State Legislators, Officials Debate California’s
Water Policy at Regional Water Forum

(SANTA ANA, Calif.) November 14, 2007 — From Sacramento to Orange County, water (or the lack thereof) is on everyone’s mind. With the special session of the California legislature coming to a close, state legislators are running out of time to reach a consensus on a comprehensive water reform for California’s aged and ailing water infrastructure. In fact, if agreement is not reached by the end of the week, many believe Californian’s will face the new year without prospects of improving the state’s fragile water system.

Left to right: Senator Dave Cogdill, Arthur Baggett, Senator Dick Ackerman, Assemblyman Jose Solorio

Yesterday, the Orange County Business Council, Southern California Water Committee and Santa Margarita Water District joined together to host a regional water forum at the DoubleTree Hotel in Santa Ana. More than one hundred business leaders, water agency representatives and elected officials attended the event, moderated by Senator Dick Ackerman. Panelists included Senator Dave Cogdill (R), Assembly Jose Solorio (D), and State Water Resources Control Board member Arthur Baggett.

“Hearing both the Republican and Democratic perspectives on forthcoming bond measures was very enlightening,” said John Schatz, General Manager of the Santa Margarita Water District. “Listening to the panelists, it’s easier to understand why it has been difficult for our elected representatives in Sacramento to reach a consensus about what’s best for California’s water future – and why it’s so critical that a consensus is reached soon, nonetheless.”

During the forum, Senator Cogdill’s comments were supportive of his $9 billion comprehensive water bill, the Water Supply Reliability Bond Act of 2008 – legislation that calls for increased surface storage, Delta restoration and a series of grants for specialized watersheds throughout the state. His proposal, backed by Governor Schwarzenegger, would fund the construction of new dams and reservoirs and would address the environmental concerns that now plague the Delta’s sensitive habitat.

“With a 6.5 earthquake up north, you folks in Southern California may be in dire straights if we don’t address our failing water infrastructure now,” said Senator Cogdill. “A comprehensive approach – one that includes new surface storage – is the only thing that makes sense. Senator Perata’s approach doesn’t go far enough to improve supply reliability throughout the state.”

Conversely, Assemblyman Jose Solorio backed the less expensive Democratic bill proposed by Senator Perata, focusing on conservation, recycling and environmental preservation.

“The main dispute between Republicans and Democrats is the need for additional water storage and expensive dams,” said Assemblyman Solorio. “Like my fellow Democrats, I have an issue with the State footing the bill for a large portion of proposed dam construction – facilities the benefit small segments of California’s vast population. We really need focus on reuse and conservation.”

Panelist Arthur Baggett offered no opinion regarding the political differences that were expressed by Cogdill and Solorio, but he did make remarks regarding the immediate need for additional state funding to improve the state’s conveyance and storage facilities.

“We know for a fact that we need to be prepared for the ramifications of climate change in the next 25 years,” said Baggett. “Combine the likelihood of a significant earthquake with rising sea levels, increasing frequency of radical storms and unpredictable snow packs and it’s easy to see that we need to plan ahead and make investments in infrastructure now.”

At the conclusion of the two hour event, a question and answer session was held. Some asked about the feasibility of near-term desalination while others voiced concern to panelists about the legislature’s lack of cooperation regarding critical water issues.

To great applause, Sam Johnson, board member at the Santa Margarita Water District stood from the crowd to address the panel with his remark, “It seems to me that you should stop bickering and get to work. Components of both the Republican and Democratic proposals are part of a comprehensive solution. Why don’t we just put one measure before the people so it’s clear that the water industry is serious about reform?” ______________________________________________________________________________

SMWD hosts a Water Forum annually to educate businesses and community leaders about the local impacts of regional water issues. This year’s forum was co-sponsored by the Southern California Water Committee and the Orange County Business Council.

SMWD is Orange County’s second-largest water district, serving a customer base of more than 150,000 residents and businesses in Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Las Flores and inland southern Orange County, including the communities of Ladera Ranch and Talega.

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