News Flash

Latest News

Posted on: October 4, 2021

Opinion: President Charles Gibson

Charles Gibson

Thanks to investments in facilities, storage, and water use-efficiencies including recycled water, people in Southern California can be confident that their water supply will be reliable even during a multi-year period of drought. More recently, Northern Californians have redoubled their conservation efforts, made investments in water projects, and improved on water use efficiency. The Sacramento San Joaquin watershed is still lacking in adequate storage and distribution facilities so much of that water goes to the ocean. 

As a director of a local water district, I appreciate Governor Newsom’s actions that recognize the value of past investments in local water supplies including recycled water treatment, storage and conveyance improvements in Northern California. 

Regarding conservation, I was surprised by a recent announcement that he might require a mandatory 15% reduction in water use on top of the 20% or more reduction achieved during the last drought. It is crucial that the Governor clarify his position and give credit for previous conservation as well as the significant investments in water recycling projects.  Any across- the-board, mandatory reduction in use that does not recognize the value of water recycling and reuse seems to be completely at odds with the Governor’s previously announced ‘Water Resilience Portfolio’ to maintain and diversify water supplies. As stated in the Governor’s policy ‘no single solution can fully address the state’s water challenges.’ In this case, a single policy of mandatory water use reduction would undermine many other good policies. 

            A state mandated reduction in usage ignores past and planned investments in local supplies. A percentage quota reduction would be a powerful disincentive to make future investments.  Research on this failed policy indicates that quotas are counterproductive to collaboration among water management organizations, and cost customers $1 billion during the last drought.  

‘Conservation as a way of life’ should begin locally with agencies implementing reviews and certifying their supplies and the steps needed to weather this and any drought or emergency. 

          Give Californians an understanding of the need, provide information on steps they can take to be more efficient, and offer appropriate incentives and they will take responsibility for preventing waste. Water reliability can be achieved through a combination of water use efficiency, new sources (including recycling and ocean desalination), additional storage, and better coordination among water agencies.

Sincerely,

Charles T. Gibson

President, Santa Margarita Water District

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in Latest News

SJCratehearing

San Juan Capistrano Rate Update

Posted on: July 13, 2023
NickSalbFamilyPhoto

We will miss our friend, Nick Salb

Posted on: November 10, 2021
SouthRanchLSsewerleak

Wastewater Leak in Coto de Caza

Posted on: November 10, 2021
SMWDLoveStory

Employee Spotlight: Rainy & Kenny

Posted on: November 3, 2021
SMWDcrewDucks

Duckling Rescue

Posted on: June 30, 2021
smwd.com-classes

Landscape Virtual Classes

Posted on: June 25, 2021
Ron Johnson

Employee Spotlight

Posted on: April 1, 2021
FrankUrySwornIntoOffice

Board Approves Lower Tax Rates

Posted on: September 10, 2020
SMWDpreparedphoto

Water Service During a Power Outage

Posted on: October 9, 2019
FrankUrySwornIntoOffice

Frank Ury Appointed to Board of Directors

Posted on: September 5, 2019
last 24 hours

Water Levels Rise by 43 Million Gallons

Posted on: February 20, 2019

2018 Year In Review

Posted on: January 16, 2019
paying bills

Having financial difficulties?

Posted on: January 28, 2019
World-Toilet-Day_ss_505630750

World Toilet Day

Posted on: November 19, 2018
Nov Dec On Tap cover

On Tap Newsletter Now Available

Posted on: November 1, 2018
ImagineADayWithoutWater

Imagine a Day Without Water

Posted on: October 10, 2018
WaterProfessionalsAppreciationWeek

Meet the Faces + Places of SMWD

Posted on: October 6, 2018
Upper Chiquita Reservoir

Ready to Respond in an Emergency

Posted on: September 13, 2018
BloodDrive7-18-18

District to Host Blood Drive

Posted on: July 10, 2018