The Pacific Flyway habitat contained in the Sacramento Valley is reliant upon the ability of Sacramento Valley water districts and companies to divert and deliver surface water year-round in accordance with their contracts and water rights. According to the Central Valley Joint Venture, the combined winter water needs of flooded rice and wetlands in the Sacramento Valley is almost 1.1 million acre-feet per year. Currently, the region is experiencing a tenuous balance, providing just enough food for the waterfowl and other birds traveling to the Sacramento Valley in the winter months. Redirecting water to other areas would result in less acres of habitat by shifting the balance, leaving the birds without adequate food.
