The Governor’s Water Plan

Earlier this month, Gov. Pete Wilson announced a long-term water policy for California. While it covered a wide range of topics, critics said it left many questions unanswered.

WHAT’S PROPOSED

SACRAMENTO-SAN JOAQUIN RIVER DELTA

* Appoint an oversight council and give it three years to recommend a long-term solution to the environmental and plumbing problems in the delta estuary. Urban, agricultural and environmental interests will have equal representation on the council.

WATER MARKETING

* Support legislation to establish a voluntary water trading system enabling farmers to sell surplus water to cities.

FISH AND WILDLIFE:

* In advance of longer-range solutions proposed for the delta, have in place before the end of the year strict standards to protect delta fish and wildlife.

CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT:

* Continue to press for state takeover of the federal Central Valley Project, which provides water primarily to farmers.

CONSERVATION:

* Give top priority to conservation of existing water supplies and endorse a memorandum of understanding signed by 100 urban water agencies.

OFF-STREAM STORAGE:

* Support the construction of three new reservoirs to store water in wet periods for use in dry periods.

RECYCLING:

* Encourage greater use of water recycling to stretch limited supplies. Reclaimed water can be used for agriculture, greenbelts, recreation facilities and industrial uses.

GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT

* Push for better management of overdrafted ground water basins and encourage state and local governments to cooperate in developing long-term plans for recharging aquifers during times of moderate and heavy rains. State will provide technical assistance to help local areas in the management of ground water resources.

WHAT’S NEXT

SACRAMENTO-SAN JOAQUIN RIVER DELTA

* The governor said all options would be on the table. One of the major proposals expected to be considered is the construction of a new canal around the delta--similar to the Peripheral Canal defeated by voters in 1982. The canal would bring the water for human use directly from the Sacramento River to pumps at the southern end of the delta.

WATER MARKETING

* Wilson did not specify what legislation this would be, but he stipulated that the water transfers must not bring harm to fish or wildlife or cause overdraft of ground water basins. Still to be resolved is the Administration’s position on the role that local water districts and the state would play in the transfers.

FISH AND WILDLIFE:

* The standards, to be developed by the State Water Resources Control Board, are expected to require that certain flows be maintained to sustain such resources. During dry years, that would mean the state and federal water projects would have to release more water for the environment.

CENTRAL VALLEY PROJECT:

* The idea has already been approved in concept by Interior Secretary Manuel Lujan Jr. and complex negotiations are under way between state and federal officials. The final agreement would ultimately have to be approved by Congress.

CONSERVATION:

* The memorandum of understanding is a landmark agreement that obligates each agency to adopt strict conservation measures governing everything from plants to plumbing. A task force is developing a similar strategy of efficient water management for agriculture. Its plan is expected to be completed by the end of 1992.

OFF-STREAM STORAGE:

* Los Banos Grandes, a reservoir to store water south of the delta, was authorized by the Legislature in 1984. Plans for the reservoir are undergoing environmental review. Los Vaqueros, proposed by the Contra Costa Water District, and Domenigoni, proposed by the Metropolitan Water District, are in the planning stage.

RECYCLING:

* Before recycled water can be used extensively, certain health regulations restricting its use will have to be revised. While Wilson did not take a position on the regulations, he directed the state Department of Health to work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State Water Resources Control Board to “remove obstacles to (recycling) activities.”

GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT

* No details on how policy would be implemented, but any such plan would probably mean more controls on well water use by farmers and other users.