From the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley:
In August, the Blueprint and the Southern California Water Coalition submitted a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, advocating for the temporary suspension of the Fall X2 component of the Summer Fall Habitat Action for the 2024 water year. The request was based on scientific findings that showed no observable benefits for Delta smelt yet it created significant negative impacts to the Valley’s water supply.
In response to the water agencies and public input, and assessing the latest scientific studies and monitoring data, Reclamation and DWR, in coordination with fisheries agencies are modifying the Fall X2 action for the 2024 water year by implementing it in September and not implementing it in October. They are extending the Suisun Marsh Salinity Control Gate action into September in attempt to provide similar habitat benefits of the full X2 action implementation with a lower water cost.
We are very supportive of this change, and it is an example of adaptive management that was clearly identified and evaluated in the 2019 Biological Opinions.
This decision has the potential to conserve 400 TAF, depending on October’s hydrology and tidal action, that will result in increased reservoir storage and potential increased SOD exports compared to prior forecasts.
_______________________________________________________________
The mission of the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley is to advocate for sustainable, reliable water solutions that address the critical water needs of the San Joaquin Valley’s agricultural sector, communities, and ecosystems. The Blueprint focuses on developing comprehensive policies and infrastructure to ensure long-term water availability, balancing the requirements of farming, economic growth, and environmental protection.
