Recycled Water is One Part of the Solution to Drought
News headlines across the state are warning us that California may be in the grip of its most significant water crisis in its history.
North Bay Water Recycling Program Is One Part of the Solution.
Here is how the California Department of Water Resources Describes the Drought Crisis:
California is facing the most significant water crisis in its history. After experiencing two years of drought and the driest spring in recorded history, water reserves are extremely low. http://www.water.ca.gov/drought/
Drought Impacts at a Glance
- California and the North Bay region are entering a third year of drought in 2009, following the driest spring in recorded history last year
- Water reserves are extremely low in Lake Mendocino and Lake Sonoma. Lake Mendocino may be out of water by mid-summer. Up to 50% mandatory rationing may be needed in parts of Sonoma and Marin Counties. Napa is also be affected by limited surface water supplies, and falling groundwater levels in some areas are impacting the region.
- Court restrictions on water from the Delta reduced supplies from state’s water systems by 20% to 30% and the Delta ecosystem has been described as near collapse.
- The specific impacts of global warming locally are unknown but add uncertainty and concern about future water supply reliability. Reduction in snow runoff from the Sierra has already been measured due to global warming
North Bay Water Recycling Program an Important Part of the Solution
- Recycled water provides reliable irrigation water for parks, golf courses, school grounds, other public landscaping, vineyards, agricultural uses, as well as for restoration of wetland habitat and improved stream flows for riparian habitat and fisheries recovery
- Recycled water is proven safe and growing rapidly in popularity. Over 180 cities and communities are using recycled water throughout California with many located throughout the North Bay. San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park has been irrigated with recycled water since 1932.
- A warming climate may further stress water supplies, and the North Bay Water Recycling Program can help. Reusing our water instead of disposing it is the most efficient use of this critical resource. Recycled water uses less energy and has lower carbon footprint than potable supplies.
- NBWRA’s cooperative approach lowers costs and increases access to federal and state grant funds. Already $1.25 million in federal grants have been received and up to $25 million more have been applied for.