Last month, Gov. Gavin Newsom stood on a bone-dry lakebed in Northern California and announced the state is experiencing drought conditions again. Thus far, the most severe conditions are in specific northern watersheds such as the Russian and Klamath river basins. In the San Diego region, investments in diversifying water sources, conserving and recycling have enhanced resiliency to drought conditions.
Why should San Diegans care about dry conditions?
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Croucher
is chair of the Water Authority’s Board of Directors, and lives in Rancho San Diego.
Increasingly ominous signs suggest that we are entering another multiyear drought in California. The State Water Project recently reduced projected water deliveries for 2021 from 10 percent of requested supplies to 5 percent, and on April 21, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a regional drought emergency in the Russian River watershed in Northern California.
But it’s a different story in San Diego County.
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“The Senate’s proposed drought package will help ensure safe and affordable drinking water for all Californians who are most at risk during drought and makes significant investments in proven water supply solutions, like improving water use efficiency and water recycling. This package steers California in the right direction as we face dry conditions this year and prepare for more frequent and severe droughts as a result of climate change.” Tracy Quinn
, Director of California Urban Water Policy at the Natural Resources Defense Council
“We applaud Senate President Pro Tem Atkins for bringing a comprehensive drought package to the Legislature that recognizes the critical needs people and nature are confronting in California right now,” said Jay Ziegler, Policy Director for The Nature Conservancy. “The budget plan will help ensure that safe, affordable drinking water is available to all Californians, while also providing immediate investments in science to measure droug
April 29, 2021
“Green Bonds” promote environmental and fiscal sustainability The San Diego County Water Authority this month completed a series of bond refundings that will save ratepayers $48 million – the latest in a long series of debt refinancing moves that help reduce the cost of critical water infrastructure investments. The savings from the refinancing of Series 2021S-1 (Green Bonds) and Series 2021B (Green Bonds) were supported by continued strong credit ratings issued in March. Green bonds are designated to encourage sustainability and to support clean water, sustainable water management and other environmental projects. “The Water Authority continues to navigate complex challenges, including the pandemic, to benefit the San Diego region’s ratepayers with lower borrowing costs,” said Water Authority Board Chair Gary Croucher. “Our experienced management team is saving money for water users while also promoting environmental sustain