BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Update on 2017 Water Supply Conditions.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
A. Receive, review, and discuss updated information on 2017 water supply and drought response efforts, and provide direction to staff as necessary; and
B. Adopt a Resolution RESCINDING RESOLUTION 17-08, AND CALLING FOR EFFORTS TO MAKE WATER CONSERVATION A WAY OF LIFE.
Body
SUMMARY:
Staff will present up-to-date information on the 2017 water supply outlook, including water savings achieved, local water supply conditions, and imported water allocations. Staff will also present a recommendation, including comments from the Board's Water Conservation and Demand Management Committee, to transition efforts and messaging from drought response to an increased focus on the District's long-term water conservation program, which includes efforts to make water conservation a way of life.
Current Hydrologic and Groundwater Conditions
The 2016/2017 Water Year, beginning October 2016, is significantly improved compared to the past five years, with many northern California hydrologic indicators at or near record levels. Locally, conditions are also favorable, after a quick transition from the five-year drought. Statewide conditions are significantly improved, as indicated by the Governor declaring the drought state of emergency over for most the state. Current conditions include:
* Water use reductions achieved by retailers and the community, and increased groundwater recharge in 2016, have resulted in significantly improved groundwater storage conditions. End-of-year groundwater storage in 2016 was 307,000 Acre Feet (AF), which is the 'Normal' Water Shortage Contingency Plan stage. This was a great improvement from end-of-year 2015 storage of 232,000 AF, which was in the 'Severe' stage.
* As of May 1, 2017, local (San Jose) rainfall for the 2017 water year, which began October 15, 2016, is 17.17 inches, or 125 percent of average to date. Local re...
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