East Bay Water Plan To Enlarge Reservoir Derailed By Environmental Lawsuit
RICHMOND (KCBS) – East Bay water officials are reversing course on certain aspects of a 30-year long range plan, deciding not to enlarge a key reservoir in the Sierra foothills in the face of a lawsuit by environmental groups.
East Bay Municipal Utilities District spokesman Charles Hardy said the agency was considering enlarging Pardee Reservoir in the Sierra foothills, but decided against it.
"We took a look at what our population is projected to be like in 30 years, and how much more water we're going to require, particularly during times of drought," said Hardy.
KCBS' Dave Padilla Reports:
EBMUD supplies drinking water to 1.3 million customers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.
Hardy said that within 30 years, East Bay MUD could have an additional 300,000 to 400,000 customers. Still, conservationists sued the water district over plans to enlarge Pardee Reservoir. Now the district is considering alternatives.
"One of the things we looked at was a potential partnership with the Contra Costa Water District around Los Vaqueros Reservoir," said Hardy.
Agency officials have been talking with officials at the Contra Costa Water District over expanding Los Vaqueros Reservoir near Brentwood and so far the talks have been positive.
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