This week, the State of California announced a new California Water Action Plan that reflects the progress of the last two years and remains focused on sustaining water supplies in the state. The cross-agency effort includes the California EPA, California Natural Resources Agency, and California Department of Food and Agriculture.
The plan has been developed to meet the three objectives of more reliable water supplies, a more resilient and sustainably managed water resources system, and the restoration of key species and habitat. To achieve these goals, the plan sets forth a set of ten broad actions including: increasing regional self-reliance and integrated water management across all levels of government; providing safe water for all communities; increasing operational and regulatory efficiency; and identifying sustainable and integrated financing opportunities.
California Secretary for Environmental Protection Matthew Rodriquez says, “The plan will continue to help us work with the public to develop near term and long term strategies to secure our water for future generations.”
Along with the updated plan, the state released a summary of accomplishments for 2015. The document identifies a wide range of activities California has taken to work towards sustainable water management through groundwater management, water efficiency improvements, water conservation and recycling efforts, and publication of the Safe Drinking Water Plan for California. [Hanson]
