SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - September 30, 2009) - California embarks on a new water year
tomorrow (October 1) with concerns about a fourth consecutive year of
drought, serious water shortages and uncertain weather ahead. The 2009-10
water year runs from October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010.
As of September 1, statewide precipitation was at 85 percent for the year.
Water Year 2007-08 was even drier, resulting in only 63 percent of average
annual precipitation. Water Year 2008-09 was slightly better, bringing 72
percent of average annual precipitation.
"After three years of dry weather, we are preparing for the likelihood that
we are entering a fourth year of drought in 2010," said California
Department of Water Resources (DWR) Director Lester Snow. "Regardless of
the weather outcome, it is critical that Californians continue to conserve
as much water as we can to help stretch our water supply."
Throughout the year, the DWR hydrologists and meteorologists measure
precipitation (the combination of rain and snow) and runoff in the Northern
Sierra and other key watersheds and produce runoff forecasts. This
information helps state and local water agencies manage the water supply
needed for local communities, agriculture, the environment and other needs
of the state.
As a result of Gov. Schwarzenegger's emergency drought declaration in
February 2009, the state teamed up with the Association of California Water
Agencies in April to create the "Save Our Water" conservation education
program. Patterned after the successful "Flex Your Power" public education
program, the program aims to provide ongoing education for Californians
about the state's water challenges and encourage greater water conservation
as an ongoing practice.
"Local water agencies have done a stellar job of reducing water use," said
Timothy Quinn, ACWA's executive director. "But our state is dealing with
long-term water problems. As state leaders work together on a
comprehensive solution, Californians need to turn off their taps as much as
possible to avoid experiencing major water shortages in the future."
Another year of drought will have severe impacts on both the economy and
the environment. However, even when normal rainfall returns, the state
will continue to experience water supply challenges due to several factors,
including a growing population, measures to protect fish species, an aging
water storage and delivery infrastructure system, and climate change.
DETAILS, FACTS AND FIGURES
-- Statewide reservoir storage as of today is at 70 percent of average
for this time of year, with individual key reservoirs much lower. Eight of
the state's 12 major reservoirs are at 50 percent of capacity or below.
San Luis Reservoir is in the worst shape, at just 21 percent of capacity.
-- In comparison, the state ended the 2005-06 water year with 123 percent
of average reservoir storage.
-- Runoff was also down this year. As of September 1, statewide runoff
was at 65 percent of average with both the Sacramento and San Joaquin River
regions being classified as "dry," the second driest of five classification
levels.
-- UC Davis researchers are now revising their forecasts of 2009 water
shortage impacts and DWR economists are surveying agricultural drought
impacts around the state. This information should be released in October.
-- More drought information can be found on the Department of Water
Resources' drought Web site, www.water.ca.gov/drought.
-- There are 67 local water agencies that have mandated water
conservation and 56 agencies that are urging voluntary conservation. More
information can be found at ACWA's drought Web site,
www.acwa.com/issues/cadrought.
-- State drought emergencies have been declared in Fresno, Mendocino,
Humboldt and Kings counties. Last week, the federal government declared
drought emergencies in 50 of California's 58 counties.
-- The state continues to work on a draft five-year Statewide Drought
Contingency Plan that will help plan for and respond to a long-term
drought. The plan will be finalized by February 2010.
-- California water and agricultural officials are working closely with
officials in Australia on drought and water management issues. Australia
is experiencing its eighth year of drought and California officials are
studying that country's response to long-term drought to help prepare for
the worst in California.
For more information about the "Save Our Water" program and ways to
conserve water, visit www.saveourh2o.org or follow the program on Facebook
or Twitter. For more information about ACWA, visit www.acwa.com. To learn
more about the Department of Water Resources, visit www.water.ca.gov.
Contact Information: Media contacts:
Jennifer Persike
Association of California Water Agencies
916-441-4545 or 916-296-3981 (cell)
Matt Notley
Department of Water Resources
916-651-7242 or 916-216-8622 (cell)