The Governor declared a
drought emergency in Sonoma and Mendocino Counties based on
current hydrologic conditions, including reservoir levels, in the
Russian River watershed. The two main reservoirs, Lake Mendocino
and Lake Sonoma, both feed into the Russian River and are at
record lows following two critically dry years. The declaration
accelerates actions that may be needed to protect public health,
safety, and the environment, including those related to water
rights and curtailment. This watershed provides most of the fresh
surface water supplies to cities and towns in the region.
With much of the West experiencing drought conditions, and
California in a second consecutive dry year, Governor Newsom also
directed state agencies to take immediate action to bolster
drought resilience and prepare for impacts on communities,
businesses, and ecosystems if dry conditions extend to a third
year. As seen in the State Hydrologic
Update, most areas of the state are at or below 50 percent of
normal precipitation. Along the state and federal water project
systems from Shasta and Oroville to Southern California, major
reservoirs are at extremely low levels.
The Governor did not rule out further declarations as conditions
warrant in other areas of the state. Counties can anticipate
seeing additional funding the May Revision of the Governor’s
budget for several programs, including sustainable groundwater
management. Households facing drying wells and shortages are
encouraged to report dry wells to the Department of Water
Resources My Dry Water
Supply, to help direct funding and resources. The State Water
Resources Control Board is also using its SAFER water program
to direct funding to small communities in need, to connect small
water systems, and to provide immediate relief.
