California’s water management has been misinformed by the federal administration, but what do the experts say? We spoke with state water officials, leading researchers, and community voices to get the real facts on California’s water situation.
The recent misinformation campaign by the federal administration on California’s water management has left many wondering about the accuracy of their claims. But what do the experts say? We spoke with state water officials, leading researchers, and community voices to get the real facts on California’s water situation.
State Water Officials Weigh In
The ‘Water supply has not hindered firefighting efforts.’ said Association of California Water Agencies: ‘Reservoirs in California are at or above average storage levels for this time of year, thanks in part to years of proactive water management.’
“The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has enough water in storage to meet roughly three years of water demand. We can deliver what our agencies need.’ said Deven Upadhyay, Metropolitan Water District.
The Metropolitan Water District (MWD) is a public agency that supplies water to over 19 million people in Southern California.
Formed in 1928, the MWD is responsible for importing water from the Colorado River and Northern California via the 'California Aqueduct'.
The district's water supply infrastructure spans over 500 miles and serves six counties.
In addition to providing drinking water, the MWD also delivers water for irrigation, industrial, and municipal uses.
“There’s way more water in local storage than you could ever fight a fire with.’ said Marty Adams, former general manager and chief engineer of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP).
“The policies currently in place overseeing the movement of California water maximize supply in compliance with the law and based on best available science.’ said Jennifer Pierre, general manager, State Water Contractors.
The State Water Contractors (SWC) is a coalition of 29 water agencies that rely on the California State Water Project (SWP).
Established in 1961, SWC plays a crucial role in providing water to over 25 million Californians.
The SWP delivers approximately 5 million acre-feet of water annually, with SWC member agencies utilizing around 75% of this supply.
SWC works closely with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to ensure efficient and reliable water delivery.
By partnering with DWR, SWC helps maintain California's agricultural, urban, and environmental needs.
Leading Researchers Weigh In
“There is no ‘valve…” said Tom Holyke, Fresno State University political science and water policy professor.
“The transfer of water from Northern California to Southern California is not related to water availability to fight the fires in the Los Angeles area. Currently, reservoirs in the Los Angeles area are mostly full.’ said Letitia Grenier, director of the Public Policy Institute of California’s Water Policy Center.
The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) is a non-profit, non-partisan research organization based in San Francisco.
Founded in 1987, PPIC focuses on analyzing critical issues facing the state, including education, healthcare, and economic growth.
With a team of experts, PPIC produces high-quality research and data-driven reports to inform policy decisions.
The institute's work is widely cited by policymakers, academics, and media outlets, making it a trusted source for California public policy analysis.
“We’re finger pointing away from the problem. We have really no lack of water. What we have is an infrastructure that is not made to fight cataclysmic fires, biblical-size fires.’ said Stephanie Pincetl, director of the California Center for Sustainable Communications at UCLA.
Community Voices Push Back on Misinformation
“[Trump’s order on California water policy] is what you get when you mix bluster, ignorance, and disinformation. There are no ‘enormous amounts of water’ that can be redirected legally, economically, or environmentally to different users in California…’ said Peter Gleick, hydro-climatologist and co-founder of the Pacific Institute.
“It’s difficult to explain what he’s talking about because nobody knows what he’s talking about. The idea of a valve and water will just flow is preposterous.’ said John Buse, general counsel for the Center for Biological Diversity.
“Tying Bay-Delta management into devastating wildfires that have cost people’s lives and homes is nothing short of irresponsible, and it’s happening at a time when the Metropolitan Water District has the most water stored in its system in the history of the agency.’ said Mark Gold, water scarcity director for the Natural Resources Defense Council and a board member of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
Fact-Checking the Federal Administration’s Claims
FACT: “California pumps as much water now as it could under prior Trump-era policies.’
FACT: Water reservoirs in Southern California are at record levels. There is no shortage of water in Southern California.
FACT: Most of Southern California’s water does not come from Northern California. In fact, Southern California gets roughly a third of its water from Northern California, a third from the Colorado River, and a third from local sources.
FACT: State water operations have nothing to do with the local fire response in Los Angeles. The federal administration’s statements have been repeatedly fact-checked and debunked.
FACT: There is no spigot to magically make water appear at a wildfire, despite the administration’s false claims.
