California Water Views - 2023 Outlook

04.01.2023
Nossaman Periodical

Welcome to the inaugural issue of Nossaman’s California Water Views – 2023 Outlook. April 1st is an important milestone in California’s water year – marking the annual snowpack assessment and related drought determination – so now is a good time to take stock of where we are, and what awaits.

Water is simple. Water issues are complex. To provide more clarity, we asked our attorneys and policy advisors who are committed to the water sector to identify the pivotal issues they’re watching now and for the year ahead. Their perspectives on issues ranging from climate change and infrastructure funding to an ever-evolving regulatory landscape are available in our 2023 Outlook.


Download Nossaman’s California Water Views - 2023 Outlook to read more about these topics.

DOWNLOAD


Highlights include:

Funding California’s Water Future
As communities look for ways to build and upgrade essential water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, can available funding from state and federal sources bridge the gap and get critical projects flowing?

Federal Funding Spigot Remains Open
States and their public agencies are positioned to receive a shot in the arm in the form of billions of federal dollars targeting water infrastructure with a focus on improving supply reliability and water quality.

Water Security Through Consolidation
Aging infrastructure, increasingly stringent water quality regulations and more frequent and extreme weather events are some of the reasons smaller water service providers are eyeing consolidation as one option to insure clean, safe water for their customers and communities.

WOTUS, Then and Now
Though the definition of waters of the United States (WOTUS) is evolving, administration of and compliance with the federal Clean Water Act will likely pose new challenges for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the regulated community.

Controlling Contaminants, a Focus on PFAS
With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposing National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances, many public water systems could require major treatment infrastructure investments and/or abandonment of some sources of water supply to comply.

The Future of Desalination, Post-Poseidon
Desalination is a polarizing topic in California. Advocates see a new, drought-proof source of clean water to supplement traditional supply while opponents point to costs, environmental impacts, capacity and other limiting factors. In water-needy California, is desal the future?

Adapting to Climate Change, Inland
Relocating inland to mitigate the effects of sea level rise may be unpopular; however, with limited options available to coastal municipalities and utilities, Morro Bay's new wastewater treatment plant may provide a blueprint for the future.

A Flood of Concern for Public Agencies?
In light of recent inverse condemnation case law, property owners experiencing the soggy aftermath of California's recent atmospheric river events might think twice before pointing the finger of blame at public infrastructure and public agency owners.

Risk Spotlight: Focusing on Force Majeure
The unprecedented severity of inclement weather, including floods and drought-fueled wildfires, is becoming an expected business risk and is driving an evolution in the application of contractual force majeure clauses.

Is Green Power the Future of Clean Water?
An increasing number of water purification projects are not satisfied with simply providing additional water, but are also attempting to make the purification process more efficient and environmentally friendly with the utilization of and sale of biogas.


Download Nossaman’s California Water Views - 2023 Outlook to read more about these topics.

DOWNLOAD


Stay informed. Our California Water Views blog provides timely and insightful updates on the water sector in the state. We relay information on how water legislation and policy from the nation’s capital, Sacramento and around the U.S. affect California’s water utilities, agencies, practitioners and consumers. We also write about important events, conferences, legal cases and other key happenings involving all things water in and around California.

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn
Jump to Page

We use cookies on this website to improve functionality, enhance performance, analyze website traffic and to enable social media features. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy and our Terms & Conditions for additional detail.