The California Water Bond Proposition, dubbed the Safe, Clean, and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2010 by its supporters, is a legislatively-referred state statue. Both the State Senate and State Assembly approved the placement of the bond measure on the ballot on November 4th 2009. If it is approved, the state will be able to borrow $11.1 billion to repair the state’s aging water system. Based on analysis completed by the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office, it will cost $22 to $24 billion over 30 years to repay the bond. Some of the specific details of the plan include providing $3 billion for water storage projects, $1.4 billion for "integrated regional water management projects," $1 billion for groundwater protection and cleanup, and $455 million for drought relief projects, disadvantaged communities, small community wastewater treatment improvements and safe drinking water revolving fund, among other details.

Supporters: The campaign that is supporting this bond is known as “Clean, Reliable Water for California.” Major supporters include Governor Schwarzenegger, GOP gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman, the California Chamber of Commerce, the Bay Area Council, and numerous cities, council members, and legislators. You can view a full list of supporters on the campaign’s web site. Arguments in favor of the bond suggest that “California’s water system is In need of immediate repairs to protect our water supplies, environment & economy.” The campaign’s web site states:

 “Immediate investments are needed to repair and upgrade our network of waterways, levees and other water infrastructure; clean up our sources of drinking water; increase local supplies; expand conservation efforts; and restore key ecosystems.  Unless action is taken, experts warn that our state will face continued water shortages, the potential for catastrophic failure of our water delivery system, and environmental collapse in areas vital to drinking water and wildlife.”

They suggest the bond will address creating more reliable water supplies, increasing local supplies, cleaning up drinking water sources, restoring the delta, and enhancing conservation.

Opponents: Those opposed to the bond measure suggest it is far too costly and that it will only make the budget crisis more severe. Opponents include the Sierra Club, Environmental Justice Coalition for Water, United Farmworkers, and the Planning and Conservation League, among others. Some of the arguments against its passage include: “More than $7 billion in voter-approved water bond funds haven’t yet been spent, and the money hasn’t been properly accounted for; It’s loaded up with extra spending; and it’s full of giveaways to private interests.”

The campaign against it states on its web site: “This Sacramento solution was larded up with extras during wild, behind-the-scenes deal-making, eventually making it the largest water bond ever placed on the ballot, at a time when our state is facing historic, crushing budget deficits. This package does little to address our immediate water needs or to create a more sustainable water future. Polling shows that just 34 percent of voters approve of it.”

View the text of the bill here.

The campaign web site in support of the measure is here.

The campaign web site opposed to the measure is here.