From News Line, a daily compilation of farm water news distributed to CFWC members and others upon request.  To receive News Line, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and submit your request.This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Lawsuit seeks return of millions for failed Delta protection plan

Coalition viewpoint...This misguided lawsuit contains numerous false claims that are misleading to the public and paint an inaccurate picture of the development of the Kern Water Bank.

1.     No State funds were used in the land purchase and development of the Kern Water Bank.  Water contractors with an interest in the project provided the initial funds to DWR.

2.     DWR was unable to complete the project.

3.     Kern-area water contractors recognized the value of completing the project and relinquished about $45 million in water entitlements back to the State in exchange for the project.

4.     Negotiations over the Monterey Agreement were considered contract amendments by DWR and the public had every opportunity to review and comment on them at the time.  

From News Line, a daily compilation of farm water news distributed to CFWC members and others upon request.  To receive News Line, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and submit your request.

Report finds delta among most vulnerable rivers

Coalition viewpoint...The challenges surrounding the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta have been well-known for years.  Key to this success are the efforts already underway to resolve these challenges, including an improved conveyance system---

1.     The Bay Delta Conservation Plan (BDCP) continues its efforts to accomplish its goal of a reliable water supply and a healthy Delta environment.

2.     An improved conveyance system for water through the Delta is under study by the BDCP's Delta Stewardship Council.

From News Line, a daily compilation of farm water news distributed to CFWC members and others upon request.  To receive News Line, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and submit your request.

Canal critics say small one might work

Coalition viewpoint...A greater diversity of groups are beginning to talk about options to move water through the Delta and that is helpful in resolving the water problems for millions of acres of farmland and needed supplies for 25 million Californians.  Reaching these solutions must:

        1.     Allow science to move forward in studying the problems of the Delta and their causes.
2.     Recognize the co-equal goals of the Bay Delta Conservation Plan of a reliable water supply and a healthy Delta environment.
3.     A reliable water supply requires an adequate conveyance system or canal that will be environmentally and economically sound.

From News Line, a daily compilation of farm water news distributed to CFWC members and others upon request.  To receive News Line, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and submit your request.

Water users score victory in delta legal battle

Coalition viewpoint...Judge Wanger has again ruled on the faulty science of a biological opinion that prevented water flowing to farmers and 25 million Californians.  It is important to remember the ruling did not throw out the Endangered Species Act.  Among the reasoning for the ruling offered by the court:

1.     The federal agencies failed to quantify what percentage of the overall smelt was being taken at the pumps.
2.     Estimates of hundreds or thousands of smelt taken were meaningless without knowing the impact to the total smelt population.
3.     The court found that the claim in the biological opinion that the pumping was the cause of other stressors in the Delta was unfounded.
4.     The court further found that the federal agencies failed to address alternative approaches to avoid jeopardy to the smelt.