With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
State Cuts Allocation To Water Districts As Three-Year Drought Continues
As the extreme drought emergency continues in California, Lake Oroville's water levels continue to drop. Statewide reservoir levels are at about 70% of average after the three-year drought.
(
Justin Sullivan
/
Getty Images
)
After a bone-dry start to the year, California water officials announced today that it's cutting the State Water Project allocation to 5% from 15% as we prepare for a third dry year.
The State Water Project feeds 29 water agencies, including 13 here in southern California. The Department of Water Resources says reducing this year's allocation amount will conserve the available water supply.
Director Karla Nemeth stressed the state is experiencing "climate change whiplash in real-time" and that the state will continue a series of actions to balance water conservation and water deliveries for millions of Californians.
“While we had hoped for more rain and snow, DWR has been preparing for a third consecutive year of drought since October,” Nemeth said. “We are continuing with a series of actions to balance the needs of endangered species, water supply conservation, and water deliveries for millions of Californians.”
Support for LAist comes from
These water conservation measures include preserving water storage in Lake Oroville, the State Water Project’s largest reservoir, which provides drinking water to 23 million people in the state.
The department also plans to submit an application for a petition to conserve stored water in its other large reservoirs, including Shasta and Folsom.
The lack of precipitation at the beginning of 2022 has led to decreasing reservoir levels statewide with reservoirs being at about 70% of average levels.
Almost all of California and Nevada is experiencing its driest start to a new year in at least 40+ years, as well as large sections of bordering states. This will have major implications for fire season, water resources, and the ongoing megadrought. #CAwx #NVwx pic.twitter.com/qH2bXbOpWv
— US StormWatch (@US_Stormwatch) March 14, 2022
In the meantime, the state is calling on Californians to do their part in conserving water.
In October, Gov. Gavin Newsom expanded the drought emergency statewide, urging Californians to reduce their water usage by 15% in order to conserve the already low levels in reservoirs.
Support for LAist comes from
Earlier this year, the State Water Resources Board adopted regulations to prevent Californians from unnecessary water usage, like rinsing sidewalks with drinking water and watering lawns after rainfall.
The Department is expected to make its next assessment on allocating water when the next snow survey is taken on April 1.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
What do stairs have to do with California’s housing crisis? More than you might think, says this Culver City councilmember. -
Yes, it's controversial, but let me explain. -
Doctors say administrator directives allow immigration agents to interfere in medical decisions and compromise medical care. -
The Palisades Fire erupted on Jan. 7 and went on to kill 12 people and destroy more than 6,800 homes and buildings. -
People moving to Los Angeles are regularly baffled by the region’s refrigerator-less apartments. They’ll soon be a thing of the past. -
Experts say students shouldn't readily forgo federal aid. But a California-only program may be a good alternative in some cases.
Best of LAist