San Diego is facing a water crisis. We currently import nearly 90% of our water from outside the region. Despite a growing awareness of the need to wean ourselves off imported water, this figure has actually gone up over the past five years, from a low of 83.5% in 1999-2000. This water is not 'free'. In fact, 19% of all energy usage in California goes towards transporting water throughout the state, exacerbating global warming concerns.
Moreover, the region is facing a water supply ‘perfect storm’ that threatens the region’s viability. Our main source of water – the Colorado River – is drying up; a recent legal decision to protect an endangered fish in Northern California will result in less water coming to us from our second leading source, the San Joaquin Delta; the San Diego region is in a near-historic drought that has reduced even the little local water we usually rely on; and increasing population in the arid southwest is adding demand for water at the same time our supplies are rapidly diminishing.
While every option to enhance local water supplies has some price, Coastkeeper is advocating for those options that will ensure water security while also benefiting our marine environment.
Comparison of Water Supply Options for California
Information of Water Reclamation & Reuse