California is in the midst of a water crisis. It\’s not just a drought — it\’s a crisis caused by a combination of years of dry winters, the depletion of reservoirs, and new water policies in the Sacremento Delta.
Dropping Water Levels
Are we over drafting our basin? Answer: YES!
Please take a minute to look at the following USGS studies showing Bunker Hill’s lowering water tables.
The SBVWCD is doing its job of spreading and banking water. We need your support to continue our work.
The Water Shortage and You
When you turn on the faucet, water flows. It seems pretty simple, but getting the water to your tap is anything but.
Our local tap water is a mixture of local water, and water from Northern California transported by the California Aqueduct. The water from the aqueduct is allocated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) to local Water Project Contractors – including the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water Agency. Now that California is in a drought, all Water Project Contractors will get just 45% of the current allocation. See the 2009 Note to Water Project Contractors.
The drastic reduction in water allocation makes our local rainfall and water sources more precious than ever.
As part of the solution, the San Bernardino Valley Water Conservation District ensures that water from our local mountains doesn’t flow away by:
- Recording, cataloging, and delivering local water and water data to the surrounding municipalities daily
- Overseeing local watersheds so that water from the Santa Ana River and Mill Creek percolates into the river bed, recharging our local underground water supply
- Making sure the local watersheds support ecologically sound uses so that recharged water is free from contaminants
Learn more about local water sources and the current water shortage:
- The Big Picture: Huel Howser\’s California\’s Water Series
This series explains the California water crisis and how it affects all areas of the state. You can view segments online.
- State Level: Department of Water Resources
This state agency oversees the water resources for the State of California. You can find information about the current crisis, water agencies, supplies, and programs on this informative site.
- Local Level: Water Project Water Contractors
While most of the District’s region is covered by the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water Agency, there are other water contractors in the area. During the 1960s, long-term contracts were signed with public water agencies, known as the State Water Project contractors. They receive annual allocations, specified annual amounts of water (Water Contractors and allocations), as agreed to in their contracts.
- California Reservoir Capacity: Daily Reservoir Storage Summary
The DWR maintains daily capacity data for selected reservoirs in Northern and Southern California. The page reveals just how little reserve storage is available.
- 2009 Weather and Climate: Climate Newsletter
This brief newsletter details the state of this year’s rainy season and current snow pack in the Northern Sierra mountains. Since much of water in the state’s reservoirs comes from melting snowpack, it’s a prime indicator of how much water will be available in the coming year