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David Cehrs commentary: California’s unsustainable water demand

Posted by: Maven on September 12, 2009 at 7:00 am

From the Fresno Bee, this commentary by David Cehrs, a hydrologist on the Kings River Conservation District board of directors:

” I agree with Rep. George Radanovich ["Valley Ag Future at Crossroads," Aug. 25] that California ag is in jeopardy and that there is a struggle to achieve long-term solutions.

Most people think that California water solutions require new water infrastructure and that infrastructure increases water supply. I have a different view of the problem — that demand exceeds supply and until demand is reduced there will be no resolution of the problem. …”

The simplistic view of the problem is this, says David:

” … Either we can grow food or grow people with our water, but not both. If we grow people, food will become more expensive (hurting the economy), with less total food, and less choice of foods (grains and beans instead of fruits and vegetables). Arizona has taken this option. If we decide to grow food, it will require a limit or stop to growth, the building industry will be hurt and we will suffer an economic slowdown.

The populace, therefore, faces a huge choice. They don’t know this choice is coming. There is no “good” choice, and either choice will affect them greatly. …”

Interesting commentary, well worth the click through! Read the full text of David’s commentary by clicking here.

September 12, 2009 · Filed Under Development & Population

Comments

2 Responses to “David Cehrs commentary: California’s unsustainable water demand”

  1. Jay Lund on September 12th, 2009 7:42 am

    This is an interesting and thoughtful discussion. Largely, the people of California have already made their choice. As consumers, much, perhaps most, of the food we buy comes from outside of California. And much of the most valuable agricultural production in California is exported from the state. California profits immensely from being part of a global agricultural economy.

    About 95% of California’s employment and economic production is non-agricultural, using about 20% of developed water supply. Agriculture, statewide, is about 5% of employment and economic production, but uses about 80% of the developed water supply. Clearly, water problems will fall most heavily on agriculture.

    Agriculture is important for California (5% is billions of dollars), and always will be. But we should not be too quick to predict it’s collapse due to water shortages that are about 5-15% of statewide supplies. Regionally and locally the problem is much more serious, as in the southern Central Valley. We do have serious water problems, but we need to view them in context.

  2. Steven Wright on June 4th, 2011 6:35 am

    Nobody wants to talk about the over population in California caused mostly by illegal immigration.
    This over population (38 million) is leading to water shortages in the future. So, lets stop growing people and secure our borders.

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