On Tap: An Interactive Web Site to Facilitate Water Transfer Applications, Approvals, and Education

During development of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program's Water Transfer Program, it became apparent that the current mechanisms used in California to apply for permission to transfer water were inefficient and the flow of information throughout the public arena was very limited. These inefficiencies tend to cause delays in garnering state or federal approval and have created concerns of adverse impacts to third parties. Given the fact that many water transfers are proposed to resolve immediate or near-term water supply shortages, approval delays can be frustrating and costly for transferring parties and the approving agency. Limited public disclosure and information sharing regarding market processes and protections can further aggravate attempts to build a more robust water market. The CALFED Bay-Delta Program envisioned an on-line, expert system that would greatly assist water transfer proponents with applications, allow reviewing agencies to respond in a more timely fashion, and vastly improve the flow of information to all who are interested. This paper will provide insights into how the development of On Tap is proceeding and the timeframe for public release. On Tap will provide water transfer proponents with a complete picture of jurisdictional authorities, application requirements, and links to pertinent information. On Tap will also provide a searchable database and a variety of resources to assist with improved public understanding of the California water market and with the flow and disclosure of pertinent information.