The California Delta

Delta Facts

• Major Cities Partly Within the Delta:Sacramento, Stockton, West Sacramento, Oakley, and Rio Vista

Delta Facts

• Rivers flowing into the Delta: Sacramento, San Joaquin, Mokelumne, Cosumnes, and Calaveras

• Levees (total mileage, 1987): 1,100• Bridges: More than 50

Delta Facts

Area:• West Coast's largest estuary (738,000 acres)• 57 major reclaimed islands and numerous unleveed

channel islands. Land Use:• 425,700 acres - irrigated agriculture• 64,000 acres - urban & commercial• 61,000 acres - open water

The California DeltaThe California Delta (also known as Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta) is a vitally important ecosystem that is home to hundreds of aquatic and terrestrial species, many of which are unique to the area and several of which are threatened or endangered, such as the Delta Smelt and Sacramento Splittail.

Wildlife• 52 species of mammals• 22 species of reptiles and amphibians• 225 species of birds• 54 species of fish• 260 species of invasive plants and animals

The California Delta provides recreation opportunities, including bird hunting, fishing, boating, outdoor education, photography, birdwatching, wind and kite surfing, and wakeboarding.

Recreation

• Over 12 million visitors annually• 290 shoreline recreational areas• 300 marinas• 500,000 boaters• 57,000 acres of navigable waterways

Recreation

Water SupplyFresh water reaching the Delta is the core of California’s water system, conveying high quality water throughout the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Southern California.

Water Supply

• Provides drinking water for 25 million people

• Supports California’s trillion dollar economy (8th largest in the world)

• Supports California’s $27 billion agricultural industry (nation’s number one)

AgricultureDelta-conveyed water supports farms and ranches from the north Delta to the Mexican border that are a source of financial stability for the state and that produce roughly half of the nation’s domestically grown fresh produce. 

Agriculture• Agriculture (2001): Average Annual

Gross Value in the Delta region totals more than $2 billion. • Crops include corn, grain, hay,

alfalfa, tomatoes, asparagus, pears, and wine grapes.

The California Delta