Water worries continue

Assemblymember Marie Waldron

AD-75 (R)

As we enter the summer months, state-mandated water cuts resulting from the ongoing drought are starting to take hold. In the 75^th Assembly District, local water agencies have been ordered to make cuts as high as 36 percent. A drive up I-15 shows the huge hit agriculture is already taking, and summer has barely begun.

The water bond passed in November included $2.7 billion for water projects. In order to get those projects moving, legislation was introduced earlier this year that would have had a significant impact on long-term water availability in California.

By streamlining the environmental review process, Assembly Bills 311 (James Gallagher, R – Nicolaus) and 956 (Travis Allen, R – Huntington Beach) would have fast-tracked water recycling projects and speeded construction for badly-needed storage facilities. In addition, Assembly Bill 397 (Devon Mathis, R – Visalia) would have stopped future funding for high-speed rail and allowed diversion of those funds to water-related projects.

Despite the urgency, all three bills died in their respective committees over environmental concerns. However, the Governor indicated he may use executive authority to speed water projects by removing or streamlining environmental restrictions that are delaying infrastructure upgrades that would ensure California’s future water needs can be met.

Though weather forecasters are talking about a developing El Niño, we have no idea when this drought will end and future droughts are certain. Recycling, desalination, storage reservoirs, reliable groundwater and sensible environmental regulations – all must be part of a comprehensive solution guaranteeing a secure water supply for all Californians.