California Women for Agriculture recognizes that water is a major resource with values stemming from its quality, quantity, reliability, and affordability. It must be developed and protected in order to ensure the continuity of economic production of foods and fiber in the State of California. Because of the complexity of the subject, we recommend:

1. Development of water policy and resources must consider the needs of the state as a whole and its regional components recognizing the sustainable and economic values for agriculture, urban, industrial, and environmental diversity.

2. Protection of existing water supplies, while promoting off-stream surface storage and conjunctive use facilities to provide reliable water for current and future needs.

3. Protection of existing surface and groundwater rights and reducing the redirection of current water sources is paramount to the preservation of agriculture and communities.

4. Development of public education programs about farm water needs and efficient use, as well as, its benefits to all.

5. Development and implementation of local groundwater management, water quality, and conservation strategies.

6. Any development, which creates a new water demand, be required to show development of an equivalent reliable water supply.

7. The CAL-FED process must balance restoration efforts with a plan to improve water supply and water quality.

8. Irrigation water costs associated with more rigorous drinking water standards should be minimized for production ag.