California’s water outlook is brighter, but….

Assemblymember Marie Waldron

AD-75 (R)

Though it’s still early, this year’s storms have brought increased precipitation, including heavy snowfall in the Sierras.

Our real problem isn’t lack of rain, it’s a lack of water storage capacity. Despite voter approval of the $7.1 billion water bond in 2014, including $2.7 billion earmarked for new dams and reservoirs, few projects are currently under way.

The $4.4 billion Sites Reservoir project north of Sacramento, is an exception. Once completed, total water storage capacity in Northern California will increase by 23 percent, though the Southern Cal...