California’s water system faces a funding drought: New PPIC report says resources and reforms needed

New PPIC Report highlights the resources and reforms needed for rural communities, flood protection, stormwater pollution, and aquatic ecosystems

From the Public Policy Institute of California:

glass of water“California faces critical funding gaps in five key areas of water management, according to a report released today by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC). These areas include safe drinking water in small, disadvantaged communities; flood protection; management of stormwater and other polluted runoff; aquatic ecosystem management; and integrated water management.

The report identifies the overall funding gap in these five areas at $2 billion to $3 billion annually. Filling this gap would require a spending increase of 7–10 percent—or $150 to $230 per household—for a water system with annual spending of more than $30 billion.

“Our water challenges seem daunting, but this is a fixable problem,” said Ellen Hanak, PPIC senior fellow and one of the authors of the report. “With a bold, concerted effort by state and local leaders, Californians can sustainably manage this critical resource—despite increasing water scarcity, population growth, and climate change.” … “

Photo credit:  Glass of water by Greg Riegler Photography.

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