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

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

Politics & Social Sciences

Public Policy Institute of California

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 Jay Lund