New Hogan Reservoir serves San Joaquin County and the city of Stockton. But this year's low water levels, could affect both drinking water and irrigation supplies.
The water level in New Hogan Reservoir in Calaveras County has dropped to about one-third of capacity.
New Hogan serves Stockton East Water District which in turn supplies drinking water for the City of Stockton and irrigation water for farmers in east and north San Joaquin County.
Stockton East General Manager Scot Moody says, unlike other reservoirs, New Hogan doesn't use sierra runoff but is entirely dependent upon rainfall.
"I know we are considerably off from where we would want to be this year, with a dry November, dry December and nothing forecast in early January, we are definitely concerned," says Moody.
Moody expects to know how much water will be available by April.
"First 20,000 acre feet is guaranteed to urban contractors and so from there we have to take a look and see what's going to be left," says Moody.
If there is no rain, farmers may have their irrigation water supplies cut and be forced to rely upon ground water.
January 28, 2022Last year, California saw everything from intense drought to torrential rain. Researchers and water agencies say that the future of the state’s drought depends on adapting to these shifts.
November 11, 2021As the drought dries up California’s wetlands, traveling birds such as ducks, geese and eagles are struggling to survive and breed. “This drought is bad. The odds are against us,” a state expert said.
June 23, 2021Drought resilience depends on location but also extraordinary engineering — determining which California places are running out of water this year and which remain in good shape.
June 17, 2021About 4,300 users were issued notices to halt diversions from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
June 5, 2021Experts say the current drought is hotter and drier than previous ones, meaning water is evaporating faster.
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