Adel Hagekhalil, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, issues the following statement on the California Department of Water Resources’ announcement to increase the State Water Project allocation to 100%:
“This year has seen a remarkable turnaround in the state’s water supply. After three years of the lowest State Water Project deliveries in history, we’re now seeing the first 100% allocation since 2006. It is now incumbent upon us to take full advantage of this extraordinary turn of events. But it is also another powerful reminder of the climate whiplash that will define our water management needs for the next century.
“We are not taking these improved conditions for granted. We are storing as much water as possible in every storage account we have – from Diamond Valley Lake to groundwater banking programs across the state. The reality is that dry conditions could return as early as next year. And the future of our Colorado River supplies is also uncertain. We cannot let our guard down.
“We are asking everyone throughout Southern California to continue to use water as wisely as possible – conserve rain or shine. We will also do our part to rebuild our groundwater and reservoir storage, create new local sources of water and increase the resiliency of our water system so all of our communities have a high level of reliability. We are using this remarkable water year and respite from drought as an opportunity to become stronger for the communities we serve.”
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