Canals and aqueducts that bring Colorado River water to Southern California are a key component of the state’s backbone water infrastructure and an integral part of California’s water supply. ACWA’s Blueprint recommends that the state and federal agencies support actions to ensure California’s long-term access to and efficient use of Colorado River supplies.

Background

California water agencies that rely on the Colorado River have committed billions of dollars to develop water management programs as part of the state’s overall strategy to live within its legal entitlement of 4.4 million acre-feet of Colorado River water per year. These programs, which range from canal linings to water transfers to new groundwater storage projects, are essential to achieving the region’s long-term goal of maintaining a reliable supply from the Colorado River.

Given the clear importance of a reliable Colorado River supply to California, ACWA urges state and federal agencies to support actions to further those programs and ensure delivery of adequate Colorado River water for Southern California. Doing so will provide stability to water systems throughout the state and reduce demands on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

ACWA’s Recommendations

ACWA recommends that state leaders take the following specific actions to ensure a long-term reliable Colorado River supply for the citizens of California:

• Complete the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation Program, a habitat-based program intended to provide for the conservation of over 27 species and ensure federal and state Endangered Species Act coverage for activities on the Lower Colorado River over the next 50 years.

• Provide continued funding for the Coachella Canal and the All-American Canal Lining Projects, and work with federal agencies to fund construction of regulating storage facilities to achieve significant water savings.

• Continue to support Colorado River supply programs such as the Imperial Irrigation District transfer program and the Palo Verde Irrigation District land management program.

• Select a preferred alternative for protection of the Salton Sea by December 2006 and implement it in a timely way.

• Develop an interstate drought and shortage management and reservoir storage recovery protocol for the Colorado River Basin.

• Defend California’s water rights on the Colorado River and oppose changes to the 1968 law that would compel California to accept more shortages during droughts.

Other Blueprint Recommendations

In addition to the above actions, ACWA recommends that state and federal leaders take a number of other actions to ensure California can meet its future water needs.

• Improve the existing Delta water conveyance system to increase flexibility and enhance water supply, water quality, levee stability and environmental protection.
  

• Evaluate long-term threats to the Delta levee and conveyance system and pursue actions to reduce risks to the state’s water supply and the environment.
  

• Implement and fund the Sacramento Valley Water Management Program.
  

• Develop additional groundwater and surface water storage, including proposed surface storage projects now under study if they are determined to be feasible.
  

• Support and fund local efforts to expand water recycling and implement best management practices for urban and agricultural water use efficiency.
  

• Improve the quality of California’s drinking water supplies to safeguard public health and enhance water quality for agriculture and the environment.
  

• Work with local agencies to overcome constraints to developing seawater and brackish groundwater desalination.
  

• Modernize the federal Endangered Species Act and other laws and regulations to allow water-related projects to proceed while protecting species and their habitats.
  

• Expedite the approval process for voluntary water transfers.
  

• Clarify and expand the state’s role in flood control and promote multi-benefit flood control projects.
  

• Support integrated regional water management plans.

About the Blueprint

ACWA’s Blueprint reflects extensive input from hundreds of public water agencies charged with delivering water to cities, farms and communities throughout the state. In addition to the recommended actions, the Blueprint includes a detailed discussion of pressing regional needs and actions to help address them. For more on the Blueprint, see www.acwa.com.