An excellent analysis of what is at stake and options to be considered.
Studying several options is a wise approach to state’s water crisis
By Timothy Quinn (published Thursday, March 06, 2008)
Normally at this time, a healthy Sierra snowpack means a good year is in store for local water agencies and their customers. Not so in 2008.
Despite above-normal rain and snowfall, we're facing serious water challenges that no amount of precipitation can resolve. That makes the Legislature's water debate more critical than ever.
For the better part of the past year, legislative leaders and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger have been trying to hammer out a comprehensive water bond that would address those challenges. While there is broad agreement on many elements of the package, negotiations continue on the most urgent problem: the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta.
Time is not our friend on this issue. The delta is in an ecological crisis that imperils species as well as our water supply. Every day that goes by without a solution is another day of lost water supply and further deterioration of the environment.
The Association of California Water Agencies is urging lawmakers to move ahead with a comprehensive plan that includes improvements to the current system for conveying water through the delta. Changes are needed to allow the system to protect the aquatic environment and still provide adequate water supplies for the economy.
The need for action has never been more acute. In December, a federal judge ordered significant reductions in water deliveries by the state's main water projects to protect a threatened species, the delta smelt. Another recent action involving long-fin smelt may further tighten the screws. The projects convey water through the delta to more than 25 million Californians and more than 2.5 million acres of prime agricultural land.
Pumping restrictions ordered by the court will reduce water deliveries by as much as 30 percent this year - and similar restrictions are likely every year until we fix the underlying problem. That means local water agencies will have less water available for their customers and will have to rely on extraordinary conservation (even mandatory rationing) and emergency reserves. They will also have less water available to replenish already low reservoirs and groundwater basins for use in future years.
The impacts of the court ruling already are being felt. For example, decisions on new housing and retail developments in Riverside County are on hold because the necessary future water supplies cannot be guaranteed. Growers in the San Joaquin Valley are fallowing some land and reducing some crops due to water uncertainties.
