During a recent government meeting, officials discussed critical water demand projections and the financial implications of sourcing imported water. The conversation highlighted a potential increase in the required imported water supply, which could rise from 5,000 acre-feet to as much as 15,000 acre-feet. This escalation could significantly impact project costs, with estimates suggesting that the price of imported water could reach approximately $3,000 per acre-foot by 2030.

The meeting underscored the importance of accurately assessing water consumption rates. Officials noted that the current residential consumption rate is about 65 gallons per person per day, but this figure can fluctuate based on various factors, including population growth and family size dynamics. Concerns were raised regarding the reliability of state population growth figures, which have historically been overestimated, leading to potential miscalculations in water demand.

The discussion also touched on the financial viability of water projects. Officials compared the costs of investing in water infrastructure to the return on investment seen with solar energy projects, emphasizing that if a project could be paid back within four to five years, it would be considered worthwhile. The meeting concluded with a warning about rising costs from the Metropolitan Water Authority, which are projected to increase by 40% over the next three years, further complicating the water supply landscape.