Recent droughts have brought to light the need to find other water sources. The Cadiz Water Project could become one of them. It would tap a water supply underlying a portion of the Cadiz and Fenner Valleys in the Mojave Desert.
This water, which would otherwise be lost to evaporation, could instead be stored to create a new reliable water supply for Southern California. That is enough water for 400,000 Californians each year for 50 years.
While there is some political debate, the studies show it will not impact the environment in a negative way. The project was approved in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, one of the toughest environmental laws in the country. The National Park Service also notes that part of the desert to “unlikely to be affected by groundwater pumping from local basin aquifers.”
When challenged in court, judges in 12 separate opinions affirmed the project and its protections and rejected flawed positions presented by Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
The desert will not be destroyed by The Cadiz Project. After going through much scrutiny under the State’s rigorous environmental laws, it will instead be a source to add a new water supply in a safe and sustainable manner.
