Although water seems limitless and is for the most part taken for granted, it is not an absolute certainty that where settlement occurs, water will follow. This fact has not escaped water experts and decision-makers, who realize the many competing needs for a precious resource that has no substitute.

As California heads toward a future of further population growth, a number of factors have to be considered as agencies look to accommodate the increasing demand.

In addition to the growth itself, other variables such as climate change, environmental conflicts and aging infrastructure could affect the future reliability of the state’s water supplies. Recognizing the era of big projects has past, state and local officials have turned to a new supply paradigm that emphasizes regionally developed supply alternatives and the need for innovative approaches that accentuate the opportunities offered by conjunctive management.

This issue is discussed in DWR’s update to the State Water Plan, which can be viewed at water.ca.gov/Programs/California-Water-Plan.

The process is understandably challenging and requires at least as much energy, enthusiasm and vision that enabled pioneers to tap the water supply potential of this vast state.

Learn About Your Watershed

Visit this U.S. EPA web site to learn more about the surface water resources in your region, watersgeo.epa.gov/mywaterway/search.html