Water Quality and Supply Issues Monthly Update-JUNE 2023
It's June, and that means summer ☀️ is right here, right now—time to get the hat and sunscreen and get out there 🏖️. Good weather means construction projects will be in full swing, and this year, maybe, just maybe, fire season will spare us and our worn-out residents.
Nationally and in California, we have big news and developments for the construction industry to pass along, most notably a Supreme Court ruling about what is and is not a water of the United States and Governor Newsom’s helpful actions on spurring public works projects and infrastructure development.
And we wanted to share some recent information about water conservation gains made by the housing sector in California. Despite the recent increase in California water storage reservoirs and big snowpacks this year, we know that California can face years of drought, and the construction industry, including housing, is trying to do its part to be prepared for the future.
WATER ISSUES WORTH YOUR TIME IN JUNE
1) United States Supreme Court Rules in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency on Definition of Waters of the United States
In a landmark United States Supreme Court ruling just before the Memorial Day holiday, a 5-4 majority of justices ruled against the US EPA in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. The decision was derived from a 2006 home construction project near Priest Lake in northern Idaho and concerns the definition of what is and is not a Water of the United States (WOTUS). The decision by the Court upends almost 20 years of the EPA’s and the United States Army Corp of Engineer’s practice of using the “significant nexus” test in determining whether or not a property is considered a “wetland” and subject to Federal permitting requirements.
Explore the full extent of the decision's implications on property development and construction projects by delving deeper into the details.
2) Governor Newsom and State Leaders Make a Big Push to Build California Infrastructure Now
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to unveil an Infrastructure Proposal that prioritizes critical projects — including water and water quality protection and flood prevention initiatives impacting all Californians. The proposal would expedite the environmental impact review process for Proposition 1 water storage projects, Delta Conveyance, canal repairs, recycled water projects, and desalination projects.
This proposal aims to accelerate much-needed improvements to California's infrastructure and water systems, benefitting the entire state. Other projects covered by this proposal include clean energy projects, transportation, CEQA reform, and expedited permitting.
State water leaders such as Charley Wilson - Executive Director of the Southern California Water Coalition, commented in a press release, "I'm thrilled to see Governor Newsom prioritizing essential infrastructure projects, especially when it comes to water initiatives. This proposal to streamline the environmental impact review process for vital water projects such as Delta Conveyance, storage, water recycling, and desalination is a game-changer that will help California address the brunt of climate change. We're ready to roll up our sleeves and work with the administration to make this happen!"
And California Forward just released a related report titled Building a more inclusive and sustainable California: Maximizing the federal infrastructure funding opportunity, May 2023. The report details a set of immediate- and medium-term actions to accelerate the delivery of up to $180 billion worth of infrastructure projects to promote equity, environmental sustainability, and economic growth in California. The report’s release is a major work product of Antonio Villaraigosa’s time as Infrastructure Advisor for the state of California. And it is the culmination of a partnership between Governor Newsom’s office, former Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa, CA FWD, and the Boston Consulting Group.
3) Housing and Water Use in California – An Update from CICWQ Research
Even with one of the wettest winters on record in California, preparing for a future of water supply reliability uncertainty is always at the top of the construction industry’s collective mindset. Society is at extreme risk without a reliable and sustainable water supply, and the construction industry’s role in creating the highest quality of life possible is compromised.
Recently, Dr. Mark Grey, Principal Technical Director at CICWQ, prepared a summary of water conservation efforts and use reduction achievements made by the housing industry in California and assembled the background documents used to prepare the analysis.
With ever more stringent indoor and outdoor plumbing and water use codes and super water efficient fixtures and devices in use, the housing sector is maximizing water conservation opportunities and reducing overall water use per capita for the long run.
