Background

Project Clean Water was initiated in July 2000 to provide a broad and inclusive forum for exploring water quality issues of regional significance. Much of the focus during our first two  years was on establishing a visible forum to discuss issues of shared concern, to find consensus solutions to priority problems, and to characterize baseline conditions in the region’s watersheds. This work was primarily carried out by four Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) and numerous, ad hoc Technical Workgroups. More than 600 people representing various interests throughout the San Diego region have participated in Project Clean Water activities. A focal point of stakeholder participation has been the Annual Clean Water Summits, held in June of 2002 and 2003. These Summits have provided an important opportunity to validate and fine-tune the priorities and directions of Project Clean Water working bodies.

In early 2004, in response to input provided by participants, organizational changes were put into place to streamline the overall Project Clean Water process and to focus more closely on the issues of greatest interest to stakeholders. In addition to reducing TAC meeting frequencies to quarterly, two TACs were consolidated to more closely focus on watershed protection issues. The current Project Clean Water organizational structure is described below.

Policy Advisory Committee

The Policy Advisory Committee, or PAC, oversees and integrates the efforts of all other Project Clean Water working bodies. The PAC, which is co-chaired by County Supervisors Greg Cox and Pam Slater-Price, meets twice per year, in the spring and fall. The PAC also hosts the Annual Clean Water Summit each summer. PAC meetings provide an opportunity for TACs and other active working bodies to provide input to, and receive direction from, policy makers. Meetings are open to all interested parties.

Technical Advisory Committees (TACs)

Three Technical Advisory Committees, or TACs, enable participants to explore issues and concerns within focused subject areas. Participation in each TAC is open to all interested parties. 

The Legislation and Regulation TAC explores issues related to regulatory programs and proposed legislation. Past efforts have included an in-depth analysis of funding alternatives for stormwater management programs. The TAC is currently focused on identifying regional consensus on legislative changes necessary to support water quality protection in the San Diego region. Click here for up-to-date information on this TAC.

The Watershed Protection TAC combines the previously independent efforts of the Science & Technology TAC and the Comprehensive Planning TAC to more closely focus on the broad range of issues affecting the region’s watersheds. The initial emphasis of the TAC is to establish an effective forum for coordinating the many types of planning, implementation, and assessment activities occurring in the region’s watersheds. Click here for up-to-date information on this TAC.

The Education TAC coordinates activities between organizations and groups that provide environmental and water quality education. The TAC provides a forum for agency staff and environmental educators to share methods and materials, and to identify areas of potential collaboration. Meeting topics to date have included educational approaches and assessment tools. Click here for up-to-date information on this TAC.

Ad Hoc Technical Workgroups

Ad hoc workgroups are often established to investigate specific issues and activities. Information on these groups is provided as applicable throughout this web site.

Work Products

Download the following work products

Clean Water Strategic Plan (June 2001)
Clean Water Action Plan and Status Report (June 2003)
Clean Water Report Card (June 2003)

The following are no longer available on-line, but can be provided on request. Just e-mail us with your request.

Phase I Results Report (June 2001)
Model Stormwater Program Guidances (November 2001 - December 2001)