2016 Water Year report tells familiar story

UPDATE 10/3/16 6:08PM: California’s drought continues, but we’ve seen some improvements. A year ago, about 92% of the state was in a severe or extreme drought. This year that’s down to about 60%.

On the Central Coast, Santa Cruz County is in still in a drought and so is the Monterey Peninsula, but things have improved since last year.

That’s not the case in southern Monterey County and most San Benito County. Both are still in the exceptional drought category.

According to water agencies in San Benito County, the ground water basin will keep water flowing.

“But we do have enough water to meet our needs for the next three years, assuming they’re as dry as the last three,” said Shawn Novack, Water Conservation Program Manager.

However, that doesn’t mean people can stop conserving water, something most residents seem to understand.

“Just reduce tap water usage, take shorter showers, reduce lawn watering – you know the basic stuff,” said Abby Jakey, a Hollister resident.

During this past water year, communities in San Benito County cut back nearly 30% on water use, more than the state mandated 25%. This water year, there are no more mandatory water restrictions

“This year, we went to 15% voluntary, and we’re hovering right about there right now,” said Novack, “and I’m hoping we can limp along here into the wintertime and hopefully get some rain.”

But rain or shine, conserving water has become the new norm for Californians.

“And especially in this new time we’re entering right now, we’re not sure what the weather will be like in the future and with the rising population, we have to use water efficiently at all times,” said Novack.

ORIGINAL STORY: Weather experts closed the books Saturday on the 2015-2016 water year and to nobody’s surprise, California is still short on water.

Nationally, the so-called water year runs from Oct. 1 – Sept. 30.

Thanks to El Nino, parts of California got some much-needed winter rainfall. It wasn’t nearly enough to erase the state’s drought.

Tonight, KION meteorologist Steve Fundaro looks at the numbers and talks with local water officials about the Central Coast’s water needs going forward. Watch his story at 5 and 6 on KION News Channel 5/46.