Planning for California’s long-term water future is complicated by several factors that could change both the availability of our water supply and our most effective strategies for meeting water needs. ACWA’s Blueprint identifies three emerging risks that will require further study and planning for the long term.

Risks to Groundwater Quality

The threat of groundwater contamination has existed in California for decades. But as contaminants are detected in more and more basins, the need to protect aquifers will be critical. In many regions, contaminants such as perchlorate, nitrates, salinity, MTBE and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial sites have migrated into groundwater basins that play a key role in the local water supply mix.

Spread of these contaminants, some of which are extremely costly and difficult to remove, not only threatens water supplies but also jeopardizes plans to store surface water in underground basins as part of local and regional conjunctive use programs.

Recommendation: ACWA believes a locally controlled approach to protecting local groundwater basins is required. The state and federal governments should provide assistance for local groundwater protection efforts and also support programs that prevent groundwater contamination where possible.

Climate Change

A growing body of data suggests there could be dramatic changes in California’s climate over the next few decades. A likely result could be a significant reduction in the Sierra Nevada snow pack – our largest and most important reservoir. In addition, some experts predict ocean levels could rise by as much as 12-16 inches in the Delta, further stressing the fragile levee system and the drinking water supply for two out of three Californians.

Recommendation: ACWA is calling on Governor Schwarzenegger to appoint a high-level panel of independent experts to look at the Delta in light of these emerging risks and recommend options for protecting water supplies and the environment. In addition, ACWA recommends that state and federal agencies expedite their analysis of climate change and its possible impacts. The agencies also must accelerate studies of additional surface and groundwater storage, as well as conveyance and pumping infrastructure, to adapt to the likely changes and protect life, the environment and our water supply.

New Drinking Water Issues

The detection of trace amounts of pharmaceuticals, caffeine, cleaners and other household products in water supply sources is raising new challenges for drinking water purveyors. Though these substances are not new, our ability to detect and measure them has improved dramatically and new studies suggest they occur widely in trace amounts in rivers and streams throughout the United States.

Recommendation: ACWA believes research is needed to determine whether these substances affect public health or the environment and to identify options for reducing their occurrence in water sources. Research also is needed in drinking water treatment technology to provide additional tools for safeguarding water supplies.

Other Recommendations

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

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.