WaterFix declining trend

I recently started adding this table to presentations about the Delta tunnels.  It generated a lot of comments, so I will add it to the blog.

Water agencies promoting the Delta tunnels say they are worth investing in because of the downward trend in water exports from the Delta under the current system, and the prospect of additional regulation if the Delta environment and fish species' continue to deteriorate.  The implication is that the WaterFix will stop the decline, but is that justified?

The table above was compiled directly from the BDCP/WaterFix documents over the years.  It's clear that the water supply from the tunnels is also on a declining trend, there are more regulations still to come, and there is no protection from future regulations under a Section 7 permit.

In addition, the biological opinions found that endangered and threatened fish species fare worse with the tunnels than under a No Action alternative.  Since it is the decline of fish populations that is triggering increased regulations, there isn't a strong reason to believe that additional regulations are less likely with WaterFix than without.