News Release Archive

CVP MARCH 2003 WATER SUPPLY ALLOCATIONS REMAIN UNCHANGED

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, JMCCRACKEN@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: March 18, 2003

Reclamation today announced that due to very dry conditions in February, Federal Central Valley Project (CVP) allocations remain the same as those announced on February 14, 2003. Reclamation's official allocation uses the 90-percent exceedence forecast, which is based on a dry-year classification in the March 2003 water runoff information prepared by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR). Reclamation has prepared two operations forecasts based on March 1, 2003, hydrologic conditions: one for dry-year conditions at a 90-percent probability of exceedence and one for below-normal conditions at a 50-percent probability of exceedence. Reclamation is continuing to pursue water supply augmentation actions with CALFED agencies that could increase these allocations.

Mid-Pacific Region Water Year 2003 Supply Allocation March 18, 2003

Probability of Exceedence Forecasts Percent of Historical Average Sacramento Valley Index & Year Type North of Delta Allocation South of Delta Allocation Ag M&I R WR Ag M&I R WR 90% 71% Dry 100 100 100 100 60* 85* 100 100 50% 82% Below Normal 100 100 100 100 60* 85* 100 100 Recent Historic Average (5-Year Average Allocation) 92 96 100 100 61 86 100 100

Municipal and Industrial supply is based on historical deliveries. *The allocation percentage for both the 50 and 90 percent forecasts is the same. This is due to Water Quality Control Plan actions and actions for protection of endangered species. In the 90-percent exceedence forecast, there is no water supply allocation for the CVP East Side Division contractors (Stanislaus River). In the 50-percent exceedence forecast, the allocation is projected to be approximately 2 percent of the contracted amount.

The Friant Division deliveries for Water Year 2003 are projected to be 720,000 acre-feet, or 48 percent of the historic water supply of 1.5 million acre-feet. The allocation for Friant Division contractors will be 90 percent of Class 1 water and 0 (zero) percent of Class 2 water. The projected Friant Division delivery of 720,000 acre-feet is based on the DWR 90-percent exceedence forecast. The 2003 precipitation season is about 77 percent completed. Through March 16, 2003, precipitation in the San Joaquin River watershed was 28.43 inches compared to 30.49 inches this time last year.

Throughout the precipitation season, updated information will be provided as conditions warrant. For additional information on the Water Year 2003 Allocation press release, contact the Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100, TDD 916-978-5608. In the coming months, additional information will continue to be posted on the Mid-Pacific Region's website at www.mp.usbr.gov .

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