California unveils water plan to combat extreme weather events

California Construction News Staff Writer

In a bid to fortify the state against extreme weather patterns, California has released a plan to bolster water supplies and enhance storage capacities. The updated California Water Plan emphasizes watershed-scale planning as the cornerstone for ensuring resilient resources.

The plan was released at the same time as a snow survey reported 64 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 27.5 inches, figures exceeding 113 percent of the average for the location and surpassing overall expectations.

“In the past few years alone, we’ve gone from extreme drought to some of the most intense rain and snow seasons on record – showcasing the need for us to constantly adapt to how we manage our water supplies,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement

Since the last Water Plan, California has implemented several measures, including a Flood-Managed Aquifer Recharge program aimed at improving water capture and storage.

Also, the state’s Water Resilience Portfolio and Water Supply Strategy outlines 142 actions to safeguard water supplies from climate impacts, while the latter aims to offset potential losses due to hotter and drier weather by 2040.

Over the past three years, California has invested nearly $9 billion in water projects, expanding water supply and storage through groundwater recharge initiatives and other endeavors, totaling over 400 billion gallons.

Also, efforts to streamline projects and reduce litigation delays have spurred development of new and improved water infrastructure.

The state’s commitment to environmental restoration has also been evident, with projects such as the removal of four dams from the Klamath River, marking the nation’s largest dam removal initiative.

During recent storms, projects like the Delta Conveyance Project and Sites Reservoir Project could have significantly augmented water reserves, potentially benefiting millions of households across the state.