Metropolitan Statement on States Seeking Congressional Approval of Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan

Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, issues the following statement on the seven Colorado River Basin states together asking Congress for approval of the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan:

"One-quarter of the water we use in Southern California comes from the Colorado River. Our people, farms and economies rely on the river for their survival and success, as do many other communities across the Southwest. So as historic drought and climate change have caused the river's reservoirs to reach record lows, we've worked with other states and agencies to find a way to put the river on a path of sustainability. The Drought Contingency Plan is the long-negotiated result. And now we are together asking Congress to support this path of collaboration and collective commitment to protect the Colorado River.

"This agreement, however, is only a bridge solution for the next decade. The challenges on the Colorado River require long-term solutions. With the DCP in place to avert an immediate crisis, we will continue to work together with our fellow Basin states to build lasting solutions in the region. Collectively, we will ensure the Colorado River thrives and continues to provide a reliable water supply across the Southwest for generations to come."

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 cities and retail suppliers, provide water for nearly 19 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.