Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a drought emergency this summer, and he is negotiating with Sen. Dianne Feinstein and state lawmakers on a $10 billion bond for water storage and conservation.
In the midst of it all is Lester Snow, 57, who has served since 2004 as Schwarzenegger's director of the Department of Water Resources. The aptly named Snow, a Democrat, previously led the California Bay-Delta Authority, then Cal-Fed, and the San Diego County Water Authority.
Where do things stand on water bond negotiations?
I believe some good progress was made late in the session within the Assembly Democratic and Republican caucuses based on the (Schwarzenegger-Feinstein) draft. There's very little question, especially given the water circumstances now, about getting the bond before voters in the most expeditious way, whether it's a bond bill at the beginning of session or an initiative.
How much of California's water problems are a matter of supply and how much are demand?
I don't think you can separate the two. Our approach is that we have to have a lot more conservation going on in California, especially the growing (residential) areas where we're adding houses and new landscaping. And our supply issue is one of managing the irregularities of water supply in California, which are getting more extreme. Climate change has already happened and continues to happen, which makes our water supply more erratic.
Why are some areas in California rationing water and others, like Sacramento, not?
The difference you're seeing across the state is between those who have a reliable water supply and those affected by the reduced snowpack this year. East Bay Municipal Utility District gets the majority of its supply from Pardee Reservoir and Camanche, and there's just not good runoff there. Sacramento has very senior rights on the American River and is able to meet all its demands. The potential is there for 2009 to be as bad as this year. If it is, 2009 could be the worst drought in California history, and everyone will feel the effects.
The worst in history?
If you go back in time, you could probably find droughts that were drier. But since then we've added millions and millions of people. We have more protections for endangered species, so you have less flexibility for when you can pump water.
Final question: Your last name is Snow; is there any job better suited for you?
My name is Lester, and I don't let people call me Les. Because that would be Les Snow, and that just doesn't work in this business.
Call Kevin Yamamura, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5548.
