It's almost to say that humans can only use a limited supply of water and any water that flows to the environment is off-limits.

It is true that water used on our farms is correctly labeled as "human use."  Farmers are simply transferring that water into food and fiber products that are ultimately consumed by the public.  The benefits of this water application and its resulting products are easily seen three times a day for most of us as we sit down for a meal.  These benefits are also realized as we pull on those clothes made with cotton as we start each day. 

In a worldwide view, the food and fiber produced on California farms find a way into markets in foreign countries.  Too often the number of jobs created in the warehousing, trucking and shipping industries that feed this international market as a result of our farm production is overlooked.

Water used in the urban sector is certainly appropriate to be labeled as "human use."  Take a look around your home and how many uses of water exist?  Drinking, food preparation, indoor/outdoor water, swimming pools and more are certainly "human use" of water.  Even the manufacturing industries use "human" water in their processes.

But to argue that environmental water is off-limits to "human use" ignores the reality of California water.  Some folks consider environmental water as any water not used by the farming and urban sectors.  If you want to take it to extremes, there are some who would claim that all water is environmental water and that ag and urban interest have raided the supply.  Yet, there are other uses for this water that is ignored.

We are rapidly approaching the warm months of summer and many people will soon be hooking up their boats for a quick trip to a local lake or reservoir for a day of boating and skiing by family members and friends.  Because some of this water may flow either to or from a body of water that has a wild and scenic river designation does it mean that it can't be used?  Should we also eliminate fishermen along the banks of the Sacramento River or from the levees in the Delta because they are intruding on environmental water? 

My point is that all water in California has multiple uses and to label a portion of it as "human use" is pure nonsense. 

Water is a very valuable resource in California and we must work together to protect it for future generations.  Advocating the "human use" doctrine is contrary to finding real answers to our water future.
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Mike Wade, Executive Director
California Farm Water Coalition