Protecting the quality of our water supply sources is a critical issue for California. ACWA’s Blueprint calls on state and federal agencies to work with local agencies to take a number of actions to improve water quality and protect public health.

Background

Californians enjoy some of the highest quality drinking water in world, but a number of factors are combining to make it more difficult and more expensive for water suppliers to deliver it. In some regions of the state, water quality is threatened by contamination from past land uses or industrial practices. In others, contemporary substances such as gasoline additive MTBE have posed a significant threat to groundwater sources.

Elsewhere, naturally occurring elements such as arsenic and radon are present in some water supply sources and are subject to stringent new regulations that will increase water treatment costs. New requirements for wastewater discharge also will require substantial new investments in treatment facilities and other actions to protect water quality.

Protecting water quality in the Delta, the source of drinking water for 22 million Californians, has become a significant challenge since the 1980s. Increased demands on the Delta have combined to degrade drinking water quality, particularly in the fall months. Unless steps are taken now to manage the Delta to protect and improve water quality, the challenge will worsen in the future.

ACWA’s Recommendations

ACWA recommends that state and federal agencies take the following actions to improve the quality of drinking water supplies and enhance water quality for agriculture and the environment.

• Implement actions as part of the Delta Improvements Package to improve water quality for in-Delta water users as well as portions of the Bay Area and Southern California.

• Facilitate collaborative watershed-based management and pollution control programs that promote incentives to protect water quality and avoid contentious litigation.

• Prioritize water quality requirements based on well-accepted data, sound science and cost-benefit methodology.

• Streamline state and federal regulatory approvals to allow the use of advanced treatment options such as membranes and ultraviolet disinfection in water systems.

• Continue to provide funding assistance for economically disadvantaged communities, especially in rural areas, to upgrade water treatment systems.

• Fund and support the California Comprehensive Groundwater Quality Monitoring Program, developed to enhance groundwater quality monitoring and increase coordination among agencies that use groundwater.

• Complete the San Luis Reservoir Low Point Improvement Project to provide drinking water quality improvements for consumers in Santa Clara, San Benito and Monterey counties who receive water from the San Felipe Unit of the Central Valley Project.

• Support programs designed to prevent groundwater contamination and ensure that those responsible for pollution pay for cleanup and replacement water if necessary.

Other Recommendations

ACWA’s Blueprint recommends that state and federal leaders take a number of other actions to ensure California can meet its water needs in the future.

• 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.

• 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 infrastructure projects, water supply and water quality activities to proceed while protecting species and habitats.

• Expedite the approval process for voluntary water transfers.

• 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.