The recent article on Water Blending (Oct/Nov 2000 issue) may have given the incorrect impression that the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) plans for the American River are part of the CALFED plan for restoring the Delta and meeting California water needs. The American River diversion is not a component of the CALFED plan. While the blending project mentioned in the CALFED Record of Decision as a later step might eventually include Sierra sources such as the Mokelumne or American River, the studies that will determine what is required have not yet been done.
In October, CALFED initiated meetings with interested stakeholders and committed $100,000 to an initial investigation of a possible Bay Area Blending/Exchange Project. The study will attempt to determine whether it is possible to share existing supplies and infrastructure in a way that eliminates or minimizes the need for new supplies or projects. It will also look at potential sources for improved water for Bay Area water agencies, where the water could be stored, how it would be delivered, and which Bay Area agencies are interested in being included. Agencies participating in preliminary stakeholder meetings have included EBMUD, Contra Costa Water District, San Francisco Water District, Alameda County Water District, Santa Clara Valley Water District, and Zone 7 Water District.
Leslie Stewart