A Prudent Decision on the Bay

Upper Newport Bay is an ecologically sensitive nature reserve that is home to an endangered species of bird, the light-footed clapper rail, and a complex system of grasses, reeds and water. Tampering with the balance of nature there is not to be undertaken lightly.

That is why last week’s agreement at least to delay pumping millions of gallons of treated sewage into the bay was prudent. It will allow scientists more time to determine the likely effect of adding the reclaimed water to the bay’s saltwater.

The Irvine Ranch Water District had proposed putting 5 million gallons of treated sewage water each day into San Diego Creek, which flows into the bay. That would have saved the district money.

A state agency approved the district’s proposal after agency biologists said it would not harm the bay. Proponents conjectured that it might even help make the water cleaner, mitigating the effects of urban runoff that finds its way from sewers into the bay and then to the ocean. But opponents said the reclaimed water might increase the growth of algae, harming the water and the fish and birds that depend on it.

The water district has agreed to divert the treated sewage to the Orange County Water District, which will sell it for use in irrigating golf courses and greenbelts in Newport Beach. That is a sensible alternative use of the water.

In addition, the Irvine Ranch Water District will use some reclaimed water to flush duck ponds. Scientists will study the effects of that process to help determine whether reclaimed water someday can be discharged into Upper Newport Bay.

The agreement between the water districts and Newport Beach came against the backdrop of two sewage spills at the Irvine Ranch Water District plant. State officials said one spill was reported later than required by law. Those accidents underscored the need for caution in handling sewage. If reclaimed water eventually is pumped into Upper Newport Bay, it will require close monitoring to be sure the bay is not harmed.