The Most Important Water Issue

By Mary Ann (Harvey) Melleby

The most important water issue in our state, region and here locally is to ensure that our water supplies are of high quality, are available to us, that they are reliable and affordable + both now and for generations to come.

To further complicate these conditions, the ecosystem in the San Joaquin Sacramento River Delta, through which fresh water travels before it is sent to the California Aqueduct and southern California, is in crisis. Crumbling levees, fish species dying off and saltwater intrusion cause this source of our water supply to be less reliable. In August 2007, a court ruling reduced the amount of water pumped from the Delta to protect a fish species.

Why is this important to us in the Pass? The San Gorgonio Pass Water Agency is one of 29 California agencies that use this water source. It is used to replenish the groundwater basin that local agencies rely on to provide potable water to its customers. The question remains + will that supply be available? State water administrators, including the Governor, and the legislature are dealing with the state's water crisis and put forth a long-term fix to restoring the Delta. Until then, pumping restrictions will continue to occur during the coming years.

While our groundwater supplies in the Pass will be sufficient in the near term, we will need to protect our aquifers to sustain growth and to ensure they are sustainable for use by future generations + particularly if precipitation levels continue to be at low levels. We need to use the supplies from the State Water Project, as they are available, for beneficial use and to continue efforts to increase our capacity to accept our full allotment from the State Water Project.

At the current time, preparation for construction of facilities are underway that include six miles of new 72 and 78-inch diameter pipelines, a new 560 acre-foot Citrus Reservoir, a new pumping station, expansion of Crafton Hills Reservoir, expansion of the existing Crafton Hills Pump Station and installation of an additional pump at the Cherry Valley Pump Station.

Other strategies will be needed to stretch our available water supplies. Water providers are looking to increase use of recycled water. Storm water capture is another important strategy, and we all need to step up our efforts in using water as efficiently as possible and to avoid wasting water + our most precious natural resource. All these strategies will be necessary to stretch our water supplies. Looking out to the future, additional water supply will be needed in the Pass area to support anticipated growth. The Pass Water Agency Board of Directors adopted a five-year strategic plan that addresses both current and future water supply needs.

With my experience in working in the water industry and the knowledge of the issues, I will work diligently to address these challenges as they affect our communities and to be part of a team effort to achieve future sustainability.