A federal official warned water users about the possible reduction in the allotment of Colorado River water for 2018.
Baja California’s Peninsula Director for the National Water Commission Alejandro Cervantes told producers with the 014 Irrigation District that although the state will get its water allotment for next year, there is a risk of a reduction for 2018.
A series of meetings have been held by authorities with water users for the last two weeks to address the issue.
Cervantes said working groups were launched to establish projects for a more efficient use and savings of water.
On Monday, the Governor’s Office introduced a new Water Law bill that, if enacted, would address drought conditions, improve infrastructure and modernizes agencies to provide an efficient service while supporting development in the upcoming future.
In a press release, the state said the Water Law was created in 1959.
The new bill includes the creation of two new water delivery agencies—one for the coastal metropolitan area and another one for Mexicali.
A State Water System led by the Water Commission would also be created to follow-up on a statewide plan that would set policies, strategies and programs to manage water and provide services.
The bill includes a provision that mandates the state and cities to reduce water pollution, promote the creation of water treatment facilities.
Water fees would be set up based on operation costs, system maintenance and rehabilitation and improvement of infrastructure. The fees would observe annual increase that considers these costs.
