Felicia Marcus, former chair of the California State Water Resources Control Board, emphasized that the state constitution upholds a “prohibition against waste and unreasonable use.” This provision enables the government to intervene in cases where individuals or entities are withholding water on a significant scale. In such circumstances, the state has the authority to mandate water rights holders to reduce their water usage, reallocate water to areas facing greater need, and potentially revoke water rights altogether.
A spokesperson for the Wonderful Company noted that the company holds rights to the Kern Water Bank among other water sources, tapping into the Kern Water Bank specifically during dry periods. The company asserts that its water usage amounts to less than 1% of the state’s total water supply and is part of a collaborative effort with farmers and ranchers to produce essential food resources for the nation.
Regarding the recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area, it has been confirmed that the water rights owned by the Resnicks, the owners of the Wonderful Company, have not impacted the water supply for Los Angeles during the crisis. While in severe drought conditions, Los Angeles County or the city might consider accessing water from the Kern Water Bank, the current water levels in Southern California’s reservoirs remain at or above historical averages, as reported by the California Department of Water Resources.
Addressing concerns about the ability of urban water systems to handle fire emergencies like the ongoing fires in Los Angeles, Felicia Marcus pointed out that the issue is not a lack of water storage within the city. She highlighted the challenges in California’s water management system, such as enforcement difficulties, complex regulations, and a hierarchy that favors senior water rights holders.
Marcus acknowledged the existing flaws in the state’s water rights system but clarified that these issues are separate from the current fire situation in Los Angeles. She emphasized that efforts to improve water management in California are ongoing and essential.
The Wonderful Company recently pledged $10 million to support wildfire relief efforts, with initial commitments including donations of $1 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and $500,000 to the Los Angeles Police Foundation. The company plans to allocate the remaining funds to further aid relief efforts as they progress.
This contribution reflects the company’s commitment to aiding the community during times of crisis, demonstrating a proactive stance in supporting essential services and emergency responders in Los Angeles. The funding aims to provide crucial support and resources to those impacted by the wildfires and contribute to the overall relief efforts in the region.
