Coping with Less Water

As of 2009, California is in the third year of a drought, which is compounded by regulations which are restricting water supplies south of the Delta. Continued dry conditions and restrictions on Delta water exports are a real and serious threat to almond production. Additional requirements to re-establish the flow in the San Joaquin River, as well as to improve habitat for endangered species in the Sacramento River, have the potential to further limit the amounts of water available in the future. Until the state improves its ability to store and transport water through new infrastructure, growers face the task of sustaining the growth and productivity of California’s Almond orchards under low water conditions by careful stewardship.

Ag water use efficiency workshop set for July 20, 2011

A workshop looking at the current trends and conditions of agricultural water use efficiency will be held by the State Water Resources Control Board on July 20 in Sacramento. (Click here to download the agenda). The informal workshop will include presentations and panels of experts and practitioners to explore the state of California’s agricultural water use efficiency and the future outlook for further efficiency. The Department of Water Resources estimates that 9.2 million acres of farmland are irrigated with approximately 42.2 million acre-feet of water, representing approximately 75% of California’s developed water. Expected to be discussed at the workshop is the controversial report (click here to download the report) issued earlier this year by Delta Watermaster Craig Wilson in which he outlined the “reasonable use” doctrine. Wilson recommends that the State Board employ this doctrine to promote agricultural water use efficiency. The doctrine states a water right does not include the right to waste water and mandates that “the water resources of the state be put to beneficial use.” A small percentage of increased agricultural water use efficiency adds up to significant water savings in California, according to Wilson. The report recommends that the state board convene a “Reasonable Use Summit” to develop specific actions to improve efficiency and create a “Reasonable Use Unit” within the Division of Water Rights.

External Links:

Governor Schwarzenegger issues Executive Order June 4, 2008, regarding California drought