From ABC Channel 10 – River Partners President Julie Rentner recently sat down with ABC10 to discuss the Dos Rios project and the importance of river restoration as a climate adaptation tool.
- Why river and floodplain restoration is important
“We have one of the most complicated water delivery systems ever created,” Rentner said. “All the reservoirs and all of the big concrete lined canals and aqueducts and all of the facilities that we have, have supplied freshwater to this growing economy and this growing population in really reliable ways.” Climate change poses a great risk to California’s water supply. The likelihood of multiyear droughts increases, but so does the potential for fewer but wetter winters. And the type of precipitation that falls is also likely to change, with more rain and less snow in the Sierra. This poses challenges both in the way California captures and stores water, as well as how it handles floodwater. “What this translates into is kind of regulatory conflict and challenges, especially as our climate continues to change, around how we’re going to have safe and reliable water for people to drink safe communities from flood risk and wildlife populations that aren’t going extinct,” Rentner said. “So when you pile all those things up together, it turns out that rivers are kind of the heart of both keeping our water supplies reliable, but also keeping California living and thriving and vibrant for generations to come.” River and floodplain restoration benefit Californians through groundwater recharge. Floodplains are a dedicated space that allows for excess water to flow into freely, without the risk to people and infrastructure. (more)