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Recent news reports have lauded the significant efforts for water conservation in the Sacramento Valley. Based on data gathered by the State Water Resources Control Board, the City of Sacramento’s water consumption last November was reduced 20 percent from the previous year and “the Sacramento River hydrologic region, which encompasses the entire Sacramento River watershed, has consistently led all other regions of the state in water conservation through 2014, with monthly decreases often exceeding 20 percent….For example, in November, the Sacramento River hydrologic region cut its water use collectively by 25.6 percent compared with 2013.”

Governor Brown earlier today delivered his inaugural address to the Legislature in our State Capitol. With three dry years behind us and many challenges facing water suppliers throughout California, water was a central part of Governor Brown’s remarks and he provided a roadmap for California with respect to our precious water resources. “We also have … Continue reading “Governor Brown Looks Towards the Future”

With precipitation from the last two storms falling throughout Northern California, it has been a much needed boost to reservoir levels throughout the region, which will help with water supplies for next year. In the past week, Shasta Reservoir on the Sacramento River has risen over 24 feet, the Feather River’s Oroville Reservoir more than 19 feet, New Bullards Bar Reservoir on the Yuba River almost 10 feet, Indian Valley Reservoir on Cache Creek almost 14 feet and the American River’s Folsom Reservoir almost eight feet. During the first two weeks of December, the increases in storage are even more impressive. Total increases in reservoir elevations since December 1 are as follows: almost 32 feet at Shasta, 36 feet at Oroville, more than 25 feet at New Bullards Bar, almost 19 feet at Indian Valley and more than 15 feet at Folsom.

After going so long without meaningful rainfall in this third year of California’s drought, the recent storms and the precipitation they have brought are a welcome change. But, while the rainfall and snow are much needed, the overall quantity of the precipitation as well as where it is falling has limited the impact it is having on the drought.