It would flow to Mendota Pool, where west-side farmers would take it and use it for irrigation, eliminating their need for delta water. Delta water would instead be shipped via the California Aqueduct along the west side of the Valley, then moved to east-side farmers in the existing Cross Valley Canal near Bakersfield. If the canal couldn't handle the extra volume, suggestions include building an east-west canal north of Bakersfield. The problems with this replumbing are formidable, says Richard Moss, general manager of the Friant Water Users Authority, which represents 15,000 east-side farmers. Farmers, environmentalists and government officials are studying ways to restore water beyond Friant Dam.
Ideas range from rerouting water already used for irrigation to building a new reservoir.
They recognize a valuable resource, farming on the east side. Costly progress, however. Some water would have to be pumped uphill. If a new canal were needed, it would raise the ante by millions. It could also protect Mendota and the west side from the winter flooding of Panoche-Silver Creek.