The California Drought: Lessons for the Future

International Discussion on Natural Infrastructure

Brian StrankoCalifornia Water Program DirectorThe Nature Conservancy

16 September, 2015

About California

Sacramento

About California Water

Source: PPIC. 2011. Photo: Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau

Source: Union of Concerned Scientists

Source: lao.ca.gov

Groundwater Basins

Variation in Precipitation

Reservoir Capacity

Folsom Lake March 2011 Folsom Lake January 2014 (courtesy State of CA)

Photo: Jim Crenshaw, San Jose Mercury News

Emergency Drought Response

• $1b in Funding

• Executive Order

• Cutback Water Rights

• Fish and Wildlife Rescues

Our Role

Deep Risk: Massive Overpumping

Reasons for Hope

• California Water Action Plan

• Groundwater Legislation

• $7.5 Billion Water Bond

Challenges Ahead

Lessons

• Plan for Variation (not Average)

• There is No Silver Bullet

• Integrated Natural and Grey Infrastructure Management Necessary

Thank you!