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SignOnSanDiego,com > News> Special Reports -- Imperial's decision County is a linchpin to the broader agreement, which requires California to reduce its draw from the river over time so other states can claim their legal share. The Imperial transfer promises to cushion the loss of Colorado River water and provide a reliable source for the San Diego region in the future. If the transfer deal collapses, California after Dec. 31 stands to lose the right to draw 800,000 acre-feet of water from the river - enough for 1.6 million households a year. "There could be major questions about our economic viability. It could put a big crimp on development," said Adan Ortega, a vice president of the Metropolitan Water District, Southern California's huge supplier. Jim Turner, chairman of the San Diego County Water Authority board, said that if the proposal falters, "I'm not saying there will be rationing, but we'd be looking at more stringent conservation." The proposed water sale is being savaged throughout Imperial County as an act of kneeling before the politically powerful, sacrificing this agricultural region's birthright. A billion dollars' worth of food is produced every year in this valley, tucked between the Chocolate Mountains and the Santa Rosa range. "We have a future that requires water," said Steve Hogan, EI Centro's public works director. "That future is being taken from us by greed, pure and simple. It's greed and power." At times the debate has turned vicious. Page 2 of7 Watar PrU8 r8 . Imperial's decision . Farm workers fear water sale could cost jobs . A prominent family is torn by the battle over water . Valley's elders recall how water made valley bloom . Smaller runoffs could salt the Salton Sea even more Facts about the proposed Imperial- San Diego water transfer Imperial Irrigation District's annual allotment from the Colorado River Proposed annual transfer to San Diego water district 3.1 million acre-feet 200,000 acre-feet (enough for 400,000 homes), Amount that would 6,5 percent. reduce Imperial's allotment What transfer means to San Diego Purchase price for San Diego Cost of Colorado River water to Imperial farmers Phase-in of the plan How Imperial would free up the water Consequence if the deal collapses One-third of total annual water supply. At least $258 per acre- foot, It's free except for a delivery fee of $15,50 per acre-foot The transfer would reach its peak in 15 years, Idle a maximum of 27,000 acres of farmland, out of a total of 460,000 acres, Federal government threatens to reduce California's draw from the Colorado River by 800,000 acre-feet after Dec. 31. An Imperial district director called Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., "a http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/reports/water/20021208-9999-water.html 12/10/02