In his State of the State address the Governor said his tunnel project to send Delta water south would serve California for hundreds of years.
But Delta farmers say it would only serve water interests in the south.
Governor Brown said his proposed twin tunnel plan would avert a disaster in the Delta by ensuring a reliable water supply to the south.
But Delta growers and politicians say they intend to fight the governor.
Dante Nomellini with the Central Delta Water Agency says the governor's proposal robs Peter to pay Paul.
Nomellini: "The state is set for the stealing or grabbing of water from the North by hook or by crook for the development of the South."
Nomellini says the $14 billion dollar price tag will be shared by all taxpayers not just the southern water users who will be the only ones who benefit.
Nomellini: "We believe it will result in the total destruction of the environment of the Bay-Delta Estuary including the economy."
About two out of every three Californians depend upon the Delta for some of their water supply.