A New Approach to the California Water Shortage

Water needs far outpace supply in Southern California. The large urban population is concentrated in an arid area which does not receive the enough rainfall to meet the high demands. To solve this problem, the state and localities are considering both conservation and production.

Conservation policies usually involve punishment for excess water use. During the 2008 drought in southern California, state government stepped in and enforced emergency water conservation policies. Local government is closer to the problem, however, and can enforce policies even in non-emergency situations. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power is starting a new system which penalizes those who do not conserve water with extra fees. Financial policies are most effective, because enforcement is consistent. Even with conservation, water demands are rising. Government cannot focus on these policies alone.

California is not entirely arid. By rearranging resources, the state can nearly meet its demands. The California State Water Project is a complex water delivery system which transfers water from reservoirs to urban southern California. Imports are responsible for 1/3 of water used in the region. The delivery system is not generally reliable, however. Despite a slight rise in 2009, recent drought has caused a significant drop in deliveries – sometimes amounting to only 20% of contracts. Delivery is not sustainable, with open channels losing water to evaporation.

A ground-breaking new solution is being employed in Orange County. A groundwater replenishment system (GWR) filters waste water and inserts it into the ground water system. The purification process includes reverse osmosis, microfiltration, and advanced oxidation treatment with ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide. The triple process ensures that final water quality above both state and federal standards. The water is then put into the ground water. By replenishing groundwater, ocean water is kept out of the groundwater basin, keeping the drinking supply pure. The water eventually percolates into aquifers used for drinking water. This sustainable waste water treatment system won the American Society of Civil Engineers’ 2009 Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement, for its innovation in civil engineering as well as its contribution to the community. The project has both economic and environmental benefits, embracing principles of Orange County’s comprehensive plan.

Local planning is increasingly becoming the most effective way to deal with this environmental issue. The people hold local government responsible for supplying them with water at a reasonable price. It is hopeful that local governments are considering sustainability when dealing with the water shortage. The traditional solution of importing water is too costly and inefficient to remain viable in the future.