Delta Decisions
The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is one of California’s most important natural assets. It is also the single most critical link in California’s water supply system, serving as the hub for both the State Water Project (SWP) and the federal Central Valley Project (CVP) that together serve more than 25 million Californians and millions of acres of farmland.
For all its importance, the Delta faces many challenges. It is in an ecological collapse that threatens key fish species as well as water supply reliability for much of the state. By any measure, it has seen significant declines in water quality and ecosystem health in recent decades, and faces tremendous pressures in its dual role as water conveyance system and important habitat for critical species.
Regulatory restrictions to protect salmon and Delta smelt have significantly reduced on water deliveries through the Delta at key times. The reductions have exacerbated the effects of recent dry years, creating shortages for urban as well as agricultural water users in some parts of the state.
The California Legislature took a major step toward addressing these challenges by enacting a comprehensive legislative package on water in November 2009. Key decisions are ahead in 2011 as state agencies implement the package.
Delta Stewardship Council
The Delta Stewardship Council is developing a Delta Plan to guide state and local efforts to manage the Delta in a way that furthers the co-equal goals. The council is expected to release a draft plan by June, with a final plan due by Jan. 1, 2012.
Bay-Delta Conservation Plan
The Bay-Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) process is developing a comprehensive plan to obtain long-term operating permits under the state and federal Endangered Species Acts. The proposed BDCP conservation strategy includes a more modern and reliable water conveyance system in the Delta, restoration of up to 115,000 acres of natural habitat, and actions to address other stressors affecting the Delta ecosystem. An administrative draft of the plan is expected sometime this spring.
California Water Commission
Another element stemming from the comprehensive package is the revamped California Water Commission (CWC). The CWC is charged with developing new investment criteria for 21st century storage infrastructure, including better ways to quantify the water supply and public benefits associated with new storage. If the voters approve the water bond now scheduled for the November 2012 ballot, the CWC will allocate $3 billion in funding for new storage projects through a competitive process based on these investment criteria.
- Read more about the California Water Commission
