In a move that has caused an outcry from both ends of the political divide, California Governor Gavin Newsom is pressing forward with ambitious plans to build a giant tunnel to catch rainwater.
Tunnel Vision
For decades, California authorities have been trying to create a water tunnel system like the one Newsom is currently pushing for – also titled the Delta Conveyance Project.
Delta Dreams
The tunnel, which would span around 45 miles in length and 36 feet in width, is the state’s answer to climate change and future water supply worries. Put simply, the tunnel would collect rainwater from the Sacramento River and then send it south for storage.
Flowing Forward
Water has been extracted directly from the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta estuary in Northern California and transported south to supply 30 million Californians and irrigate 6 million acres of farmland via the State Water Project for decades.
Liquid Lifeline
However, new research by state agencies has predicted that climate change and environmental regulations will result in a reduced water supply – hence the creation of the Delta Conveyance Project.
Priced to Flow
While the project sounds like a viable method to combat the effects of climate change and protect Californians’ access to water, there’s one thing that is causing outcry amongst the public – the price.
Costly Currents
A new analysis conducted by the Berkeley Research Group has put the cost for the tunnel at $20 billion – $5 billion more than previously thought.
Inflationary Budget Woes
These price increases are primarily due to inflationary pressures following the pandemic, which have pushed costs for materials and labor sky-high.
Funding California’s Water Future
The money for this project will come from 29 local water agencies, which means the customers will ultimately pay for it.
Is the Tunnel Worth It?
Supporters say the tunnel will bring $38 billion in benefits, mostly by providing a more reliable water supply that’s protected from earthquakes. In the words of David Sunding, a professor from UC Berkeley who led the analysis, “The benefits clearly justify the costs.”
Water Woes
Despite these projections, there are many vocal opponents to the tunnel.
Delta Defenders
Environmental groups are worried it will harm the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta’s ecosystem, which is home to endangered species of salmon.
Protecting Northern California
They’re also worried that the construction of the tunnel will damage farmlands, lower water quality in the Delta, and create noise and air pollution.
The Tunnel Tug-of-War
To address these concerns, the state has set aside $200 million for local projects in areas affected by the construction.
The Central Valley’s Stand
However, the project is still a hot topic – especially in the Central Valley – where many see it as Southern California trying to take their water. One lawmaker, Representative Josh Harder, stated, “This new analysis acknowledges what we’ve known all along: the Delta Tunnel is meant to benefit Beverly Hills and leave Delta communities out to dry.”
Harder’s Hardline
Harder promised to fight the tunnel, stating, “I’m sick and tired of politicians in Sacramento ignoring our Valley voices, and I will do everything in my power to stop them from stealing our water.”
The Bigger Picture
The tunnel is part of the State Water Project, which supplies water to 27 million people and irrigates 750,000 acres of farmland.
The Need for New Solutions
Climate change threatens this water supply, with recent droughts causing record-low water levels and power plant shutdowns.
Drought Dramas
In the last 15 years, California has suffered two droughts – one from 2011 to 2017 and another between 2020 and 2022.
Future Forecast
According to a 2023 policy brief from the Public Policy Institute of California, by 2040, average annual water supplies could decrease by 20 percent. In a worst-case scenario, this could result in the loss of up to 50,000 jobs and the fallowing of nearly 900,000 acres of farmland.
Water Worries in 2070 and Beyond
State officials also predict that by 2070, water deliveries will drop by 22% due to climate change. The new analysis by the state predicts that the Delta Conveyance Project could increase water delivered by around 17%, and while it’s not enough to cover the loss, it’s a much more manageable figure.
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