Santa Ana River Watershed Weather Modification Study

Cloud seeding is the process of adding a specific chemical agent into an already existing cloud mass that causes the cloud to thicken and/or water vapor to condense and fall as rain or snow. Cloud seeding programs have proven successful in many locations throughout Northern California and neighboring states, however, the program in Santa Barbara Water District is the only Southern California program in operation at this time. Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has been providing financing to water districts in Colorado and Northern California for several years to increase snowpack in the mountains using these methods.

In 2019, the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority (SAWPA) initiated the Watershed Weather Modification for Water Supply Feasibility Study, also known as cloud seeding. This information item provides an overview of the feasibility study as well as potential next steps SAWPA may undertake.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

None

STRATEGIC PLANNING GOAL/OBJECTIVE:

Water Supply Diversity and Reliability: Develop and implement a portfolio of projects and management techniques to achieve a reliable and cost-effective balance of water supplies utilizing imported, local and recycled water sources.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:

This item is not a project as defined in the California Environmental Quality Act Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, Section 15378.

This item is informational only.