1. Severe-climate scenarios project declining groundwater storage. Rincon Consultants presented the draft 2027 Mission Creek Subbasin Water Management Plan update. Under moderate climate conditions, the baseline and near-term project scenarios are roughly neutral in cumulative groundwater storage change, while the future-project scenario is positive. Under severe hot, dry conditions, all three scenarios project a negative cumulative change by 2050: over time, outflows exceed inflows. The presenter emphasized additional water supplies, recycled water projects and State Water Project deliveries. The basin is currently considered sustainable.
2. Annual water demand is projected to approach 18,000 acre-feet by 2050. The planning area’s population is projected to grow from just under 60,000 in 2020 to about 125,000 in 2050, with most of the growth in the Mission Springs Water District service area. Forecast annual demand rises from about 14,000 to nearly 18,000 acre-feet. Directors questioned whether the forecast adequately reflects how much Desert Hot Springs residents already conserve and their limited opportunities to reduce use further.
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