DWR today released the Draft Environment Impact Report (Draft EIR) for the Delta Conveyance Project, marking an important step in evaluating a key strategy to adapt to a changing climate and provide clean, reliable water for future generations.
Delta Conveyance
An aerial view of the Harvey O. Banks Delta Pumping Plant, the first major plant designed and constructed within the California State Water Project.
Note: Delta Conveyance Project Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) available for public review and comment: July 27, 2022 – December 16, 2022. Visit the Draft EIR website for more information.
What is Delta conveyance?
Delta conveyance refers to State Water Project (SWP) infrastructure in the vast network of waterways comprising the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) that collects and moves high-quality, clean, safe and affordable water to homes, farms and businesses throughout major regions of the state from the Bay Area to Southern California. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is the owner and operator of the SWP and is responsible for all associated upgrades and maintenance, including the proposed Delta Conveyance Project that will modernize this water transport infrastructure in the Delta.
View this Story Map for more information on several key aspects of the Delta Conveyance Project.
Why is Delta conveyance important?
The Delta is at the center of California’s vital water distribution system. Two-thirds of California’s water originates in the Sierra Nevada mountains. eventually flowing through the Delta, where, consistent with water rights, including applicable water quality requirements, it is delivered to more than 27 million Californians and about 750,000 acres of farmland. The infrastructure that enables conveyance of California’s primary water supply is critical to the health of local communities and the success of our state’s economy.
Why is this project needed?
California faces a future of water instability, more rain, less snow, and more frequent extreme events like drought and flood. These changes will reduce the ability of the SWP’s current infrastructure to capture water, especially because there will be less snow and snowmelt available.
The proposed Delta Conveyance Project is an essential climate adaptation strategy. It protects against future water supply losses caused by climate change, sea level rise, and earthquakes. It also helps ensure that the SWP can capture, move and store water to make the most of big, but infrequent, storm events.
View more frequently asked questions related to the Delta Conveyance Project.
Delta Conveyance Deep Dive Feature Video
Delta Conveyance Updates
Modernizing how California moves water supplies across the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta can’t be done by repeating the past.
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Preventing fish from getting caught up in the water diverted at the intakes - a situation known as “entrainment” - is a high priority and many innovative technologies have been developed to meet the challenge.
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California is immersed in a third year of drought, with January, February and March of 2022 experiencing the lowest precipitation on record. Weather whiplash of big storms followed by dry spells makes every drop of rain, every flake of snow, and every water molecule vital this year for families, farms, the environment and the economy.
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Contact Us
Questions and More Information:
1-866-924-9955 | deltaconveyance@water.ca.gov
Media Inquiries:
Lisa Lien-Mager (916) 653-9402
Lisa.LienMager@resources.ca.gov
Ryan Endean (916) 798-1701
Ryan.Endean@water.ca.gov