The California Delta – A Unique Natural Resource

A critical nexus for California’s water supplies, agricultural industry, unique fisheries and wildlife and important state infrastructure

California’s Water Hub
The Delta serves as a unique “hub” in California’s water system, receiving runoff from other watersheds that goes for many beneficial uses throughout the state. The Delta provides a portion of the drinking water for more than 27 million Californians—nearly two-thirds of the state’s population. As the West Coast’s largest estuary, the Delta relies on water flows to ensure a healthy ecosystem while also providing water to irrigate more than 3 million acres of agricultural land. California’s water hub cannot continue to meet these demands.

Water deliveries from the Delta have been reduced significantly in recent years due to years of drought and other systemic problems in the Delta. Left unaddressed, this will create tremendous impacts on California’s economy, environment, agricultural industry and millions of residents throughout the state.

The Delta Ecosystem
The Delta is the largest estuary in the West Coast and one of its most unique ecosystems, where fresh water from mountain runoff meets saltwater of the San Francisco Bay and Pacific Ocean. The Delta is home to 55 fish species, 750 animal and plant species and other wildlife supported by 1,000 miles of waterways and habitat. The Delta and Suisun Marsh lie in a central portion of the Pacific Flyway and provide vital migratory, wintering and breeding habitat for shorebirds and migratory birds. The Delta ecosystem’s many components are interdependent—change one, and the effects ripple through the system.