Water Task Force Update

The Water Task Force welcomed Felicia Marcus, Former Chair of the California State Water Resources Board, as their featured speaker on March 11th. This special meeting provided EBLC members and guests the opportunity to hear Ms. Marcus’ thoughts on river flows in the Bay-Delta and the State Water Board’s Bay-Delta Plan available online.

This Plan, which is currently being updated, establishes water quality control measures and the flow requirements needed to provide reasonable protection of beneficial uses. Ms. Marcus’ presentation addressed the need to protect fish and wildlife beneficial uses and outlined how increased unimpaired flows will improve conditions for native fish. The presentation also addressed Voluntary Settlement Agreements and the State Water Board’s encouragement of stakeholders to continue to work together to reach voluntary agreements that incorporate a mix of flow and non-flow measures that meet or exceed the new and revised water quality objectives and protect fish and wildlife beneficial uses.