Agency plans small allocation to clients, including Benicia; 5 percent expected The State Water Project has announced that because of February and March storms, contractors will be allowed to take 5 percent of their water allocation. But the increase won’t be effective until September. The decision is a reversal of the state’s earlier announcement that […]
State may release some water
■ Benicia awaits agency allocation review results, but conservation will be urged regardless, Public Works director says The California Department of Water Resources may decide before the end of the month whether any State Water Project water will be released to contractors. After announcing last November that contractors would receive only 5 percent of their […]
Rain helps, but how much?
Snowpack jump not expected to alter state plan to withhold water allocations California’s last snowpack measurement of the winter season took place Tuesday, and shows an increase in the state’s frozen water source. But don’t look for the state to release supplies to State Water Project (SWP) contractors, said David Okita, general manager of the […]
Options open on water
City Council eschews mandatory cuts in residential, commercial use — for now Benicia’s municipal operation is taking the lead in cutting back water consumption, the City Council heard Tuesday night. It will take longer to determine whether the city’s residents and businesses will follow that example, city employees told the panel. The Council heard staff […]
Water funding approved
As city girds for drought, $900K made available to augment supply Benicia City Council agreed Tuesday to make up to $900,000 available for a water purchase, though city staff said no purchase would be made without a second Council vote. Benicia historically counts on the State Water Project to supply 85 percent of its water […]
Council to consider drought response
❒ Staff recommends voluntary 20% reduction in water consumption Benicia City Council will hear staff recommend a citywide 20-percent voluntary reduction in water consumption Tuesday when interim Public Works Director Steve Salomon describes the effects of California’s drought on the city’s water supplies, and briefs the Council on options for addressing those impacts. Recent rains […]