-- 87% of respondents believe that Orange County needs new sources of
fresh water.
-- 72% of respondents believe that seawater desalination is a good idea.
-- 71% believe that local water agencies should add desalinated seawater
to their overall water portfolio.
-- 61% said would pay a few dollars more on their monthly water bill for
high quality desalinated water that is drought-proof and reliable.
"Orange County residents overwhelmingly support innovative solutions to
improve water reliability," said Lucy Dunn, President of the Orange County
Business Council. "The state has already approved one seawater desalination
plant for San Diego County; now Orange County must also ensure a local,
drought-proof water supply for our residents and businesses. We urge state
and local officials to move quickly and approve the proposed Desalination
Facility in Huntington Beach," she said.
"Typically, water supply is not the first issue people think about when
they wake up in the morning, but that's starting to change. If clean,
fresh water were not available, it would be the only issue people think
about," commented Richard Slawson, President of the Los Angeles/Orange
County Building Trades Council. "Our members support seawater desalination
because it has proven to be an environmentally responsible way to ensure
the economy is strong and good-paying jobs are created," he said.
The public opinion survey was conducted September 23-25 and included a 500
person sample of Orange County registered voters. The survey's margin of
error is +/- 4.4%.
"OCBC is a strong advocate for increased investment in infrastructure,"
added Lucy Dunn. "Enhancing the county's Infrastructure and supporting
innovation is vital to the foundation of a favorable business climate and
the creation of good-paying jobs. OCBC is proud to partner with the
Building Trades Council on this important research toward meeting these
worthy goals."
Fast Facts on Water in Southern California:
-- 2007 was the driest year ever recorded in Southern California.
-- 75 percent of the state's precipitation falls north of Sacramento, yet
75 percent of demand is south of that point.
-- About 30 percent of Southern California's overall water supply flows
through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
-- The 1976-77 drought cost California $6.5 billion in today's dollars.
The 1990-91 drought saw $2 billion in losses.
Contact Information: CONTACT: Robb Korinke Director of Communications 949.794.7225