CMUA applauds Governor’s new Water Supply Strategy
Roadmap aligns with CMUA priorities to increase supply and manage demand using an all-of-the-above approach
(Sacramento, Calif., August 11, 2022) — Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday unveiled a new 19-page Water Supply Strategy that is designed to modernize California’s water system as the state confronts the impacts of climate change and the ongoing severe drought.
The Strategy sets deadlines and implementation milestones needed to significantly expand water recycling and stormwater capture in California, accelerate and streamline permitting, expedite and complete several planned storage projects, and improve dam safety, among other measures.
Notably, the Governor’s new Water Supply Strategy closely aligns with the recommendations in CMUA’s recently published policy paper, Big and Bold: Refocusing California’s Water Management Strategy.
“A robust and comprehensive approach is needed for our new climate reality, and CMUA is pleased this document formalizes the Newsom Administration’s support for increasing water supplies through recycled water, stormwater capture and both surface and groundwater storage, addressing dam safety, streamlining approval processes for infrastructure projects, and continuing to build on water systems’ water use efficiency efforts,” said Danielle Blacet-Hyden, CMUA deputy executive director. “CMUA and its members stand ready to collaborate with the Governor and state agency officials to bring the strategy to life and secure a sustainable and affordable water future for all Californians.”
California must move smarter and faster to update its water systems in order to match the pace of climate change, the Administration’s new Water Supply Strategy says. Specifically, some of the targets the Strategy supports include:
Download and view the document, California’s Water Supply Strategy: Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future.
About CMUA: The California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA) is the leading voice for California utilities, enhancing our communities. CMUA represents 75 publicly owned electric utilities and water agencies that together provide electric service to 25% of California and water service to nearly 75% of the state.
Contacts:
Danielle Blacet-Hyden, CMUA Deputy Executive Director
dblacet@cmua.org | (916) 847-8444
Matt Williams, CMUA Communications Director
mwilliams@cmua.org | (916) 841-4054
The Strategy sets deadlines and implementation milestones needed to significantly expand water recycling and stormwater capture in California, accelerate and streamline permitting, expedite and complete several planned storage projects, and improve dam safety, among other measures.
Notably, the Governor’s new Water Supply Strategy closely aligns with the recommendations in CMUA’s recently published policy paper, Big and Bold: Refocusing California’s Water Management Strategy.
“A robust and comprehensive approach is needed for our new climate reality, and CMUA is pleased this document formalizes the Newsom Administration’s support for increasing water supplies through recycled water, stormwater capture and both surface and groundwater storage, addressing dam safety, streamlining approval processes for infrastructure projects, and continuing to build on water systems’ water use efficiency efforts,” said Danielle Blacet-Hyden, CMUA deputy executive director. “CMUA and its members stand ready to collaborate with the Governor and state agency officials to bring the strategy to life and secure a sustainable and affordable water future for all Californians.”
California must move smarter and faster to update its water systems in order to match the pace of climate change, the Administration’s new Water Supply Strategy says. Specifically, some of the targets the Strategy supports include:
- reusing at least 800,000 acre-feet of water per year by 2030 and 1.8 million acre-feet by 2040;
- expanding average annual groundwater recharge by at least 500,000 acre-feet;
- supporting local stormwater capture projects in cities and towns with the goal to increase annual supply capacity by at least 250,000 acre-feet by 2030 and 500,000 acre-feet by 2040;
- expanding brackish groundwater desalination production by 28,000 acre-feet per year by 2030 and 84,000 acre-feet per year by 2040; and
- working with stakeholders to complete the seven Proposition 1-supported storage projects and consider funding other viable surface storage projects.
Download and view the document, California’s Water Supply Strategy: Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future.
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About CMUA: The California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA) is the leading voice for California utilities, enhancing our communities. CMUA represents 75 publicly owned electric utilities and water agencies that together provide electric service to 25% of California and water service to nearly 75% of the state.
Contacts:
Danielle Blacet-Hyden, CMUA Deputy Executive Director
dblacet@cmua.org | (916) 847-8444
Matt Williams, CMUA Communications Director
mwilliams@cmua.org | (916) 841-4054