Directors Officers Valerie Amezcua*

meet future demands. OCWD does not concur with the comment "current supplies will not meet future demands". There are too many variables and factors impacting future supplies and demands that prevent making such a definitive statement. Additionally, a comment such as this should differentiate between water agencies within OCWD with access to the local groundwater basin and those outside of OCWD who are primarily dependent upon imported water supplies. Within the OCWD service territory, local groundwater supplies currently provide 85% of water needs. Only 15% of water needs must be met by imported water supplies. Thus, the retail water agencies within the District's service territory are impacted significantly less from potential future reductions in imported water supplies and have much better water reliability than agencies outside of OCWD. At this point in time, local and imported water supplies are in good condition. The Metropolitan Water District expects to have 3.3 million acre-feet of imported water stored in various reservoirs at the end of this calendar year which is a record. Additionally, the groundwater basin is effectively full. Judge Hernandez August 16, 2023

Climatologists predict future extended periods of low moisture with occasional wet years. OCWD monitors climate predictions but has no expertise on this subject. OCWD is working to maximize the amount of Santa Ana River storm water that can be stored behind Prado Dam when winter storms occur in the local watershed. This work includes using the latest technologies to predict when, where and the magnitude of winter storms dropping rainfall on our region.

Climate change is inevitable and is exacerbated by human behavior. OCWD agrees the planet's climate is constantly changing. OCWD does not have the expertise to comment on the impact of human behavior on the climate.

South Orange County relies primarily on the importation of water. OCWD concurs but recognizes South Orange County agencies are investing in new local water supplies to reduce their dependence upon imported water.

Local water suppliers recognize that enhanced stormwater capture and storage, wastewater recycling, and infrastructure improvements will not be sufficient to address the long-term forecast of drought and its effects on supply. OCWD does not concur with this comment with respect to its service territory for the same reasons provided in Finding #1.

There is significant water infrastructure planning, but inadequate implementation. OCWD does not concur with this comment with respect to the OCWD service territory. OCWD has planned and implemented numerous projects to maximize the utility and annual yield of the groundwater basin.

The review and approval process for major water capital projects is cumbersome and overly restrictive. OCWD generally concurs with this statement and would support regulatory and CEQA reform measures to quicken the permitting process for infrastructure projects.

Failing to find solutions to water shortages will have a significant impact on the Orange County economy. Judge Hernandez August 16, 2023 OCWD concurs with this finding if such were to occur.

Continued development in Orange County creates additional water supply needs. OCWD does not concur with this statement. Since 1995, total water demands within the OCWD service territory have declined by 20% while the population has increased by over 150,000 people.

Conservation and efficient use of water is essential. OCWD concurs with this finding.

Increased outreach and public education are necessary. OCWD concurs with this finding.

Desalination has proven to be technologically and environmentally feasible and is slowly being embraced as a drought-resistant source of water. OCWD agrees that ocean desalination can play an important role in securing future water supply reliability.