How does SoCal have ‘record’ water?

Reading the E-R article on April 2 regarding current water and drought conditions in California was extremely disturbing.

We have lived in Cohasset 48 years and have rarely seen such dry conditions. Our springs, wells and creeks are barely running. Rain last year measured 35”. This year rainfall is 43”. Some years we get over 100”! And yet, the E-R article stated, “The Metropolitan Water District (Southern California),

which sells water to public agencies serving about ½ the state’s 40 million residents, has a record high water supply.”

How is this possible? Some California farmers will get no water, others will get 5-10%. The Sacramento River is looking like a big creek. Snow pack is 60% of average. Yet, “restrictions for Metropolitan customers are unlikely because municipal supplies (cities) are in better shape. Restoring depleted ground water in our aquifers and keeping cold water for endangered salmon will not fare as well as cities. Major California reservoirs are at 50% capacity, yet Metropolitan Water District has a record high water supply.”

Again, how is this possible? My guess is money makes this possible. Southern California is a virtual desert with scant rainfall, yet our Northern California water can sustain 20 million SoCal customers?

Hoping someone may please explain this to me and everyone else dependent on a well, spring or creek — including our salmon, birds, native plants and other wild things? This is our Northern California way of life. Water is everything. Why does Metropolitan have “a record high water supply?”

— Trish Puterbaugh, Cohasset