The San Joaquin River, which belongs to all citizens of California, was once the second longest river in California.

Now, in all but flood years:

• In an average year 96% of the river's flow is diverted at Friant Dam.

• 60 miles of the riverbed are completely dry.

Of all the water retained by Friant Dam:

• 75% goes to Tulare and Kern Counties which are not even in the San Joaquin River watershed.

• Only 8% is reserved for Fresno County.

• Only 2% is released into the riverbed below the dam.

Salmon once filled the San Joaquin River. Even in 1946, 5 years after Friant Dam was completed, Fish and Game estimated that 56,000 salmon made it to the base of the dam. Today there are none.

Estimates indicate it would take a flow of less than 20% of the river's annual run-off to significantly promote clean drinking water and restore salmon runs.

The San Joaquin River does not need to remain dead to ensure a strong agricultural economy. Agriculture and a healthy river environment can coexist.