth management— two issues noted <br /> by the Board at the January 27 work session - are suggested in the attachment. A memo from <br /> OWASA Executive Director Ed Kerwin is also attached which elaborates on OWASA's <br /> participation to date in the project. <br /> The need to ensure long-term sustainable use of the resource and linkage of Jordan Lake water <br /> use to sound land-use planning has been a key consideration for the Board and other Orange <br />