A Water Management Agenda for the New Governor

Over the coming week, NRDC will offer seven key priorities and specific recommendations for the new state administration, with a goal of developing a water policy that will benefit all Californians – restoring and protecting California’s environment as well as its economy. 

Water policy has always played an important role in shaping California’s history – both its natural and human histories.  Today, the Golden State is facing a critical moment in that history.  Across the state, clear signs suggest that a dramatic change of direction is needed.   Flawed water policies have resulted in severe impacts to California’s rivers and fisheries -- with the potential for permanent damage in the coming four years.   All of California’s rivers have hit real limits, suggesting that there is little, if any, potential for additional water from traditional sources of supply.  Wild West groundwater policies have led to dramatically overtapped aquifers.  There is growing awareness of the long-term threats to the physical stability of the Delta, putting people, the environment and water supplies at risk.  All too frequently, our coastal waters aren’t safe to swim in, rivers are toxic to fish, and groundwater is unsafe to drink.  Water managers are looking for new strategies to provide clean and reliable water supplies in the future.  And, if that wasn’t enough, global warming will increase the challenges we will face in future years. 

Many of our water policies were designed for a 19th century, gold mining, frontier state.  Today, with the largest population and largest agricultural economy in the nation – and the seventh largest economy in the world – California has changed dramatically.  We need a new, integrated approach to water solutions to meet our needs in the 21st century.  In the coming few years, the new state administration should establish a goal of making California a global leader in water management, just as California is a global leader on energy and climate issues. 

Despite the challenges facing us, there are some extremely promising signs.  For example:

• Last year, the legislature passed the most important package of water policy legislation in a quarter century, proving wrong those who have contended that our water problems are insoluble.
• There is a growing consensus among water managers, business leaders and environmentalists regarding the potential of several key water management policies and tools.
• There is a broad recognition among all stakeholders that the status quo is not working, and that new solutions are required.
• Many of the policies that have helped California become an international leader in energy efficiency can help us design and implement water solutions. 

Governor Brown was a leader in establishing California as a leader in energy efficiency, and he has a long interest in water issues.  The coming years offer great promise to chart the new direction in water policy that California so clearly needs.