[env-trinity] Central Valley Business Times- Central Valley farms to get 45 percent of irrigation water allocations

[Tom Stokely]

AG WATER SUPPLY:
Central Valley farms to get 45 percent of irrigation water allocations

Central Valley Business Times - 2/28/08

 

Farmers who purchase their irrigation water from the Central Valley Project can expect 45 percent of their allocations, according to the Bureau of Reclamation. 

 

But the Bureau says allocations for those north of the San Joaquin-Sacramento Delta may be subject to further review for Sacramento River water temperatures to protect salmon. 

 

The bureau is also implementing interim court-ordered measures this year to protect the delta smelt, and water supply for the allocations south of the delta could change. 

 

Farmers south of the delta face an even more uncertain season for irrigation water, according to a Sacramento-based private water law attorney. 

 

Additional court decisions about endangered species protections for salmon and a new fish that may be added to the list could further reduce water flows. 

 

"The Delta smelt interim decision regarding additional restrictions to protect Delta smelt is ongoing. There also has recently been a state decision on the longfin smelt and so we may get additional restrictions on the State [Water] Project," says Becky Sheehan, a private water law attorney in Sacramento. 

 

On Feb. 7, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to designate the longfin smelt as a "candidate species," the first step toward formal listing of the tiny fish as an endangered or threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act. 

 

Ms. Sheehan adds that there is a decision expected soon in yet another case, this one involving salmon, which could further restrict use of the Delta's fresh water. 

 

It all adds up to make predictions of water deliveries this year and next very uncertain, says Ms. Sheehan. 

 

"This year is particularly uncertain because of all of the decisions that have been made and decisions that will be made. But it's not just this year, it's going probably be the next couple years," she says.  #

http://www.centralvalleybusinesstimes.com/stories/001/?ID=7976

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