RESOLUTION 2014-01
A Resolution of the Regional Water Authority Regarding Response to Dry Conditions in 2014
Whereas, the Regional Water Authority’s mission includes protecting and enhancing the reliability, availability, affordability, and quality of water resources; and
Whereas, 2013 was the driest year on record in California; and
Whereas, 2012 also had below average precipitation; and
Whereas, Folsom Reservoir storage has dropped to 175,000 acre-feet, which is 36% of its historical average and 18% of its capacity, and continues to decline; and
Whereas, releases to the lower American River are being reduced to 500 cubic feet per second; and
Whereas, the Sierra snowpack was less than 20% of average for January; and
Whereas, forecasts project continued dry conditions; and
Whereas, the Sacramento region’s economy and environment are dependent on water from the American and Sacramento Rivers; and
Whereas, many water purveyors are implementing or considering actions under their water shortage contingency plans; and
Whereas, our streams, rivers, and adjacent groundwater basins are inextricably linked; and
Whereas, the Regional Water Authority is committed to the coequal objectives of reliable water supplies and a sustainable environment;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of RWA strongly recommends that all members take actions to urge water use reduction by 20% or more.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a meeting of the Authority held on January 9, 2014.
