Water Agencies Call for Action on Delta

Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) President Randy Fiorini appeared at a news conference today with Governor Schwarzenegger to call for swift action on water system improvements this year.

With the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta as the backdrop, Fiorini applauded the governor for his leadership on water issues and commended legislators who are seeking solutions. He then made the following statement about the need to address the Delta and invest in California’s water infrastructure.

“As Californians, one of the things we value most about our great state is our natural environment. We tend to treasure places like the Delta because of their beauty, their peaceful settings and the habitat they provide for fish and wildlife.

“ACWA and its 450 public water agency members care about the environment, and we care deeply about the Delta. But unfortunately, the Delta is broken. It doesn’t work for fish and it doesn’t work for people. That’s why we are calling for action to address the Delta and make it more sustainable for all who rely on it.

“Today, water deliveries for more than 25 million Californians and some of our most productive farmland are being drastically cut in a vain effort to protect the fish. Obviously, the status quo in the Delta is unacceptable.

“A piecemeal approach will not work. We need a bold comprehensive plan that includes improved Delta conveyance, more surface storage and expanded water use efficiency.

“Conservation alone — while extraordinarily important — will not solve the Delta’s problems.

“The time is now to act on a comprehensive water plan.”

ACWA is a statewide association whose 450 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com.