Protecting California's Water Future:

Responding to Existing Challenges and Focusing on Long-Term Resilience and Conservation

Key Speakers

Doug Parker, Director, California Institute for Water Resources

Kevin Hardy, Executive Director, National Water Research Institute

Michelle Banonis, Assistant Chief Deputy Director, California Department of Water Resources

Bruce Reznik, Executive Director, LA Waterkeeper

Tracy Quinn, California Director of Water Efficiency, NRDC

Overview

While Governor Jerry Brown declared an official end to the drought on April 7, 2017, significant challenges remain in terms of responding to California’s water shortages in the long-term, not only because water has been a scare resource in the state, but also because the unpredictable and often extreme nature of California’s climate make it difficult to plan and prepare effectively.

Recognising the importance of long-term conservation, in May 2016 the Governor issued Executive Order B-37-16, designed to reinforce the state’s climate and drought resilience. This Order directs five state (EO) agencies (the Department of Water Resources, the State Water Resources Control Board, the California Public Utilities Commission, the California Department of Food and Agriculture, and the California Energy Commission) to establish a long-term water conservation framework that increases the collective resiliency of California communities against climate and drought. In addition, the California Water Action Plan, of which this conservation framework is part, was introduced in 2014 (and updated in 2016) as “the roadmap to put California on a path to sustainable water management.” It focuses on achieving three main goals: reliability, restoration and resilience. 

More recently, the issue of resilience and conservation has been addressed in the final report, Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life, published in April 2017 and detailing the implementation of Executive Order B-37-16. Building on the successful water conservation following the mandatory restriction of 25% imposed by the Governor in June 2015, the report aims to “establish long-term water conservation measures.” The Order provides four inter-related objectives as part of establishing these measures: using water more wisely; eliminating water waste; strengthening local drought resilience and improving agricultural water use efficiency and drought planning. Significantly, the Order also introduces new targets that must now be met by the state’s 409 urban water suppliers and requires the publication of water shortage contingency plans, including an annual water budget forecast.

This timely symposium offers all those involved in water resources, management, conservation and sustainability, as well as environmental specialists and other stakeholders the chance to come together to discuss ways to overcome existing challenges in preparing for and responding to the state’s extreme climate variability. Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore strategies for effective resource management and will assess the progress made in realising the goals of the California Water Action Plan, in particular Making Water Conservation a California Way of Life and ultimately considering what more can be done in the future.  

Delegates will:

• Assess the progress made toward achieving the goals set out in the California Water Plan
• Understand the role of state-wide agencies in responding to the challenges facing California and leading the state in drought planning and conservation
• Discuss how to prepare effectively for future droughts to minimise challenges and reduce the long-term damage to the environment
• Evaluate the impact of drought on agricultural production and consider ways to improve agricultural water use
• Review the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and examine how to manage water resources efficiently
• Learn ways to promote partnership and collaboration to improve drought resilience in every local community
• Consider the next steps for the future of long-term conservation and discuss the recommendations of the Water Conservation a California Way of Life report
• Have the opportunity to share best practice and engage with colleagues on the ways to overcome the most significant challenges in securing California’s water future

Program

Who Should Attend?