GRASS VALLEY – The water rights used by the Nevada Irrigation District to fill reservoirs and supply customers in Nevada and Placer counties are among those covered in the state’s May 27 curtailment order.
To address record dry conditions in California, the State Water Resources Control Board ordered some 2,600 agencies to stop diverting water from streams and rivers, including those on the Yuba River watershed.
NID Manager of Water Operations Chip Close said the district is reviewing its options. “This is another reminder of how serious the drought has become,” he said.
“Everyone has to conserve water. The governor has called for 20 percent water use reductions and we are asking our customers for the same.”
The state’s order includes 19 of NID’s post-1914 water rights, which are also referred as “junior” water rights. NID also holds multiple pre-1914 “senior” water rights, some of which date to the Gold Rush and are among the oldest in the state.
The state’s order does not impact pre-1914 water rights but includes a warning that these rights could be affected if the serious drought conditions continue. The order is effective until drought conditions ease.
Close said that considering the length and severity of the drought, NID is relatively well-prepared.
“We had an early runoff from the snowpack this year so the water is already in our reservoirs,” he said. “Under the state’s order, we’ll have to let any additional runoff run through our system.”
State officials said the action is necessary because current water supplies are insufficient to meet the needs of Sacramento and San Joaquin river water right holders. Affected agencies must certify that they are in compliance or face fines of $1,000 per day. The order allows some exceptions for health and safety purposes.
Close said NID has been carefully managing runoff as dry conditions have continued, leaving district reservoirs at near-average levels for this time of year. The district remains concerned over carryover storage for next year, he said.
Source: Nevada Irrigation District
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