Jan 30, 2020   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Metropolitan Board Begins Process to Update Broad Plan to Meet Southern California’s Future Water Needs

The board of directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California on Tuesday formed a special committee to provide input on how the region’s water supplies will be developed and managed over the next two decades.

The committee has been tasked with making recommendations to the full board on how to update Metropolitan’s blueprint for long-term planning, known as the Integrated Water Resources Plan.

Originally adopted in 1996 and updated every five years, the 25-year plan takes an in-depth look at ways to achieve long-term supply reliability for Southern California in the face of evolving challenges such as climate change, demographic shifts and supply costs. It establishes targets for a diversified and cost efficient water supply portfolio, including imports from Northern California and the Colorado River, conservation, recycling, groundwater storage and clean up, storm water recharge and desalination.

“Ensuring Southern California has a reliable supply of water takes long-range planning,” said Barry D. Pressman, M.D., the city of Beverly Hills’ representative on Metropolitan’s board who will chair the special committee. “We all know we can’t rely exclusively on imported water anymore, nor does Southern California have enough local supplies to meet demands. We need a diverse portfolio. The IRP helps us translate that goal into reality, guiding us as we make decisions on infrastructure investments.”

In the coming months, the committee will hear from staff and experts on the region’s future water demands and supplies and analyze data on the potential of local water projects and changes to imported supplies. For more information about the IRP process and opportunities to provide input, email mwdirp@mwdh2o.com.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provide water for nearly 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.