Increased Water Allocations

Sacramento, CA — Farmers and state water contractors will receive 40 percent of requested water allocations.

Persistent spring storms have prompted the Department of Water Resources to increase allocations from the original 30 percent that was promised.

“Although the snowpack has reached its highest May 1 levels since 2006, and allows us to raise our projected deliveries to communities, farms and businesses, we must not be lulled into a false sense of complacency” said DWR Director Mark Cowin. “The harsh reality is that we continue to have a severe problem with water in California. A 40 percent allocation will still leave many communities with water shortages this year.”

The D.W.R. says the reason that the percentage isn’t higher is because many reservoirs are still catching up from three years of drought conditions.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.