Main Issues

Planning For The Future

As we enter into our 8th, year of drought, SCV Water continues to use long-term resource planning to guarantee that water supplies are available to meet current and future water needs.

Growing Community Needs For Water

THE $64,000 QUESTION –WHY ARE NEW HOMES STILL BEING BUILT WHEN WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF A DROUGHT??

There is a MISCONCEPTION among many in the community that the SCV Water Agency can determine the future growth of our valley by just refusing to provide water to new developments.  The Water Agency is a public agency just like the Electric Company and the Gas Company.  It is up to the Santa Clarita City Council and the County of Los Angeles to approve all new developments.  It is the responsibility and OBLIGATION BY LAW then for the SCW Water Agency to find and provide the water for these new developments.  That is why qualified water professionals are essential to provide for the current water needs of our community and to plan for all future growth.

HOW IS THE SCV WATER AGENCY ABLE TO PROVIDE FOR THESE WATER NEEDS?

Over the years, the Water Agency has developed a diverse portfolio of water supplies.  In addition to our own groundwater and the imported water that we receive from the state, I have supported the banking of excess water in the Central Valley.  This water can be used in dry years to supplement our local supplies.  Using foresight, in the early 90’s the Agency purchased an 8600 acre farm in the Central Valley and we are able to also use this water in dry years.

We’re also currently partnering with Water Agencies in Northern California to build a new reservoir which will give us additional supplies. Building relationships for these kinds of projects do not happen overnight.  I have worked my entire 40 year career with Water Agencies all over the state to help build those personal relationships.

Bringing water to the Santa Clarita Valley is a complicated process and it is essential that the Agency has resource experts to accomplish this. It also takes an experienced Board with vision to plan for the future water needs of our community. With over 40 years of experience working in the water industry I am ready, willing and able to continue to provide that leadership on our Board.

DROUGHT PREPAREDNESS

We are now in the 8^th year of extreme drought and 2021 was one of the driest years on record across the state. Recent scientific three-ring studies indicate that this is the driest period in 1200 years.  The planning that the SCV Water Agency has done continues to get us through this period without significant water shortage.

Precipitation

• Local rainfall for 2021 was less than 3” through October (the average would have been 11” for the same time frame).
• Statewide, the snowpack last year was at zero% of average

Reservoir Levels

• The State Water Project reservoirs are experiencing historic lows, with many at half or less of their average levels.

Weather

• Our water supplies have been impacted by weather and climate changes. While droughts are usually short-term, climate change is changing the picture and is having a major effect on snowpack in the Northern Sierras.

Despite these drought conditions, SCV Water has built our water supply portfolio to include a variety of sources to draw on. In addition, continued commitment to water conservation is helping to conserve this valuable resource.  SCV Water offers numerous rebates to residents and businesses to help save water with turf replacement incentives, smart controllers, and more. Water-wise programs are regularly offered along with water-saving gardening tips.