Bulletin 132-77 The California State Water Project — 1976 Activities and Future Management Plans

The 1975-76 and 1976-77 water years (a water year begins October 1 and extends through September 30) were the first years of critical water shortage since operation of the State Water Project began in 1962. The shortage of new water supplies, which are far below the quantities normally expected during the winter and early spring seasons, has had far-reaching effects. The management of available State Water Project supplies on a day-to-day basis is critical during these times, for we must make most efficient use of available water supplies including the maintenance of water quality in the Delta as required by law. Although we don’t know what next year may bring, we must prepare for another season of minimum precipitation. A public awareness program has been a part of the Department’s responsibilities during the current drought, and we have done everything possible to inform the public of the critical situation at hand. The drought program has kept our water contractors and the people of California current with evaluations of what can be expected from the State Water Project during 1976 and within the foreseeable future.