California Recycled Water Plan

1. California Recycled Water Plan A comprehensive approach to California’s long-term water supply By Gregory B. Ryan and Meagan R. Stasz

2. CRWP Accomplishments • Create new source of revenue for municipalities • Reverse the traditional transfer of water from agriculture to municipality • Supply California agriculture with approximately 4,500,000 acre-feet of water annually • Generate $1.575 billion for infrastructure modifications and operational support • Utilize existing irrigation district canals for water conveyance • Reduce depletion of natural water flows and encourage long-term stability • Diminish ecological degradation of Pacific coastline and major waterways

3. 4,500,000 Acre-Feet of Water • There are approximately 5 million acre-feet of wastewater available for use across the State. • This translates into 2,780,000 gallons of water per minute. • Roughly 10 % is being recycled. • The balance of 4,500,000 acre-feet of water becomes a new water resource capable of supplying California’s agriculture industry year-round.

4. 1 acre foot of water = $ 350.00 4.5 million acre-feet of water = $ 1,575,000,000.00 • These funds generate revenue for the necessary infrastructure modifications to distribute the recycled water. • With recycled water as a commodity, a new self- sustaining industry is created.

5. How the California Recycled Water Plan Works California is divided into geographic/economic regions according to irrigation district & municipality proximity. Municipalities, local, regional and federal agencies, and irrigation district offices, develop the infrastructure improvements necessary to connect with nearby existing irrigation canals. Irrigation district offices and municipalities integrate a customized software program, with mobile application capacity, to facilitate water purchase transactions, including delivery of payment. Construction of a tertiary water delivery pipeline connects Southern California regions with Central Valley water users. Development of a 100-200 MW hydroelectric facility mitigates operational costs.

6. Environmental and Economic Benefits • Decrease depletion of natural waterways, such as the Sacramento San Joaquin River Delta, and diminish groundwater pumping by agriculture. • Restore coastal habitat and marine ecosystems degraded by inflows of municipal wastewater. • Allow natural water flows to stabilize across the state. • Encourage revitalization of recreation and tourism industries statewide. • Ensure the health and longevity of California’s $40 billion agriculture economy.

7. Summary of Benefits • Establish recycled water as a commodity • Re-distribute water throughout the state without drawing down natural water supplies • Assure agricultural interests of a consistent water source that does not rely on natural reservoirs, rivers, or underground aquifers • Provide municipalities with an environmentally sound, economically feasible wastewater disposal system • Restore environmental conditions of watersheds and wildlife habitat to a natural, balanced condition