Update on Drought in the Delta Watershed Michael Patrick George, Delta Watermaster July 15, 2021
Update on Drought in the Delta Watershed
Michael Patrick George, Delta Watermaster
July 15, 2021
Drought Evolution
MAY • May 10 – Governor’s
Proclamation of State of Emergency
• May 17 – Temporary Urgency Change Petition to Water Board
• May 21 – Water Unavailability Methodology Workshop
Drought EvolutionJune • June 1 – Presentation to Water Board
on evolving drought conditions • June 1 – State Water Board Order
approving TUCP with conditions • June 4 – Deadline to file objections
or provide comments regarding the TUCP
• Update on TUCP Orders (Comments possibly incorporated)
• June 15 – Notices of Water Unavailability to all post - 1914 appropriative water right holders in the Delta watershed
Drought EvolutionJuly • Emergency Regulations in
development ØExposure Draft ØComments ØHearing ØAdoption
• July 1 - Transfer window opens • Water Board drought update
on July 6 • Possible Emergency Regulation
exposure prior to July 20• Water quality anomalies to note
Evolution of the Drought
Exceptional Extreme Severe Moderate Abnormal
May 11 June 1 June 29
Water Quality Deterioration
Delta Water Agencies’ Drought Response Plan• Leadership, Outreach, Collaboration • Unified Voice for Delta Water Users • Bid for Constructive Consultation • Plan Elements: ØImproved Data Quality and Accessibility ØConserve Water Where and How Possible ØProtect the Freshwater Estuary
• Cooperation to Achieve Common Objectives
• Stay Tuned
Questions
Michael George [email protected]
(916) 445-5962
Image Credits: Department of Water Resources, U.S. Drought Monitor, Restore the Delta, Stockton Record and Michael George