The Delta’s challenges

Because of the California drought, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is proving to have a number of challenges. A handful of scientists across the nation and Canada came together to look at how the Delta’s challenges impact the region and the world.

“Times of severe drought provide a stark reminder of the complexities of current and future Delta challenges,” said Clifford Dahm, biology professor at the University of New Mexico and study participant. “Drought also underscores the importance of planning for a rapidly changing world. Quick fixes to solve one problem may be necessary, but holistic integrated solutions are ultimately required.”

When everything is said and done, what challenges does the Delta face that make this significant water resource vulnerable?

Water supply. 

California’s water supply is over-allocated. The state’s water rights agreements allocate more water than what is available. Because of the lack of rainfall and the severity of the California drought, the state’s water supply is dwindling and in many cases, uncertain.

Infrastructure. 

California’s infrastructure is crumbling. The state has failed to build new water infrastructure and repair its existing framework.

Water insecurity.

The Delta’s water insecurity will impact the west coast and Mexico. Because California participates in the Colorado River Basin Compact, seven other states will see the impact of California’s drought. The lack of water availability that these states and Mexico share will impact the region’s economy, among other things.

Habitats. 

Native ecosystems and species are declining. The severity of the California drought leaves uncertainty to water supplies and the quality of water. It makes it almost impossible for researchers to predict how this will impact landscapes and wildlife.

Water quality.

Pesticides from agricultural runoff and chemicals from wastewater treatment plants interact with minerals and other deposits caused by the California drought. The stressors in the system make it difficult to access water quality and safety.

Delta management.

There are hundreds of different government agencies, on all levels of government, that play into how the Delta is managed. Because they each play a different role, each agency has a special interest or differing priorities than their counterparts, which usually results in slow decision-making and confusion in collaborative management.

Levees.

Although most of the Delta’s levees need to be repaired or rebuilt, the task can be challenging. If a levee in one part of the Delta fails, it can impact the entire area. If brackish water entered the Delta, agricultural crops could suffer, as well as water municipalities who rely on the high-quality water for their customers.