Calif. Dept. of Water Resources
Agriculture customers of Southern California’s largest water district will soon have a lot less water to use on their crops. That’s due in large part to a federal court ruling that protects an endangered fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
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The Metropolitian Water District of Southern California approved the cuts Monday, says General Manager Jeff Kightlinger.
“We are planning on cutting deliveries by water supplies to our agricultural customers in Southern California by 30 percent, and that would become effective January 1.”
The cuts stem from a statewide shortage caused by last winter’s drought and a federal court ruling that restricts how much water can move through the Delta.
Tiny fish called smelt are getting trapped in the state’s water pumps. That’s why the court is limiting how much water the state can deliver to Southern California.
“An impact in the Delta has a ripple effect throughout the entire state.”
And Kightlinger says if the weather doesn’t cooperate this winter, that court ruling could lead to even stricter water standards next year – even rationing.