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DROUGHT WATER MANAGEMENT
Overview (Disclaimer)
I. District Specific Resources
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State Drought Water Bank (History)
Overview
Westlands' farmers deal with a limited water supply on a continuing basis. Even in above normal rainfall years since 1996, the surface water supply delivered under our contract was not 100%. From the District's point of view in 2000, a long term water supply of 50% of our contract amount seems to be a normal condition. Drought conditions for Westlands' farmers relate to water shortage that severely curtail cropping plans.
Westlands' farmers are very efficient with the water supplies made available to them (Water Management Plan ). Economic farming decisions in Westlands related to water generally fall in to two categories, 1. Produce at maximum yield levels, or 2. Don't produce at all.
Lands will be fallowed to aggregate enough water to produce at maximum yields with the available water. The higher value crops grow in Westlands, to justify higher cost water, respond unfavorably to water stress. Lower value crops must be produced at maximum yield levels to justify higher cost water. Even though these crops may be able to withstand moderate water stress, these too must be grown at maximum yields to justify the decision to plant these crops, unless there is a necessity in the crop rotation for these crops to sustain agricultural production in the long term.
II. Related Links
UC Cooperative Extension Drought Tips
DWR Drought Preparedness Home Page
National Drought Planning Center--The Basics of Drought Planning
NOAA's Drought Information Center"The Hydrology of Drought"
NRCS, Defending Against Drought
Oregon State University Water Conservation Publications
"The Western Drought Experience"
"WaterQuest" K-12 Education
This section of the Water Management Handbook is intended as a source of information for District water users who must make decisions under extremely severe water shortages.
Last updated January, 2001