Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Project
Achieving the Sacramento San Joaquin Delta estuary (Delta) water quality goals is a challenge due to the complexity and large area of this watershed. Agricultural and anthropogenic processes that occur throughout the Delta exert a variety of stresses on the water quality and overall health of the ecosystem. On November 5th, 2002 the voters of California approved Proposition 50 to ensure water safety and security for future generations of Californians. In order to fulfill this promise, funding was provided through Proposition 50 for a thorough examination of the use of indicator bacteria to identify pathogens in Delta waterways as well as determining potential transport pathways for pathogens.
This project was administered through the California State Water Quality Resources Control Board (SWQRB) to study the effects of pathogen transport and how anthropogenic processes, specifically agricultural operations, influence water quality of the Delta watershed. A two year intensive study was conducted from June 2006 through December 2008 on the Northeastern, Southeastern and Northwestern sections of the Delta. This study area provided a broad cross-sectional view of how agriculture might affect the water quality of smaller watersheds which in turn affect larger systems.
Funding Source: Granted through the California State Water Resources Control Board with funding from Proposition 50
Project Duration: June, 2006 through December, 2008
Final Report (submitted June 2010) pdf