February 7, 2012

SCWC Releases Report Highlighting Stormwater Capture Opportunities: First-Ever Six County Analysis on Stormwater Management Strategies

The Southern California Water Committee’s Stormwater Task Force released a first-ever report this week examining strategies to maximize stormwater capture throughout the coastal plain.

The report, “Opportunities to Increase Water Supplies in Southern California,” is the result of a year-long collaborative effort among local governments, flood control districts, public water agencies, environmental organizations, development interests and private sector companies throughout Southern California that have made water-use efficiency a priority.

“In California, we cannot take water for granted, and it’s more important than ever to seek out new and improved ways to capture and utilize local sources while protecting the environment. Until this effort began, there was no regional coordination in place on stormwater issues, everyone was working independently. We are much more effective when we share ideas and work together toward common goals,” said Mark Pestrella, chairman of SCWC’s Stormwater Task Force and assistant director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works.

For more information and to view the report, read the full press release here. 

To learn more about SCWC’s Stormwater Task Force, please visit www.socalwater.org. If you’d like to be involved in the task force, please visit http://www.socalwater.org/join-us/membership-benefits for membership information. 

Castaic Lake Water Agency: Dancing With Disaster in the Delta

Tom Campbell, the president of the Castaic Lake Water Agency, a member of SCWC, published an op-ed this week in the Santa Clarita Valley Signal emphasizing the risks we face in the Delta and the importance of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP).

"Think of California as one big house. There’s something missing from our earthquake kit — and, at the risk of mixing our metaphors, a major source of California’s water supply is in need of a “re-pipe” before something catastrophic happens.

"It’s the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and while it may seem remote — out of sight, out of mind — it’s a vital source of water supply for 25 million Californians, including those who call the Santa Clarita Valley home. About half the water for SCV residents and businesses passes through the Delta’s 100-year-old levee system, parts of which most certainly would crumble during a major seismic event."

More information on the challenges in the Delta and the possible solutions is available on our website www.socalwater.org/delta-disrupted.

SCWC in the News

SCWC and Probolsky Research announced poll results last week on the lack of awareness Californians have on the San Joaquin Delta. After hearing that 78% of Californians don't know what the Delta is, media outlets throughout the state covered the poll results.

Check out the editorial in the Visalia Times-Delta, KQED's piece and Alex Breitler's article in the Stockton Record.

Testimonial of the Week

SCWC has been hearing from members and local leaders on a number of issues.

This week, hear from SCWC Treasurer Michael Camacho of the Inland Empire Utilities Agency. Be sure to check out what Michael has to say about SCWC and its diverse membership.

To see all of our testimonials thus far visit our dedicated testimonial page on our website.

SCWC's Colorado River Task Force

Colorado River water is an important resource for many Southern Californians and our Colorado River Task Force is diving right in to 2012. Our first meeting wrapped up in late January, but there's still plenty of time to get involved. SCWC's Colorado River Task Force participates actively in discussions concerning California’s Colorado River Use Plan and we will continue working with state and federal officials to protect California’s Colorado River supply and help ensure that it is enough to give California families and farmers the water they need.

If you're an SCWC member and want to join our Colorado River Task Force, or receive information regarding meetings and distributions please contact ekorenberg@fionahuttonassoc.com.

Not an SCWC member? Join today!

Follow us on Twitter!

SCWC is now on Twitter! Follow us @SoCalWaterComm for breaking news updates and live coverage from all of our events. Check us out!

Are You on Facebook? So are We!

With so much happening in the world of California water, there couldn’t be a better time to join SCWC on Facebook.

To “like” our page and receive up-to-the-minute news, information and resources on California water issues, just visit us at www.facebook.com/socalwater and click the “Like” button. Then, check your news feed often to stay connected.

New to Facebook? Joining is free and easy. Just visit www.facebook.com and follow the simple steps. Then, check out SCWC’s Facebook page and never be out of touch with the latest water news, information and resources.

Established in 1984, the Southern California Water Committee is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public education partnership dedicated to informing Southern Californians about our water needs and our state's water resources. Spanning Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, Imperial, Riverside, Ventura and Kern Counties, the SCWC's members include representatives from business, government, labor, agriculture, water agencies and the general public.