Lower than average rainfall for the second year in a row in the Sierra Nevada may force Nevada Irrigation District to purchase water from PG&E, said water operations manager Don Wight.

The purchase would allow NID to make deliveries to downstream customers and keep water in reserves if a third dry year strikes next year, said water operations manager Don Wight.

Under an agreement with PG&E, the water agency can purchase up to 10,000 acre feet of water used to produce hydro-electric power.

“We pay for the lost power generation,” Wight said.

Depending, where in the system NID purchases the water, prices vary from $2 to $4.60 per acre foot.

Because of the limited water, the district won’t be able to keep Jackson Meadows and Bowman reservoirs full. Low water levels will close Wood Camp boat ramp at Jackson Meadows by Labor Day, Wight said.