RIVERSIDE, CA – As California faces a historic water supply crisis on a level never seen before, Governor Newsom released an updated proposal to modernize the water delivery infrastructure in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) to improve the flow of water to and through the State Water Project (SWP). The SWP delivers water supply to farms, businesses, and 27 million residents – serving two-thirds of the state from the Bay Area to San Diego.

What is the Delta Conveyance Water Project?

The newest proposed option for the Delta Conveyance Water Project includes the construction of two intake facilities in the north Delta, one below ground tunnel to bring water from the new intakes to the Bethany Reservoir, which lies on the California Aqueduct. This project is designed to better store and manage water supply during wet years for use in dry years. In addition, the project could help safeguard against earthquake damage that could cut off this vital water supply.

The proposed option has been refined and redesigned to avoid and reduce local impacts on Delta communities and address environmental concerns.

Why is this important to Western customers?

Two-thirds of California’s water supply originates from the Sierra Nevada Mountain snowmelt captured in the Delta. The State Water Project helps deliver water from the Delta to areas around the state, including Western’s service area.

Why are we hearing about this now?

The Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) has been released and is now available for public review and comment. As roughly 60 percent of the water supply that supports our retail and wholesale customers must come through the SWP, Western encourages our customers to visit the Draft EIR website to learn more about the proposed project and the public review process.

In addition, three virtual public hearings will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 13 from 9 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 22 from 12 to 2 p.m., and Wednesday, Sept. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.