A welcome compromise on water

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein gave Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger some help with the state's water problems last week when she signed on to what the two are calling a "compromise" on California's water future.

The compromise is possible primarily because it doesn't mention dams, which had been a sticking point for legislators concerned about what dams might do to the environment. The proposal does, however, set money aside for "water storage" improvements that could include dams but might also include underground storage.


And this state desperately needs to secure more fresh water.

In a recent press release, Senator Feinstein said, correctly, that "California is facing an unprecedented water crisis. The combination of drought, court ordered water restrictions, global warming, and an increasing population has placed a major strain on the existing infrastructure. We need to prepare now for the future."

This paper has gone on the record in support of diversifying and improving Southern California's fresh water supply, including embracing seawater desalination, recycling and improved conservation as parts of a balanced approach to water.



"Increased water storage to ensure our water supply is more reliable year-to-year and we're able to capture excess water in wet years to use in dry years,

"Improved water conveyance to reduce water shortages.

"Restored Delta ecosystem to allow California to take control of its own water systems and

"Increased conservation and tools to use water more efficiently."


$2 billion for water supply reliability,

$1.9 billion for Delta sustainability,

$3 billion for statewide water system operational improvement,

$1.335 billion for conservation and watershed protection,

$800 million for groundwater protection and water quality and

$250 million for water recycling.

In her press release statement Senator Feinstein said, "The goal of this plan is to break the long-standing stalemate over water."

Certainly there will be haggling over this proposal, and likely there will be some changes made before any bond issue makes it before the people. That is as it should be, but the goal of breaking California's water stalemate is a worthy one, and the legislature should embrace it.





