Built half a century ago, and meant to sustain a population half the size of California’s current 37.7 million, the water system has grown extremely outdated.

 

Urban and agricultural pollution, and three years of below average precipitation, are not only affecting Californians and businesses, but putting the ecosystem at risk. It used to be home to three million wild salmon, but now only 50,000 return in a good year. 

 

Due to the current drought conditions, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state emergency two months ago. To assist in alleviating the water crisis, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar is pledging $260 million in federal stimulus money to help fund numerous water projects. Alhough this will not solve the outdated flood and water management issues, it is an improvement.

 

Also making the top-10 list of most endangered rivers are 2-Flint River (GA), 3- Lower Snake River (ID, OR, WA), 4-Mattawoman Creek (MD), 5-North Fork of the Flathead River (MT), 6- Saluda River (SC), 7- Laurel Hill Creek (PA), 8- Beaver Creek (AK), 9- Pascagoula River (MS), and 10-Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway (MN, WI).

 

-Jessica Giffin

 

America's Most Endangered Rivers: 2009 Edition (American Rivers)

American Rivers- #1 Sacramento-San Joaquin River System (American Rivers)

Interior Chief Says California Water System Outdated (by Samantha Young, Associated Press)