FRAZIER PARK, LEBEC, PINE MOUNTAIN, CA (January 31, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.)—The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced this morning that their snow pack survey results this week have led to an unprecedented decision to drop the State Water Project to “zero allocations” in this drought emergency.  “Severe Drought Leads to Worst-Ever Water Supply Outlook” said the headline of their press release this morning. Here are some excerpts from the announcement:

“Except for a small amount of carryover water from 2013, customers of the State Water Project will get no deliveries in 2014 if current dry conditions persist….” the statement said.

The announcement began with this statement: “To protect Californians’ health and safety from more severe water shortages in the months ahead, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR)  took actions today to conserve the state’s precious resources. …The harsh weather leaves us little choice,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin.  “If we are to have any hope of coping with continued dry weather and balancing multiple needs, we must act now to preserve what water remains in our reservoirs.”

All current residences and businesses in these Mountain Communities receive their water supply from groundwater (wells) administered by multiple private and public local local districts with volunteer boards. Therefore, this allocation emergency does not affect the local water supply. However, the proposed Tejon Mountain Village and other Tejon Ranch Company developments (if they were built and opened at this time) could likely be affected.

See the full story Thursday, Feb. 6 in The Mountain Enterprise.

This is part of the January 31, 2014 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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