Water at Climate Change Forefront
A s 2025 begins, I’m excited to welcome you to this Special Edition of California Water. I’m proud to partner with Cali- fornia Water magazine and Civic Publications to highlight critical water challenges in our region. Environmental expert Peter Gleick famously said, “If climate change is the shark, then water is its teeth.” Water is where we first see the most significant impacts of climate change, making it central to California’s sustainability efforts. This year marks a major milestone with California’s new water efficiency regulations taking effect January 1. These permanent rules require urban water suppliers to cut water delivery by up to 39% by 2040, transforming water use and conservation statewide. While a vital step toward preparing for a hotter, drier future, implementing these changes may bring challenges, including rising costs. California’s leadership extends beyond reducing carbon emis- sions. Our commitment to net-zero emissions by 2045 and investments in renewable energy set the national standard. But sustainability isn’t just about cutting carbon—it’s about safe- guarding water, too. In December 2024, the Metropolitan Water District advanced the Delta Conveyance Project by funding final studies. This
crucial initiative will modernize our infrastructure and bolster its reliability against climate impacts. To learn more about how Southern California is tackling these challenges, I encourage you to explore the Southern California Water Coalition’s 2024 Annual Report . This resource highlights progress and partnerships driving water solutions in our region. At California Water, we tell stories that inspire action – spotlighting solutions, innovators, and practical steps for a sustainable future. Let’s make 2025 a year of progress, innovation, and impact.
Warm regards, Charley Wilson
Charles Wilson is the Executive Director of the Southern California Water Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to informing Californians about our water needs and resources.
Fire and Water : How They Are and Are Not Linked
million Southern California households for a year. There are also three reservoirs managed by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and multiple groundwater storage basins, including the San Gabriel Basin and Chino Basin. Did an inadequate supply of water cause hydrants to run dry? “We have adequate supply for firefighting, but they were fighting an out-of-control wildland fire with a domestic water system,” said TVMWD General Manager and Chief Engineer Matt Litchfield. “Domestic water systems are not designed to fight that kind of fire. They’re designed to fight one to two structure fires at a time. That’s why wildfires are fought from the air.” Extreme winds grounded air support for about 12 hours as both fires spread rapidly. “Just like climate change affects our water supply, it is affect - ing our weather patterns. The intensity of the winds and the severe dryness is a bad combination,” said IEUA General Manag-
By Elizabeth Smilor Special Sections Writer
T he devastating wildfires that swept through Pacific Palisades and Altadena, brought to the forefront many critical issues from climate change to the California insurance crisis to wa- ter supply. Regional water managers, say statements of blame based on water supply are simplistic and unfounded. “Once those fires ignited with the extremely high winds, I don’t think it matters how much water you have, you’re not go- ing to stop that,” said General Manager Tom Love of the Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District (Upper District). “We did not have a water supply issue when those fires broke out. In fact, regionally Metropolitan has a record amount of water in storage.” Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which has 26 member agencies including Upper District, Three Valleys Municipal Water District (TVMWD) and the Inland Empire Utili- ties Agency (IEUA), has three reservoirs that combined currently store nearly 1-million acre-feet of water or enough to supply 3
Publisher
Chris Lancaster Elizabeth Smilor Scott Pasewalk
Executive Editor
Art Director
CALIFORNIA WATER SPECIAL EDITION is published by Civic Publications, Inc. ©2025. For comments or questions, email Chris Lancaster at chris.lancaster@civicpub.com www.civicpublications.com
Chief Strategist and Consultant
Mary Lou Echternach
Government Affairs Consultant
Cathleen Galgiani Steven Georges
Photographer Videographer Contributors
Eric Halsey
Continue Fire, Page 7
Charley Wilson Amy Bentley
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