Raising the Water Ante

One of the most exciting and innovative developments in California water affairs in years was the proposed water swap between the Imperial Irrigation District and the Metropolitan District of Southern California. If concluded, the exchange could set an example for all California, saving wasted farm water and letting it be used in the cities, where the major new water demands exist.

Alas, visions of too many dollars may now be dancing in the heads of Imperial officials for a bargain to be struck. But first, some background on the bargain that was to be struck:

Under pressure from both federal and state authorities to conserve its Colorado River irrigation water, Imperial would embark on a costly conservation program--lining canals, building sophisticated new headgates, and the like. MWD would finance the work. In exchange, MWD would receive the use of 100,000 acre-feet of saved water--enough to service nearly half a million people. There might be considerably more water available in later years.

A limited transfer agreement seemed very close last fall. Imperial would permit MWD to use 100,000 acre-feet of water for 35 years. In return, MWD would pay Imperial $10 million a year to finance the conservation works. The water worked out to about $100 an acre-foot--prohibitively expensive for agriculture use but a bargain for MWD, compared with what the district would have to pay to develop other new supplies.

On Oct. 15, 1985, however, the Imperial board of directors rejected the proposal on a 3-2 vote, largely because of unfounded fears in the Imperial Valley that it might never get its water back. Still, Metropolitan officials remained optimistic that agreement could be reached.

That view suddenly has changed.

After consulting with outside engineers, Imperial has submitted a new offer to MWD of 100,000 acre-feet of water for 25 years at a cost of $250 an acre-foot--150% higher than what it appeared ready to settle for last fall. Imperial could take back the water anytime it faced a shortage (if Imperial faced a shortage, MWD would, too, for the same reasons). Clearly, Imperial officials have decided that there is good money to be made with its water. They hinted strongly that if MWD does not want to buy, they will deal elsewhere.

MWD General Manager Carl Boronkay has told Imperial, in polite legalese, that the proposal is outrageous--as it is. But Boronkay offered to continue talking in an effort to reach a reasonable agreement. Imperial should rein in its overzealous entrepreneurial spirit, consult its lawyers and try again.

If this turns into a fight, Metropolitan is certain that it has the law of the Colorado River on its side: If Imperial or other top-priority agricultural agencies can’t use all their water, the excess then goes to MWD as part of its Colorado entitlement.

In fact, it is conceivable that MWD could sue Imperial now to gain access to the water that Imperial already has saved through conservation but cannot put to beneficial use. But a protracted legal battle would be in nobody’s best interest. Metropolitan has made a fair offer. Imperial should take another hard look at it and make a deal.