California Water: Local Capture Over Imports

Conservation organizations are advocating for a substantial reform in Southern California's water management, emphasizing reduced dependence on imported supplies due to climate change, drought, and rising costs.

A coalition of twelve groups has proposed a "New Vision for a Sustainable Water Future," suggesting expanded local water capture, wastewater recycling, and groundwater cleanup. They estimate these methods could provide Southern California with approximately 2 million acre-feet of drought-resistant water annually by 2045.

This local strategy aims to surpass the yield of California's Delta Conveyance Project, which is projected to provide about 0.5 million acre-feet yearly. The current water system, reliant on distant sources like the Colorado River and Northern California, is under severe strain from climate impacts such as shrinking snowpack and extreme weather swings.

In response to these challenges, the California Department of Water Resources launched the California Water Plan 2028, setting a target to generate 9 million acre-feet of additional supply by 2040 through various projects. The coalition's plan further champions self-reliance, focusing on developing internal water resources.