ACWA Calls Temporary Shutdown of Delta Pumps “Prudent”

The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today characterized as “prudent” a move by the Department of Water Resources (DWR) to temporarily shut down Delta pumps to protect a threatened fish, but noted that it would not come without costs for the state’s water users and that immediate actions are needed to address other stressors affecting the species.

DWR announced today that it would voluntarily shut down State Water Project (SWP) pumps that deliver water from the Delta to protect the Delta smelt, which has declined to record low numbers and may be at risk of extinction. The proactive move came as sampling showed that smelt were clustered in the vicinity of the SWP’s pumping facilities in the South Delta. No smelt had been “taken” at the pumps over the previous several months.

The SWP delivers water to more than 25 million people in the Bay Area, Central and Southern California and more than 750,000 acres of prime agricultural land.

ACWA Executive Director Steve Hall said the temporary shutdown was prudent given the critical situation, but stressed that other factors beyond the pumps must be addressed immediately if the species is to be truly protected. “We need to begin focusing on the other stressors in the system, such as pollution, power plant operations and non-native species that alter the food web. The science shows that these things are affecting the fish as well and will continue to do so until action is taken.”

He said the deepening smelt crisis again shows the need for a comprehensive solution to the Delta’s myriad problems and their potentially dire statewide impacts. “This puts in vivid and real terms the need to move on a Delta solution this year. We cannot wait when people and fish alike are in this kind of critical situation,” Hall said.

ACWA called for a comprehensive Delta solution in its 2005 water policy document, “No Time to Waste: A Blueprint for California Water.”

The development compounds challenges already facing water agencies as a result of dry conditions. Many water agencies, particularly in the Bay Area and Southern California, already have asked customers to voluntarily reduce water use to avoid shortages if next year proves to be another dry year. For some areas of Southern California, it is the driest year on record.

The temporary shutdown is expected to have an immediate effect on SWP contractors in the southern San Francisco Bay Area that rely on the Delta and lack alternative supplies or significant amounts of water storage. Depending on the duration of the shutdown, SWP contractors such as Zone 7 Water Agency, Alameda County Water District and Santa Clara Valley Water District may ask the 3 million customers they collectively serve to voluntarily cut back on their water use. More serious water use restrictions could be required if pumping is curtailed for an extended period.

DWR said it would take action as necessary to protect public health in the event of a prolonged shutdown.

ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 440 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com.