For immediate release:  January 25, 2008

For more information:  Patty Friesen (925) 688-8194

 

 

Preliminary Central Valley Project Water Supply Allocation Outlook for 2008

 

            Sacramento – On January 25, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) released the preliminary water supply allocations, the first of 2008, for Central Valley Project (CVP) contractors. Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) is expected to receive 75% of requested allocation while Agricultural users will receive about 25% of their requested allocation.  This conservative allocation outlook is based on water resources available as of January 1, 2008 and does not take into account the storms that hit California earlier this month.  The outlook also assumes a 90% chance that precipitation levels will exceed the assumptions.

CCWD General Manager Walter J. Bishop noted, “California is coming out of the fourth driest year of record in 2007, and it is still early to determine water supplies that will be available in 2008.  CCWD is prepared to implement existing transfer agreements and is negotiating further agreements to ensure reliability for CCWD customers.”  In addition, the District increased visibility of its conservation program last year, and CCWD customers are prepared this year and have taken steps to renew their conservation efforts to ensure efficient water use.

Reclamation’s allocation numbers are updated each month during the spring and are subject to change as the water year develops.  CCWD will continue to monitor and coordinate with Reclamation to ensure our customers are informed of the latest information on water supply.  Reclamation is expected to update allocations again at the end of February based on precipitations to date.   

For more information and updates on current water supply allocations go to www.ccwater.com .

 

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