On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Edward Ring, director of water and energy policy at the California Policy Center, returned for Part 2 of his conversation with Nick Papagni. Ring discussed the possibility of a strong El Niño winter, opportunities to replenish California’s groundwater supplies and the policies he believes are threatening the future of Central Valley agriculture.
With forecasters discussing the potential for increased winter precipitation, Ring emphasized that California should prepare for both the opportunities and challenges that significant rainfall could bring.
While acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding El Niño, he said agricultural water districts should begin developing plans to capture excess stormwater before it flows downstream.
“Figure out how to divert as much of that flood water as you possibly can to do recharge,” Ring said.
He encouraged growers to work directly with their irrigation districts and groundwater sustainability agencies to identify fields suitable for groundwater recharge.
According to Ring, expanding recharge efforts could provide immediate benefits without waiting years for new reservoirs or other major infrastructure projects to be completed.
The discussion also examined reservoir operations, including the potential for improved weather forecasting and updated management practices to help California retain more water while maintaining flood protection.
Ring also renewed his call for dredging portions of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, arguing that removing accumulated sediment could improve water movement, reduce flood risks and potentially benefit aquatic habitats.
Beyond infrastructure, Ring expressed concern about the long-term effects of water restrictions and regulatory costs on California agriculture.
He warned that smaller farming operations are particularly vulnerable because they often lack the financial resources available to larger agricultural businesses.
Ring argued that losing independent and multigenerational farms could also reduce the diversity of crops grown throughout the Central Valley.
As the conversation concluded, he encouraged growers to become more involved in local water management decisions rather than waiting for statewide policy changes.
His message was especially timely as California approaches another winter season with uncertainty surrounding precipitation, reservoir storage and groundwater supplies.
Hear Part 2 of the full conversation with Edward Ring in the player above or on your favorite podcast app.
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