The State of California is facing a water crisis on multiple fronts. The shortage of rainfall and runoff from the snowpack are natural occurrences we cannot control that are negatively affecting the water supply. The lack of political will to address the need for additional water conveyance systems and reservoirs, and court decisions that further restrict the water supply are additional problems we are inflicting on ourselves.

Adding to this is a growing population in neighboring states such as Nevada and Arizona that are taking a larger share of water from the Colorado River that we used to count on, and the population growth our region is experiencing which is creating a local water crisis in San Bernardino County.

The residential building industry clearly has a stake in making sure that there is a source of clean and reliable water supply because every builder must have a water supply solution in-place before it can even start on a development project.

In fact the building industry has taken and will continue to take a leading role in water conservation and reuse efforts to ease the water crisis. Among the many efforts we undertake to help ensure a reliable water supply for our region is our commitment to sponsoring – along with many partners – the Annual San Bernardino County Water Conference.

At this year’s event speakers and panelists will address the economic and environmental impacts associated with supply and delivery challenges in the face of the statewide drought and current economic conditions. Lorri Gray-Lee, Lower Colorado Regional Director for the Bureau of Reclamation and Ellen Hanak, Senior Fellow and Director of Research for the Public policy Institute of California will headline the event and serve as the lunchtime keynote speakers.

The conference will enable the public to engage with business, community and civic leaders to learn about the county’s water resources, the water-supply crisis and solutions to this ongoing problem.

The building industry is not the only sector that has an economic stake in ensuring that there is water for the growth of the region. In fact the economic future of every resident of San Bernardino County is dependent upon business and population growth. Access to water is essential to ensuring the county remains economically competitive.

This population growth is not driven by the building industry but by the many Californians that have made the Inland Empire is one of the most popular regions for residents of California to relocate to. I think those of us that live here know why. This region is a place where you can grow and live out your dreams.

Residents here are hard-working and entrepreneurial. The people of this region are family-oriented and are looking for a good place to raise those families where they can afford the type of lifestyle they want.

The builders in this region like everyone else are hoping for a quick economic recovery. We want to get back to employing more people and putting the American dream of home ownership within reach of all residents. In order for the recovery to be sustained we must ensure a safe, reliable water supply. I hope you will attend the San Bernardino County Water Conference on August 20th at the Ontario Convention Center and join the conversation about providing solutions for our future water supply. For more information please visit www.sbcwater.com.

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