Coordinated, science-based decision-making is essential to maximizing water deliveries for communities and the environment
Press release from the State Water Contractors:
Today, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a minor amendment to the incidental take permit (ITP) for the long-term operation of the State Water Project (SWP), consistent with the adaptive management envisioned in the 2024 ITP. The SWP provides water to 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland that feed the state and nation. An ITP is required by state law to protect endangered and threatened fish species such as Longfin Smelt, Delta Smelt, Sacramento River Winter-run Chinook Salmon and Central Valley Spring-run Chinook Salmon.
Statement from Jennifer Pierre, General Manager of the State Water Contractors:
“The State Water Contractors appreciate the work the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Water Resources have put into preparing the most recent permit to operate the State Water Project.
“Earlier this year, both the state and federal administrations issued executive orders recognizing and supporting the State Water Contractors’ desire to take advantage of wet conditions so that we can maximize water deliveries when it is environmentally safe to do so.
“Clearly, we must use the best available science to meet the requirements of the executive orders. As seen in the last two years, there were extended periods with significantly high Delta outflow while the CVP and SWP exports were significantly restricted. At the time, it was widely acknowledged that there was no permit mechanism to make adjustments that could improve water supply while retaining fish protections. Real-time assessments included in this ITP amendment will allow for science-based decision-making to adjust SWP exports while
protecting fish. We urge the Department of Water Resources and Bureau of Reclamation to coordinate closely to ensure these science-based water management decisions avoid conflict between state and federal operations and protect California’s most important water supply.”
The State Water Contractors is a statewide, non-profit association of 27 public agencies from Northern, Central and Southern California that purchase water under contract from the California State Water Project. Collectively the State Water Contractors deliver water to more than 27 million residents throughout the state and more than 750,000 acres of agricultural land. For more information on the State Water Contractors, please visit www.swc.org.
