The San Francisco/Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay-Delta (“Delta”), a 700-mile maze of sloughs, canals, waterways and islands located where the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers converge, is the largest estuary on the West Coast and California’s main water supply hub. The Delta is one of the most important aspects of California’s water delivery system – serving millions throughout Northern, Central and Southern California – and is home to hundreds of species of fish and wildlife. In addition to supporting an important ecosystem, water from the Delta is indispensable to the agricultural industry and businesses that drive our state’s economy.

The Delta is home to more than 500,000 people, contains 500,000 acres of agriculture, provides habitat for 700 native plant and animal species, provides water for more than 25 million Californians and 3 million acres of agriculture. It is traversed by energy, communications and transportation facilities vital to the economic health of California. Water conveyed through the Delta also sustains $400 billion of California’s statewide economy.

Recently, the Delta has been the subject of increased statewide attention, as it continues to face numerous, and increased challenges. The Delta currently serves as the hub to the State Water Project’s water delivery system, but its ability to serve in that capacity is increasingly coming under question. The State Water Contractors have made addressing the Delta’s needs a priority for 2008.

The links on the right provide more information on the Delta and the challenges it faces today.