In late December, California was swamped by atmospheric rivers, columns of water vapor that come from the tropics. The ten storms that resulted brought a reported 24 trillion gallons of water in rainfall, an increase of between 200 and 600 percent above normal for the period.[1] For a state that has been parched by drought for more than three years, the recent deluge of storms brings a much-needed respite; however, the storms represent a missed opportunity as much of the runoff is flowing to the ocean instead of being collected and stored for future use. Though the rain has been beneficial, much of the state still faces drought conditions, and the feast or famine predicament reinforces the need for better water management.

The issue prompted six members of Congress to write to both California Gov. Gavin Newsom and President Joe Biden seeking alleviated governmental regulations to enable the state to take advantage of the increased rainfall. Specifically, the requests were made to, “maximize pumping of stormwater and unregulated flows in the Delta to the fullest extent possible,” and to garner support for water storage projects that will harness the benefits of future storms.[2]

In 2014, $2.7 billion was approved by voters to increase reservoir storage feet by 2.8 million acre-feet, but construction has been slow. Congressman Costa has called for additional reservoir projects that would increase storage and transport capacity while meeting the needs of flood control and water supply. Current reservoir storage for the state is at 82 percent of its average for this time of year, and although there is space available, additional storage would amplify conservation for the state’s future water needs.[3] Many of the state’s dams and reservoirs are in the mountains and once they near capacity, water must be released to make space available for future rainfall. Without a reservoir downstream to catch the released water the water flows to the ocean.

Climate change provokes unpredictable weather patterns, whether they be extended periods of dry or wet weather, making water allocation decisions challenging. Although the state is off to a positive start this water year, which began Oct. 1, with rainfall totals above average by 7-plus inches, the deficit is so vast, it will take more than one atmospheric river to make up the difference. Future rainfall can’t be predicted adding pressure to enact policy that will capitalize on every drop.

[1] Stillman, Dan, and Diana Leonard. “In California, a Drought Turned to Floods. Forecasters Didn't See It Coming.” The Washington Post, WP Company, 15 Jan. 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2023/01/15/california-seasonal-forecasts-noaa-missed/.

[2] Valadao, David, et al. “Congress of the United States.” Received by President Biden and Governor Newsom, Constant Contact, 11 Jan. 2023, https://files.constantcontact.com/ec892cb3201/d7359a56-7536-4842-8223-9b09045c4269.pdf?rdr=true.  Accessed 11 Jan. 2023.

[3] Hearden, Tim. “Costa: Save Water from Recent Calif. Storms.” Farm Progress, 14 Jan. 2023, https://www.farmprogress.com/conservation-and-sustainability/costa-save-water-from-recent-calif-storms.