AWWA ACE63016

The Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) delivers water exclusively from the river delta (Delta) formed by the confluence of the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers prior to discharge into the Pacific Ocean. Since source water quality within the Delta varies significantly with season and tide, CCWD employs a multi-faceted operating strategy to optimize cost-effectiveness given a number of operational and water quality related constraints. Two key operational tools are used to achieve this objective: Los Vaqueros Reservoir (LV); and, a sophisticated salinity-outflow model (G-Model), which is based on a numerical simulation paradigm developed by in-house staff. Tactical management is also critically dependent upon coordination, not only between key staff members in different departments within CCWD, but also between CCWD and several State and Federal agencies. This strategy allows CCWD to provide a reliable supply of high quality water at the lowest cost possible, in an environmentally responsible manner. Includes 2 references, tables, figures.