Yesterday, DWR raised the State Water Project allocation to 15%, and the Bureau of Reclamation released their water allocations, which included 75% for north of Delta irrigators and 15% for south of Delta. Here’s what folks had to say (listed in alphabetical order).
Friant Water Authority CEO Jason Phillips
“After a slow start to the water year, several large storms have begun to pack the Northern and Central Sierra Mountain ranges with much needed precipitation and snowpack. And thankfully so”, said Jason Phillips. “On behalf of FWA and the entire Friant Division of the CVP, I’d like to thank the US Bureau of Reclamation for the early initial allocation announcement of 60% for Class 1 Contractors. Under the latest inflow forecasts we anticipate the need for an increased
allocation soon even under dry conditions to avoid spilling of Millerton supplies this spring. We look forward to frequent updates to the allocation and continued coordination from Reclamation as this water year progresses.”
San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority General Manager Chris White
“We are pleased that our organization will be receiving our full initial allocation, though given the recent heavy storms that we have experienced in California we would have hoped to see a higher initial allocation for other water users in the state. We understand that this announcement was based off projections made before the most recent series of major storms and we remain optimistic that later allocations this year will reflect the heavy rain we have seen.
The reduced allocation for many of our partners and neighbors only continues to highlight the urgency behind developing new water infrastructure projects to capture, store, and replenish water to meet the needs of water users throughout the state. The Exchange Contractors are advancing a number of these efforts, including the Del Puerto Canyon Reservoir Project, Orestimba Creek Recharge and Recovery Project, and a series of project on Los Banos Creek, which will increase capacity and sustainability for our region.
We remain committed to working with the Bureau of Reclamation and partner agencies to further strengthen our water systems. This includes ongoing efforts on a south-of-Delta drought year pilot plan, for which our agency and others will reserve allocated water for future use.”
San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority Executive Director Federico Barajas
“It’s crucial for us to understand that Reclamation’s initial allocation of 15% for Authority irrigation water service and repayment member agencies is based on the February 1st forecast and does not reflect recent storm events. Many expected the initial allocation to be higher, particularly given current reservoir conditions. This low initial allocation is particularly challenging for agricultural producers, who are reliant on these projections for planning crops to grow during the year and for acquiring the financing necessary to support food production.
“The last decade – in which Authority members received water allocations below 20% six times, including four years with no allocation, and 75% or above three times – continues to reinforce that California’s water system is no longer able to provide the reliability necessary to support the demands placed on it. Rainfall and snowpack patterns are changing and our water management strategies must be responsive to this new reality.
“To that end, in recognition of recent efforts to develop a south-of-Delta drought resilience plan, the Authority and participating members have been working with Reclamation to reserve some of the water currently in San Luis Reservoir to contribute to a drought reserve pool for use at a later time. We hope California will continue to receive additional rainfall and snow during the coming months and that the allocation will increase as the information received from the March forecast is incorporated as the year progresses.”
State Water Contractors General Manager Jennifer Pierre
“January’s storms allowed the state to increase, though slightly, its storage and delivery of much-needed water supplies from the SWP. The storms California has experienced so far have brought historic rainfall to Southern California, while Northern California — where the SWP and its infrastructure begins — has seen less precipitation.
With several weeks left in this year’s wet season, we hope more rain and snow can drive this allocation even higher. SWP reservoirs remain above average for this time of year, and following last year’s historic storms, both Lake Oroville and San Luis Reservoir’s storage have increased since the first of the year. And had the Delta Conveyance Project been in place, we could have moved an additional 314,000 acre-feet of water, which would have resulted in a higher allocation.
California’s climate extremes — characterized by larger, more unpredictable storms followed by prolonged dry periods — show how critical it is for our water managers to have the ability to make real-time water management decisions based on forecasting and current hydrology, capture as much water as possible when it’s available, and protect water supplies and deliveries for the 27 million Californians who rely on the SWP.”
Congressman David Valadao
“Reclamation’s initial water allocations are disappointing considering that after three years of exceptional drought, our state was hit last year with enough water to supply farms, communities, and homes for years to come,” said Congressman Valadao. “Unfortunately, much of this water was wasted due to a lack of storage, and now our farmers and communities are paying the price. Considering the rain and larger snowpack we’ve already seen this year; I urge Reclamation to increase these allocations as the water year progresses. Central Valley users deserve the water they contract and pay for.”
Westlands Water District
While this winter has brought some significant snow and rain in January and February, the state has received less precipitation and snow water content compared to average years and the previous winter, and anticipated water export restrictions in the spring due to environmental regulations likely caused Reclamation to be more conservative in their initial allocation this year. However, the District understands the prudence of this moderate initial allocation and hopes late winter/early spring storms may assist in increasing the allocation in the future.
“We recognize mother nature is unpredictable and forecasting water allocation is hard work and challenging. We appreciate the staff at Reclamation for their efforts to deliver water—a critical resource—to our family farmers so they can grow the produce that nourishes not just our region, but beyond,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager, Westlands Water District. “to be resilient to changes in climate and to be prepared for future drought conditions, the District has been focused on implementing solutions like groundwater recharge to replenish our aquifers and working with our farmers to explore alternative use for fallowed land like solar.”
The District remains dedicated to managing fluctuations in water allocation by investing in local projects and programs, adopting innovative water conservation technologies, adjusting crops, and fallowing fields. Additionally, the District encourages our partners at the State and Federal levels to invest in our water management and storage infrastructure and pass sustainable water policies that will support water for our environment, communities, and food production today and for future generations.
