Share
Re “California Drought sharpens perpetual water conflict”; Commentary, Dan Walters, June 16, 2021
Thank you for the excellent article setting the table for what’s coming politically, legally, and in reality.
James Batchelder
Opinion
I think one paragraph deserves more elaboration. You state that “the export limit’s effect on Southern Californian water users would be relatively scant because reservoirs in that region are fairly full.” I have verified this. How interesting that up north, Oroville is currently at 33% and Shasta at 39%, according to the state’s Daily Reservoir Storage Summary.
I watch this report every day and have been appalled at the rate of outflow versus inflow this spring at the two reservoirs, despite water managers’ full knowledge of the poor snowpack and record low rainfall. It leads me to wonder whether state and federal water managers acted to release and fill the Southern California reservoirs before the public, especially in Northern California, awakened to the true shortages.
We are now seeing draconian restrictions being applied to historical water rights holders: municipalities and agriculture. Los Angeles Basin reservoirs essentially are full and Oroville and Shasta are well under 50%. It “is water under the bridge,” yet something does not seem right or transparent about it.
We have relatives in the Los Angeles area who seem oblivious to the dire situation at the source and are not conserving — or being instructed to.
I think this needs some strong media inquiry and explanation from officialdom regarding the export decisions and timing during this extreme drought.
About the Author
James Batchelder of Santa Rosa is a retired corporate vice president of environmental affairs.
We Want to Hear from You
Want to submit a guest commentary or reaction to an article published by GV Wire? Send submissions to GV Wire News Director Bill McEwen, bmcewen@gvwire.com
RELATED TOPICS:
After Losing Population in Recent Years, California Grows Again. Is That a Good Thing?
21 hours ago
Yellen Says Threats to Democracy Risk US Economic Growth, an Indirect Jab at Trump
2 days ago
New Sea Route for Gaza Aid on Track. Treating Starving Children Is a Priority
2 days ago
At Time of Rising Antisemitism, Holocaust Survivors Take on Denial and Hate in New Digital Campaign
2 days ago
Gov. Newsom Appoints Judges for Fresno, Merced Counties
2 days ago
Israel Briefs US on Evacuation Plan for Palestinians Ahead of Planned Rafah Assault
2 days ago
Israel Orders Al Jazeera to Close Its Local Operation, Seizes Some Equipment