By Staff
Solano County faces challenges with its water supply due to proposed changes in California’s Bay-Delta Plan. This plan aims to conserve the Sacramento-San Joaquin watershed, which supplies the county with water, particularly from Lake Berryessa via the Putah Creek.
Local Water Managers from Solano County cities and agricultural districts, are worried about the impact of a draft update to the Bay-Delta Plan on water reliability, housing growth, and the economy. They are collaborating with the State Water Resources Control Board to address these concerns.
The updated Bay-Delta Plan suggests maintaining 55% unimpaired flows in tributaries like Putah Creek to protect fish and wildlife by keeping water temperatures lower, benefitting species such as steelhead trout and Chinook salmon. However, this would require keeping Lake Berryessa’s reservoir above one million acre-feet, which represents about 65% of its capacity. During droughts, this could lock up significant water, with evaporation potentially reducing Solano County’s usable water by up to 75%.
Alex Rabidoux, Assistant General Manager of the Solano County Water Agency, highlighted the impracticality of such reductions for urban and agricultural needs. This concern is shared by all seven cities and three irrigation districts in the county, whose representatives testified at a state water board workshop in April.
During the workshop, Diana Riddle from the water board noted that media interpretations of the draft might be incorrect and offered to clarify these points with Solano officials. Rabidoux later discussed Solano’s technical data and possible alternatives with state water board staff, who emphasized that the 75% reduction would not occur every year.
One alternative being considered is the “Healthy Rivers and Landscapes Program,” which supports voluntary agreements to enhance fish habitats through restoration projects rather than strict regulations. Governor Gavin Newsom supports these voluntary agreements, although some environmental and tribal groups have criticized their effectiveness over the past 15 years.
Rabidoux mentioned that Solano County is pursuing a voluntary agreement for Putah Creek, building on past successes like the Putah Creek Accords of 2000. These accords resulted in hiring a streamkeeper to monitor and improve fish habitats leading to significant increases in salmon counts. Max Stevenson, the current streamkeeper, supports a “functional flow” approach that mimics natural seasonal slows using less water than the proposed 55% unimpaired flow standard.
If the state adopts the unimpaired follow proposal, it could significantly impact Solano County, which is expected to experience the highest population growth in the North Bay through 2060. Cities like Fairfield and Vacaville might face building deferrals due to insufficient water supplies, especially during droughts. Vacaville, which heavily relies on Solano Project water, is exploring alternative solutions, including purchasing more water from the Solano Irrigation District and increasing groundwater resources.
Agriculture and industries in Solano would also struggle with major water cutbacks. Currently, the county’s cities have diverse water sources that support growth plans, but the proposed regulations could severely affect surface water supplies like Lake Berryessa. Rabidoux remains cautiously optimistic that ongoing collaboration with the state could lead to more balanced regulations that protect the environment while supporting the county’s needs. A final decision on the Bay-Delta Plan update is expected in 2025.
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