Of the many challenges facing the Central Valley, water issues are perhaps the most pressing. Water has helped transform the Valley into one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. However, issues with water supply, water quality, farmland conversion for urban growth, and environmental restoration are creating big challenges that affect the economy and quality of life in the region.
The Water Education Foundation's 2013 Central Valley Water Tour, scheduled for April 17-19, provides a comprehensive overview of these challenges and the efforts to deal with them. This 3-day, 2-night excursion travels the length of the San Joaquin Valley, giving participants a clear understanding of the State Water Project and Central Valley Project.
The field trip offers participants a firsthand look at the water facilities, rivers and regions critical in the debate about the future of water resources. Issues of water supply, water quality, environmental restoration, flood management, groundwater and water conservation are addressed by a wide-range of speakers representing different viewpoints. Tour stops will include the Kern County Water Bank, the San Joaquin River, Terminus Dam, Mendota Pool, Friant Dam, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge and San Luis Reservoir. Issues of growth, water supply, flood management, groundwater banking, wetlands, salmon restoration and agricultural supply and drainage are discussed on this tour, which begins and ends at the Sacramento International Airport.
The tour is a great opportunity for water policy makers, water board managers and directors, locally elected officials attorneys, consultants, and anyone interested in Central Valley issues.
The tour costs $695 per person for a single occupancy room, $625 if four or more are registering, and $595 each for two people sharing a room. Reservations are on a first-come-first-served basis. The tour is sponsored by the Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region; California Department of Water Resources and Bowles Farming Company.
