The plan focuses on accelerating infrastructure projects, boosting conservation and upgrading the state’s water system to keep up with the increasing pace of climate change. “Regardless of drought or flood, in this changed climate there will be less water available for people to use,” the state plan says. “To match the pace of climate change, California must move smarter and faster to update our water systems.”The plan was praised by representatives of water agencies and the agriculture industry. California has 14 seawater desalination plants and 23 plants that turn brackish water into drinking water, Newsom said, and the state needs to be more aggressive in promoting desalination technology. In his new role, Villaraigosa will draw on available federal resources for water infrastructure projects, Newsom said.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 12, 2022 06:56 UTC