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.