"So despite record rainfalls over the last week or two, only 20% of that water will be captured and held for use in the hot, dry summer months."
A crucial component of these rainstorms is not only how much rain falls on the ground (although that is very important), but how much snow falls in the Sierras and how much snow accumulates over the winter months. The snow in the Sierras that melts over the spring and summer months is crucial to providing drinking water and water to irrigate the crops in the Central Valley. Remember, there is virtually no rainfall in California from April 1 to September 30.