The opinion piece “Water crisis threatens state,” (The State Hornet,September 25, 2002) by Samantha Hinrichs provided thoughtful insight onthe state’s water supply and the need to act now to protect our future.

Unfortunately her information on agricultural water use in California was incorrect, leading State Hornet readers to believe that California farmers are wasteful with the limited supplies that they have.

Of the state’s developed water supply (that which can be controlled and directed to a particular use), agricultural use accounts for 43 percent, not the 70 percent Hinrichs alleges. Urban use is 11 percent and the largest share, 46 percent, goes to dedicated environmental uses, according to the State Department of Water Resources.

It is true that a large amount of agricultural irrigation water is delivered using flood, or rather, gravity irrigation methods. But according to the Irrigation Training and Research Center at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, gravity irrigation, when managed correctly, is every bit as efficient as drip or sprinkler irrigation.

The key is to choose the right irrigation method for a particular crop, soil type, topography and economics. Irrigation specialists have been helping farmers do this for many years.

Hinrichs should be commended for advocating a diet inclusive of “veggies” rather than just McDonalds hamburgers. California produces 50 percent of the nation’s fruits and vegetables and during certain times of the year over 90 percent of the nation’s iceberg lettuce. We are lucky to have such a bounty of healthy, inexpensive food products right here in our own back yard.

Sincerely,

Mike Wade

Executive Director

California Farm Water Coalition