Under the proposal, Monroe City would be obligated to maintain a year-round water level of 75 percent of the pond's capacity.

However, City Recorder Emalee Curtis said the requirement could hinder the city's water supply in the summer when demand is at its peak.

A verbal agrement with the state Division of Water Resources would allow for any "acts of God," including a drought, and would exonerate the city from maintaining the required water supply. Should this occur, DWR would take measures to prevent fish loss instead of the city compensating for losses due to lower water levels.

Curtis said the pond would not affect land owners and farmers who operate through canal companies. Water for the pond would be pumped through a pipe from the canal to the city's pressurized-water irrigation system, which has been a factor in planning the community fishery.

- Hal Edwards