Delta Regional Group: "California's Water System and Our Delta in Crisis"

Wednesday, January 25, meeting - 7 pm, program - 7:30, Antioch Library, 501 West 18th Street, Antioch.

California's water system is the largest water-export project in the world. During the past decade CalFed, a group of varied state and federal water interests, has worked to improve the Delta ecosystem, while overseeing the demands for dependable water diversions, but many experts feel that CalFed in its present form cannot complete current projects or solve environmental problems. The consensus is that the program is far off-course and needs a complete overhaul.

A review of current Delta issues reveals multiple problems. Recent studies indicate that the Delta's fish population has steeply declined. Meanwhile, new federal Central Valley Project water contracts are being renewed with few changes in total amounts, and the State Water Project is proposing a 27% increase in its allowable pumping rate. New alternatives are being proposed for a system to drain San Joaquin Valley's toxic agricultural wastewater into the Delta. The devastation caused by levee failures during Hurricane Katrina has focused attention on the Delta's aging and vulnerable levee system, some parts dating back to 1855. An earthquake or flood could bring a disaster destroying homes and farms, and leaving millions of Californians without drinking water.

The speakers at the Delta Group's January meeting will discuss many of these issues. Roberta Goulart of the Contra Costa County Water Agency will speak about the Delta levee system, effects of a levee break, and efforts at the county, state, and federal levels to safeguard the levee system. Dr. Greg Gartrell, assistant general manager at Contra Costa Water District, will discuss California's water problems in general, but especially those affecting CCWD's Los Vaqueros Reservoir and water quality. Both speakers will update us on CalFed.

Join us tonight to find out more about the present and future of California's water resources and our fragile Delta ecosystem. Before the program, we'll socialize and munch goodies, and briefly discuss current environmental issues and upcoming events.

Delta Group program meetings are usually held on the third Tuesday or Wednesday in January, March, May, September, and November. A newsletter listing Delta Group programs, outings, and activities is available by subscription. To receive it, send a $5 check payable to "Sierra Club, Delta Group" to:

Tish Brown
51 Danridge Court
Antioch, CA 94509.

For information about Delta Group activities, call Janess Hanson, (925) 458-0860. For information about Delta area environmental concerns, call Tim Donahue, (925) 754-8801.

Upcoming hikes and activities

For details, see the "Events and Activities" calendar.
Sat., Jan. 7 - Walnut Creek Regional Trails, 1/2A walk.
Sat., Jan. 14 - bird-watching safari, Sacramento Valley and Delta.
Sat., Jan. 14 - Oakland Museum/Lake Merritt sketch hike.
Sun., Feb. 5 - Martinez Regional Shoreline, 1A sunset walk.
Sun., Feb. 12 - Cosumnes Preserve sketch trip.
Sun., Feb. 26 - Martinez to Port Costa, 2A hike.