Brown speaks at water plan follow-up event

California Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. spoke at a recent event to answer questions about his government's next steps for the state's Water Action Plan.

The state, which the U.S. and international markets depend on for a large volume of produce and nuts, has been stricken by drought and inconsistent rainfall in recent years. In response, the state developed the California Water Action Plan (CWAP), a 10-point policy for sustainably managing California's water supply into the future.

Speaking to an audience at the California Water 2.0 event, Brown emphasized that the potential consequences of water issues in the state demand sweeping, urgent action.

"Our climate is rapidly changing, our population is growing and more extreme weather looms on the horizon," he said. "Now is not the time to shirk from responsibility. Storage or conveyance alone will not solve all of our problems. Recycling, groundwater management and conservation, individually, won't get us there either. It will take all of the above. We must think differently and act boldly — and that's exactly what California is doing."

The plan outlines a mandatory cut in water consumption, assistance transitioning off inefficient toilets and turf lawns, investment in local water recycling programs, developing a more sustainable water source in the Delta area of California, protecting wildlife habitat, preparing for droughts, expanding water storage capacities, increasing flood protection, overhauling the management of the State Water Project and Central Valley Project, and seeking new funding sources for water-related protection measures.

Officials plan to implement the entire plan by 2019.