California Faces Further Water Cut Backs
In June, the National Marine Fisheries Service issued a ruling under the Endangered Species Act that water deliveries in California must be curtailed by an additional 5 to 7 percent (330,000 acre feet) to prevent further loss of protected species. The species in question included the Chinook salmon, the Central Valley steelhead, the southern population of North American green sturgeon, and southern resident killer whales, which feed on the salmon.
The ruling highlights the precarious condition of long-term water supplies in California and the West. Previous rulings to restrict water deliveries to protect the delta smelt were challenged in court by local water districts. The latest opinions will likely end up in court according to a spokesperson for the Westlands Water District.
The state itself is examining ways to boost local water supplies through greater stormwater infiltration and capture. A hearing occurred on June 17 in Sacramento to discuss the issue as part of AB32, the state’s climate action law.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (i.e., Stimulus Bill) may also help kick start water recycling projects across the state. The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that 26 California projects will receive more than $130 million in federal funding. A worthy use of Stimulus funding.
Faced with another year of drought, water agencies around the state are taking steps to reduce water usage by customers. Last month, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power began offering customers a cash incentive to replace their grass lawns with drought-tolerant plants. The Residential Drought Resistant Landscape Incentive Program will credit single-family residential customers $1 for each square foot of turf removed and replaced with drought-tolerant plants, mulch and water-permeable hardscapes.
The current emphasis for greater efficiency for homes and businesses will soon be directed at our taps, I believe.
