Solution for Water Woes Relies on Success of Bay Delta Plan

Thursday, 21 July 2011

Sacramento Bee
Jim Beck, General Manager, Kern County Water Agency

Earlier this year, Gov. Jerry Brown signed an executive order officially ending California's four-year drought. However, there are more than 20 million reasons why this administrative action does not mean we've solved California's water crisis, nor should we abandon the effort to find a long-term solution.

Twenty million, you say? At least, and that is just in Kern County. Here's why.

This year, California's snowpack peaked at about 173 percent of the April 1 average of snow water content. One might think this would mean the State Water Project could provide a full allocation to its members, including the Kern County Water Agency. Sadly, that's not the case, and it is an expensive problem that has an impact on farmers, businesses and families throughout California.

Consider this example. What would you do if you went to the gas station, paid for 20 gallons but got only 16? You would likely be upset, probably mad, and with good reason. That is exactly what is happening to water providers. Every year, SWP contractors pay for a 100 percent supply, and even with wet conditions it is likely they will receive only 80 percent.

The $20 million problem is created because, without a full allocation in wet years, there's no ability to save water for use in dry years, forcing Kern County farmers to purchase surplus water to make up the difference. Those are scarce resources, which could otherwise be invested or used to support local agricultural jobs.

Unfortunately, this is nothing new. For the last quarter-century, the agency has endured uncertainty in water supply – a result of natural and man-made restrictions. California's recent drought, as well as regulatory and legal red tape, have limited water deliveries and hurt our local economy. To survive, Kern County has severely diminished its groundwater reserves. Although we're working to replenish groundwater resources, the reality is that we may not be able to save enough to protect against future shortages.

The solution on the horizon is the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, and federal, state and local leaders must continue working to ensure it succeeds. The objective is to achieve co-equal goals of establishing a long-term, reliable water supply while at the same time protecting the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta's natural environment.

The way in which this should be achieved has been the subject of more than $100 million in research and a spirited political debate. Jerry Meral, the deputy secretary of the California Department of Natural Resources, recently told the state Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee that the process would abide by state and federal laws requiring an analysis of a wide variety of alternatives. This is important and should ensure that the chosen solution is based upon sound science and stable economics. Practically speaking, it should end the "man-made" regulatory drought and provide a reliable water supply to ensure a prosperous future for California.

This won't be an easy task, but failure is not an option. Residents, businesses, farmers and our environment cannot survive the status quo. The Kern County Water Agency remains committed to working constructively to achieve water reliability and environmental protection in the Delta. We need all of the interests that care about California to work in the same spirit.

We may have survived another drought this time. In the future, if we don't find a solution, we may not be so fortunate.