Water supply
Has human water use peaked in California?
Blog
By Jay Lund/Ellen Hanak
From California WaterBlog - Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011
For over a century, water planning and policy in California assumed perpetual increases in water demands for agricultural and urban uses. Of course, nothing can increase forever, but for several generations it seemed reasonable that almost any high water demand forecast would eventually be exceeded.
Coalition response...There is one portion of this informative article that could use some clarification. The authors write, "In agriculture, perhaps 80 percent of gross water use is lost to plant evaportranspiration, so net water use is roughly 2.4 af/acre." This statement is technically correct but it may allow the casual reader to think that 80 percent of ag water is "lost." While this water may be "lost" for recycled purposes, it is consumed by the plant which is the original purpose of the irrigation...that's the goal. The remaining 20 percent of water in this example may be recycled through groundwater recharge or to other uses, such as agricultural, urban or environmental.
To the contrary, if 50 percent of urban water goes to the sewer system and CAN be recycled, that doesn't mean it IS recycled. How much treated urban wastewater returns to rivers? Is it a good idea to recycle all of that? Studies have documented that treated wastewater discharged into the Sacramento River from the City of Sacramento has harmed the ecosystem of the Delta.
The authors should be complimented on this presentation and we all should remember that water and its use in California is a very challenging issue to understand.
PEOPLE
Wanger changes mind, won't represent water district in suit
Story
From The Record - Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011
Statement from Thomas W. Birmingham regarding Oliver W. Wanger and Westlands Water District
Press release
From Westlands Water District - Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011
Wanger cuts legal ties to Westlands Water District
Story
From Fresno Bee - Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011
Judge who became attorney for California water district steps away from the job
Story
From Contra Costa Times - Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011
Wanger backs out of representing Westlands Water District
Blog
By Dan Bacher
From IndyBay Media
WATER SUPPLY
Court considers Colorado River water agreement
Story
From Ag Alert - Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011
DELTA
Water cures all of Bay-Delta's ills
Column
By Pete Ottesen
From The Record - Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011
Residents feel left out of Delta planning, study finds
Story
From Capital Press - Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011
FISHERIES
Sacramento River fluctuations put salmon eggs at risk during run
Story
From Red Bluff Daily News - Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011
CONGRESS
Press release
From Natural Resources Committee - Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011
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