Over the past 20 years, we have seen our weather patterns change to be more extreme, we have longer dry periods and flashier wet periods. This is causing the water industry to plan differently, we need more storage when the rain does come and we need the ability to move water to meet the community needs. We have to be adaptive in our approach and investment in water supply.
Southern California relies on water from the Bay Delta and the Colorado River and both sources have been severely stressed. We have experienced water supply reductions, because of the foresight of IRWD and regional water agencies, our community has a variety of water sources to draw upon including groundwater and seasonal storage. We need to continue to be good water stewards, not only for our customers but for California.
As a long-time surfer, Dan understands the importance of water agencies working with cities and the County to solve water quality issues. IRWD has a legacy of cleaning up urban runoff and at SMWD he led efforts to collect urban runoff for water reuse. This has reduced pollutants impacting our creeks and beaches. Environmental stewardship is an important part of any water and wastewater project to ensure not only water quality, but also to reduce impacts to sensitive communities.
Water use continues to be more efficient, water use now is less than in the 1990’s even though the population has grown. As the State of California imposes more restrictions on indoor and outdoor use, IRWD needs to continue in its leadership position to ensure the regulations are reasonable and protect the community water supply needs. Sustainable water use needs to continue to be our way of life.
IRWD has the lowest water rates in the County. There are many pressures on maintaining cost-effectiveness including inflation, regulations, capital costs and diminishing supplies. We need to continue active engagement with State and Federal regulators, collaborate with local and regional water suppliers for economies of scale and balance capital needs with our resources.