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The second part in a two-part series: How does tap water get to Santa Clarita?

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on July 15, 2008 at 7:43 am

From Aquafornia’s hometown newspaper, the Santa Clarita Signal, the second of a two-part series that follows a drop of water from it’s origins in Northern California to our taps here in Santa Clarita. The article briefly covers the history of the State Water Project, noting that once the drop arrives in Santa Clarita, it has traveled more than 480 miles from the snow pack on Kettle Rock, pushed turbines at more than half a dozen hydro-electric plants and crossed two major mountain ranges:

So, when a Santa Clarita ratepayer turns on the tap and our sample drop of water - that began as melted snow on the peak of Kettle Rock - helps fill a glass of water; half the glass is typically filled with water that has travelled the same route from Northern California. The remaining half of the glass is water that has come from four local sources: groundwater wells, including shallow wells that tap the Alluvial Aquifer and from water deposits set deep in the earth inside the Saugus Formation.

Last month, Masnada , speaking at a luncheon of the Santa Clarita Chamber of Commerce, told local business people, warned them about the consequences of diminishing snow packs. “The most recent effects of climate change are reflected in the Department of Water Resources’ State Water Project delivery regarding reduced availabilities of water,” he told The Signal last week.

Continuing dry conditions and court-ordered restrictions on Delta water exports are limiting water deliveries to farms and urban areas. DWR estimates that it will only be able to deliver 35 percent of requested SWP water this year to the Bay Area, San Joaquin Valley, Central Coast and Southern California.

“We’re looking at a 35 percent allocation for this year,” Masnada said. “The long-term average will see 66 to 69 percent (allocation). Some years, its been 80 to 90 percent allocation. Two years ago, it was 100 percent allocation. “It really depends on what mother nature does.”

Read more from the Santa Clarita Signal by clicking here.

July 15, 2008 · Filed Under DWR & State Water Project, General Water Issues