SAN JOAQUIN RIVER APPROPRIATION

FACT SHEET

Why was this action taken by Westlands?

The mission of Westlands Water District is to provide an affordable, reliable water supply to its landowners and water users through its federal contract for CVP project water and exchanges/transfers with other water agencies. Environmental regulations and unbalanced federal water policies have seriously undermined the District's efforts to provide its customers with enough water to meet their needs.

This action is driven by the government's failure to fulfill its contractual obligation for water to Westlands. The District has been forced to take immediate, aggressive actions to address its water supply crisis. The intent is to protect irrigated agriculture and the jobs and rural economies that depend on this water and to safeguard water supplies entitled to Fresno County as well.

What is an appropriation?

Under the watershed protection and the county of origin statutes, Westlands is seeking to obtain a right to divert water from the San Joaquin River for use on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties. Currently, the San Joaquin River water sought by Westlands makes its way as far south as Kern County.

If the State Water Resources Control Board approves the permit application, Westlands will have priority over the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's permits to appropriate San Joaquin River water for the Friant Unit. The District's water right, however, will be subordinate to the Exchange Contractors' rights.

What is involved in the appropriation process?

Once the permit application is filed with the State Board, it will have to go through an extensive public review process. Environmental documentation will be required before the appropriation can move forward.

How much water is available to Westlands?

On average, Westlands could obtain up to 500,000 acre-feet of water per year — approximately 30 percent of the average run-off in the upper river basin.

What are the costs?

Westlands will have to design a 1,000-cubic-feet-per-second pumping plant and a pipeline from the Mendota Pool to the California Aqueduct to convey the water from the river into the aqueduct and the District's distribution system. The District is hopeful the process can be completed in four years. Total estimated cost of the project is $100-million. Long-term capital and operations water cost for farmers would be about $50 per acre-foot.

What are the potential benefits?

• Water originating in Fresno County stays in Fresno County.
• Additional water to Westlands at an affordable price.
• San Joaquin River re-watering and restoration.
• Water quality benefits to Mendota Pool users.
• Water quality improvement in the Aqueduct.
• Less dependence on groundwater.
• CVP operational flexibility.

August 2000