Water districts consider purchasing Delta islands

The Westlands Water District (WWD) and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) are considering the possibility of buying four islands in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Their reasoning – easier access to water during the California drought. If one or both of the water agencies decide to purchase the islands, there could be a fight over water coming from the Delta.

As part of the purchase of the islands, WWD and MWD would receive riparian water rights, allowing them access to the water surrounding the islands. With the state’s approval, however, the districts could store water for later use and eventually, send the water to the southern part of the state.

Although Westlands Water District has looked at the proposal, their spokesperson claims the likelihood of them moving forward with the purchase is unlikely.

MWD, on the other hand, could move forward with the proposal. The district’s real property committee discussed the issue in a closed session on Monday but their spokesman has been quiet on the issue.

“This is a way for the Metropolitan Water District to get a foothold in the Delta for greater water supply,” Barbara Barrigan Parrilla, executive director of Restore the Delta, told The Sacramento Bee.

Water experts have said that the purchase of these islands could eliminate the need for the controversial twin tunnels, one of Governor Jerry Brown’s signature water resolutions.