The new water year has started -- that's the time between now and the end of September snow and rain is measured. California scientists will let us know how much water farms and homes can expect next year. KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce has more.
Just how much water we'll have next year depends on Mother Nature this winter. Predictions of a lower than average Sierra snowpack and continued dry weather in Southern California make a wet winter crucial to water supplies. State Department of Water Resources Hydrologist Maury Roos says the first months of the water year are critical.
Roos: You know, if November and December are dry we've got a real handicap. Last year we had, of the five months, January and March were just about complete busts as far as precipitation goes.
The Department of Water Resources will measure rain and snow in the Northern Sierra and other key watersheds. They'll use those measurements to forecast how much water will be available for the spring and summer - the heaviest months of water use.
Roos says predictions of La Nina could mean less rain in Southern California.
Roos: You know with the La Nina situation I would have to say there's a fairly decent relationship between that and a dry Southern California. But for Northern California it can go either way.
Now for some numbers: The Sacramento River basin was the 18th driest in 102 years of measuring stream flows. The San Joaquin River region was drier, finishing up as 8th driest. And the northern Sierra snowpack was measured at 40 percent of normal last April, the lowest since 1988.
Ed Joyce, KPBS News.
