Recent California Water News
January 2012
"Editorial: No need to fast-track latest attempt at canalCalifornia shouldn't be trying to execute a plan conceived of 30 years ago without acknowledging how water use has changed - and a serious search for options to the canal."
San Francisco Chronicle, January 27, 2012
"Viewpoints: Water barons will corner market in new 'Chinatown'
A one-sentence provision inserted in the 2012 budget bill by U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein will allow a handful of powerful San Joaquin Valley water oligarchs to sell federally subsidized agricultural water in a private market for as much as 150 times more than what they pay for it."
Sacramento Bee, January 8, 2012
"Panel vindicates Delta scientists accused of bias
Two government biologists who were excoriated last fall by a federal judge accusing them of arguing dishonestly for tougher environmental regulations in the Delta did nothing wrong, according to an independent panel of experts."
Contra Costa Times, January 6, 2012
December 2011
"2011: More water in Delta, and more fishAfter a three-year drought that stoked political rhetoric by pitting water users against the needs of Delta smelt, a wet 2011 saw a great year for both."
San Jose Mercury News, December 22, 2011
"New Delta invader, spongeplant, threatens to clog waterways, pumps
An invasive weed just now taking hold in the Delta could clog water delivery pumps and marinas on a scale never seen here, and state officials say they are nearly hamstrung in trying to deal with it."
Oakland Tribune, December 21, 2011
"Is the Delta Plan off track? No -- not yet, says commentary
Nick Di Croce (of EWC) summarizes for Aquafornia what he told a panel at the recent Association of California Water Agencies semi annual conference, in response to the question whether the Delta Plan is off track."
Aquafornia, December 12, 2011
November 2011
"Delta studies to be released after complaints from Congress, othersReacting to fierce criticism from Northern California members of Congress and others, state and federal water officials said Tuesday they would make public draft documents for a controversial water plan and no longer allow major water agencies to review them in advance."
Contra Costa Times, November 29, 2011
"Viewpoints: Stop latest Delta threat: A political power play by George Miller and Doris Matsui
The vitality of the single most important estuary on the West Coast is once again at risk from an old-fashioned political power play. If it's successful, local water users, the economy and the environment of our region and state will pay a huge price."
Sacramento Bee, November 20, 2011
"Viewpoints: Water plan must give Delta area a place at the decision-making table
It is also no secret that powerful special interests in the San Francisco Bay Area and Southern California are lusting over the Delta. They have a desire to create a tunnel or a peripheral canal the size of the Panama Canal right through the heart of San Joaquin County to siphon water from our region to benefit them, while leaving us in the dust."
Sacramento Bee, November 18, 2011
"Editorial: Bay Delta plan on a perilous path
Paid for and driven by water contractors, this "conservation plan" has been disproportionately focused on construction of a canal or tunnel that would provide water exporters with extra supplies. State and federal officials seem determined to finalize plans for some form of tunnel or canal by next year, even though there remain serious questions about the financing, impacts and governance of this audacious feat of plumbing, and its impact on Delta communities."
Sacramento Bee, November 7, 2011
"Delta Plan lacks specifics but sets foundation for new water policy
A blueprint for the Delta's future and much of California's water supply falls short of the detailed road map sought two years ago by lawmakers because dozens of plans expected from other agencies are not done, the head of the agency in charge of the blueprint said Friday."
Mercury News, November 4, 2011
"Climate change effect on Delta detailed in new study
California's water problems and the ecological pressure on the West Coast's largest estuary will intensify in a warming world, according to a first-of-its-kind scientific study."
Mercury News, November 2, 2011
"Delta contract dispute forces feds to back down
Bowing to complaints that big water customers have been given unprecedented control of a far-reaching Delta water plan, state and federal water officials said Friday they would open a new contract to public comment."
Contra Costa Times, November 1, 2011
October 2011
"Water suppliers' delta accord under scrutinyCalifornia is moving at breakneck speed on a plan to build what could be huge tunnels under the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to carry water from Northern California to Southern California and the Central Valley."
San Francisco Chronicle, October 31, 2011
"Delta plan critics see conflict of interest in state use of water agency employee
Critics of a new Delta aqueduct said Tuesday that state water officials inappropriately borrowed a representative of water agencies that want the aqueduct to help them develop a plan to build it."
Contra Costa Times, October 25, 2011
"Northern California Dems blast Obama team on water plans
On Monday, though, five California Democratic members of Congress rebuked the administration over a recent agreement signed with water agencies. The three-page letter signed by Rep. George Miller, D-Martinez, and others complains that the Interior Department is giving water agencies "unprecedented influence" and "long-term guarantees" that may be to the detriment of the environment."
Sacramento Bee, October 24, 2011
"Water agencies seek to control Delta project studies
An agreement that paved the way for $100 million to study and plan a new Delta aqueduct gives customers an unusual edge over state water officials, a legislative analyst testified Wednesday. The agreement gives big farm and urban water agencies in the San Joaquin Valley and Southern California the ability to review studies before they are released to the public."
Contra Costa Times, October 19, 2011
September 2011
"Editorial: Klamath deal needs a boost from CongressUp on the Klamath River, it's a different story. Irrigators, environmentalists, Indian tribes and the utility that owns dams on the Klamath have brokered an armistice in the region's water wars. Not only that, they have held together as a group to support the deal, and now have a workable, peer-reviewed plan for implementing it."
Sacramento Bee, September 27, 2011
"Klamath River dam-removal benefits detailed
Dismantling the four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River would open up 420 miles of habitat for migrating salmon, create thousands of jobs and cost less than it would to maintain the reservoirs, a U.S. Department of the Interior report said Wednesday."
San Francisco Chronicle, September 22, 2011
"Parts of Delta salmon plan invalidated in court
A federal judge in Fresno on Tuesday invalidated key parts of a plan to protect endangered winter- and spring-run Chinook salmon and Central Valley steelhead that migrate through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta."
Fresno Bee, September 20, 2011
"Delta water grab fears unfounded, says U.S. resources chief
The nation's top resources manager said Monday he doubts Northern California fears of a water grab will come to pass even as he left open the door to increasing exports from the Delta."
Mercury News, September 19, 2011
"Oakland Tribune editorial/slideshow: Specific plan needed to protect Delta, deliver water to users
The Delta Stewardship Council was formed by the state last year to develop a comprehensive plan with the "coequal goals" of providing a reliable water supply for California and safeguarding and improving the Delta ecosystem. It is a daunting challenge that has frustrated water policymakers for generations. There simply is not enough dependable water supply to meet the needs of farmers, urban users and the environment."
Oakland Tribune, September 19, 2011
"Environmental poison in San Francisco Bay could increase with Delta water plan
A naturally occurring poison responsible for one of the nation's worst wildlife disasters a quarter-century ago is a looming problem in San Francisco Bay -- one that could worsen if aqueducts are built around the Delta, new research suggests."
Mercury News, September 16, 2011
"Record fish numbers salvaged in Calif. water pumps
California environmentalists said Monday they are alarmed by the record number of fish caught in the large pumping facilities that move water around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta."
San Francisco Chronicle, September 12, 2011
August 2011
"Open Forum: A fracking messWe want safe and clean energy options, but we also want safe and clean water. There is no need to sacrifice one for the other."
San Francisco Chronicle, August 25, 2011
"Plan to restore Delta released to public
Rules on river flows, fees on utilities and more water conservation on farms are among the policies proposed in a draft plan to restore the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta."
Sacramento Bee, August 5, 2011
"Surplus water flowing to state's farms, reservoirs
California water agencies, after suffering three years of drought, are now enjoying an unusual benefit: a tide of cheap water declared "surplus" after a bountiful winter."
Sacramento Bee, August 2, 2011
July 2011
"Delta debate back before Fresno federal judgeEven in this, the wettest of years, the battle over endangered fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta rages."
Fresno Bee, July 27, 2011
"Central Valley congressman comes out against peripheral canal
Central Valley Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Pleasanton, on Wednesday declared his opposition to state plans for a peripheral canal to suck water out of the Sacramento River and convey it around the Delta to users south of the Delta."
Central Valley Business Times, July 27, 2011
"Salmon may face greater threat than water shortage
California's salmon wars have been characterized as a choice between thriving fisheries or prosperous San Joaquin Valley farms; there is not enough water, it has been argued, for both. But evidence is growing that the disposition of the state's scant fresh water supply may not be the biggest issue facing salmon."
San Francisco Chronicle, July 25, 2011
"Delta smelt population up -- wet winter appears to have helped
The Delta's signature fish species has seen a promising rebound this year, thanks to robust river flows. Scientists, however, say the population of the Delta smelt remains a long way from full health."
Sacramento Bee, July 21, 2011
"Opinion: Will a river ever run through it?
House members from the south Valley have moved to block funding for restoration of the San Joaquin River. They don't want salmon put back in the river.
Recordnet.com, July 20, 2011
"Salmon fishing season booming; recreational fishermen pouring into Humboldt County
After a few weeks of rough waters and tepid fishing conditions, businesses are now saying the salmon are abundant -- and so are the sports fishermen."
Eurekea Times-Standard, July 19, 2011
"Water a key to Feinstein's re-election chances
Renewed haggling over California water complicates Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein's 2012 re-election bid."
Fresno Bee, July 1, 2011
June 2011
"Viewpoints: Don't let growers grab water with their distortionsAlthough California farmers already use 80 percent of California's developed water supply, it's not enough for San Joaquin Valley farmers. In congressionally proposed legislation, the San Joaquin farmers would promote themselves from junior water contract positions to the head of the line in water rights, would bypass existing environmental protections and negate a major river restoration project in order to provide themselves with increased amounts of water."
Sacramento Bee, June 26, 2011
"Editorial: Wading into the water war
The serene landscape of California's delta belies the brutal battles over its most precious export - water."
San Francisco Chronicle, June 19, 2011
"How state's farmers weathered drought
California's most recent drought cost consumers more than $1.5 billion in lost hydropower and led to the cancellation of two commercial salmon fishing seasons, but its impacts on agriculture were more mixed than previously thought, according to a water policy report released today."
San Francisco Chronicle, June 16, 2011
"Drought study refutes criticism of environmental measures
A new study pours cold water on claims that environmental protections worsened the economic impact of California's 2007-09 drought, even as it highlights significant losses to Kern County farmers as a result of the crisis."
Bakersfiled.com, June 16, 2011
"Judge denies request to step up delta pumping
A judge on Wednesday refused to order water pumps back to full blast at the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, denying a restraining order sought by farm-water officials."
Fresno Bee, June 15, 2011
"Oakland Tribune editorial: Bill in Congress a threat to region's water users, Delta protection
THERE ARE FEW, if any, public policy issues in California more complex than water distribution, primarily because there is not enough water to satisfy every competing interest. What is needed is a balanced, thoughtful approach to water policy that is fair to urban water users, agriculture and the environment."
Oakland Tribune, June 11, 2011
"Pumps' fish slaughter alarms conservationists
The giant pumps propelling water to some of California's biggest cities and farming districts trapped and killed 6 million young splittail last month, enraging conservation groups and further stoking the fiery debate over operation of the state's sprawling water system."
San Francisco Chronicle, June 9, 2011
"Editorial: Fisheries have equal claim to water
You've seen the signs - "Farms, not fish!" - when the TV cameras are about to roll. But it isn't likely you've seen any proclaiming "Fish, not subsidized water for corporate ag," which is because there haven't been many signs like that."
Monterey Herald, June 9, 2011
"Coalition to sue U.S. over toxic farmland runoff
Thirty years after toxic farmland runoff poisoned and malformed thousands of birds in a now infamous incident at a Central Valley reservoir, environmentalists contend the federal government has done little to stop the flow of hazardous contaminants into California's second largest river and the important estuary downstream."
San Francisco Chronicle, June 8, 2011
May 2011
"Delta's winter surge undercuts rationale for big diversion of Sierra water around itA surge of winter runoff that could not be captured has buttressed objections to building a huge aqueduct to route Sierra water around the Delta."
Contra Costa times, May 20, 2011
"Brown administration looks at smaller water project to bypass Delta
Gov. Jerry Brown's top water official revealed Tuesday that the administration is backing away from former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's plan to build giant tunnels diverting Sacramento River water around the Delta. Jerry Meral, deputy secretary of the state's Natural Resources Agency, told an Assembly committee the tunnels are no longer the leading option to solve the Delta's chronic water and environmental problems."
Sacramento Bee, May 11, 2011
"Los Vaqueros Reservoir expansion called future of water storage
The $120 million expansion of one of the East Bay's biggest and newest dams is the latest example of a new generation of state water storage projects that have collectively turned the page on an era of enormous dams built in river canyons."
Contra Costa Times, May 9 2011
"Delta plan blasted over omissions by U.S. panel
A widely watched plan for the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta that purports to both revive collapsing fish species and ensure stable water supplies instead reads as a crude justification for a controversial 40-mile pipeline around the estuary, a panel of pre-eminent scientists convened by the Obama administration said Thursday."
San Francisco Chronicle, May 6, 2011
"Open Forum: Where farmers, fishermen agree
Here's something that would surprise anyone tracking the heavily politicized debate over California's water, fish and farms: Many of the state's farming and fishing communities generally agree on a sustainable plan for the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta."
San Francisco Chronicle, May 5, 2011
April 2011
"Farmers: Do your part on pollutionFaced with the possibility of being required to report fertilizer use electronically, farmers protested that many of them didn't have Internet access and computers, the Los Angeles Times reported. In debate circles, I think this is called the Say Something Ridiculous With a Perfectly Straight Face tactic."
The Fresno Bee, April 18, 2011
"Feds looking at protection for Klamath chinook
Federal fisheries biologists have agreed to consider Endangered Species Act protection for a second salmon species in the Klamath River running from Southern Oregon across Northern California."
San Francisco Chronicle, April 11, 2011
"There's a catch in this season's anticipated California salmon catch
California's king salmon are back. Sport anglers started going after them last week, and in San Mateo this week regulators will set guidelines for commercial fishers who weathered an unprecedented three-year stretch in which California salmon were almost entirely off-limits."
Contra Costa Times, April 10, 2011
"Expected salmon comeback renews fight over water
With the expected opening of California's commercial salmon fishery just weeks away, those who catch, study and defend the species are squaring off against those who say federal protections of the fish rob the state of critical jobs and fallow thousands of acres of fertile farmland."
San Francisco Chronicle, April 8, 2011
"Editorial: Water 'dumped into the ocean'- shocking!
It never fails that, during wet years or dry ones, the water buffaloes resume their stampede for more taxpayer-subsidized water projects."
The Sacramento Bee, April 6, 2011
"Opinion: Myth of California water shortfalls
It is time to pull back the curtain on one of the most common myths of California's water situation - the idea that there is enough water to satisfy 100 percent of "demand.""
San Francisco Chronicle, April 4, 2011
March 2011
"End of California's drought signals a good time to hit the slopesAfter a wet winter accentuated by last week's storm, it's finally official: California's drought is over."
San Jose Mercury News, March 31, 2011
"Delta's survival more important than fish
Letting some fish species die off as part of a larger environmental restoration may be the best way to protect the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, a leading California think tank says."
Contra Costa Times, March 30, 2011
"California's drought is over -- everywhere but the state capitol
Despite a torrential spring, California officially remains in a state of "drought emergency." An emergency proclamation signed by former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in February 2009, as well as a similar executive order from 2008, is still the law of the land."
Mercury News, March 28, 2011
"9th Curcuit upholds rules protecting delta smelt
A federal appeals court upheld the constitutional authority Friday of rules protecting the endangered Delta smelt."
Sacramento Bee, March 26, 2011
"Obscure water agency won't cave on Delta canal
An obscure water agency that owns no pipes and delivers no water may be able to stymie the state's grand plan for a canal to carry water around the Delta to Southern California."
Sacramento Bee, March 17, 2011
"Viewpoints: Report wrongly excuses farming from helping solve water woes
The latest report on California's water crisis has recently been released by the Public Policy Institute of California, and while there are good things in this work, it has two fundamental flaws that cannot be ignored: It completely lets the agricultural sector off the hook for its part in causing - and ultimately helping to solve - our water problems, and it lays all the pressure and responsibility on urban water users and the environment."
Sacramento Bee, March 6, 2011
February 2011
"Temporary truce reached in California delta smelt water restrictionsThe federal government and water contractors have agreed to a temporary truce in the perennial delta smelt wars, consenting to a settlement that for the next four months relaxes restrictions on the pumping operations that help supply water to Southern California."
Los Angeles Times, February 25, 2011
"Manage water for today, new study says
A new report released Wednesday on California's well-recognized water management problems might be most noteworthy for what it does not include."
Sacramento Bee, February 24, 2001
"Feds raise water allotment for west-side farmers
Farmers on the west side of the Valley will receive 50% of their allocation from the Central Valley Project this year, federal officials announced Friday."
Sacramento, Bee February 18, 2011
"Opinion: EPA's review of the delta's pollution is long overdue
It is long past time for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to take a hard and close look at the myriad toxic chemicals and other forms of pollution that drain into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta."
Modesto Bee, February 18, 2011
"Problems many, solutions few in long-awaited Delta report
A newly released plan, the first step in protecting and exploiting the water resources within the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, paints a bleak picture of the heart of California's water system."
Capitol Weekley, February 17, 2011
"Contra Costa Times editorial: New threat to the Delta arises in the Senate
SEN. DIANNE Feinstein is correct in saying that California water issues "are complex problems, and they require nuanced solutions," not sweeping changes in environmental laws that may or may not make sense. That is her knowledgeable criticism of U.S. House Republicans' legislation that would significantly undermine environmental protections for the Delta."
Contra Costa Times, February 17, 2011
"Delta fish may be too far gone to save, plan hints
Damage to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is so extensive that billions of dollars in restoration efforts may not save smelt and salmon from extinction, according to the first draft of a long-range plan to manage the West Coast's most important estuary."
San Francisco Chronicle, February 16, 2011
"GOP plan could endanger delta fish restoration
Separate efforts to restore San Joaquin River salmon runs and protect the delta smelt could be in jeopardy if congressional Republicans are successful in gutting funding for the programs."
San Francisco Chronicle, Feburay 15, 2011
"Delta blueprint draft, first of 7 plans, ready
A state panel tasked with stemming the decline of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is expected today to release the first draft of a long-range management plan that could revive controversial plans for a peripheral canal or other water-conveyance system."
San Francisco Chroncile, February 14, 2011
"Stuart Leavenworth: Nothing small about Brown's Delta Plans
Jerry Brown is known for popularizing the phrase, "small is beautiful." Apparently that philosophy doesn't apply to his plans for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta."
Sacramento Bee, February 13, 2011
"CA delta chinook salmon run bigger, but still low
Three years of restrictions on ocean fishing seem to have paid off with a bigger run of chinook, but there are still far fewer salmon laying eggs in the Sacramento-San Joaquin river system than fishermen would like."
San Francisco Chronicle, February 8, 2011
"Brown's water chief wants Delta water diverted to Southern California
The Brown administration's top official on Delta matters said this week he is confident a new aqueduct can be built to divert water from the Delta for water users in Southern California."
Contra Costa Times, February 5, 2011