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Background
The rivers and streams of the Sacramento and San Joaquin watersheds carry approximately 40 percent of the State's available freshwater. The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta serves as the vital link between most of the state's available water supply and most of its demand. Freshwater flows into the Estuary (known as inflow) are a major factor in the health of the Estuary ecosystem. The volume and timing of freshwater inflow affect the Estuary's circulation and water quality; conditions for wildlife; and the production and survival phytoplankton and zooplankton. Freshwater inflow also affect the survival of fish and shellfish, such as salmon, striped bass, long fin smelt, California bay shrimp and starry flounder.
Much of the freshwater that could be flowing into the Estuary is diverted for uses such as irrigation and drinking water storage. In fact, more than 7,000 diversions reduce the annual volume of freshwater entering San Francisco Bay by more than one-half in dry and critically dry years. No single water agency or organization is responsible for water use management in California. Determinations are made by networks of state and Federal public agencies, regional agencies, local jurisdictions, private water organizations, and public interaction. More
Current Challenge:
Increasing Demand for Water-California's human population is projected to increase from 36.5 million to 48 million by 2030, increasing the demand for drinking water. Growing urban areas will demand further freshwater supplies; agricultural uses are likely to hold steady or decline.
Major Accomplishments:
- Water use efficiency, especially for urban users, is much advanced with a wide variety of urban water conservation programs being actively implemented.
- Several water recycling projects have been constructed and are operating.
Current Focus:
Develop and implement aggressive water management measures to increase freshwater availability to the Estuary.
Current Activities:
The Estuary Project participates in the Bay Area Water Forum (BAWF) and Integrated Regional Water Management Plan (IRWMP). The BAWF is comprised of local elected officials, representatives of water districts, agencies, and other stakeholders from the Bay Area. Its aim is to increase coordination and collaboration on the need for restoring and maintaining a healthy San Francisco Bay and protecting the interests of the Bay Area. It provides a unified Bay Area voice to state and federal agencies and help coordinate Bay Area needs, including CCMP and Integrated Regional Water Management Plan priorities.
For a full list of planned actions, click here.