The Truckee River Operating Agreement (TROA), expected to be in place by year’s end, will more than double the Truckee Meadows’ drought storage. Over time, potential drought storage will be more than doubled, from 27,000 acre-feet to 75,000 acre-feet.
“With TROA implemented, which is imminent, the community’s drought storage will more than double,” said Mark Foree, TMWA general manager. “Even if we have five more poor-water years just like we had last winter, TMWA will have more than enough drought reserves to meet of the community’s water needs. TROA is truly a game changer in terms of water supply.”
Nevertheless, the Truckee Meadows Water Authority has been asking customers to cut back on water use by 10 percent each month. To date, despite last month’s savings of 9 percent, water customers have averaged a 13-percent savings in regional water use.
These savings will help maintain ground water storage, reducing the need to tap into upstream reserves next year should the drought persist.
“Please keep up the good work and finish strong through this irrigation season. Remember, every gallon you save now can be held in upstream reservoirs, and will put us in good shape for next year,” Foree added.
The area’s last major drought ended in 1994 after eight years.
