Governor Jerry Brown made the drought official on Wednesday calling on California’s urban water users to reduce water use by at least 25 percent, which is up from the 20 percent level in his 2014 drought declaration, and more than the 20 percent level NID is currently seeking from customers. NID Operations Manager, Chop Close, says the snow conditions in the Sierras are miserable.

Click here to listen to Operations Manager, Chip Close

As a result, NID has implemented its Stage 3 Drought Plans.*

Click here to listen to operations Manager, Chip Close

For more information on the drought and water conservation tips visit NIDWater.com

This year’s precipitation at Bowman Reservoir reached 40.62 inches, or 69 percent of average, as of Apr. 1. The last three months – January, February and March – produced only 10.46 inches, 31 percent of average.
The almost non-existent snowpack is attributed to a warmer than usual weather pattern that has brought more rain than snow.
A member of the California Cooperative Snow Survey, NID conducts four official snow surveys each year, in February, March, April and May. The April 1 snow survey is generally regarded as the best measure of water supplies for the coming year. Results of the snow surveys are used to predict water availability locally and statewide.