An ecosystem in freefall, a shrinking water supply for cities and agriculture, an antiquated network of failure-prone levees—this is the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the major hub of California's water system. Written by a team of independent water experts, this analysis of the latest data evaluates proposed solutions to the Delta's myriad problems. Through in-depth economic and ecological analysis, the authors find that the current policy of channeling water exports through the Delta is not sustainable for any interest. Employing a peripheral canal-conveying water around the Delta instead of through it—as part of a larger habitat and water management plan appears to be the best strategy to maintain both a high-quality water supply and at the same time improve conditions for native fish and wildlife. This important assessment includes integrated analysis of long term ecosystem and water management options and demonstrates how issues such as climate change and sustainability will shape the future.Published in cooperation with the Public Policy Institute of California

Comparing Futures for the Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta

Science & Math

Jay Lund

Ellen Hanak

William Fleenor

Richard Howitt

Jeffrey Mount

Willaim Bennett

Peter Moyle

Biological Sciences

University of California Press

Although significant water trading has occurred in California since the drought of the early 1990s, many localities have restricted water transfers because of the perceived harm to other users and the local economy. In Who Should Be Allowed to Sell Water in California? Third-Party Issues and the Water Market, Ellen Hanak examines water transfers in California, local resistance to them, and various approaches to resolving water disputes. Drawing on a new database of water transfers as well as interviews with state, county, and water district officials, the report calls for water management at the local level that balances the interests of other residents and the potential gains from transfers.

Who Should Be Allowed to Sell Water in California? Third-Party Issues and the Water Market

Business & Money

Public Policy Institute of California

California's population is expected to add another 14 million people by 2030, reaching a total of 48 million. One of the most serious concerns of policymakers is whether the state will be able to supply the water needed to sustain such a population. Although many large water projects in the past were undertaken with state and federal leadership, most current options are local or regional in scope. The frontline agencies responsible for water supply are the hundreds of municipal utilities serving the state s residential and commercial customers. In this report, the author examines how well California is faring in meeting the water supply challenges of growth throughout the state and the extent to which local governments are integrating water supply concerns into their land-use planning. The report also evaluates progress in implementing the new "show me the water" laws, SB 610 and SB 221, which require up-front screening of water availability for large development projects.

Water for Growth: California's New Frontier

Nature & Ecology

There is growing concern that rapid population growth and repeated budget shortfalls have brought California to a state of disrepair that could soon become a state of emergency. With support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, PPIC undertook a study to see whether the state is facing a growth and infrastructure crisis, how big the problems are, and how to think about planning for the future. This report presents the findings of that study. It concludes that we haven't reached a crisis-yet-but some trends and forces make it imperative to begin systematic, well-informed planning. Otherwise, the future California gets by default may not be the future residents want for themselves and their children.

California 2025: Taking on the Future

Politics & Social Sciences

California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is widely perceived to be in crisis today: its levee system is fragile, many of its native species are declining rapidly, and it lacks strong governing institutions to deal with its problems. In its current state, the Delta is unsustainable for almost all stakeholders. This report provides a comprehensive, scientifically up-to-date analysis and outlines several alternative management strategies for the Delta.

Envisioning Futures for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta

and Peter Moyle

For more than 30 years, California has struggled to manage its water effectively. Today, California faces diverse and growing demands for water supply quality and reliability, flood protection, and ecosystem health. Current water policies have not kept up with these demands and crises are brewing, waiting for the next drought, flood, or lawsuit to bring widespread or local catastrophe.
This book outlines an ambitious reform agenda to help put California water management on a more constructive and hopeful path. Bringing together perspectives from biology, economics, engineering, geology, and the law, the authors describe how California s water can be managed more comprehensively and more flexibly for the benefit of the economy and the environment. The reforms proposed here will not be easy, but with bold leadership the state can develop a sustainable, long-term strategy for one of its most critical resources.

Managing California's Water: From Conflict to Reconciliation

Ariel Dinar

Brian Gray

Barton Thompson

Earth Sciences

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Books by Ellen Hanak