EAST BAY MUD and Sacramento

In January East Bay Unility District, Sacramento City and County and the United States Bureau of Reclamation agree upon a diversion of Sacramento River water through diversion structure north of Freeport that will deliver water to the East Bay during periods of drought.

For thirty years, Sacramento has been locked in an epic struggle with the East Bay Utility District over the crystalline water of the American River. In 1970 EBMUD entered into a contract with United States Bureau of Reclamation to obtain American River water from the Bureau's Folsom South Canal and convey it by pipeline to the East Bay Area served by EBMUD. This would have meant less flow in the American, degrading the recreational and environmental values of the River and Parkway. EBMUD', who's current supply is from the upper Mokelumne River, had grown accustomed to high quality mountain water. They declined requests by Sacramentan's that they draw their desired water supply from the Sacramento River or the Delta as is done by many other's including the California's State Water Project.

A landmark lawsuit filed by Sacramento County, the Save the American River Association and others resulted in a decision that limits the amount and timing of American River diversions by EBMUD. Under this ruling, it does not appear feasible for EBMUD to divert water from the Folsom-South. However, they appear to remain committed to this action, possibly hoping for a future change in the court ruling. Sacramentan's remain opposed to this diversion location.

The USBR had issued a Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report that assesses seven alternatives for the proposed EBMUD water supply project. These alternative included the original Folsom-South Canal site and American River diversion sites near the River Park area and the mouth of the river across from Discovery Park. The report also addressed Sacramento River diversions near I Street and at Freeport, as well as a Delta diversion at Bixler near Discovery Bay. The report did not include a "preferred alternative".

Senator Dianne Feinstein's personal involvement helped put the process on a fast tract. The goal was to reach a formal "record of Decision" before a change of Administration in January and has occured baring upforeseen final negotiations.

September 2002