Just like the fuel gauge on your car, MWD’s new “web-based graphic” is intended to show us all how close we are to reaching “empty” in our regional water reserves. In a press release issued by MWD today, MWD’s General Manager Jeff Kightlinger says this about the new online tool, and its potential power to influence conservation:

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The first snow survey of the 2008-2009 winter season shows California’s snow-water content (or the volume of water in the snowpack, which is the water that will ultimately flow into our reservoirs,) is only 76% of normal. While this is an improvement from last year, which was measured at 60% of normal, according to the experts this may be an early indicator that our drought is far from over. From a statement issued by Lester Snow, Director of the Department of Water Resources (DWR):

“While today’s conditions are an improvement over last year’s initial snow survey figures, the strain on California’s water supply persists…Recent regulatory actions that further limit pumping through the Delta and deficits from the previous two dry years will require a very wet year to relieve the drought. We must take immediate steps to protect the Delta ecosystem, conserve more water and develop additional groundwater and surface storage facilities to meet our future needs.”

 A video clip and recent articles on the DWR findings are after the break. Read the rest of this entry »