Statewide, local leaders discuss future water supplies in the Coachella Valley as California prepares for fourth dry year
Leaders discuss conservation and partnerships
Amid a record-setting heatwave, state and Coachella Valley leaders gathered today at the College of the Desert to discuss access to clean, reliable water supplies for local residents. With California undergoing a climate transformation bringing hotter and drier conditions, speakers stressed the need for conservation and continued partnership between state leaders, local leaders and water agencies.
Leaders also acknowledged the statewide Flex Alert that remains in effect today as extreme heat continues to impact all Californians. Residents are encouraged to stay safe and cool, while doing their part to conserve – from reducing energy use to saving water. Californians should reduce electricity consumption especially between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. and limit their outdoor water use during the hottest parts of the day.
Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia addressed the group of leaders by highlighting a pivotal moment of record state investments in drought resilience and an urgent need to stretch current water supplies through conservation.
“California continues to lead climate change action with a robust $54 billion new investment plan to strengthen climate and drought resilience and protect our most vulnerable communities,” said Assemblymember Garcia. “Our desert, agricultural region understands all too well the challenges of delivering reliable water for families and farming. State legislative and budget actions allow us to face our immediate and long-term needs, but we all must do our part. By working together to save our water, we save our future.”
Assemblymember Garcia was joined by California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot and California State Water Resources Control Board Chair Joaquin Esquivel who both reaffirmed the importance of partnerships with local communities and highlighted conservation efforts currently underway.
“This historic drought gripping the entire American West is bad and getting worse,” said Secretary Crowfoot. “We’re working urgently with local water agencies to get projects in the ground that help us adjust to these hotter, drier conditions driven by climate change. This includes projects to expand water recycling, recharge ground water basins and more. We also need the help of all Californians to conserve water this fall, which will help us stretch water supplies while these projects get built.”
“As a native of the Coachella Valley, I am deeply familiar with the water quality and quantity challenges facing the region, which are a microcosm of the issues facing our state,” said Chair Esquivel. "With California’s water resources being impacted due to our changed climate, it is essential that we prioritize water action and investment, especially in our hard-hit communities. I am grateful to Assemblymember Garcia, local water districts, and the many leaders it takes to ensure access to clean water in the region and state.”
Hotter and drier weather is expected to reduce California’s water supply by up to 10 percent by 2040, making actions at the local level increasingly more important in managing water supplies. Leaders from the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) attending the event reaffirmed their commitment to building a drought resilient future.
“Coachella Valley Water District is committed to managing a sustainable groundwater basin to support the local growing economy and to provide reliable services to our current and future customers,” said CVWD Vice President Cástulo Estrada. “The conservation actions we take today will encourage water-use efficiency and move us toward meeting the state’s goal of a 15 percent overall reduction in water use and making water conservation a way of life.”
Governor Newsom issued an executive order in July 2021 calling on Californians to voluntarily reduce water use by 15 percent compared to 2020 to protect water reserves. Actions highlighted during today’s event help ensure a lasting future for California’s water supplies. For more information on how Californians can take immediate action to save water, visit SaveOurWater.com.
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- Save Our Water is California’s statewide water conservation program that reaches millions of Californians each year through partnerships with local water agencies and other community-based organizations, social marketing efforts, paid and earned media and event sponsorships
- The California Natural Resources Agency works to restore, protect and manage the state's natural, historical and cultural resources for current and future generations using creative approaches and solutions based on science, collaboration, and respect for all the communities and interests involved.
- The State Water Resources Control Board works to preserve, enhance, and restore the quality of California’s water resources and drinking water for the protection of the environment, public health, and all beneficial uses, and to ensure proper water resource allocation and efficient use, for the benefit of present and future generations.
- Coachella Valley Water District was formed in 1918 to protect and conserve local water sources. Since forming, the District has grown into a multifaceted agency that delivers irrigation and domestic (drinking) water, collects and recycles wastewater, provides regional storm water protection, replenishes the groundwater basin and promotes water conservation.