This is the first installment in a trilogy on the hub of the state's water delivery system, the California Bay-Delta. It is the largest estuary in the West, located midway between San Francisco and Sacramento. The Bay-Delta is agriculturally rich. Millions of acres of agricultural land get their water supply out of the Delta. The Bay-Delta is environmentally sensitive. For example, the Delta provides drinking water to more than 20 million Californians. The Bay-Delta is in desperate need of attention. An organization of state and federal agencies called CALFED is committed to finding solutions to the problems of the Bay-Delta. CALFED is preparing three plans for solving the problems of the Delta. All three include provisions for: increasing water storage improving flow efficiency enhancing water quality A decision on which of the three plans to support is expected before 1999. Plan three calls for a controversial 44-mile peripheral canal that has some farmers concerned. Next week on California Heartland we'll show you the ecosystem projects Delta farmers are doing on their own that may serve as models for the rest of the nation. If you have comments or questions about this story, please E-mail us at calheart@kvie.org.