Water Rationing....
Hmmm,.... The percentages cited for agriculture/mining vs municipal water uses in the article are the estimate of water delivered/used in a normal water year thru the CVP/SWP. Also, I've seen estimates that include industrial uses, non-mining activities (fracking, computer chip manufacturing, development, etc.) in that 80% figure. In this and the last drought years, the allocation of water for agriculture from CVP/SWP has been substantially reduced. So, they're primarily getting their water by pumping from groundwater sources or purchases of water from willing sellers. Until very recently info on ground water pumping was not available for inclusion in any allocation. It has been reported that water usage by municipalities only decreased by approximately 10% due to voluntary use restrictions over the last year. With the fallowing of some acreage and reduced reliance on SWP/CVP for delivery of water in mind, it seems reasonable that the actual ratio for water use between the two (Ag vs Muni) is not nearly as great as the 80% to 20% cited in the article. At times in the past, I've quoted those figures myself in discussion but I don't think that's accurate now.
Regardless of the % contribution to the states GDP, I don't really see how we can tell a farmer what to grow on his land, whether owned or leased. Growers get to choose whatever crop they want to produce. It's strictly a business decision and, after all, unless they're a Non-profit corp., the whole idea is to make a profit.
In this instance, I think the governors reasoning was correct. What's the point in placing restrictions on water deliveries from the SWP/CVP when the allocation is already next to nothing (per CA DWR). I agree that the signs along I-5 down thru the valley are absurd but they do serve to send a political message by growers.
Why not examine why farmers/growers receive so many subsidies to produce crops at a competitive price that're in surplus world-wide or to support prices??? Why not try to influence growers to treat polluted Ag water run-off or use recycled water for irrigation?? Why not inform ourselves about the BDCP and either oppose or support the project??? Well,.... I guess I'm preaching to the choir....
Last edited by Darian; 04-07-2015 at 03:37 PM.
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