With California facing five years of drought until late2019, the State Water Project and Bureau of Reclamation can now offer a bit of hope and respite to the state’s 29 water agencies—both have declared full allocations of requested water for the first time in over a decade. In this exiting news, interim general manager of Westlands Water District, Jose Gutierrez praised their vigilance with their resources and encouraged progress made in areas of the San Joaquin Valley affected by the historic drought. Furthermore, the Department of Water Resources reported high levels of reservoir storage in support of additional runoff generated from melting snow advancements also propel this cause.
Providing Full Allocations of Requested Water to 29 Water Agencies
The State Water Project and Bureau of Reclamation are celebrating a major milestone with great pride, as both projects have announced they will be providing full allocations of requested water to 29 water agencies. This is the first time since 2006 for the State Water Project and 2017 for the Bureau of Reclamation, giving millions of Californians and hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland access to the much-needed resource.
Westlands Water District Interim General Manager Expresses Joy for Much-Needed Water Supply
Discover the latest news and updates across California with Patch’s free, real-time service. Westlands Water District’s interim general manager, Jose Gutierrez, expressed his joy in a statement applauding the much-needed water supply for communities, farms, and families in San Joaquin Valley. He proudly stated, “Following two years of 0% allocations, this water supply will assist growers in Westlands with putting the land to work to grow the food that feeds the world.” Both state and federal governments have networks of reservoirs and canals that supply water throughout California.
In addition, the Department of Water Resources reports that statewide reservoir storage is currently at 105% of the average for the date. The runoff from the melting snow will supply additional water that the state agency is working to capture.
Despite the positive news, state officials have urged caution in using water resources and emphasized that there may be more dry years ahead due to climate change. The agency has also noted that some areas, including the Central Valley, are still recovering from years of groundwater depletion. To ensure that all Californians can access an adequate water supply, the Department of Water Resources is taking steps to preserve and protect the groundwater supplies.
Californians can also do their part by continuing to use water wisely and help the state adapt to a hotter, drier future.
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The development of these two water projects comes as a relief to California’s communities, farms and families. Through state and federal networks of reservoirs and canals, Californians will have improved access to this necessary resource. With the snow runoff from melting snow captivable and total reservoir storage currently at 105%, those in California are looking towards more bright water- sector news ahead.
