The Department of Water Resources announced a second increase in the State Water Project allocation forecast for 2024, doubling the previous forecast from 15 to 30% of requested supplies to contractors south of the California Delta.
For contractors north of the Delta, the forecasted allocations is 50%, with 100% for Feather River settlement contractors.
The revised allocation forecast is based on snow survey measurements and data up until March 1 and spring runoff forecasts, according to a DWR news release.
The next possible allocation update would come after the next round of snow surveys around April 1. Currently, the statewide snowpack is 98% of average, according to DWR.
“DWR continues to take proactive measures and use the best available science to operate our water storage and delivery system to balance water supply needs while protecting native fish species,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “As we experience more extreme weather conditions, each year brings its own challenges and that’s why it’s so critical to continue to adapt our water system to build climate resilience.”
The upgraded forecast was welcomed by Jennifer Pierre, general manager of the State Water Contractors.
“We are pleased to see an increase in the allocation of SWP supplies for public water agencies and combined additional storage of 780,000 acre-feet at Lake Oroville and San Luis Reservoir. While 30% is certainly better than 15%, SWP agencies continue to pay for 100% of the system’s operation and maintenance regardless of how much water they receive,” Pierre said. “With rain and snow in this weekend’s forecast, we hope to see an increase in the April allocation update.”
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