The state provides loans and grants to local agencies for a number of water-related purposes, with the funding coming mainly from bond measures. Funds for flood control have come from local, state and federal sources, with the state's share coming primarily from the General Fund. Funds are also needed for watershed protection. Our support is based upon the LWVC Water position, which supports measures which promote the management and development of water resources in ways that are beneficial to the environment with emphasis on conservation and high standards of water quality that are appropriate for the intended use. Drainage from old mines contaminates our drinking water.
Sewage fouls our rivers, streams, and beaches.
Contaminants such as pesticides and others are reducing the viability of our water supplies. Fish, wildlife and people all depend on healthy streams. The bond act creates programs to restore stream water quality, protect and restore watersheds, restore urban streams, and promote wildlife-friendly flood corridors. Many of the elements in the water bond encourage the planning and management of a variety of water supply resources with emphasis on non-structural alternatives, such as conservation and recycling, a recurrent LWVC theme in management of the state's water resources. A list of the specific elements is attached.