California Water Managers May Limit River Water Diversion for Crops

Some members of the Water Resources Control board say suspending water rights is an unavoidable temporary emergency measure caused by the drought.

But not all agree. Board member Dorene D’Adamo backs a federal and state initiative to allow farmers to voluntarily coordinate water diversions and share water. She says Water Board prohibitions may not be necessary.

“What we really should do instead is trust that they’ve entered into these agreements in good faith,” says Dorene D’Adamo. “We want to encourage more growers to enter into these agreements.”

Scientists are concerned that there may not be enough water in the Central Valley Rivers that Chinook salmon and steelhead need for migration during the summer and fall months.