best approach. Corrective actions to aging facilities that restore or preserve originally authorized benefits should anticipate and design for climate change effects, supply, and demand. Any action taken should also address the need for modernization to offer improved forecasting capabilities, meet environmental protection objectives, coordinate with other water projects, and integrate with renewable power systems. Recently, the Bureau of Reclamation was authorized $3.2 billion for extraordinary maintenance in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and additional funding through the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides a downpayment on corrective actions to Reclamation-owned facilities. This fund is almost fully reimbursable, and far more is needed for both federal and non-federal projects, creating a significant funding and financing challenge for water users throughout the West. Solutions for Western water will also test existing institutional frameworks. Long-term solutions to water supply shortages in some areas may involve funding projects in one area to benefit users in another location. For example, constructing seawater desalination projects in coastal areas could allow for the use of surface water at inland locations through exchange and operations agreements. The development of such a project could require changes in water rights or contracts, long-term financing plans, and operating commitments to assure water supply and quality is provided over many decades, as expected.
Transforming water management infrastructure, policies, and financing will be a significant endeavor and will require deep understanding and agreement among a diverse set of participants. Decisions on water management are decisions on the allocation of this precious resource. Over the past few decades, decision-making regarding water resources has become more complex in recognition of human, environmental, social, and economic implications. While many agencies actively engage diverse viewpoints in decision-making, more work is needed to build coalitions. Over the next several years, we will see many important decisions made regarding Western water management that will shape the remainder of this century. Our ability to address the past and prepare for the future will depend on the extent that we are willing to transform our infrastructure, institutions, and financing of water projects.
Bill Swanson, PE , is Stantec’s Practice Leader for Water Resources Planning Management.
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June 2023 csengineermag.com
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