Story of Water in San Mateo County

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The Story of Water in San Mateo County: Challenges to Equity and Sustainability

Thursday, February 25, 2021, 3:30 PM, Zoom Recording & Slides

MEETING RECAP

Would you believe it if I told you that everyday the state of California discharges billions of gallons of water into the ocean? On February 25th, a brilliant group of sustainable leaders came together to discuss the hot topic of water, how it’s distributed locally, current challenges to access and maintenance, and innovative solutions.

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For many residents in San Mateo County water travels roughly 167 miles from the Sierras to their tap. Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency (BAWSCA) relies on this source for about 66% of their supply to deliver to their 26 agencies. Tom Francis highlighted the current decrease in usage and increase in water reuse over the past ten years. He also discussed the importance of this trend continuing as we face challenges like climate change, population growth, and regulatory requirements to save ecological habitats.

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For those not served by one of BAWSCA’s agencies, many rely on groundwater and individual water systems for their supply. Irma Mitton Rodriguez from Sustainable Pescadero discussed the urban versus rural differences and similarities in water sustainability challenges. It is important to conserve water and keep fishing habitats healthy no matter where you are. Yet, in more rural areas the water supply is a much more fragile system. These individual water systems are more sensitive to changes in water levels and quality impacted by recreational use and agricultural practices. Irma advocated for the power of water as the great connector of society and emphasized the need for rethinking the way infrastructure is funded.

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Whether or not your water is coming from the ground or from one of 340 miles of tunnels supply from the Hetch Hetchy, it is susceptible to challenges. That’s why it is so important to create locally sustainable water supplies. Eric Hansen from Silicon Valley Clean Water discussed innovative technology projects that will help do just that. Specifically, the Potable Reuse Exploratory Plan (PREP) Project is one that stands out. It looks to expand potable reuse in the area which will utilize some of that wastewater that is being discharged into the ocean and instead will be filtered and available for drinking, bathing, or watering your favorite plants.

The panel ended with a valuable conversation with questions from the audience. Some key highlights included discussion on equitable incentive programs for conservation and the dichotomy between increasing conservation while water agencies’ revenues depend on rate payers’ water use. Another important question was how to relieve the burden of cost for replacing old pipes in unincorporated areas, which highlighted the need for better communication between water agencies and the state.

It is clear from this conversation that there are many challenges with our water systems. We need to keep the conversation going and work together in order to grow a local sustainable water supply, create equitable infrastructure, and implement innovative solutions.

Thrive’s monthly Environment & Sustainability Community meetings are supported by Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and Peninsula Clean Energy.

Link to Additional Resources

Link to Speaker Bios

  • Tom Francis- Water Resources Manager, Bay Area Water Supply & Conservation Agency (BAWSCA), Bio

  • Irma Rodriguez Mitton- CEO & EcoDistricts AP, Fruition Sustainability Solutions, LinkedIn

  • Eric Hansen, P.E., BCEE- Senior Civil Engineer - Recycled Water Manager, Silicon Valley Clean Water LinkedIn

  • Carlos Moreno- Community Outreach Specialist, Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE)- LinkedIn, Peninsula Clean Energy

 


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