From News Line, a daily compilation of farm water news distributed to CFWC members and others upon request. To receive News Line, click here.

Letter: Piping Sacramento River water under the Delta won’t add to California supply

Coalition response…The goal of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan and its proposed twin tunnels is not to increase California’s water supply but rather to restore water that was once delivered to thousands of farms and 25 million Californians. At the same time the Plan is designed to restore the Delta ecosystem. Government regulations have interrupted the water supply by taking water away from users, including those in Santa Clara County and the Eastbay, and keeping it in the Delta for environmental purposes. Unfortunately, federal agencies have been unable to prove any benefits to the environment from this action.

Water that should be delivered to farms is used to grow the food that consumers find around the corner at their local grocery stores and around the world. If water once delivered to farms is not restored on a reliable basis, then consumers should expect to find more imported food items on their grocery shelves.