Farm Water News: News articles and links from November 13, 2012

Delta

Massive tunnel project raises key questions for agriculture, Lodi and the Delta

Opinion

By Supervisor Ken Vogel

From Lodi News-Sentinel - Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012

Coalition response...Supervisor Vogel has been involved in the process of finding answers to the problems confronting the Delta and raises several questions. Some of these questions have already been addressed and others are expected to be answered prior to the adoption of a plan that fulfills the goals of the 2009 legislation---a reliable water supply and a restored Delta ecosystem.

One of the concerns raised by Supervisor Vogel and others is whether any new Delta plan will harm current water users in the Delta. This concern has been repeatedly answered in that the California Water Code prohibits any new project from negatively impacting existing water rights. If a right to Delta water current exists, it will continue to exist under a new Delta water plan.

The process of developing short-term projects referred to by Supervisor Vogel is an example of varied interests working together. It must be remembered that these projects do not fulfill the Legislature's directive. However, the discussions that lead to these projects have been beneficial and expanding this type of cooperation will serve the water needs of all California and at the same time provide a workable plan for restoring the Delta ecosystem.

Stronger Delta levees not the entire answer, says engineer

Story

From Central Valley Business Times - Monday, Nov. 12, 2012

Coalition response...DWR Director Mark Cowin wrote as recently as last week in the San Jose Mercuy News that "California has invested to keep key sections of Delta levees strong -- $300 million since 2005 -- and will continue to do so. But to rely solely on levees to safeguard a water supply critical to the state's nearly $2 trillion economy would be negligent." To suggest that this position "undercuts" the BDCP process is a misinterpretation.

The BDCP's efforts have been guided by the two goals established by the Legislature in 2009---establish a reliable water supply and a restored Delta ecosystem. These efforts continue toward a final plan that will benefit all of California.

WATER SUPPLY

From storage to retention: Expanding California's options for meeting its water needs

Report

From California Roundtable on Water and Food Supply

New board members will tackle Merced Irrigation District issues

Story

From Merced Sun-Star - Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012

California on pace for good water year

Story

From Capital Ag Press - Monday, Nov. 12, 2012

Are we optimizing California's water resources?

Blog