Last week, California Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order mandating a 25% cut in water use across the state. The governor announced the emergency measures from a dry spot in the Sierra Nevada mountains that, under typical conditions, would have several feet of snow. It’s the first time in the state’s history such restrictions have been put in place, although California came close to implementing similar measures during the 1970s.
Exactly how the reduction will be accomplished will be left largely to the 400 water supply agencies in the state, which will set their own restrictions on water use and be responsible for monitoring customers’ compliance. Some cutbacks specifically called out, however, were watering of ornamental lawns, golf courses, and cemeteries. Homeowners, businesses, and some farms will be affected, although large farms that obtain their water from sources other than local water agencies are not included in the mandatory 25% reduction. The state says many of them have already had their water allocation reduced because of the drought. Under the executive order, however, these larger farms will be required to give the state detailed reports about their water use, which state officials say will help highlight waste and water diversions.
The California State Water Resources Control Board also warned late last week that even senior water rights holders will see cuts. Many of these holders—about 36,000 in all are receiving notices—are farms and ag operations, and the state wants them to have warnings early enough to help them determine planting decisions. (A similar warning was issued in January.)
Last week, California Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order mandating a 25% cut in water use across the state. The governor announced the emergency measures from a dry spot in the Sierra Nevada mountains that, under typical conditions, would have several feet of snow. It’s the first time in the state’s history such restrictions have been put in place, although California came close to implementing similar measures during the 1970s.
Exactly how the reduction will be accomplished will be left largely to the 400 water supply agencies in the state, which will set their own restrictions on water use and be responsible for monitoring customers’ compliance. Some cutbacks specifically called out, however, were watering of ornamental lawns, golf courses, and cemeteries. Homeowners, businesses, and some farms will be affected, although large farms that obtain their water from sources other than local water agencies are not included in the mandatory 25% reduction. The state says many of them have already had their water allocation reduced because of the drought. Under the executive order, however, these larger farms will be required to give the state detailed reports about their water use, which state officials say will help highlight waste and water diversions.
The California State Water Resources Control Board also warned late last week that even senior water rights holders will see cuts. Many of these holders—about 36,000 in all are receiving notices—are farms and ag operations, and the state wants them to have warnings early enough to help them determine planting decisions. (A similar warning was issued in January.)
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When water rights are curtailed, junior rights holders must cede to senior ones and stop diverting surface waters. During last summer’s curtailment, water rights dating as far back as 1914 were curtailed, and the expectation is that earlier rights holders will receive notices now as well. Curtailments last year affected about 5,000 water rights holders and resulted in an estimated 400,000 acres of cropland going fallow.
If you’re in California, tell us in the comments what changes, if any, you’re seeing enacted in your community. And if you’re outside California but in an area that has experience drought, how are water rights handled in your state?
When water rights are curtailed, junior rights holders must cede to senior ones and stop diverting surface waters. During last summer’s curtailment, water rights dating as far back as 1914 were curtailed, and the expectation is that earlier rights holders will receive notices now as well. Curtailments last year affected about 5,000 water rights holders and resulted in an estimated 400,000 acres of cropland going fallow.
If you’re in California, tell us in the comments what changes, if any, you’re seeing enacted in your community. And if you’re outside California but in an area that has experience drought, how are water rights handled in your state?
Janice Kaspersen
Janice Kaspersen is the former editor of Erosion Control and Stormwater magazines.
