Takeaways:
- Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) initially planned to take less water from Mono Lake but has since reversed that decision.
- Mono Lake’s water levels remain significantly below the state’s restoration goal of 6,392 feet.
- Conservationists argue that LA’s reliance on Mono Lake is minimal and that diverting less water could significantly benefit the lake’s ecosystem.
- Climate change and policy loopholes have hindered Mono Lake’s recovery despite decades of conservation efforts.
A Setback for Conservation Efforts
Los Angeles will take most or all of its allotted water from Mono Lake through March, a decision that has frustrated environmentalists who had hoped for a reduction in diversions to help restore the lake’s ecosystem.
In the spring of 2024, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP) indicated it might significantly cut back on water extractions from Mono Lake’s tributaries. This raised hopes among conservationists and the local Kutzadika’a tribe, who have long advocated for preserving the lake’s fragile ecosystem. However, by November, the city had already exceeded its initially proposed lower withdrawal amount and is on track to divert the full 16,000 acre-feet it is legally allowed to take.
Why Mono Lake Matters
Mono Lake, situated east of Yosemite National Park, is a unique saltwater lake home to migratory birds, brine shrimp, and dramatic limestone tufa formations. However, decades of water diversions have severely lowered its water levels, increasing salinity and threatening its delicate ecosystem.
In the 1980s, conservation efforts led to a state ruling that aimed to restore the lake to 6,392 feet above sea level, but today, the lake remains about nine feet below that goal. The recent reversal by DWP only exacerbates concerns that Mono Lake may never fully recover.
Why DWP Changed Course
DWP’s initial willingness to take only 4,500 acre-feet—less than a third of its full legal allowance—was seen as a step toward collaboration. However, a dry fall and winter prompted the agency to reconsider.
Adam Perez, Los Angeles Aqueduct manager, stated that maximizing water deliveries from the Eastern Sierra remains a priority. “We always try to maximize aqueduct deliveries to the city,” he said, citing operational efficiency and cost savings as key factors. Water from Mono Lake costs LA about $950 per acre-foot, while imported water from the Metropolitan Water District is priced at around $1,240 per acre-foot.
Environmentalists Call for Policy Changes
Conservationists argue that LA’s dependence on Mono Lake’s water is minimal. Mono Lake water accounts for only 1% to 3% of the city’s total supply. Given LA’s strides in stormwater capture, water recycling, and conservation, environmental groups, including the Mono Lake Committee, believe the city can afford to leave more water in the lake.
“From an LA perspective, the amount of water taken from Mono Lake is very small,” said Mark Gold, water scarcity solutions director at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “For the recovery of Mono Lake, it’s incredibly important.”
A Legacy of Water Battles
Los Angeles’ history with Mono Lake dates back to 1941 when the city began diverting its tributary streams. By 1982, the lake had lost nearly half its water, prompting lawsuits that led to the landmark 1994 ruling limiting LA’s water diversions. The regulation sets different thresholds based on the lake’s water level, but conservationists argue that the tiered system creates a cycle where any recovery is quickly undone.
“If DWP takes the maximum allowable volume, we don’t get to the recovery level,” said Geoff McQuilkin, executive director of the Mono Lake Committee.
The State Water Resources Control Board has scheduled a public hearing in 2025 to reassess the effectiveness of the current regulations. Officials acknowledge that climate change may require revising water management strategies.
Climate Change Adds Complexity
The impacts of climate change, including prolonged droughts and reduced snowpack, have complicated restoration efforts. “When this target was ordered by the state water board, we didn’t know what the impacts of climate change would be,” Gold said. The declining reliability of historical water patterns has raised concerns that current policies may not be enough to save Mono Lake.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Solutions
Despite its continued reliance on Sierra Nevada water, Los Angeles is increasingly investing in sustainable alternatives. The city plans to double stormwater capture to 150,000 acre-feet annually within the next 15 years and expand its water recycling initiatives under California’s new direct potable reuse guidelines. Additionally, Los Angeles has successfully reduced per capita water use over the last two decades.
McQuilkin argues that these developments make it feasible for LA to give up Mono Lake water entirely. “The city has many sources of water and long-range storage capacity,” he said. “Mono Lake has one.”
The Road Ahead
As the battle over Mono Lake’s water continues, the coming year will be crucial in determining whether conservation policies evolve to reflect modern climate realities. Environmental advocates remain hopeful that state regulators will revise the current approach to ensure Mono Lake’s survival for future generations.