By Gavin Newsom. Ethnic Media Services.
California's climate has changed. We are experiencing more extreme weather: higher temperatures, longer and more severe droughts, worsening wildfires and dangerous flash floods. This is happening not only in California, but throughout the western United States.
These changes mean we must continue to adapt to a hotter, drier future. If we don't do something now, state officials estimate that extreme weather conditions could reduce California's water supply by as much as 10 percent by 2040.
The state has put in place unprecedented measures to reduce water use, to build storage capacity and increase supply. And it is also up to all of us to continue to do our part to reduce water use.
California is investing billions of dollars in concrete actions that will secure the future of our state's water supply. These key actions are part of a comprehensive water resiliency plan, "California's Water Supply Strategy, Adapting to a Hotter, Drier Future," which my administration released in August to highlight how we can make existing supplies last longer and develop new sources to replace the water we will lose in this new era of higher temperatures.
The plan outlines our aggressive, science-based approach to addressing the future of water consumption in California by reimagining how we source, store and deliver water across the state for future generations. To adapt to the pace of climate change, we know we must act smarter and faster, and that's what we're doing.
Californians have always responded to the call to use less water during past droughts. Now as the state prepares for the possibility of a fourth year of drought and possible extreme weather events, it is more important than ever that we all embrace water conservation as a way of life.
For many homeowners, most of the water waste is generated in their yards: in some areas, as much as 75 percent of residential water use comes from sprinklers and other outdoor irrigation systems.
The good news is that there are simple things we can do right now to help save as much water as possible. Simply watering the yard less and fixing water leaks inside and outside the house can save thousands of gallons of water a year.
If you are willing to make big changes outdoors, use native plants that use less water in landscaping and have spaces with hardscaping elements, such as paved areas, granite or the use of decorative wood chips, this will create outdoor spaces that can be used year-round eliminating the need to weed, mow and water as often.
The state is working closely with local water agencies and other partners to ensure that Californians have access to the resources they need to help in this effort. Check with your local water utility for rebates to help cover some of these costs and to learn about community resources that can help you trade in your lawn for a "smart" - or "eco-friendly, because it uses less water" - lawn that you can enjoy with your family and pets.
Californians know how to deal with the moment and, together, we can create the change needed to achieve smart water use in the future. The recently approved state budget includes $3.6 billion over four years for immediate support to combat drought and achieve long-term water resilience. Including appropriations in the 2021 state budget, a total of $8.7 billion has been dedicated to support drought resilience and response. This includes $175 million to use alternatives to turf and other water conservation strategies.
If we make water conservation a way of life, we can adapt and thrive. And if we each do our part, we can make our water last for generations to come. Together we can save water and save California.
Gavin Newsom is the governor of California, formerly lieutenant governor of California and mayor of San Francisco. His "On the Record" column covers timely public policy issues affecting Californians throughout the state and is available to the media through the Governor's website and in multiple languages at Ethnic Media Services.
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