The Salton Sea. Created by a manmade accident nearly a century ago, it now supports one of the most diverse bird populations in the nation. Some scientists have called it “California’s crown jewel of avian biodiversity.”
For more than 80 years this inland sea, which has no outlet, has been sustained by agricultural runoff water.
But now a pending water transfer between the San Diego County Water Authority and the Imperial Irrigation District threatens its very existence…and could threaten the water supply to citizens all over the state.
By the end of this year, California must reduce its usage of Colorado River water by 800,000 acre feet. If an agreement is not reached by then, in order to get California under its entitlement, the Federal Government could cut off some of California’s water supply.
What does this mean for Californians? According to the law of the river, if the Department of Interior has to cut off water at the end of the year, it will actually cut off water to the metropolitan areas first. The agricultural areas in the desert have a higher priority to use Colorado River.
What does this mean for the Salton Sea? The current agreement calls for the conservation of water used by farmers, meaning less runoff water will feed into the sea, leading to its eventual demise.
The dilemma is this: how do we meet the needs of both people and birds? Is a manmade wildlife refuge worth saving? And if so, who should pay for it? One thing is certain: a decision must be made by December 31, 2002.