Richard Atwater, Bay Delta Conservation Plan

Mr. Atwater began the presentation by showing an excellent diagram of California illustrating the locations of our major water sources.

• The Sacramento Delta
• Sierra Mountains
• State Water Project
• Colorado River
• Local Groundwater

The Metropolitan Water District is made up of 13 cities and was formed after the major drought of 1934.  Droughts are a fact that California faces and can have devastating impact on our food supply.

California is the #1 Agriculture State in the nation, very dependent on good water sources. On questioning, Mr. Atwater was asked about:

Recycled water; a growing potential, but the infrastructure in not fully developed.  Asked if development and housing make the problem worse; yes increased population and development puts additional strain on the water sources.  As a general goal, people need to conserve water and be careful how much they use.

Asked if desalinization of seawater was a solution; in his opinion it is not cost effective yet.  Asked if importing water from the mid Sates where they have flooding is feasible; no it is not cost effective as water is not like oil or electricity.  Mr. Atwater indicated that we need to live within our means with respect to water, not using what cannot be replenished.  For more information see:  http://www.mwdh2o.com/index.htm

Submitted by Brian Hall