RSVP today for SCWC’s first Quarterly Meeting of 2016, which will be held in Riverside on January 22. The event is generously sponsored by the Western Municipal Water District and will convene regional and local water officials to discuss Southern California’s water future and drought proofing strategies.
Event Details:
Western Municipal Water District
14205 Meridian Pkwy, Riverside, CA 92508
12:00 – 2:00pm
Tickets: $70/per person
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.
Please contact Cindy Northcote-Smith at 818.760.2121 or cnorthcote-smith@socalwater.org for more information.
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Southern California Labor, Business, Local Government Groups Support Governor’s CA WaterFix
Last week, Californians for Water Security announced the addition of dozens of new Southern California organizations supporting Governor Brown’s CA WaterFix. Currently, more than 50 Southern California organizations representing business leaders, labor, family farmers, local governments, water experts, environmentalists and others support the project.
Below are statements from supporters regarding the importance of CA WaterFix:
“We can’t afford to wait to create a stable water supply and fix our aging infrastructure,” said Valley Industry and Commerce Association President Stuart Waldman. “During wet years, we need to prepare and store water for dry years so that our state and our economy isn’t left vulnerable in times of drought.”
“Our state’s water supply is critical to protecting local jobs and our way of life,” said Ron Miller, Executive Secretary of Los Angeles/Orange County Building and Construction Trades Council. “Our crumbling water infrastructure must be fixed so that we are prepared for our future whether it rains or shines.”
In the Los Angeles Area, two-thirds of voters initially support CA WaterFix. After hearing more information about key components and the importance of the project for the region, support for the plan jumps to 87 percent.
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New Report: Stormwater and Graywater Offer Alternative Water Sources, But Guidelines Needed on Their Safe Use
Rich Atwater, SCWC’s Executive Director, co-authored the new report, “Using Graywater and Stormwater to Enhance Local Water Supplies: An Assessment of Risks, Costs, and Benefits,” for the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.
The report finds graywater and stormwater may significantly supplement potable water supplies using existing technology to capture and treat the water. However, the report concludes there is limited information on the cost, benefits, risks and regulations for these projects, and additional research is necessary.
The report also recommends best practices and systems for the capture of both resources:
“In locations where it can be stored in aquifers for use during drought or dry seasons, stormwater captured at neighborhood and larger scales can significantly contribute to urban water supplies. Stormwater infiltration — groundwater recharge — is commonly practiced, but the designs and regulations may not adequately protect groundwater quality, particularly for urban stormwater.
“Graywater reuse for nonpotable uses like toilet flushing and subsurface irrigation may provide arid regions such as Los Angeles potentially substantial water savings and a steady water source during the summer months when there is little or no rainfall. However, larger irrigation systems and indoor reuse requires more complex plumbing and treatment systems that are typically more appropriate for new multi-residential buildings and developments and for future urban planning.”
Read the full report here.
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El Niño: No Guarantee CA Will Receive Above-Average Rain & Snow
In a Sacramento Bee article, “Don’t expect a brawny El Niño to bust California’s historic drought,” Mark Halpert, NOAA Climate Prediction Center deputy director, warns El Niño has “potential” but is not “a sure thing.”
“The conditions are what we’d call ‘favored,’ but you can’t guarantee anything about climate…” Halpert said. “A strong El Niño shifts the odds in our favor. But even if you go to Las Vegas and play craps with your own loaded dice, you’re not going to roll a seven every time.”
Halpert also points out one good winter will not be enough to pull the state out of the drought.
“It’s possible in one year do a pretty good job of filling your reservoirs,” said Halpert. “But when you look at drought, you’re looking at time scales of short-term drought and long-term drought. … A long-term drought goes more into the groundwater. Over the last few years, your area has survived by draining the groundwater – and that’s not going to recharge in one year.”
To read the Sacramento Bee article in full, click here.
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ICYMI: “Splash Brothers” Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson Promote Water Conservation
Comcast SportsNet Bay Area, the Golden State Warriors and Save Our Water have teamed up to raise awareness during California’s historic drought with a new public service announcement. The PSA features NBA MVP Stephen Curry and All-Star guard Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors.
“We know California is in a serious drought and our hope with this PSA is to help raise awareness to encourage more Californians to conserve water,” said Thompson. “As a community we all need to do our part to help the cause.”
As the state faces a fifth year of drought, water conservation remains a top priority. Governor Brown recently issued an extension of a mandatory statewide 25% water use reduction if drought conditions persist in January 2016. Save Our Water is calling for permanent changes rather than short-term solutions, and urging Californians to conserve through the winter months despite potential storms.
To watch the PSA, visit: http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/splash-brothers-psa-save-our-water.
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Lawn Dude’s Conservation Column: My Holiday Wish List
Hello water peeps, Lawn Dude here. My favorite song over the holidays is “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” and it had me thinking about what I want this year. Californians, make my wish come true, all I want for Christmas is you… to keep conserving.
Now more than ever it is very important to stick to your lawn’s H2O diets of watering only once a week. I know, I know, it seems cruel. Except, with the potentially strong El Niño, your lawns will have their fair share of indulging, and you can let them! Just don’t water the lawn up to 48 hours after a storm or – dare I say – during a storm.
For more sass and water tips, follow me @Lawn_Dude on Twitter!
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Established in 1984, the Southern California Water Committee is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public education partnership dedicated to informing Southern Californians about our water needs and our state’s water resources. Spanning Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, Imperial, Riverside, Ventura and Kern Counties, the SCWC’s members include representatives from business, government, labor, agriculture, water agencies and the general public.