Late this week, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Bureau) and the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) released a multi-state Drought Operations Plan (Plan) for the remainder of 2014.  The Plan will be implemented in close coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Marine Fisheries Service, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), and the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). 

The Plan provides a framework for water management decisions through mid-November, and will be modified as conditions change, and new information on the state’s water supply becomes available.  The objectives of the Plan include closely managing the state’s water resources in the coming dry months and into next year; augmenting water exports from the Delta for storage and use this spring when possible; ensuring adequate water supplies for drinking water, sanitation and firefighting; preventing saltwater from intruding into the water delivery system; providing sufficient water for fish migration and spawning; and, meeting water quality needs for water users in the Delta.

The Drought Operations Plan can be accessed here.

For additional information, please contact RCRC Legislative Advocate Kathy Mannion at (916) 447-4806 orkmannion@rcrcnet.org.