Southern California water manager issues warning

Impacts of climate change on water supply and availability in the western United States were detailed yesterday by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power.

In testimony before the panel, Timothy F. Brick, chairman of the board of directors, addressed issues presented by the uncertain effects of climate change and increasing demands on the scarce freshwater supply.

Brick detailed Metropolitan’s 2002 policy principles on climate change and the district’s response. He also urged the water community to partner with the scientific community to conduct further research in assessing risks and integrating them into water management decisions.

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is the nation’s largest provider of imported water to an urban area. The population in its service area is more than 18 million, and it is projected to rise to 22 million by 2030. Metropolitan is comprised of 26 member public agencies that service an area spanning 5,200 square miles and six southern California counties.

Southern California is currently experiencing its driest year on record. Since July 1st 2006, Los Angeles has received only 3.21 inches of rainfall as compared to the normal of 15 inches per year.

This year seems to be a continuation of a critically dry weather trend, according to Brick. In the most recent nine years, Los Angeles has averaged only eleven inches per year, 27% below normal.

Brick cautioned that importing water requires a large amount of energy. For example, importing an acre-foot of water via the State Water Project requires 3,200 kwh, and an acre-foot of Colorado River supplies requires 2,000 kwh.

"The uncertain effects of climate change and increasing demands on the scarce freshwater supply mean we cannot afford to wait. Metropolitan, and the water community as a whole, needs to partner with the scientific community to conduct further research."

Brick said the distrct is pursuing planning and investments in infrastructure, energy management and water supply development, as well as aggressive conservation to use limited water supplies wisely and to protect the environment and ecosystems that will be stressed by climate change.

He told lawmakers it was imperative that decisions be made immediately regarding Northern California's Delta’s ecosystem, levee and other infrastructure improvements, given that the feed Southern California's water supply.

In addition, he called for Colorado River basin state initiatives and water management programs to be implemented immediately to assure proper management of Colorado River resources during the drought.

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