Statement Regarding State Water Contractors' New Analysis of Water Supply Impacts Due To Biological Opinions

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., March 16 /PRNewswire/ --

Background Information: The State Water Contractors, comprised of 27 public agencies that receive water from the State Water Project, released today a new analysis of current water supply impacts due to pumping restrictions directed by biological opinions that govern operation of our two primary water projects, the State Water Project and Central Valley Project.  These restrictions, which don't reflect other stressors on the system such as invasive species and environmental degradation due to wastewater discharges and pesticides, were triggered as a result of detecting a number of Delta smelt and salmon at the state water facilities.

Since January 1, 2010, more than 470,000 acre-feet of much-needed water from the State Water Project and Central Valley Project has been lost as a result of these cutbacks, or enough water to supply 3.8 million California residents for one year.  For comparison purposes, Southern California city populations are listed below:

"Public water agencies have been subjected to massive water supply cutbacks this year in an uncertain attempt to protect endangered fish species in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.  While we have welcomed recent rainstorms throughout the southland, our water agencies were prevented from delivering this water to our families, businesses and farms. All told, enough water for 3.8 million people was lost. That is a staggering statistic that merits the attention of our elected leadership."

"We need a long-term solution that doesn't pit water supply and eco-system needs against each other. We urge our state leaders to push forward with the Bay Delta Conservation Plan so that a more effective water conveyance system can be developed and approved for the Delta."

Charles Wilson

Chairman, Southern California Water Committee

Established in 1984, the Southern California Water Committee is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public education partnership dedicated to informing Southern Californians about our water needs and our state's water resources.  Spanning Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino, Imperial, Riverside, Ventura and Kern Counties, the SCWC's members include representatives from business, government, agriculture, water agencies, labor and the general public. Visit us at www.socalwater.org and find us on Facebook.

SOURCE The Southern California Water Committee