After meeting with Governor Jerry Brown yesterday to discuss statewide drought conditions and water management actions, Metropolitan Water District General Manager Jeff Kightlinger had this to say:
“The dry conditions facing California are unprecedented, and this region stands united with the governor in supporting his call for a statewide approach to a statewide problem. His message shows that California must be serious about addressing its short- and long-term water problems.
We recognize the importance of approaching this challenge as one state with a common purpose. Metropolitan plans to respond in the coming weeks with the following proposed water management actions in consultation with the leadership of our Board of Directors:
- Declaring a formal water supply alert that embraces the governor’s call on all Californians to voluntarily reduce water use by 20 percent.
- Doubling Metropolitan’s conservation budget from $20 million to $40 million to provide more incentives for reducing water use.
- Exploring all achievable means to utilize Metropolitan’s water and other resources to help address water supply challenges elsewhere in the state.
Southern California water agencies have aimed to make conservation a local way of life. The city of Los Angeles, as a shining example, has maintained mandatory conservation measures since 2009. But what the state is facing right now is truly unprecedented. Southern California must continue to lead by example and partner with the rest of the state by all means feasible.”
