1	Kern County’s Uncertain Water Supply A Crisis Upon Us Today Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce December 11, 2007
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4	Overview – 2007 Water Year 2007 was a very dry year. The Kern River received only 28% of average (8^th driest of record) in 2007. Los Angeles saw the lowest rainfall in its history. Significant levels of Kern County groundwater pumping were required to offset the hydrology.
5	Overview – 2008 Water Year Coming into 2008: Northern California precipitation < 50% of average. Storage in reservoirs < 70% of average. 2008 initial State Water Project (SWP) Allocation is 25%. SWP water represents 20–25% of Kern County’s sources of water in an average year. For background: In 2006, the SWP represented nearly 50% of the surface water supply for Kern County.
6	Overview – Federal Court Actions Negative impacts from recent federal court actions related to the Delta smelt: Loss of up to 20% of Kern County’s annual SWP Supply. Example: 50% SWP Allocation will be reduced to 30%. Restricts deliveries during Kern County’s peak irrigation season (greatest impact felt in June). Impacts availability of SWP high-flow water supplies, which have allowed Kern County to store water in local groundwater banking projects for future years’ shortages.
7	Impact on Local Economy Pump more groundwater to make up some of the shortage. Less water will be available to meet future agricultural needs. Pumping costs Depth-to-water levels
8	Forecast for the Next 5 Years If nothing changes in the next 5 years… Significant irrigated acreage will be lost. Delta fish species will still be in decline. Additional species will be listed as endangered in the Delta. Water supplies will continue to be reduced. If a new conveyance facility is approved in 2008, then construction will be starting. If a new facility is not approved in 2008, the worsening crisis will reveal the severity of that short-sightedness, and lack of leadership.
9	Practical Solutions The Legislature needs to keep hearing that: The Delta is unsustainable New conveyance facilities are necessary to improve water supplies and the Delta environment. Build them now. Higher levels of water conservation in all economic sectors. Require state water leaders to implement programs that will minimize impacts. Water banks, efficient water transfer rules, etc. Some economic sectors may need financial relief until water supplies can be restored.