Californias 1987 92 Drought

Describes the lessons learned of the six-year California drought (1987-1992). This report will improve the mgmt. of water resources during future droughts in California & other states. These lessons capture the views of some 100 interviewed participants representing 57 organizations in California that manage or influence the mgmt. of water. The participating organizations represented Fed., state, regional, & local water supply agencies as well as environmental, private & governmental entities that influence water management in the state.

This report is part of the National Study of Water Management During Drought conducted by the Institute for Water Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This report describes the lessons learned of the six-year California drought (1987-1992). The lessons are aimed at improving the management of water resources during future droughts in California and other states throughout the nation. These lessons capture the views of some 100 interviewed participants representing 57 organizations in California that manage or influence the management of water. The participating organizations represented Federal, state, regional, and local water supply agencies as well as environmental, private, and governmental entities that influence water management in the state.

Preparation of this report was initiated in response to the unusually dry conditions experienced in California through Jan. 2000. The report reviews items that the California Dept. of Water Resources should consider in near-term drought planning, putting California's conditions today into perspective with experiences gained in the 1987-92 drought. Begins with an overview of California hydrology & water supply, then describes conditions encountered in the 1987-92 drought. Changed conditions since that drought are summarized, & their implications discussed. Concludes with a list of actions that the Dept. could take to respond to future drought conditions. Illustrated with color photos, maps & graphs.