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HISTORIC RAIN, YET DROUGHT REMAINS <br /> <br /> <br />ORANGE COUNTY GRAND JURY 2022 I 2023 Page 25 of 57 <br />F4 South Orange County relies primarily on the importation of water. <br />F5 Local water suppliers recognize that enhanced stormwater capture and storage, <br />wastewater recycling, and infrastructure improvements will not be sufficient to <br />address the long-term forecast of drought and its effects on supply. <br />F6 There is significant water infrastructure planning, but inadequate implementation. <br />F7 The review and approval process for major water capital projects is cumbersome <br />and overly restrictive. <br />F8 Failing to find solutions to water shortages will have a significant impact on the <br />Orange County economy. <br />F9 Continued development in Orange County creates additional water supply needs. <br />F10 Conservation and efficient use of water is essential. <br />F11 Increased outreach and public education are necessary. <br />F12 Desalination has proven to be technologically and environmentally feasible and is <br />slowly being embraced as a drought-resistant source of water. <br />RECOMMENDATIONS <br />In accordance with California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05, the 2022-2023 <br />Grand Jury requires (or as noted, requests) responses from each agency affected by <br />recommendations presented in this section. The responses are to be submitted to the <br />Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. <br /> <br />Based on its investigation titled “Historic Rain, Yet Drought Remains,” makes the <br />following four recommendations: <br /> <br />R1 The County of Orange Board of Supervisors should take a leadership role by the <br />end of calendar year 2023 to explore the establishment of a “Climate Resiliency <br />District” or Joint Powers Authority to fund and expedite implementation of a <br />drought-resistant source of water. F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F12 <br />R2 Orange County water agencies should expedite the planning, development, and <br />construction of desalination plants over the next five years to insure a sustainable <br />and reliable drought-resistant source of water. F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, <br />F11, F12 <br />R3 The County of Orange and all Orange County cities should formulate an <br />emergency development moratorium plan in anticipation of the Colorado River <br />water supply being constrained. The emergency moratorium plan should be <br />developed by the end of calendar year 2023. F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, <br />F10, F11, F12