A water district representative highlighted the critical water affordability crisis, comparing potential service disruptions to Detroit's 2014 crisis where 90% of customers faced interruptions, emphasizing that affordable water should cost around $34 monthly without forcing families to sacrifice basic needs. The agency continues operating under a four-week federal government shutdown that's impacting essential services and funding. Additionally, staff reported productive progress on the ...
The $7.5 billion Sites Reservoir project will require a $1.8 billion contribution for 300,000 acre-feet of storage capacity, expected to deliver 50,000 acre-feet annually. Colorado River negotiations focus on permanent reductions of 1.5 million acre-feet annually to address structural deficits, with California's share being 440,000 acre-feet. A dispute between Upper and Lower Basin states over compact obligations could significantly impact future water reliability and legal water flows.
Board is expected to appoint Shivaji Deshmukh as the new General Manager, with strong public support for his leadership experience. Public commenters urged prioritizing the Pure Water Southern California project over the Delta Conveyance Project, citing lack of state support and the need for reliable local water sources. Despite recent rainfall and early Sierra snowfall, the agency maintains record storage levels sufficient to cover another low rainfall year.
Water supply reliability projections show increased shortage risks, with probability rising from 5% to 18% by 2045 even under flat demand scenarios due to supply challenges. Staff presented preliminary assessments of two major projects: Pure Water Southern California ($2.7-9.6 billion for recycled water) and Sites Reservoir ($1.7 billion for additional storage capacity). The committee discussed developing themed project portfolios rather than evaluating individual investments separately.
Joint One Water & Adaptation Committee and Subcommittee on Imported Water: Colorado River supply cuts of 440,000 acre-feet are coming in 2027, requiring negotiations between water agencies and agricultural partners to share reductions through conservation programs. Stored water in Lake Mead may become inaccessible by 2028 if water levels drop below critical elevations, threatening drought reliability. A new stormwater pilot program is being developed with county partners to enhance turf...
