January 31, 2014
Contacts:
Nancy Vogel (916) 651-7512
[Link]@[Link]
Ted Thomas (916) 653-9712
[Link]@[Link]
DWR Drops State Water Project Allocation to Zero, Seeks to Preserve
Remaining Supplies
Severe Drought Leads to Worst-Ever Water Supply Outlook
SACRAMENTO To protect Californians health and safety from more severe water shortages in the months
ahead, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) today took actions to conserve the states precious
resources. As a result, everyone farmers, fsh, and people in our cities and towns will get less water. DWRs
actions are in direct response to Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr.s drought State of Emergency. In the declaration,
the Governor directed DWR and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) to act to modify requirements
that hinder conservation of currently stored water and allow fexibility within the states water system to maintain
operations and meet environmental needs.
The harsh weather leaves us little choice, said DWR Director Mark Cowin. If we are to have any hope of coping
with continued dry weather and balancing multiple needs, we must act now to preserve what water remains in our
reservoirs.
Except for a small amount of carryover water from 2013, customers of the State Water Project (SWP) will get no
deliveries in 2014 if current dry conditions persist and deliveries to agricultural districts with long-standing water
rights in the Sacramento Valley may be cut 50 percent the maximum permitted by contract depending upon
future snow survey results. It is important to note that almost all areas served by the SWP have other sources of
water, such as groundwater, local reservoirs, and other supplies.
It is our duty to give State Water Project customers a realistic understanding of how much water they will receive
from the Project, said Director Cowin. Simply put, theres not enough water in the system right now for customers
to expect any water this season from the project.
DWR also has asked the SWRCB to adjust water permit terms that control State Water Project and federal Central
Valley Project operations in order to preserve dwindling supplies in upstream reservoirs for farms, fsheries, and
cities and towns as the drought continues.
While additional winter storms may provide a limited boost to reservoir storage and water deliveries, it would need
to rain and snow heavily every other day from now until May to get us back to average annual rain and snowfall.
Even then, California still would be in a drought, because normally wet December and January have been critically
dry and follow a record dry 2013 and a dry 2012.
[Link]
California Department of Water Resources Press Release January 31, 2014
This historic announcement refects the severity of Californias drought. After two previous dry years,
2014 is shaping up as the driest in state history. Storage in key reservoirs now is lower than at this time
in 1977, one of the two previous driest water years on record. Yesterdays Sierra snow survey found the
snowpacks statewide water content at only 12 percent of average for this time of year.
Lake Oroville in Butte County, the principal SWP reservoir, is at 36 percent of its 3.5 million acre-foot
capacity (55 percent of its historical average for the date). Shasta Lake north of Redding, Californias
and the federal Central Valley Projects (CVP) largest reservoir, is at 36 percent of its 4.5 million acre-foot
capacity (54 percent of average for the date). San Luis Reservoir, a critical south-of-Delta reservoir for
both the SWP and CVP, is at a mere 30 percent of its 2 million acre-foot capacity (39 percent of average
for the date).
Key facts on water deliveries and impacts:
Never before in the 54-year history of the State Water Project has DWR announced a zero allocation
to all 29 public water agencies that buy from the SWP. These deliveries help supply water to 25
million Californians and roughly 750,000 acres of irrigated farmland.
Deliveries to senior water rights holders in the Sacramento Valley all agricultural irrigation districts
were last cut in 1992.
The only previous State Water Project zero percent allocation was in 1991 for agriculture, but cities
that year received 30 percent of requested allocations.
Carryover water stored by local agencies and water transferred from willing sellers to buyers in
critically short areas still will be delivered, as will emergency supplies for drinking, sanitation, and fre
protection.
Regulatory Actions Sought
In a formal petition delivered earlier this week, DWR and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation)
asked the SWRCB to adjust requirements for freshwater outfow in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
in order to preserve stored water that may be needed later in the year for health and safety needs and
to provide cold water upstream for protection of salmon and other species. The existing Delta water
quality standards, contained in Water Rights Decision 1641, were not written with these extraordinarily
dry conditions in mind. The DWR and Reclamation petition seeks adjustment to the water quality and fow
requirements for February, along with a request to establish a framework to make further requests and
adjustments as the drought evolves.
The petition also seeks fexibility in management of a water quality regulation that requires closure of
the Cross-Channel Gates along the Sacramento River near Walnut Grove from February 1 through May
20. Under the current extremely low fow conditions, open gates can help ameliorate salty conditions in
the Delta. DWR and Reclamation propose to close the gates should storm runoff boost fows or if fsh
monitoring indicates closure is needed to protect threatened species.
Water rights permits require the SWP, operated by DWR, and the CVP, operated by Reclamation, to
ensure that outfow from the Delta meets an average of 7,100 cubic feet per second (cfs) beginning
[Link]
California Department of Water Resources Press Release January 31, 2014
February 1. Outfow is composed of fows from all tributaries to the Delta, some of which are directly
controlled by DWR and Reclamation.
Under the petition, DWR and Reclamation project that outfows will be able to meet an average of 4,500
cfs during February, which is the level currently being achieved in January. To help meet this level of
outfow, DWR and Reclamation will export from the Delta a maximum of 1,500 cfs, which will be used to
serve health and safety needs.
The petitioners note that they do not believe there is an adequate water supply to meet all obligations
under the SWRCBs Water Rights Decision 1641. Without adjustment, there exists a substantial risk that
by late spring 2014 and into 2015 the Projects major reservoirs will be drafted to dead pool or near dead
pool levels at which point reservoir release capacities will be substantially diminished. Dead pool level
refers to the condition when water can no longer be released from a reservoir using gravity.
The petition seeks to minimize adverse impacts to the cold water stored in reservoirs for downstream
fsheries and to allow for some level of salinity control later in the season. Otherwise, water project
operators risk losing entirely the ability to control salinity in the Delta.
As Governor Brown has directed, we will work closely with our state, federal and local partners to meet
health and safety needs and deliver what water is available to critically dry areas, said Director Cowin.
Even though its dry everywhere, California agencies have traditionally been willing to transfer any water
they can spare to more needy areas. Today is a stark reminder that we all have to save every drop we can
in our homes and places of work. Conservation is always important, but today its an absolute necessity.
In addition to the actions announced today, Reclamation yesterday decided to preserve rescheduled
water supplies that CVP farmers had banked as a hedge against dry conditions. Director Cowin praised
the decision, saying: In an increasingly complex situation, affrming the ability of water districts to
preserve water supplies as a hedge against drought is good water management.
Authority for Changes
California law authorizes the SWRCB to grant temporary changes in permits when it fnds an urgent
need for the change and the change can be made without injury to other lawful users of water or without
unreasonably affecting fsh, wildlife, or other instream benefcial uses. The law requires consultation with
representatives of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The change must also be found to be in
the public interest.
Water Allocation History
In December, DWR estimated it would be able to deliver 5 percent of the slightly more than 4 million
acre-feet of State Water Project water requested this year by the 29 public water agencies that purchase
water from the project. They are located in Northern California, the Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, Central
Coast, and Southern California.
The 5 percent projected allocation now reduced to zero tied with calendar year 2010 for the lowest
initial allocation ever. The initial 2010 delivery estimate, made on the heels of the 2007-2009 drought, was
eventually increased to 50 percent as winter storms developed.
[Link]
California Department of Water Resources Press Release January 31, 2014
The fnal SWP allocation for calendar year 2013 was 35 percent of requested water amounts. In 2012,
the fnal allocation was 65 percent. It was 80 percent in 2011, up dramatically from an initial allocation of
25 percent. The fnal allocation was 50 percent in 2010, 40 percent in 2009, 35 percent in 2008, and 60
percent in 2007. The last 100 percent allocation diffcult to achieve even in wet years because of Delta
pumping restrictions to protect threatened and endangered fsh was in 2006.
The federal CVP, which supplies much of the states agricultural water, is expected to announce its initial
allocation next month. It also will be dismal, especially for irrigation-dependent farms on the west side of
the San Joaquin Valley.
Water-short Valley farmers are expected to fallow thousands of acres, sending negative economic ripples
through communities dependent on the agricultural economy.
Farmers also will pump increasing amounts of groundwater, further depleting overtapped aquifers.
Governor Brown directed DWR to monitor groundwater levels, land subsidence and land fallowing as the
drought persists.
Conservation Key
We need everyone in every part of the state to conserve water, said Governor Brown in his January 22
State of the State address.
When Governor Brown declared a drought State of Emergency earlier this month, he directed state
offcials to take all necessary actions to prepare for water shortages. This week, CAL FIRE announced
it hired 125 additional frefghters to help address the increased fre threat due to drought conditions,
the California Department of Public Health identifed and offered assistance to communities at risk of
severe drinking water shortages and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife restricted fshing on
some waterways due to low water fows worsened by the drought. Also this week, the California Natural
Resources Agency, the California Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of
Food and Agriculture also released the California Water Action Plan, which will guide state efforts to
enhance water supply reliability, restore damaged and destroyed ecosystems and improve the resilience
of our infrastructure.
Governor Brown has called on all Californians to voluntarily reduce their water usage by 20 percent and
the Save Our Water campaign has announced four new public service announcements that encourage
residents to conserve. Last December, the Governor formed a Drought Task Force to review expected
water allocations and Californias preparedness for water scarcity. In May 2013, Governor Brown issued
an Executive Order to direct state water offcials to expedite the review and processing of voluntary
transfers of water.
To learn easy, practical ways to save water, click here:
Governor Browns Drought Emergency Declaration:
[Link]
[Link]
California Department of Water Resources Press Release January 31, 2014
Electronic snowpack readings are available on the Internet at:
[Link]
Electronic reservoir readings may be found at:
[Link]
For a broader snapshot of current and historical weather conditions, see DWRs Water
Conditions and Drought pages:
Water Conditions Page
[Link]
Drought Page
[Link]
-30-
The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam
safety and food control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and
water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.
[Link]
California Department of Water Resources Press Release January 31, 2014
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San Francisco
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SWP and CVP Service Areas
SWP Service Areas
SWP Settlement Contract Area
CVP Service Area
CVP Settlement Contractors Service
CVP Exchange Contractors
Friant Division Service Area
CA Counties - 1:24,000
[Link]
California Department of Water Resources Press Release January 31, 2014
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2014
Average Precipitation (Inches)
Water Year (October 1 - September 30)
Statewide Average Precipitation - by water year
[Link]
California Department of Water Resources Press Release January 31, 2014
Ending At Midnight - January 29, 2014
Graph Updated 01/30/2014 10:45 AM
LEGEND
Capacity
(TAF)
% of Capacity | % of Historical
Average
Historical
Average
Trinity Lake
48%| 66%
Shasta Reservoir
36%| 53%
Lake Oroville
36%| 54%
Folsom Lake
17%| 32%
New Melones
43%| 75%
Don Pedro
Data Not Updated
Data From: Jan 28
Don Pedro Reservoir
51%| 76%
Exchequer Reservoir
21%| 44%
San Luis Reservoir
31%| 39%
Millerton Lake
38%| 59%
Pyramid Lake
98% | 104%
Castaic Lake
86% | 104%
Pine Flat Reservoir
18% | 37%
Reservoir Conditions
CURRENT RESERVOIR CONDITIONS
[Link]
California Department of Water Resources Press Release January 31, 2014
Ag M&I Ag M&I Ag M&I Ag M&I
2010 50 50
2009 40 40
2013 35 35
2011 80 80
2012 65 65
2007 60 60
2008 35 35
2005 90 90
2006 100 100
YEAR % ALLOCATION
2002 70 70
2004 65 65
2003 90 90
1989
100
39
100
100 100
100
100
100
Note: Prior to 1995, allocation percentages were determined for agriculture (Ag) and municipal/industrial (M&I).
100 100
100 100 2001 39
1988 2000
100
100 100
100 100
100
1996 100
100
1984
1985
100
1979
1980
1981
100 100
1982
1986
1987 1999
1997
1995 1983
100 100
100
1998 100 100
100 100
90 90
100
% ALLOCATION
100
1994 50 50
100 100
1993 100 100
0 30
1992 45 45
1991
% ALLOCATION
1990 50 100 100
YEAR YEAR % ALLOCATION
1966
YEAR
1978
1967
1968 93 100
1969 100 100
1970 100 100
1971 100 100
1972 100 100
1973 100 100
1974 100 100
1977 40 90
1975 100 100
1976 100 100
Ag M&I Ag M&I Ag M&I Ag M&I
2010 50 50
2009 40 40
2013 35 35
2011 80 80
2012 65 65
2007 60 60
2008 35 35
2005 90 90
2006 100 100
YEAR % ALLOCATION
2002 70 70
2004 65 65
2003 90 90
1989
100
39
100
100 100
100
100
100
Note: Prior to 1995, allocation percentages were determined for agriculture (Ag) and municipal/industrial (M&I).
100 100
100 100 2001 39
1988 2000
100
100 100
100 100
100
1996 100
100
1984
1985
100
1979
1980
1981
100 100
1982
1986
1987 1999
1997
1995 1983
100 100
100
1998 100 100
100 100
90 90
100
% ALLOCATION
100
1994 50 50
100 100
1993 100 100
0 30
1992 45 45
1991
% ALLOCATION
1990 50 100 100
YEAR YEAR % ALLOCATION
1966
YEAR
1978
1967
1968 93 100
1969 100 100
1970 100 100
1971 100 100
1972 100 100
1973 100 100
1974 100 100
1977 40 90
1975 100 100
1976 100 100
Ag M&I Ag M&I Ag M&I Ag M&I
2010 50 50
2009 40 40
2013 35 35
2011 80 80
2012 65 65
2007 60 60
2008 35 35
2005 90 90
2006 100 100
YEAR % ALLOCATION
2002 70 70
2004 65 65
2003 90 90
1989
100
39
100
100 100
100
100
100
Note: Prior to 1995, allocation percentages were determined for agriculture (Ag) and municipal/industrial (M&I).
100 100
100 100 2001 39
1988 2000
100
100 100
100 100
100
1996 100
100
1984
1985
100
1979
1980
1981
100 100
1982
1986
1987 1999
1997
1995 1983
100 100
100
1998 100 100
100 100
90 90
100
% ALLOCATION
100
1994 50 50
100 100
1993 100 100
0 30
1992 45 45
1991
% ALLOCATION
1990 50 100 100
YEAR YEAR % ALLOCATION
1966
YEAR
1978
1967
1968 93 100
1969 100 100
1970 100 100
1971 100 100
1972 100 100
1973 100 100
1974 100 100
1977 40 90
1975 100 100
1976 100 100
Ag M&I Ag M&I Ag M&I Ag M&I
2010 50 50
2009 40 40
2013 35 35
2011 80 80
2012 65 65
2007 60 60
2008 35 35
2005 90 90
2006 100 100
YEAR % ALLOCATION
2002 70 70
2004 65 65
2003 90 90
1989
100
39
100
100 100
100
100
100
Note: Prior to 1995, allocation percentages were determined for agriculture (Ag) and municipal/industrial (M&I).
100 100
100 100 2001 39
1988 2000
100
100 100
100 100
100
1996 100
100
1984
1985
100
1979
1980
1981
100 100
1982
1986
1987 1999
1997
1995 1983
100 100
100
1998 100 100
100 100
90 90
100
% ALLOCATION
100
1994 50 50
100 100
1993 100 100
0 30
1992 45 45
1991
% ALLOCATION
1990 50 100 100
YEAR YEAR % ALLOCATION
1966
YEAR
1978
1967
1968 93 100
1969 100 100
1970 100 100
1971 100 100
1972 100 100
1973 100 100
1974 100 100
1977 40 90
1975 100 100
1976 100 100
State Water Project Allocations
Note: Prior to 1995,
allocation percentages
were determined
separately for agriculture
(Ag) and municipal/
industrial (M&I).
[Link]
California Department of Water Resources Press Release January 31, 2014
Statewide North Coast North Central Northeast
O Sacramento-
Delta O Sierra
Year Data Year Data Year Data Year Data Year Data Year Data
2013 7.0 2013 22.7 2013 14.2 2013 7.9 2013 5.1 2013 10.4
1898 11.6 1976 32.3 1976 22.4 1924 10.6 1923 7.7 1976 17.0
1923 11.7 1923 36.5 1898 22.7 1923 11.5 1917 8.1 1898 21.6
1976 13.1 1985 37.6 1923 25.1 1976 12.0 1976 8.1 1947 21.8
1917 13.3 1929 38.9 1910 27.3 1908 12.5 1898 8.6 1908 22.1
O San Joaquin
Valley Central Coast O South Coast O South Interior O Mojave
Year Data Year Data Year Data Year Data Year Data
2013 2.9 2013 4.9 2013 5.3 1947 7.2 2013 2.7
1947 4.5 1923 10.9 1947 5.5 1953 7.2 1953 2.8
1917 5.2 1917 11.0 1989 5.6 1989 7.3 1929 2.9
1898 5.5 1929 11.3 1898 6.0 2007 7.3 1989 2.9
1929 5.7 1898 11.3 1953 6.1 1999 8.1 1947 3.1
1961 8.1
2013 8.2
O Sonoran
Year Data
66 entries to .09
1949,
55, 57
4.3
2003 4.3
1958 4.4
2013 4.4
O O
O
O
O
O O
0
Percentile rankings
Record
Dry
Dry Below
Average
Above
Average
Wet Record
Wet
Average
1 10 33 67 90 99 100
Western Regional Climate Center
Climate Regions
North Coast
North Central
Northeast
O Sacramento-Delta
O Sierra
O San Joaquin Valley
Central Coast
O South Coast
O Southern Interior
O Mojave Desert
O Sonora Desert
O O
O
O
O
O O
0
Percentile rankings
Record
Dry
Dry Below
Average
Above
Average
Wet Record
Wet
Average
1 10 33 67 90 99 100
Precipitation Rankings by Climate Region: January - December 2013
Dry Years
Western Regional Climate Centers Climate Regions:
North Coast
North Central
Northeast
O Sacramento-Delta
O Sierra
O San Joaquin Valley
Central Coast
O South Coast
O Southern Interior
O Mojave Desert
O Sonora Desert