Latest news with #RaquelBorrayo
San Francisco Chronicle
24-05-2025
- Climate
- San Francisco Chronicle
California's second-largest reservoir fills for third straight year
California's second-largest reservoir, Lake Oroville, reached capacity Friday, hitting the high water mark for the third straight year — a first for the 57-year-old reservoir. The milestone comes after a moderately wet winter in California, with enough snow in the mountains, particularly in the north, to melt and flush substantial water into state reservoirs. This week, water storage in California's major reservoirs stood at a comfortable 116% of average for the time of year, ensuring decent supplies for the rest of 2025. At Lake Oroville, about 70 miles north of Sacramento in Butte County, water levels rose Friday morning to within inches of the 900-foot elevation mark that state water managers deem full pool, prompting notice that the reservoir had hit capacity. At capacity, the lake holds 3.4 million acre-feet of water, enough to supply more than 7 million households for a year. The lake's supplies are at the heart of the State Water Project, a network of nearly two dozen dams and reservoirs run by the California Department of Water Resources. The state facilities provide drinking water for 27 million people, mostly in the Bay Area and Southern California. 'Full reservoirs allow DWR to help meet the needs of the State Water Project contractors and their customers this year as well as provide some water supply next year in the event that dry conditions return,' Raquel Borrayo, a spokesperson for the Department of Water Resources, said in an email. This past winter was the third straight with near- or above-average rain and snow in California. Accordingly, reservoirs have fared well, and statewide water supplies have remained robust. Still, water managers encourage people to conserve, pointing out the fickle nature of California weather and water. Just four years ago, severe drought pushed Lake Oroville to its lowest point since the reservoir began operating in 1968. Managers of the State Water Project have said they plan to deliver 50% of the water that contractors have requested this year, choosing to remain relatively cautious. California's largest reservoir, the federally run Shasta Lake, also hit capacity this spring. The Bureau of Reclamation-managed Central Valley Project, which supplies water to mostly agricultural users, is similarly planning to provide 50% of the water requested to the bulk of its contractors.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
New data reveals shocking turnaround in water supply for millions of people: 'In pretty good shape'
After years of frightening drought, California's reservoirs have been restored to roughly 115% of their normal levels for this time of year, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. California's dry spell wasn't to be taken lightly. It lasted several years and saw reservoirs reach dangerously low levels. However, unusual storms, heavy rains, and snow have restored the state's water supply over the last couple of years. Not only is California healthier at the moment, but it's preparing to weather the next drought as well. "Most of the reservoirs in California are in pretty good shape," said climatologist Dan McEvoy from the Western Regional Climate Center at the Desert Research Institute, per the Chronicle. Having an emergency water supply in the local reservoirs means that when drought strikes, officials can release water to the people. California's reservoirs hold enough water to supply the state through a one- or even two-year drought, depending on the exact conditions and how full they are to begin with. Right now, they're very full — they gained 200,000 acre-feet of water, or about 100,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools, in the first 2.5 weeks of March. Not only that, but the snowpack on California's mountain peaks recovered to 93% of the normal as of mid-March. Snow melting in warmer weather is what keeps the reservoirs topped up in the drier parts of the year. The timing of all this rain and snow couldn't be better, as April is an important time of year for California's water system. "With several weeks left of March, we will have to wait to see where the state is on April 1, a critical date when the snowpack is usually at its highest," Department of Water Resources agency spokesperson Raquel Borrayo said. "Snow survey data from April helps inform critical water management decisions for the rest of the year." Would you install water-collecting hydropanels on your home? Definitely Not sure No way If the government pays for it Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
