Today is Mono Lake Day, the anniversary of the California State Water Resources Control Board’s decision mandating that Mono Lake be protected at a healthy level of 6,392 feet above sea level.
The State Water Board set the mandated level for Mono Lake on September 28, 1994. Thirty-one years later the lake has unfortunately not yet achieved that promised protection—it is nine feet too low and a decade overdue in reaching it. Continuing water diversions by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (DWP) keep the lake too low, despite DWP agreeing to accept and implement the State Water Board’s decision all those years ago.
Last year the Los Angeles City Council established September 28 as Mono Lake Day on the 30th anniversary of the State Water Board’s decision. The City Council reaffirmed their commitment to Mono Lake just two days ago by recognizing Mono Lake Day at their meeting.
“Mono Lake Day is an opportunity to celebrate that together we have committed to protecting Mono Lake and the biodiversity of its unique ecosystem,” said Geoff McQuilkin, Mono Lake Committee Executive Director, speaking in front of the City Council. “Yet we have work to do. The lake is only halfway to the healthy 6,392-foot lake elevation we all agreed would protect the lake. So, this is also a moment to renew our shared commitment to raising the lake, restoring health, and getting the job done.”
An element of the decision that Mono Lake Day recognizes is the provision for the Board to hold a hearing if Mono Lake hasn’t reached 6,392′. It was expected to take about 20 years, but now, 31 years later, it’s clear that it is time for the State Water Board to act. The Mono Lake Committee is urging the Board to schedule the hearing for the soonest possible date so it can take action to ensure that Mono Lake can rise to the Board’s required healthy level.
“Mono Lake Day reminds us that Los Angeles can meet the challenges of climate change while protecting the places that make California special,” said LA Mayor Karen Bass.
Los Angeles has made impressive strides in increasing its local water supply, which is more sustainable, reliable, and cost effective than water imported from faraway places like the Mono Basin. Angelenos’ water conservation efforts, the city’s improved stormwater capture strategies, and increased water recycling capacity at the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant are all investments in LA’s sustainable water future, which in turn are investments in a better future for Mono Lake.
“The investments we continue to make in Mono Lake will safeguard nature and people for future generations,” said Richard Katz, President of the Los Angeles Board of Water & Power Commissioners. “Mono Lake is not only a spectacular natural wonder but also a living symbol of how Los Angeles can balance water reliability with environmental stewardship.”
“A sustainable water future is vital and achievable for both Mono Lake and for Los Angeles,” said Geoff McQuilkin.
As Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, who sponsored the Council’s recognition of Mono Lake Day this year, said, “Mono Lake is not only a spectacular natural wonder, but also a living symbol of how Los Angeles can balance water reliability with environmental stewardship.” Right now, the balance is off—Mono Lake needs more water to rise to the mandated healthy level.
DWP representatives appeared at the City Council meeting to honor Mono Lake Day and presented remarks. Unfortunately, despite ample and increasing local water supplies, DWP plans to begin exporting water away from Mono Lake in just a few weeks.
Top photo courtesy of Yaretzi Bonilla.