Metropolitan General Manager Deven Upadhyay issues the following statement on the California Department of Water Resources’ release of its first-ever State Water Project Adaptation Strategy:
“The findings in this report reaffirm that climate change is driving a long-term decline in supplies from the State Water Project. But these analyses also show we are not powerless – there are tangible actions we can take to reduce that decline and safeguard this critical water source.
“Among the strategies evaluated, the report identifies the Delta Conveyance Project as the single most effective adaptation measure. While Metropolitan’s board has not yet decided whether to invest in the project, the report’s findings – along with information gathered through the planning process – will be critical to that decision. This is why Metropolitan strongly supports Gov. Gavin Newsom’s legislative proposal to expedite the project’s planning, ensuring the board has the information needed to make a well-informed choice. The state’s plan also includes strategies to maintain existing infrastructure, add storage south of the Delta, repair canals damaged by groundwater over-pumping and use storm forecasting improvements to operate reservoirs.
“We commend the Department of Water Resources for its leadership in identifying strategies with the greatest potential to make California’s water system more resilient, flexible, and sustainable for the future.
“As Metropolitan continues advancing regional investments in local water supply projects, conservation and storage, we recognize that no single solution will secure our future. Through our Climate Adaptation Master Plan for Water, we are strategically investing in Southern California’s water reliability.”
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