Golden State Today

California has taken a significant step in managing its water resources by adopting a new framework with the Biden-Harris Administration. This initiative aims to enhance water supply management and protect endangered fish species in the state. The new framework integrates future water projects, such as the Sites Reservoir and the Delta Conveyance Project, which are crucial for maintaining California's water supply.

The framework covers both the federal Central Valley Project and the State Water Project, offering a balanced approach to water management. It provides flexibility for water managers to respond to climate-induced fluctuations between droughts and floods. Additionally, it supports habitat restoration, improved flow measures, monitoring, and hatchery production for endangered fish species.

Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the importance of preparing for climate extremes: "We know what the future has in store for our state: hotter hots and drier dries. That means we have to do everything we can now to prepare and ensure our water infrastructure can handle these extremes."

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation recently signed a Record of Decision on "biological opinions" that address ecological impacts of water projects, influencing how water is pumped through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Karla Nemeth, Director of California Department of Water Resources (DWR), stated: “The new framework supercharges our adaptive management and enables project operators to work with water users and the broader public to better manage the system to benefit millions of Californians and endangered fish species.”

In November, California received an Incidental Take Permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) following certification of a Final Environmental Impact Report for long-term operations of the State Water Project.

Recent actions by California include supporting nearly 400 communities in strengthening their drinking water systems, advancing major projects like Sites Reservoir and Delta Conveyance Project, protecting groundwater supplies through SGMA, increasing groundwater reserves through recharge projects, updating the California Water Plan for better storage solutions during extreme weather events, and distributing $880 million to alleviate utility debts for residents.