Federal Government Restricts California’s Delta Flow

Federal U.S. Fish & Wildlife authorities have just passed a policy that restricts the amount of water that can be pumped from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta — a major source of water for Californians. The policy is designed to protect the health of the collapsing delta, as well as an ever dwindling smelt population.

“We need to make a fundamental change in how we see and use water,” Doug Obegi, an attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council, told the Los Angeles Times. “There are a ton more opportunities in water conservation, improved groundwater management, water recycling and design that captures storm water.”

But for farmers and businessmen downstream, the new limitations are causing dread about how to manage with even less water. According to Laura King Moon, assistant general manager of the State Water Contractors, “This is a major new reduction in water deliveries that will impact families, businesses and farmers throughout California.”

Read more here.

Source: Los Angeles Times