A Hopeful Leap Forward

The California Legislature took a leap forward on behalf of the state's water users in early November when it finally passed a water package that carries the potential for relieving chronic water shortages in the long term.

Included in the package is a bond measure, to be put to the state's voters in November 2010, that would fund new water storage and other infrastructure projects to improve the reliability of our water supply, encourage water recycling, and make environmental upgrades in the delta.

Passage of the water bond is far from assured, given that unions, anti-tax groups and some environmental organizations will oppose it, and questions remain as to who will lead the charge and what campaign messages can be used to convince the majority of debt-weary and political wrangling-weary voters to cast a ballot in favor of the bond.

Other major hurdles: The requirement for ground water monitoring may lead to some form of control over pumping, delta municipalities fear losing their islands and degradation of their water supply, and the decision to construct a delta diversion canal would likely become mired in a legal process.

For more information on water issues, visit almondboard.com/waterways.