New PPIC Report highlights the resources and reforms needed for rural communities, flood protection, stormwater pollution, and aquatic ecosystems
From the Public Policy Institute of California:
“California faces critical funding gaps in five key areas of water management, according to a report released today by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC). These areas include safe drinking water in small, disadvantaged communities; flood protection; management of stormwater and other polluted runoff; aquatic ecosystem management; and integrated water management.
The report identifies the overall funding gap in these five areas at $2 billion to $3 billion annually. Filling this gap would require a spending increase of 7–10 percent—or $150 to $230 per household—for a water system with annual spending of more than $30 billion.
“Our water challenges seem daunting, but this is a fixable problem,” said Ellen Hanak, PPIC senior fellow and one of the authors of the report. “With a bold, concerted effort by state and local leaders, Californians can sustainably manage this critical resource—despite increasing water scarcity, population growth, and climate change.” … “
- Click here to continue reading this press release at the PPIC website.
- Click here to download the report.
- Click here for more information and to register for the related event on April 10.
Photo credit: Glass of water by Greg Riegler Photography.
