What are the problems in providing water for California’s increasing urban population? Here’s a partial list:
- primarily sited in a Mediterranean (dry summer/wet winter) ecosystem;
- partially located in a desert area;
- many recent years of below normal rainfall;
- seepage of agricultural and industrial contaminants into aquifers;
- basins near the ocean are subject to intrusions of sea water;
- contracts for excess water from the Colorado River have expired, cutbacks are occurring;
- super-efficient flood control channels are sending rainfall into the ocean instead of sinking into the soil to recharge aquifers;
- residents have become accustomed to lush landscaping, extensive lawns, and being unconcerned about their waste of water.
California, the largest national producer of agricultural products, is one of the most water-challenged areas in the United States. Agencies are considering new dams, state-wide aqueduct systems, and other expensive infrastructure changes. With our state in the grip of a severe drought, our “new” water sources will be conservation, reclamation and reuse. The Angeles Chapter’s award-winning Water Committee provides information to the public, to Chapter members and to office holders about how to conserve and protect our most precious resource. ACF has funded educational materials and programs which promote a comprehensive strategy toward sustainable future water supplies and other general policies associated with imported water supply, reuse, and ground water use.