CONSERVATION
Untitled Page
The state of Orange County's water supply
Grand Jury's report outlines startling findings, recommendations for local agencies.
By Kristen SchottPublished: September 17, 2009 11:12 AM
Photo courtesy of FotoliaThe region's water supply is at risk of long-term failures from disasters, and action should be taken immediately to minimize the risk, according to the O.C. Grand Jury's "Paper Water" report, which was sent to local agencies in June and required a response by today. Among the most striking findings: The water supply infrastructure used by both O.C. and the state is suffering from "a deplorable state of disrepair and neglect."
But the reported also lauded Orange County's groundwater resources because of the area's work to secure and maintain them. The report calls the region's groundwater aquifer "the envy" of many struggling areas throughout the nation.
The agency took a look at how Orange County's cities, water districts, residents and businesses are preparing for what the report calls a "profound redistribution" of the water away from the region, which could lower the quality of life in years to come. Here's a breakdown of some of the results, as well as responses from five cities and Irvine Ranch Water District.
Finding 1: "There is inadequate coordination between local land-use planning agencies and local water supply agencies, resulting in a process that fails to fully engage the issues."
Anaheim, Santa Ana, San Juan Capistrano and Mission Viejo officials disagree. Anaheim, for example, says that the city's Planning Department works closely to manage its land-use planning projects with the Public Utilities Department. The IRWD also believes the findings are incorrect. Costa Mesa calls its efforts to work with water districts "adequate."
Finding 2(a): "Orange County's citizens and interest groups do not appear to grasp the seriousness of the water supply situation or the complexity and urgency of the necessary solutions."
Anaheim and San Juan Capistrano officials agree with this statement. Anaheim believes that public awareness of water-related issues fall lower than other environmental concerns, and it lists a number of actions it is undertaking to increase understanding – including its DON'T BE A WATER WASTER, BE WATER WISE program.
San Juan has also implemented initiatives to up public interest in the system, though it is still not a large priority among residents. Some of San Juan's actions include a media campaign and a partnership with other South O.C. agencies called the Tri-City Water Savers.
NEXT PAGE >>
Related headlines
UC Irvine nets $2 million to become renewable energy lab
Natural gas-fueled trucks set to replace diesel vehicles at 2 Southern California ports
Aliso Viejo-based WePower reins in the wind
OC METRO, September issue: 'Huntington Beach's Green Expo'
Readers Feedback:
I definitely believe that the people should contribute to this issue. Many of us are not informed of the 'water shortage' and keep using water with no regret. It's essential that the counties take action and inform the people of distinct ways that they can cooperate I.E. t.v. commercials, newspapers, news channels etc. This way people will be more cautious and limited when it comes to water usage.
Comment at 9/17/2009
|
||||
|
Photo courtesy of Fotolia But the reported also lauded Orange County's groundwater resources because of the area's work to secure and maintain them. The report calls the region's groundwater aquifer "the envy" of many struggling areas throughout the nation. The agency took a look at how Orange County's cities, water districts, residents and businesses are preparing for what the report calls a "profound redistribution" of the water away from the region, which could lower the quality of life in years to come. Here's a breakdown of some of the results, as well as responses from five cities and Irvine Ranch Water District. Finding 1: "There is inadequate coordination between local land-use planning agencies and local water supply agencies, resulting in a process that fails to fully engage the issues." Anaheim, Santa Ana, San Juan Capistrano and Mission Viejo officials disagree. Anaheim, for example, says that the city's Planning Department works closely to manage its land-use planning projects with the Public Utilities Department. The IRWD also believes the findings are incorrect. Costa Mesa calls its efforts to work with water districts "adequate." Finding 2(a): "Orange County's citizens and interest groups do not appear to grasp the seriousness of the water supply situation or the complexity and urgency of the necessary solutions." Anaheim and San Juan Capistrano officials agree with this statement. Anaheim believes that public awareness of water-related issues fall lower than other environmental concerns, and it lists a number of actions it is undertaking to increase understanding – including its DON'T BE A WATER WASTER, BE WATER WISE program. San Juan has also implemented initiatives to up public interest in the system, though it is still not a large priority among residents. Some of San Juan's actions include a media campaign and a partnership with other South O.C. agencies called the Tri-City Water Savers. NEXT PAGE >> Related headlines UC Irvine nets $2 million to become renewable energy lab Natural gas-fueled trucks set to replace diesel vehicles at 2 Southern California ports Aliso Viejo-based WePower reins in the wind OC METRO, September issue: 'Huntington Beach's Green Expo' |
||||
Readers Feedback:
I definitely believe that the people should contribute to this issue. Many of us are not informed of the 'water shortage' and keep using water with no regret. It's essential that the counties take action and inform the people of distinct ways that they can cooperate I.E. t.v. commercials, newspapers, news channels etc. This way people will be more cautious and limited when it comes to water usage.
| Comment at 9/17/2009 |
