We need to find ways to provide more of our own water

By LUCY DUNN
President, Orange County Business Council

California is in the midst of an escalating water crisis, and it is imperative that Orange County develop a variety of technologies and techniques to ensure its long-term water supplies.

Orange County is known for its innovation in water. Recent success stories include Orange County’s own groundwater replenishment systems, using reclaimed water for a variety of agriculture and landscaping purposes, a well-established track record of conservation and solid investment in seawater desalination technology.

That being said, the state’s water supply systems are in jeopardy, and Orange County must continue to improve necessary water resources to ensure the county’s economic vitality and quality of life. Most recently, the California Department of Water Resources announced that it may initially provide Southern California only 15 percent of the water from the State Water Project in the coming year. In the words of one local water official, this announcement means water rationing will be “a lot more likely.”

Persistent drought, another predicted La Niña weather pattern system, low reservoir levels and court-ordered restrictions on pumping from the Sacramento Delta have all played a role in the reduction of Orange County’s water supply. Seemingly, the days of ample and reliable water from the north are gone. Most folks may not even know where the Delta is, but this critical source plays a significant role on our own water supply.

For Orange County, this reality is sobering because water resources managed by state and regional agencies account for 50 percent of our overall yearly water supply. Just like America’s relationship with foreign oil, we are dependent on others for a large portion of this basic element of life – water.

The county’s leading water experts are pushing ahead with innovative efforts to protect and extend our existing water sources and develop new, abundant water sources. Among the efforts:

•The Orange County Water District was recently awarded the Stockholm Industry Water Award for the development of the Orange County Sanitation District Groundwater Replenishment (GWR) system. The GWR system diverts and purifies treated waste water before returning it to the groundwater basin.

•The county’s Municipal Water District has developed and managed rebate programs to encourage high-efficiency usage in homes and businesses.

•Wastewater reclamation projects that capture, clean and redirect used water to landscaping and agriculture.

•The Dana Point Desalination Project, a publicly funded operation, enables the conversation of seawater to drinking water.

•Huntington Beach has approved the construction of a large-scale, privately funded seawater desalination facility, currently awaiting its final two permits from the California Costal Commission and State Lands Commission. A similar desalination facility in San Diego County was recently approved by these commissions.

•Anaheim’s Center for New and Emerging Technologies is offer a $25,000 scholarship to Cal State Fullerton students for an innovative business plan on new water technology.

A recent public opinion survey demonstrates the public’s appreciation for innovative water-supply solutions. In fact, 72 percent believe seawater desalination in Orange County is a “good idea,” and 76 percent specifically support the proposed Huntington Beach desalination facility.

There can be no doubt that Orange County and Southern California as a whole will be facing potential tough water restrictions in the coming year. We must join with our local water agencies as they develop and manage innovative solutions by both public and private sources that will ensure Orange County has the water it needs to prosper into the future.