Written Report Section II Complete! Writing up my research findings spun lots of ideas in my mind about the dissension mounting as the mandatory water restrictions begin to be implemented. I have found that the vast majority of the state backs the restrictions; however there is certainly confliction with the assignment of conservation standards (tiers) to the various water agencies.
There is also elevating discord between environmentalists and the agricultural sector with regards to how the water resources in the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta are being divided. Water rights, senior and junior, are being threatened to save fish and wildlife. Who is right? Does the state need to come up with a better short-term policy to get through the drought? Are the mandatory restrictions enough? Should lawns across the state turn brown so thirsty crops like almonds and alfalfa can continue growing? For exportation? Literally exporting water from California in the form of food. What about storage? Many residents feel the state should increase surface water storage by building more dams and reservoirs, yet the environmental impact impedes the ease of making that happen.
These are some of the issues I will analyze in the next section of my report. Somehow I feel there is going to need to be give and take from all sides in order for the state move towards greater water sustainability. The lack of precipitation, especially in the form of snow is hampering the state’s ability to meet the water demand.