Gov. Rendell said this week that with New York City reservoirs near full capacity, officials in the Delaware River basin states should act to better protect downstream communities in light of the rain forecast over the next two weeks.

Seasonal triggers, or guidelines that direct when to release water, went into effect April 1 that restrict releases from the reservoirs at any time other than when completely full. Those triggers are intended to ensure adequate water supplies are available during the summer months.

However, the Governor, as chair of the Delaware River Basin Commission, called on officials from Delaware, New Jersey, New York and New York City to support a commonsense plan that would modify the guidelines to help accommodate the expected rainfall and protect against potential flooding on the main stem of the river.

“Forecasts are calling for substantial rain to continue through April,” said Gov. Rendell. “With reservoirs already full, additional rain could create problems downstream.”

In a letter, Gov. Rendell asked the decree party principals—officials from the basin states and New York City—to sign an agreement that would temporarily modify the flexible flow management plan that was put into effect last year.

Under the flexible flow management plan, releases in April are designed to mitigate reservoir overflows, yet ensure reservoirs are at full capacity by May 1. It is expected that typical spring rain throughout the month will replenish the water supply to meet demand increases beginning in May.

If the Governor’s request is approved, New York City could make more frequent and higher volume reservoir releases through April.

“Under the plan we enacted last fall, we now manage the reservoirs in a way that accounts for our needs for drinking water, recreation and flood protection,” said the Governor. “Since the reservoirs are already at capacity, and with the April showers we expect every year, we could continue to release water and not jeopardize our supply as the summer gets under way.”

The flexible flow management plan was designed to provide greater flood protection, improve fisheries management, and allow for greater flexibility to address future water needs without compromising the reliability of the public water supply for New York City and Philadelphia. The plan was temporarily instituted in September by the parties to a 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decree that governs diversions and releases from the New York City’s Delaware basin reservoirs.

It is one of the recommendations developed by the Delaware Flood Task Force formed by Gov. Rendell following three devastating floods to hit the region from 2004 to 2006.

The Delaware River Basin Commission is working to institute the flexible flow management plan through a formal rulemaking process. For more information, visit the DRBC website.

NewsClips: Rendell Calls for Action Prevent Flooding

Rendell Asks NY For Water Release

New York Asked to Drain Reservoirs

4/4/2008