Farm Water News: News articles and links from April 10, 2012

Delta

Delta plan could devastate North State

Opinion

By Assemblyman Dan Logue

From Marysville Appeal-Democrat - Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Coalition response...Assemblyman Logue is correct in being concerned for his constituents as California works toward a reasonable solution to its water issues that benefit all parts of California. Unfortunately, the Assemblyman incorrectly cited the State Water Resources Control Board flow study, as many others have done. The SWRCB issued their study that included the 75% number as a result of a legislative mandate calling for the study. That mandate prevented the board from considering any factors other than in-Delta needs. In releasing the report, the SWRCB carefully pointed out that limitation and stressed that further studies need to be conducted to determine the true volume of water needed for the Delta.

A just-released report by the National Research Council also emphasized the importance of considering other factors while working toward a solution for the Delta water supply and ecosystem issues. The NRC scientists concluded that public policy and socioeconomic needs must be a part of the solution

NRC report endorses limiting diversions in dry years, using SWRCB's unimpaired flows approach

Blog

By Doug Obegi

From NRDC - Monday April 9, 2012

Coalition response...The NRC scientists also stressed that public policy and socioeconomic factors must be a part of any final solution for the Delta. Henry J. Vaux Jr., emeritus-University of California, served on the NRC scientific panel that conducted the study and made the following comment in releasing the report: "Science alone is not the single answer but should inform policy action." He further added that the wishes of the people of all California must be considered.  The author's column tacitly endorses the style of water management that has made California an economic powerhouse (big gulp/little sip). Store water in wet years and use it in dry years. That's how our system of dams and reservoirs operate and water experts from all disciplines have said increasing storage is a necessary part of California's water supply future. The record diversions in 2011 were made possible by near-record rain and snow fall. As a percentage of supply the amount diverted was about the same as any typical year. More water in the system simply allowed for more water to be stored for the inevitable dry years to come.  Finally, this article omits any mention of the SWRCB's assertion that limiting diversions to 25 percent of unimpaired flow was impractical and ignored the realities of water supply and use in the Golden State. Simply put, we cannot ignore the needs of humans in our quest for the perfect environment.

WATER SUPPLY

Desert county can't sue feds for water

Story

From Courthouse News Service - Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Water plan feeds suspicion beyond any sound reason

Editorial

From Redding Record Searchlight - Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Fallowing, bid process on IID agenda

Story

From Imperial Valley Press - Monday, April 9, 2012

Salazar: Protect planet while using resources

Story