Contra Costa Supervisor Worries Gov's Plan Would Divert Too Much Water To SoCal
SACRAMENTO (KCBS)— Contra Costa County Supervisor Mary Piepho understands the Southland has water needs. But she also understands that Gov. Jerry Brown has publicly stated support for a massive twin-tunnel system that would deliver that water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
County supervisors are now focusing on the governor's push to transport the water to Southern California saying they want what's fair for all Californians.
Brown's nearly $24 billion tunnel system would divert water from farmland and cities, but opponents argue it would harm an already fragile ecosystem.
Contra Costa Supervisor Worries Gov's Plan Would Divert Too Much Water To The South
"They're focusing on the delta specifically to resolve greater statewide problems. The delta simply does not have the supply, the capacity or the ecosystem to withstand that sort of pressure," Piepho said.
Piepho, who sits on the Delta Conservancy Board, said the county wants to participate within a greater statewide water management plan that focuses on supply and water reliability, but includes water storage.
"It includes a number of different components that don't just take water from the delta," Piepho said, adding that things have gotten worse for six imperiled delta fish.
Piepho said a new population survey shows the fish failed to grow in number last year. Their numbers serve as an indicator of estuary health. Residents can expect to see a water bond on the November, 2014 Ballot.
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