Lester Snow, Director of Department of Water Resources, has once again penned an exclusive commentary for FlashReport readers…
We’re in our third consecutive year of drought due to below-average rain and snowfall in California. Despite the recent storms, we are still well behind average for the year and there’s virtually no chance that we will get enough rainfall this spring to pull California out of this drought. Three dry years combined with court-ordered restrictions on pumping from the Delta climate change impacts, and a state that has grown by 9 million since the 1991 drought has created a real crisis for our economy, our environment and our agriculture industry.
Today, the Governor has taken bold action to assist people, communities and businesses as they deal with the challenges of this drought. By proclaiming a state of emergency, the first ever in response to a drought, the Governor is using his authority to direct all state government agencies to utilize their resources and implement a state emergency plan.
In his proclamation, the Governor directed the Department of Water Resources to expedite water transfers and related efforts by water users and suppliers, and to offer technical assistance to agricultural water suppliers and agricultural water users that can minimize economic impacts and implement efficient water management practices. DWR will also be implementing short-term efforts to protect water quality and supply, and working with local and federal agencies to aggressively promote water conservation by all Californians.
As we move swiftly to deal with this emergency, we must not forget the need for a reliable water infrastructure plan. Just this week, Senator Cogdill introduced a bill that gets the ball rolling again on something the Governor has called for; a serious investment in improving California’s aging water infrastructure. Although there is general agreement that California needs a comprehensive water plan, there has yet to be a consensus on exactly how to achieve it – but time is running out and California needs a solution now. We must address our water challenges now by increasing storage, improving Delta conveyance, restoring the Delta’s ecosystem, and promoting greater water conservation and efficiency, including desalination and water recycling.
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