Mike Wade: Water being wasted on failed efforts to save fish

Re: “House bill adds plans for state’s water future” (Page 1B, Feb. 24): Too much water is being wasted in California as a result of failed environmental regulations to protect endangered fish in the Delta. For years federal and state regulations have taken water from farms, cities and businesses to protect fish. Guess what? It’s not working.

Government surveys claim the number of Delta smelt is dropping each year and regulators continue to throw more water at the problem. Isn’t it time that something new is tried to halt the drop in numbers? Maybe the focus should be on predator fish that eat smelt.

This years-long effort of taking water from others and redirecting it to fish has resulted in water shortages. Sure, the drought has played a role, but when the drought is over the regulations will remain. Where is Congress’ oversight on the laws it passes?

Take a look at http://farmwater.org/farm-water-news/water_counter/ to view in real-time the amount of water being wasted. This wasted water could provide the needs of 3.3 million Californians with enough domestic water for a year, or produce 9 billion salads. Isn’t it time that change is made to our state’s water management practices?

This story was originally published February 29, 2016 at 5:26 PM with the headline "Mike Wade: Water being wasted on failed efforts to save fish."