State water allocations climb slightly in latest forecast

“We are in the middle of our biggest months for precipitation for California, and unfortunately January has been very dry, putting a significant dent in our season,” DWR Director Karla Nemeth said in a news release.

The modest month-over-month increase in deliveries affects the 29 public water agencies that serve 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland and are part of the State Water Project’s allocation system.

State officials say the increase is possible partly because all the state’s reservoirs are currently at, close to or above their average storage levels for this time of year.

Also, robust storms in November and early December saturated the ground, allowing stormwater runoff to more effectively reach reservoirs throughout the state.

Allocation amounts are updated monthly by DWR as new snowpack, rainfall and runoff information comes in, with a final allocation amount typically announced in May or June.

On Wednesday, state officials said the long-range weather forecast “hints” that more rain and snow could be in store for early February and the National Weather Service says there is a likelihood for above average precipitation in Northern California for about a week starting Feb. 5.

“A return to wet weather is critical for our season’s success and it will take many more storms to make up the deficit and further boost water supply deliveries,” Nemeth said.