Water is one of California\u2019s most coveted commodities, and the focus of intense competition between stakeholders such as industry, agriculture, residents, and environmental interests. The state cannot afford to waste or pollute its already limited supply.<\/p>\n
Maintaining adequate water supplies and water quality, and protecting the beneficial uses of water depends largely on land use decisions made by local government.\u00a0 How we plan and develop our communities has an enormous impact on the quality and quantity of California\u2019s water. Learn more about local government programs and policies, General Plan language, case studies and more that you can apply in your community on the following topic areas:<\/p>\n
LGC\u2019s work since 1991 to help local governments build more livable communities also serves to protect and conserve water resources. It has helped promote communities like Village Homes of Davis, CA, that sport narrow streets (20-24 feet), lawns that slope away from the street and into natural drainage systems, and a well-connected pedestrian\/bicycle trail system. Such communities help enable on-site water infiltration that percolates water through the soil, instead of releasing it to surface waters.<\/p>\n