Water Task Force Update

The June 18th Water Task Force concluded the San Francisco Bay-Delta series with a presentation from Doug Obegi of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Joan Buchanan from Restore the Delta. Both presentations concentrated on the Bay-Delta plan and its limitations. 

Mr. Obegi presented detailed information on the Bay-Delta watershed and its role in water supply. The presentation argued that protecting the Bay-Delta requires reducing water diversions and sustainable water supply solutions. Protecting fish through increased flows and habitat restoration and the implications of these actions on fishing jobs and drought resilience was also mentioned.

Ms. Buchanan provided a history of the Bay-Delta plan and the impetus for the updated plan. Her presentation included praise for the new plan while still highlighting major concerns expressed by Restore the Delta. These concerns included issues of salinity, invasive species and the lack of continuous benchmarking. Still, Ms. Buchanan expressed optimism that there is the opportunity to do something beneficial to everyone.