Statement Regarding DWR’s Announcement on the State Water Project Allocation & Recent Impacts of Smelt Restrictions
February 26, 2010
The California Department of Water Resources announced today that it is increasing the allocation of 2010 State Water Project (SWP) water for contractor public agencies from its initial allocation of 5% to 15%. Per their notice, “DWR’s announcement considered several factors including existing storage in SWP reservoirs; SWP operational constraints such as the conditions of the recent Biological Opinions for Delta smelt and salmon and the incidental take permit for longfin smelt; and 2010 contractor demands.” DWR may revise its allocation to reflect the year’s developing hydrological conditions.
The State Water Contractors, comprised of 27 public agencies that receive water from the SWP, concurrently released an analysis of current water supply impacts due to pumping restrictions. These restrictions were triggered as a result of losing a small number of Delta smelt and salmon at the state water facilities. Since January 1, 2010, more than 300,000 acre-feet of much-needed SWP water has been lost as a result of these cutbacks, or enough water to supply 2.4 million California residents for one year. For comparison purposes, Southern California city populations are listed below:
- San Diego - 1,353,998
- Long Beach - 492,698
- Santa Ana - 355,662
- Anaheim - 348,467
- Bakersfield - 333,719
- Riverside - 296,842
Rancho Cucamonga, CA - “Once again, public water agencies, representing most of the state’s population and economy, received notice that they will be receiving a small percentage of their entitled allocation of water for the year. While this figure will likely change as the hydrological year advances, it is of major concern for all who depend on the State Water Project for a reliable water supply.”
“Even more staggering is today’s announcement by the State Water Contractors that more than 300,000 acre-feet of water -- enough to supply 2.4 million residents for one year -- has been lost this year in a narrowly-focused and uncertain attempt to protect endangered fish species in the Delta.”
“The water is there; it just can’t be delivered due to inflexible regulatory restrictions. During these rain storms, as freshwater supplies pass through our primary water hub, we need to have the flexibility to capture and store these much-needed water supplies, as insurance against future dry times.”
“Turning the state and federal water systems on and off like faucets isn’t an effective long-term solution for people or fish, and it doesn’t acknowledge the additional stressors that are likely impacting the fish species. This risky situation clearly demonstrates that our state leaders need to move forward with real solutions and investments now. Advancing the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, which seeks to ensure a reliable water supply with new conveyance facilities and a healthy Delta eco-system, and passage of the water bond are critical priorities for this year.”
Charles Wilson
Chairman
Southern California Water Committee
THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WATER COMMITTEE