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May 30, 2024

The California State Association (CSAC), as part of the CA Water for All coalition, has released new research titled “The Magnitude of California’s Water Challenges.” Authored by Jay Lund (UC Davis), Josué Medellín-Azuara (UC Merced), and Alvar Escriva-Bou (UCLA), the study projects significant annual water supply losses for California, estimating that by 2050, the Golden State will lose between 4.6 and 9 million acre feet of water annually – equivalent to 10–20% of the current supply for California’s communities and farms.

This research supports the estimates in the Governor’s Water Supply Strategy and underscores the urgent need statewide statutory targets that extend beyond any single administration to create a sustainable, long-term water supply for all Californians, as outlined in SB 366 (Caballero).

“As water uses consistently change over time, our research points to future water supply losses from several changing conditions, a growing population, an expanding economy, increased needs for environmental uses, reduced Colorado River supply, and groundwater overdraft,” said Jay Lund, UC Davis. “Proper preparations and planning by the state, water providers, and all stakeholders will be critical to how California adapts to ongoing deficits and anticipated loss in supplies.”

Consequences of Continued Inaction:

 The research highlights several key consequences of failing to address California’s water supply challenges:

• Overall Water Supply Reduction: Increasing drought severity and rising costs to mitigate damages.
• Rising Costs for Cities and Towns: Due to the need to purchase or import water.
• Agricultural Impacts: Increased costs associated with fallowing farmland as agriculture shifts towards permanent crops – currently about a third of irrigated land in California.
• Urban and Agricultural Water Use:  The projected annual loss equates to 50-90% of statewide urban water use or between 1.5 and 3 million acres of irrigated farmland.

“The findings of this important research reinforce what the Governor and his Administration have asserted in their Water Supply Strategy, and calls for policymakers to take action to codify water supply targets capable of advancing policy solutions that will address and implement new approaches to modernizing water management and planning,” stated Danielle Blacet-Hyden, Deputy Executive Director of California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA). “As a proud co-sponsor of SB 366, and on behalf of our statewide coalition of more than 150 organizations, we are eager to continue our work this legislative session to pass much-needed legislation and establish clear and necessary targets to address the perpetual water supply threat that grows worse every year.”

Legislative Action

Without clearly defined water supply targets and strategic planning for necessary projects, California will continue to face devastating water shortages. SB 366 aims to secure an adequate water supply to support economic vitality, food security, reliable energy supplies, housing needs, environmental uses, water storage, and recreational activities.

“As a water manager on the frontlines every single day, this research underscores the critical importance of not just planning for long-term loss but also short-term, extreme drought. SB 366 accounts for an annual loss of 10 million acre feet, setting the target in statute, allowing policymakers, regulators, and water managers to work together on how to make up for this anticipated deficit”, stated Paul Cook, General Manager of Irvine Ranch Water District. “We are at a crossroads with our future water supply, we cannot afford to wait for the next crisis before making much-needed improvements in the system. The time to act is now to protect and support our future, the California economy, its environment, and our way of life.”

For more information contact Catherine Freeman, Senior Legislative Advocate at cfreeman@counties.org, or visit the CA Water for All website.  CA Water For All is a statewide effort made up of more than 150 organizations seeking to educate policymakers on the urgent need for a legislative solution to address California’s ongoing water supply challenges. We are focused on bringing together the water community, policymakers, and stakeholders to collaborate on ensuring Californians have a sustainable and reliable water supply for all beneficial uses now and for future generations. To learn more or become a supporter, visit www.CaWaterForAll.com.