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Health & Fitness

Politicians, Experts Say Water Vital For Inland Empire's Success

The San Bernardino County Water Conference attracted some of the best and brightest minds in government and the private sector to discuss water issues facing the state of California

The Fifth Annual San Bernardino County Water Conference recently attracted some of the best and brightest minds in government and the private sector to discuss water issues facing the state of California.

California is largely dependent on water from Northern California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta region. This means that most of the state’s water supply is transported through a system of channels and aqueducts to residents in Southern California. The problem is that this water system is aging and is badly in need of repair.

This was one of the many issues discussed at the water conference, which was held at the Doubletree in Ontario on Aug. 26. The theme of this year’s conference was “Collaborating to Meet Water Demands Today, Tomorrow and the Future.” The conference was hosted by San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chair Josie Gonzales, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Brad Mitzelfelt and the Building Industry Association (BIA) Baldy View Chapter.

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"This is the fifth year of this event, and we are always pleased to get a great turnout of people who are concerned about the water issues facing the Inland Empire," said Carlos Rodriguez, chief executive officer of the BIA Baldy View Chapter.

Supervisor Gonzales, who opened the conference, said that water was a precious resource, and need to be treated as such. 

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"We are temporary guests of this region and we must be good stewards," Supervisor Gonzales said. "We are all in this boat together, but without water the boat is not going anywhere."

Supervisor Mitzelfelt also understands the seriousness of the water situation as he represents the High Desert area, a region that is dependent on imported water.  Mitzelfelt added that access to water was a major factor affecting the Inland Empire's economy. 

"Commercial growth will be undermined if we don't have adequate water resources," he said.

H. David Nahai, senior advisor to the Clinton Climate Initiative and president of David Nahai Consulting Services, addressed the challenges facing the world and California's water supply in a morning presentation.

Nahai said that by the year 2050, the world 's population is expected to rise to 9.5 billion, which will further strain water demands. He said the growing population, climate change and crumbling water infrastructure are some of the reasons why we need to start looking at ways to increase the water supply. Nahai offered a list of suggestions to increase and improve water supply which include implementing new building standards, waste water recycling, rainfall capture, agriculture innovation and increasing water storage programs.

Later in the day, keynote speaker Gerald Meral Ph.D., deputy director of the California Natural Resources Agency, discussed his work on the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and the specific challenges facing California's water system. The goal of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan is to protect and restore the ecological health of California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta and provide a more reliable water supply.

The conference also featured comments from State Sen. Bob Dutton and State Sen. Jean Fuller, who said that water issues go beyond the Democrat and Republican labels. "This is not a partisan issue, water affects the whole state," Fuller said.

More than 300 people and 25 sponsors attended the San Bernardino County Water Conference.  “Now that the dialogue has been started between multiple agencies, we want to make sure that this conversation continues.” Rodriguez said.  “With all the positive feedback and support, we will certainly hold this event again next year.”

For more information about the conference visit www.sbcwater.com or go to www.biabuild.com.

 

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