The California's Water Series

Untitled Document

California's Water: An Overview
Phase I sponsors
Phase II sponsors

“California’s Water” is a multi-part series for public television produced by Huell Howser and underwritten by members of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA). The series explores California’s water resources and the complex system of natural and man-made features that has allowed growing communities, productive farms, industry and ecosystems to co-exist in a state that receives little or nor rain for months at a time.

The series introduces viewers to California’s water system and highlights key aspects of water management today, from water storage and water recycling to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta and the Colorado River. It also examines issues identified in ACWA’s comprehensive policy document, “No Time to Waste: A Blueprint for California Water.” The document, released in 2005, recommends a suite of actions and investments to ensure California has the water supply system it will need in the coming decades. ACWA’s 440 public water agency members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California.In each “California’s Water” segment, Huell Howser visits important features of California’s water system and gets a first-hand look at various water management tools and challenges facing our water future. Known for his enthusiasm and his down-to-earth style, Huell is the host of the long-running PBS series “California’s Gold” as well as several other human-interest programs.

Here is a brief overview of each segment in the “California’s Water” series.

Climate Change: Trek high into the Sierra Nevada for a close look at the winter snow pack and how climate change may threaten its critical role as the state’s largest water storage reservoir. Trace the journey our melting snow takes from the mountains to rivers and streams, and ultimately into man-made reservoirs as part of our elaborate water supply system.

The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta: Visit the Delta by boat and get a first-hand view of the important but vulnerable system of levees that protects farmland, homes, infrastructure and the water supplies for 23 million Californians.

Flood Fight of 2006: Venture to the frontlines of April 2006 flooding for a look at efforts to keep high water at bay and protect lives, homes and property from dangerous floods.

Storing Water: Visit a surface water reservoir and hear about the multiple roles these man-made structures play in providing flood control, water supply, water quality and other benefits. Learn how storage projects are increasingly seen as a valuable and flexible tool to improve water quality and meet environmental needs.

What's New on the Colorado River: Travel to the Colorado River Aqueduct and learn what California water agencies that rely on the Colorado are doing to stretch supplies in light of new rules governing the river. See how cooperation and innovation are helping to ensure we get the most out of every drop of Colorado River water.

Using Water Wisely: Necessity is the mother of invention. To keep pace with a growing population and a fairly static water supply, water agencies are investing hundreds of millions of dollars in innovative hardware and cooperative programs that stretch supplies. See the latest in water-saving tools and technology, and learn why every drop counts.

We all Live in a Watershed: Everyone lives in a watershed. We rely on watersheds for drinking water, hydroelectric power and recreation, and of course flora and fauna call them home. Travel to a key watershed to find out how watersheds are managed and protected.

Desalting Ocean Water: Water is a precious commodity in California, and the possibility of drought is never far away. Tour a desalination plant to understand how removing salt from seawater is fast becoming a viable way to “drought-proof” communities and reduce their dependence on imported water. Learn how desalination is also being used to turn brackish groundwater into a high-quality water supply.

Sacramento Valley: Working Together Pays Off: Tour the northern Sacramento Valley and hear how local water agencies are working together to implement 50 coordinated projects that will make water available to meet growing local needs and help the environment at the same time. Get a first-hand look at fish passage improvements, groundwater management and water use efficiency measures underway as part of this landmark effort.

California's Water System: Take an aerial tour of California’s vast water system and find out what aging infrastructure and a growing population mean for our water future. California Department of Water Resources Director Lester Snow and others explain the importance of our water system and introduce viewers to the local and regional water management efforts that play a key role in meeting needs.

Water Recycling Imitates Nature: Tour a water recycling plant and examine the important role recycled water plays in California’s water supply. Get a look at some current uses of recycled water and see how local agencies plan to expand this key water supply tool in the future.

Protecting Against Floods: There are few natural disasters worse than a devastating flood. This segment takes viewers to flood control facilities and discusses both the importance and inherent difficulty of controlling floods in California.

Regional Solutions for Local Needs: Local and regional water agencies play a major role in meeting water needs. Get a close look at how local agencies and communities are joining forces to improve their water supplies and better prepare for growth and droughts.

Cleaning Water the Natural Way: Explore how wetlands serve as nature’s own water filtration systems. Huell's visit to the San Joaquin Marsh in Irvine offers a first-hand look at the valuable function wetlands areas perform in removing pollutants from runoff while at the same time providing habitat and recreation opportunities.

Beyond Drought: Factors Affecting California's Water Supply: We typically think of rain and snow as the key factorsin determining whether we have enough water supply in California but other factors can affect the availability of our water supplies as a recent crisis involving Delta smelt is a prime example. This crisis shows the difficulty of managing a highly altered system like the Delta for sensitive fish species; how little we understand about the Delta and the many factors that affect it and when it comes to water, one action can ripple across many regions of the state.

Water Efficient Gardens in Full Bloom: Gardens can be beautiful and water-wise, if you know where to start. Many water agencies have developed award-winning gardens that demonstrate how Californians can enjoy lovely gardens and landscapes while conserving precious water supplies. These gardens are a valuable resource for Californians who want to learn more about our water system and the many actions we take – both indoors and outdoors – to use water as efficiently as possible.

Farm Water: Growing More with Every Drop: Like their urban counterparts, agricultural water users have made dramatic strides in water use efficiency over the past two decades. Irrigation districts and farmers have adopted water use efficiency practices and technologies that compare favorably with those found anywhere in the world.

Groundwater Banking: California’s Water Saving Accounts: Groundwater banking programs allow surface water to be captured in wet periods and stored in groundwater basins for use in dry times. Groundwater supplies up to 40% of the state’s total water supply. Such programs are seen as one of the most effective tools for stretching existing water supplies, alleviating shortages in times of drought, and increasing the state’s overall water storage capacity.

Water: The Drink of Choice: California water agencies deliver some of the safest drinking water in the world. From stringent limits on contaminants to rigorous requirements for testing and monitoring water quality, California has some of the strongest drinking water regulations in the nation and remains on the cutting edge of water treatment technology.

Moving Water and Meeting Needs (Water Transfers):Voluntary transfers of water from areas with surplus supplies to areas in need have long been used to meet water demands throughout the state. Take a look at this unique and valuable water management tool from the perspective of those putting it to use today.

Living With Nature (Endangered Species): Explore endangered species issues and what they mean to California’s water sources and water supply system. Hear about efforts to recover these species while maintaining water supplies needed for people.

ACWA's members believe educating the public on water issues is critical and are taking that commitment seriously by underwriting the California's Water series.

For more information, please visit www.acwa.com.