Here is a summary of actions and notices from the May 25, 2021 meeting of the Board of Directors:

• Heard that CVWD will cautiously plan and research before it follows Gov. Gavin Newsom’s plan for a full reopening of California on June 15.
• Authorized staff to apply for a $4.4 million grant for a project to replace Ion Exchange Treatment Plant (IXTP) 7991.  The project would build a new absorption treatment system, new sulfuric acid and caustic soda systems in new buildings on site, backwash pumps, piping and tank and pre-filters. The project would treat elevated levels of arsenic in groundwater and supply water to Mecca and the Bombay Beach area.
• Reviewed a draft of the District’s proposed Water Shortage Contingency Plan.  The document outlines steps the six urban water supplies in the Coachella Valley will take in case of a domestic water shortage. It is included in the Urban Water Management Plan. The Board will consider adopting the plan at a public hearing on June 22.  Learn more about the plan here:  http://www.cvwd.org/543/Urban-Water-Management-Planning.
• Awarded a $460,915 construction contract to R.I.C. Construction Company for purchase and installation of an emergency standby generator at Well No. 6808-1 in Thermal. This well provides domestic water and fire protection to CVWD customers in Thermal, Mecca, Desert Shores, Salton Sea Beach, and Salton Sea. A $300,000 grant from the California Office of Emergency Services will fund a portion of the project costs.
• Approved various resolutions to further the Oasis Project that will bring canal water to farm areas that pump well water.
• Voted to establish the District as a self-insured public agency and choose an administrator for CVWD’s automobile self-insured liability program.
• Learned that due to complications following the death of the park’s owner, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will pick up the cost of the CVWD water tender at Oasis Mobile Home Park. CVWD has provided supplemental drinking water assistance to residents several times since August 2019 when the EPA determined the park’s private well was out of compliance with federal arsenic standards.