Drought 2008
It’s official. California
Current runoff projections put 2008 squarely in the “critically dry” category. Reservoir storage is at its lowest late-spring level since 1994, and customers of the state’s largest water projects stand to receive a fraction of their requested supplies this year.
This “perfect storm” of challenges is compelling local water agencies to rely on conservation and dip into their water reserves to meet needs in 2008.
Some agencies have instituted mandatory restrictions on water use, and others are likely to follow suit in the coming weeks.
Click on the links below for further information about the drought and impacts on water users around the state.
Recent Drought Actions
- House Subcommittee Hearing - July 21, 2008
- Testimony of Daniel Nelson, Executive Director, San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority
- Testimony of Thomas W. Birmingham, General Manager/General Counsel, Westlands Water District
- Governor Declares Statewide Drought
- Governor Proclaims Emergencies in Nine Counties
- WEB CAST: Workshop on governor's recent drought actions and related outreach activities
Current Drought Conditions
- Water supply conditions / conservation measures around the state
- Interactive map showing water supply conditions/conservation measures around the state
Resources/More information
- "Dealing with Drought"
- "Dry Times Ahead"
- Department of Water Resources' 2008 Urban Drought Guidebook
- What consumers can do to save water
- "Nice Save: Your Guide to Simple Water Conservation " (
- Basic water facts
- Background on court rulings affecting supplies this year
- Photo Gallery
Additional Resources
California Department of Water Resources http://www.water.ca.gov/
California Water Awareness Campaign http://www.wateraware.org/
California Farm Water Coalition http://www.farmwater.org/
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation http://www.usbr.gov/mp/
California Urban Water Conservation Council http://www.cuwcc.org/home.html