[env-trinity] California water board considers drought cutbacks

[Tom Stokely]

Maybe not "unprecedented" because it appears to have happened in 1977 as well.  I stand corrected.
TS

http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2014/05/20/3071940/am-alert-california-water-board.html 

AM Alert: California water board considers drought cutbacks 
BY ALEXEI KOSEFF
akoseff at sacbee.comMay 20, 2014 


For the first time since the 1977 drought, California water officials are considering widespread curtailment of longstanding water rights because of a scarcity of supply. Over the next few weeks, the state is expected to begin issuing orders to many water agencies, farmers and other property owners to stop diverting water from streams and rivers.
During its bimonthly meeting today, 9 a.m. at the Cal/EPA Building on I Street, the State Water Resources Control Board will vote on an emergency regulation to curtail diversions on three Sacramento River tributaries important for fish passage if minimum flows are not met.
The discussion will continue tomorrow at 9 a.m. with a public workshop about proposed emergency regulations for cutbacks on the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta Watershed, which is the largest in the state. Water rights are currently based on seniority, and "junior" rights holders -- mostly those who acquired water rights after 1914 -- are the first to be affected by curtailment. But the board is considering exceptions for fish and wildlife protection, as well as for public health and safety, which would allow municipalities to continue drawing some water after a curtailment order is issued.

Read more here: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2014/05/20/3071940/am-alert-california-water-board.html#storylink=cpy
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