Statewide Drought Affects East Bay Regional Parks

The following information is provided by the East Bay Regional Park District who shared a stunning photo by Robin Mayoff highlighting how the drought has impacted Del Valle.

How will the California Drought ‪‬ affect East Bay Regional Parks?

• Drought is affecting operations especially the lakes
• EBRPD is reducing water use by 20%
• Only taking reservations at Del Valle for dates through June 8
• We won’t know until May if we can keep Del Valle operating all summer
• Dry conditions increase threat of parkland fires – fewer cattle grazing

The District’s focus is on providing safe public access to the parks & amenities. We apologize for any inconvenience should water levels affect our ability to maintain public access in some locations.

Statewide Drought Affects East Bay Regional Parks
By EBRPD Public Affairs
March 11, 2014

Despite recent rains, drought conditions prevalent throughout the state have affected operations in many of the 65 East Bay Regional Parks in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, and reservations for activities and events at Del Valle Regional Park are not being taken for dates after June 8.

“We are conserving water in our parks now, and we have plans in place if the drought continues,” said Park District Operations Chief Anne Scheer.  “Services at Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore are the most severely affected.”

The park district already is following the Governor’s suggested 20 percent reduction in water use at all of our facilities, mainly through reducing turf irrigation.

“We have always implemented water saving measures, including quick repair to water line breaks and leaks and the installation of water-saving devices in our facilities (low-flow toilets, waterless urinals, etc).  These measures combined with voluntary conservation on the part of the district and park visitors should help reduce the impacts of the drought on park operations,” said Scheer.

District Operations staff are meeting with local water agencies and the state Department of Water Resources to explore potential strategies should the drought continue this winter, with the potential for mandatory restrictions.

“Our goal for the very popular Del Valle Regional Park south of Livermore is to try and keep the park operating through Labor Day, Sept. 1, but we may not know if this is possible until May,” said Scheer. “We expect Lake Del Valle to be full by mid-April, but water levels potentially will be below our water system intakes by early summer.”

The limitation, or in some cases complete lack of water may greatly reduce recreational access to some of the district’s busiest lakes, including Del Valle, Shadow Cliffs and Quarry Lakes.

Lake Del Valle receives a lot of its water from the State Water Project, whose allotments have been severely limited by the ongoing drought. And several water agencies rely on Del Valle as a primary source for drinking water supplies. Anticipated low lake levels may impact the park’s ability to maintain drinking water and basic sanitary services for restrooms. Drought conditions will also impact fire protection and access to recreational uses at Del Valle.

As a result, East Bay Regional Park District is accepting no reservations at Del Valle beyond Sunday, June 8 for camping, picnicking, swimming or special events. Existing reservations for dates prior to June 8 will be honored contingent upon drought conditions, but at present the outlook for full restoration of services is doubtful. Swimming and boat launches may be impacted at Shadow Cliffs and Quarry Lakes because of water levels.

Dry conditions will also increase the threat of parkland fires as cattle grazing has been disrupted in many parks due to the reduction of grass feed availability.  As always, the Park District will focus on providing safe public access to these lakes and amenities as possible and apologizes for any inconvenience should water levels affect our ability to maintain public access in some locations.

For updates on the drought, lake levels, and recreation programs, visit the park district web site at www.ebparks.org/closure.