More about the Imported Water Problem

Southern California's Water Storage Levels Are Low!

Perfect Storm of
Water Supply Problems

In recent years, we have experienced a three-pronged hit to water supplies that is causing a statewide water crisis, making imported supplies less and less reliable and more and more costly:

First, a statewide drought—three straight years of below-average rainfall and low snowmelt runoff.
Second, legal restrictions on pumping of imported water from the Northern California Delta.
Third, increased demand from a growing population in Southern California is expected to lead to a supply shortage equal to the amount needed by 3 million households for a year.

Historically, groundwater was the primary water supply for this region but over time, imported water became the major water source providing for 60% of the area's water needs.

Foothill Municipal Water District takes delivery of supplies from Metropolitan Water District of Southern California near the Rose Bowl, pumps it to local water providers who in turn deliver it to homes, businesses, parks, schools and other water users. Metropolitan receives those supplies from the Colorado River and Northern California.

Reserves Almost Gone

Over the past three drought years, we have been avoiding mandatory restrictions in water use because Metropolitan Water District has been able to draw down water in reserves. But those reserves are nearly gone.

What makes this water shortage unique and worrisome is how the regulatory restrictions in the Delta will prevent water agencies throughout the state from adequately replenishing their water reserves when wetter conditions return.

A Growing Population

Another factor in water supply reliability is that as the population in Southern California continues to grow, so does the demand for water. Water demand over the next 30 years will increase by about one million acre-feet.

Already, Metropolitan's supply gap has grown to 1.5 million acre-feet during dry years, enough water to supply 3 million households. Climate change could cause an even greater water supply gap.

As a result we can expect imported water supplies to cost more and more in the future and be less and less reliable.

The long-term message about imported water from Metropolitan Water District and the state is clear: use less and pay more.

Foothill Municipal Water District is Taking Action

In light of these conditions, Foothill is taking steps to increase local water supply reliability and make our communities less dependent on imported water supplies.

The three-part water supply solution for long-term water independence is developing recycled water in our service area, capturing, storing, then using stormwater from the canyons and intensifying water conservation programs.

Developing new local water supplies will provide a reliable water source to make up some of the imported water losses.

These actions will help the Foothill area meet water supply needs and the Governor's mandate of reducing water use by 20% by 2020.