Possible Climate Change And Its Impact On Water Supply In California

Abstract

Forecasts of historically large climate changes are being made by global climate modelers with warming of 3 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.5 to 4.5" Celsius) by the middle of the next century. These changes, if they occur, would have profound impact on California's water resources. A substantial shift in runoff patterns would be expected, with l o s s of a large fraction of spring snowmelt. This shift will make it difficult or impossible to fill major multipurpose reservoirs once the flood control season is past, with losses in current water project water yields and hydroelectric power. The predicted rise in sea level would cause problems in the SacramentoSan Joaquin Delta, the hub of major water transfer in the state. There would be increased risk of levee failures in the Delta and a potential increase in salinity intrusion from the ocean which could affect water supplies of the central and southern portions of the state.