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Water flows in Delta perplex scientists; create moment of Zen

Coalition response...After two years of study, National Research Council scientists concluded what the water user community has suspected for a long time: that multiple stressors exist that impact fish populations in the Delta. Throughout the report the scientists explain the negative impacts of predators, reduced water quality, poor ocean conditions and ammonia from cities. Water users have been citing these impacts for years but opponents of Delta pumping have refused to admit the severity of these factors. Instead, these critics have focused their efforts on reducing the pumping levels. The scientists said on Page 8 of their report--- "Consideration of the large number of stressors and their effects and interactions leads to the conclusion that efforts to eliminate any one stressor are unlikely to reverse declines in the listed species."

The author's assertion that the SWRCB has already decided that 75% of the Sacramento River flow is needed to protect Delta fish and its ecosystem is wrong. In its statement accompany its report, the SWRCB emphatically stated that its report was conducted without considering other factors, such as the water needs of 25 million Californians. The NRC scientists also recognized the importance of including socioeconomic factors in any effort to resolve California's water issues. The scientists stated on Page 10--- "However, science cannot decide which choice is the best policy. That requires societal and political considerations as well and information on potential benefits and costs. Using the best science is only part of what is needed to resolve the competing interests."