1、 October 22, 2014 California Drought: Water Supply and Conveyance Issues Overview Nearly 60% of the state of California is experiencing “exceptional drought”the most severe drought classification (see Figure 1, below). The 2014 water year ended September 30 as the third-driest year on record in term
2、s of precipitation. Additionally, precipitation during the winter and spring months in 2013 was the lowest on record, leaving water storage reservoirs unusually low going into 2014. Water deliveries to water districts receiving water from federal and state facilities throughout the state were cut du
3、e to hydrological and regulatory factors. Some areas relying on groundwater saw wells go dry. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts below-normal precipitation again for this winter. A drought declaration made by California Governor Jerry Brown on January 17, 2014, remains in e
4、ffect (see http:/gov.ca.gov/news.php?id=18368). Figure 1. California Drought Conditions (Oct. 14, 2014) Source: http:/droughtmonitor.unl.edu/Home/StateDroughtMonitor.aspx?CA. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced disaster declarations for most California counties (see Figure 1) and other area
