(May 31, 2007) A California Chamber of Commerce policy advocate is part of an advisory committee that is helping develop a roadmap for managing California’s water resources.
The state Department of Water Resources (DWR) recently appointed Valerie Nera, CalChamber policy advocate for agriculture, resources and privacy, to the California Water Plan Update 2009 Public Advisory Committee.
The California Water Plan is the state's strategic plan for managing water resources statewide. It is updated every five years, as required by the California Water Code, and is a key element in the Governor's Strategic Growth Plan.
The water system that contributed to California’s emergence as one of the world’s major economic powers is faltering. Existing facilities are barely able to meet current public demands. Over the next 25 years, demand for water statewide will grow between 2 million and 6 million acre-feet, yet California is a dry winter or two away from a drought and subsequent water rationing for parts of the state.
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| Valerie Nera |
Advisory committee members include representatives from business, agriculture, environmental interests, local government, and land use planning, citizens’ organizations, recreation, agricultural and urban water suppliers, water use efficiency and water quality, and watershed and flood plain management.
Water Plan Update 2009 will be developed in a collaborative process with broad public input, and multiple opportunities for participation. In addition to the meetings of the advisory committee, regional workshops and forums focusing on regional water issues and management strategies will be held several times a year. The Statewide Water Analysis Network (SWAN), a voluntary network of scientists and engineers from the public, private and non-governmental sectors, will hold public workshops on technical topics. Through the regional workshops and public meetings, people can follow the water plan process and provide input.
The last update, released in 2005, outlined two key initiatives: Promote integrated regional water management through regional partnerships and diversified management strategies, and maintain and improve statewide water management systems. Update 2009 will track and report progress on action plan items and initiatives, and present actual statewide water uses and supplies for water years 1998-2005. The potential impacts of climate change will also be addressed.
For the first time, DWR will also partner with 16 other state agencies to guide the development of the Water Plan Update. This state agency steering committee will ensure the incorporation of water issues, initiatives, and information from other state agencies into the plan.
A two-day public meeting is set for June 4-5 in Sacramento to orient members to their assignments, review the 2005 plan, evaluate policy positions and investigate key topics associated with the 2009 update. The meeting is at the Double Tree Hotel, located at 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento.
Plans for regional workshops in eight cities this summer and a regional forum will be announced soon. The first plenary meeting is scheduled for October 22-23 in Sacramento. All meetings are open to the public.
For more information on the California Water Plan, visit the DWR website at: www.waterplan.water.ca.gov.
Staff Contact: Valerie Nera