Water Sharing in Southland

I was pleased to note your editorial recognition (July 29), “Water: a New Era,” of the outstanding efforts of the Imperial Irrigation District and Metropolitan Water District in negotiating an agreement to conserve water and to share water resources.

This proposed agreement is indeed a landmark. It represents an important option to the state as we strive to meet our water needs in the face of the loss of Colorado River water to Arizona.

So important is the water swap concept that the state Senate established a new subcommittee of the Agriculture and Water Resources Committee, called the Subcommittee on Water Marketing. I am pleased to chair the subcommittee. This subcommittee will review the statewide policies associated with agreements such as have been discussed by the Imperial and Metropolitan districts, and it is my hope that we can explore and work to facilitate such agreements for the best interests of the citizens of this state.

It is important to recognize, however, that the concept of water swapping must not be viewed as a panacea. It is but one solution, one option.

State officials, working closely with local officials and with water experts, must continue to address the North-South water transport issue. Individuals must continue to gain in their understanding of our water needs and of the importance of conservation as a key component of the water supply question.

In short, we must not become complacent by feeling that we have solved the problem. Water swaps are short-term solutions to a problem that ultimately must be addressed through a long-term arrangement for the transfer of water from the surplus supplies of the North to the South.

Let us view the Imperial-Metropolitan agreement as one success story in what must be many if we are to ensure adequate water supplies to the citizens of this state.

MARIAN BERGESON

Senator, 37th District

Newport Beach