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Commentary: Balance, compromise keys to reliable water supply for Santa Cruz

Posted by: Maven on November 29, 2009 at 7:17 am

From the Santa Cruz Sentinel, this commentary by Toby Goddard and Bill Kocher of the Santa Cruz Water Department:

“The future of California’s water supply has been in the forefront of the news these past few weeks. In what some are calling an historic achievement, the legislature recently passed a package of bills aimed at reforming state water policy, rebuilding water infrastructure, and restoring the bay delta ecosystem. Details are beginning to emerge and opinions are beginning to form over the specifics in the package. But one thing is clear: for any agreement to be reached on a topic as complex and charged as is the subject of water in California, it took a lot of compromise by all the varied interests to achieve a balanced plan.

It’s not clear what effect these bills will have locally. Here in Santa Cruz, we rely on water from the north coast and San Lorenzo River watersheds to meet our community’s water needs. The fact is, we are physically and geographically isolated from the major water systems serving the most populated regions of California. Our major challenge with regard to water supply — one that we have just experienced again this year — is dealing with shortages in dry years when flows in local streams and river sources run low.

To address this challenge, the city is pursuing what is known as an Integrated Water Plan, whose approach for providing a reliable water supply parallels several elements of the state’s recent agreement, and which also involved much compromise to achieve a balanced plan. … “

Read more of this commentary by clicking here.

November 29, 2009 · Filed Under Uncategorized

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