The Sacramento County Water Agency has long believed in Preserving Tomorrow’s Water Today, and in 2000, they, along with Sacramento County and 40 other agencies, organizations, citizen groups and businesses, pledged to do just that by signing the Landmark Water Forum Agreement. That pledge is a reminder to take care of our area’s water now because our water fate can change at any time.
Those same partners renewed their pledge recently with a new Water Forum Agreement 2050. This new commitment continues the drive to provide a reliable water supply and a healthy lower American River for the greater Sacramento region through the mid-21st century.
“Water is at the heart of what makes Sacramento County a great place to live, work, and raise a family — and that means protecting both the tap and the river,” said Board of Supervisor Chair, Rosario Rodriguez.
Supervisor Rodriguez signed the newest agreement on behalf of the County and the Water Agency. The continued success of the Water Forum starts with bringing people with vastly different views on the best uses of our water together and working toward mutual goals.
“The Water Forum 2050 Agreement ensures we don't have to choose between a reliable water supply and a healthy American River. After more than two decades of proving that balance is possible, we are proud to renew that commitment today,” said Supervisor Rodriguez.
A hallmark of Sacramento County’s Water Forum partnership has been its willingness to invest in infrastructure that delivers on the agreement’s dual promise.
SCWA constructed the Vineyard Surface Water Treatment Plant in 2010 to provide its customers with a unique system to provide surface water from the American River when the supply is plentiful. When drought strikes, SCWA taps into groundwater reserves, with those reserves being replenished during non-drought years.
The Agency also partnered with East Bay Municipal Utilities District to build the Freeport Regional Water Project to fulfill its commitment to the original Water Forum Agreement to bring surface water into its service area. The Freeport intake draws water from the Sacramento River, preserving the habitat and fisheries of the lower American River.
“We have proven over 25 years that a reliable water supply and a healthy river are not competing goals, they are complementary ones. Our department is proud to carry that work forward,” said Matt Satow, Sacramento County Department of Water Resources Director.
The past two decades since the first agreement have seen a positive change in sustainable long-term groundwater management. Groundwater levels have improved to preserve the environmental flows that keep the lower American River one of the most vital regional assets.
Water Forum 2050 will continue to build our regional framework for balanced water use. The main goal is to meet the demands of a growing population while protecting the fishery, riparian habitat and recreational values of the lower American River and the greater Sacramento region through 2050.