“After months of thoughtful dialogue about Southern California’s critical reliance on the State Water Project and the transformative potential of the Delta Conveyance Project, we are deeply disappointed that the DCP permit streamlining bill was not given the opportunity for a full legislative vote. 

Southern California showed up — loud, clear, and united. From lawmakers to labor, social justice advocates, water managers and business leaders, we rallied around a solution to secure our water future. That momentum isn’t going anywhere.  

We remain committed to advancing education and process improvements for  vital water infrastructure with both the community and policymakers in the years to come.” 

The DCP permit streamlining bill would have cut red tape, sped up decisionmaking based on sound data, improved construction, and saved up to $500 million — all while protecting the environment. 

The Delta Conveyance Project is a vital lifeline for over 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland, modernizing how we move water from north to south and safeguarding our supply against climate change, sea level rise, and earthquakes.   

Modernizing the Delta is about securing California’s water backbone. Without it, other investments — from recycling plants in Southern California to groundwater banking in the Central Valley — won’t have the stable supply they need to succeed. 

The Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC) – established in 1984 – is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public education partnership dedicated to informing Southern Californians about our water needs and our state’s water resources.

The post SCWC Statement on DCP Permit Streamlining Bill appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

The coalition’s presence at a press event and in one-on-one meetings with legislators highlighted the urgent need to modernize California’s water infrastructure. At the heart of this effort is the State Water Project — a vital system that delivers water to 27 million Californians and irrigates 750,000 acres of farmland. The Delta Conveyance Project, identified by the Department of Water Resources as the single most effective climate adaptation strategy for California’s water system, is a key component of this modernization.

Speakers emphasized that the proposed legislation would streamline permitting, confirm funding authority, and reduce costly delays caused by litigation — all while preserving rigorous environmental review and public engagement.

California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot underscored the urgency:
“Modernizing this system is not just about climate resilience — it’s about keeping water affordable and accessible for the millions of people who need it most.”

Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor added a compelling call to action:
“California doesn’t need to be in an emergency every time there is a drought. We must follow through with real investments to repair the State Water Project and advance the Delta Conveyance Project.”

Jennifer Pierre, General Manager of the State Water Contractors, highlighted the foundational role of the State Water Project in California’s economy and environment:
“It must be repaired to avoid water supply disruption,” she said, noting its importance to disadvantaged communities, electric grid reliability, recreation, and flood control.

Jim Wunderman, CEO of the Bay Area Council, urged lawmakers to act to ensure water supply doesn’t hinder the state’s housing goals:
“Housing abundance requires water abundance.”

Tracy Hernandez, CEO of BizFed, emphasized the financial impact of delays:
“It’s time to vote yes on much-needed water infrastructure repairs and reliable water supplies.”

Martin Ludlow of Groundswell, a statewide coalition of civil rights advocates, clergy, civic leaders, labor unions, and housing organizations, spoke to the equity implications:
“By moving the Delta Conveyance Project forward, California is making a commitment to protecting the State Water Project and the communities that rely on this system for their water.”

Mark Mulliner, representing the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, added:
“No piece of infrastructure is more fundamental to California’s future than the State Water Project, and the budget trailer bill represents a critical step in protecting it.”

SCWC urges all Californians to engage with their state legislators in support of this initiative.
“Now is the time for all stakeholders to come together and advocate for the Delta Conveyance Project,” said SCWC Executive Director and CEO Charley Wilson.
“We need to ensure our voices are heard in the legislature and that we move forward with this critical project.”

The post Uniting for Water Security: Coalition Rallies Behind Delta Conveyance Project at Capitol Press Event appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has released its State Water Project Adaptation Strategy—a bold, science-based roadmap to prepare California’s water systems for a future of climate extremes.

Charley Wilson, Executive Director and CEO of the Southern California Water Coalition, issued the following statement on August 19, 2025 in support:

“This isn’t just another report—it’s a wake-up call. The science is clear, the stakes are high, and the time for half-measures is over. The Delta Conveyance Project is the lifeline California needs to survive a future of climate extremes. Every delay puts our communities, our farms, and our economy at risk. Governor Newsom is right to demand action, and the Southern California Water Coalition stands with him in calling for bold, immediate progress.”

With Governor Newsom’s strong endorsement, this plan is a strong call to action for how California prepares for droughts, floods, and a shrinking snowpack. The Southern California Water Coalition urges swift implementation to protect our water future.

The time to act is now—our future depends on it.

📄 Read Governor Gavin Newsom’s news release
📘 Read the full State Water Project Adaptation Strategy

The post Delta Conveyance Project Identified as California’s Top Water Strategy appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Statement from Charley Wilson, Executive Director and CEO, Southern California Water Coalition:

The Southern California Water Coalition applauds the Newsom Administration and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) for releasing the Delta Conveyance Project Accountability Action Plan and for establishing a $200 million Community Benefits Program for Delta communities.

This is a critical and timely response to the misleading narratives that opponents of this project have continued to push—narratives designed to delay, confuse, and obfuscate the true purpose and benefits of the Delta Conveyance Project. The facts are clear: this project is essential to securing California’s water future and will serve more than 27 million residents, hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland, and vital industries across our state.

For too long, critics have wrongly claimed that the concerns of Delta communities were being ignored. The Accountability Action Plan decisively refutes those claims. It outlines specific, trackable, and transparent commitments to local communities, demonstrating that the state is listening and taking action to avoid, minimize, or offset project impacts during construction. This includes the creation of an Ombudsman Office, Community Advisory Groups, and a proactive communications strategy—all designed to ensure that community voices are heard and respected throughout the process.

The Community Benefits Program, backed by a $200 million fund, underscores the Administration’s commitment to delivering real, lasting value to the people most affected by construction. This kind of forward-looking leadership ensures that infrastructure progress is balanced with social responsibility.

The Delta Conveyance Project will modernize our water delivery system, improve climate resilience, and better equip the State Water Project to capture and move water during high-flow events—all while strengthening earthquake protection for critical water infrastructure.

Southern California is downstream of the Delta. Our region—and our economy—depend on a reliable, secure water supply. We urge the Legislature to move swiftly to approve the budget trailer bill and empower the state to move this project forward without further unnecessary delay.

The time for action is now. The Delta Conveyance Project is not just a regional concern—it is a statewide imperative.

The post Statement of Support: Delta Conveyance Accountability Plan Is a Win for California’s Water Future appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Key Findings from the Plan Relevant to Delta Conveyance:

• Sea Level Rise & Salinity Intrusion:
  The report highlights the increasing threat of salinity encroachment into the Delta under rising sea levels and altered flow patterns. The Delta Conveyance project directly addresses this issue by allowing freshwater to bypass the Delta when natural flows are compromised.
• Levee Vulnerability & Seismic Risk:
  With more than 1,100 miles of aging levees, the report flags seismic risk as a major threat to water supply reliability. The Delta Conveyance project would provide an alternative conveyance pathway in the event of levee failures.
• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure:
  “Delta Adapts” calls for modernizing and diversifying Delta infrastructure. A tunnel aligns with this by incorporating climate-resilient design standards to protect long-term water deliveries to 27 million Californians.
• Water Supply Reliability:
  The Council reaffirms that water reliability must be part of a comprehensive adaptation strategy. The tunnel fits into this framework by ensuring more consistent exports in dry years and improving flexibility for managing ecological flows.
• Equity and Ecosystem Protection:
  While the report prioritizes community resilience and ecosystem health, these issues must be addressed in tandem with conveyance. The tunnel’s environmental impact analysis, mitigation strategies, and habitat restoration components are designed to meet these needs.

Conclusion and Policy Recommendation

The “Delta Adapts” Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan should be viewed as a clear signal that completing the Delta Conveyance Project’s evaluation is not only appropriate—it is essential. The project addresses many of the same vulnerabilities identified by the Council and can be an important part of a comprehensive, portfolio-based approach that includes:

• Regional water conservation and recycling
• Levee upgrades and ecosystem restoration
• Community-based flood protection and climate investments

The tunnel is not a silver bullet—but neither can it be excluded from serious consideration in a future where climate stress will continue to erode the reliability of California’s water supply.

Statement by Charley Wilson, Executive Director, Southern California Water Coalition:
“The Delta Adapts climate initiative by the Delta Stewardship Council confirms what we’ve long known: climate change is accelerating threats to California’s water supply and the Delta ecosystem. We need every tool available—including the Delta Conveyance tunnel—to build a smart, resilient water future. This report adds urgency for the legislature to act.”

The Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC) – established in 1984 – is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public education partnership dedicated to informing Southern Californians about our water needs and our state’s water resources.

The post Delta Stewardship Council Adaptation Plan Underscores Urgency of Climate-Resilient Water Infrastructure appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

The Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC) acknowledges the three-party state budget agreement reached this week by Governor Newsom and legislative leaders for the 2025–2026 fiscal year. While the Governor’s proposal to streamline the Delta Conveyance Project (DCP) was not included in the initial budget package, momentum for the project is undeniable—and growing by the day among lawmakers, communities, and stakeholders who understand the stakes.

Charles Wilson, Executive Director of SCWC, issued the following statement:

“California cannot afford further delay in securing a safe, affordable, and reliable water supply for the 27 million people who depend on the State Water Project. The Delta Conveyance Project is a critical upgrade to this aging system—and each year of inaction drives up costs, increases risk, and weakens our ability to respond to drought, climate extremes, and future growth.”

“We are encouraged by the increasing support from both legislative leaders and communities across California who recognize that reliable water is the foundation of everything—public health, housing, clean energy, food security, and economic vitality. The legislative process is still very much alive, and we believe the case for DCP has never been stronger or more urgent.”

“We applaud Governor Newsom for his leadership and continued push to modernize the state’s water infrastructure. The DCP has undergone thorough environmental review, is rooted in science, and is fully consistent with the 2009 Delta Reform Act. It is a forward-looking investment that protects the future without compromising the Delta today.”

“Californians across regions, party lines, and sectors are coalescing around the need for action. The status quo is unsustainable. Together with our growing coalition of supporters, SCWC will keep working tirelessly this summer to move this vital project forward in the Legislature.”

SCWC remains committed to championing policies and infrastructure solutions that protect and enhance water reliability for all Californians—now and for generations to come.

The Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC) – established in 1984 – is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public education partnership dedicated to informing Southern Californians about our water needs and our state’s water resources.

The post Southern California Water Coalition Statement on 2025 State Budget Agreement appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

The Delta Conveyance Project is a vital upgrade to the State Water Project — the backbone of California’s water delivery system, which supplies clean, affordable water to 27 million people and irrigates 750,000 acres of farmland.

Statement from Charles Wilson, Executive Director of the Southern California Water Coalition:

“We commend the Joint Legislative Audit Committee for rejecting yet another attempt to stall the Delta Conveyance Project under the guise of fiscal scrutiny. The facts are clear: the project is already subject to rigorous oversight, robust public reporting, and transparent local governance by the public water agencies funding it — not the state General Fund.

“More than $290 million has been responsibly invested in environmental review, permitting, planning, and community engagement. These costs have been openly negotiated and are publicly accessible. Repeating the same audits will only waste time and resources without adding value.

“The DCP has undergone extensive review by the Department of Water Resources, which has completed a full Environmental Impact Report and continues to provide financial and operational transparency. The State Water Project, with its 60-year legacy of delivering safe water to urban and agricultural users across California, is in urgent need of this upgrade to protect against climate change, seismic risk, and ecosystem decline.

“We thank the Committee for prioritizing action over obstruction. Californians cannot afford further delay — the time to secure our water future is now.”

The Southern California Water Coalition (SCWC) – established in 1984 – is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public education partnership dedicated to informing Southern Californians about our water needs and our state’s water resources.

The post SCWC Applauds Legislative Rejection of Redundant Delta Conveyance Audit appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

• Support Letter Signed by 120+ organizations
• Governor Gavin Newsom’s News Release
• Maven’s Notebook Coverage of Announcement
• Californians for Water Security’s Email on the Announcement
• Watch Charley Wilson’s Facebook Video on the Announcement

The post SCWC Applauds Governor Newsom’s Trailer Bill to Advance Delta Conveyance appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

This robust endorsement is a testament to the strong advocacy and active participation of our diverse community members and interests. The commitment of those who sent letters and spoke at hearings was crucial, with 36 speakers advocating for the DCP during these pivotal discussions, compared to just 15 opposed, highlighting our community’s dedication to securing a sustainable water future.

Charley Wilson, Executive Director of the Southern California Water Coalition, expressed his appreciation and optimism: “Embracing a ‘no regrets’ approach to the Delta Conveyance project embodies visionary foresight—securing a sustainable and resilient water future for California with this decision. This project is essential for preparing us for the future.”

The Delta Conveyance Project is crucial as climate change impacts our water supply. It enhances our ability to capture storm water for use during drier periods and reduces the risk of catastrophic damage to the Delta’s fragile levees from earthquakes.

Why Delta Conveyance Matters:

• Reliability: The State Water Project supplies nearly 30% of Southern California’s water. Without upgrades, this aging system is at risk from earthquakes, sea-level rise, and subsidence.
• Cost-Effectiveness: According to economic studies, the Delta Conveyance Project is a more affordable solution than alternatives like desalination or additional recycling initiatives.
• Flexibility: The State Water Project enables essential local projects like groundwater recharge and recycled water programs, serving as a backbone for our water supply portfolio.

As we celebrate this historic moment, we remain committed to keeping you informed and engaged in the ongoing progress of the Delta Conveyance Project. Together, we are making strides towards a more secure and sustainable water future for all Californians.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this crucial project. Your involvement is essential as we continue to advocate for reliable and resilient water infrastructure in our state.

The post Victory for Water Security: MWD Board Supports Delta Conveyance Project appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.

Imagine your home – the pipes are old, the roof is leaking, and the foundation is cracking. You could walk away, start from scratch, or invest in repairs and upgrades to keep your home livable and valuable. This is the crossroads we face with our water infrastructure in Southern California.

For 40 years, the Southern California Water Coalition has been fighting for a water-resilient future. Today, we’re calling on all Southern Californians to join us in pushing for an “All-of-the-Above” strategy – a powerful combo of modernizing our state’s water system, water recycling, conservation, stormwater capture, and desalination.

Why Delta Conveyance Matters

The State Water Project is the backbone of Southern California’s water supply portfolio. Think of it as the main pipe bringing water to your home. We need to upgrade and invest in this critical infrastructure to keep the water flowing reliably. By doing so, we’ll secure a vital component of our water supply for future generations. The Delta Conveyance Project brings critical updates to this water system depended on by 27 million Californians.

The State Water Project is the MVP of our water infrastructure. It stores water in wet years, supports recycling projects, and enables groundwater recharge. Investing in the State Water Project and Delta Conveyance doesn’t just fix our infrastructure; it supercharges our alternative water strategies.

Right now, we don’t have all the facts to make informed decisions about the Delta Conveyance Project. We need to complete vital studies and evaluations to understand the true costs and benefits. This knowledge will empower our communities to make smart choices about our water resilience future.

Affordability: The Elephant in the Room

Let’s talk money. Enhancing our water supply and keeping it affordable means investing in both the State Water Project and local water supplies. If rate increases are needed to fund these critical studies, we’re all in. Our coalition is committed to keeping Southern Californians informed about the water issues we face and fighting for a reliable, affordable water supply.

Collaboration: Our Secret Weapon

At the Southern California Water Coalition, we believe in the power of “we” over “me.” Litigation isn’t the answer to our water challenges. We’ve spent decades bringing people together, finding common ground, and driving progress. Together, we can tackle any obstacle and secure our water future.

The Time to Act is Now

We’re at a make-or-break moment. We must push forward and invest in completing these crucial studies and evaluations. The next time this issue comes before the MWD Board, they need to have all the information to make informed decisions about our water future.

The post Delta Conveyance: It’s Time for Infrastructure Investment appeared first on Southern California Water Coalition.