Scenes from the California Drought

Not Delta specific, but here are a few scenes from Northern California from March 2015 and the ongoing drought. It may be part of a larger documentary project.

California's water wars reach 'new level of crazy' this year

Good piece by Mark Grossi in the Fresno Bee about this year's version of the "crazy" California Water Wars, which will only escalate as we exit the (not very) rainy season. A lot of these same issues are covered in the Delta Blues documentary - they just keep rolling through every few years. This year's historic drought is likely to make everything worse for fish and farmers, and the impact will be felt for years.

California officials forecast ‘zero’ water deliveries

From the Sac Bee's Matt Weiser:

"State officials announced Friday that 29 water agencies serving 25 million people across California can expect “zero” water deliveries from the State Water Project this summer because of the worsening drought.

Although that delivery projection could change, it is the first time a “zero allocation” forecast has been made in the 54-year history of the State Water Project, which is operated by theCalifornia Department of Water Resources and typically delivers Sierra snowmelt to cities and farms throughout the state."

This will have a huge impact on farms and fish in the Delta and the entire state of California for years to come. Unless it rains, starting now.  

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/01/31/6119042/california-officials-forecast.html#storylink=cpy

Interior Secretary Salazar visits Central Valley

He offers up cash and a plan to expedite water transfers.

From the AP:

"At a spirited town hall meeting in California's agricultural heartland, Salazar told a packed auditorium that Deputy Interior Secretary David J. Hayes will "bring all of the key federal agencies to the table" to coordinate efforts.

Salazar said he wanted to direct $160 million in Recovery Act funds to the federal Central Valley Project, which manages the dams and canals that move water around the state, and will expedite water transfers from other areas."

Low snow, reservoir levels force rationing

Snowpack is 66% of normal in the Sierra. Last year it was 72%. Bad news for everyone (and the fish).

Read the article in the Chronicle here.

Congressmen want more water for California farmers

Citing massive unemployment and economic collapse in their districts, some California Congressmen are seeking an exception to the Endangered Species Act to allow more water to flow into the Central Valley.

From the San Jose Mercury News:

"Speaking before the House Natural Resources Committee, several of the state's lawmakers discounted the drought as the reason for the San Joaquin Valley's lack of water.

Rather, they said it was a matter of priorities, with the government valuing fish over families."