Agenda - 05-17-2007-WRPMemo - Laserfiche WebLink

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Adopted in principle by BCC, May 3, 200 WATER RESOURCES INITIATIVE (WRI) Protection and conservation of Orange County's water resources has been a paramount concern for the County for at least a quarter of a century. In 1981, Orange County was the first County in the State to implement watershed protection zoning and was involved in watershed technical studies far the University Lake, Little River and Cane Creek watersheds. These efforts led to the County's having some of the most innovative and progressive water protection standards in the State, and this remains true today. Significant energy and resources were expended to address surface water supply and water quality issues between 1987 and 1994. In 1992, as per an adopted BOCC goal, the County undertook to explore the other "missing" piece of its water resources, namely, ground water quantity and quality. Major Investment in Ground-Water Studies Over the Last Decade A Water Resources Committee was formed in 1992 to proactively address ground-water resources in Orange County. Between 1993 and 2001, the County entered into three joint cast-share projects with the United States Geological Survey to explore information about the County's ground water. This Water Resources Project culminated in 2001 with the release of the Report of the Water Resources Committee. However, since then, little has been done to follow up on the important information found in these studies. Critical Issues The 2002 State of the Environment report highlights the opportunities and need to build on the work done over the past 17 years in surface and ground water protection, and notes critical issues for further consideration. These include a focus on the most important and pressing issues that have been identified, drought and ground-water contamination. An additional significant issue is that of ground-water availability. The draft 2004 State of the Environment report continues an emphasis an those critical issues. Thus the Commission for the Environment has identified, as its top priority, the need to launch a Water Resources Initiative (WRI}. This is a program to tie together the many years of surface water planning and ground water planning and to build on that knowledge to address critical issues that affect all of the citizens of Orange County. This proactive program to address the County's ground water resources, before serious ground water problems arise, is another indication of Orange County's commitment to the protection of its water resources.