Current:Home > BackCalifornia doubles water allocation for most contractors following February storms-InfoLens
California doubles water allocation for most contractors following February storms
View Date:2024-12-23 18:39:51
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — State officials on Friday doubled the amount of water California agencies will get this year following some strong storms that increased the snowpack in the mountains.
The State Water Project is a major source for 27 million people. The majority of contractors who supply the water are located south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta. Previously, the Department of Water Resources had told them to expect 15% of their requests this year. The department increased that to 30% on Friday.
The department said contractors north of the delta can expect 50% of their requests, while contractors in the Feather River Settlement can expect 100%.
“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,” said Jennifer Pierre, general manager of the State Water Contractors, a nonprofit association of public water agencies that contract with the state.
California gets much of its water from snow that melts in the Sierra Nevada. In January, the snowpack was just over half of the normal average. Friday, the snowpack was 98% of normal.
A late-season storm was entering California on Friday as winter storm warnings were posted for the Sierra Nevada. The National Weather Service predicted snowfall accumulation of as much as 18 inches (46 centimeters) above 6,000 feet (1,800 meters). Higher peaks could see snowfall of up to 3 feet (0.9 meters).
California’s reservoirs are at 115% of average for this time of year. The State Water Project’s largest reservoir, Lake Oroville, is at 125% of average and at 86% of capacity.
veryGood! (7)
Related
- My Little Pony finally hits the Toy Hall of Fame, alongside Phase 10 and Transformers
- Woman missing for 4 days on spiritual hiking trip found alive in Colorado
- Alabama sets November date for third nitrogen execution
- Periods don’t have to be painful. Here’s how to find relief from menstrual cramps.
- Jennifer Garner Details Navigating Grief 7 Months After Death of Her Dad William Garner
- 3 exhumed Tulsa Race Massacre victims found with gunshot wounds
- A West Texas ranch and resort will limit water to residents amid fears its wells will run dry
- What happens when our Tesla Model Y's cameras can't see? Nothing good.
- Maine dams face an uncertain future
- Shiloh Jolie granted request to drop Pitt from her last name: Reports
Ranking
- Trump's election has women swearing off sex with men. It's called the 4B movement.
- 3 exhumed Tulsa Race Massacre victims found with gunshot wounds
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, R.A.s
- 17,000 AT&T workers in Southeast strike over contract negotiations
- Mike Tyson concedes the role of villain to young foe in 58-year-old’s fight with Jake Paul
- Pioneering daytime TV host Phil Donahue dies at 88
- Wildfire that burned 15 structures near Arizona town was caused by railroad work, investigators say
- Charli XCX Is Very Brat, Very Demure in Kim Kardashian’s Latest SKIMS Launch— Shop Styles Starting at $18
Recommendation
-
Lane Kiffin puts heat on CFP bracket after Ole Miss pounds Georgia. So, who's left out?
-
'DWTS' 2018 winner Bobby Bones agrees with Julianne Hough on his subpar dancing skills
-
East Palestine residents want more time and information before deciding to accept $600M settlement
-
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Daughter Shiloh Officially Drops Last Name
-
Groups seek a new hearing on a Mississippi mail-in ballot lawsuit
-
Chet Hanks, Kim Zolciak and Macy Gray Detail “Sexual” and “Weird” Surreal Life Experience
-
DNC comes to 'Little Palestine' as Gaza deaths top 40,000
-
Supreme Court keeps new rules about sex discrimination in education on hold in half the country