Policy Position
Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
The sustainablity of California’s economy, the eighth largest in the world, depends upon a reliable source of water. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Deltat is the hub of our state’s water delivery system. Twenty-five million Californians — nearly two-thirds of the state’s population — depend on water from the Delta. Millions of acres are irrigated with water from the Delta. The survival of many endangered species depends on flows through the Delta.

The Delta is in crisis and the crisis worsens every day. As it worsens, the threat of statewide economic and ecologic disaster increases. Disruption of water supplies from the Delta are heightened by California’s continuing drought and regulatory restrictions.

California must take decisive action to solve the Delta’s chronic problems and avoid the Delta’s continuing deterioration as a reliable source of water. Governor Schwarzenegger agrees. “In California, water is essential to our jobs, our schools, our families, our environment, and our economy. With a drought and court-order water restrictions and an increasing population, the time for action is now. Making sure Californians have the water we need to keep our economy strong and our people working has never been more critical.”

A comprehensive solution to resolve the Delta’s chronic water supply and environmental problems must include implementation of water conveyance improvements. Currently, water flows only through the Delta. We need to build a conveyance system that moves water through and around the Delta. A new isolated conveyance system will allow for more flexibility in water management, extra insurance against disasters such as earthquakes or floods and greater protection for fish.

Improving conveyance does not have to wait until an isolated conveyance facility is built. Immediately, the Governor and the Secretary of the Interior need to take all actions necessary to approve and build temporary barriers in the Delta. State and Central Valley Contractors have proposed barriers in key locations to help manage the conflicts between water supply and endangered fish. As Senator Dianne Feinstein stated last July, “the combination of drought, court ordered water restrictions, global warming, and increasing population has placed a major strain on the existing infrastructure”. This “Two Gates” solution which has broad environmental and statewide water agency support must be in operation by next summer.

Structural fixes to our water supply needs area critical, but water conservation and water use efficiency are also central elements. Governor Schwarzenegger has set a statewide goal to reduce per capita water use of 20 percent by 2020. While much as been accomplished in the past, significant increases in water conservation will be required. With our water supplies at a dangerously low level, statewide action must include all water users, including residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural water users. Conservation measures must be feasible and a shared responsibility of all. Putting California on the path toward reliable water supplies includes restoring the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and expanding our local water supplies.

We need to express to Governor Schwarzenegger, Secretary of Resources Mike Chrisman and members of the Legislature that action is required now. By 2010, California needs have made the necessary decisions and have approved a plan that will restore the reliability of our water supplies that underpin the entire economy. Attached is a letter (or resolution) that we urge you to send that insists our political leadership get the job done.

Below is the Southern California Water Committee’s policy position on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Crisis:
• SCWC Delta Policy Position (PDF 96k)

Five documents you can use to lend you voice to the issue:
• Sample Resolution (.doc 23k)
• Individual Support Form (.doc 21k)
• Organizational Support Form (.doc 21k)
• Schwarzenegger Letter (.doc 23k)
• Salazar Letter (.doc 23k)

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