Probe sought in possible water diversion in California

State and federal water agencies are seeking an investigation into whether some California farmers are taking water released from upstream dams intended for consumers in other regions of the state.

The Sacramento Bee reports the California Department of Water Resources and U.S. Bureau of Reclamation are calling on the state board that oversees water rights to investigate possible water diversion by farmers in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

In a July 23 letter, the two powerful water agencies ask the State Water Resources Control Board to use new emergency powers granted by drought legislation passed earlier this year.

Delta landowners have denied the allegations.

Meanwhile the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, a group allied with Delta landowners, has countered by filing a formal complaint alleging DWR and Reclamation are illegally diverting water from rivers that flow into the Delta.