1 California’s Water California Water Resources Using a Web-Based Geographic Information System September 19, 2009

2 California’s Water Issues Population Growth Mismatch between where precipitation falls and where most of the people, farms and industries are located Drought Deteriorating Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta Seismic hazards Pollution Climate Change

3 The Delta: Geography and Stakeholders Modified from a presentation by Richard Sedlock SJSU Geology/BAESI California’s Water System

In simplified, big-picture terms, the major types of uses/users of collected precipitation in California are: ____ % Agriculture Cities/industries “Environmental” water “Developed” water Wild & Scenic Rivers Delta outflow “unused” flow to ocean diversions to ag & cities The California Water Map (Water Education Foundation) take these percentages with a grain of salt....

5 California’s uses of water are not accidental, natural, or predetermined. Our patterns of usage result from political, economic, and social decisions of the last 150 years, made against the backdrop of roughly constant climatic conditions. The agriculture industry argues that subsidized rates are needed to prevent high food prices. Water-intensive crops will be less profitable as water supplies wane or become less dependable. In California, the agriculture industry obtains water at rates that are subsidized, i.e., much lower than the market rate.

6 The agriculture industry argues that subsidized water helps support the California economy (13% of U.S. agricultural products in 2006). Compare the agriculture industry’s contribution to California’s Gross Domestic Product (below) with its water use.

“The Delta”

Sacramento River San Joaquin River Suisun Bay + hundreds of other waterways and islands THE DELTA

9 Both fish are fundamental parts of the food web in the Bay-Delta estuary. Delta smelt Since 2003, the abundance of each is <3% of the 1993 abundance. In May 2007, juvenile smelt populations were 8% of May 2006 populations. Causes: (1) reductions in Delta’s freshwater outflow; (2) “entrainment” due to water diversions; (3) changes in available food; (4) pesticides Ecological conditions in the estuary have degraded badly in last 25 years. Longfin smelt

The Delta is a key hub in the Pacific Flyway

Levees near Stockton, CA

Jones Tract Levee, 2004

Many levees in the Delta are over 100 years old Many islands are feet below sea level; sinking at 1.6 to 3 inches/yr

Expensive repairs and proposed construction The Peripheral Canal

The Delta Active faults (capable of M≥6 earthquake

16 Area flooded by a 1-meter rise in sea level

17 Regions in the western U.S. where water-supply conflicts are likely to occur by 2025, based on factors such as population and endangered species’ need for water. Does not factor in effects of climate change, which are expected to exacerbate many of these conflicts.

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19 19% of California’s energy expenditures move water.

20 Climate Change = Hydrologic Change

21 Climate Change and Water in California

22 Climate Change Impacts to California’s Water Resources  By 2050: loss of at least 25 percent of the Sierra snowpack  More variable weather patterns  More flooding and longer, more severe droughts  Rising water temperatures and changes in runoff patterns may adversely impact salmon and other species.  Sea level rise will threaten many coastal communities as well as the sustainability of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.  Salt water intrusion

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24 Potential reduction in hydropower Increased population and greater demand for energy Decreased snow melt flowing through = decreased potential for hydropower production However, future precipitation projections are uncertain. Shasta dam (USGS)

25 Unit Planner California Education and the Environment Initiative

26 Unit Planner, continued