Farm Water News: News articles and links from Dec. 8, 2011

Water supply

Farmers across California adopting sustainable water management practices

Story

From Western Farm Press - Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011

Coalition response...The Pacific Institute has come a long way toward recognizing the achievements by farmers and water managers instead of unfairly criticizing them for wasting water, as they did in many of their previous reports. These stories aren't new and are common on farms throughout California. Their message seems to be changing from one that says farmers can save millions of acre-feet of water to one that says farmers are doing a good job managing scarce water resources, which we have asserted for more than 20 years.

Agriculture really isn't 'water wise'

Letter

From Modesto Bee - Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011

Coalition response...If documenting that farmers are 95% efficient in their water use then I'm not sure what 'water wise' means. That was the conclusion of the CIT study after an exhaustive review of how farmers use water. It also means that claims by groups and individuals that farmers can conserve millions of acre-feet of water that could be used by others is false. That was the focus of the CIT study, which can be read at http://californiawater.org/.

The writer's concern about "agricultural waste water" appears to be based on the past. The writer and others should be aware of a cooperative effort by farmers, environmental interests, and State and federal agencies to reduce the flow of drainage from farm fields to the San Joaquin River. The Grassland Bypass Project, encompassing 100,000 acres south of Los Banos, has been ongoing for 11 years and has achieved significant results. Even the Environmental Protection Agency has described it as a "success story."

Delta

Delta is at risk and needs our help now

Commentary

By Mary Piepho

From Contra Costa Times - Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011

Coalition response...Water use in California is governed by a doctrine of "beneficial use." Providing water to 25 million Californians and to farmers to grow a safe and healthy supply of food for all of us has been deemed "beneficial." An over-arching goal of both the BDCP and the Delta Stewardship Council is to provide a water supply that benefits all of California while protecting the ecosystem of the Delta. Current efforts by these two groups have moved our State closer to a secure water future. Instead of working against them, individuals and groups need to be working with them in the manner that has been laid out by the Legislature.

BDCP Independent Science Review: still not passing muster

Blog

By Doug Obegi

From NRDC - Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011

Coalition response...The document that the ISB reviewed was a draft document that is still in the works of development. When the BDCP began this path, it was recognized that science must play a guiding role and that commitment has not changed. This most recent review will assist in reaching a final document. The author's use of "scathing" to describe an earlier review is a bit far fetched and part of a continued attempt by those who wish to reduce water deliveries to 25 million Californians and to farmers who are growing a safe and healthy food supply that we all enjoy each day.

WATER SUPPLY

State appellate court rules QSA valid; case to head back to trial

Story

From IV Press - Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011

Court supports San Diego water transfer

Story

From SD Union-Tribune - Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011

Court upholds landmark California water pact

Story

From Modesto Bee - Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011

From CBS TV47 - Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011

From Redding Record Searchlight - Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011