http://droughtreporter.unl.edu/

v 2.4.3.0

California Gov. Gavin Newsom included another nine counties in the emergency drought proclamation that encompasses 50 of the state's 58 counties. The nine counties were Inyo, Marin, Mono, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz. Associated Press News (New York), July 8, 2021 California Gov. Gavin Newsom included another 39 counties in his drought emergency declaration, which originally included only Sonoma and Mendocino counties. No mandatory drought water conservation targets were ordered, as was done during the previous drought, because Californians were using 16% less water than they did in 2013 as conservation had become a habit. Newsom will also request $5.1 billion over the next four years, including $1 billion to help low-income residents pay overdue water bills, $1.3 billion for upgrades to drinking water systems and funds for groundwater projects, canal repairs and fish restoration projects. Warm temperatures melted the Sierra Nevada snowpack quickly, which was only 59% of historical average on April 1. Much of the runoff soaked into the dry soil rather than refilling reservoirs, which consequently hold 500,000 acre-feet less than was anticipated, enough water for 1 million households. The Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.), May 10, 2021 Gov. Gavin Newsom declared drought emergency in Mendocino and Sonoma counties as they deal with “substantial water supply and ecosystem challenges.” State officials were directed to work with local water suppliers to conserve more water. Lake Mendocino was at about 43% capacity, and Lake Sonoma was about 62% full. The Mercury News (San Jose, Calif.), April 21, 2021