Voluntary water transfers and exchanges are a useful and well-accepted tool for meeting both short- and long-term water needs throughout the state. ACWA’s Blueprint recommends that state and federal agencies expedite their approval processes for water transfers while protecting water rights, the environment and local economies. Expedited approvals are particularly important for annual transfers aimed at relieving drought and short-term water conditions.

Background

In simplest terms, water transfers involve moving water from willing sellers to buyers in water-short areas. They can be an extremely effective way to meet water needs and maximize available resources in drought and non-drought years. In recent years, however, conflicting laws and policies have prevented some potential water transfers from occurring in time to ameliorate urgent problems.

ACWA’s Recommendations

ACWA recommends that state and federal agencies take the following actions to make water transfers a more useful tool for solving water problems and to allow for more efficient use of both resources and infrastructure:

• Expedite the approval process for water transfers while protecting water rights, the environment, agriculture and local economic interests.

• Anticipate potential transfers in advance and prepare specific guidelines for droughts and emergency situations so transfers can be completed in time to relieve shortages in ways that protect the environment and local interests. This would include minimizing physical conveyance limitations associated with the statewide transfer of supplies.

• Identify and reduce, amend or repeal laws and regulations that preclude or unnecessarily hinder environmentally safe voluntary transfers.

Other Blueprint Recommendations

In addition to the transfer-related measures, ACWA recommends that state and federal leaders take a number of actions to ensure California can meet its future water needs.

• Improve the existing Delta water conveyance system to increase flexibility and enhance water supply, water quality, levee stability and environmental protection in the near term.

• Evaluate long-term threats to the Delta levee and conveyance system and pursue actions to reduce risks to the state’s water supply and the environment.

• Ensure delivery of adequate Colorado River supplies for Southern California and defend California’s rights on the Colorado River.

• Implement and fund the Sacramento Valley Water Management Program.

• Develop additional groundwater and surface water storage, including proposed surface storage projects now under study if they are determined to be feasible.

• Support and fund local efforts to expand recycled water use and implement best management practices for urban and agricultural water use efficiency.

• Improve the quality of California’s drinking water supplies to safeguard public health and enhance water quality for agriculture and the environment.

• Work with local agencies to overcome constraints to developing seawater and brackish groundwater desalination.

• Modernize the federal Endangered Species Act and other laws and regulations to allow water-related projects to proceed while protecting species and their habitats.

• Clarify and expand the state’s role in flood control and promote multi-benefit flood control projects.

• Support integrated regional water management plans.

About the Blueprint

ACWA’s Blueprint reflects extensive input from hundreds of public water agencies charged with delivering water to cities, farms and communities throughout the state. In addition to the recommended actions, the Blueprint includes a detailed discussion of pressing regional needs and actions to help address them. For more on the Blueprint, see www.acwa.com.