Q1. What does NID do with the new Water Planning Projections?

A1. NID uses the Water Planning Projections in a number of planning documents and other efforts, some are required by law and others are to inform decisions about improvements to the water storage and the delivery infrastructure system. 

Q2. Why did NID update its Water Planning Projections now?

A2. The need to update NIDs Water Planning Projections at this time is driven by deadlines to submit upcoming state-required Urban and Ag Water Management Plans as well as to understand the impacts of new FERC requirements placed on NID’s Yuba-Bear System.  This information will also be used in NID’s 50 year, long range planning effort called the Plan for Water.

Q3. How did NID choose the models it used in these studies?

A3. There are many models used to make projections. When choosing which model to use, NID worked with our consultant, HDR, and sought to use models that are used and generally accepted by the State of California or other similar agencies. We recognize that there are other models out there and good people may have chosen different models. We hired a very reputable firm, HDR, and are confident that they have chosen appropriate models to do this work.

Q4. How did NID choose the assumptions it put in these studies?

A4. Any type of long range projection requires assumptions of future conditions.  Future supply and demand conditions depend on assumptions of future land use, service levels, climate, water use, community values, regulations, legal framework, and many others. We tried to use sound logic and generally accepted sources as a basis for the assumptions we chose.  We recognize that other assumptions could have been used but we feel confident that the assumptions we used are realistic and appropriate.

Q5. Why Does NID need to do both the UWMP and an AWMP

A5.  Because NID is both a municipal drinking water supplier and an agricultural raw water supplier, it must meet the requirements of both water management planning regulations.