EDITOR: The attempt to update the state
’s blueprint for future water use is a “daunting task” and more
time might be needed to complete the effort than the current
December 2003 deadline.
EDITOR:
The attempt to update the state’s blueprint for future water use is a “daunting task” and more time might be needed to complete the effort than the current December 2003 deadline.
The increased volume of information to consider was often times frustrating and always challenging. I have had members of the Senate Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife say to me that this update process is a waste of time and the process to update the California Water Plan is taking longer than anyone anticipated.
It may seem that way but it doesn’t need to be. We must forge ahead with the support of the Legislature and the commitment of the Department of Water Resources staff and the advisory committee to address as much of this information fairly, openly and, as much as possible, within the time frame allotted.
The Legislature authorized the update that is conducted every five years and specifically called for discussions among the water stakeholders that would lead to a plan to meet the future water needs of the state.
The intent of the legislation is “a fair and balanced effort on paper.” However, I am worried about long-held positions by stakeholders and their refusal to compromise.
It is important that the current Water Plan Update follow the laws set forth by the Legislature. If this is done, and done in a fair and balanced manner, every interest group can be assured that they will be fairly represented and their needs addressed as much as possible.
The California Farm Water Coalition is the state’s only agricultural water organization in California that deals solely in water education to the public. Its membership includes 350 farmers, irrigation districts and agricultural businesses throughout the state that represent 3.5 million acres, more than one-third of all irrigated acreage in California.
Mike Henry, assistant executive director,
California Farm Water Coalition
