November 2022

Water Supply Forecast

Although scattered showers during the past month have been a welcome sight, it will take significant rainfall to keep California from heading into a fourth year of drought. Current statewide water storage levels, although very low, are still higher than they were at this time last year. This phenomenon is due in large part to conservation efforts.

The year ahead is projected to be the third La Nina year in a row, which typically means that the Pacific Northwest and Southern California can anticipate extreme weather variability and that here in Northern California, there is a 50/50 chance of above or below average rainfall. Since we cannot predict where Mother Nature will take us this year, we can only focus on the direct impact we can make on our water future supply.



The District will continue to supplement our Delta water supply with groundwater pumping when hardness levels are low. We will remain steadfast in customer education and outreach, to conserve water where we can. Our customers continue to show a reduction in water use, and we appreciate the efforts you make to keep conservation a part of your daily activities. We know that drought is a California way of life, and we will continue to focus on long-term water resiliency through sustaining our infrastructure and partnering with other local agencies on regional solutions for alternative water sources. Currently, the District is in a Stage 1 water shortage level, but this is subject to change based on this upcoming winter. Please follow updates on our website: www.diablowater.org.

Seasonal Changes to Water Quality

During times of drought, there is less flow in the Delta which may result in more organic matter and algae blooms. These organic matters may influence the aesthetics of the water at your tap.

Earlier this fall, there was an increase in the compounds in the water we purchase from Contra Costa Water District (CCWD). These compounds are naturally occurring and may have caused an earthy taste and odor that are noticeable at very low concentrations and improve as temperatures cool. We have already seen a decrease in these levels in the water purchased from CCWD.

Regardless of the cause, although displeasing, these temporary aesthetic changes do not affect the safety of your drinking water. Your tap water has higher water quality testing requirements than bottled water. We are continuously monitoring and testing our drinking water to ensure it meets state and federal drinking water standards.

To improve these temporary aesthetic changes, we recommend:

• Keep chilled water in your refrigerator so you always have a ready supply.

• Use an activated carbon filter.

• Make spa water by adding a slice of lemon or orange to your water pitcher.

We strive to balance high-quality water at your tap with affordable rates. We remain a leader in our industry in best practices in our water quality and fiscal management. As always, please reach out to our office with any questions or concerns as we are here to serve and be a resource to our customers. 

Drought Impacts

Earlier this year, the District fought to have Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) reevaluate their budget to reduce or eliminate their proposed 15% drought surcharge by delaying some capital projects and using their financial reserves to offset potential revenue declines. Despite numerous District efforts, CCWD did approve and enact their drought surcharge which went into effect on July 1, 2022. The District’s Board of Directors initially delayed an additional rate increase to our customers until there was a better understanding of the financial impact of the surcharge, and to avoid back-to-back rate increases.

Consistent with previous Board action, sensitivity to the impact that this would have on our customers was top of mind as Staff monitored ever increasing costs. The District has been absorbing these additional costs for the past seven months, and CCWD’s drought surcharge, and additional water purchased, is expected to cost the District an additional $900,000 to $1,000,000 this fiscal year.

It is the District’s responsibility to continue to make fiscally responsible decisions amid the ever-increasing affects that this surcharge, and future wholesale rate increases, will have on our financial resiliency. At the Special Board Meeting on November 16th, the Board took action to continue to absorb the additional unanticipated costs, and delay the recovery of these expenses, along with the District’s normal rate increase, until early Spring 2023. We strive for transparency in our financial and policy decisions and will continue to keep our customers informed in the months ahead.   

• December 12th - Special Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. (In-person or Virtual Attendance)