March rain totals put levels well above normal

The Monterey Peninsula is well on its way to handle the upcoming dry season, that’s according to the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, as rain this winter and water conservation efforts continue. With more rain in the forecast for the month of March, it might just be the comeback the Central Coast needs.

“We’ll be beyond the long-term averages in short order, which means, the way we statistically look at things, we will most likely be in an above normal year to possibly even a wet year,” said Dave Stoldt, Director of the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District.

Our local environment is seeing the benefits. The Carmel River has been able to flow constantly into the ocean like it normally should be, but because of California’s drought, it hasn’t been this healthy in four years. And since it is healthy, it’s helping struggling steelhead fish rebound.

“So having these really nice wet storms in March, will ensure that flows are sustained through the spring, and that is again really important for the rearing of these juvenile fish,” said Frank Emerson of the Carmel River Steelhead Association.

Several areas have already seen over 300% of normal rainfall for the month of March. Now, it’s a matter of managing all water properly.

“The aquifer is pretty full so as long as we manage our demand, you know don’t declare victory and use twice as much water as we have been, then we’ll be in pretty good shape. We won’t overdraft the aquifer and we’ll be set up for next year,” said Stoldt

The bad news is that even though a wet season is expected by the end of winter, it is not enough to end California’s drought completely.