California is facing its third, and possibly its most severe, consecutive dry year, the Department of Water Resources revealed in its second snow survey of the season. The latest measurements have shown that the snow water content is 61 percent of normal, causing DWR representatives to draw alarm signals on the importance of conserving water for California residents.

 

DWR Director Lester Snow said in a prepared statement: We may be at the start of the worst California drought in modern history. It’s imperative for Californians to conserve water immediately at home and in their businesses.

 

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has shown support for a water conservation plan, which would include extended surface and groundwater storage, additional investments in the water infrastructure, but also improved water conveyance to protect the environment and provide a reliable water supply, DWR said.

 

On four different stations near Lake Tahoe, the survey found water to be less than normal: 79 percent of the long term average at Lyons Creek, 68 percent of the average at Phillips Station, 69 percent of average at Tamarack Flat and 62 percent of average at Alpha station.

 

Furthermore, DWR also warned that the storage in the state’s major reservoirs is low. As an example of that, Lake Oroville – the main reservoir for the State Water Project – is at 28 percent of its capacity, and 43 percent of the average storage this time of the year.

 

Considering this should be the wettest part of the season, DWR continued, it is highly unlikely that the precipitations will be enough to put an end to drought. Furthermore, DWR estimated that the Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, Central Coast and Southern California, will only be able to receive 15 percent of requested State Water Project water.