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California’s Water

This article discusses the challenges California faces regarding its water resources, including drought, pollution, and the impact of climate change. It explores the mismatch between precipitation patterns and population distribution, the deteriorating condition of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and the seismic hazards faced by the state. The article also highlights the issues surrounding water usage in the agriculture industry and the ecological degradation of the Delta. Additionally, it touches upon the potential impacts of climate change on California's water resources, such as decreased snow melt and rising sea levels.

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California’s Water

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

  2. 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 California’s Water Issues

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

  4. 41 ____ % ____ % 11 ____ % 48 The California Water Map (Water Education Foundation) In simplified, big-picture terms, the major types of uses/users of collected precipitation in California are: “Developed” water Agriculture Cities/industries “Environmental” water Wild & Scenic Rivers Delta outflow “unused” flow to ocean diversions to ag & cities take these percentages with a grain of salt....

  5. In California, the agriculture industry obtains water at rates that are subsidized, i.e., much lower than the market rate. • 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. 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.

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

  7. “The Delta”

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

  9. Delta smelt Longfin smelt Both fish are fundamental parts of the food web in the Bay-Delta estuary. Ecological conditions in the estuary have degraded badly in last 25 years. 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

  10. The Delta is a key hub in the Pacific Flyway

  11. Levees near Stockton, CA

  12. Jones Tract Levee, 2004

  13. Many levees in the Delta are over 100 years old Many islands are 15-20 feet below sea level; sinking at 1.6 to 3 inches/yr

  14. The Peripheral Canal Expensive repairs and proposed construction

  15. Active faults (capable of M≥6 earthquake The Delta

  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.

  18. 19% of California’s energy expenditures move water.

  19. Climate Change = Hydrologic Change http://www.fs.fed.us/emphasis/products/water-climate-brochure.pdf

  20. Climate Change and Water in California http://www.water.ca.gov/climatechange/docs/062807factsheet.pdf

  21. 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 http://www.water.ca.gov/climatechange/docs/062807factsheet.pdf Climate Change Impacts to California’s Water Resources

  22. http://www.water.ca.gov/climatechange/docs/062807factsheet.pdfhttp://www.water.ca.gov/climatechange/docs/062807factsheet.pdf

  23. Increased population and greater demand for energy Decreased snow melt flowing through = decreased potential for hydropower production However, future precipitation projections are uncertain. Potential reduction in hydropower Shasta dam (USGS) http://www.climatechoices.org/ca/site/ca/site/our-changing-climate.html

  24. California Education and the Environment Initiative Unit Planner

  25. Unit Planner, continued

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