The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta region encompasses over 1200 miles of waterways, located between Sacramento on the north and Stockton on the south.  It is the largest estuary on the US Pacific Coast.  The larger rivers feeding the Delta are the Sacramento River and the San Joaquin River.  Other rivers include the American River, Mokelumne River, Cosumnes River and the Calaveras River. 

The Delta is comprised of numerous channels or sloughs that have resulted in a system of "islands" and wetlands protected by a comprehensive levee system.

The Delta is a world-renowned destination for boating, fishing and water sports. For most Discovery Bay residents, the Town's proximity to the Delta and all that it offers is an integral part of our way of life here. 

Proposed Peripheral Canal

Presently, there is a great deal of concern about proposed construction of a Peripheral Canal that would re-direct water flowing from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers directly to man-made aqueducts headed south and west.  The project is highly controversial, as it purports to have the goal of supporting a healthy and sustainable ecosystem while continuing to supply fresh water to the Central Valley Project, the State Water Project and the Bay Area.  Whether or not it is possible to achieve all of these goals is uncertain, but for those who live near the Delta, there are concerns about how this will impact water quality for residents as well as general quality of life.

Of related concern is a proposal to build two gates at Old River and Connection Slough. This project also may have implications for water quality, aquatic life and boater safety as well as the long-term sustainability of the Delta.  For more information, visit the Delta Division Project on the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation website.