Lake County residents have been angry with Yolo County’s rights to the water in Clear Lake for many years
As we move into the fall months a number of people are curious about how far down Yolo County can draw the lake. The lake level is currently at 3.6 feet on the Rumsey Gauge. Clear Lake historically reaches its lowest level during the months of October and November. Yolo County can take the lake level down to a plus-1 foot on the Rumsey Gauge. … Since Yolo County could draw an unlimited amount of water from Indian Valley Reservoir, it didn’t need as much water from Clear Lake. Of course, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Evaporation takes about three feet off the lake annually and if the weather is hotter than normal, it can be even more. Adding to the water draw is that homes around the lake can legally take an unlimited amount of water from the lake for their lawns and gardens.