For immediate release:  January 23, 2009

For more information:  Jennifer Allen (925) 688-8041

 

 

Severe Central Valley Project Water Supply Allocation Outlook for 2009

 

            Sacramento – On January 23, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) released the preliminary water supply information, the first of 2009, for Central Valley Project (CVP) contractors. Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) is expected to receive a severely reduced allocation.  The preliminary outlook is based on water supply conditions through mid-January and will be updated through the spring.  The outlook also assumes below normal precipitation conditions through the spring.

CCWD General Manager Walter J. Bishop noted, “The announcement today from Reclamation is not surprising.  A severe outlook was anticipated as drought conditions in California continue, and it is still early to determine water supplies that will be available in 2009.  CCWD has planned ahead for reduced water allocations, securing supplemental water acquisitions to ensure reliability for customers.”  In addition, the District continues to increase visibility of its conservation program.  CCWD customers were asked in 2008 to renew their conservation efforts to ensure efficient water use and they responded by reducing consumption by approximately 8% between June and October 2008.

Reclamation’s allocations to CVP contractors 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 in mid-February based on precipitation to date.             

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

 

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