Drought Conditions Deepen  

Across California

Preliminary State Water Project Allocation Reduced to Zero

The state Department of Water Resources conducted its second snow survey of the season last week and found state snowpack levels had fallen to 12 percent of average, the lowest level on record for this time of year.  As a result, DWR reduced its preliminary estimate of available water deliveries to State Water Project customers from 5 percent down to 0 percent.  (San Diego County typically gets about 20 percent of its water supply from the State Water Project.)

The announcement does not have an immediate impact on San Diego's water supply, because it's not a final allocation.  Storms over the next several months could lead to an increase in available deliveries this year.

However, this unprecedented estimate of no available water from the State Water Project is a serious indication that statewide water supply conditions are worsening, and it makes voluntary conservation measures increasingly important.  The Water Authority and its 24 member agencies have a wide array of programs in place to help homeowners and businesses become more water-efficient.

The Water Authority is continuing to monitor the statewide drought conditions and their impact on the region.  The Water Authority's Board of Directors will be updated on drought and supply conditions later this month and address any additional actions that may be needed, consistent with the Water Authority's Water Shortage and Drought Management Plan.

The Water Authority and its member agencies have been preparing for supply challenges like this for more than 20 years.  The region has adequate supplies for 2014 due to large storage reserves in Southern California, sustained reductions in regional water use, and investments in local water supply diversification, including water transfers that are part of the historic 2003 Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement.