Today, the Mission Springs Water District (MSWD) in southern California announced that it approved two plans to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality water to its customers, even during severe drought and emergencies. These two plans – the Regional Urban Water Management Plan (RUWMP) and the Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP) – are both required by the state to be updated every five years.
The Regional Urban Water Management Plan (RUWMP) assesses current and future demand and available water supplies through 2045, and the Water Shortage Contingency Plan identifies actions that could be taken to reduce demand when the water supply is limited.
The RUWMP was developed in conjunction with the five other water agencies in the Coachella Valley: Coachella Valley Water District, Coachella Water Authority, Desert Water Agency, Indio Water Authority, and Myoma Dunes Mutual Water Company. The plan details how the agencies will work together to meet demand while sustaining groundwater supplies over the next 20 years.
“Developing a common strategy to manage our groundwater benefits everyone in the Coachella Valley,” MSWD Board of Directors President Nancy Wright said. “Our customers can be reassured this collaboration helps us take action today that will provide reliable service for the next 20 years and beyond.”
The Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP), details how the district will respond and continue providing water to customers during extreme conditions or unexpected water supply disruptions. The WSCP also spells out multiple stages of water restrictions that may be put into place, based on the severity of any supply shortages.
“Whether it is an extreme drought or earthquake, MSWD is fully prepared to respond appropriately,” added MSWD Board of Directors Vice President Russ Martin. “This will help us maintain water service our customers rely on every day.”
The State of California requires all water agencies serving 3,000 customers or more to develop and update an Urban Water Management Plan and Water Shortage Contingency Plan every five years. MSWD’s plans were adopted at the Board’s June 21, 2021, meeting.
SOURCE: Mission Springs Water District
