CALL TO ACTION – State Water Resources Control Board Hearings on California WaterFix Begin
SCWC is urging organizations and leaders throughout the state to support California WaterFix, the only plan to repair California’s outdated water distribution system that supplies our region with 30 percent of our water. It is a critical year for the project and we need leaders to help move this project towards construction, and one step closer to securing reliable water supplies and ensuring a strong economy.
A critical phase begins this week as the State Water Resources Control Board begins public hearings today, July 26, to consider approving a permit for the California WaterFix. The importance of this project to our region cannot be overstated. SCWC will be there Thursday, along with fellow leaders from Orange County Business Council, LA BizFed, Ventura County Taxpayers Association, Ventura County Coalition of Labor, Agriculture and Business and others, to give public comments in support of the project urging the Water Board to approve the permit. The Water Board is one of several important milestones to moving this project forward coming in the next year. We urge our partners in supporting California WaterFix to attend this week’s hearings and join us for public comment on July 28, or submit comments to the State Water Resources Control Board including the current service list.
One-third of Southern California’s water supply flows from the Sierra Nevada Mountains through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, via mid-20th century water infrastructure. And these supplies are at great risk due to antiquated dirt levees that could collapse in the event of an earthquake or flood.
In addition, aging water delivery and conveyance prevents us from capturing and storing water when it rains for dry years ahead. The California WaterFix will more reliably deliver water to Southern California’s businesses, farms and residents, while also improving our ability to capture, move and store water. The strength of our economy will be determined by our water security and reliability in the years to come.
Our work is far from over, beyond public hearings, we’ll have important decisions on the environmental impact report and local water agencies and contractors will make key decisions on future support, and more. There will be several other opportunities for you to weigh in on the benefits of this project for Southern Californians. The status quo is no longer acceptable. It’s time your voice be heard.
For more information on California WaterFix or SCWC, visit www.socalwater.org.