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a <br />WATER BANK (STORAGE) PLAN 2 <br />WHY: So that having stored the water (CONTROL) IID is in strong position to <br />then lease, sell or exchange through conjunctive storage agreements, dry year <br />insurance, permits, etc., as state law permits. <br />WHO PAYS? Whoever enters into any agreement with IID to use this emergency <br />water. <br />BENEFITS: IID WOULD CONTROL AND OPERATE A WELL FIELD TO RECOVER LOST WATER. <br />THIS IS CONSERVATION. THIS CONCEPT MAY BE A VIABLE OPTION TO ALLOWING MWD TO <br />LINE THE AAC. SEEPAGE RECOVERY IS OBJECTIVE; WHY NOT USE PUMPS AS A FIRST STEP? <br />--WE ARE IN A DROUGHT NOW. <br />The beneficial use concept states "To maintain right to divert a given amount of <br />water, the water diverted must be used for some beneficial purpose, such as <br />irrigation or municipal and industrial needs." <br />Reasonable use is the key term. It would clearly be UNREASONABLE NOT to store <br />surplus and conserved water. Our current drought will make this possible - <br />highly visible and necessary. <br />If IID does not move quickly with a comprehensive plan to establish this bank, <br />Metropolitan Water District (MWD) will. Possibly using the federal government <br />as they are on the AAC canal. If we allow Congress to set a precedent, federal <br />law over state law, much of our ability to protect our valuable water asset may <br />be lost, or substantially reduced. It is imperative that IID focus more on the <br />BIG PICTURE and how we fit in (survive). If we are going to play with the big <br />boys, we need credibility, understanding, and experience. We must translate our <br />goals and objectives in a constructive way and communicate clearly. <br />A water bank would be a direct and specific response to: Federal Government, <br />State Water Resources Control Board, California Department of Water and Power, <br />Metropolitan Water District, any outside water user, Imperial Valley Growers, <br />all western water institutions, Imperial Valley public interest. <br />A water bank is a WIN WIN situation. It creates value for current water user <br />and prevents loss for water short areas. Value'is based on opportunity cost for <br />current user, and new understanding based on free market principles. The