As Seen in the November 2008 Bill Insert (pdf - 1.1 Mb)

Climate Change, Sustainability Key Topics Throughout 2008

Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing California water managers in the 21st century. Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD) is taking action today to prepare for changing conditions and reduce its impact on the environment by adopting more sustainable practices.

Throughout 2008, SSWD has provided information on climate change and sustainability topics to its customers through a series of articles in bill inserts and newsletters. The articles have explored how warming temperatures and changing rain and runoff patterns may affect local water management. They have also examined what SSWD is doing to promote sustainability in its operations and plan for future water supply uncertainties.

Climate change issues are important to California – and SSWD’s service area – because warming temperatures could reduce our Sierra snowpack by as much as 40% over the coming decades, according to the Department of Water Resources. Snowmelt from the Sierra flows into the American River, which is an important water supply source for SSWD and much of the Sacramento region.

The link between water and energy use has been another key topic this year, with articles highlighting tools and strategies such as water meters, well efficiency programs and conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water. These efforts are all part of SSWD’s overall commitment to make its operations sustainable, promote recycling and use of alternative energy sources, and generate net-benefits for ratepayers and the environment.