To: Board of Directors, Sonoma County Water Agency
Department or Agency Name(s): Sonoma County Water Agency
Staff Name and Phone Number: Grant Davis, 547-1911
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supervisorial District(s): Countywide
Title:
Title
Travel Authorization to attend Denmark Water Innovation Summit
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Recommended Action:
Recommended action
Authorize Sonoma Water to send a delegate to attend the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Water Technology Alliance’s 2023 Fact Finding trip to Denmark from May 6th through May 13th, 2023.
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Executive Summary:
The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Water Technology Alliance is hosting the 2023 Fact Finding trip to Denmark from May 6th through May 13th. The Water Technology Alliance facilitates knowledge sharing between North American and Danish water sectors to foster cross-collaboration and influence the sustainable water markets of tomorrow. Due to aging infrastructure and water scarcity, the importance of revitalizing the North American water sector and finding early adopters willing to look into new water technology and solutions has never been greater. The Water Technology Alliance is an outreach program providing specialized know-how on innovative water technology solutions, and building bridges between North American and Danish water sectors to exchange valuable knowledge and technology on both sides of the Atlantic. A Sonoma Water delegate has been invited to attend. The trip is paid for through funding from the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sonoma Water’s share of incidental travel expenses is $500.
Discussion:
The Danish water sector has undergone a huge transition over the last 25 years and today is recognized as one of the most innovative water sectors in the world. This transition has reduced non-revenue water levels to an average of only 6% and dropped their per capita water use to about 27 gallons per person per day. Digitalization has played a significant role in how their water treatment facilities are operated by making them fully automated and unmanned. The widespread use of data-driven automation allows for forecasts on production, maintenance and asset management. Advanced sensor-based distribution strategies having been implemented at most facilities resulting in an efficient and proactive approach to water management. Alongside technological advancement, a collaborative approach to stakeholder management has been implemented resulting in problem-solving efficiency in the sector.
The Fact-Finding trip includes: On-site visits at Danish utilities; Presentations by innovative technology suppliers; Interactive presentations from non-profit and governmental organizations.
Importantly, the trip will include valuable opportunities to strengthen professional networks within the industry and share knowledge and solutions among participants as well as to facilitate professional discussions among all participants.
On June 27, 2023, Sonoma Water and Santa Rosa Water are hosting a local water innovation summit with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Water Technology Alliance. At this local summit, collaborations and technologies will be discussed to further gain awareness and allow local governments to fully engage with the Danish Ministry and Water Technology Alliance. The summit will be funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Strategic Plan:
This item directly supports the County’s Five-year Strategic Plan and is aligned with the following pillar, goal, and objective.
Pillar: Resilient Infrastructure
Goal: Goal 2: Increase information sharing and transparency and improve County and community engagement
Objective: Objective 1: Align the Board of Supervisor’s strategic priorities, policy, and operational goals with funding and resources.
Sonoma Water Strategic Plan Alignment Water Supply and Transmission System, Goal 1: Protect drinking water supply and promote water-use efficiency.
Prior Board Actions:
None.
Fiscal Summary
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Expenditures |
FY 22-23 Adopted |
FY23-24 Projected |
FY 24-25 Projected |
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Budgeted Expenses |
$500 |
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Additional Appropriation Requested |
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Total Expenditures |
$500 |
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Funding Sources |
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General Fund/WA GF |
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State/Federal |
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Fees/Other |
$500 |
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Use of Fund Balance |
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Contingencies |
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Total Sources |
$500 |
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Narrative Explanation of Fiscal Impacts:
Budgeted amount of $500 is available from FY 2022/2023 appropriations for the Water Transmission Fund. The appropriations will cover Sonoma Water’s share of incidental travel expenses including parking, meals, and other miscellaneous costs.
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Staffing Impacts: |
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Position Title (Payroll Classification) |
Monthly Salary Range (A-I Step) |
Additions (Number) |
Deletions (Number) |
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Narrative Explanation of Staffing Impacts (If Required):
N/A
Attachments:
None.
Related Items “On File” with the Clerk of the Board:
Invitation and Preliminary Program