One answer, who knows check back in April after Mother Nature speaks. But, that is not helpful for planning. Another approach, study the historic record of final SWP allocations. The final SWP Allocation is expected to be 12%, with one-third chance that the final SWP allocation will be below the initial 5% allocation announced last November. Continue reading
Author Archives: Rodney T. Smith
A Tale of Two Colorado River Basins
There is an interesting trend in the Bureau of Reclamation’s 24-Month studies projecting future elevations of Lake Powell and Lake Mead: The Bureau projects recovering elevations in Lake Powell and continued deteriorating elevations in Lake Mead. Continue reading
Can’t Mexico and Texas Get Along on the Rio Grande?
Hard times stress relationships. The situation on the Rio Grande River is no exception. Texas is amidst severe drought. Texans wants Mexico to release more water into the Rio Grande to ease the economic losses from the current multi-year drought http://hydrowonk.com/blog/2013/09/11/water-supply-in-texas-a-two-part-series-on-the-ongoing-challenges-the-lone-star-state-faces. Texan political leadership’s growing frustration with inadequate water supplies on the Rio Grande has prompted thoughts of cutting funding for the implementation of Minute 319.
Rather than bickering, Texas and Mexico can be better served by collaboration. After discussing the current situation, I outline the basics of a “grand bargain” between Mexico and Texas. Continue reading
Hydrowonk’s Take on the BDCP
Time to step back and collect the key points of this 8-post series on the Bay Delta Conservation Plan. There were many themes relevant to the BDCP or, for that matter, any other water project. By following them, one can have an accurate assessment of the economics, risks and choices related to a venture. Ignoring them will be a recipe for disappointment if not outright failure. Continue reading