Metropolitan Issues Statement on California's First Snow Survey of the Season

Adel Hagekhalil, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, issues the following statement on the California Department of Water Resources' first snow survey of the season:

"Though our state's snowpack is below normal for this time of year, there's still time in the coming months for additional storms to build a healthy snowpack. But the reality that weather whiplash can quickly swing us from a wet year to a dry one requires us to be prepared should 2024 remain dry.

"Conservation must remain a way of life for all Californians, regardless of the weather. As water managers, we also must do our part by planning for a drier, more challenging future due to our changing climate. Our Climate Adaptation Master Plan for Water will be essential in identifying and developing options that increase our resiliency by stabilizing our imported water sources, increasing storage, developing a more flexible water delivery system, building local water supply projects and increasing conservation.

"A recent survey shows that the vast majority of Southern Californians are rightfully concerned about the challenges we face to our water supplies and are willing to be part of the solution. We are here to partner with the communities we serve to create a stronger, more resilient water supply for us all."

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a state-established cooperative that, along with its 26 member agencies and retail suppliers, provide water for 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.