The regional economy is dependent on sufficient water being available even in drought years. The intent of this element is that suppliers will be able to continue to meet their customers’ needs to the year 2030 while minimizing diversion impacts on the lower American River in drier and driest years.
American River diversions are expected to increase from the 1995 baseline level of 216,500 acre-feet annually to about 481,000 acre-feet annually by 2030. This is a significant portion of the total annual flow of the American River, which averages about 2.6 million acre-feet, with a range of less than 400,000 acre-feet to greater than 6.3 million acre-feet.
During average and wetter years, these diversions will be accomplished with mitigation to ensure the fishery, wildlife, recreational and aesthetic values of the LAR are preserved.
However, in drier years the river is already stressed. To avoid impacts to the river in these years, suppliers are developing alternatives to meet their customers’ needs. Alternatives include:
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Conjunctive use of groundwater basins consistent with sustainable yield alternatives
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Utilizing other surface water resources
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Reoperation of reservoirs on the Middle Fork of the American River; and
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Increased conservation.
Since the signing of the Water Forum Agreement, several projects aimed at reducing impacts during drier years have already begun. These projects include:
Regional Water Authority programs, include:
- American River Basin Regional Conjunctive Use Program
- Regional Water Master Plan
- Regional Water Efficiency Program
Sacramento County Water Agency Zone 40 Water Supply Master Plan
City of Sacramento Water Intake Facilities
Freeport Regional Water Project
