From News Line, a daily compilation of farm water news distributed to CFWC members and others upon request. To receive News Line, click here.
Coalition response…Water in California has generated differing viewpoints throughout our state’s history, all the way back to the Gold Rush. Today’s discussion focuses on a proposal to provide water to 25 million Californians and almost four thousand farms while restoring the Delta ecosystem, including habitat that will benefit fish species. Pivotal to this discussion are the facts that surround the proposal.
This piece does little to provide factual information on how the Bay Delta Conservation Plan will work for California. The following are some corrections the statements made by Pat Snelling:
Fact #1—The proposed Bay Delta Conservation Plan and its two tunnels are prevented by California law from negatively impacting existing water rights.
Fact #2—Since 2003 San Joaquin Valley farmers have spent more than $2.1 billion upgrading the irrigation systems on more than 1.8 million acres to increase their water use efficiency.
Fact #3—Westlands Water District is a public water agency with a publicly elected board of directors, not a privately owned business.
Fact #4—More than 50 percent of Westlands farmland grows fresh fruits and vegetables.
Fact #5—The average farm size in Westlands Water District is actually less than 900 acres, not 3,000 as the author claims.
Fact #6—Increased water storage is essential to the future of California and also requires an improved conveyance system through the Delta.
Each Californian should seek the facts regarding water issues confronting our state and not rely on emotion expressed by others.
