The Measure
California Department of Water Resources has developed and published guidelines for the preparation of an expanded Water Supply Reliability Element by December 31, 2014.
Measure Details
In 2020, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) included an example methodology for the preparation of reduced Delta reliance elements as part of the Urban Water Management Plan Guidebook 2020. As a result, urban water suppliers that receive water from the Delta now have a framework available to support how they report reduced Delta reliance as part of the 2020 Urban Water Management Plans submitted to DWR throughout 2021. This is important because water suppliers can document expected measurable reductions in reliance on the Delta and improvements in regional self-reliance, as is required for covered actions by Delta Plan Policy WR P1.
Delta Plan Strategy
Increase Water Conservation and Expand Local and Regional Supplies
Delta Plan Recommendation
WR R4. Expanded Water Supply Reliability Element. Water suppliers that receive water from the Delta watershed should include an expanded water supply reliability element, starting in 2015, as part of the update of an urban water management plan, agricultural water management plan, integrated water management plan, or other plan that provides equivalent information about the supplier’s planned investments in water conservation and water supply development. The expanded water supply reliability element should detail how water suppliers are reducing reliance on the Delta and improving regional self-reliance consistent with Water Code section 85201 through investments in local and regional programs and projects, and should document the expected outcome for a measurable reduction in reliance on the Delta and improvement in regional self-reliance. At a minimum, these plans should include a plan for possible interruption of water supplies for up to 36 months due to catastrophic events impacting the Delta, evaluation of the regional water balance, a climate change vulnerability assessment, and an evaluation of the extent to which the supplier’s rate structure promotes and sustains efficient water use.
Related Output/Outcome Performance Measure
PM 3.1 Urban Water Use
PM 3.6 Agricultural Water Planning