OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

April 9, 2018

Metropolitan Water District
700 North Alameda Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2944

Dear Board Members of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California:

Tomorrow you have a historic decision to make about the future of California and the basic
security of our water supply.

The recent drought and unprecedented forest fires make clear that we are facing a new normal
when it comes to weather. There is less Sierra snowpack, less rain in the southern part of our
state and drier conditions in the eastern Sierra and Colorado River basin. Water historically
counted on will not be available in the same quantities or under the same conditions. And let?s
not forget the ever-present risks in the Delta, including the predicted catastrophic earthquake and
continuing environmental decline that put in danger vital water supplies from the State Water
Project.

Water agencies and their partners throughout the state have spent years and hundreds of millions
of dollars developing the full WaterFix project for a reason: it does the most to prepare for our
future. It will capture more water during storm events for storage that can then be used during
prolonged droughts or unexpected disruptions. It also does the most to protect water quality and
reduce the impact of the existing pumps on native fish.

Staging its construction may seem plausible, but it will actually risk serious delay in permitting
and jeopardize the entire project. Overall costs would, of course, rise. That is why I urge the
Board to support the full projec without delay.

California is your partner in all efforts to recycle water, capture local storm water, desalinate sea
water and clean and replenish groundwater basins. But these sources have very real complexities
and will take time. They are a vital future supply but by no means a substitute for the decision
you make today.

Your perseverance during the last decade has led California to this moment. Please don?t back
away now.

 

GOVERNOR EDMUND G. BROWN JR. - SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95814 0 (916) 445-2841