Development Impacts on Habitat

As California’s population has grown, so have demands on the Delta. Population in the Delta region has nearly tripled since 1960. This increase in human activity has clearly accelerated natural changes in the Delta and will continue to increase pressure on the estuary in the future. Additional human activity brings along a host of stressors impacting the Delta, including increased demand on water supplies, storm and wastewater runoff, and increased contaminants and pollutants.

Chart:
California Population Growth and Forecast (1960 – 2030)

*Statistics from U.S. Census Bureau of five Delta counties (Contra Costa, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, and Yolo).