Water conservation tips.

California’s Water—and Its Affect on High Desert

California is in the midst of a serious water crisis, one that will likely persist for years unless drastic measures are taken to improve how we use and how we deliver water throughout the state. The High Desert is not immune to the effects of the water crisis, and it behooves local policy makers and consumers alike to take steps to reduce the impacts.

Ground zero for all the negative impacts we face is the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Lester Snow, Director of the State’s Department of Water Resources, described the Delta as “highly altered, highly stressed and highly vulnerable; we need a comprehensive solution to avoid calamity.” When you consider the following, it’s easy to understand Mr. Snow’s assessment:
• The Delta is a patchwork of nearly 60 islands and tracts and home to more than 750 distinct species of plants and wildlife.
• The Delta relies on a maze of levees to protect land and key infrastructure from floods and daily high tides. In all, there are more than 1,100 miles of levees in the Delta, including many built more than a century ago to protect farmland.
• The Delta is the single most important link in California’s water supply system.

Why is our water situation in crisis? Several factors have contributed, and these include (not in priority):

• Legal issues (Delta smelt; forced cutbacks up to 30%)—a court ruled in 2007 that the endangered Delta smelt fish was becoming extinct because of it being caught in the pumps that deliver water from Northern to Southern California. The result was a reduction in the amount of water delivered through the Delta, 500,000 acre feet of water not delivered this year alone (one acre-foot is approximately 326,000 gallons of water). For Mojave Water Agency (MWA), instead of delivering 59,000 acre-feet as requested it will only be able to deliver 27,000—assuming that no further reductions in deliveries occur in the State Water Project.
• Infrastructure deficiencies (levees threatened, inadequate storage facilities)—experts predict a two-in-three chance of a major earthquake within the next few years in or near the Delta which makes its levees vulnerable to sudden collapse. Should this occur, water deliveries to Southern California can be interrupted up to two to three years! When the last large reservoir was added to the statewide system in 1979, there were 23 million people in California (we’re now at 36 million); by 2032 the State’s population will be over 50 million.
• Population growth (50 million by 2032 and 60 million by 2050)—Despite bleak economic conditions in the State, the population continues to increase. With the increase in population comes an increase in water demand—more showers, use of dishwashers, washing machines and perhaps the biggest culprit for water demand, landscape irrigation.
• Climate change (less snow & rain)—Climate change—not the same as Global Warming—is having an effect on weather patterns worldwide. One effect is that California is beginning to receive more precipitation in the form of rain instead of
snow. So, instead of having snow serve as Mother Nature’s reservoir in mountain ranges throughout the state (slowly melting and absorbed in man-made reservoirs or groundwater basins), the rainfall typically finds rapidly finds its way to the ocean. High Desert rainfall averages just 4-5 inches per year, and what little run-off normally captured as melting snow in the local mountains, results in less precipitation for our groundwater basins. Because of climate change, experts say to expect a higher flood flow, smaller snow pack and longer dry spells. 2007 was a record dry year for many parts of the state, and 2008 does not hold much promise for increased precipitation.

What does all this mean to High Desert residents?

As our region continues to grow, we are becoming more dependent upon imported water supplies from the State Water Project. As water becomes scarcer we must make better use of what we have. Not only is it highly likely that water supplies will diminish, the cost of water will rise dramatically. High Desert residents understand the role they play in planning for the future are becoming more “conservation conscious,” taking steps to ensure that they use water wisely.

Mojave Water Agency, in conjunction with the Alliance for Water Awareness and Conservation (AWAC) and local water providers, are offering a regional water conservation incentive program that provides cash incentives to eligible customers. By increasing water efficiency customers can receive money saving rebates and vouchers worth up to:
• $3,000 for replacing water thirsty lawns with native and adaptive plants;
• $175 for purchasing a new water-saving washing machine, and
• $165 for installing a new high-efficiency toilet

Some water agencies have contributed additional dollars they are making available to their customers. For more information on the conservation incentive program visit: www.highdesertsaveswater.org or call (800) 831-8383, 9, then extension 308. For more information about Mojave Water Agency and projects to provide a sustainable water supply, visit: www.mojavewater.org or call (760) 946-7000.