The California Department of Water Resources has announced its initial water allocation to deliver 20 percent of contracted supplies for the State Water Project in 2017.

This is the first estimate for 2017, and could increase depending on the amount of rain and snowfall captured during the winter and spring. Due to recent early-season storms in northern California, this year’s initial allocation is higher than the initial estimate last year, but still a fraction of water agencies’ full contract amounts. 


“We are in our sixth year of drought here locally, but our diverse supply mix, which includes imported water from the State Water Project and other sources, means that wet conditions in Northern California can be very helpful. If we don’t get significant local rain this year, the Castaic Lake Water Agency and local water retailers expect to be able to meet local demand, but we all need to remember that we are part of the bigger picture in a part of the state that’s still reeling from a historic drought,” said Castaic Lake Water Agency (CLWA) General Manager Matt Stone.

The SWP is a primary source of imported water for the SCV, which also relies on local groundwater, water stored by CLWA from previous wet years, and additional imported water supplies purchased by CLWA to shore up local supplies. As a result of this diverse water supply portfolio, the SCV has been relatively insulated from some of the drought’s more severe impacts.

“The storms we’ve received so far have been encouraging, but it’s important to remember that one series of storms – or even one extremely wet winter – will not rescue California from five years of drought,” said Stone. “Locally low rainfall conditions have had an impact on groundwater levels as the drought has continued. Some local purveyors have chosen to purchase more imported water this year to slow the decline of groundwater.”

“Our weather is unpredictable and there is still the potential for future dry years. We, along with all Californians, will be asked to make water efficiency and water-saving activities a lifestyle,” he added noting, “the Governor directed the State Water Resources Control Board to draft new long-term water use efficiency and conservation standards.”
The state’s current drought water use restrictions remain in effect. It’s especially important to remember that outdoor irrigation is prohibited during and 48 hours following measurable precipitation. The State Water Resources Control Board’s prohibited measures include:

– Using outdoor irrigation during & 48 hours following measurable precipitation
– Using potable water in decorative water features that do not recirculate the water
– Using hoses with no shutoff nozzles to wash cars
– Runoff when irrigating with potable water
– Using potable water to wash sidewalks & driveways

“Whatever happens with the weather in the near term, California isn’t out of the woods yet,” Stone said. “Water users throughout the State are still being asked to do their part to use water efficiently.”