On Monday (May 22), representatives from the seven Colorado River Basin states submitted a consensus-based system conservation proposal to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. The proposal is being submitted as an action alternative under the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement for revised interim operation of the Colorado River through 2026.

"The consensus plan announced today is a major step in the right direction. But once the agreements are finalized, we must turn our attention to the much greater challenge ahead: developing long-term, post-2026 solutions to the imbalance on the river," said Metropolitan General Manager Adel Hagekhalil. "Only by working together through collaboration and negotiation were we able to develop today’s short-term solutions that will immediately leave water in lakes Mead and Powell and avoid lengthy legal battles. We must continue that collaborative and cooperative approach as we begin the critical work ahead.” Read his full statement. 

The plan calls for all Colorado River water users to share in the effort to use less water. The three Lower Basin states – Arizona, California and Nevada – commit to conserve at least 3 million-acre-feet of system water through the end of 2026. Federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, additional non-compensated contributions by the Lower Basin states, and this year’s wet winter will all help lessen the near-term risks facing lakes Mead and Powell. 

Six Southern California businesses and municipalities were recognized by Metropolitan on Monday (May 22) for their investments in large-scale water-efficiency projects that combined will save more than 1 billion gallons of water over the next decade.

Metropolitan’s One Water Awards ceremony at the California Endowment in downtown Los Angeles honored organizations that used funding from the district’s Water Savings Incentive Program to make major improvements to their water management operations and equipment, such as installing smart irrigation technology, water recirculation systems and soil moisture sensors. Read the press release and watch videos on the honorees.

"The projects being recognized today showcase innovation and adaptation," said Metropolitan Board Vice Chair - Climate Action Heather Repenning. "These are the kinds of solutions we need to ensure a climate-resilient water supply for our region.”

Through new partnerships, including with a stable of social media influencers and a Los Angeles-based women's soccer team, Metropolitan is reaching wider and more diverse audiences with its latest water-saving messaging. The social media platforms of the Los Angeles-based, teen punk rock band The Linda Lindas, photographer Atiba Jefferson, and beauty entrepreneur Josie Maran have aired videos directing viewers to bewaterwise.com for water-saving tips and rebates. Videos featuring actor and producer Fred Armisen are currently running on Metropolitan's social media.                       

Metropolitan has partnered with the Angel City Football Club to reach thousands of SoCal fans this season. Metropolitan's bewaterwise.com brand messaging can be seen on the stadium's digital boards at all home games through October. Staff will also host a conservation booth at the Aug. 27 pre-game celebration. In addition, Metropolitan is collaborating with two Angel City players to help spread the water-saving message on social media.