The Delta of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers is California's water supply crossroads. The Delta is the major collection point for water that serves over 20 million people, two-thirds of our State's population.
The maze of islands and channels lying at the confluence of these two large rivers has become the focal point for a number of complicated water-related issues of statewide importance. A wide variety of interests, such as farmers, city people, industries, fish and wildlife, environmentalists, and boaters, all have a vital stake in the Delta and all have a need to understand the physical Delta and its complex interrelationships.
This atlas provides information that we hope will be helpful in addressing the complex problems of the estuary. The atlas is a revision of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Atlas that was published in 1987. It contains updates on many delta facts and features. It also introduces new information on the Suisun Marsh and tides and hydrology in the Delta as well as in San Francisco Bay.
Our goal in the Delta continues to be the development of acceptable long-term solutions to the water supply, flood control, and environmental problems that plague this most important element of California'a water supply system.
David N. Kennedy, Director Department of Water Resources The Resources Agency State of California
Return to the Delta Atlas contents page.