Conservationists Push for Water Supply Overhaul
Conservation groups are advocating for a major change in Southern California’s water supply approach. They argue the state should reduce its reliance on imported water due to climate change, drought, and rising costs threatening long-term water security. A coalition of 12 groups recommends expanding local water capture, wastewater recycling, and groundwater cleanup instead of depending on supplies from the Colorado River and Northern California.
A New Water Vision for California
The coalition’s proposal, titled A New Vision for a Sustainable Water Future for Northern and Southern California, suggests that technologies like stormwater capture, recycling, and conservation could provide Southern California with up to 2 million acre-feet of drought-resistant water annually by 2045. This amount is roughly equivalent to 650 billion gallons.
The coalition claims their strategy could supply significantly more water than California’s Delta Conveyance Project. The proposed 45-mile tunnel aims to transport Sacramento River water into the State Water Project system, providing about 0.5 million acre-feet annually, less than the coalition’s plan.
Challenges Facing California’s Water System
California’s existing water system transports water hundreds of miles, sourced from the Colorado River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. However, these water sources face increasing stress due to climate change, diminishing snowpack, rising temperatures, and erratic weather patterns.
The Colorado River’s levels are at historical lows since water exports started in the early 1900s. Meanwhile, the Bay-Delta endures challenges such as decades of pollution, decline in fish populations, droughts, and poor water quality, affecting California’s salmon fishing industry.
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has launched a plan to tackle these issues, aiming to generate 9 million acre-feet of additional supply by 2040 through projects focused on storage, capture, and conservation.
Proposals from Conservation Groups
The coalition’s plan emphasizes reducing reliance on distant water sources, aiming for increased self-reliance. Key points of their proposal include:
- Direct state agencies to stop planning and advocating for the Delta Tunnel and prioritize science-based in-stream flow protections for the Bay-Delta and tributaries
- Consider a general obligation water bond for modern local water supplies without environmentally harmful spending
- Develop standards to address harmful algal blooms
- Ensure tribal beneficial uses are recognized in permitting decisions
- Adjust Colorado River diversions to protect the environment and urban water users
- Create a framework for local businesses to fund green stormwater capture infrastructure
- Remove the cap on funding large water recycling projects from the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and ensure sufficient financing
- Revise Proposition 218 to allow local water rate assistance programs and establish conservation rates
The coalition includes groups such as the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, Defenders of Wildlife, and LA Waterkeeper, along with support from 18 other organizations.