The State Water Resources Control Board Wednesday announced cutbacks that will affect 45-hundred water rights in the Delta watershed. CalMattersreports this includes 400 or more held by 212 public water systems beginning this week.
But how does the California water rights system work? It’s all on the basis of seniority — those with the oldest claims are typically the last to be cut back. But even those with rights to the San Joaquin watershed, which date back to 1900 – before California water rights laws were enacted – are expected to be hit with the curtailment orders.
Last August, the Water Resources Control Board issued a similar order.
The pain for growers will vary, depending on their access to other water supplies, such as wells.
Deeper cutbacks could come as the summer continues.
