The California Water Commission will host its second public workshop on the future of the state’s water storage projects on Oct. 25, 2011. The purpose of this event is to provide a forum for discussion of the benefits, costs, and consequences of various water storage projects in California, and to consider future uncertainties, such as climate change. 

“At our first workshop in September, federal, state and local water officials provided an historical perspective on water storage projects in California,” said Anthony Saracino, Water Commission chair.  “At the next workshop, commissioners and attendees will hear leading experts from water agencies and the science and environmental communities talk in more detail about specific projects and the future of water storage in California.” 

Panels will focus on System Reoperation and Integrated Water Management, Groundwater, Surface Storage, and Evaluating Public Benefits of Storage Projects.  A copy of the complete agenda is available at http://cwc.ca.gov/workshops.cfm.

The workshop will be held at the California Auto Museum, 2220 Front Street in Sacramento.  Sign-in will open at 9:15 a.m., with proceedings beginning at 9:30 a.m.  There is no cost to attend, but advance registration is requested at [email protected] or (916) 653-8517.

The California Water Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor. Its role historically includes advising the Department of Water Resources, approving rules and regulations, and monitoring and reporting on the construction of the State Water Project. California’s comprehensive water legislation, enacted in 2009, gave the Commission new responsibilities including developing regulations for the quantification and management the public benefits of water storage projects. The Delta Stewardship Council has recommended that the Commission, together with other agencies, identify projects that could be implemented within the next five to 10 years, expand existing surface and groundwater storage facilities, create new storage, improve operation of existing Delta conveyance facilities, and enhance opportunities for conjunctive use programs and water transfers.