Report proposes sustainable water solutions for California
October 2009
Amid all the talk of building more dams, canals, and desal plants, a coalition of 23 fishing, public health, conservation, environmental justice, and tribal organizations including the Sierra Club have issued a report on sustainable water solutions for California. Based on multiple scientific and engineering studies, the report demonstrates how California can provide the water to serve its projected population growth through 2050 and improve the environment at the same time.
Most of the actions suggested would provide water to people quicker and at far lower costs and with significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than new dams and other similar projects. The actions include groundwater cleanup, water recycling including graywater use, storm water capture, and conservation.
The 10 strategic goals in the report include increasing water supply efficiency, restoring instream flows, providing fish passage above and below dams, integrating floodplains with rivers and streams, and maximizing regional water self sufficiency. In essence, living within our means while providing water for the environment.
To download a copy of the full report visit http://ewccalifornia.org.
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