Metropolitan Monthly News

Feb. 23, 2023

California Department of Water Resources Increases State Water

Project Allocation

California Department of Water Resources staff measure the snow on Feb. 1. Photo courtesy of DWR.

The state Department of Water Resources on Wednesday (Feb. 22) increased the State Water Project allocation to 35 percent, a 5 percent increase from the 30 percent allocated in late January. DWR had initially allocated just 5 percent on Dec. 1.

The second snow survey of the season, conducted on Feb. 1 by DWR, recorded a 193 percent of average snow depth at Phillips Station. Statewide the snowpack measured 205 percent of average on that date, receiving a significant boost from one of the wettest three-week periods on record in California which follows the driest three-year period on record. But February so far has received less than an inch of precipitation.

“We appreciate and support the state’s cautious approach to ensure the snowmelt reaches our reservoirs before providing a more substantial increase in supplies," said General Manager Adel Hagekhalil. "We must ensure we are protecting the state’s storage reserves while balancing the need to address the impacts of the severe drought over the last three years." Read his full statement.

California Water Agencies Submit Colorado River Modeling Framework to Bureau of Reclamation

California water agencies that rely on the Colorado River proposed on Jan. 31 a modeling framework for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to evaluate as it considers actions to help stabilize reservoir elevations and protect critical infrastructure to ensure the Colorado River system can continue to support 40 million people, nearly 6 million acres of agriculture, and tribes across seven states and portions of Mexico.

This proposal differs from the six-state agreement, which would make the biggest cuts to farms and California cities. Read more about both proposals.

Diamond Valley Lake Welcomes Spring Wildflowers

Diamond Valley Lake's seasonal Wildflower Trail is now open Wednesdays through Sundays at the lake in Hemet in southwestern Riverside County.

After December and January’s heavy storms, Metropolitan expects a larger bloom of wildflowers than in the last few years, which were the driest in the state’s history. Though flowers are just beginning to bloom, warmer weather over the next few weeks should usher in heartier bouquet. The trail’s 1.3-mile loop is rated as an easy-to-moderate hike with some rugged terrain. Read the press release.

Metropolitan Welcomes Three New Board Members

Three new directors representing the Municipal Water District of Orange County and Central Basin and West Basin municipal water districts were seated this month on Metropolitan's 38-member board.

Longtime Orange County water professional Karl W. Seckel succeeds Sat Tamaribuchi. Communications consultant Juan Garza follows Central Basin representative Robert Apodaca, and engineer Desi Alvarez replaces Harold C. Williams as West Basin’s representative. Read the press release.

"I have known our three new directors for decades in past capacities. Directors Seckel, Garza and Alvarez bring vast experience and perspectives that will serve us well as we tackle the tough challenges ahead of us. Their appointing agencies made wise selections. I look forward to working with them to ensure water reliability for the communities we serve across Southern California."

Board Chair

Adán Ortega, Jr.

Metropolitan Board Names New General Auditor

Scott Suzuki, who has 22 years of auditing experience assessing and improving organizations in both the public and private sector, joined as Metropolitan's general auditor in early February. He reports directly to Metropolitan’s Board of Directors, succeeding Gerald C. Riss, who retired in 2022 after 20 years in this role.

“I look forward to working with Mr. Suzuki, as he brings a wealth of leadership experience, knowledge, and integrity that will serve Metropolitan well in ensuring our practices and approaches best serve our Southern California service area,” said Chair Ortega. Read the press release.

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