BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Climate Change Adaptation - Update on Progress.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Receive and discuss information on the District's activities towards climate change adaptation.
Body
SUMMARY:
As the primary water resources agency for Santa Clara County, the District manages an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water, natural flood protection, and stewardship of streams on behalf of Santa Clara County's 1.8 million residents.
The District's ability to provide those services is challenged by the potential of warmer temperatures, changing precipitation and runoff patterns, reduced snow pack, and rising sea levels. Managing climate change related uncertainties, vulnerabilities, or risks to local water resource management is critical to fulfill the District's mission.
This item provides an update on District's efforts to adapt to climate change. Staff last reported to the Board on the district's mitigation/Greenhouse Gas and Carbon Neutrality efforts on October 27, 2015. This item specifically addresses adaptation activities such as: promoting and supporting a resilient and adaptable water supply, reducing flood risks and flood damages, enhancing ecosystem resiliency, and improving understanding through training and communication. Attachment 2 shows a list of the adaptive measures, including schedule and status, that staff is working on.
Climate Change Adaptation
Staff will report to the Board on the major climate change adaptation efforts underway, organized by the core functions of the District.
1. Activities Related to Water Supply (Water Utility Enterprise)
To address the challenges of an uncertain future and imprecise projections of future conditions and potential impacts on water supplies, the District relies on its long term planning efforts that continually develop and improve resilient and adaptable water supplies and strategies an...
Click here for full text