The News Review:

- State to fulfill 30% of water contracts
- Asia may see more conflicts over water
- Southern California water agency to cut supplies by 10%

State to fulfill 30% of water contracts
Bizjournals.com
DWR was able to increase water allotments because spring storms kept precipitation near normal and the snowpack at about 80 percent of average. The agency said in a news release that drought conditions continue despite the spring precipitation and it urged people and businesses to conserve water. “In fact 2007-2009 is expected to rank in the top 10 driest three-year periods in the last century.

Asia may see more conflicts over water
Reuters
It noted water disputes between hostile neighbors India and Pakistan and the complex relations governing the vast Mekong River which is shared by China and its southern neighbors Myanmar Laos Thailand Cambodia and Vietnam. The report said while water issues have more often generated cooperation than conflict between nations in the past demographic pressures and water scarcity would be unprecedented in the coming decades. “The potential for conflicts sparked by the direct and indirect impacts of an increasingly volatile water supply should not be underestimated particularly in the light of rising concerns about climate change” it said. “No matter how we approach water resources — whether it is on the basis of quality and quantity or as the most potent manifestation of extreme climatic events — hydropolitics is likely to be a growing force in Asian security” it said. While Asia is home to more than half the world’s population it has less fresh water per person than any other populated continent the report said. Asia’s population is expected to rise by nearly 500 million within 10 years. “The majority of Asia’s water problems are not attributable to an actual shortage but rather are the result of poor water governance” it said.

Southern California water agency to cut supplies by 10%
Los Angeles Times
Total storage in the Colorado River basin is also slightly better than last year. But a persistent drought in the basin has left the river’s reservoirs at 54% of overall capacity. Lake Mead which supplies Southern California is 46% full although it will get more water from upstream Lake Powell as the season progresses. Last year the Metropolitan Water District cut supplies to agricultural customers and it has suspended regional groundwater replenishment. All told agency officials said they will deliver roughly 20% less water than three years ago. The reduced deliveries have meant less sales revenue for the agency which is also facing rising costs. As a result the agency will hike its prices by nearly 20% in September — in addition to the penalty rates.
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