Do you think MPWMD has been doing a good job on water supply planning?

The Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) has performed adequately in planning for water supply, given the complex political and environmental landscape it navigates. California, like many regions worldwide, faces increasing pressure on its natural resources due to population growth and climate change. This presents a significant challenge for water management agencies.

The MPWMD has demonstrated some success in its planning efforts:

1. Regulatory compliance: The agency has effectively regulated current water usage to align with supply availability. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering the progress made since the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued its cease-and-desist order in 2009.

2. Innovative solutions: The implementation and planned expansion of Pure Water Monterey, a water recycling project, showcases the agency's commitment to responsible and forward-thinking water supply planning.

3. Demand management: The MPWMD has successfully implemented conservation measures to reduce water consumption, helping to balance supply and demand.

However, the agency faces ongoing challenges:

1. Long-term sustainability: Planning for "business as usual" regarding water supply over the next 50 years may be unrealistic given environmental uncertainties and climate change projections. The agency must continue to adapt its strategies to address these evolving challenges.

2. Balancing mandates and reality: The MPWMD must reconcile top-down mandates with local environmental realities, which can create conflicts in planning and implementation.

3. Future demand uncertainty: Projections for annual water demand in the coming decade range from approximately 9,600 acre-feet per year (afy) to 15,000 afy. This wide range highlights the equally wide range of hopes for the future population and uses of the Monterey Peninsula. 

4. Population growth: As the region's population expands and demographics change, the agency must develop strategies to meet increasing water use while maintaining environmental sustainability. 

The  MPWMD has made significant strides in water supply planning and management, the agency must continue to innovate and adapt to meet future challenges. The success of projects like Pure Water Monterey and effective demand management demonstrate the agency's capability to address water supply issues. However, long-term planning must account for climate change, population growth, and potential resource limitations to ensure sustainable water management for future generations, and that will demand deep engagement with local agencies and a vision for the future that they cannot forge alone.