Water agencies serving over half of California's population have expressed their support for the Delta Conveyance Project, a significant infrastructure initiative aimed at securing the state's water supply. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) recently approved $141 million in additional funding for planning and permitting, demonstrating ongoing backing for this project designed to ensure clean drinking water access for 27 million Californians.
MWD, which supplies treated water to 19 million people across six counties, is part of a cooperative of 26 member agencies. Their approval means that agencies representing 21 million Californians now endorse the project. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized its importance, stating: "This project is one of the nation’s most important infrastructure projects in generations because it will protect access to clean and safe drinking water for 27 million Californians."
Governor Newsom has been actively promoting the Delta Conveyance Project as part of his agenda to accelerate infrastructure development statewide. He met with MWD leadership last week to garner support.
The MWD joins eleven other state water agencies that have also voted in favor of advancing funding for the project's next phase. These include Alameda County Water District, Coachella Valley Water District, Crestline-Lake Arrowhead Water Agency, Desert Water Agency, Mojave Water Agency, Palmdale Water District, San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District, San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency, Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, and Zone 7 Water Agency.
Karla Nemeth from the California Department of Water Resources highlighted the necessity of imported water from the State Water Project: “While Los Angeles and Southern California are working to become more self-sufficient through local projects such as groundwater recharge and recycling...”
California's current water infrastructure struggles with climate change-induced precipitation pattern shifts. The Delta Conveyance Project aims to address these challenges by capturing and storing water from major storm events while safeguarding against sea level rise and earthquakes.
Had it been operational during early 2024's atmospheric river storms, enough water could have been captured to serve nearly ten million people for a year. This capacity would help mitigate an anticipated 22% reduction in SWP supplies by 2070 due to climate change.
The project's design includes two new intakes in the north Delta and a tunnel connecting them to Bethany Reservoir via the California Aqueduct. It also addresses earthquake risks threatening millions' water supplies—a risk currently estimated at a 72% chance of a magnitude 6.7+ quake by 2043.
Redesigned following public input and Governor Newsom's guidance since inception—focused on right-sizing with one tunnel—the project seeks comprehensive solutions for California's water needs.
For further details about this pivotal initiative visit their website.
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