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

Can governor broker a water peace treaty?
Sacramento Bee
Merced Sun-Star

Coalition response…Much time and research has gone into finding solutions to a water infrastructure problem that threatens California’s future. Disagreement does not exist that something needs to be done. Part of the research has already been consideration of a 3,000 cfs conveyance tunnel under the Delta that certain groups recently have introduced as a “new” idea. The Bay Delta Conservation Plan studied this proposal a year ago according to BDCP documentation here.

A smaller diversion would not provide sufficient water to meet both urban and agricultural needs south of the Delta. That solution would either leave millions of acres of productive farmland without a reliable water supply, or it would require continued reliance on moving water through the Delta. Continuing the status quo is not a solution because it doesn’t help fish and it doesn’t deliver enough water – the two reasons why a BDCP project is even being considered in the first place.

Water has been a contentious issue in our state since the days of the Gold Rush. Leaders have stepped forward at certain times in our history and the result has been bold decisions for all Californians, such as the construction of the State Water Project. This bold leadership is just as important today. The Governor’s preferred alternative is a larger, 9,000 cfs facility and we agree. It’s the right choice for California’s water supply – and food supply – future.

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

A better idea, and billions cheaper

Coalition response…This is not a new proposal. It has been part of the project review documented all the way back to last March and can be found here. Proponents of this “new” proposal have taken the current two-tunnel project and cut it in half to only one, reducing its ability to deliver water to farms that need it now and to meet the future needs of cities later, as the article describes. They’re also proposing a reduced ecosystem restoration program in the Delta, cutting back more costs but also reducing the effectiveness of those projects for the environment. Under the guise of cost cutting they have dramatically swept aside years of study that have resulted in the two-tunnel proposal. On the eve of the plan’s formal announcement, this plan suddenly is being shopped as a new idea. It’s not.

The “new” proposal does not provide a solution to a broken water supply system that threatens our state. This editorial admits that it will not answer long-term needs. Water supply reliability has declined, affecting everyone from urban residents through higher water costs to the farmers that grow fresh fruit and vegetables destined for the grocery store.  The end result is fewer locally grown food choices and higher food costs, all at a time when the economy is just beginning to recover.

Significantly absent from this group of environmental organizations and business groups are public water agencies that represent large areas of some of the state’s most productive farmland. Not surprising, this “new” proposal would be devastating to farmers in California’s San Joaquin Valley, home to some of the most productive farmland in the world. 

Planning for a reliable water supply must continue to move forward.  Saying that a smaller approach that ignores the needs of California’s farm community is a step backwards and is the wrong choice for California.

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

Sinking land makes Valley levees unreliable

Coalition response…The reporter does a good job in presenting the ongoing efforts of farmers and water districts voluntarily working together to solve their problems relating to water supply and subsidence. These groups have already funded research to gather vital groundwater information to be used in reaching solutions. Their goal is to protect the groundwater that is important to so many.

This effort of working together to solve a local issue is reflected in other issues, such as drainage and river restoration. Farmers and water districts in the Grasslands Drainage Project Area near Los Banos have worked with government and environmental groups to reduce the runoff of minerals into the San Joaquin River. Restoring flows and salmon to the San Joaquin River has also benefitted from voluntary efforts that provide needed information to help these ongoing efforts.

Farmers and water district officials realize that working together results in protecting a food supply that is grown on their lands. To do otherwise would threaten a food supply that is both healthy and affordable.

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

Modesto, Turlock irrigation districts in talks over La Grange dam; more water for salmon

Coalition response…Some federal agencies have been calling for years for more water as the only way to boost salmon numbers. Well, it hasn’t worked and they are still clamoring for more water from cities and farmers. To cast aside suggestions by water districts that call for enhanced streambed restoration is a disservice not only to the public but also the environment. Additional suggestions called for reduced predatory fish, changing ocean fishing rules and improved hatchery practices need to be seriously considered and implemented.

Scientists from the Pacific Fisheries Management Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service have already identified poor ocean conditions—warm temperatures and reduced food supply—as the leading cause of the drop in salmon numbers. Isn’t it time we listen to the scientists and start seeking real answers that will result in benefits that we can all enjoy?

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

Setting it straight Blog

Coalition response…Claiming that “Last year’s pumping curtailments were not intended specifically to help smelt.” is indeed splitting hairs. The fact that both smelt and salmon numbers are down this year is a clear indication that the simplistic approach of just cutting water supplies isn’t helping either salmon or smelt recover. It’s time for a new approach that recognizes other stressors in the system and then manage it accordingly.

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

California water war heats up

Coalition response...According to the National Marine Fisheries Service, ocean conditions, poor water quality and predation are significant causes for the decline of Delta fish species. This year’s disastrous fall mid-water trawl survey results are even more alarming because we’ve done little more than cut water supplies since 1992 and the results aren’t getting any better. Cutting back water deliveries is not the answer. We can no longer simply say that fish need more and more water. It’s more complicated than that. Continuing to use old solutions to today’s complex problems doesn’t cut it anymore, especially when the old ways aren’t providing any improvements in the system.

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

California water system upgrade overdue

Coalition response…This article clearly explains the importance of upgrading a statewide water system that is in jeopardy. Many people may not recognize their reliance on water but Tim Quinn does a good job in presenting how water reaches into the lives of each person living in California. Leaders had the foresight years ago when the decision was made to construct a world-leading water system and that leadership should continue today.

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

There are alternatives to a bigger dam
Another water grab by Southern California

Coalition response…Governments, including schools, have benefited from Shasta Dam in the form of taxes it has generated to the local economy. Jobs have been created and even the environment has benefited not only at the local level but throughout the State. The study to raise the dam points out that these benefits will continue and even be enhanced.

Rejecting these future benefits is to reject the years of science and research that has gone into developing the proposal. More water in storage means improved conditions for Chinook salmon in dry or critical years as the cold water supply increases. More gravel augmentation for salmon in the upper Sacramento River is also included in the proposal. The survival rate for fish will be increased as a result of water management flexibility.

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

Delta plan threatens water rights, supplies

Coalition response…Opposition to planned water system upgrades and ecosystem improvements in the Delta puts the water supply for more than 25 million Californians at risk. It also threatens huge swaths of farmland in the San Joaquin Valley that is the source for much of California’s fruit and vegetable crops during certain times of the year.

Years of water uncertainty caused by drought and environmental restrictions, as well as a doubling of California’s population from a time when much of our existing water system was built, tells us that the time is right to invest in our future. As President John F. Kennedy said at the groundbreaking for San Luis Reservoir near Los Banos in 1962, “Nothing could be more disastrous for this country than for the citizens of one part of the state to feel that everything they have is theirs and that it should not be shared with the other citizens of the state. That is the way to stand still.”

Water rights for people in the Delta, or anywhere else for that matter, cannot be impacted by new projects. That’s the law. Standing in the way of others who want to invest in tomorrow’s more efficient water supply system is contrary to what Kennedy told us 50 years ago. And that surely is the way to stand still today.

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

Groundwater depletion must be addressed

Coalition response… While the writer has good intentions, the solution proposed to resolve groundwater overdraft is incorrect. Many of California’s over drafted groundwater basins are the result of unreliable surface water supplies. Environmental restrictions on water deliveries have squeezed more than 3 million acre-feet per year out of the system that serves farms, homes and businesses throughout the state. Without reliable surface supplies it has been impossible to meet the irrigation needs of farms and the food needs of California consumers without resorting to groundwater. In fact, the flood irrigation that is criticized in this article plays a big role in replenishing groundwater supplies for other farms and rural communities, something that doesn’t happen with drip and micro-irrigation systems. Every irrigation system has an appropriate use and flood is no different.