Major reforms needed in California’s water management system

Only a broad, integrative approach will reverse the decline of California’s deteriorating water management system. This according to the book, “Managing California’s Water: From Conflict to Reconciliation”, which was written by experts from Univ. of Calif.-Davis, the Public Policy Institute of Calif., UC Riverside, UC Hastings College of the Law and Stanford Univ.
The book’s authors suggest several strategies to improve whole ecosystems, including: removing or pushing back levees to promote seasonal flooding, reducing contaminants, limiting introduction of invasive species, improving environmental performance of some dams and removing others altogether. Another key recommendation is to incorporate a wider range of tools to manage water supply, quality and flooding, beyond the current system of levees, dams, conveyance facilities and treatment plants.
A major weakness of California’s water system is fragmentation. Hundreds of local and regional agencies separately manage supply, quality, floods and habitat, according to the book. To avoid confusion and missed opportunities, the authors propose creating regional stewardship authorities on the scale of watersheds to coordinate functions.
On March 2, the book will be the subject of a Washington, D.C., seminar “Water Conflicts and Resolution: Economy vs. Environment?” that can be viewed in an online webcast at 12:45 pm. EST. Some of the book’s co-authors and others will discuss new approaches to balancing economic and environmental goals for water management.

Pictured: According to the book “Managing California’s Water: From Conflict to Reconciliation”, only a broad, integrative approach will reverse the decline of the state’s deteriorating water management system.