California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
On Tuesday the State Water Resources Control Board unanimously approved emergency regulations to stop water diversions from the Delta. The unprecedented move comes on the heals of regulators halting diversions from the Upper Russian River, warning Lake Mendocino would be empty by the end of the year.
The rule is expected to become official in two weeks and it includes exceptions for some uses, including water for drinking, cooking, cleaning, sanitation and generating electricity, among other things.
The rule also gives state regulators authority to fine water users for noncompliance with penalties of up to $1,000 per day plus $2,500 per acre-foot of illegally diverted water, according to Erik Ekdahl, deputy director of the board’s division of water rights.
At a workshop the week before, groups representing Central Valley farmers voiced strong opposition to the regulations and questioned whether the board had the power to stop senior rights holders from pumping the water.
Senator Hurtado (D-Sanger) said in a statement, “The theft of water that propels the Board to order curtailments, will no doubt deprive our most vulnerable communities of clean water and jobs, but it will also deprive an already constrained global food system.”
The new rule will remain in effect for one year, but could be repealed if conditions improve or be readopted by the Board if conditions continue or worsen.
