A crisis we can't afford to ignore
By: TIMOTHY QUINN - Commentary: | ∞
The firestorm of 2007 underscored the importance of water to the San Diego area. Thankfully, local water agencies had enough water available for the firefight. But many were forced to draw heavily on water reserves, which were already low due to drought and a cutback in the state's water supply.
During this disaster, many residents were forced to boil water for several days as local water systems were treated to protect against contamination. Though safe drinking water was soon flowing again, the experience is a reminder that we can't take our water for granted.
A critical resource to California families, the economy and the environment, our statewide water system is fragile, aging and vulnerable to major damage from natural disasters such as fires, floods and earthquakes. With so much at stake, it's critical that Californians understand the serious challenges facing our statewide water system.
Despite intense media coverage and focus by the governor and legislators, the public remains largely unaware of the problems confronting California's water supply and delivery system. To address that, a statewide coalition of 450 public water agencies recently launched a public education program to raise awareness of current and future water problems.
The state's growing population puts increased pressure on our water supply. The San Diego Association of Governments projects that by 2030, the region will add another one million people. Those projections raise new challenges for a region that relies heavily on imported water.
While San Diego does an admirable job stretching its water supply through conservation and other water efficiency programs, it simply is not enough to protect the region from the state's growing water problems. In response to a request from local authorities to cut usage by 20 gallons a day, San Diegans to date have saved more than 35,000 gallons a day. While water conservation is critical, it cannot fully fend off the effects of the crisis facing our statewide water system.
One of our biggest worries is the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the single most important link in California's water supply system. But for all its importance, the Delta is in an ecological crisis that threatens our water supply and environment. Recently, a federal court ordered the state's two largest water systems to cut deliveries by one-third next year to protect a threatened fish species -- potentially the largest court-ordered reduction in California history. In recent years, one-third of San Diego County's water supply has come from the Delta. As a result, the water supply impacts of this court decision to the county will be significant, making supply shortages and mandatory water restrictions a very real possibility.
Never before has the state's water system faced the troubles it faces today. It is critical that Californians take the combined threat of drought, climate change, supply reductions and potential natural disasters seriously. We simply cannot afford to ignore these problems -- California's present and future economy, environment and quality of life depend on a reliable water system.
-- Timothy Quinn is the executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies, a coalition of 450 public water agencies. For more information on the state's water problems, visit www.calwatercrisis.org.
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GFN wrote on Nov 13, 2007 6:59 AM:Chuck Davis of Vista doesn't believe you, Mr. Quinn, and neither do I. His question in the "Letters to the Editor" section of today's NCTimes asks, "Is there really a water crisis? If the water shortage is so severe, why are building permits still being issued? Why should existing residents involved in agriculture, which the county pays much lip service to encourage, be penalized to feed the avarice of developers?" He's right. If local agencies are still issuing building permits, there ain't much of a water crisis.
Desert life wrote on Nov 13, 2007 8:28 AM:Stop issuing building permits, or more particularly, water meters. It is absolutely absurd for the Water Districts to continue providing NEW service when there isn't enough water for the existing service ! We cannot continue to grow and grow with no thought of tomorrow, because water is finite and we must take many steps to reduce the drain on the water supply. Make it legal (Instead of illegal) to have dual systems for waste water. Sewer-bound goes to sewer system, and grey-water goes to holding and recirculation tanks which also contain irrigation drainage and rain water. Let's stop wasting water. If we lived like we were in a deseert, which of course we are, we would have reduced our potable water consumption. Also, we need the Carlsbad desalination plant. We need that water badly. If we do not take advantage of this opportunity we are foolish - we cannot let the few who are speaking out against it sway the decisions that are made. Many who speak out against desal have ulterior motives.
Ray wrote on Nov 13, 2007 9:04 AM:Time to test a NEW Source ? A savings of 35,000 gallons per day is a tiny start, as it is only 1/10th of one acre foot! California's 450 water agencies have been offered a Source of ONE MILLION acre feet of fresh water per year and not a single one of them has ever investigated ! Development of the NEW Source will not harm anyone's water rights, anywhere! The Source is not only physically & legally available; it is economically feasible and environmentally balanced. Time to stick a toe in the water and risk basic communication ? Ray...
Solution! wrote on Nov 13, 2007 9:40 AM:Quit building- and if there is any new development, it must provide their own recycled water, native plantings, and comprehensive water supply studies, etc. And NO MORE GOLF courses using drinkable water. Quinn is just putting his view out there so we'll feel good about paying more for water while we get screwed by developers.
Alf wrote on Nov 13, 2007 1:18 PM:Well, "Solution!", your solution is one that makes too much common sense for any politician to consider. COME ON, these jokers haven't a clue as to anything that does not ring their cash register. Regards, Alf.
Quit Building??? wrote on Nov 13, 2007 1:22 PM:Existing building owners have as much right to water as owners of raw land. It is a resource that must be shared. It is incredibly selfish to get yor fair share and to turn off the tap for anyone else. unfortunately that is what our society has turned into, ME ME ME
GFN wrote on Nov 13, 2007 3:59 PM:To "Quit Building"...we are not saying to turn the tap off forever. Just turn it off until the crisis is under control. It doesn't make sense to add more users when there ain't more water. Stop the flow now and I guarantee you the state, local governments, water agencies, and developers will figure out a solution quicker than hurry up.
Diana wrote on Nov 14, 2007 12:51 PM:All the more reason for water purveyors to become involved in urban development and planning. Why allow more development while cutting water use of already existing customers when there isn't enough to go around now. Can anyone say "toilet to tap"?
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