The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) in May 2005 released a comprehensive water policy document, “No Time to Waste: A Blueprint for California Water.” Developed with input from public water agencies throughout the state, the document recommends a suite of actions and investments to ensure California has the water supply system it will need in the coming decades.The Blueprint identifies key challenges facing the state’s water future, and recommends an action plan for state, federal and local leaders to follow to help California meet its water future water supply needs. It also highlights pressing regional needs and some emerging issues such as climate change and water quality threats that must be addressed to make sure communities, farms, businesses and ecosystems have adequate water supplies in future generations.
Key Recommendations in ACWA's Blueprint
- Improve the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta water conveyance system to improve water supply, water quality, levee stability and environmental protection in the near term.
- Evaluate long-terms threats to Delta levees 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 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.
- 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.