April 11, 2008

Ahead of the April 12 Progress Seminar in Monterey, SSMC representatives convened with Redwood City community leaders, PG&E, the Bay Area Water Supply Conservation Agency and members of the press for the launch of the 2008 Indicators for a Sustainable San Mateo County, SSMC’s 12th annual report card that measured the county’s sustainability concerning the environment, economy and social equity.

This year’s report highlighted some of the long-term concerns of water supply and demand. On April 10, SSMC unveiled the report at the South Bayside System Authority site, which supplies Redwood City with tens of millions of gallons of recycled water.

As noted in the San Mateo County Times and The Examiner, the report found that the county faces challenges with its water, partly because demand is projected to increase some 20 percent by 2030. Because the county mostly relies on one source for water—a source that is approaching its maximum output—proactive conservation efforts will become imperative to meet rising demand.

Other indicators in the report show negative trends in agricultural production value, child care, the county’s ecological footprint and housing affordability. Positive trends include air quality, carbon dioxide emissions, crime, green buildings and the reduction of solid waste. For a copy of the report, CLICK HERE or call Sustainable San Mateo County at 650-638-2323.