The preliminary findings, which still await input from the water sector include:

• Traditional water sources cannot be relied upon for increased supplies and may diminish further. The environmental crisis and new water conveyance system construction in the Delta remain a top priority.
• Southern California must embark on a concerted self help water supply program comprised of a portfolio of locally sourced supplies and wet year supply supplements to meet its future needs.
• Urban water conservation is one of the most promising and least costly options to extend water supplies.
• Local storm water capture and increased use of ground water storage are the next largest and most cost effective alternatives.
• Interagency cooperation to share water resources and minimize unnecessary water transfers can be a no-cost or reduced-cost option.
• Recycling water for domestic use and desalination, while expensive and more power intensive are viable options to ensure reliability of necessary supplies.
• Surface storage in the San Joaquin and Sacramento watersheds offer Southern California little water reliability and would be one of the most expensive and energy intensive options.