The State Water Board on May 27, 2014 issued curtailment notices to all post-1914 water right holders in the Sacramento-San Joaquin watersheds based on the lack of available water supplies. In the last several weeks, the State Water Board has begun a modern, real-time, process to administer these water rights and California’s priority system, which allows more water to be stored in existing reservoirs so it will be available for various uses next year.

Some new thinking on the future role of water storage has emerged in a report on Integrating Storage in California’s Changing Water System. The report advocates for a more integrated approach to surface and groundwater storage where projects are planned, designed, and operated as components of a state-wide water system.

California voters recently approved Proposition 2-the so-called “rainy day fund” for California-with nearly 69% support. Significantly, voters in 57 counties supported this measure, with Trinity County the lone dissenting county, as the map below shows.

California’s voters yesterday sent a very positive signal that they want to invest in our state’s future by saving our precious water and money during surplus times, so they are available during times of need—both droughts and recessions. The passage of the water bond, Proposition 1, with nearly 67% of the voter saying yes, is a major investment in our vital water resources that will help the Sacramento Valley and other parts of the state prepare for future dry years.