The Bureau of Reclamation has released a new biological assessment of water flows from the Delta, which could dramatically impact deliveries to the valley. Mike Wade at the California Farm Water Coalition says the decade-old opinions from Fish and Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries were based on seasonal fish migrations, and did not account for other factors. “It will all be done using a science-based approach, and making sure we do the things that are helpful for the environment in order provide more water supplies for people. “Wade says deliveries from the State Water Project have been hurt as the pumps were turned off to protect the Delta Smelt, even though it did not help the tiny fish. A 135 day public comment period is underway.

Suzanne Grant