Feb. 25, 2013
Release immediate

The following is a statement by Mike Wade, Executive Director of the California Farm Water Coalition, in response to a water delivery announcement made today by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

FARMERS RECEIVE DISAPPOINTING WATER DELIVERY ANNOUNCEMENT  

“Declining water storage levels and a federal guideline that redirected nearly 800,000 acre-feet of water to the ocean from farms, families and business have combined for a disappointing water delivery announcement of only 25 percent to San Joaquin Valley farmers receiving water from the federal Central Valley Project.

“The water sent to the ocean was supposed to protect Delta smelt, an endangered species. Yet, federal water managers have failed to provide scientific evidence that the action had any measurable benefit to smelt. The only reality from this action is that the water is gone that could have been used later this year to grow fruits and vegetables.

“Despite the heavy rain and snowfall earlier this water year in December, farmers will be receiving less water than last year, which was a dry water year.”

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