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SFPUC: reservoirs high, ongoing releases to manage downstream flood risk; groundwater diversification to begin in March
Summary
Assistant GM Steve Ritchie and staff reported many reservoirs above normal, active releases at Calaveras and Don Pedro to manage flows, and plans to begin limited groundwater supply additions in March as part of supply diversification; staff said deliveries remain similar to last year and conservation continues.
At the Feb. 14 commission meeting, Steve Ritchie, Assistant General Manager for Water, delivered a drought and reservoir update noting that many reservoirs are at elevated levels following winter storms and that the PUC is actively managing releases to avoid uncontrolled flows downstream.
Ritchie said Calaveras Reservoir was about 54,000 acre‑feet and that staff has been releasing approximately 750 cubic feet per second through the cone valve to lower the reservoir level; he added the PUC expects to increase that release if necessary. Don Pedro Reservoir was reported at about 98% full with releases near 11,000 cfs, which the downstream channel can only accommodate at about 9,000 cfs; the PUC therefore adjusted Hetch Hetchy releases to help downstream flood control.
Staff presented storage and precipitation slides showing precipitation at approximately 130% of normal and snowpack near 140% of average; additional storms were expected later in the week. Ritchie also noted the state had extended drought regulations to May and that PUC deliveries are tracking last year’s levels, indicating continued conservation by customers. He said the PUC will begin limited groundwater injections in March as part of a diversified supply strategy.
Commissioners had no substantive questions during the presentation; staff said they will continue to coordinate releases and monitor downstream impacts.
Next steps: Ongoing active reservoir releases to manage flood risk, continued monitoring of downstream conditions, and planned groundwater additions in March as noted in the presentation.
