Summary
A wet winter has pushed the local groundwater basin to about 99% of its optimum level, and Metropolitan may end the year with surplus supplies. But a warm winter left the Sierra snowpack at just 43% of normal, limiting how much of this year's precipitation becomes stored water.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 18, 2026.
Impact analysis
A possible new Metropolitan storage program could affect water costs, depending on the discount offered.
All Long Beach water customers benefit from a full groundwater basin and reliable supplies.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Utilities Commission - Jun 18, 2026
The west side of Long Beach depends entirely on imported water and could face shortages up to 50-60% by 2050 in a worst-case scenario. Staff proposed three pathways — regional brackish desalination, Pure Water participation, or continued imported purchases — anchored by a groundwater resilience program and more recycled water. A draft plan goes to public meeting around August.
Utilities Commission - Mar 19, 2026
A presentation on risks to the Delta water supply — levee failures, sea level rise, subsidence — and Metropolitan's efforts including levee upgrades, delta smelt production, and potential carbon storage revenue on its islands.
Utilities Commission - Resources Committee - Feb 19, 2026
A wet winter has pushed the local groundwater basin to about 99% of its optimum level, and Metropolitan may end the year with surplus supplies. But a warm winter left the Sierra snowpack at just 43% of normal, limiting how much of this year's precipitation becomes stored water.
Utilities Commission - Feb 5, 2026
The commission backed Metropolitan Water District's massive water recycling project, which would convert highly treated wastewater into drinking-quality supply. Long Beach has a contract for about 4,000 acre-feet, supporting groundwater resilience in west Long Beach.
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