The Department of Water Resources says that 25 percent is the lowest initial allocation since 2003. Should California experience another dry winter, more severe water delivery shortfalls and associated impacts to end water users will result next year. More water could be allocated during the winter months if conditions improve. To assure water supply for California's future, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is pressing for passage of a comprehensive water bond measure that includes new funding for more water storage. The Association of California Water Agencies, whose members are collectively responsible for 90% of the water delivered in California, said the state’s bleak forecast for 2008 water deliveries underscores the serious challenges facing California’s water supply and delivery system.

“One of the most daunting problems confronting our state today is the growing uncertainty of our water system,” ACWA Executive Director Timothy Quinn said. “This forecast is indicative of the widespread challenges we face in delivering a reliable supply of water to cities, farms, businesses and ecosystems.” The association of water agencies has stepped up a statewide public education program to raise awareness among Californians of critical water challenges. ACWA says the challenges include an ecological crisis in the Delta, court-ordered cuts in deliveries from the state’s largest water projects to protect an endangered fish, ongoing dry conditions and climate change.