SACRAMENTO, Calif., April 3, 2002 -- Experts will spotlight California's water conditions at an April 16 workshop at the Sacramento Convention Center.
Sponsored by the Department of Water Resources (DWR), the workshop will provide up-to-date reports on current water conditions and prospects for water supply throughout calendar 2002. This is the second consecutive year DWR has presented such a workshop.
"Water is vital to California's economic health and quality of life," said DWR Director Thomas M. Hannigan. "Experts from key water management disciplines will give us the newest, most accurate information on Sierra snow conditions, rainfall, river runoff forecasts, State and federal water project delivery prospects, and preparations for dry conditions."
While most years during the 1990s produced ample water supplies, California's water conditions can fluctuate widely, depending on precipitation and weather patterns. A major California drought occurred as recently as 1987-1992.
Water planners closely monitor snowpack, rainfall and reservoir storage to make effective use of water for a multitude of uses, including human consumption, farm use and environmental benefits.
The workshop is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in Room 306 at the Sacramento Convention Center. Director Hannigan will welcome attendees and open the workshop.
Following Director Hannigan's welcome, Jeanine Jones, an engineer who serves as DWR Drought Preparedness Manager, will give an overview of statewide water conditions, and State Climatologist Bill Mork will present the meteorological outlook.
The water conditions workshop agenda includes presentations on these topics: snow conditions, runoff forecasts, State Water Project allocations, Central Valley Project allocations, Colorado River allocations, and DWR's dry year water purchasing program.
The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.
Visit DWR's web site at http://wwwdwr.water.ca.gov
