From the Office of the Governor:
In anticipation of a multi-day, significant atmospheric river in Northern California, Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order that would make it easier to divert and store excess water from incoming winter storms. The Governor signed the order after he received a briefing on the latest forecast for the storm.
The executive order also directs the Department of Water Resources and other state agencies to take action to maximize diversion of those excess flows to boost the state’s water storage in Northern California, including storage in San Luis Reservoir south of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. These actions will help California replenish above-ground and groundwater storage that remains depleted in many parts of the state following multi-year droughts.
“It is more important than ever that we maximize every opportunity to recharge our groundwater supplies. As we anticipate rain and snow in Northern California, we are also preparing to use every last drop to boost our water supply for communities and farms throughout the state. By storing these stormwaters, we are creating a literal rainy day fund to help us recover from a multi-year drought and prepare for our hotter, drier future,” said Governor Newsom.
The National Weather Service is forecasting a moderate to strong atmospheric river to begin Friday and continue into next week. Prolonged periods of rain and mountain snow are expected, with the potential for flash flooding and rising creeks, rivers, and streams.
“By storing these stormwaters, we are creating a literal rainy day fund to help us recover from a multi-year drought and prepare for our hotter, drier future.”
Governor Newsom
Recent above-average water years in 2023 and 2024 helped replenish the state’s reservoirs, but multi-year drought conditions continue to have significant impacts on communities with vulnerable water supplies, agriculture, and the environment. The latest science indicates that hotter and drier weather conditions could reduce California’s water supply by up to 10% by the year 2040. The frequency of extreme weather, including wildfires, in California demonstrates the need to continually adapt to promote resiliency in a changing climate. And today, the Department of Water Resources conducted the second snow survey of the season, which showed a snowpack well below average.
Governor Newsom is taking action now to ready the state and maximize the use of anticipated stormwater flows to help continue to boost the state water supply. Today’s executive order:
Makes it easier for local and regional agencies to use existing state laws to maximize groundwater recharge. This builds on the Governor’s 2023 executive orders to support groundwater-recharge efforts in the context of that year’s unusually strong winter storms, as well as subsequent legislation codifying those efforts in state law.
Ensures the Department of Water Resources and other state agencies are taking full advantage of upcoming winter storms. Although reservoirs in Southern regions remain at historic capacity levels, this action allows […]
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