OPINION: California Begins New Water Year with Robust Storage Levels

California’s water year runs from Oct. 1 through the end of September. California ended the 2023-24 water year with almost every major storage reservoir above historical average for the date, and we began the 2024-25 water year with the biggest October storm in many years. The State Water Resources Control Board raised the allocation of water from the State Water Project to 50% of maximum earlier this year. Anything above 40% usually allows state water contractors like the Metropolitan Water District to make water available for storage. Our local water providers took advantage of the extra water to help recharge regional aquifers. With robust surface and underground storage levels California is in a good position to withstand several back-to-back dry years when they happen. If this is a wet winter, additional water can be placed in storage for use in future dry years.