(May 2, 2008) The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) yesterday released its final snow survey of 2008, indicating that the state’s snow water content is significantly below normal.

According to the DWR, snow depth and water content have declined since April, when statewide snowpack water content figures were just under 100 percent of normal, despite a dry March.

In response to yesterday’s findings, California Chamber of Commerce President Allan Zaremberg concurred with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger that California’s water infrastructure needs require an immediate solution.

“The announcement that the water content of our snowpack is at only 67 percent of normal once again highlights the need for a solution to California's long-neglected water crisis. The water system that contributed to California’s emergence as one of the world’s major economic powers is faltering and water deliveries are in jeopardy,” Zaremberg said. “The Legislature owes Californians a comprehensive water package that invests in its future and finances infrastructure projects for surface and groundwater storage, water use efficiency, environmental restoration, and water quality projects in the state. As the Governor says, we need action now.”

DWR estimates that it will be able to deliver only 35 percent of requested State Water Project water this year to the Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, Central Coast and Southern California.
With two years in a row of below-average rainfall, very low snowmelt runoff and the largest court-ordered water transfer restrictions in state history, Governor Schwarzenegger shared his concerned that many California communities are facing the very real possibility of water shortages and mandatory rationing this summer.

“I have proposed a comprehensive approach to address our statewide water crisis that includes water conservation, more surface and groundwater storage and new investments in our aging water infrastructure,” Schwarzenegger said. “These actions are vital to protect our environment, economy and quality of life. I know that legislative leaders share my goal of comprehensive water reform, but time is running out. The longer we wait; the worse our situation becomes.”

In December 2007, U.S. District Court Judge Oliver Wanger imposed restrictions on water deliveries from the Delta to protect the threatened Delta smelt. This has significantly decreased deliveries to homes, farms, cities and industry by the State Water Project and the federal Central Valley Project. In June 2008, Judge Wanger will begin hearings to discuss the possibility of further reducing pumping from the Delta -- the hub of California’s water system -- to help protect Chinook salmon and Central Valley Steelhead.

For more information on DWR’s snow survey, go to http://cdec.water.ca.gov/snow/current/snow/

Additional Materials

Water