/ News / Water Agencies Applaud Governor Newsom’s New Water Supply Strategy

Water Agencies Applaud Governor Newsom’s New Water Supply Strategy

Parul Dubey on August 12, 2022 - in News, Water

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Governor Newsom announced a new water supply strategy focusing on accelerated infrastructure projects that would better prepare the State for perpetual years of drought and address the ongoing water supply crisis.

The Solve the Water Crisis Coalition including more than 80 engaged water agencies supports the Governor’s leadership and steps forward in making urgently needed changes to California’s water system that secure an adequate and reliable water supply for today and the next generation. 

The new plan, California’s Water Supply Strategy: Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future, underscores the significant challenges we face as a result of a changing climate, the need to transform the current water system, and the importance of significantly investing in California water systems to secure the future of California’s water supply and reliability. The plan outlines water supply strategies and includes a pledge to fast track the advancement of policies and new projects to begin addressing California’s water supply crisis.

“Experts predict that California will lose 10 precent of our water supply by 2040, Governor Newsom’s focus on building infrastructure is a significant step in the right direction to improve our water supply,” said Paul Helliker, General Manager of San Juan Water District, and a leader in Solve the Water Crisis Coalition.

The Governor’s new plan aims to take action to protect community water supplies through the development of new water supplies, expanded water storage capacity above and below ground, increase water use efficiency, and improve forecasting, data, and management.

“As a water manager in this great state, I am encouraged by today’s announcement from Governor Newsom, and commend his leadership. The State’s new plan to adapt to an increasingly hotter and drier climate will further protect our communities, economies, and industries from an ongoing crisis that has the potential to wreak havoc on California,” said Heather Dyer, General Manager of San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, and a leader in Solve the Water Crisis Coalition. 

“I look forward to future collaboration with the State and the Administration to boldly address the three interrelated and critical areas – greater storage, improved conveyance, and regulatory certainty – the foundation for a new system that will meet the water supply needs of the State, preserve our food production, protect our forests and state parks, and provide sufficient water to build more housing and support our existing and future green energy businesses,” said Craig Miller, General Manager of Western Municipal Water District and leader in Solve the Water Crisis Coalition. 

As details and aspects of this new plan evolve, Solve the Water Crisis Coalition looks forward to working closely with the Governor and the Legislature to enact a comprehensive and urgent plan with necessary funding to increase water supply and improve the State’s water system.

About The Solve the Water Crisis 

Solve the Water Crisis brings into sharp focus the ongoing water supply crisis that is impacting quality of life, economic growth, health, and the environment of communities throughout California. By raising awareness among California policymakers, Solve the Water Crisis demonstrates the urgency and bold actions needed to secure California’s water future. Solve the Water Crisis is led by water agency leaders across the state, representing both urban and rural areas of California. To learn more, please visit: www.SolvetheWaterCrisis.com

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