1. Urban Water Management Plan Shows Adequate Supply — But Board Pushes for Conservative Estimates CDM Smith presented the draft 2025 Urban Water Management Plan (UWMP), projecting buildout demand at 3,440 million gallons (down ~25% from the 2020 plan's 4,580 MG estimate). The plan shows the district would maintain a water surplus even under a five-year drought scenario. However, Vice President Joe Kovalick and other board members expressed concern that well water pumping capacity assumptions are too optimistic (the district has never pumped more than 1 MGD despite higher rated capacity due to water quality issues) and urged staff to consider a 10-year drought scenario, potentially as a separate analysis. The board also raised concerns about Colorado River shortages potentially increasing pressure on Delta water supplies. Staff noted a separate analysis outside the UWMP may be needed to address these longer-term scenarios without jeopardizing the regulatory filing deadline of July 1, 2026. Public hearing is scheduled for May 27.
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