More river flow, fees on utilities and more water conservation are among the features of a new plan to restore the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
The draft "Delta Plan" was prepared by the Delta Stewardship Council, created by a 2009 water law. The plan, which contains 12 policies and 61 recommendations, must balance concern about water demand and habitat degradation.
To that end, it seeks to reduce reliance on Delta water supplies by making cities and farms more self-sufficient. It calls for farm irrigators to change pricing to encourage conservation. It urges the State Water Resources Control Board to set enforceable flow objectives for the Delta to accommodate wildlife.
It proposes fees on utility systems that depend on Delta levees, and a surcharge on water used in the state, to pay for levee and habitat projects.
The plan will be the focus of an environmental study starting later this month. Both must be done in December.
Government projects in the Delta must comply with the plan. But the council has limited power. For instance, the Public Utility Commission and Legislature would have to impose the fees.
To view the plan, visit www.deltacouncil.ca.gov/delta-plan or call (916) 445-5511.
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