Region's Water Supplies Remain Adequate Despite Statewide Drought
The most recent snow survey by the Department of Water Resources showed water content at 20% of normal for this time of year.
Photo credit: Associated Press |
Despite a statewide drought declaration on Friday, the Water Authority has adequate supplies for 2014 because of local investments in diverse and more reliable water supplies over the past two decades and a long-term decrease in regional water demand.
The Water Authority is not projecting the need for countywide water-use restrictions this year, though the agency is closely monitoring hydrologic conditions across the Southwest. It is also encouraging residents and businesses to use water as efficiently as possible to avoid water waste.
Gov. Jerry Brown declared a drought state of emergency because areas of California have been hit hard by low water supply availability after two consecutive dry years and the start of a third.
The San Diego region imports about 85 percent of its water supplies. This year's imports from the State Water Project are expected to be very low due to low water storage levels in that system, poor hydrological conditions and regulatory restrictions. However, the Water Authority's largest provider of water - the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California - has said it has adequate stored water reserves and doesn't expect to impose allocations this year.
Click here for more information on the drought declaration.
Click here for more information about the Water Authority's Water Shortage and Drought Response Plan.
Click here for more information about the Water Authority's investments to enhance water supply reliability.
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Free Water Forum Set for Saturday at Natural History Museum
Interactive event to discuss regional
water issues, potential solutions
A variety of regional water experts will participate in an interactive event on Saturday to discuss various aspects of water including ecology, policy, infrastructure, technology, conservation, and human behavior. Water: In Search of Solutions will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park on Saturday, January 25. The event is free, but registration is required to attend.
Multiple discussions and exhibits are designed to teach attendees more about our region's water supply, current issues and concerns, and the potential for technology to play a role in our water future. Included are panelists from organizations such as the Water Authority, the city of San Diego, Encina Wastewater Authority, and various conservation groups.
The event is sponsored by the San Diego Incubator for Innovation, one of the incubators of the Art of Science Learning, which is hosted by the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership.
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