Amador County – An agreement concerning the Arroyo Ditch in Plymouth was delayed after a lengthy discussion on water rights at the Board of Supervisors meeting last Tuesday. In question was the First Amendment for Conveyance of the Arroyo Ditch entered into on November 12, 2009 between Plymouth and Amador County. District 5 Supervisor Brian Oneto pushed to add the issue to the agenda after several property owners living in the Plymouth area alleged that a lack of water in the Arroyo Ditch is in violation of the controlling agreement between Plymouth and Amador County. The 18-mile canal, which carries water from the Consumnes River into and past Plymouth, has been dry for years beyond city limits. Oneto asked to insert a clause that would earmark some water for sale to downstream users. He noted there is “nothing in (the agreement) stating Plymouth would deliver water further down the ditch.” Attorney Steven Rudolph, speaking on behalf of Plymouth, said “we are shocked and dismayed to be here today.” He said Plymouth approved of the amendment as is without any further changes. Plymouth officials previously stated that the quitclaim contract gives the city flexibility to negotiate with the Shenandoah Management Company for further improvement and maintenance of the old canal. Supervisor John Plasse said there is nothing in the amendment that ensures the city’s intention to work with downstream users. Oneto said he believes the Plymouth City Council means well, but “city council’s change.” Eldon Wait, Director of the Willow Springs Water District, said “Plymouth has consistently tried their damndest to keep us from any water.” Wait reminded the council that the Willow Springs District is “the oldest recognized district in California” consisting of 2,861 acres, but has remained dormant since any consistent water flow through the canal stopped decades ago. “It’s hard to distribute when you have nothing to distribute,” he said. Speaking on behalf of other property owners in attendance, Wait said “we are asking you as a board to take (the water) down to us because if you’re not capable, certainly the City of Plymouth isn’t.” Supervisor Richard Forster said he could “pretty well tell” that Wait did not trust Plymouth. Referring to the board’s indecision, Forster said he doesn’t “see any reason to reinsert language if we’re not going to put any teeth into it.” The board voted 4-1 with Forster against to hold Chairman Ted Novelli’s signature on the contract in abeyance until the city can further negotiate with the Shenandoah Management Company. Plymouth will hold a special meeting today, Monday, November 30th, to discuss this issue. A public comment period will be allowed. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.