Excerpts from state water resources control board announcement: The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) announced today that there is insufficient water available for senior water right holders with a priority date of 1903 or later in the San Joaquin and Sacramento River watersheds and the Delta. The curtailment notices affect 276 pre-1914 appropriative water rights held by 114 right holders.

Senior water right holders with priority dates earlier than 1903 in the affected watersheds can continue to divert water in accordance with their water right. In addition, those who have previously stored water under a valid right may continue to hold that water or release it for beneficial use; however, curtailment notices for other watersheds and for more senior water right holders in these watersheds may be imminent.

Affected water rights include:

• On the Sacramento River, 127 water rights with a priority date of 1903 or later are curtailed, affecting water rights held by 86 right holders.
• On the San Joaquin River, 24 water rights with a priority date of 1903 or later are curtailed, affecting water rights held by 14 right holders.
• In the Delta, 125 water rights with a priority date of 1903 or later are curtailed, affecting water rights held by 14 right holders.

The need for further curtailment of more senior rights and curtailments in other watersheds is being assessed weekly.

Violations are subject to fines up to $1,000 per day and $2,500 per acre-foot of water unlawfully diverted, cease and desist orders, or prosecution in court.

For a New York Times story on this announcement, CLICK HERE.