A vote for clean water

California’s landscape is an enduring treasure, but its rivers, beaches and parks require public stewardship, especially as harsh weather and population growth take a toll. That’s why voters should support Proposition 68, a $4 billion bond measure on the June 5 ballot. The money will go to refurbish rundown park structures, build hiking trials and preserve beach access across the state. Along with those appealing projects come harder challenges: ensuring the water that pours out of faucets is drinkable, and preparing for the climate’s whipsaw changes such as droughts, wildfires and floods.

The bond package splits the money among these causes. Nearly $3 billion goes for parks and outdoor work, badly needed as buildings dating back to the 1930s show their age and growing communities clamor for recreation spots. The balance will focus on flood protection, improved delta levees and clean water projects where groundwater is tainted by pollution and local budgets can’t afford upgrades. Prop. 68 comes with other features worth noting. Less wealthy cities will get an enhanced chance based on a “park poor” index that steers money to underserved areas. Sacramento will oversee the spending with an eye to spreading the funds widely, not just to large cities or popular causes. The measure, drawn up by state Sen. Kevin de León, a Los Angeles Democrat, won two-thirds approval of the Legislature and was signed by Gov. Jerry Brown. The money can’t be steered to building new dams or a water tunnel project to divert delta flows southward, two controversial topics wisely left out of Prop. 68. A wide range of supporters are on board, including the state Chamber of Commerce, top-level environmental groups and a steering group for the state’s building and trade unions. It’s a broad alliance that indicates a common outlook on what California needs to repair its parks and safeguard its water supplies. Opponents argue that big-ticket improvements should be paid out of the state’s yearly budget, not spread out over future years with added borrowing costs. But that ultrathrifty outlook won’t work in carrying out work that takes a reliable supply of money. Bond measures, just like home mortgages, are a useful tool in paying major capital costs over time. A state package makes sense for other reasons. Local governments and park districts don’t have the funds for major repairs, beyond raising visitor fees or cutting other programs. The bond measure can supply extra money to bridge the gap. And don’t expect Washington to funnel more to either California or environmental programs under the Trump administration. This measure is a comprehensive way to improve California’s outdoors and protect its water supply. Vote yes on Prop. 68.