The California Drought Update is compiled by the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) to keep media and other audiences current on drought conditions, impacts, news and other developments. Please visit ACWA’s website for additional information and resources.
Sierra Snowpack Still Below Normal Despite Recent Rains
Despite a recent band of storms, California’s snowpack remains far below average. Yesterday’s snow survey by the California Department of Water Resources showed the Sierra snowpack is just 32% of normal for the date. The April 1 reading, taken when snowpack normally is at its peak before melting into streams and reservoirs, is considered a bellwether for how much water will be available in the coming dry months for farms and communities. Read more…
ACWA Calls for Statewide Conservation in Response to Drought
With California mired in drought and little relief coming from recent storms, the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) is calling on water agencies throughout the state to request heightened water conservation from their customers in response to drought conditions. ACWA’s Board of Directors approved a resolution March 28 that recognizes the need for all Californians to do what they can to use water wisely to maximize supplies this year and protect water reserves in case drought conditions continue next year. Read more…
Storms Allow Temporary Easing of Delta Pumping Restrictions
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on April 1 approved a temporary easing of pumping restrictions in the Delta that will increase water exports from the estuary by as much as 10,000 acre-feet a day over the next week or two. Officials from NMFS announced the temporary adjustment of the regulation April 1 during a conference call with reporters. The adjustment, which increases pumping levels from about 1,500 cfs to 6,000 cfs over the next few days, will remain in effect as long as the rivers carrying stormwater into the Delta continue to run relatively high. Read more…
CAL FIRE Increases Staffing as Fire Threat Expands Due to Drought
Drought conditions have spawned a significant increase in wildfires across much of California and have forced CA FIRE to begin hiring additional seasonal firefighters. On March 31, CAL FIRE began hiring more firefighters in Northern, Central and Southern California as well as the Bay Area and the Sacramento foothills. Between January 1 and March 22, CAL FIRE has responded to over 800 wildfires that have charred nearly 2,300 acres. In an average year for the same time period, CAL FIRE would typically respond to fewer than 275 wildfires for approximately 1,000 acres. Read more…
State’s Drought Task Force Leaders to Travel to Santa Cruz
Leaders of the Governor’s Interagency Drought Task Force will conduct their third regional meeting with local officials in Santa Cruz on April 4. The meeting will include officials from Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties and provide the Taskforce real-time information on drought challenges that local communities face. Read more…
PPIC Survey Finds Water Worries at Record-High Levels
A new poll suggests the drought is making an impact on Californians’ attitudes and actions. According to a survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, a record-high share of Californians say the supply of water is a big problem in their part of the state, and nearly all residents say they have reduced their water use in response to the drought. Fully 55% of residents say water supply is a “big problem” in their area, up from 44% who expressed that view in December 2009, at the tail end of California’s last major drought. Read more…
New Governor’s Drought Portal Established
The Governor’s Office has created a new California Drought Information Clearinghouse at http://ca.gov/drought/ with news and updates on the drought. The portal also includes links to a number of drought resources. Read more…
Save Our Water Launches ‘Californians Don’t Waste’ PSA Campaign
Save Our Water – a partnership between ACWA and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) – has launched a ‘Californians Don’t Waste’ public service announcement (PSA) campaign to bring awareness to ways citizens can save water every day. The public service campaign kicked off in March with the release of several short videos focused on the simple, yet critical, message: “We Are Californians and We Don’t Waste.” Read more…
Drought Resources
Governor’s California Drought Clearinghouse
Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Drought Page
State Water Resources Control Board Drought Year Water Actions Page
Daily Reservoir Storage Summary
California Reservoir Conditions
Central Valley Project Water Supply Information
General information about California Water
Items for Future Updates?
Your suggestions for items to include in the next California Drought Update are welcome. Please send them to Lisa Lien-Mager at lisalm@acwa.com
Tags: drought
