1 California’s Water Supply: The “Big Fix”, Interim Solutions, and How We Get There CFEE Roundtable Conference October 5-7, 2008 Is There Enough Water? Sunne Wright McPeak Governor’s Delta Vision Task Force

Is There Enough Water?  How much water does California have?  How is water currently used?  Is there enough water for the Delta Vision Co-Equal Goals?  (a) Ecosystem Restoration  (b) Water Supply Reliability  How does “demand” impact “supply”?  Will there continue to be conflicts? 2

Vision for the California Delta  The California Delta is critically important but cannot be sustained as we know it.  Delta is natural asset and special place.  Co-Equal Goals = Mutual Constraints.  Conundrum: Neither Goal can be achieved alone—each requires the other.  Most regions are not self-sufficient; but increased regional reliability is possible.  “Fix” requires integrated-linked actions.  Status quo is not acceptable. 3

“Big Fix” Working Premises  Ecosystem and water supply reliability both need more water at critical times.  In any given year there may not be enough water for both Goals and all uses.  Over several years there may be enough.  Conflicts among uses can be reduced.  There is significant “supply” potential from conservation and increased efficiencies.  Greater flexibility is needed in the system to manage for both Goals over time.  New facilities provide needed flexibility. 4

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“Big Fix” Working Conclusions  Water supply can be better managed.  Managed over several years, conflicts can be reduced; Co-Equal Goals can be met.  Ecosystem needs more water at critical times. Need to reduce Delta exports then.  Conservation / efficiencies are essential to reduce demand, stretch supply.  Facilities (storage, conveyance, levees) provide essential flexibility to meet Goals.  Water truly surplus to environment can be captured, conveyed and stored. 13

Framework for the “Big Fix” [McPeak, McKernan, Florian]  E + E  C + C  S + C 14

Framework for the “Big Fix” [McPeak, McKernan, Florian] Estuary + Exports Conservation + Construction Storage + Conveyance 15

Action for the “Big Fix”  Support the Delta Vision Task Force recommendations: an integrated - linked package of strategies and actions.  Insist on action: Adoption of the Vision in law. Short-term immediate actions. Timely completion of design, engineering, permitting on conveyance and storage. Approval of plan for resource management and investment in facilities. 16

12 Integrated - Linked Recommendations Ecosystem and reliable water supply are co-equal goals for sustainable Delta. Delta is a unique and valued area, warranting special legal status. Delta ecosystem must function as an integral part of a healthy estuary. Water supply is limited; must be managed with significantly higher efficiency. Foundation for policymaking must be “reasonable use” and “public trust.” 17

12 Integrated - Linked Recommendations Conservation, efficiency and sustainable use must drive water policies. Revitalized Delta will require reduced diversions or changes—at critical times. New conveyance and storage (and better linkage) are required for both “Es”. Strengthen selected levees, improve flood- plain management, circulation and quality. Change boundaries and governance – establish an independent body. 18

12 Integrated - Linked Recommendations Discourage inappropriate urbanization. Institutions and policies should be designed for resiliency and adaptation. 19