Program Intent and Purpose

The intent of the ACWA Hands Across the Border Program, launched in 2002 by ACWA President Bette Boatmun, is to enhance the quality of water service in both Mexico and California through the development of a cooperative program between participating California and Mexico water agencies. By creating partnerships across borderlines, substantial gains can be established for all participants including an exchange of technical and other intellectual capital.

Partners with ACWA in this effort include the California Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 9, the State Water Resources Control Board, California Department of Health Services, Border Environment Cooperation Commission, North American Development Bank - Mexico (NADBANK) and the Tejeda Center. There are also ongoing efforts to involve the Governor’s office.

ACWA members involved with Hands Across the Border include: Alameda County Water District, Contra Costa Water District, Mission Springs Water District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and San Diego County Water Authority.

Program Focus

While there are already a number of programs in existence in developing countries to improve drinking water quality, these efforts focus primarily on financial assistance or project specific assistance.

The Hands Across the Border Program focus is the exchange of technical and operational information intended for personnel directly engaged in the day-to-day operations of water treatment plants, water distribution systems, source water quality and protection, system maintenance and other key aspects of drinking water supply and service. Donation of unneeded equipment, supplies and technology is another key component.

Training a Cornerstone

A cornerstone of the Program is training in key areas of water service through participation in intensive short courses prepared by sponsoring California water agencies. Agencies will host from 1-4 trainees annually and also provide all in-country costs for participants. Participating Mexico agencies determine the appropriate personnel to participate in the Hands Across the Border program and are responsible for the transportation to and from the sponsoring California water agency.

The curriculum includes four short courses, each with a five-day duration. The courses are designed to run through one workweek and include:

• Water Quality and Protection: Addresses the importance of and means for protecting drinking water at the sources as well as methods for monitoring and analyzing both treated and raw water supplies for a variety of undesirable constituents.
• SCADA Operation: Addresses the computerized data control system or SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System) which allows personnel to remotely operate the total water distribution and conveyance system.
• Water Treatment: Addresses how to meet and exceed all water quality regulations and standards.
• System Maintenance: Addresses preventative maintenance in water treatment. Topics include: maintaining pumps and motor, leak detection and control, canal and storage facility maintenance, corrosion control, and the prevention of contaminates entering the distribution system.

Program Benefits

The Program has multiple benefits for both California and Mexico, including developing stronger relationships with our close neighbor and one of the state’s largest trading partners. Additionally, by improving water quality in Mexico and especially the border cities, we not only protect the people of Mexico, but we also protect waters coming into California and Colorado River supplies.

STATUS OF EFFORT

Meetings Held

A series of meetings beginning in 2002 have been held in Mexico through CalEPA to hammer out logistics and coordination for training and other aspects of the Program.

Site Inspection

A delegation of representatives from California entities involved with the Program have traveled to Tecate, Mexico, to view some of the systems first hand in an effort to better understand the needs and how best to fill them through training and other assistance.

Training Conducted

In 2003, two ACWA member agencies, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD), conducted training for water professionals from Tecate and Mexicali in Baja, California.

LADWP was the first to offer technical training in July 2003 at its state-of-the-art Aqueduct Filtration Plant in Sylmar to four water utility professionals from Tecate and Mexicali in Baja, California. The training focused on the treatment and distribution of drinking water. Videotapes of the session were also provided to take back to Mexico to broaden the training opportunity.

MWD hosted 10 water professionals from Tecate, Mexicali, and San Luis, Sonora in August 2003 at its Water Quality Lab in Lavern. The course offered focused on Water Quality Lab Management with particular attention to water borne diseases in urban communities.

Follow Up Analysis Provided

Following the training, both agencies provided system analysis for the Mexican agencies. San Diego County Water Authority has also provided analysis.

Equipment Solicited and Pledged

In September of 2003, a joint letter by CalEPA and ACWA was sent to all ACWA member agencies requesting assistance in providing both technical expertise and surplus or unneeded supplies and equipment for use in Baja, California.

A number of offers have come in and ACWA is in the process of helping to coordinate those offers.