California sets ambitious water supply targets amid crisis

In a recent government meeting, discussions centered around Senate Bill 366, which aims to establish ambitious water supply targets for California and modernize the state's water management planning document. The urgency of this initiative was underscored by alarming findings from the Department of Water Resources, which projects a 23% reduction in the state water project’s supply over the next two decades due to climate change.

Research from the University of California further highlights the potential loss of up to 9 million acre-feet of water by 2050, raising significant concerns about agricultural sustainability. Estimates suggest that between 500,000 to 1 million acres of agricultural land may need to be taken out of production due to water shortages, particularly affecting rural areas.

The bill's sponsor emphasized collaboration with the Department of Water Resources to amend the legislation, aiming to mitigate implementation costs while addressing concerns raised by the water board. Recent technical amendments proposed by the water board are currently under review and could lead to substantial cost reductions.

The committee was urged to support SB 366, which is seen as a critical step in ensuring California's water supply for the future amidst growing environmental challenges.