In a recent announcement, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has revealed a positive update regarding the State Water Project (SWP) deliveries for this year. The increase in forecasted deliveries is attributed to the recent winter storms in March and an impressive Sierra snowpack. As a result of these weather patterns, DWR now expects to deliver 75 percent of the requested water supplies, marking a significant increase from the 35 percent forecast in February. This rise in water supply amounts to an additional 1.7 million acre-feet of water that will be distributed amongst the 29 public water agencies, serving a population of 27 million Californians.
These consistent and favorable weather patterns in late February and March have led to a substantial increase in the Sierra snowpack, exceeding the typical amount that California sees at this time of year. Furthermore, the rainfall has enabled robust flows through the system, ensuring adequate water supply for the environment and the survival of endangered fish species. The SWP will now be able to pump the maximum amount of water allowed under state and federal permits into reservoir storage south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, providing a much-needed boost to California's water supply.
“California continues to experience weather whiplash, going from extreme drought to at least 19 atmospheric rivers since late December. It really demonstrates that in times of plenty, we need to move as much water into storage as is feasible,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “We’ve been able to manage the system to the benefit of communities, agriculture and the environment. It’s certainly been a welcome improvement following the three driest years on record for California.”
