An ecosystem in freefall, a shrinking water supply for cities and agriculture, an antiquated network of failure-prone levees--this is the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the major hub of California's water system. Written by a team of independent water experts, this analysis of the latest data evaluates proposed solutions to the Delta's myriad problems. Through in-depth economic and ecological analysis, the authors find that the current policy of channeling water exports through the Delta is not sustainable for any interest. Employing a peripheral canal-conveying water around the Delta instead of through it--as part of a larger habitat and water management plan appears to be the best strategy to maintain both a high-quality water supply and at the same time improve conditions for native fish and wildlife. This important assessment includes integrated analysis of long term ecosystem and water management options and demonstrates how issues such as climate change and sustainability will shape the future. Published in cooperation with the Public Policy Institute of California. Cover -- Table of Contents -- Contributors -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- 1. Introduction -- 2. The Legacies of Delta History -- 3. Managing The Inevitable -- 4. Delta Water Exports and Strategies -- 5. Hydrodynamics and the Salinity of Delta Waters -- 6. What a Changing Delta Means for the Ecosystem and Its Fish -- 7. Economics of Changing Water Supply and Quality -- 8. Policy and Regulatory Challenges -- 9. Decision Analysis for Delta Exports -- 10. Charting the Future for a Changing Delta -- Appendix -- Acronyms and Abbreviations -- Notes -- Glossary -- Reference -- Index. | 
