Does California have a “Strategic Water Reserve”?
The United States maintains a strategic petroleum reserve administered by the Department of Energy. These oil reserves are owned by the federal government and stored in secure underground salt caverns along the coastlines of Texas and Louisiana. The government utilizes the reserves to alleviate supply challenges caused by weather, natural disasters, and political conflicts, among other unpredictable circumstances.
I suspect that if you asked a resident of California to guess the capacity of our state’s water reserve, you would come back with a wide range of answers … all likely above zero. And all of those answers would be reasonable given the ongoing water conservation efforts in the state.
Everyone in California is aware of the necessity of water. So, it makes sense that there would be a large reserve, right?
Surprisingly, the correct answer is zero. California is the largest agricultural producer in the nation, home to nearly 40 million people, and the 5th largest economy in the world. I was shocked to learn that we do not have a water reserve at all. Water shortages are a continual threat to California’s population and a hindrance to its growth.
Fortunately for all Californians, there is a solution in the works.
The Quest for a Solution
I recently learned about the Water for All initiative through Senate Bill 366. The bill is authored by Senator Anna M. Caballero (D-Merced) and championed by leaders of water agencies, California Municipal Utilities Association, and other organizations across the state.
The bill has two main objectives:
- Establish long-term water supply targets for the State to achieve by specific deadlines.
- Update the requirement that state agencies develop a plan to achieve those targets.
These two components would be done in consultation with local water agencies, wastewater service providers and other stakeholders.
Water Agencies Taking the Lead
In the meantime, while legislative efforts are underway, some water agencies like Western Municipal are taking a step to build up their groundwater storage.
Taking advantage of the wet weather and anticipating future droughts, the Western Municipal Water District Board has green-lit a significant investment in its groundwater banking program. This move marks a pivotal step in bolstering the water supply for its customers.
“A water bank functions much like a personal savings account but for water. It allows us to stockpile surplus water underground, ready for withdrawal in times of need,” said Board President Mike Gardner. “During wetter seasons, we can recharge groundwater basins, effectively ‘depositing’ water. This stored water can be withdrawn during dry periods.”
How Much Water Should We Stockpile?
A helpful rule of thumb to note is that storing 5,000 acre-feet of water is sufficient to satisfy the indoor water needs of over 20,000 families of four annually, as mentioned in the announcement by Western Municipal.
Looking to the Future
As we stand at this crossroads, California’s path toward sound water resource management is becoming clearer. The Water for All initiative and SB 366 represent a visionary approach to securing California’s water future. They reflect a profound understanding that water is not just a resource, but a lifeline for communities, economies, and the environment.
The success of these initiatives will depend on the continued collaboration and commitment of state agencies, local governments, and communities. They are a call to action for every Californian to support and advocate for sustainable water practices.
In embracing these efforts, California is not just preparing for the next drought or dry season; we are setting a precedent for how states can proactively and thoughtfully manage our most critical resources. The story of California’s quest for a strategic water reserve is just beginning, and it promises to be a tale of resilience, ingenuity, and collective contribution.
A Call to Action
To learn more or get involved in California Water for All, visit CAWaterforAll.com and join here to support the effort.