California water forecast sees ‘relatively dry’ year ahead as autumn storms fail to deliver

California’s State Water Project expects to provide only 10 percent of requested water supplies for 2024. That’s the grim assessment provided by the state Department of Water Resources, which at the same time noted that figure could change by the time final allocations are determined in May or June.

Each year, the state provides an initial allocation by Dec. 1 based on available water storage, projected water supply and water demands. The figures are updated monthly as snowpack, rainfall and runoff is assessed.