Navigating California’s Water Crises

Just a few weeks ago, myself, Sierra Club California Organizing Manager Molly Culton, and my son attended a conversation about the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta watershed region and how to stop the disastrous Delta Tunnel once and for all. We flew in on Monday evening and then drove back late Friday afternoon from Sacramento to our home in Fontana. We spent two days participating in an emerging coalition that included the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians, who graciously hosted Sierra Club California alongside other environmental justice and conservation groups. This trip helped my son see just how vital the issue of water rights in California is, from Northern to Southern California. He came away from it energized, and brainstormed ways he could engage his friends and fellow students at our local high schools about the critical importance of water rights.

As we drove from Sacramento to our home in Fontana, the vast agricultural expanses of California unfolded before us—breathtaking, yet haunting. Flanked by the Golden State's signature rolling hills, farms stretched for miles, their rich soil lying in stark contrast to parched land. 

The Groundwater Dilemma

California is home to an intricate web of irrigation systems and groundwater supplies that have long sustained its agricultural dominance. However, the stark reality is that to maintain a food production system that relies heavily on water, we must first tackle the urgent issue of sustainability. I noticed numerous "For Sale" signs dotting the landscape along I-5, indicative of the anxiety and uncertainty gripping farmers across the state. A particularly striking listing of farmland for sale on Zillow highlighted how important it is for California to achieve groundwater sustainability by 2040. 

Groundwater has traditionally been a lifeline for many regions in California, but with over-extraction and climate change leading to diminished aquifer levels, the future of water supply is precarious. Experts warn that without a sustainable approach to managing this crucial resource, the viability of California's ecosystems and communities that rely on them may be irreversibly harmed.

The Delta Tunnel Controversy

Efforts to revitalize California's water infrastructure have sparked intense debate. Central to this discussion is the proposed Delta Tunnel, which aims to divert water from the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The project has garnered strong opposition from environmentalists, including Sierra Club California, and various communities who would be affected by the potential ecological risks of the Tunnel, including tribal groups. Concerns regarding the feasibility, costs, and effectiveness of the project have escalated in recent years, with skepticism now entrenched among many stakeholders.

As proponents of the Delta Tunnel assert that the project will provide a stable water supply for both urban areas and agriculture, the growing cynicism raises an important question: can we truly trust a massive infrastructure investment to solve a problem that has been years in the making? The tunnel is merely a “Band-Aid solution” which will ultimately have disastrous effects for water quality and the environment,  rather than a comprehensive strategy for sustainability.

Rethinking California’s Water Sources

The debate around water sustainability in California has taken some unexpected turns. A provocative New York Times op-ed penned by Dr. Jay Famiglietti proposed a radical solution: pumping water from the Great Lakes to sustain California’s demanding water needs. While the idea may seem far-fetched, it underscores an important point—traditional water sources, including groundwater, are rapidly dwindling, prompting discussions about unconventional methods to address our water crisis.

However, such proposals come with their own set of challenges, not the least of which involves the environmental impact of water diversion on ecosystems that may already be stressed. Furthermore, the legal implications of transferring water across state lines complicate the issue. Increasing California’s reliance on new imported water and conveyance infrastructure isn't a viable solution. 

A Missed Opportunity for Legislative Action

Compounding California's water woes is this year's legislative session, which has seen a significant number of proposed initiatives regarding water management, affordability and sustainability die before reaching the floor for a vote. Lawmakers have grappled with this urgent issue, but inaction has left communities waiting for the meaningful reform they desperately need like SB 1255, a rate-payer assistance program. 

AB 2614 would have been essential to acknowledge the rights of tribal communities and their fundamental connection to water, a vital resource that sustains not only their cultures but also their way of life. For centuries, Indigenous peoples have maintained a deep spiritual and practical relationship with water, recognizing it as a source of life, identity, and resilience. However, many tribal communities face significant challenges in accessing clean and reliable water due to historical injustices and ongoing systemic neglect. Recognizing their rights is not merely an act of environmental justice but a necessary step toward ensuring equitable water management and environmental stewardship. By prioritizing the perspectives and voices of tribal communities in water governance, we can foster a more inclusive approach that honors their heritage and secures the future of this precious resource for all Californians.

The failure to advance these proposals and others reflects both the complexity of the water crisis and the deep divisions among stakeholders. As we approach the important 2024 elections, the outcomes will play a vital role in shaping the 2025 legislative session. It is essential for lawmakers to prioritize local, sustainable solutions to address our state’s water issues. Voters can influence this direction by holding elected officials accountable and supporting candidates who are committed to effective water policies and environmental stewardship.

The Way Forward: Where Do We Go From Here?

What California needs is not new dams and reservoirs, or other technologies that entrench California’s water infrastructure in the past. We need a multifaceted modern approach to water management that takes into account environmental protections and the realities of climate change. This includes investing in water conservation, strengthening water recycling and reuse initiatives, and managing our groundwater sustainably to equitably address the needs of ecosystems and communities.

The conversation around water in California must evolve beyond short-term fixes to encompass long-term sustainability. Engaging various stakeholders—from tribal communities to environmental groups to policymakers—is essential. As I witnessed firsthand during my drive back from our meetings, the future of California’s water resources hangs in precarious balance, and the time for action is now.  My son is committed to continuing his advocacy for water rights, inspired by the urgency of the situation and the potential for positive change, please join him in his efforts.

The choices we make today will determine whether we can secure California’s water resources or watch them dwindle further. The question remains: where do we go from here?

Sincerely, 

Bobbi Jo Chavarria
Acting Director