Westlands Water District supports the use of adaptive management

Westlands Water District supports the use of adaptive management

Courtesy of Westlands Water District

The Westlands Water District is encouraged by the recent decision to utilize adaptive management as part of the implementation of a regulation affecting our federal and state water projects. The decision was related to the implementation of the Case X2 measure, part of a series of operational measures to enforce the Endangered Species Act. This example, relying on current scientific information and real-time monitoring, is an encouraging example of how flexible management can help achieve the equal goals of ecosystem protection and reliable water supplies for the farms that feed this country.

Based on the broad spectrum of scientific evidence, including a recent peer-reviewed scientific assessment of the benefits of implementing the Fall X2 Action, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the US Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation ) changed the case X2 action using an adaptive management component of the action. The Fall X2 Action is designed to create favorable habitat conditions for endangered delta smelt and other native species in the Sacramento/San Joaquin River Delta after a wet or above-average water year. Through adaptive management this year, the fall X2 measure was implemented in September while adding a measure to operate the Suisun Marsh Salinity Gates, which provide much-needed additional food and habitat for the species.

The Fall X2 Action for Delta Smelt has the potential to result in significant reductions in water supplies to cities and farms. In 2023, water costs to implement the Fall X2 Action between the Central Valley and State Water projects totaled more than 730,000 acre-feet. This year’s action demonstrates the ability to use current scientific information and monitoring to adaptively manage Endangered Species Act enforcement while achieving similar or better outcomes for the species. This year’s campaign also recognizes the value of conserving our water resources for future purposes, including benefits to fish and wildlife.

Westlands Water District General Manager Allison Febbo said: “Water is the lifeblood of our valley. We are encouraged to see the commitment of both state and federal agencies to maximize the value of our limited water supplies while improving fishing conditions through flexibility and innovation. We applaud the operators of both projects and the fisheries authorities for their demonstrated commitment to science-based decision-making and their efforts to make transparent adaptive management a fundamental practice in the Delta.”

The Fall Action Change Westlands looks forward to continuing our partnership with state and federal agencies to further refine these processes and improve outcomes for both fisheries and water supplies throughout California.