Today’s release of the Public Policy Institute’s research brief, “Navigating the Delta: Comparing Futures, Choosing Options,” concludes once and for all that the Peripheral Canal is the best option that will provide both a reliable water supply and protection for the Delta’s ecosystem.

The report evaluates four scenarios: the existing system of through-delta exports, a dual facility that includes some of the current system with a small peripheral canal, an isolated system that moves export water around the Delta and a “no export” alternative.  Of the four, the Peripheral Canal is the most economically sensible alternative.  The “no export” alternative is best for fish but costs to the economy are as much as 10 times as high as the PC.  Through-delta pumping, as we use today, according to the report, is unsustainable. 

Prepare now for environmental backlash.  I expect strong disagreement from the marginal groups that oppose anything that helps stabilize California’s water supply.  The old stories about taking MORE water out of the system and harming fish will undoubtedly surface in the next day or so but the PPIC report clearly states, “…at this point some form of a peripheral canal is likely to aid in rehabilitating the Delta.” 

It will be important for any new Delta water management strategies to include protections for valuable agricultural land in the Delta region. 

California’s leadership must now focus on implementing the solution and not get caught up in the rhetoric of yesterday’s nattering naysayers.