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Accept reality of limits in Delta, says editorial

Posted by: Maven on December 17, 2008 at 6:09 am

From the Sacramento Bee:

California is on the cusp of crucial decisions about its water future. Plans for new reservoirs and canals are gaining traction, pushed by interests that have the most to lose from court decisions and possible droughts. Before the state plunges feet-first into a new generation of water works, though, it must recognize the limits of its hydrological heart – the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

For far too long, California has treated the Delta and its vast watershed as a resource to be tapped and exploited. Excessive pumping and diversions, from all parts of the vast watershed, have hurt fish and other wildlife. Excessive conversion of wetlands has turned the Delta into a mono-culture of sinking islands, vulnerable to floods and earthquakes. Excessive pollution has made the Delta a filthy place to draw drinking water.

There’s no need to demonize past acts. Water agencies built water pumps, farmers converted wetlands and cities built sewage plants long before anyone recognized the Delta as a fragile ecosystem – our version of the Everglades.

But we know better now – or at least we should. As The Bee’s Matt Weiser wrote in a special report on Sunday, “Recent events have revealed the truth: California is reaching the limit of its water supplies, and the economy and environment are suffering for it.”

Read more of this editorial from the Sacramento Bee by clicking here.

December 17, 2008 · Filed Under Delta Issues

Comments

One Response to “Accept reality of limits in Delta, says editorial”

  1. realitycheck on December 17th, 2008 9:50 am

    Just remember folks, this problem will be solved with the Golden Rule, i.e. those with the gold make the rules. Water flows uphill toward money. Always has, always will.

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