Water Supply Reliability

Percent likelihood per year, over the next 20 years, of water shortage.

Water stress index is typically defined as the relationship between total water use and water availability. The closer water use is to water supply, the more likely stress will occur in natural and human systems. This indicator has been used by the United Nations and others.

Fiscal cost and benefit for local economy in water-source region due to water transfer. Water source regions may lose economic benefits from actively (e.g., agriculture) or passively (e.g., aesthetic enjoyment) using water.

Distance traveled for units of drinking and irrigation water. The long-distance movement of water is one of the most energy-intensive activities in California and may cause social, economic, and environmental harm in the source areas.